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NLD Statement 67/2000:

National League for Democracy
No: (97/B), West Shwegonedine Road
Bahan Township, Rangoon

Statement 67(5/00) (translation)

1. The National League for Democracy was registered in conformity with the requirements and provisions of the Political Parties Registration Law and the whole world including the military dictators is aware that it is a legally constituted political party. Moreover, in accordance with the Pyithu Hluttaw law, it participated in the multiparty democratic elections and won a stunning success claiming victory in 82 % of the constituencies. This proves that they have the wholehearted support and trust of the people of the country.

2.The military government (the then State Law and Order Restoration Council now known as the State Peace and Development Council) which seized state power promulgated the above two laws (Political Parties Registration Law and the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law).

3.As is the practice worldwide, it is the duty of the military dictators to protect and support the political parties registered under the law they promulgated and the legally elected representatives of the people.

4.But this is not happening. They have reneged on the promises, the provisions of laws, rules and regulations made by them, and are now indulging in extremely disgraceful, brazenly violating provisions of law, deceitfully manipulating and intimidating and totally devoid of honesty.

5.The military dictators and their servants and slaves the Military Intelligence, Police personnel, administration authorities, Union Solidarity and Development Association, Reserve Fire Fighters and other civil servants are illegally forcing, threatening and coercing the masses in a movement to destroy and dissolve the NLD and to stage "no-confidence"functions against the NLD MPs.

6. We have been informed that with much agitation and flurry and hurry preparations are underway for a demonstration on the 10th of this month of May by the people against NLD legally elected representatives of constituencies in Pegu Division, Minhla township (both East and West) and to denounce and destroy the NLD.

7.We have heard that since the 2nd April 2000 every household in the villages in the township has been visited by the authorities and signatures have been obtained involuntarily from every 18 year old and above. Cultivators who arrive at Paddy Purchase Centers to sell their "duty lentils" are required to affix their signatures. Those who refuse to do so are threatened with confiscation of their farmlands. Monthly wages and pensions of civil servants are withheld if they make any objections.They are threatened with sackings. Children who have passed the 10th standard and others who have got their degrees too are made to sign otherwise job opportunities would be denied to them. The authorities and members of the USDA forge signatures of those who refuse to sign.

8.The Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) is a social welfare organization and should keep completely out of politics. If it wants to dabble in politics it should be registered as a political organisation under the Political Parties Registration Act. It is creating a very bad precedent for the country. So also with civil servants. SLORC/SPDC's Order 1of 91 issued on the 30May 1991 categorically forbids government servants participating in politics. But they are now being manipulated and used for political purposes. This does not augur well for the country.

9.All this goes to prove that the hierarchy from the highest to the lowest has been given the green light to do everything to destroy the National League for Democracy (a political party) and to bring down the elected representatives of the people. This is vile, despicable, low and mean. Governments normally set the example for the people by conforming and obeying the laws of the land. But the military dictators are teaching and forcing the people to practice injustice and to break the law.Thesesenseless and disgraceful exercises are vehemently condemned.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
9 May 2000