Dear All
Burma's regime has lauched a military offensive against ethnic minorities living near its northern border with China. As a result, 30,000 refugees have fled Burma into China's Yunnan province, according to an office of the U.N. High Commission on Refugees.
This comes just months after 5,000 refugees fled from Burma into Thailand, and it appears the situation may grow much worse.
The world must act to end the atrocities that continue to be committed by the Burmese regime. Please take a moment to sign our petition calling for the United States and United Kingdom to take action at the U.N. Security Council. If you have already signed, ask your friends and loved ones to sign.
The regime's offensive is part of its ongoing effort to bring Burma's minority ethnic groups under the control of the military before the sham elections that are set to take place next year.
Aung Zaw, from the Irrawaddy Magazine told Reuters "This has been building for a long time. The army has not only increased tensions and caused distress with the ethnic groups, they're straining ties with China."
The regime is likely to escalate its offensive against Burma's ethnic minority groups in the coming months, leading to more displacement and suffering.
The U.S. and U.K. can play a positive roll by pressing the U.N. Security Council to act. Please sign our petition to U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice and the U.K. Ambassador to the UN.
In solidarity for a just and peaceful Burma,
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Free Burma Project Petition
Detail petition info, please click HERE
To: Goverments of the World , United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights Geneva, UN Security Council, Asean,
FREE BURMA PROJECT
Free The Saffron Monks & Nuns From Prison.
Please lend your support for the release of Burma's 220 monks and nuns who remain prisoners of conscience for participating in the peaceful demonstrations of September 2007. The "Saffron Revolution" drew tens of thousands of monks and nuns on to the streets. They chanted the Metta Sutta (loving-kindness), for the well being and merit of all living beings. Monks and nuns implored the SPDC government to act with compassion towards the people suffering under economic hardship and to apologize and reform their actions taken against the monks and the religion. In response, the regime unleashed a violent and unprecedented attack against the demonstrators that continued off the streets and into the monastery grounds.
For a month, the military continued to round up protestors who had participated, raiding 52 monasteries, often at night. Monks were beaten, killed and many more carted off to prison with no regard to their age or standing. Revered abbots in their 80's and 90's and novices as young as five were disrobed and placed into detention centers.
By some estimates, as many as 1,400 Sanghas were rounded up without respect to the procedures of Burmese or International law. Sanghas endured beatings, interrogations, and torture. Many of them disappeared-- sent away to distant prisons where their families and monastic companions lost track of them. Official statistics on the number of monks and nuns who were killed in the uprisings will never be known.
Crematoriums were put into 24-hour operation in the days following the crackdown to burn the bodies of those who were killed on the streets and inside the Monasteries. Unconfirmed reports assert that in order to keep the Sanghas from reaching the hospitals where they could be seen and counted, injured monks and nuns were taken to the crematoriums to be cremated alive.
Awareness and condemnation are vital tools of accountability that we in the International community can take to exert pressure on the regime to free the remaining Saffron Revolution monks and nuns still in prison under conditions that are a form of torture. Please give your support and solidarity to them and to the Burmese people.
Sign our petition to free Burma's Saffron Monks, Nuns, Political Prisoners today!
freeburmaproject@gmail.com
To: Goverments of the World , United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights Geneva, UN Security Council, Asean,
FREE BURMA PROJECT
Free The Saffron Monks & Nuns From Prison.
Please lend your support for the release of Burma's 220 monks and nuns who remain prisoners of conscience for participating in the peaceful demonstrations of September 2007. The "Saffron Revolution" drew tens of thousands of monks and nuns on to the streets. They chanted the Metta Sutta (loving-kindness), for the well being and merit of all living beings. Monks and nuns implored the SPDC government to act with compassion towards the people suffering under economic hardship and to apologize and reform their actions taken against the monks and the religion. In response, the regime unleashed a violent and unprecedented attack against the demonstrators that continued off the streets and into the monastery grounds.
For a month, the military continued to round up protestors who had participated, raiding 52 monasteries, often at night. Monks were beaten, killed and many more carted off to prison with no regard to their age or standing. Revered abbots in their 80's and 90's and novices as young as five were disrobed and placed into detention centers.
By some estimates, as many as 1,400 Sanghas were rounded up without respect to the procedures of Burmese or International law. Sanghas endured beatings, interrogations, and torture. Many of them disappeared-- sent away to distant prisons where their families and monastic companions lost track of them. Official statistics on the number of monks and nuns who were killed in the uprisings will never be known.
Crematoriums were put into 24-hour operation in the days following the crackdown to burn the bodies of those who were killed on the streets and inside the Monasteries. Unconfirmed reports assert that in order to keep the Sanghas from reaching the hospitals where they could be seen and counted, injured monks and nuns were taken to the crematoriums to be cremated alive.
Awareness and condemnation are vital tools of accountability that we in the International community can take to exert pressure on the regime to free the remaining Saffron Revolution monks and nuns still in prison under conditions that are a form of torture. Please give your support and solidarity to them and to the Burmese people.
Sign our petition to free Burma's Saffron Monks, Nuns, Political Prisoners today!
freeburmaproject@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
We can't Afford to Ignore Burma
Please read the detail story HERE
The New York Times
August 26, 2009
Op-Ed Contributor
We Cant Afford to Ignore Myanmar
By JIM WEBB
Washington
EIGHT years ago I visited Myanmar as a private citizen, traveling freely in the capital city of Yangon and around the countryside. This lush, breathtakingly beautiful nation was even then showing the strain of its severance from the outside world. I was a guest of an American businessman, and I understood the frustration and disappointment that he and others felt, knowing even then that tighter sanctions would soon drive them out of the country.
This month I became the first American political leader to visit Myanmar in 10 years, and the first-ever to meet with its reclusive leader, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, in the haunting, empty new capital of Naypyidaw. From there I flew to an even more patched-and- peeled Yangon , where I met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition leader and Nobel laureate who remains confined to her home. Among other requests, I asked Than Shwe to free her and allow her to participate in politics.
Leaving the country on a military plane with John Yettaw an American who had been sentenced to seven years of hard labor for immigration offenses, and whose release I had also requested of Than Shwe I was struck again by how badly the Burmese people need outside help. They are so hardened after decades of civil war and political stalemate that only an even-handed interlocutor can lift them out of the calcified intransigence that has damaged their lives and threatened the stability of Southeast Asia .
The New York Times
August 26, 2009
Op-Ed Contributor
We Cant Afford to Ignore Myanmar
By JIM WEBB
Washington
EIGHT years ago I visited Myanmar as a private citizen, traveling freely in the capital city of Yangon and around the countryside. This lush, breathtakingly beautiful nation was even then showing the strain of its severance from the outside world. I was a guest of an American businessman, and I understood the frustration and disappointment that he and others felt, knowing even then that tighter sanctions would soon drive them out of the country.
This month I became the first American political leader to visit Myanmar in 10 years, and the first-ever to meet with its reclusive leader, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, in the haunting, empty new capital of Naypyidaw. From there I flew to an even more patched-and- peeled Yangon , where I met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition leader and Nobel laureate who remains confined to her home. Among other requests, I asked Than Shwe to free her and allow her to participate in politics.
Leaving the country on a military plane with John Yettaw an American who had been sentenced to seven years of hard labor for immigration offenses, and whose release I had also requested of Than Shwe I was struck again by how badly the Burmese people need outside help. They are so hardened after decades of civil war and political stalemate that only an even-handed interlocutor can lift them out of the calcified intransigence that has damaged their lives and threatened the stability of Southeast Asia .
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Strategies of Dissent Evolving in Burma
Please read detail story HERE
Activists Find Political Breathing Room in Humanitarian Nonprofit Groups
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, August 24, 2009
RANGOON, Burma -- Call it the evolutionary school of revolution.
After years of brutally suppressed street protests, many Burmese have adopted a new strategy that they say takes advantage of small political openings to push for greater freedoms. They are distributing aid, teaching courses on civic engagement and quietly learning to govern.
"We are trying to mobilize people by changing their thought process," said an entrepreneur in the city of Mandalay who is setting up classes on leadership. He added half in jest, "Civil society is a guerrilla movement."
Government critics including many Burmese say opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's return to house arrest this month underscores the junta's resolve to keep her out of reach of the population ahead of parliamentary elections next year that many dismiss as a sham. But a growing number of educated, middle-class Burmese are pinning their hopes on what they call "community-based organizations," finding outlets for entrepreneurship and room to maneuver politically in a country with one of the world's most repressive governments.
At first light on a recent Sunday, a dozen doctors piled into two old vans, stopped for a hearty breakfast of fish stew and sticky rice, then headed out to dispatch free medicine and consult villagers an hour outside Rangoon. The group first came together two years ago to care for demonstrators beaten by security forces during monk-led protests. When Tropical Cyclone Nargis hit in May 2008, killing an estimated 140,000 people, the doctors joined countless Burmese in collecting emergency supplies for survivors while the junta rebuffed foreign aid dispatches.
Activists Find Political Breathing Room in Humanitarian Nonprofit Groups
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, August 24, 2009
RANGOON, Burma -- Call it the evolutionary school of revolution.
After years of brutally suppressed street protests, many Burmese have adopted a new strategy that they say takes advantage of small political openings to push for greater freedoms. They are distributing aid, teaching courses on civic engagement and quietly learning to govern.
"We are trying to mobilize people by changing their thought process," said an entrepreneur in the city of Mandalay who is setting up classes on leadership. He added half in jest, "Civil society is a guerrilla movement."
Government critics including many Burmese say opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's return to house arrest this month underscores the junta's resolve to keep her out of reach of the population ahead of parliamentary elections next year that many dismiss as a sham. But a growing number of educated, middle-class Burmese are pinning their hopes on what they call "community-based organizations," finding outlets for entrepreneurship and room to maneuver politically in a country with one of the world's most repressive governments.
At first light on a recent Sunday, a dozen doctors piled into two old vans, stopped for a hearty breakfast of fish stew and sticky rice, then headed out to dispatch free medicine and consult villagers an hour outside Rangoon. The group first came together two years ago to care for demonstrators beaten by security forces during monk-led protests. When Tropical Cyclone Nargis hit in May 2008, killing an estimated 140,000 people, the doctors joined countless Burmese in collecting emergency supplies for survivors while the junta rebuffed foreign aid dispatches.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Saffron Revolution is Not Over, There Will be a Bigger Revolution
"What I want to say to the whole world is, that the Burmese regime is killing the monks who are peace makers and peace lovers.
The killing of monks means the killing of peace and that is why the people all over the world who love peace must put pressure on this regime.
We have to push together; we have to put pressure on this regime because it also endangers the world peace."
--- King Zero
King Zero / Ashin Issariya, 34 is one of the key leading monks of Burma’s uprising against the military regime, known as the Saffron Revolution in 2007.
He is one of the few founding members of the All Burma Monks Alliance and co-founder of The Best Friend, Children Education Projects.
He escaped to Thailand in October 2008 after eluding authorities during a year in hiding and a two-week manhunt.
In a new interview King Zero explains about the harsh reality that the monks are facing since the Saffron Revolution in 2007 and about their struggle for freedom and democracy for Burma's people.
Please read the full interview here: www.thebestfriend.org/
Thank you all for your support,
May you be happy
The Best Friend
The killing of monks means the killing of peace and that is why the people all over the world who love peace must put pressure on this regime.
We have to push together; we have to put pressure on this regime because it also endangers the world peace."
--- King Zero
King Zero / Ashin Issariya, 34 is one of the key leading monks of Burma’s uprising against the military regime, known as the Saffron Revolution in 2007.
He is one of the few founding members of the All Burma Monks Alliance and co-founder of The Best Friend, Children Education Projects.
He escaped to Thailand in October 2008 after eluding authorities during a year in hiding and a two-week manhunt.
In a new interview King Zero explains about the harsh reality that the monks are facing since the Saffron Revolution in 2007 and about their struggle for freedom and democracy for Burma's people.
Please read the full interview here: www.thebestfriend.org/
Thank you all for your support,
May you be happy
The Best Friend
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Join Burma Awareness Action at Palo Alto Arts Festival AUG 23, 2009
Hi All,
We will be distributing flyers on Burma and Daw Augn San Suu Kyi to educate and spread awareness to the festival comers. Please find more information below from xxxxx, a Palo Alto resident, who is working with us in organizing and realizing this action.
The Arts festival
Sunday August 23 from 10 am to 5 pm ( We need to be out by 6 pm)
University Avenue in Palo Alto between Webster and the Alma Streets.
------------ -----
Hi all:
The Arts festival is on University Avenue in Palo Alto between Webster and the Alma Streets. The street will be blocked off to vehicle traffic. There should be ample parking in city garages and on street parking.
The area where we are located is a plaza (referred to as Lytton Plaza if you are asking somebody where it is) and is closer to the Alma end of the fair. It is on the corner of Emerson Street and University Avenue. We will be setting up at 9am and will be in a special area set aside for 10 non-profits. We will have some chairs and either a tent (if it is the right size) or a large green umbrella for shade. It could be hot so dress accordingly! See you all tomorrow
We will be distributing flyers on Burma and Daw Augn San Suu Kyi to educate and spread awareness to the festival comers. Please find more information below from xxxxx, a Palo Alto resident, who is working with us in organizing and realizing this action.
The Arts festival
Sunday August 23 from 10 am to 5 pm ( We need to be out by 6 pm)
University Avenue in Palo Alto between Webster and the Alma Streets.
------------ -----
Hi all:
The Arts festival is on University Avenue in Palo Alto between Webster and the Alma Streets. The street will be blocked off to vehicle traffic. There should be ample parking in city garages and on street parking.
The area where we are located is a plaza (referred to as Lytton Plaza if you are asking somebody where it is) and is closer to the Alma end of the fair. It is on the corner of Emerson Street and University Avenue. We will be setting up at 9am and will be in a special area set aside for 10 non-profits. We will have some chairs and either a tent (if it is the right size) or a large green umbrella for shade. It could be hot so dress accordingly! See you all tomorrow
Friday, August 21, 2009
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Matching with Words
Leaders worldwide condemned Myanmar 's decision last week to extend Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's imprisonment by 18 months after finding her guilty of violating the terms of her house arrest.
It's time for global leaders to match words with actions.
While Amnesty applauds the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' condemnation of the verdict in Aung San Suu Kyi's trial, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc must ratchet up pressure for the release of Suu Kyi and thousands of other political prisoners in Myanmar .
The head of the Myanmar 's ruling military junta, Than Shwe, has brushed off criticisms before, and there's little reason to believe he'll clean-up his act unless ASEAN shows that this time it means business.
That's why we're calling on ASEAN to convene a meeting of the top brass in foreign affairs from all 10 member nations to come up with concrete measures to finally address the growing human rights crisis in Myanmar .
We're turning up the heat ourselves by calling on supporters to send 10,000 postcards – instead of emails – to the Thai government, which currently chairs ASEAN. (Don't worry – we'll send the postcard for you, so you don't have to buy postage, lick stamps or find a mailbox.)
Send a postcard today demanding the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and thousands of other political prisoners in Myanmar.
Time is running out. Vietnam will replace Thailand as chair of ASEAN at the end of next month. Critics have raised concerns that ASEAN's new human rights body will be toothless under Vietnam 's leadership.1 We must ramp up our calls on Thailand to show leadership on human rights in Myanmar in order for it to make a difference in the remaining weeks of its chairmanship.
Act now. Help us send 10,000 postcards to the Thai government by September 1st to urge them to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and thousands of other political prisoners in Myanmar.
Thank you for standing with us –
It's time for global leaders to match words with actions.
While Amnesty applauds the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' condemnation of the verdict in Aung San Suu Kyi's trial, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc must ratchet up pressure for the release of Suu Kyi and thousands of other political prisoners in Myanmar .
The head of the Myanmar 's ruling military junta, Than Shwe, has brushed off criticisms before, and there's little reason to believe he'll clean-up his act unless ASEAN shows that this time it means business.
That's why we're calling on ASEAN to convene a meeting of the top brass in foreign affairs from all 10 member nations to come up with concrete measures to finally address the growing human rights crisis in Myanmar .
We're turning up the heat ourselves by calling on supporters to send 10,000 postcards – instead of emails – to the Thai government, which currently chairs ASEAN. (Don't worry – we'll send the postcard for you, so you don't have to buy postage, lick stamps or find a mailbox.)
Send a postcard today demanding the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and thousands of other political prisoners in Myanmar.
Time is running out. Vietnam will replace Thailand as chair of ASEAN at the end of next month. Critics have raised concerns that ASEAN's new human rights body will be toothless under Vietnam 's leadership.1 We must ramp up our calls on Thailand to show leadership on human rights in Myanmar in order for it to make a difference in the remaining weeks of its chairmanship.
Act now. Help us send 10,000 postcards to the Thai government by September 1st to urge them to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and thousands of other political prisoners in Myanmar.
Thank you for standing with us –
Thursday, August 20, 2009
AN OPEN LETTER TO SENATOR WEBB
First of all, the sanctions against the regime in Burma by the US and EU were just designed to distance themselves from the ruthless and inhumane regime. That was why their sanctions were mere effective to democratize Burma that had already gained the regional cooperation’s and support by China and India. We have remained cautiously optimistic about it since from the beginning. Anyhow, sanctions could manage to hurt the businesses, 80% of them were own by the military Generals greatly no doubt. The sanctions followed by tougher measures to contain the regime have never taken in place until today. Their enthusiasm might played a major role in this regard.
Again, “human rights violations”, the only modern language left for the UN to fit the regime to be tied, unfortunately portrayed itself less than a boogeyman for the regime because of the veto powers like China and Russia. By the time while the EU has been measuring the actions against the ruthless regime by scaling up with their moral standard, US with its appeasement engagement policy toward China has undoubtedly washed its charge against the regime in Burma and left it pretty much in China’s hand in this regard obviously. As a result, the idea to charge the regime with its human rights violations is just another myth to be hopeful. The dream of international intervention by the Buddhist Monks sacrificing their lives in 2007 has gone down to the drain along with their bloods and tears in the end.
Also, according to the recent news, in a significant development, which came as a surprise, US Senator Jim Webb, visiting Burma as part of a whistle stop tour of five Asian countries, on Saturday met detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was given an 18-month suspended sentence last week, her party spokesperson said. Finally, the man was released and his mission was prevailed. Plus, he was allowed to meet Daw Suu who has remained in under house arrest still.
Ironically, his original “Mercy Mission” to free the man, who caused our leader to get into the jail and to remain in under house arrest at least, couldn’t be a proud one for Mr. Webb. Realistically, the major issue Mr. Webb might want to tackle is to apologize both Daw Suu and the regime for what Mr. Yattaw had caused dearly to Daw Suu’s freedom which is the lifeline for the people of Burma especially at this time of uncertainty. In addition, his “Mercy Mission” should as a matter of fact be the freedom of Daw Suu in the first place. Thus, the world including the citizens of the US would applaud it no doubt.
Perhaps, the mission, behind the scene, is to lay some foundations for his “constructive engagement” policy by joining with Thailand that has been exploiting Burma’s natural and human resources with the same policy for more than two decades. Well, then it is brilliant. However, in order to make it happen he must have enough guts to lower the US’s moral standard at the same level of China, India and the neighbors of Burma, who always want to exploit our country’s natural resources and human resources. Also, he must choose a path between “shame and corrupt” before he made up his mind. On his side, Than Shwe is always happy to play game with any international players like Razali, Gambari, Ban Ki Moon and finally Mr. Webb as long as he is getting whatever he wants without giving up anything in turn. Remember, Than Shwe’s delay and defeat technique have always worked to keep on making the lives of fifty million people miserable.
Planning Committee
Date: August 19, 2009
Again, “human rights violations”, the only modern language left for the UN to fit the regime to be tied, unfortunately portrayed itself less than a boogeyman for the regime because of the veto powers like China and Russia. By the time while the EU has been measuring the actions against the ruthless regime by scaling up with their moral standard, US with its appeasement engagement policy toward China has undoubtedly washed its charge against the regime in Burma and left it pretty much in China’s hand in this regard obviously. As a result, the idea to charge the regime with its human rights violations is just another myth to be hopeful. The dream of international intervention by the Buddhist Monks sacrificing their lives in 2007 has gone down to the drain along with their bloods and tears in the end.
Also, according to the recent news, in a significant development, which came as a surprise, US Senator Jim Webb, visiting Burma as part of a whistle stop tour of five Asian countries, on Saturday met detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was given an 18-month suspended sentence last week, her party spokesperson said. Finally, the man was released and his mission was prevailed. Plus, he was allowed to meet Daw Suu who has remained in under house arrest still.
Ironically, his original “Mercy Mission” to free the man, who caused our leader to get into the jail and to remain in under house arrest at least, couldn’t be a proud one for Mr. Webb. Realistically, the major issue Mr. Webb might want to tackle is to apologize both Daw Suu and the regime for what Mr. Yattaw had caused dearly to Daw Suu’s freedom which is the lifeline for the people of Burma especially at this time of uncertainty. In addition, his “Mercy Mission” should as a matter of fact be the freedom of Daw Suu in the first place. Thus, the world including the citizens of the US would applaud it no doubt.
Perhaps, the mission, behind the scene, is to lay some foundations for his “constructive engagement” policy by joining with Thailand that has been exploiting Burma’s natural and human resources with the same policy for more than two decades. Well, then it is brilliant. However, in order to make it happen he must have enough guts to lower the US’s moral standard at the same level of China, India and the neighbors of Burma, who always want to exploit our country’s natural resources and human resources. Also, he must choose a path between “shame and corrupt” before he made up his mind. On his side, Than Shwe is always happy to play game with any international players like Razali, Gambari, Ban Ki Moon and finally Mr. Webb as long as he is getting whatever he wants without giving up anything in turn. Remember, Than Shwe’s delay and defeat technique have always worked to keep on making the lives of fifty million people miserable.
Planning Committee
Date: August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
ANTI-DICTATORSHIP PEOPLES’ FREEDOM MOVEMENT IN BURMA
Letter of Invitation
08-16-09
The battle of political defiance No.383-"Anti- Dictatorship, People's Freedom Movement" will continue. Prime Minister said, " I am both saddened and angry at the verdict today, 11 August , following the sham trial of Aung San Suu Kyi." Still he has never mention what he is going to do with his own power in this regard other than pointing finger at the UNSC especially at China and Russia. Also, according to the recent news, In a significant development, which came as a surprise, US Senator Jim Webb, visiting Burma as part of a whistle stop tour of five Asian countries, on Saturday met detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was given an 18-month suspended sentence last week, her party spokesperson said. We can’t expect too much from the news of Mr. Webb with his own idea to overturn the current sanction that definitely hurt the Generals more than the local people. We just hope and pray if it is not a part of the Obama’s policy changing action.
The major issue Mr. Webb needs to know is that if whatever he wants to do, the regime’s releases of Daw Suu and all political prisoners. Otherwise, he has a guts to lower the US’s moral standard at the same level of China, India and the neighbors of Burma, who always want to exploit our country’s natural resources and human resources. He must choose between “shame and corrupt” before he made up his mind. Than Shwe is always happy to play game with any international players like Razali, Gambari, Ban Ki Moon and finally Mr. Webb himself. Remember, with his delay and defeat technique he always win it.
In conclusion, we have nothing left for us to depend on but our own. Due to the prevailing circumstances, we the people of Burma must fight for the restoration of freedom and democracy in Burma in order to enjoy the real independence of Burma. The first and fundamental step for us to begin is to confront our own fear and to face the reality by all means possible. The duped regime is set to rule the country no matter what. The fallacy of regime's way to democracy, which will lead the people all the way down to hell, will not solve the country's problem as we see it. Even if the regime can manage to repeat Ne Win's rule, the economic down turn, social injustice, human rights violations will lead a social upheaval sooner or later.
Keep in mind, Daw Suu had repeatedly said that if you really want democracy, put your own effort. Don't wait for somebody else. You are the master of your soul. We are on our own to fight back the regime. We are the ones who can make up our own history by showing the world that we can achieve the international standard democracy at our own cost. Our courage, determination and unity will be tested in this battle.
Remember, our job as non-violent activists is to let the world know that the atrocities and social injustices are still going on in Burma, and that is why we keep on doing what we suppose to. Media cooperation and sympathy of our honest and noble struggles are greatly appreciated.
"LONG LIVES DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI." "DOWN WITH MURDEROUS DICTATORS IN BURMA"
Venue: SPDC Embassy
2300 S Street NW, Washington DC
Time: 11:30 am
Date: August 17, 2009 (Monday)
Contact: xxxxxxxxxxx
Campaign Planning Committee
Anti-Dictatorship, People's Freedom Movement in Burma
Washington DC, USA
08-16-09
The battle of political defiance No.383-"Anti- Dictatorship, People's Freedom Movement" will continue. Prime Minister said, " I am both saddened and angry at the verdict today, 11 August , following the sham trial of Aung San Suu Kyi." Still he has never mention what he is going to do with his own power in this regard other than pointing finger at the UNSC especially at China and Russia. Also, according to the recent news, In a significant development, which came as a surprise, US Senator Jim Webb, visiting Burma as part of a whistle stop tour of five Asian countries, on Saturday met detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was given an 18-month suspended sentence last week, her party spokesperson said. We can’t expect too much from the news of Mr. Webb with his own idea to overturn the current sanction that definitely hurt the Generals more than the local people. We just hope and pray if it is not a part of the Obama’s policy changing action.
The major issue Mr. Webb needs to know is that if whatever he wants to do, the regime’s releases of Daw Suu and all political prisoners. Otherwise, he has a guts to lower the US’s moral standard at the same level of China, India and the neighbors of Burma, who always want to exploit our country’s natural resources and human resources. He must choose between “shame and corrupt” before he made up his mind. Than Shwe is always happy to play game with any international players like Razali, Gambari, Ban Ki Moon and finally Mr. Webb himself. Remember, with his delay and defeat technique he always win it.
In conclusion, we have nothing left for us to depend on but our own. Due to the prevailing circumstances, we the people of Burma must fight for the restoration of freedom and democracy in Burma in order to enjoy the real independence of Burma. The first and fundamental step for us to begin is to confront our own fear and to face the reality by all means possible. The duped regime is set to rule the country no matter what. The fallacy of regime's way to democracy, which will lead the people all the way down to hell, will not solve the country's problem as we see it. Even if the regime can manage to repeat Ne Win's rule, the economic down turn, social injustice, human rights violations will lead a social upheaval sooner or later.
Keep in mind, Daw Suu had repeatedly said that if you really want democracy, put your own effort. Don't wait for somebody else. You are the master of your soul. We are on our own to fight back the regime. We are the ones who can make up our own history by showing the world that we can achieve the international standard democracy at our own cost. Our courage, determination and unity will be tested in this battle.
Remember, our job as non-violent activists is to let the world know that the atrocities and social injustices are still going on in Burma, and that is why we keep on doing what we suppose to. Media cooperation and sympathy of our honest and noble struggles are greatly appreciated.
"LONG LIVES DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI." "DOWN WITH MURDEROUS DICTATORS IN BURMA"
Venue: SPDC Embassy
2300 S Street NW, Washington DC
Time: 11:30 am
Date: August 17, 2009 (Monday)
Contact: xxxxxxxxxxx
Campaign Planning Committee
Anti-Dictatorship, People's Freedom Movement in Burma
Washington DC, USA
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Rally at the SF Federal Building
Come support global call for immediate freedom of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and urge US government to do more in pressuring the Burma's thuggish regime.
Monday, August 17, 12 noon to 1 pm
450 Golden Gate Avenue @ Larkin Street
San Francisco Federal Building / Speaker Pelosi Office
(Walking distance from Civic Center BART station)
Bring Daw Aung San Suu Kyi masks, posters, banners and signs.
More info: www.badasf.org
Thanks,
xxxxxxxx
Monday, August 17, 12 noon to 1 pm
450 Golden Gate Avenue @ Larkin Street
San Francisco Federal Building / Speaker Pelosi Office
(Walking distance from Civic Center BART station)
Bring Daw Aung San Suu Kyi masks, posters, banners and signs.
More info: www.badasf.org
Thanks,
xxxxxxxx
Saturday, August 15, 2009
US Senators Arrive To Burma for Talks with Burmese Leader
Please read detail story HERE
YANGON, Myanmar — Days after the world slammed Myanmar for sentencing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to more house arrest, U.S. Senator Jim Webb arrived in the military-ruled country's capital Friday.
The visit – the first in more than a decade by a senior U.S. official – has drawn criticism from activists who say it confers legitimacy on a brutal regime, but the Obama administration gave the Virginia Democrat its blessing.
Relations between Myanmar, also known as Burma, and the U.S. have been strained since its military crushed pro-democracy protests in 1988.
Washington is Myanmar's strongest critic, applying political and economic sanctions against the junta for its poor human rights record and failure to hand over power to a democratically elected government. And this week's sentencing of democracy leader Suu Kyi and an American citizen at the same trial threatened to drag ties even lower.
But President Barack Obama's new ambassador for East Asia, Kurt Campbell, recently said the administration is interested in easing its policy of isolation. Webb, who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, has suggested that "affirmative engagement" would bring the most change to Myanmar, concerning those who think a hard line is the best approach.
YANGON, Myanmar — Days after the world slammed Myanmar for sentencing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to more house arrest, U.S. Senator Jim Webb arrived in the military-ruled country's capital Friday.
The visit – the first in more than a decade by a senior U.S. official – has drawn criticism from activists who say it confers legitimacy on a brutal regime, but the Obama administration gave the Virginia Democrat its blessing.
Relations between Myanmar, also known as Burma, and the U.S. have been strained since its military crushed pro-democracy protests in 1988.
Washington is Myanmar's strongest critic, applying political and economic sanctions against the junta for its poor human rights record and failure to hand over power to a democratically elected government. And this week's sentencing of democracy leader Suu Kyi and an American citizen at the same trial threatened to drag ties even lower.
But President Barack Obama's new ambassador for East Asia, Kurt Campbell, recently said the administration is interested in easing its policy of isolation. Webb, who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, has suggested that "affirmative engagement" would bring the most change to Myanmar, concerning those who think a hard line is the best approach.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Burma/Myanmar dissidents offer junta reconciliation plan
Exiled Myanmar dissidents Thursday unveiled a proposal for a democratic transition and reconciliation in the military-ruled country, offering the junta an 'exit strategy'.
Members of Myanmar's self-proclaimed government in exile and democracy activists met in the Indonesian capital Jakarta Wednesday and Thursday to endorse of the compromise proposal.
Organisers said Wednesday the Indonesian police tried to stop the meeting following pressure from the embassy of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.
The Proposal for National Reconciliation Towards Democracy and Development in Burma called for the release of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the declaration of a nationwide ceasefire among groups involved in civil war.
Suu Kyi has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years and on Tuesday she received an additional 18 months of house detention for violating the terms of her house arrest after an uninvited US citizen swam to her lakeside home in May.
The proposal also called for a dialogue to discuss revisions to a newly drafted constitution, which the activists said contained provisions against democratic principles, and measures to transform military administration into civilian rule.
Bo Hla Tint, the foreign minister for the government in-exile, said the proposal could be seen as an 'exit strategy' plan for the military regime.
'It's a practical solution for Burma. A constitutional dialogue will discuss how the military can be part of the democratic process peacefully,' he said.
He called on the international community to pressure the military regime to accept the proposal.
Myanmar's government-in- exile was set up in 1990 by Sein Win and other members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after the military junta refused to recognize the party's election victory that year.
Bo Hla Tint said the exiled government would consider taking part in an election, scheduled by the junta for next year, if Suu Kyi and some other 2,000 political prisoners were released.
Khin Ohmar, member of the Forum for Democracy in Burma, said the Myanmar situation had taken the Association of the South-East Asian Nations, of which Myanmar is a member, hostage.
'It's time for action. As long as the people of Burma are still suffering, the region will not move forward,' she said.
Members of Myanmar's self-proclaimed government in exile and democracy activists met in the Indonesian capital Jakarta Wednesday and Thursday to endorse of the compromise proposal.
Organisers said Wednesday the Indonesian police tried to stop the meeting following pressure from the embassy of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.
The Proposal for National Reconciliation Towards Democracy and Development in Burma called for the release of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the declaration of a nationwide ceasefire among groups involved in civil war.
Suu Kyi has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years and on Tuesday she received an additional 18 months of house detention for violating the terms of her house arrest after an uninvited US citizen swam to her lakeside home in May.
The proposal also called for a dialogue to discuss revisions to a newly drafted constitution, which the activists said contained provisions against democratic principles, and measures to transform military administration into civilian rule.
Bo Hla Tint, the foreign minister for the government in-exile, said the proposal could be seen as an 'exit strategy' plan for the military regime.
'It's a practical solution for Burma. A constitutional dialogue will discuss how the military can be part of the democratic process peacefully,' he said.
He called on the international community to pressure the military regime to accept the proposal.
Myanmar's government-in- exile was set up in 1990 by Sein Win and other members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after the military junta refused to recognize the party's election victory that year.
Bo Hla Tint said the exiled government would consider taking part in an election, scheduled by the junta for next year, if Suu Kyi and some other 2,000 political prisoners were released.
Khin Ohmar, member of the Forum for Democracy in Burma, said the Myanmar situation had taken the Association of the South-East Asian Nations, of which Myanmar is a member, hostage.
'It's time for action. As long as the people of Burma are still suffering, the region will not move forward,' she said.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Protest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Arress at Hollywood, CA
http://laorganizers4burma.blogspot.com/2009/08/protest-for-daw-suus-arrest-hollywood.html
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Honour Aung San Suu Kyi
Dear friends,
Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced today, but it's the Burmese generals who jailed her who have committed the real crimes. Join the call for justice for the Burmese people by signing the petition to put the generals on trial.
Today, the ailing Nobel laureate and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to another year and a half in detention by a Burmese kangaroo court.
Suu Kyi's treatment is just the tip of the iceberg of the brutality of the Burmese regime -- spanning 40 years of murder, torture, mass rape, and slave labour.
It's time for the world to put the Burmese generals on trial. Avaaz is launching a call for the UN Security Council to investigate the regime for crimes against humanity -- a judgment of guilt could lead to prosecution of top generals by the International Criminal Court. Click below to join the call and see a mock up of a banner that we plan to drop in front of the UN calling for action:
http://www.avaaz. org/en/jail_ the_generals/ ?cl=295004389&v=3770
Over the next two months the UK and the US hold the powerful Presidency of the United Nations Security Council - both President Obama and Prime Minister Brown have spoken passionately about Burma , so now is our best chance in years to get the Security Council to act.
But the US , UK and other Council members are still dragging their feet -- concerned about challenging China , a key sponsor of the Burmese regime. If a global outcry demands it, they will try harder to get China to agree, as happened when the Council decided to allow prosecution of another China-sponsored regime in the case of Darfur , Sudan .
Calls for investigation and prosecution of the Burmese Generals have been growing. The pressure is building on Obama and Brown as already dozens of US and British legislators have called for an inquiry. And a recent Harvard University report by top global jurists reveals that the UN has already quietly documented the forced recruitment of tens of thousands of child soldiers, more than one million refugees and internally displaced persons, numerous cases of killings and torture, mass rape and the forced displacement of 3,000 ethnic minority villages -- as many as reported in Darfur. Let's join them in this call to hold the regime to account:
http://www.avaaz. org/en/jail_ the_generals
The Avaaz community has stood with and supported the Burmese people through cyclone Nargis, through the massive repression of democracy activists in 2007, and this year over 400,000 of us have called for the release of political prisoners. Today, if enough of us act together, we have a chance to call upon the highest body under international law to finally end the tyranny. Sign the petition and send this on to friends and family to send a clear message to the UN Security Council that the world expects them to lead:
With hope,
Alice, Ricken, Brett, Graziela, Paula, Paul, Pascal and the whole Avaaz team.
Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced today, but it's the Burmese generals who jailed her who have committed the real crimes. Join the call for justice for the Burmese people by signing the petition to put the generals on trial.
Today, the ailing Nobel laureate and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to another year and a half in detention by a Burmese kangaroo court.
Suu Kyi's treatment is just the tip of the iceberg of the brutality of the Burmese regime -- spanning 40 years of murder, torture, mass rape, and slave labour.
It's time for the world to put the Burmese generals on trial. Avaaz is launching a call for the UN Security Council to investigate the regime for crimes against humanity -- a judgment of guilt could lead to prosecution of top generals by the International Criminal Court. Click below to join the call and see a mock up of a banner that we plan to drop in front of the UN calling for action:
http://www.avaaz. org/en/jail_ the_generals/ ?cl=295004389&v=3770
Over the next two months the UK and the US hold the powerful Presidency of the United Nations Security Council - both President Obama and Prime Minister Brown have spoken passionately about Burma , so now is our best chance in years to get the Security Council to act.
But the US , UK and other Council members are still dragging their feet -- concerned about challenging China , a key sponsor of the Burmese regime. If a global outcry demands it, they will try harder to get China to agree, as happened when the Council decided to allow prosecution of another China-sponsored regime in the case of Darfur , Sudan .
Calls for investigation and prosecution of the Burmese Generals have been growing. The pressure is building on Obama and Brown as already dozens of US and British legislators have called for an inquiry. And a recent Harvard University report by top global jurists reveals that the UN has already quietly documented the forced recruitment of tens of thousands of child soldiers, more than one million refugees and internally displaced persons, numerous cases of killings and torture, mass rape and the forced displacement of 3,000 ethnic minority villages -- as many as reported in Darfur. Let's join them in this call to hold the regime to account:
http://www.avaaz. org/en/jail_ the_generals
The Avaaz community has stood with and supported the Burmese people through cyclone Nargis, through the massive repression of democracy activists in 2007, and this year over 400,000 of us have called for the release of political prisoners. Today, if enough of us act together, we have a chance to call upon the highest body under international law to finally end the tyranny. Sign the petition and send this on to friends and family to send a clear message to the UN Security Council that the world expects them to lead:
With hope,
Alice, Ricken, Brett, Graziela, Paula, Paul, Pascal and the whole Avaaz team.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Protest at Kodak Theater, Hollywood, LA
Dear Friends,
It's time to gather again to protest against the verdict that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, our leader, has been sentenced to another 18 months under house arrest after being found guilty of violating an internal security law which is ridiculous.
Day: Today (Aug 11, 2009)
Time: 5 - 6 PM
Where: Kodak Theater, Hollywood
Los Angeles
►Bring posters, banners, flags, etc. but not mega-phone.
For Unity
L.A.Organizers for Burma
Monday, August 10, 2009
Please Join the Demonstration ahead thuggish regime's scheduled verdict on Daw Augn San Suu Kyi
Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Vigil and Demonstration
Please Join the Demonstration ahead thuggish regime's scheduled verdict on Daw Augn San Suu Kyi.
Monday, August 10, 2009
From 6 pm to 8 pm
United Nation Plaza, San Francisco
(Near Civic Center Plaza; on Market Street, between 7th and 8th)
Bring posters, banners, sings and mask in support of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
and the people of Burma.
Organized by SF Bay Area 8888 Action Committee.
Thanks,
xxxxxxxxx
Please Join the Demonstration ahead thuggish regime's scheduled verdict on Daw Augn San Suu Kyi.
Monday, August 10, 2009
From 6 pm to 8 pm
United Nation Plaza, San Francisco
(Near Civic Center Plaza; on Market Street, between 7th and 8th)
Bring posters, banners, sings and mask in support of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
and the people of Burma.
Organized by SF Bay Area 8888 Action Committee.
Thanks,
xxxxxxxxx
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Burma/Myanmar may have to leave ASEAN if it has nuclear plant
http://taunggyitime.blogspot.com/2009/08/myanmar-may-have-to-leave-asean-if-it.html
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug 8 (TNA) -- Myanmar may be forced to abandon its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) membership if it is found to have a nuclear reactor in the country, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said on Saturday.
So far there is no clear evidence that the Southeast Asian country, Thailand’s neighbour to the west, has such a facility but if it does, it will be forced to leave the organisation because operating a nuclear plant violates a regional pact which states that ASEAN will be a nuclear free zone, said Mr Surin.
Mr Surin was responding to Western media reports which said recently that impoverished Myanmar was building a secret nuclear reactor and plutonium facilities with the help of North Korea and aims to have a nuclear bomb in five years.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the ASEAN meeting in Thailand’s Phuket last month also warned about possible nuclear links between the two countries. She said the communist-state could be sharing atomic technology with military-ruled Myanmar which could pose a major threat to the region.
“ASEAN (government) leaders will have to jointly consider on the issue. If (Myanmar) is found guilty then it will be forced to leave ASEAN,” said Mr. Surin, adding that so far there is no sign that the country has built such facilities.
Myanmar along with Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are ASEAN members.
Touching on the court delay in issuing a verdict against Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and two housekeepers following
the May 3 incident in which American John William Yettaw allegedly swam across a lake to her home and stayed there for two days, Mr Surin said he believed the postponement probably so the verdict to be issued would not impact the feelings of the international community.
The verdict must be transparent before general elections, otherwise Myanmar authorities would not have reason to back their claims to the international community, and it would also put pressure on ASEAN, he said.
If convicted, Mrs Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has been under house arrest since 1989 could face up to five years in prison, which would prevent her from participating the general elections that the junta has scheduled for 2010.
Myanmar court has postponed the verdict until Tuesday. (TNA)
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug 8 (TNA) -- Myanmar may be forced to abandon its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) membership if it is found to have a nuclear reactor in the country, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said on Saturday.
So far there is no clear evidence that the Southeast Asian country, Thailand’s neighbour to the west, has such a facility but if it does, it will be forced to leave the organisation because operating a nuclear plant violates a regional pact which states that ASEAN will be a nuclear free zone, said Mr Surin.
Mr Surin was responding to Western media reports which said recently that impoverished Myanmar was building a secret nuclear reactor and plutonium facilities with the help of North Korea and aims to have a nuclear bomb in five years.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the ASEAN meeting in Thailand’s Phuket last month also warned about possible nuclear links between the two countries. She said the communist-state could be sharing atomic technology with military-ruled Myanmar which could pose a major threat to the region.
“ASEAN (government) leaders will have to jointly consider on the issue. If (Myanmar) is found guilty then it will be forced to leave ASEAN,” said Mr. Surin, adding that so far there is no sign that the country has built such facilities.
Myanmar along with Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are ASEAN members.
Touching on the court delay in issuing a verdict against Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and two housekeepers following
the May 3 incident in which American John William Yettaw allegedly swam across a lake to her home and stayed there for two days, Mr Surin said he believed the postponement probably so the verdict to be issued would not impact the feelings of the international community.
The verdict must be transparent before general elections, otherwise Myanmar authorities would not have reason to back their claims to the international community, and it would also put pressure on ASEAN, he said.
If convicted, Mrs Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has been under house arrest since 1989 could face up to five years in prison, which would prevent her from participating the general elections that the junta has scheduled for 2010.
Myanmar court has postponed the verdict until Tuesday. (TNA)
Saturday, August 8, 2009
STATEMENT ON 21st ANNIVERSARY OF 8888 DAY IN BURMA
ADPFMBURMA.COM
STATEMENT ON 21st ANNIVERSARY OF 8888 DAY IN BURMA
On this day in 1988, the military run one party rule so called the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) rule went down to the history when it faced the nationwide uprising led by the students calling for freedom and democracy. The scores of tens of thousands of innocent lives were sacrificed when the military cracked down severely on the shows of civil disobedience before formally staging a coup on September 18, 1988, finally.
Furthermore, the brutal nature of military rule was bared by arrests, raids on camps and random shootings into peaceful demonstrators until and well beyond the seizure of power. Regardless of the atrocities and intimidations unleashed our endeavors for Burma’s freedom and democracy have never dimmed nor faded. As a result, a dare generation named 8888 generation was born ever since then. We 8888 Generation Students are still carrying our “fighting peacock flag” high and flying as symbol and leading banner for the freedom of people of Burma until today.
Consequently, confronting the most outrageous and ruthless military machine, many of our leading students were arbitrarily arrested, tortured, imprisoned and killed even in cold blood by the brutal regime; 8888 Generation Students leaders like Min Ko Naing and others are still in prison today.
However, like William Ernest Henley said, “In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under bludgeoning of chance my head is bloody but unbowed”, we will continue with our fight while honoring their sacrifices no matter what.
Nonviolent movement requires relentless participation of people in order to achieve victory no doubt. Though, the regime’s curse of “fear” still reigned and remained amongst the people.
Shamelessly also, the regime is still ignoring the will of the people – to honor the results of 1990 elections – and instead it is on a course to legitimize its otherwise illegal rule via its seven step road map leading to no where other than dynastic military rule in Burma until eternity.
The ruling military regime brutally crushed the well known “Saffron Revolution”, led by the Buddhist Monks, who were honored as one of the most peaceful persons on earth, in September 2007, killing hundreds of people including much revered members of the Buddhist Clergy. Many are still unlawfully disrobed and sent to hard the hard labor camps until today.
Turning a blind eye to the cries of millions of victims for help devastated by Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, the military regime forced the people to endorse its self-serving constitution and rigged the referendum claiming 94% victory.
With regard to current Daw Suu’s trial by the regime’s “Kangaroo Court”, some theory predicted that the regime would announce the formation of the “interim government” immediately after the kangaroo court’s guilty verdict to Daw Suu last week. It would be an amazing hoodwink by the regime to divert the international outrage and concern in this regard. But, it didn’t happen somehow and the trial date was moved to the next week. Though, we still believe in it. In a reverse way, probably, the regime might announce the “interim government” with its puppets ahead, and dump Daw Suu’s case into their hands so that it can do a whitewash in this regard. Anyway, the stubborn regime has enough guts to contain Daw Suu until after the 2010 election regardless. That is for sure.
The arbitrary detention of Daw Suu and the public outcries for that have nothing to do with our fight for the freedom of our nation as far as we know the nature of our nation’s crisis. Since, Daw Suu has led us, by way of non-violence, to fight for our freedom by sacrificing her life; she already knew that she would face the intimidations, torture, detention and extra-judicial execution or even persecution by the regime at some point. That undoubtedly is not an issue. The issue here is whether it is a logical solution for us to fight for the freedom of someone, who is fighting for the freedom of ours. Our idea is that instead of fighting for the freedom of our leaders, who have sacrificed so much, don’t we think that this is the time for us to follow their footsteps by abandoning our “fear”? Remember, non-violent movements and its leadership requires the unanimous mass participation not just support alone.
“Do something make sense for our leader before it’s too late?”
“Don’t attempt to cry over the split milk.”
UN and UNSC both failed to intervene in such ongoing lawlessness in Burma due to the complicated red-tape and prejudices that gave China the mandate – veto power - to shut down the world’s efforts to resolve our nation’s crisis.
Oft and repeatedly we have shouted out loud and clear that no nation, organization or even UN alone could solve our problems other than ourselves. Remember a system could not be beaten by just looking at it as an outsider. .
The major problem with our efforts to restore freedom and democracy in Burma is the fact the people are looking at their crises as outsiders only. Also, offering expressions of pity and sympathy on Daw Suu and 8888 Generation Students for their efforts and sacrifice only will not bring the required “changes” in Burma. Only following in the footsteps of leaders who have sacrificed so much for the people would get the job done. Gandhi is heralded as a great leader because people not only listened to what he said but also followed his leadership as well. Another way to put it the people of India did what they were told to do. It required only dare without scare for them to step up to the plate when they were called upon. Hence, we definitely need one daring generation to lead the people.
In this view and on this historical day we specifically call on the people of Burma to step up and rise to the occasion at hand. The military rule today is akin to a contagious epidemic like cholera and others that require concerted nationwide effort to control and eradicate. There is no magic bullet for cure.
Many more heroes need to be sacrificed and more to no avail also, in case people are still undecided and living in fear. Only the courage of the people to face the atrocities and social injustices squarely at hand is needed to follow in the footsteps of our leading 8888 Generation Students and other leaders and that will make the difference in our efforts.
Moreover, we call on the military personnel who value duty, honor and country to take this opportune moment to rise up to the occasion and play their part well in changing the system to a democratic and representative rule in place of the present military one abhorred by not only the people of Burma but also the world today.
We quote former US President Bill Clinton’s “FREEDOM IS NOT FOR FREE. BUT, IT HAS A CERTAIN PRICE TO PAY” to remind our people.
Now it is the time for us and the people of Burma, to fight and take advantage of the prevailing political situation, certainly in our favor today, and bring down military rule in our country once and for all.
Campaign Planning Committee
Anti-Dictatorship, People’s Freedom Movement in Burma
Washington DC, USA
August 8, 200
STATEMENT ON 21st ANNIVERSARY OF 8888 DAY IN BURMA
On this day in 1988, the military run one party rule so called the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) rule went down to the history when it faced the nationwide uprising led by the students calling for freedom and democracy. The scores of tens of thousands of innocent lives were sacrificed when the military cracked down severely on the shows of civil disobedience before formally staging a coup on September 18, 1988, finally.
Furthermore, the brutal nature of military rule was bared by arrests, raids on camps and random shootings into peaceful demonstrators until and well beyond the seizure of power. Regardless of the atrocities and intimidations unleashed our endeavors for Burma’s freedom and democracy have never dimmed nor faded. As a result, a dare generation named 8888 generation was born ever since then. We 8888 Generation Students are still carrying our “fighting peacock flag” high and flying as symbol and leading banner for the freedom of people of Burma until today.
Consequently, confronting the most outrageous and ruthless military machine, many of our leading students were arbitrarily arrested, tortured, imprisoned and killed even in cold blood by the brutal regime; 8888 Generation Students leaders like Min Ko Naing and others are still in prison today.
However, like William Ernest Henley said, “In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under bludgeoning of chance my head is bloody but unbowed”, we will continue with our fight while honoring their sacrifices no matter what.
Nonviolent movement requires relentless participation of people in order to achieve victory no doubt. Though, the regime’s curse of “fear” still reigned and remained amongst the people.
Shamelessly also, the regime is still ignoring the will of the people – to honor the results of 1990 elections – and instead it is on a course to legitimize its otherwise illegal rule via its seven step road map leading to no where other than dynastic military rule in Burma until eternity.
The ruling military regime brutally crushed the well known “Saffron Revolution”, led by the Buddhist Monks, who were honored as one of the most peaceful persons on earth, in September 2007, killing hundreds of people including much revered members of the Buddhist Clergy. Many are still unlawfully disrobed and sent to hard the hard labor camps until today.
Turning a blind eye to the cries of millions of victims for help devastated by Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, the military regime forced the people to endorse its self-serving constitution and rigged the referendum claiming 94% victory.
With regard to current Daw Suu’s trial by the regime’s “Kangaroo Court”, some theory predicted that the regime would announce the formation of the “interim government” immediately after the kangaroo court’s guilty verdict to Daw Suu last week. It would be an amazing hoodwink by the regime to divert the international outrage and concern in this regard. But, it didn’t happen somehow and the trial date was moved to the next week. Though, we still believe in it. In a reverse way, probably, the regime might announce the “interim government” with its puppets ahead, and dump Daw Suu’s case into their hands so that it can do a whitewash in this regard. Anyway, the stubborn regime has enough guts to contain Daw Suu until after the 2010 election regardless. That is for sure.
The arbitrary detention of Daw Suu and the public outcries for that have nothing to do with our fight for the freedom of our nation as far as we know the nature of our nation’s crisis. Since, Daw Suu has led us, by way of non-violence, to fight for our freedom by sacrificing her life; she already knew that she would face the intimidations, torture, detention and extra-judicial execution or even persecution by the regime at some point. That undoubtedly is not an issue. The issue here is whether it is a logical solution for us to fight for the freedom of someone, who is fighting for the freedom of ours. Our idea is that instead of fighting for the freedom of our leaders, who have sacrificed so much, don’t we think that this is the time for us to follow their footsteps by abandoning our “fear”? Remember, non-violent movements and its leadership requires the unanimous mass participation not just support alone.
“Do something make sense for our leader before it’s too late?”
“Don’t attempt to cry over the split milk.”
UN and UNSC both failed to intervene in such ongoing lawlessness in Burma due to the complicated red-tape and prejudices that gave China the mandate – veto power - to shut down the world’s efforts to resolve our nation’s crisis.
Oft and repeatedly we have shouted out loud and clear that no nation, organization or even UN alone could solve our problems other than ourselves. Remember a system could not be beaten by just looking at it as an outsider. .
The major problem with our efforts to restore freedom and democracy in Burma is the fact the people are looking at their crises as outsiders only. Also, offering expressions of pity and sympathy on Daw Suu and 8888 Generation Students for their efforts and sacrifice only will not bring the required “changes” in Burma. Only following in the footsteps of leaders who have sacrificed so much for the people would get the job done. Gandhi is heralded as a great leader because people not only listened to what he said but also followed his leadership as well. Another way to put it the people of India did what they were told to do. It required only dare without scare for them to step up to the plate when they were called upon. Hence, we definitely need one daring generation to lead the people.
In this view and on this historical day we specifically call on the people of Burma to step up and rise to the occasion at hand. The military rule today is akin to a contagious epidemic like cholera and others that require concerted nationwide effort to control and eradicate. There is no magic bullet for cure.
Many more heroes need to be sacrificed and more to no avail also, in case people are still undecided and living in fear. Only the courage of the people to face the atrocities and social injustices squarely at hand is needed to follow in the footsteps of our leading 8888 Generation Students and other leaders and that will make the difference in our efforts.
Moreover, we call on the military personnel who value duty, honor and country to take this opportune moment to rise up to the occasion and play their part well in changing the system to a democratic and representative rule in place of the present military one abhorred by not only the people of Burma but also the world today.
We quote former US President Bill Clinton’s “FREEDOM IS NOT FOR FREE. BUT, IT HAS A CERTAIN PRICE TO PAY” to remind our people.
Now it is the time for us and the people of Burma, to fight and take advantage of the prevailing political situation, certainly in our favor today, and bring down military rule in our country once and for all.
Campaign Planning Committee
Anti-Dictatorship, People’s Freedom Movement in Burma
Washington DC, USA
August 8, 200
Friday, August 7, 2009
ANTI-DICTATORSHIP, PEOPLES’ FREEDOM MOVEMENT IN BURMA
Letter of Invitation
we are going to mark the 21st anniversary of 8888 day. First, we will hold a memorial service at Mingalar Yarma Monastery in Maryland at 6:00am . Then, we will go to the regime’s embassy in Washington DC and call on the releases of all the political prisoners now. We will also read following statement loud and clear.
Remember, our job as non-violent activists is to let the world know that the atrocities and social injustices are still going on in Burma , and that is why we keep on doing what we suppose to. Media cooperation and sympathy of our honest and noble struggles are greatly appreciated.
"LONG LIVES DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI." "DOWN WITH MURDEROUS DICTATORS IN BURMA "
Venue: SPDC Embassy
2300 S Street NW, Washington DC
Time: 11:30 am
Date: August 8, 2009 (Sunday)
Contact: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Campaign Planning Committee
Anti-Dictatorship, People's Freedom Movement in Burma
Washington DC , USA
we are going to mark the 21st anniversary of 8888 day. First, we will hold a memorial service at Mingalar Yarma Monastery in Maryland at 6:00am . Then, we will go to the regime’s embassy in Washington DC and call on the releases of all the political prisoners now. We will also read following statement loud and clear.
Remember, our job as non-violent activists is to let the world know that the atrocities and social injustices are still going on in Burma , and that is why we keep on doing what we suppose to. Media cooperation and sympathy of our honest and noble struggles are greatly appreciated.
"LONG LIVES DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI." "DOWN WITH MURDEROUS DICTATORS IN BURMA "
Venue: SPDC Embassy
2300 S Street NW, Washington DC
Time: 11:30 am
Date: August 8, 2009 (Sunday)
Contact: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Campaign Planning Committee
Anti-Dictatorship, People's Freedom Movement in Burma
Washington DC , USA
8888/Burma Day flag raising & event program highlights
Please read this posting online: http://www.badasf. org/2009/ SF_BurmaDay_ 8888_2009. htm
Dear All,
Please join August 8 City of Berkeley flag raising and 8888 commemorative events in Oakland coming Saturday.
Here are some notes and highlights of the program, and please spread the word to others.
1. The flag will be raised at 8:08 AM during a ceremony from 8:00 to 9:00 AM in Civic Center Park opposite the Maudelle Shirek Old City Hall at 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
2. Both Burma pre-974 flag and Student/Fighting Peacock flags will be raised with National Anthem and 8888 songs.
3. Just like last year, Burmese Children dressed in green and white uniforms will be holding the flags at the ceremony.
4. Burmese community leaders and supporters will attend, as well as Aide to Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and City officials, including Council Members and more.
5. Just like last year, you are encouraged to wear the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi mask at the flag raising: Here is the link to U2 mask page (Make some and bring if you can): http://media. u2.com/ASSK/ ASSK_mask. pdf. This year will be more special as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is facing a verdict next week. So, join us, wear the mask and join a global call to support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
6. Burmese Children will be reciting patriotic/8888 poems (and more) at the 8888 Commemorative event in Oakland So, come, join and support. Lunch will be served to all attends.
7. Here is our collective statement on the occasion in Burmese and in English
8. Also sign online petition here and any other efforts that you can help:
From USCB: Most importantly, we want the world to take concrete action. If you haven't yet, please sign our new petition to the United States and United Kingdom's ambassadors to the United Nations.
Thanks,
xxxxxx
Dear All,
Please join August 8 City of Berkeley flag raising and 8888 commemorative events in Oakland coming Saturday.
Here are some notes and highlights of the program, and please spread the word to others.
1. The flag will be raised at 8:08 AM during a ceremony from 8:00 to 9:00 AM in Civic Center Park opposite the Maudelle Shirek Old City Hall at 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
2. Both Burma pre-974 flag and Student/Fighting Peacock flags will be raised with National Anthem and 8888 songs.
3. Just like last year, Burmese Children dressed in green and white uniforms will be holding the flags at the ceremony.
4. Burmese community leaders and supporters will attend, as well as Aide to Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and City officials, including Council Members and more.
5. Just like last year, you are encouraged to wear the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi mask at the flag raising: Here is the link to U2 mask page (Make some and bring if you can): http://media. u2.com/ASSK/ ASSK_mask. pdf. This year will be more special as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is facing a verdict next week. So, join us, wear the mask and join a global call to support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
6. Burmese Children will be reciting patriotic/8888 poems (and more) at the 8888 Commemorative event in Oakland So, come, join and support. Lunch will be served to all attends.
7. Here is our collective statement on the occasion in Burmese and in English
8. Also sign online petition here and any other efforts that you can help:
From USCB: Most importantly, we want the world to take concrete action. If you haven't yet, please sign our new petition to the United States and United Kingdom's ambassadors to the United Nations.
Thanks,
xxxxxx
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Countdown: Verdict for Aung San Suu Kyi in Five Days
--------------------
Dear Friends,
Next Tuesday, August 11th, Burma's military dictator Than Shwe will decide the fate of Aung San Suu Kyi. It is likely that the decision will take place late Monday night according to United States time.
While we don't know exactly what will happen, one thing is certain: the regime wants to keep Aung San Suu Kyi out of Burma's political future.
We wanted to share with you this press release we sent out yesterday -- we hope that Suu Kyi's verdict garners a great deal of media attention (see below).
Most importantly, we want the world to take concrete action. If you haven't yet, please sign our new petition to the United States and United Kingdom's ambassadors to the United Nations. If you have already, take some time to ask your friends to sign the petition.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Woodrum
================
PRESS RELEASE:
August 5th, 2008
Verdict Due: World's Only Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize Recipient to be Sentenced In Six Days
Desmond Tutu Calls for UN Security Council to Take Action
Contact: Jeremy Woodrum (202) 246-7924
(Washington, DC) On Tuesday, August 11th, Burma's military regime will issue a verdict against the leader of the Southeast Asian country's democracy movement, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi.
If the military regime continues to keep her locked behind bars, it is likely that focus will shift to the United Nations Security Council, where Burma remains on the permanent agenda.
Human rights groups throughout the world are pressing for the Council to adopt a global arms embargo on the military regime, as well as an official investigation into crimes against humanity committed under miltary rule.
"Many world leaders have called for change in Burma, but now it is time to go beyond words and take concrete action at the UN Security Council," said Aung Din, Executive Director of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. "The world has many options, and with the United Kingdom and United States serving as President of the Security Council in August and September, there is an unparalleled opportunity for action."
South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize recipient Desmond Tutu called for specific measures by the UN Security Council in a recent opinion piece in the United Kingdom's Guardian newspaper, writing that
"Burma's generals are criminals, and must be treated as such. Than Shwe should be held accountable for abominable atrocities: his soldiers rape ethnic women and children, they torture, mutilate and murder at will. In eastern Burma, more than 3,300 ethnic villages have been destroyed, more than in Darfur. Civilians are deliberately targeted and shot on sight. The UN must establish a commission of inquiry, with a view to compiling evidence for prosecution. Failure to do so amounts to complicity with these crimes."
Suu Kyi was put on trial after an American man, John Yettaw, swam across the lake behind her home and broke in her house, where she was being held under house arrest for the past 6 years. Yettaw said he had a "vision" that Suu Kyi would be assassinated and wanted to warn her. Even though she asked Yettaw to leave, the Burmese regime has ridiculously blamed Suu Kyi for the man breaking into her home, and charged her with breaking the terms of her house arrest.
Suu Kyi narrowly survived an assassination attempt by the military regime in May 2003, when dozens of her party members were beaten to death by regime thugs.
Under the Burmese military regime's interpretation of its own laws, Suu Kyi's house arrest was coming to an end this year, and while most international observers believe the regime was not going to release her anyway, the break-in by Yettaw provided the regime the pretext it sought to keep her locked up.
Suu Kyi's ongoing house arrest had already been ruled illegal under both Burmese and international law by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called the trial "outrageous".
Burma's military regime has just completed a new constitution that guarantees military rule for decades to come, but also allows an extremely circumscribed election to be held in 2010. It is believed that even though the military will maintain complete control after the election, the regime wants to stop Suu Kyi from supporting any candidates. The constitution was written to bar her from running for office, with a clause preventing anyone who has children living abroad from participation (Suu Kyi's children live overseas).
Suu Kyi was originally due to be sentenced on Friday, July 31st but the military regime moved the date, it is believed, in part to diminish international media coverage of the sentence. At the same time, the military regime often chooses dates which are considered to be "lucky" for the head of the regime, Than Shwe, which includes the number 11. Thus, the date August 11th is relevant. In a recent example of the use of numbers, the regime sentenced leading dissident Min Ko Naing on November 11th, 2007 with a sentence of 65 years (6 + 5 = 11). The military regime also used the number 11 in its choice of dates to move its capitol city from Rangoon to Naypitaw in 2005, with the Washington Times reporting the move commenced on "November 11th, 2005, at 11 a.m. in 1,100 trucks carrying 11 government ministries".
"While the military regime may use numerology to choose dates for major decisions, there is no evidence to suggest that the underlying decisions themselves are influenced by numerology or superstition," said Aung Din. "Than Shwe's military regime has acted with cold, calculated brutality in attempting to crush Burma's democracy movement," which is comprised of students, Buddhist monks, and members of Suu Kyi's political party the National League for Democracy, added Aung Din.
Aung San Suu Kyi has spent nearly 14 of the past 20 years under house arrest and in prison. Most Burmese people see her in a similar vein as South African's view Nelson Mandela, as the rightful leader and moral compass of the nation. Yet, she is not just an admired human rights leader, she is the rightful leader of Burma. In 1990, she led a political party, the National League for Democracy, to win 82% of the seats in parliament during Burma's first election in decades. Military affiliated parties won only 10 seats in parliament, a stunning rebuke to military rule.
Suu Kyi was incarcerated before the election, but her party still coasted to a landslide victory. The Burmese regime refused to recognize the election results, locking up members of parliament and imprisoning (currently) over 2,100 political prisoners.
Suu Kyi counts among her supporters numerous Nobel Peace Prize recipients, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Hollywood actors Anjelica Huston, Jim Carrey, Eric Szmanda, Walter Koenig, and Maggie Q, musicians Ani DiFranco, Damien Rice, R.E.M., and U2, and over 100 former presidents and prime ministers throughout the world.
Her writing has invigorated a vibrant international movement calling for change in Burma, and sustained an active democracy movement inside Burma, despite overwhelming government pressure.
In July, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon traveled to Burma to seek the release of Suu Kyi, but in a major snub Than Shwe refused to allow him to meet the Nobel laureate.
There is ample evidence for action on Burma at the Security Council. A recent report by Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Law Clinic found that the United Nations is sitting on evidence showing that the military regime has carried out serious crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma, including the destruction of as many villages as in the Darfur region of Sudan.
At the same time, the regime has recruited tens of thousands of child soldiers, forced 1.5 million people to flee their homes as refugees and internally displaced, and carried out a widespread campaign of rape against ethnic minority women under a system of impunity. 55 members of the U.S. Congress, led by Congressmen Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Don Manzullo (R-IL) recently sent a letter to President Obama urging him to pursue an official investigation into Burma by the UN Security Council -- the first step toward the creation of an international criminal tribunal or a referral to the International Criminal Court that would try military leaders for crimes against humanity. U.K. Ambassador John Sawers serves as President of the UN Security Council in August. U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice holds the same position in September. ##
Dear Friends,
Next Tuesday, August 11th, Burma's military dictator Than Shwe will decide the fate of Aung San Suu Kyi. It is likely that the decision will take place late Monday night according to United States time.
While we don't know exactly what will happen, one thing is certain: the regime wants to keep Aung San Suu Kyi out of Burma's political future.
We wanted to share with you this press release we sent out yesterday -- we hope that Suu Kyi's verdict garners a great deal of media attention (see below).
Most importantly, we want the world to take concrete action. If you haven't yet, please sign our new petition to the United States and United Kingdom's ambassadors to the United Nations. If you have already, take some time to ask your friends to sign the petition.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Woodrum
================
PRESS RELEASE:
August 5th, 2008
Verdict Due: World's Only Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize Recipient to be Sentenced In Six Days
Desmond Tutu Calls for UN Security Council to Take Action
Contact: Jeremy Woodrum (202) 246-7924
(Washington, DC) On Tuesday, August 11th, Burma's military regime will issue a verdict against the leader of the Southeast Asian country's democracy movement, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi.
If the military regime continues to keep her locked behind bars, it is likely that focus will shift to the United Nations Security Council, where Burma remains on the permanent agenda.
Human rights groups throughout the world are pressing for the Council to adopt a global arms embargo on the military regime, as well as an official investigation into crimes against humanity committed under miltary rule.
"Many world leaders have called for change in Burma, but now it is time to go beyond words and take concrete action at the UN Security Council," said Aung Din, Executive Director of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. "The world has many options, and with the United Kingdom and United States serving as President of the Security Council in August and September, there is an unparalleled opportunity for action."
South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize recipient Desmond Tutu called for specific measures by the UN Security Council in a recent opinion piece in the United Kingdom's Guardian newspaper, writing that
"Burma's generals are criminals, and must be treated as such. Than Shwe should be held accountable for abominable atrocities: his soldiers rape ethnic women and children, they torture, mutilate and murder at will. In eastern Burma, more than 3,300 ethnic villages have been destroyed, more than in Darfur. Civilians are deliberately targeted and shot on sight. The UN must establish a commission of inquiry, with a view to compiling evidence for prosecution. Failure to do so amounts to complicity with these crimes."
Suu Kyi was put on trial after an American man, John Yettaw, swam across the lake behind her home and broke in her house, where she was being held under house arrest for the past 6 years. Yettaw said he had a "vision" that Suu Kyi would be assassinated and wanted to warn her. Even though she asked Yettaw to leave, the Burmese regime has ridiculously blamed Suu Kyi for the man breaking into her home, and charged her with breaking the terms of her house arrest.
Suu Kyi narrowly survived an assassination attempt by the military regime in May 2003, when dozens of her party members were beaten to death by regime thugs.
Under the Burmese military regime's interpretation of its own laws, Suu Kyi's house arrest was coming to an end this year, and while most international observers believe the regime was not going to release her anyway, the break-in by Yettaw provided the regime the pretext it sought to keep her locked up.
Suu Kyi's ongoing house arrest had already been ruled illegal under both Burmese and international law by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called the trial "outrageous".
Burma's military regime has just completed a new constitution that guarantees military rule for decades to come, but also allows an extremely circumscribed election to be held in 2010. It is believed that even though the military will maintain complete control after the election, the regime wants to stop Suu Kyi from supporting any candidates. The constitution was written to bar her from running for office, with a clause preventing anyone who has children living abroad from participation (Suu Kyi's children live overseas).
Suu Kyi was originally due to be sentenced on Friday, July 31st but the military regime moved the date, it is believed, in part to diminish international media coverage of the sentence. At the same time, the military regime often chooses dates which are considered to be "lucky" for the head of the regime, Than Shwe, which includes the number 11. Thus, the date August 11th is relevant. In a recent example of the use of numbers, the regime sentenced leading dissident Min Ko Naing on November 11th, 2007 with a sentence of 65 years (6 + 5 = 11). The military regime also used the number 11 in its choice of dates to move its capitol city from Rangoon to Naypitaw in 2005, with the Washington Times reporting the move commenced on "November 11th, 2005, at 11 a.m. in 1,100 trucks carrying 11 government ministries".
"While the military regime may use numerology to choose dates for major decisions, there is no evidence to suggest that the underlying decisions themselves are influenced by numerology or superstition," said Aung Din. "Than Shwe's military regime has acted with cold, calculated brutality in attempting to crush Burma's democracy movement," which is comprised of students, Buddhist monks, and members of Suu Kyi's political party the National League for Democracy, added Aung Din.
Aung San Suu Kyi has spent nearly 14 of the past 20 years under house arrest and in prison. Most Burmese people see her in a similar vein as South African's view Nelson Mandela, as the rightful leader and moral compass of the nation. Yet, she is not just an admired human rights leader, she is the rightful leader of Burma. In 1990, she led a political party, the National League for Democracy, to win 82% of the seats in parliament during Burma's first election in decades. Military affiliated parties won only 10 seats in parliament, a stunning rebuke to military rule.
Suu Kyi was incarcerated before the election, but her party still coasted to a landslide victory. The Burmese regime refused to recognize the election results, locking up members of parliament and imprisoning (currently) over 2,100 political prisoners.
Suu Kyi counts among her supporters numerous Nobel Peace Prize recipients, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Hollywood actors Anjelica Huston, Jim Carrey, Eric Szmanda, Walter Koenig, and Maggie Q, musicians Ani DiFranco, Damien Rice, R.E.M., and U2, and over 100 former presidents and prime ministers throughout the world.
Her writing has invigorated a vibrant international movement calling for change in Burma, and sustained an active democracy movement inside Burma, despite overwhelming government pressure.
In July, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon traveled to Burma to seek the release of Suu Kyi, but in a major snub Than Shwe refused to allow him to meet the Nobel laureate.
There is ample evidence for action on Burma at the Security Council. A recent report by Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Law Clinic found that the United Nations is sitting on evidence showing that the military regime has carried out serious crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma, including the destruction of as many villages as in the Darfur region of Sudan.
At the same time, the regime has recruited tens of thousands of child soldiers, forced 1.5 million people to flee their homes as refugees and internally displaced, and carried out a widespread campaign of rape against ethnic minority women under a system of impunity. 55 members of the U.S. Congress, led by Congressmen Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Don Manzullo (R-IL) recently sent a letter to President Obama urging him to pursue an official investigation into Burma by the UN Security Council -- the first step toward the creation of an international criminal tribunal or a referral to the International Criminal Court that would try military leaders for crimes against humanity. U.K. Ambassador John Sawers serves as President of the UN Security Council in August. U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice holds the same position in September. ##
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Join Desmond Tutu: Tell the US and UK to Take Action on Burma
--------------------------------
Dear Friends,
Will you join the call from Nobel Peace Prize recipient Desmond Tutu and sign a petition to the U.S. and U.K. Ambassadors to the United Nations?
The timing on this is crucial: the United States (and United Kingdom) have an unparalleled opportunity to take action. In August and September, the UK and US will serve consecutively as President of the UN Security Council. The UK and US ambassadors to the UN, John Sawers and Susan Rice, have the power to propose a Security Council resolution creating this investigation (also called a "Commission of Inquiry").
As you know, about six weeks ago 55 members of Congress sent a letter to the Obama administration urging him to call for an official UN Security Council investigation into crimes against humanity in Burma.
So far, the administration's verbal calls for change in Burma are falling on the deaf ears of Than Shwe's military regime -- now, we need Obama to move beyond words and respond to these members of Congress by taking concrete action.
Desmond Tutu, South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize recipient, recently echoed the calls of the 55 members of Congress, stating:
"Burma's generals are criminals, and must be treated as such. Than Shwe should be held accountable for abominable atrocities: his soldiers rape ethnic women and children, they torture, mutilate and murder at will. In eastern Burma, more than 3,300 ethnic villages have been destroyed, more than in Darfur. Civilians are deliberately targeted and shot on sight. The UN must establish a commission of inquiry, with a view to compiling evidence for prosecution. Failure to do so amounts to complicity with these crimes."
Congress and Tutu aren't the only ones calling for urgent action. The former United Nations expert on human rights in Burma, made the exact same call in an article in the New York Times stating:
"The Security Council must establish a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity and impunity in Myanmar. The Security Council took similar steps with regard to Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The situation in Myanmar is equally as critical."
At the same time, five of the world's leading judges -- including those that served on the International Criminal Tribunals on Rwanda and Yugoslavia -- just released a report calling for an end to crimes against humanity in Burma, and urging the UN Security Council to create a commission of inquiry.
The United States and United Kingdom have an unparalleled opportunity this August and September to help stop crimes against humanity in Burma. Sign the petition now -- and forward it to as many of your friends and family as possible. We need to make a big push, and need your help.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Woodrum and Mike Haack
Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma:
Dear Friends,
Will you join the call from Nobel Peace Prize recipient Desmond Tutu and sign a petition to the U.S. and U.K. Ambassadors to the United Nations?
The timing on this is crucial: the United States (and United Kingdom) have an unparalleled opportunity to take action. In August and September, the UK and US will serve consecutively as President of the UN Security Council. The UK and US ambassadors to the UN, John Sawers and Susan Rice, have the power to propose a Security Council resolution creating this investigation (also called a "Commission of Inquiry").
As you know, about six weeks ago 55 members of Congress sent a letter to the Obama administration urging him to call for an official UN Security Council investigation into crimes against humanity in Burma.
So far, the administration's verbal calls for change in Burma are falling on the deaf ears of Than Shwe's military regime -- now, we need Obama to move beyond words and respond to these members of Congress by taking concrete action.
Desmond Tutu, South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize recipient, recently echoed the calls of the 55 members of Congress, stating:
"Burma's generals are criminals, and must be treated as such. Than Shwe should be held accountable for abominable atrocities: his soldiers rape ethnic women and children, they torture, mutilate and murder at will. In eastern Burma, more than 3,300 ethnic villages have been destroyed, more than in Darfur. Civilians are deliberately targeted and shot on sight. The UN must establish a commission of inquiry, with a view to compiling evidence for prosecution. Failure to do so amounts to complicity with these crimes."
Congress and Tutu aren't the only ones calling for urgent action. The former United Nations expert on human rights in Burma, made the exact same call in an article in the New York Times stating:
"The Security Council must establish a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity and impunity in Myanmar. The Security Council took similar steps with regard to Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The situation in Myanmar is equally as critical."
At the same time, five of the world's leading judges -- including those that served on the International Criminal Tribunals on Rwanda and Yugoslavia -- just released a report calling for an end to crimes against humanity in Burma, and urging the UN Security Council to create a commission of inquiry.
The United States and United Kingdom have an unparalleled opportunity this August and September to help stop crimes against humanity in Burma. Sign the petition now -- and forward it to as many of your friends and family as possible. We need to make a big push, and need your help.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Woodrum and Mike Haack
Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma:
Monday, August 3, 2009
Seattle Burma Meeting Tuesday 8/4
Burma Action Group wrote:
Friends,
The next meeting of the Seattle Burma Roundtable is Tuesday August 4th
from 7-8:45pm at the offices of the Seattle Red Cross, 1900 25th Ave S, in
rm 206 (just to the right inside the entrance). NOTE: THIS IS A DIFFERENT
LOCATION AND TIME.
After 15 years of meeting in the North End we are now starting to
alternate meetings in the North and South Ends, especially since the
hundreds of new Burmese arrivals live down South. We thank the Red Cross
for providing this space to us for free. See
http://www.mapquest .com/maps? city=Seattle& state=WA& address=1900+ 25th+Ave+ S
for directions.
The 2nd Annual Burmese Refugee Picnic was a big success, with hundreds of
people joining us for a beautiful day of relaxation, food, fun and games.
Enormous thanks goes to Simon Khin and his family for overall
organization, and to Paula Bock for setting up numerous activities for the
many kids that are part of the refugee community. See you at the 3rd
annual picnic next summer!
In Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi's trial has been delayed yet again, with the
verdict now due to be read on August 11th. Political trials in Burma
usually last a matter of hours, not days, let alone weeks or months as in
this case. The junta has been surprised by the international outcry over
the trial and has used delays to let the furor die down and to ponder the
best way to conclude it. Most likely she will be convicted, and then the
question is where she will serve her sentence. See
http://www.atimes. com/atimes/ Southeast_ Asia/KG31Ae01. html for more.
The US Congress unanimously passed the Burma Sanctions Renewal Act, which
was signed by President Obama last Tuesday, see
http://www.irrawadd y.org/article. php?art_id= 16421 for details.
The ever closer relationship between Burma's generals and North Korea is
increasingly coming under the spotlight, and causing worry both regionally
and globally, with fears of nuclear proliferation at the fore. The Sydney
Morning Herald broke some new ground with a report titled, "Revealed:
Burma's Nuclear Bombshell," see
http://www.smh. com.au/world/ revealed- burmax2019s- nuclear-bombshel l-20090731-
e4fw.html and
http://www.smh. com.au/world/ burmax2019s- nuclear-secrets- 20090731- e4fv.html.
Local Opportunities:
From August 28th to September 3rd the Northwest Film Forum will present
"Burma VJ," the highly acclaimed documentary on the video journalists who
have risked their lives to tell the story of Burma's failed 2007 Saffron
Revolution. See http://www.nwfilmfo rum.org/live/ page/calendar for more
information.
The UW is offering a new class with a partila focus on Burma, called
"Mainland SE Asian Archeology." See
http://faculty. washington. edu/bmarwick/ teaching for details.
A full set of "An Introduction to the Burmese Language" (books and
cassettes) by scholar John Okell is available for anyone locally who is
studying the language. Email burma@u.washington. edu if you are
interested.
Finally, here's some information about a job posting. There are many,
many exciting volunteer opportunities that we can help people to line up,
but this one is a paid position. The Burma Partnership is looking for a
Media Officer, a job based in Mae Sot. See
http://fccthai. com/items/ 77.html for details.
Below please find an article by Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond
Tutu.
Thanks for Reading,
Larry Dohrs
xxx-xxx-xxxx
Friends,
The next meeting of the Seattle Burma Roundtable is Tuesday August 4th
from 7-8:45pm at the offices of the Seattle Red Cross, 1900 25th Ave S, in
rm 206 (just to the right inside the entrance). NOTE: THIS IS A DIFFERENT
LOCATION AND TIME.
After 15 years of meeting in the North End we are now starting to
alternate meetings in the North and South Ends, especially since the
hundreds of new Burmese arrivals live down South. We thank the Red Cross
for providing this space to us for free. See
http://www.mapquest .com/maps? city=Seattle& state=WA& address=1900+ 25th+Ave+ S
for directions.
The 2nd Annual Burmese Refugee Picnic was a big success, with hundreds of
people joining us for a beautiful day of relaxation, food, fun and games.
Enormous thanks goes to Simon Khin and his family for overall
organization, and to Paula Bock for setting up numerous activities for the
many kids that are part of the refugee community. See you at the 3rd
annual picnic next summer!
In Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi's trial has been delayed yet again, with the
verdict now due to be read on August 11th. Political trials in Burma
usually last a matter of hours, not days, let alone weeks or months as in
this case. The junta has been surprised by the international outcry over
the trial and has used delays to let the furor die down and to ponder the
best way to conclude it. Most likely she will be convicted, and then the
question is where she will serve her sentence. See
http://www.atimes. com/atimes/ Southeast_ Asia/KG31Ae01. html for more.
The US Congress unanimously passed the Burma Sanctions Renewal Act, which
was signed by President Obama last Tuesday, see
http://www.irrawadd y.org/article. php?art_id= 16421 for details.
The ever closer relationship between Burma's generals and North Korea is
increasingly coming under the spotlight, and causing worry both regionally
and globally, with fears of nuclear proliferation at the fore. The Sydney
Morning Herald broke some new ground with a report titled, "Revealed:
Burma's Nuclear Bombshell," see
http://www.smh. com.au/world/ revealed- burmax2019s- nuclear-bombshel l-20090731-
e4fw.html and
http://www.smh. com.au/world/ burmax2019s- nuclear-secrets- 20090731- e4fv.html.
Local Opportunities:
From August 28th to September 3rd the Northwest Film Forum will present
"Burma VJ," the highly acclaimed documentary on the video journalists who
have risked their lives to tell the story of Burma's failed 2007 Saffron
Revolution. See http://www.nwfilmfo rum.org/live/ page/calendar for more
information.
The UW is offering a new class with a partila focus on Burma, called
"Mainland SE Asian Archeology." See
http://faculty. washington. edu/bmarwick/ teaching for details.
A full set of "An Introduction to the Burmese Language" (books and
cassettes) by scholar John Okell is available for anyone locally who is
studying the language. Email burma@u.washington. edu if you are
interested.
Finally, here's some information about a job posting. There are many,
many exciting volunteer opportunities that we can help people to line up,
but this one is a paid position. The Burma Partnership is looking for a
Media Officer, a job based in Mae Sot. See
http://fccthai. com/items/ 77.html for details.
Below please find an article by Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond
Tutu.
Thanks for Reading,
Larry Dohrs
xxx-xxx-xxxx
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