June 2003 Statement by Burma Watch International on the current political crisis in Burma.

Burma's democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, along with 19 colleagues, was arrested by military authorities on Friday May 30, 2003 during a tour of northern Burma.

Burma Watch International strongly condemns these violent attacks by Burma's military regime against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD).

We firmly believe that the NLD party has a full mandate from the people of Burma and that the NLD should be able to carry out any political activity anywhere in Burma.

We consider these violent developments on May 30th, 2003, as an attempt to assassinate the NLD leaders -- an action that we view as being an insult to democratic forces all over the world.

The military regime's actions on the NLD have once again proven that the generals are not serious about a peaceful national reconciliation process.

Therefore, Burma Watch International is calling on the military regime in Burma to:

   [1] Release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders and supporters immediately and unconditionally.

   [2] Bring all the persons responsible for these violent attacks to justice.

   [3] Reopen the NLD headquarters and all other party offices in Burma.

   [4] Release all political prisoners who have been unjustly imprisoned.

   [5] Honor the results of 1990 General Elections.

Burma Watch International is also calling on the Government of Canada to:

   [1] Impose full sanctions on investment in Burma

   [2] Suspend all ongoing and planned aid programs to Burma

   [3] Actively work with the international community to immediately find a multi-lateral solution to resolve the situation in Burma.

Please write to your local MP and to Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre S. Pettigrew to urge the Canadian government to act immediately to help resolve the desperate situation in Burma.

Write, fax, or email your comments to Pierre Pettigrew at:
The Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Center Block
Room 511-S
House of Commons
Ottawa ON
K1A 0A6 (no postage required)
Telephone: 613-995-1851 (Ministerial Office)
Fax: 613-996-3443 (Ministerial Office)
pierre.pettigrew@international.gc.ca (Ministerial Office)
Email: pettip@parl.gc.ca (Parliamentary Office)

Burma Watch International is planning a protest in Edmonton. The date and time will be announced ASAP.

For more information please contact:
Than Aung
Vice President of Burma Watch International
[contact information at the end of this web page]

Note that this statement has been modified since it was originall published to change the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Bill Graham to Pierre S. Pettigrew.