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ALLEGATIONS BY BURMESE MILITARY UNF



  ABSDF Statement
  Date: March 2, 1998
  
  
       ALLEGATIONS BY BURMESE MILITARY UNFOUNDED AND PREDICTABLE
                                    
  
  Allegations by the Burmese military that the All Burma
  Students  Democratic Front (ABSDF) has been plotting to
  assassinate leaders of the regime and commit acts of
  sabotage are totally unfounded and entirely predictable.
  
  The allegations are merely aimed at discrediting the
  opposition movement and have become an all too familiar
  aspect of the regime s propaganda. 
  
  This is not the first time the military regime has accused
  the ABSDF of terrorist activity. At a press conference in
  early 1997, the regime accused the ABSDF and other
  opposition groups of involvement in the Gaba Aye Pagoda
  bombing. 
  
  The fact is the ABSDF has never been involved in terrorist
  activities. Furthermore, the organisation gave up its policy
  of armed struggle in August 1997. This step was taken in the
  belief that violent means of a struggle for freedom and
  democracy would not lead to a peaceful solution to the
  country s problems.
  
  The ABSDF has also committed itself to undertaking non-
  violent political defiance work outside Burma and within the
  country.  
  
  Meanwhile, over the past three months the State Peace and
  Development Council (SPDC) has arrested some 200 students
  and opposition supporters. These arrests come amid rumours
  that the military is to reconvene the National Convention on
  the constitution, which has been boycotted by opposition
  groups. The arrests also signal that the regime is possibly
  concerned about the expected re-opening of universities
  later this year. 
  
  All Burma Students  Democratic Front
  
  For further information please call  01-253 9082