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PRESS RELEASE (11/98) OF ME, WDC



                                   EMBASSY OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR

                                              PRESS   RELEASE  - 11/98 

        				                   8  September 1998

 The Government of Myanmar Takes Measures to Ensure National Security	

		The Government of Myanmar lifted restrictions placed on Aung San Suu Kyi in
1995. Following this the NLD attempted to convene a nation-wide party
convention in 1996 but the authorities,  concerned that such a gathering would
lead to a break down of public order,  were compelled to take action to
prevent the meeting taking place.  However, in 1997 and again this year , the
authorities permitted the holding of the NLD conventions in the compound of
Aung San Suu Kyi as the situation in the country had improved. But the NLD
misconstrued the Government's gesture as a sign of weakness and  adopted a
confrontational stance. On 23 June 1998 it demanded that the Government
convene the Parliament  by 21 August 1998.

		When the NLD found that its ultimatum was not met, it declared its intention
to convene the Parliament unilaterally. It held several executive committee
meetings and sought the support of the youth. It also negotiated secretly with
other organizations and has been encouraging the masses to be out on the
streets whenever opportune.

The Government of Myanmar, gravely concerned that the NLD's unilateral move to
convene the Parliament in the absence of a constitution could lead to
confusion and adversely affect national security, has taken appropriate
measures. The government invited a number of NLD members to government guest
houses on 6 September to present its views and discuss matters regarding the
NLD's decision to convene the Parliament.

		On previous occasions the Government allowed the NLD members invited to
guest houses for a limited time to retrun home once the discussions were
completed. It is understood that those NLD representatives who have been
invited to government guest houses on 6 September  will be treated
likewise.The Government  in order to ensure national security has requested
the NLD members to cooperate with the authorities in maintaining peace,
stability and national unity.

		The Government is encouraged by the positive response of the NLD members and
hopes that an understanding can be reached to achieve cooperation in building
a stable and functioning multi-party democracy.
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