Asean NGOs Support CRPP, MP detenti (r)

[altsean@xxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: Asean NGOs Support CRPP, MP detentions "Barbaric"

For immediate release 
17 September 1999 

MEDIA RELEASE:
ASEAN ACTIVISTS SUPPORT BURMA COMMITTEE

Bangkok, Fri: A network of Asean-based NGOs has confirmed its recognition
of the Committee Representing the People's Parliament (CRPP) as the
legitimate voice of Burma's voters.

Members of Altsean-Burma (Alternative Asean Network on Burma) agreed that
the circumstances perpetuated by the military junta made it both necessary
and legitimate for the CRPP to act on behalf of Parliament until Parliament
is convened.

At a recent meeting held near the Thai-Burmese border, the network vowed to
step up the campaign to sign on more support for the CRPP from
organizations in the region, and urged Asean member states to begin
informal talks with the Committee. The CRPP has the mandate of more than
half the MPs elected in 1990, and was formed in adherence to domestic law a
year ago. (The CRPP was announced on September 1, 1998 and held its first
meeting on September 16. It has since gained broad support from key
international organizations such as the European Parliament and the Inter
Parliamentary Union).

"Since the massive crackdown on pro-democracy activists and mass detentions
of elected MPs, the CRPP has played a crucial role in representing the
interests of the Parliament. It has been able to fulfil its
responsibilities commendably despite intense pressure and harassment from
the military authorities. The CRPP has proved itself to be a concrete
alternative to the junta." noted Altsean-Burma Coordinator Debbie Stothard.

"The existence of the CRPP is a powerful reminder of the junta's
illegitimacy, in fact the regime has not been able to denounce the CRPP as
an illegal organization. The junta's response has been to orchestrate
forced no-confidence rallies against MPs, and hold MPs as hostages against
the CRPP.

"The junta has called for the dissolution of the CRPP as a condition for
the release of prisoners, and more recently, as a condition for political
dialogue. Arbitrarily detaining people for use as gambling chips to
dissolve the CRPP is barbaric. The fastest way to dissolve the CRPP is to
convene the Parliament according to the results of the last election,"
emphasized Stothard.

To mark the CRPP's first anniversary, Altsean-Burma has produced a 32-page
booklet on the Committee to accompany a briefing note produced last month.
The booklet and briefing note will be used as resources in the campaign to
broaden support for the Committee.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Bangkok tel. (66 2) 275 1811, Tel/fax (66 2) 693 4515
or email <altsean@xxxxxxxxxx>


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A L T S E A N - B U R M A
Alternative Asean Network on Burma
Tel: 66 2 275 1811 * Fax: 66 2 693 4515
<altsean@xxxxxxxxxx>