National Coalition Government of Union of Burma

CRPP/NLD

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Date: September 16, 2003
(Unofficial translation)

Burma’s economy, social and political situation has severely deteriorated. Even more so after the 30th May Tepayin incident. Because of increased international pressure, an already unwholesome situation has become more serious and depressing. The whole country has to suffer and endure hardship. All this is the result of the present rulers who control the country and still refusing to implement the results of the internationally recognized free and fair elections of 1990. It is an election for the formation of a Pyithu Hluttaw (parliament) to exercise the three state functions viz. judicial, legislative and executive.

For this purpose, the State Law and Order Council (SLORC) passed Order Number 1/90 signifying its recognition of political parties. The said order categorically stated that after framing of the Election Law, Rules and Regulations, elections would be held and that those elected representatives would be responsible for the framing of a constitution. But SLORC not only refused to recognize the outcome of the election, it turned a blind eye to the specific terms of its Order No.1/90 and convened a National Convention under its own terms and conditions. Though some elected representatives were permitted to attend that convention, the majority were people chosen by SLORC according to their own wishes. Moreover, prior to the commencement of the convention, the rules of procedure laid down violated democratic principles and were made without consultation or agreement with the concerned parties. Every rule was autocratically prescribed. The Convention committee reached decisions completely by ignoring suggestions of the delegates.

Consequently, the delegates and representatives of the political parties attending the convention found it is impossible to participate and some walked out at a very early stage. Eventually, the National League for Democracy (NLD) delegates asked for procedural changes and decided to stay away from the convention for the time being. This was used against the NLD and its delegates were expelled by the Convention Commission. From then on, there was no progress and the Convention ceased to function. Situations of the country worsened, more persecutions resulted and NLD General Secretary was placed under arrest.

Under these circumstances, the General Secretary of the United Nations sent his special representative Mr. Razali Ismail to act as mediator between the SPDC and the NLD who succeeded in confidence building and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released. Permission was also granted her to travel the country and she was able to reopen branches in some of the States, Divisions and Townships. But with one stroke, the 30th May Tepayin incident wiped out all that had been politically accomplished. All who formed part of her entourage on the tour, monks, citizens of the country including U Tin Oo and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi have been arrested. The authorities have shut down all NLD offices (Central, States, Divisions, and Townships). International outrage has increased international pressure and the country’s sufferings have accelerated. In the prevailing atmosphere, on the 30th August 2003, the country’s prime minister announced a policy and road map for the country’s future. Not only will this policy fail to solve the current problems, it is a continuous policy of failure to implement the 1990 elections and disregard of the will of the nationalities and the citizens. It is a declaration by the SPDC of its determination to shape the country’s future according to its own will and desires. To repeat the process of holding another election on the same pattern of the 1990 elections which it initiated and failed to implement will not be accepted by the people under any circumstances. This policy is not one that will lead to national reconciliation. It is not also one that does not embody human rights, national reconciliation nor is there any emphasis on fundamental and equal rights for all citizens and nationalities.

If the SPDC genuinely desires national reconciliation, national unity, for the good of the country and its citizens and desires to establish an authentic and unadulterated Union of Burma it must start and swiftly without deviation:

(a) Unconditionally and immediately release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and all political prisoners.

(b) Reopen the Central, State, Divisional and Township NLD offices.

(c) Permit all political parties to function freely.

(d) Permit all citizens freedom from fear to act and participate in political activities.

(e) Enter into dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and leaders of the nationalities to achieve national reconciliation and mutual understanding so that a genuine democratic federal state can be born.

The Committee Representing the People’s Parliament