UNION OF BURMA
ETHNIC NATIONALITIES COUNCIL

Statement No. 3/2004

"The United Nations and the National Convention in Burma"

The Ethnic Nationalities Council warmly welcomed the 17 August 2004 statement of the United Nations Secretary General regarding the National Convention in Burma;

We support the modifications to the National Convention that our compatriots from the cease-fire groups proposed on 14 May 2004, prior to the convening of the National Convention:

1. Objective No.6 of the National Convention (military role in politics) is not compatible with democracy. It should be discussed and revised;

2. The 104 Articles adopted by the previous National Convention that are not compatible with democracy should be discussed and revised;

3. While the National Convention is in progress, the delegates must be able to freely meet and consult with all individuals and groups that have recommendations that will benefit the Union f Burma;

4. While the National Convention is in progress, the delegates must be able to freely communicate, discuss and exchange ideas with their mother organizations;

5. All the Members of Parliament elected by the people in the 1990 elections should have the right to participate in the National Convention;

6. Only cease-fire groups that represent their people, should be allowed to participate in the National Convention. Peace with the non-cease-fire groups should be concluded as soon as possible so that they can participate in the National Convention;

7. Law No.5/96 that was enacted on 7 June 1996 to protect the 1993-96 National Convention, should be repealed.

We regret that instead of using the recommendations as positive input for developing a mutually acceptable plan for national reconciliation and a transition to democracy, the authorities rejected the proposals.

We also regret that the peace talks between the SPDC and the Karen National Union have stalled and instead SPDC troops are continuing to terrorize the people in Karen territory;

Given the inflexibility of the SPDC military dictatorship, and its unwillingness to find a workable political solution, we would not blame our compatriots from the cease-fire groups if they were to decide not to return to the National Convention when it is re-convened.

The Ethnic Nationalities Council endorses the call of Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nation, for the SPDC to:

- Release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi;

- Engage the NLD and other political parties in a substantive dialogue;

- Work out an agreement with the ethnic cease-fire groups; and

- Welcome the UN Special Envoy for Burma Ambassador Razali back to Burma as soon as possible.

The Ethnic Nationalities Council also calls on the State Peace and Development Council to work with all groups to bring about a transition to democracy and rebuild Burma before it is too late.      


Central Executive Committee
Ethnic Nationalities Council
Union of Burma
Date: 20-08-2004

Contact Person:
Dr. Lian H. Sakhong
General Secretary
Tel: +66 (0) 6- 185 33 25
E-mail:[email protected]