Thursday, June 12, 2003

The UTS Students’ Association has passed a motion

which condemns Burmese authorities after recent events

in Burma have highlighted the extremely oppressive

nature of the nation’s Military Regime.

The UTS Students’ Association believes that the

re-arrest of Burmese pro-democracy leader and general

secretary of National League for Democracy, Daw Aung

San Suu Kyi, and more than two hundred pro-democracy

supporters on the 31st May, 2003 is an indication of

the junta’s inability to conform to human or

democratic rights.

“The Military Regime has shut down all universities

and schools for an indefinite amount of time. This

action mirrors the same which occurred just before

students led a popular uprising in 1988, which

temporarily removed the regime. Student leader of the

All Burma Federation of Student Unions, Min Ko Naing,

still remains under arrest after 15 years. “The only

solution is if governments of the world support a

popular uprising in Burma to topple the regime.” said

Maung Maung Naing, secretary of the Alliance Affair of

All Burmese Students’ Democratic Organisation (ABSDO).

UTS Ethno Cultural Officer, Hon Boey said: “Under the

guise of trying to improve human rights in Burma, the Australian government has worked closely with the Burmese government (the SPDC), further legitimising it’s status and validity.

“As students we are alarmed at the closure of all

universities and colleges in Burma. It shows us the

desperation of the regime which the Australian

government still maintains diplomatic ties. The UTS

Students’ Association will continue to offer our

solidarity and support to the students of Burma, while

still recognising their autonomy.”

Burmese and Australian students and community members

will be protesting outside the Burmese Embassy on 19

June as part of a global day of action.

Media Enquiries

Maung Maung Naing

Secretary of Alliance Affair of ABSDO

0417 630 234

Hon Boey

UTS Ethno Cultural Officer

02 9514 1155