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November 1, 2002

Statement on the 14th Anniversary of

the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)

Today, November 1st, marks the 14th anniversary of the establishment of the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) and its Student Army. On this auspicious occasion, the ABSDF pays deep tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in the struggles for freedom, democracy and an end to the military dictatorship in Burma.

The ABSDF also acknowledges with gratitude numerous organisations and individuals that have provided political, military, technical, moral and financial support during its 14-year struggle.

Spawned during the 1988 popular uprising, the ABSDF has utilised political, military and diplomatic means to fulfill its four aims and objectives: to liberate the entire people of Burma from military dictatorship, to achieve democracy and human rights, to restore internal peace and to bring about the Federal Union of Burma.

The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) recently has attempted to placate Burmese people and the international community. It released a number of political prisoners, lifted the house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and entertained international representatives' requests for dialogue with the opposition.

Unfortunately, however, each of these steps was superficial. The release of political prisoners has been followed by more arrests of activists. Greater freedom for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) has been enjoyed moment-to-moment, as there are no guarantees that it will continue. The SPDC has used the pretense of dialogue with the NLD to deceive the international community and Burmese people, while doing everything possible to keep its hold on total power.

No significant improvement in Burma's political, economic, social, educational, health, human rights and humanitarian situations has taken place. Indeed, no real change is possible while Burma is under the control of the SPDC.

It is clear that the military regime has no intention of working towards national reconciliation. Most political parties, all ethnic nationality organisations and the entire people of the country still lack basic political rights. The junta persits in its offensives in the ethnic areas and continues to violate human rights.

Furthermore, the generals severely mismanage the economy, resulting in great wealth for themselves and extreme poverty for the rest of the country. Most people in Burma still cannot meet basic material needs. The protracted economic, political, and social crises have created the potential for mass action.

In light of these circumstances, the ABSDF strongly supports the recent expansion of the Committee Representing the People's Parliament (CRPP) undertaken by leaders of the NLD and ethnic nationality parties. The emergence of a people's parliament is an urgent need, which has been undermined since the regime rejected the results of the 1990 elections.

The CRPP's expansion sends the message that the people of Burma should never forget the 1988 popular uprising and the results of the 1990 elections. It also highlights the fact that true political reforms can be achieved only through the power of the people. The masses play the most important role for the return of democracy.

The ABSDF would like to request the entire movement to pay attention to the weaknesses encountered during the 1988 uprising: the inadequate coordination and preparation within and outside the country, and lack of unity among leaders. Examining these past weaknesses and challenges shows a better way forward. The future should hold harmonious collaboration, unity and preparedness.

Victories have been won in the course of Burma's history because of the will and the actions of the people. "People power" overcame colonialism, fascism and dictatorship.

The ABSDF affirms that it will continue its struggle for democracy and an end to the military dictatorship for the entire people, using necessary political, military and diplomatic means.

United the people we stand for the victory in our land!

Down with military dictatorship!

The democracy shall triumph!

Central Committee

All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)