ABSDF WELCOMES MR. SUHARTO'S RESIGN

[lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release
Date: May 21, 1998

                                    
                ABSDF WELCOMES MR. SUHARTO'S RESIGNATION


The All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) welcomes the
resignation of Indonesian President Suharto on May 21, 1998 as a
response to the will of the Indonesian people. We hope this move
will pave the way for a new era of political reforms in the
Republic of Indonesia. 

The ABSDF heartily congratulates the victory of the Indonesian
people, including the students of Indonesia who, through
commitment and perseverance, have struggled to oust President
Suharto and bring sweeping political reforms to their country.

"The resignation of President Suharto presents a wonderful
opportunity for the beginning of social and political changes in
Indonesia. The success of the people power in Indonesian will
have a huge impact on the people of Burma. It will be a great
encouragement to them," said ABSDF General Secretary Aung Thu
Nyein.  

Just as the people of Burma followed the developments in the
Philippines when the late President Ferdinand Marcos was ousted,
the people have been closely following the news from foreign
radio broadcasts on the developments in Indonesia. 

Despite the fact that the situations in Burma and Indonesia are
very similar, the ABSDF sees a striking difference between the
two regimes. President Suharto admitted to and apologised for the
mistakes he has made, whereas the military regime in Burma has
condemned peaceful demonstrations as "anarchism" and has
continued to commit gross human rights violations. In addition,
the Indonesian army has restrained from using violence against
the students.       

The ABSDF also commends the Indonesian army for maintaining a
non-violent stance which unlike the Burmese military has
refrained from using violent methods to crack down on the
students and the people of Indonesia. The ABSDF hopes that the
army will continue to act in this manner.

The ABSDF extends our solidarity with the Indonesian students and
fully supports the aspirations and commitment of the students who
have spearheaded peaceful rallies throughout Indonesia leading to
the resignation of President Suharto.

All Burma Students' Democratic Front

For more information please call 01-654 4984.