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Marking Shan National Day in Bangko



Subject: Marking Shan National Day in Bangkok: 

10 February 1999 

The 52nd anniversary marking the Shan's defiance against the British was
held somewhat with pomp and fanfare in Bangkok last Sunday. 
It was in memory at a historic conference held in a small southern town
called Panglong together with the representatives of other non-Burmans 6-12
February, 1947. Both the ruling princes and the people's representatives
came to agreement on one principle: to fight for complete independence. 
On the question of alliance with Burma, both also were of the same opinion
that freedom would be speedily achieved for all if they could join forces
on the following principles: Autonomy in both political and financial
affairs, democracy and human rights and the right to secede "at anytime we
wish so". They were accepted by Aung San, leader of the Burmese and father
to the besieged Nobel laureate in Rangoon, who arrived on the next day.
Which paved the way for the Shan-Burmese alliance that was signed on the

12th and became the Union Day. 
The Shan monks were offered food in the morning. The ceremony in the
afternoon was opened by Sai Htoon, Vice President of the Shan Democratic
Union, the umbrella organization of the expatriate Shans. Khun Markoban,
Kayan representative of Pekon (Faikhun in Shan) Township and Federal
Affairs Minister of the National Coalition Government, together with
representatives from Karen, Karenni and Mon also delivered their messages. 
Afterwards, Shan traditional delicacies such as Khaoyagu and Khaobook
(Khaotamnga) cakes were offered to all the guests. Traditional dances
followed. It was joined by the local Karen cultural troupe. 
The celebrations ended at seven in the evening. 
A seminar on ethnic literature and culture were also held at the same time. 

/// END \\\ 
S.H.A.N.