Saw Maung Says No Holding Power(09/

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Subject: Saw Maung Says No Holding Power(09/23/88)

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service

The materials in the Xinhua file were compiled by The Xinhua News Agency. These 
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Xinhua News Agency.

                           SEPTEMBER  23, 1988, FRIDAY



HEADLINE: general  saw maung  pledges not to hold onto state power for long time

DATELINE: rangoon, september 23; ITEM NO: 0923295

 
   general  saw maung,  chairman of the state law and order restoration council,
today pledged that the army has no desire for holding onto state power for a
long time.   saw maung,  59, made an address on the state radio this afternoon. 
the state law and order restoration council, headed by  saw maung,  chief of
staff of the burmese defence services, took power on september 18.   saw maung  
said that at the beginning there were only peaceful demonstrations for
democracy. however, the demonstrators were later infiltrated by
violence-prone

trouble-makers who agitated and instigated barbaric violence.  he also said that
the council will work for holding general elections under multi-party democracy 
as soon as possible.  he urged the parties which will enter into the general
elections contest and people to cooperate with the council.  the oppositions
should not make more demands before peace and tranquility is restored, he added.
he warned that if lootings and violences take place, the army will take strong
action against them.  he explained that because the army will not hold onto
power for a long time, the coming government will be responsible for the
long-term tasks such as health, education and social affairs.