Candle Light Vigil

[darling@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Candle Light Vigil To Be Held In Central Phoenix:

Purpose:	To commemorate the thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators
			who were Massacred by The Burmese Military Government (SLORC),
			while engaged in peaceful demonstrations in Burma on 8/8/88

			This event is also to promote the ongoing struggle for democracy
			and human rights in Burma.


Date:		August 8

Time:		7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Place:		Margaret T Hance Park - East Ramada (See Attached Map.)
			(South of McDowell on Culver St Between Central & 3rd Ave.)
			(Call 258-1313 for a map by Fax if your
			browser does not Support gif?s)

Events:		Candle Light Vigil
			Statement at conclusion.

			Media Will be invited to this event.


			Please Forward This Message to friends & associates
			and also invite friends & families to this event.

			If you can not attend please observe a moment of silence
			to honor those that have given their lives or freedom
			for the ideals of democracy and human rights in Burma.


		
		For more information or to help please contact Duane.
		email - darling@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
		phone - 258.1313   fax - 258-1314



							Thank You

							Duane Darling



	Background Information (abbreviated)

	8/8/88	

	After many years of authoritarian rule approximately 200,000 people
take to the streets through out Burma for peaceful protests.  The day
was non-eventful, with students taking turns giving speeches.  In the
evening the Army orders the crowds to disperse, in an act of civil
disobedience the people refuse to disperse.  At about 11:00 pm the army
begins firing into the unarmed and peaceful crowds with automatic
rifles.  As panic ensues the army pursues the protesters through the
streets.  Over several days it is estimated that 5,000 - 10,000 Burmese
men, women, & children from all walks of life are killed in the brutal
crackdown.


	May 1990

	Fair and Free elections are held.  The National League for Democracy
(NLD) headed by Aung San Suu Kyi wins a landslide victory with over 80%
of the popular vote.  Subsequently the army annuls the election and
refuses to allow the new parliament to form.  Many of the elected
officials are jailed, some even killed.  Aung San Suu Kyi is placed
under house arrest.


	1991

	Aung San Suu Kyi is awarded The Nobel Peace prize for her ideals of
non-violent opposition, and efforts to bring democracy to Burma.  Her
Husband and sons receive the award for her, as she is still under house
arrest.

	1995

	Aung San Suu Kyi is released from house arrest.  However fear and
intimidation is still a fact of life in Burma.


	Current

	Last week Aung San Suu Kyi was forcefully removed from a bridge where
she had been engaged in a sit in in her car for 6 days, because the army
refused to let her leave the city she lives in (Rangoon) to meet with
supporters in outlying areas.  During the sit in the army refused to
allow food or water to be brought in or facilities for her and her
associates.  Suu Kyi and the NLD have called for a serious dialogue, and
to convene parliament along the lines of the election of 1990 by August
21.  

Currently the situation in Burma is very serious, the people are very
agitated, and hungry.  In advance of the anniversary the military has
deployed police (under the control of the military) at key intersections
and bridges through out Burma. The Military leaders have promised to
?annihilate? any protests.  The climate in Burma is very explosive right
now with the potential for a great loss of life.


For more information you may visit the following site:

http://sunsite.unc.edu/freeburma/index.html