Declaration on Ninth Anniversary of Multi-Party Democratic Election

NCGUB Declaration on Ninth Anniversary of Multi-Party Democratic Election
NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF BURMA

1. The people of Burma, after suffering the repression under the rule of one-party dictatorship of the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) for 26 years, rose up as one in 1988 and staged a nation-wide movement for democracy. The massive uprising led to the downfall of the BSPP and the people came within reach of democracy. Not desirous of this, the military, the puppet of the BSPP, shot down the people and seized state power on September 18, 1988.

2. The military junta, after seizing the state power, issued Notification No. (1/88) with the following terms: (a) To establish the rule of law and security; (b) To maintain secure and smooth travel; (c) To make utmost effort for easing the livelihood of the people and helping the private cooperatives to function effectively; (d) To hold a multi-party democratic general election, after achieving the above objectives. The notification further said that "in order to perform the task of holding multi-party democratic general election successfully, the current Multi-party Democratic General Election Commission shall be maintained further. Parties which will practice true democracy may start preparations so that they may be ready at the time of the general election." Chairman of the SLORC, General Saw Maung, signed the notification.

3. Subsequently, the Multi-party Democratic General Election Commission issued the Political Party Registration Law. In accordance with the law, 235 political parties were given recognition. The Political Party Registration Law designated a political party as an organization that accepted and practiced true multi-party democratic system and stipulated that only the political parties, which had been recognized in accordance with this law, could stand in the election. However, at the time of election, only 93 parties were allowed to stand in the election. Under various pretexts, such as the inability of the party to field candidates in 3 electoral constituencies, for having connection with the BCP, voluntary withdrawal etc. the Commission disqualified 142 parties.

4. On May 27, 1990 the SLORC military junta held the multi-party democratic general election. In the election, there were 2209 candidates, representing political parties, and 87 independents, forming a total of 2296 candidates. Balloting was successfully carried out in 485 constituencies out of a total of 492. Out of 20,818,313 eligible voters, who had attained the age of 18 years, 15,112,524 voted. The voting public as well as the election candidates believed that a parliament and a political system based on multi-party democracy would emerge, as a result of the election.

5. Since Article (3), in Chapter 2, of the People's Parliament Election Law provides that " the Parliament shall be formed of members of parliament elected in accordance with this law," and Article (2) (f) defines that " Member of Parliament is the person elected to the Parliament," and Article (2) (a) defines that " Parliament is the People's Parliament," and Article (2) (d) defines Election as " the Multi-Party Democratic General Election." The May 1990 election was an election held for the formation of a parliament representing the people, and it was a promise to convert to the practice of a political system based on multi-party democracy.

6. It has now been 9 years that leaders of the military junta have blatantly ignored the election result and broken their words repeated several times at interviews with the domestic and international Media, the promises made to the people on several occasions, and articles of the Election Law. This period is well over two regular terms of the parliament.

7. The negative impact upon the people, caused by failure of the military to realize the election result, and the rule of force and coercion imposed by it is as follows: (a) Economy: As a result of mismanagement by the generals who have no knowledge of economics, the economy of the country is becoming increasing worse, the rate of inflation has increased rapidly, prices of commodities have risen to a new high, consumer goods are becoming scarce, the foreign exchange reserve has dwindled progressively, the inability to service debt adequately has forced foreign companies to cease operation in the country and the growing deficit in foreign trade have together pushed the country to the verge of bankruptcy. (b) Social Situation: As the economic hardship has increased, there is an increase in the number of children abandoned by the parents, an increase in reliance on unsystematic abortion methods have increased the fatality of young mothers and infants and there is an increase of waif and stray in urban areas. In the two urban centers of Rangoon and Mandalay alone, there are reportedly more than 70,000 waif and stray youths. Unbelievably, the evidence of moral degeneration can be seen everywhere and child prostitution is on the rise day by day. (c) Health Situation: For the cure of common ailments, an injection would cost from 180 to 200 Kyat. There is no medicine at the government hospitals and clinics. In case of hospitalization, the patient has to buy, with his own money, such common items as bandages, cotton wool, spirit etc. Hospitals severely lack equipment and instruments used in surgery or in the laboratory. The program for health education are inadequate or below standard, the education regarding AIDS, which could wipe out large sections of the population, cannot be done on a nation-wide scale and there is no laboratory at blood banks in the districts, to test blood for HIV virus. (d) Education Situation: In the 11 years of military rule, there have been only 2 years and 4 months of learning at the universities. Up to now, universities cannot be reopened. There are more than 1,000 students in jails and some students have been sentenced to death or long-term imprisonment. The standard of education has fallen to a very low level, and an educational certificate can be bought without difficulty. The value of education has dropped, as there has been widespread bribery and corruption in the field of education. (e) Law and Order Situation: The SPDC military junta has been ruling the country arbitrarily, without a constitution, by issuing orders and notifications, as the situation may suit it. The military holds all the sovereign powers pertaining to the executive, legislature and judiciary, and the military officers are above the law. The judicial pillar has tilted sharply because of the prevalence of summary trials where the accused is not allowed any form of defense, sentences disproportionate to the offence and compliance with the whims of the military officers. Not only those who have money but also those who committed greater offence usually win the case, in the court of law. The common people, instead of enjoying the protection of law, are suffering under the oppressive law. The entire machinery of state administration has become the tool of repression of the people. (f) Foreign Affairs: In the era of the SPDC, it is the prestige of the country that has suffered enormously. There is an increase in the number of people who do not want to sit at the same table as the SPDC officials. The SPDC has to continue to bear the indignity of trade sanctions and the refusal of entry visa by many countries. Acceptance of the SPDC in the membership has caused the ASEAN to face the possibility of tarnishing its own image seriously. Countries, which associate themselves with the SPDC, have been plagued with crises. As there is an increase in the number of countries, which do not want even to have a casual friendship with the SPDC, it has to grovel at the feet of a big neighbor, for friendship, to the extent of harming the honor of the country. Burma, which at one time held its own, internationally, as a founding member of the non-aligned movement, has fallen in prominence to the level of nothingness. All these serve as evidence of the dismal failure of the SPDC in the arena of foreign relations. (g) Armed Forces Situation: In the 1988 uprising of the people, the military brutally crushed it with guns, in cold blood, littering the streets with thousands of dead bodies. In the border areas, the SPDC troops are looting, killing, raping women and burning down villages, on a wide scale. As no action is taken against these perpetrators of serious crimes, the SPDC troops are becoming bolder in their acts of crimes and atrocities. The military, which at one time bore a good name, has lost all respect and honor among the people, due to the systematic spoiling of it by the BSPP, SLORC and now by the SPDC. As the brutality, destruction and depravity of the military are colossal acts of shame among the people of the world, they have caused irreparable damage to the honor of the country and national heritage.

8. Ignoring the results of May 1990 election has caused the negative effects, mentioned above. Instead of materializing the election result, the SPDC currently is jailing and torturing, in some cases to the point of death, the NLD members and elected NLD members of parliament, who had won 82 percent of the seats, in the election. The country has suffered immensely because of more than 10 years of rule by force. The country will suffer more than ever, if the rule by force is continued. On the other hand, the people should notice that if they wait until the time when the military would take pity on them, the country would be turned to ashes.

9. In order to change the bad situation, it is urgently necessary for the people's parliament to come into being. We should make the emergence of the people's parliament our most important task. In order to fulfil this task, the Committee Representing the People's Parliament was formed with the approval of NLD, MNLD, ANLD, SNLD etc., the political parties that had won seats in the election. This Committee has been endeavoring for the establishment of democratic political system desired by the people. Currently, it is making the effort for the abolishment of the repressive laws for the substitution of them with laws protecting the people. It is also trying for the emergence of the people's parliament at the earliest date. It is important for the people to support and assist the Committee Representing the People's Parliament.

10. We, the NCGUB, pledge to struggle on for the termination of the military dictatorship, for the establishment of democracy and genuine federal union, and for the restoration of high honor to the country. We also pledge to struggle on, together with the people, for achievement of security of life, human dignity, amity and security of livelihood for the people. For the achievement of these objectives, at the earliest date, the support and participation of the people is vitally necessary. Therefore, we earnestly urge the people to join in the struggle and cooperate with us actively, so that we may reach the goal of democracy earnestly yearned for by the entire people.

May 27, 1999

Sydney Declaration (2003)

Sydney Declaration (2003)
Special Meeting of the
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
and Members of Parliament Union - Burma
6-8 July 2003
Sydney, Australia

Members of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma and the Members of Parliament Union-Burma elected in the 27 May 1990 general election held a meeting in Sydney 6-8 July 2003:

Reaffirm that the Tabayin Incident on 30 May was a premeditated attack to eliminate the leadership of the democracy movement ordered by Senior General Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), and members of the SPDC,

Hold Senior General Than Shwe, patron of the rogue organization responsible for orchestrating the ambush, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), and other USDA executives, who are also members of the SPDC and SPDC Cabinet, fully responsible for unleashing of state terrorism against unarmed political leaders and democracy activists,

Reiterate that Senior General Than Shwe and top leaders of the SPDC, who are resortingto violence and confrontation, are the main stumbling block to national reconciliation and democratization in Burma, and

Urge the international community to be wary of SPDC leaders' propaganda and diplomatic drive aimed at justifying murder and unleashing of state terrorism against the NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

In this regard, we, the representatives elected by the people of Burma:

• Encourage the UN Secretary General Office and Special Envoy Ambassador Tan Sri Razali Ismail to continue their efforts for national reconciliation in Burma and urge all governments to bring the case of Burma to the United Nations Security Council and facilitate the democratization process in Burma,
• Urge all governments that have taken unilateral and multilateral punitive measures against the Burmese military junta to impose sanctions and import bans and to bring Burma issue to the UN Security Council,
• Profoundly thank all governments, institutions, organizations, and individuals who have called for the unconditional release of all detained leaders, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and for the immediate resumption of dialogue for national reconciliation in Burma,
• Deeply appreciate the European Union, Nordic and Scandinavian countries, the United States, and other nations that have imposed visa restrictions and other punitive measures against the Burmese military junta,
• Deeply appreciate the Japanese Government's withholding of Official Development Assistance to the Burmese generals and urge it to continue withholding it until a transparent, accountable, and responsible government of national reconciliation is in place,
• Appreciate and commend ASEAN countries which have expressed concern over the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders, called for their release and for resumption of national reconciliation process in Burma, and supported the initiatives by UN Special Envoy Razali Ismail,
• Appeal to ASEAN countries to play an even greater and active role in helping resolve problems associated with national reconciliation in Burma,
  - Appreciate the Australian Government for suspending human rights trainings in Burma which the SPDC has been using for propaganda purposes only and request it to comply with the calls by the Burmese communities in Australia for punitive action against the Burmese military junta,
• Urge neighboring countries to act responsibly and fully support and cooperate with the UN Special Envoy in his endeavors to bring about national reconciliation in the interests of regional peace and stability,
• Deeply appreciate the Australian Trade Unions, the Burmese Community in Australia, and the Australian people for making this meeting possible and for their warm and cordial hospitality, friendship, and support,
• Appreciate and encourage Burmese students, democracy organizations, Burma support groups, and Burmese activists and patriots who have come together in unity at the Second International Burmese Students Conference in Sydney 4-7 July 2003 to unanimously express their desire for the quick restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma,
• Pledge our firm commitment to increase cooperation with all overseas trade unions, democracy organizations, Burma support groups, students, Burmese activists and patriots, and international institutions until democracy is restored in our country,
• Firmly pledge to work even more closely with all ethnic nationality forces and democracy organizations engaging in the struggle for ethnic rights, democracy and human rights in Burma,
• Reaffirm our determination to seek the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, other detained NLD leaders and members, and other political leaders, and to continue working for democracy in accordance with guiding principles set by the NLD leadership,
• Share the grief of families of people who had died in the brutal, premeditated attack near Tabayin on 30 May 2003,
• Express firm solidarity with the people of Burma who, despite the hardships and oppression, continue to strive for democracy,
• Pledge firm solidarity with all elected representatives in Burma who are continuing to play leading political roles,
• Appreciate and encourage Burma support groups worldwide for their divestment, consumer boycott, and shareholder campaigns in support of the Burmese people and the democracy movement,
• Appreciate the trade unions, employers, and governments for their role at International Labor Organization conferences to stop forced labor practices and ensure freedom of association in Burma, and
• Strongly reaffirm our commitment to continue the struggle until the goal of the democracy movement, which is nothing less than to restore democracy to Burma, is attained

Bommersvik Declaration 2002

Bommersvik Declaration (2002)
Convention of Elected Representatives
Union of Burma
25 February-1 March 2002
Bommersvik, Sweden

We, the representatives of the people of Burma, elected in the 27 May 1990 general elections (presently serving as members of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma and/or the Members of Parliament Union), meeting at the Convention of Elected Representatives held in Bommersvik for the second time, hereby reaffirm –

Our Mandate, Position, and Strategic Objectives:

- that we will never ignore the will of the Burmese people expressed through the May 1990 general elections;

- that the military’s refusal to honor the election results does not in any way diminish the validity of these results;

- that our mandates are derived from the election victory of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the other political parties in the 1990 general elections;

- that our roles are to support and facilitate the NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the other election-winning parties to implement the 1990 election results;

- that our objective is (1) to end military rule, (2) to establish democracy, and (3) to establish a federal Union of Burma;

- that based on the 1990 election results, the NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has the mandate to form the Government of the Union of Burma, and that the NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi have the right to enter into a dialogue with the SPDC and others, and to negotiate a transition to democracy;

- that in the light of current political developments our immediate objectives are to promote and ensure, to the extent possible, that
A. the current talks between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the SPDC do not break down,
B. the talks become official and irreversible
C. the talks be speeded up to a political dialogue
D. the talks become a tripartite dialogue as soon as possible.

- that in carrying out the activities in support of the above objectives, we undertake to ensure that our activities
1. do not undermine the position of the NLD/Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the ethnic nationalities,
2. facilitate national reconciliation, and
3. promote nation-building.

Appreciation and Appeal

We, the representatives of the people of Burma:

- Welcome initiatives by non-Burman ethnic nationalities reaffirming their commitment to ensure the integrity of the Union and to rebuild it on the basis of ‘Panglong Spirit’

- Express firm solidarity with the people of Burma who, despite the hardships and oppression, continue to strive for democracy

- Appreciate and encourage Burma support groups worldwide for their divestment, consumer boycott, and shareholder campaigns in support of the Burmese people and the democracy movement,

- Appreciate the trade unions, employers, and governments for their role at the International Labor Organization conference and urge them to implement the recommendations of the ILO's governing body in November 2000 until forced labor practices end in Burma,

- Support the call on SPDC by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Pinheiro to declare a nationwide ceasefire for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance through a consultative process involving the NLD, the SPDC, ethnic leaders from respective States and international NGOs,

- Appreciate the UN Secretary General Office and UN Special Envoy Ambassador Tan Sri Razali Ismail’s initiatives to facilitate the national reconciliation process in Burma,

- Thank the Nobel laureates for their calls to bring about peace and national reconciliation in Burma at the 10th anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and request them to continue their efforts to help bring democracy to the country,

- Appreciate and commend Norway, the European Union, the United States, Canada and all other nations for their unwavering support to restore democracy in Burma, and in particular request:
1. The European Union to incorporate in its Common Position measures aimed at speeding up the talk process in Burma, and
2. The United States and Canada to maintain their strong position until a genuine national reconciliation takes place in Burma

- Appeal to the Japanese Government to withhold resumption of Official Development Assistance until a transparent, accountable and responsive government of national reconciliation is in place, and

- Request neighboring countries to Burma to fully support and cooperate with the UN Special Envoy in his endeavors to bring about national reconciliation in the interests of regional stability and development.

- Appreciate the more than 3,000 Members of Parliaments worldwide who have signed their declaration of support for fellow MPs in Burma and request them to help the people of Burma by forming Burma caucuses in their Parliaments as recommended by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and

- Deeply appreciate the Swedish Government and Parliament, Olof Palme International Center, Swedish institutions and people for making the Convention of Elected Representatives of Burma possible and for their warm and cordial hospitality, friendship, and support.

- Urge the SPDC to immediately seek a negotiated political settlement and begin an inclusive nation-building process to alleviate the suffering of the people and the country,

o00o

------- Signed ------------

Name	Party
Bo Hla Tint, U	NLD	NCGUB/MPU
Bo Thaung, U	NLD	MPU
Daniel Aung, U	LNDP	MPU
Hla Oo, U	NLD	MPU
Khin Kyaw Han, U	NLD	MPU
Khon Manko Ban, U	DOKNU	NCGUB/MPU
Lian Uk, U	Ind	MPU
Maung Maung Aye, U	NLD	NCGUB/MPU
Maung Maung Latt, U	NLD	MPU
Sai Win Pay, U	SNLD	MPU
Sann Aung, Dr	Ind	NCGUB/MPU
Sein Win, Dr.	PND	NCGUB/MPU
Teddy Buri, U	NLD	MPU
Tha Noe, U	ALD	NCGUB/MPU
Thang Lian Pau, U	ZNC	MPU
Than Sein, U	NLD	MPU
Thein Oo, U	NLD	NCGUB/MPU
Tint Swe, Dr.	NLD	NCGUB/MPU
Tin Tut, U	NLD	MPU

ALD = Arakan League for Democracy
DOKNU = Democratic Organization for Kayan National Unity
Ind = Independent
LNDP = Lahu National Development Party
NLD = National League for Democracy
PND = Party for National Democracy
SNLD = Shan Nationalities League for Democracy
ZNC = Zomi National Congress

Dublin Declaration

Dublin Declaration
The Convention of Elected Representatives of the Union of Burma
October 2-7 2000
Dublin,Ireland

We, the representatives of the Union of Burma, elected in the 27 May 1990 general elections hereby -

Express our deep appreciation to the Government and the people of Ireland for their warm hospitality and kind assistance to facilitate our convention in Dublin;

Thank all governments and peoples who have been unwavering in their support for Burma'sdemocracy movement and the struggle of the ethnic nationalities for self-determination and equal rights;

Affirm our firm support for the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its leaders who are trying to implement the principle that the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government as declared in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

Re-affirm our determination to join the NLD and the other political parties in their endeavors to establish a multi-party parliamentary democracy within the framework of a genuine federal union;

Re-affirm our strong confidence in the Committee Representing the People's Parliament and appreciate the initiative it has taken to draft a federal constitution and the work it is undertaking on behalf of all the elected representatives before the Parliament can convene;

Condemn the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) for illegally detaining the leaders of the NLD and unfairly incarcerating NLD members, other democracy activists, and politicians;

Strongly urge the SPDC to stop placing its interests above those of the nation and the people, including the officers and the rank and file in the military, and to immediately release all detained political prisoners, restore their democratic rights, and start working for national reconciliation with the leaders of the NLD and the non-Burman ethnic nationalities so as to stop the deteriorating socioeconomic and political conditions in the country;

Applaud the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General in his endeavor to seek a peaceful solution to the political problems in Burma, including the appointment of Mr. Razali Ismail as the UN Special Envoy to Burma;

Thank the Governments and political leaders who have expressed their concerns regarding the restrictions imposed by the SPDC against the NLD leaders and for its violation of human rights in Burma;

Call on the European Union to strengthen its common position on Burma given the deteriorating situation and to continue closely monitoring the situation in Burma and to take appropriate action to dissuade the SPDC from following through with its plan to eliminate the NLD;

Appreciate the Government and the Congress of the United States for championing Burma's cause for democracy and urge the United States to strengthen its current policy of political and economic sanctions against the SPDC and to step up diplomatic initiatives aimed at expanding multinational action to bring about democratic change in Burma;

Appreciate the Royal Thai Government for advocating efforts to bring a peaceful end to the political problems in Burma and urge ASEAN as a whole to initiate steps to stop the injustices being committed by the SPDC against the NLD--a party chosen by the people to lead the country;

Applaud the International Labor Organization for its efforts to deter the SPDC from conscripting the people as forced labor to implement infrastructure projects and to make them carry military supplies and serve as "human minesweepers" in frontline areas;

Welcome the dawn of democracy in Yugoslavia and the victory of the Yugoslav people who through their display of tremendous courage ensured that their will expressed through the ballot box is honored.

Sydney Declaration (1998)

Sydney Declaration (1998)
The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
July 12-24,1998
Sydney, Australia

We, the cabinet of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma,meeting in Sydney, Australia, July 12-24, hereby-

Express our thanks to the Australian Government, the New South Wales Labour Council and the Australian people for their assistance in making this meeting possible in Sydney,

Acknowledge that the investment sanction, the suspension of GSP privileges, the visa bans, the discouragement of business with the Burmese military junta initiated by the United States, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and the boycott activities initiated by the grassroots movements worldwide have created conditions
conducive to a peaceful resolution of the political problem in Burma,

Call on the governments and grassroots movements to maintain their pressure, and on the international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank, to refrain from resuming loans and grants to the junta until a dialogue for transition to democracy takes place,

Express our gratitude to all governments, individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to assist the peoples of Burma in their efforts to restore human rights and democracy to Burma,

Fully support the decisions by the NLD's May 27 Party Congress calling for the convening the Parliament by August 21 and rejecting any constitution drafted without the consent of the people,

Express our firm belief that the call by the NLD to convene the Parliament by August 21 is to fulfill the will of the people as expressed through the 1990 general elections,

Call on Parliaments, Congresses, elected representatives, labor unions, governments, religious institutions, international organizations and the international community at large to support the effort by the NLD to convene the Parliament and bring democracy to Burma,

Encourage the people of Burma to rally around the NLD and extend their support to the effort to convene the Parliament,

Re-affirm our commitment to the establishment of a multi-party parliamentary democracy within the framework of a genuine federal union,

Affirm that the forces of democracy in Burma remain strong and ready to serve the people,

Re-affirm a strong commitment to the principle that the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government as declared in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Welcome the initiative taken by Thailand and the Philippines, and the Support given by Japan to that initiative, to introduce a "flexible engagement" policy at the July 24-26 meeting of ASEAN and its dialogue partners in Manila,

Applaud the July 16, 1998 resolution of the European Parliament highlighting human rights violations in Burma, and agrees with its call on the European Union and Council and the UN Security Council to impose economic sanction against the Burmese military junta and to prohibit any investment until violations of human rights are stopped.

Express gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for expressing its support to the convening of the Parliament in Burma, and to the dialogue partners of ASEAN, who actively supported the political and personal rights of the NLD leaders and members, as well as the UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur and human rights organizations who immediately responded to the recent repression and restrictions imposed against elected NLD representatives,

Welcome the resolutions on the situation of human rights in Burma adopted in consensus by the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on Human Rights for the past seven consecutive years,

Urge the United States, the other nations and the international agencies to recognize that because the junta is so heavily dependent on the narcotics trade and so closely aligned with well-known heroin traffickers, a political solution to Burma's problems is a prerequisite for a credible counter-narcotics effort in Burma, and therefore to ensure that no funds are provided to the military, or in cooperation with the regime.

Call on international agencies and non-government organizations not to provide assistance to the regime, or in concert or cooperation with any agency of the regime until substantial progress is made towards a transition to democracy. Under the present circumstances, conditions do not exist for NGOs and the international agencies to assist the needy people of Burma without directly or indirectly supporting the ruling generals.

Call on China, the other neighbors and the international community to embargo sale of arms and war supplies to the Burmese military junta, and

Call on Japan to reconsider the decision to renew Official Development Assistance to the military junta without assurances that a substantive political dialogue will take place with the NLD and the ethnic leaders.

Note with grave concern that:

• The ruling generals are pursuing a policy of armed confrontation with Burma's ethnic peoples,
• Forced labor and forced relocation by the military are still the prevalent practices in Burma,Laws restricting fundamental rights are still in force,
• Politicians and activists are arbitrarily being imprisoned, and
• Travel restrictions are being imposed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all elected NLD representatives
• Resolved to:
• Launch an international campaign in support of the NLD's call for the Convening of Parliament by August 21,
• Seek the assistance of Burmese and international experts to draft National socioeconomic plans for the transitional period toward Democracy in Burma, including a conceptual framework to help revitalize the crumbling economy in the short run as well as produce a sustainable economic development in the long run.
• Implement a national, reconciliation program designed to strengthen unity and solidarity among all the ethnic nationalities and provide opportunities to them to develop a common vision for a future Democratic Federal Union of Burma.
• Launch a strategic diplomatic campaign in order to mobilize international support for the Burmese democracy movement and to impose effective pressure against the Burmese military regime, and
• Establish The Burma Fund to implement programs envisaged by the NCGUB and for it to conduct policy research for the reconstruction of Burma.
  
  We call on all the patriotic forces inside and outside Burma to unite and redouble their efforts to end militarism in Burma and to build a genuine democratic federal union where equality, justice and self-determination of all ethnic nationalities are guaranteed.

Bommersvik Declaration (1995)

- Embargoed until 27 July 1995 -
BOMMERSVIK DECLARATION
of the
CONVENTION OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE UNION OF BURMA
16-23 July 1995
Bommersvik, Sweden

We, the representatives of the people of Burma, elected in the 27 May 1990 general elections, meeting at the First Convention of Elected Representatives from the liberated areas of Burma, hereby –

Warmly welcome the unconditional release of 1991 Nobel Peace laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 10 July 1995;

Thank all who have worked tirelessly and consistently for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the cause of democracy in Burma;

Applaud Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's determination, in spite of having spent 6 years under house arrest, to continue to work to bring true democracy to Burma;

Recognize the courage and leadership of Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), in initiating the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi;

Welcome Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's return to politics to take up the mantle of her father, General Aung San, in Burma's second struggle for independence;

Affirm that the forces of democracy in Burma remain strong and dedicated to serve the people;

Re-affirm our determination to implement the principle that the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government as declared in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

Re-affirm our commitment to the establishment of a multi-party parliamentary democracy within the framework of a genuine federal union;

Fully agree with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that in order to bring about peace, have stability and re-build the nation, there is an urgent need for genuine political dialogue and negotiations between the Burmese military led by SLORC; the democracy movement led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; and Burma's ethnic leaders;

Believe that bitter enemies can work together for the betterment of their people as expressed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and as can be witnessed today in South Africa; Bommersvik Declaration July 1995

Encourage the people of Burma to respond to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's appeal for support by continuing to work fearlessly for a genuine democracy;

Call on the people to exercise restraint and refrain from acts of unnecessary violence.

However, note with great concern that:

• To date, SLORC has not responded to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi offer of a dialogue,
• SLORC has broken its cease-fire with the Karenni National Progressive Party,
• SLORC is pursuing a policy of armed confrontation with Burma's ethnic peoples,
• Gross human rights violations such as forced labour are still being perpetuated,
• SLORC's National Convention to give the military a political role is still in progress,
• SLORC has not lifted its laws restricting fundamental rights of the people,
• Other political prisoners have not been released, and
• International agencies are still being denied access to monitor the situation.

Join Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in expressing our disappointment with Japan for immediately renewing Official Development Assistance to SLORC without first ensuring that the military will engage in a substantive political dialogue with its opponents.

Fully agree with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that foreign governments should not restore full diplomatic and trade ties with Burma until there is a transition to democracy;

Strongly urge governments contemplating improving relations with SLORC to refrain. Improved relations will only embolden SLORC to continue to ignore Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's offer for a dialogue. Instead, they should work directly with her and her associates and colleagues to improve the situation Burma;

Call on international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank to refrain from resuming loans and grants until there is a transition to democracy;

Fully support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's position that Burma needs foreign investments in the long term but that foreign firms should not invest in Burma for the time being;

Call on Total, Unocal, Texaco, Nippon Oil, Premier, and other oil and gas companies to suspend their operations in Burma pending a more stable political climate;

Strongly urge all companies already invested in Burma to pull out from Burma if their workers are not allowed by SLORC to organise independent trade unions;

Strongly urge nations that wish to see SLORC engage in a substantive and meaningful political dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, to enact economic sanctions to force SLORC to accept a negotiated political settlement;

Encourage individuals and organisations to express their opposition to SLORC by continuing to boycott products and companies investing or doing business in Burma; Further encourage individuals, clubs, organisations, unions, universities, town, cities, and states, to boycott products from Burma and companies doing business in Burma;

Call on the US government and other concerned international agencies to not renew `drug eradication' assistance to SLORC in any form until a political solution to Burma's problems can be found;

Call on all Burma's neighbours and the international community as a whole to impose an embargo on arms and war supplies to SLORC

Call on international agencies and non-government organisations to not increase humanitarian assistance to Burma until substantial progress is made towards a transition to democracy. Under Slorc's current restrictions on NGOs and international agencies, no assistance to the people of Burma can be delivered without indirectly supporting SLORC's repressive policies;

Call on tourists not to support "Visit Myanmar Year - 1996" which is causing great hardship to the people of Burma. Forced reallocations, forced labour and a disruption of essential services are direct by-products of SLORC's beautification program in anticipation of tourists;

Call on the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) not to accept Burma as a member at this point. Instead, we would like to see regional organisations such as ASEAN, co-ordinate their efforts with the United Nations to find a political solution to Burma's problems;

Urgently urge the Secretary General of the United Nations to fully implement the December 1994 resolution of the General Assembly which calls for the Secretary General to assist in the national reconciliation process; and finally, we —

Call on SLORC to implement the following to facilitate political dialogue and negotiations in the interest of national reconciliation:

• Respond officially to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's offer of a dialogue,
• Declare a nation-wide cease-fire,
• Cease all human rights violations including forced labour and porterage,
• Abolish the current National Convention,
• Lift all laws restricting the fundamental rights of the people,
• Immediately and unconditionally release all other political prisoners,
• Officially establish a political dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and
• Allow international agencies free access to monitor the situation.

Until such time as these above requirements are met, nothing will have changed in Burma except for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

We, hereby, call on all patriotic forces inside and outside Burma, whether they have signed cease-fire agreements with SLORC, are in the process of negotiating cease-fire with SLORC, or are We, hereby, call on all patriotic forces inside and outside Burma, whether they have signed cease-continuing to resist SLORC, to unite and redouble
their efforts to end militarism in Burma and to re-build a truly democratic and civil open society.

Free the People of Burma!

NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF BURMA
WASHINGTON, D.C. INFORMATION OFFICE
815 Fifteenth Street NW, Suite 910, Washington DC.20005
Tel: 202-393 7343 , Fax 202- 393 7343
CONVENTION OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE UNION OF BURMA
16-23 July 1995
Bommersvik
Sweden

Signed :
1. BO HLA TINT MP, Mogok 2
2. BO THAUNG MP, Yinmabin 1
3. HLA OO MP, Kyauktaga 1
4. MARKO BAN MP, Pekkon
5. MAUNG MAUNG LATT MP, Belin 1
6. MAUNG MAUNG AYE MP, Mandalay N.E. 1
7. SANN AUNG MP, Ingapu 2
8. SEIN WIN MP, Paukkaung
9. TEDDY BURI MP, Loikaw 2
10. THEIN OO MP, Mandalay S.W. 2
11. TINT SWE MP, Pale 2
12. TUN OO MP, Kaukgyi
13. ZAHLETHANG MP, Falam 2

Invited but unable to attend:
1. DANIEL AUNG MP, Mong Pyin
2. LIAN UK MP, Haka
3. THA NOE MP, Rathedaung 2
4. THAN SEIN MP, Pale 1

Observers:
WIN KHET Chairman, National League for Democracy / Liberated Area (NLD/LA )
Chairman, Convention of Elected Representatives, Bommersvik
TIN AUNG Vice-Chairman, National League for Democracy / LA ( NLD/LA)
Secretariat, National Council of the Union of Burma
NAING AUNG Chairman, All Burma Students Democratic Front ( ABSDF)
Secretariat, National Council of the Union of Burma
LIAN HMUNG Secretary, United Nationalities League for Democracy (UNLD)
MAUNG MAUNG Secretary, Federation of Trade Unions, Burma (FTUB)
NWE AUNG NCGUB Representative, Europe
NYUNT AUNG NCGUB Representative, United Kingdom
OUNG MYINT TUN National League for Democracy (LA), Europe
THAUNG HTUN Foreign Secretary, All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF)
HARN YAWNGHWE Advisor

Press Release-

CONVENTION OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES -Press Release
FROM BURMA HELD IN SWEDEN
NEW DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT OF BURMA FORMED

Following the release of Burmese democracy leader and 1991 Nobel Peace laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 10 July 1995, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) led by Prime Minister Dr. Sein Win, convened the first ever Convention of Elected Representatives from the liberated areas of Burma in Bommersvik, Sweden, from 16-23 July 1995.

The representatives of the people of Burma elected in the 27 May 1990 general elections, met to discuss the drastically changed political situation in Burma and to re-organize the NCGUB into a more effective force to support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's political initiatives in Rangoon.

The Convention supported Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's call for a genuine political dialogue and called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations to implement the UN General Assembly resolution which called for him to assist in the national reconciliation process in Burma. A tripartite dialogue between the Burmese military led by SLORC; the democracy movement led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; and Burma's ethnic leaders; was endorsed by the elected representatives.

The Convention welcomed the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and thanked all who worked for her release. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's return to politics and her determination to continue working for democracy in Burma was applauded and welcomed. The leading role played by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release was also recognized.

To give the leadership more flexibility to deal with the rapidly changing situation, the government formed by elected representatives in Manerplaw on 18 December 1990 was officially dissolved by the Convention of Elected Representatives on 21 July 1995 in Bommersvik. The Convention unanimously re-elected Dr. Sein Win by secret ballot to head the new government.

The new government re-affirmed its commitment to the establishment of a multiparty parliamentary democracy within the framework of a genuine federal union.

The broad-based support of the new coalition government is reflected in the make up of the cabinet:

Prime Minister: Dr. Sein Win PND
Foreign Affairs: Dr. Sein Win
Finance: U Bo Hla Tint NLD
Prime Minister's Office: Teddy Buri NLD
Information: U Maung Maung Aye NLD
Federal Affairs: Khun Marko Ban DOKNU
Justice: U Thein Oo NLD
Health & Education: Dr. Sann Aung Ind.
Prime Minister's Office: Dr. Tint Swe NLD
Social Welfare & Development: Dr. Zahleithang CNLD
Labor Minister: U Thar Noe ALD

The elected representatives were joined in their deliberations by representatives from the National Council of the Union of Burma, leaders of the National League for Democracy (Liberated Area), the United Nationalities League for Democracy, the All Burma Students Democratic Front, the Federation of Trade Unions - Burma, and NCGUB representatives.

The Convention was hosted by the Stockholm-based Olof Palme International Centre and the Norwegian Burma Council in Bommersvik, the training centre of the Social Democratic Youth of Sweden.

Note:
Teddy Buri is an elected representative from Karenni State
Khun Marko Ban is an elected representative from Shan State
Dr. Zahleithang is an elected representative from Chin State
U Tha Noe is an elected representative from Arakan State
PND = Party for National Democracy
NLD = National League for Democracy
CNLD = Chin National League for Democracy
DOKNU = Democratic Organization for Kayan National Unity
ALD = Arakan League for Democracy
Ind. = Independent