KNU Statement Supporting Representa

[mandalay@xxxxxxxxxx]

KNU Statement regarding Formation of Representative Committee for Parliament
September 24, 1998

1. Formation of Representative Committee for Parliament on 16-9-98, on the
basis of the mandate given by members of Parliament, after the meeting of
representatives of 4 ethnic nationality organizations and the NLD, was in
consonant with the will of the people and in compliance with the Election Law.

2. After the formation, the Committee performed necessary and appropriate
tasks on behalf of the Parliament. The action of the Committee is a
suitable move and we, the KNU, fully support the decision that the
'Committee shall act on behalf of the Parliament' as long as the Parliament
cannot be convened.  

3. As the move to convene Parliament was obstructed by the SPDC, the NLD
has to form the Committee to act on its behalf. This is not something
conventional. Therefore, we demand the SPDC to withdraw its obstructions,
and earnestly urge members of the armed forces to help and support the NLD,
the Representative Committee for Parliament and the members of Parliament,
in order that the members of Parliament may perform their duties, normally.

(The KNU is the political wing of the Karen people's resistance for freedom
and democracy. It has been leading the struggle since 1949, a year after
the independence of Burma from the British. The resistance began in
response to atrocities against the Karen populations in the Irrawaddy Delta
and the Tanessarim Division, perpetrated by troops of the pocket army of
Gen. Ne Win. In January 1999, the KNU will celebrate half a century of
resistance.)