Exiles marks 50 years of civil war

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Exiles marks 50 years of civil war

The Nations, January 5, 1998

Agence France-Press

The Bangkok-based Burmese government in exile said yesterday Burma's 50th
anniversary of independence from British colonial rule marked the "golden
jubilee of civil war."

The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) said in a
statement from Bangkok that yesterday's anniversary was a time to reflect
on the "heroes" who sacrificed their lives for genuine democracy over the
past 50 years.

"What is regrettable is that as the civil war started 83 after
independence, it would not be wrong to name this year as the golden jubilee
of the civil war as well as that independence," the statement said.

"We the people of all the ethnic minorities have to endure all the evil
legacies and afflictions of the civil war up to this day."

About 800 people gathered outside the Rangoon home of leading opposition
figure Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday to hear speeches from National League for
Democracy (NLD), Burma's main advocate for democratic reform.

Aung San Suu Kyi said there was nothing "golden" about Burma's golden
jubilee as political freedom and the respect of basic human rights were
will only dreams.

Echoing the NLD speakers, the NCGUB called for increased dialogue between
democracy advocates and the ruling military junta.

"Genuine dialogue must be undertaken," the NCGUB said.

It said the situation in Burma was "out of control" and "on the verge of
disintegration" because of the continued oppression by the military rulers.

Burma gained independence from Britain in 1948 after 124 years under
colonial rule but its nascent democracy was quickly mired in civil unrest
and ethnic rebellions.

Military strongman Ne Win took absolute control of the government in 1962,
leading to an unbroken period under military rule culminating in the
current State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

The SPDC, formally known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council,
has been criticised for regularly violating human rights, keeping political
prisoners and using forced labour.

Kyodo adds from Rangoon
Burma's military-led government yesterday celebrated the Country's 50th
anniversary of independence with simple flag hoisting ceremony at a public
square in Rangoon. The ceremony was attended by officials of the ruling
SPDC and representatives of ethnic groups and non-governmental organisations.

Similar ceremonies organised by the junta were held in various township
throughout the country.

At the flag hoisting ceremony, a statement from Senior Gen Than Shwe,
chairman of SPDC, was read out in which the junta leader warned against
what he called "neo-colonialists' attempt" to destabilised the country.

"We must vigilant against various wily schemes of some neo-colonialists who
frequently interfered in internal affairs of others," the message said.

"It is the time when we must keep constant vigil against any movements of
those who want to disturb stability and undermine national consolidation,
finding fault without any reason, on pretext of democracy and human
rights," it said.

The message appeared to be directed at the West, led by the United States
and countries of the European Unions, which have slammed the junta for
large-scale human rights abuses.

The West has also refused to respect the result the results of the 1990
general election, which resulted in a landslide win for NLD.