ABSDF Press Release on Human Rights

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Media Release
Date: March 13, 1998

ABSDF Repeats Its Call for Political Dialogue on Burma Human
Rights Day


To mark the 10th Burma Human Rights Day on March 13 1998, the All
Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) is repeating its call
for a substantive political dialogue between the State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC), the democratic forces and members of
the ethnic nationalities in order to bring peace, democracy and
human rights to Burma.

ABSDF General Secretary, Aung Thu Nyein, says the military must
work towards national reconciliation and release all political
prisoners and begin a process of genuine cease-fire throughout
the country.

"We believe that only a political dialogue can bring about
genuine peace in Burma," said Aung Thu Nyein. It's time for the
SPDC to stop human rights abuses and consider entering into a
dialogue for the sake of the national interest."

The Burmese military have since 1962 under various names
committed all forms of human rights atrocities including rape,
forced labour, summary executions, arbitrary arrests, forced
porterage, forced conscription of children into the army, torture
and forced relocation.

"Despite repeated international condemnation of the regime, these
atrocities have continued with the latest being this week's
heinous attack on the Huay Kalok refugee camp in Thailand by
SPDC-allied troops," Aung Thu Nyein said.

After more than 35 years of military rule, economic problems have
also had a tremendous impact on the people of Burma. Despite its
natural riches, Burma was declared a "Least Developed Country' by
the United Nations in 1987. Burma's economic woes will remain
without the introduction of transparent laws, democratic
governing bodies and independent institutions.

The military regime has refused to recognise the results of the
1990 election in which the National League for Democracy (NLD)
won an overwhelming majority. Instead, through intimidation and
threats, the military has forced elected representatives of the
NLD and other parties to resign. As of January 1998, the military
has forced 53 elected NLD representatives to resign from the
party, while 68 others were forced to resign as Members of
Parliament (MP). Another 37 NLD MPs currently remain in prison,
along with more than 1,000 other political prisoners.

Burma's Human Rights Day was recognised after the death of a
student leader known as 'Phone Maw' on March 13, 1988 during a
demonstration which sparked series of massive widespread protests
resulting in the abolition of the Burma Socialist Programme Party
(BSPP) and creation of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council (SLORC).

All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)

For more information please call 01-923 1687