For Democracy & Human Rights
Web Site of National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma

National League for Democracy
97 B West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

Statement

1. The chairman of the National League for Democracy sent a letter to the chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) on 23 December 2004. That letter is reproduced herewith for public information:

"Begin"

Subject: Dialog

Reference: NLD Letter No 147/Si, dated 2 December 2004

1. In the seventh and final paragraph of the referent letter above, it was stated: "By having a dialog, individuals and organizations from both sides can conjoin their desires, agree on common future tasks and advance in unity toward the common goal together. The situation in the country urgently demands and the time is also right for sincere and open talks. We believe that the future of the Union of Burma depends on the fruitful outcome of seeking a solution through talks."

2. When holding a dialog under existing conditions in the Union of Burma, both parties should avoid shifting the blame on the other but instead focus on upholding the present and future interests of the nation and the people.

3. The implementation of the goal of national unity expressed by the chairman of the SPDC in his speech on 17 November 2004 and the goal of national reconciliation envisaged by the NLD is vitally needed. Hence, we would like to suggest that the first phase of the talks be concentrated on ways to condone each other.

4. We sincerely believe that "forgiveness is the noblest form of loving kindness" and hence, accordingly, talks focusing on condoning each other should precede dialog. The NLD believes that the solution to national problems facing the country today depends on forgiveness relating to some issues.

5. An atmosphere which encourages "mutual consultation, working in unity, and obeying the law" -- which form part of the seven rules of Apiriha Niya codes of conduct for the general public and which further the interests of the nation and the people -- needs to be created. Hence, in accordance with the wishes of the people and looking forward to general harmony devoid of any retribution, the NLD wishes to suggest that it is time to start discussing matters that will clean the slate and let bygones relating to all the national forces, including the ethnic nationalities, be bygones.

6. The salutary message of the chairman of the SPDC that was sent to the grand opening ceremony of the World Buddhist Summit said, "...greed, anger, and ignorance are the roots of all evils...". Hence, on the basis of mutual respect, we sincerely would like to suggest that we should rid ourselves of these three roots, particularly anger, and in the interest of the nation and the people develop goodwill and start talking about compassionate forgiveness.

This letter is prepared in accordance with the decision made at the Central Executive Committee meeting on 20-22 December 2004.
"End"

2. The contents of this letter were also approved by Committee Representing the People’s Parliament (CRPP) which comprises elected representatives from ethnic nationality political parties and independent elected representatives.

3. If the effort toward forgiveness is to materialize, we believe that there will be an opportunity to improve the political, economic, health, social, and other conditions in the country.

4. (a) Through talks on compassionate forgiveness opportunities will open to build unity from a firm foundation.

(b) Once national unity is established, national reconciliation will be achieved, and a Union of Burma where democracy is practiced will be established. Only then will the interests of our nation look bright and positive for the future.

5. Furthermore, the leaders of the Defense Services and the political parties today will then be able to leave for the future a historical precedent and fine tradition of resolving the problems through dialog.

According to the decision made at the NLD Central Executive Committee on 24 December 2004.

Central Executive Committee
NLD
Rangoon
27 December 2004

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