okdh

The Chairman

National Convention Commission

Dated the 11^th May 2004.

Subject . The standpoint of the Cease-fire Groups in relation to the National Convention.

Being convinced that political issues must be solved through political and not military processes, the ethnic nationality groups reached “cease fire” agreements with the current rulers in order that a true and genuine Union of Burma can be established through a change to a democratic system which will bring about unity, equal status and the right to self government that will be for the good of all the ethnic groups. As occasion and opportunities arise, we have declared this to be our standpoint to the current rulers and all the people of the nation.

“ The standpoint of the Cease-Fire groups in relation to current events” was the first statement issued on the 1^st of March, 2001 and signed by the following:-

1. Shan State Peace Council (SSPC)

(a) Shan State Army (SSA)

(b) Shan State National Army (SSNA)

2. New Mon State Party (NMSP)

3. Karenni Nationalties People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF)

4. Shan Nationalties People’s Liberation Organization (SNPLO)

5 Kayan New Land Party (KNLP)

6. Palaung State Liberation Organization (PSLO)

“ Greetings from the “Cease Fire” groups on the occasion of the 55^th anniversary of National Day” on 12 February 2002 was the 2^nd statement signed by the following:-

1. Kachin Independence Organization (KIO)

2. Shan State Peace Council (SSPC)

3. New Mon State Party (NMSP)

4. Karenni Nationalties People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF)

5. Shan Nationalities People's Liberation Organization (SNPLO)

6. Kayan New Land Party (KNLP)

7. Palaung State Liberation Organization (PSLO)

“The standpoint of the “Cease-Fire” groups regarding the current political situation” was the third statement issued on the 1^st of July 2003 shortly after the Depaiyin episode that occurred on the 30^th May 2003. It was signed by

1. Kachin Independence Organization (KIO)

2. Kayan New Land Party (KNLP)

3. Karenni Nationalties People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF)

4. Palaung State Liberation Organization (PSLO)

5. New Mon State Party (NMSP)

6. Shan State Peace Council (SSPC)

7. Shan Nationalities People's Liberation Organization (SNPLO)

After meeting and consultation a statement in relation to the proposed National Convention was issued by the following on the 6^th October 2003

1. Kachin Independence Organization (KIO)

2. Kayan New Land Party (KNLP)

3. Karenni Nationalties People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF)

4. Palaung State Liberation Organization (PSLO)

5. New Mon State Party (NMSP)

6. Shan State Peace Council (SSPC)

Also, on the 15thOctober 2003 a joint news release of three leaders was issued by

U Pauk yu chan, leader of United Wa State Army (UWSA), Special Region 2,
U Lwe Maung, leader of Shan State Army (SSA), Special Region 3,
U San Lu, leader of Maing La, Special Region 4

They expressed their standpoint on the current political situation and emphasized that unity, stability, peace, love and friendship between all the ethnic groups and democracy was the desire of all. Any deeds and utterances to the contrary are wrong. They accepted the notion that the main purpose of the National Convention was to achieve this. They would welcome an invitation to this convention to solve the current political problems if the democratic process is adopted with equality and cooperation.

That is why when the “Cease Fire” groups met with the Prime Minister, General Khin Nyunt they believed that his ‘road map’ would achieve the change to democracy and welcomed it.

The above clearly states the standpoint of the “Cease-Fire” groups.

Every group that accepted the “cease-fire” agreement was assured by General Khin Nyunt who was then Secretary (1) that they could raise their political concerns at the National Convention. We want to freely express our political concerns. On the 19^th April, 2004 Lt General Thein Sein, Chairman of the National Convention stated that this National Convention would adopt the same 6 political objectives and pursue the same 104 basic principles as the previous convention. Those 6 objectives and 104 principles are contradict the concept of a Union of Burma built on unity, equality and self government that we have in mind.

This is why we declare our position and stand with regard to the convening of this National Convention as hereunder:-

We need the right to revise the 6^th objective of the convention which is not in accordance with the democratic system and not in keeping with the people’s wishes.
We need the right to revise the principles that do not conform to democratic principles in the stated 104 basic principles of the convention.
For the benefit of the Union, participants should have the right to seek advice and consult any person or association on any relevant issue during the period of the convention.
Delegates must have the right to freely consult their respective associations and seek their views during the period of the convention.
Elected representatives of the people in the 1990 elections must be permitted to attend the convention.
Delegates from ‘Cease-fire groups’ must be genuine. Cease-fire agreements with other groups should be entered into as soon as possible so that their delegates may attend the convention.
Law 5/96 dated the 7^th June 1996 was intended to protect the 1993- 1996 National Convention. It is no longer relevant and should be abolished.

Signatories to this Statement of our Standpoint.

1) Head of delegation to NC, Kachin Independence Organization (KIO)

2) Head of delegation to NC, New Mon State Party (NMSP)

3) Head of delegation to NC, Shan State National Army (SSNA)

4). Shan State Army (SSA)

5). Palaung State Liberation Organization (PSLO)

6). Kayan New Land Party (KNLP)

Copy to-

(1) Prime Minister (Union of Burma)

(2) Military Intelligence HQ (Defence Ministry)

(3) Alliance organizations under Cease-fire