Open Letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations

H.E. Kofi Annan
Secretary-General
United Nations, New York.

June 9, 2003.

Your Excellency,

In light of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Burma, we, undersigned, would like to call on you to raise the case of Burma at the UN Security Council. The recent premeditated state-sponsored attack on the National League for Democracy indicates that the military regime is prepared to even terrorize its own people if they feel their power has been threatened.

In response to the brutal crackdown on the NLD, and the regime’s failure to disclose true facts about the violent incident, frustration and anger have been rising within the Burmese society. Unless, there is timely international intervention The increasing political tension and confrontation between the regime and the oppressed people can lead to a civil unrest and another round of bloodbath like in 1988. If the situation remains unchecked, political instability in Burma against the background of general economic down turn will have serious impact on the regional stability.

We have been closely monitoring the efforts of your special envoy, Mr. Razali Ismail, who is now in Burma. Given the violent and confrontational stand taken by the regime against the NLD, the chance for the success of a UN facilitated political settlement is quite slim. Regime’s consistent refusal to fulfill the terms of the executive UN resolutions and to fully cooperate with the UN Special Envoy is a violation of the UN Charter, which requires every member state to put joint efforts with the UN for the protection and promotion of human rights.

We believe it is time for the United Nations to consider an intervention in Burma to help restore democracy and human rights, an aspiration of the people of Burma for many decades. We are hoping that Your Excellency will be calling an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to consult and explore with the council members the findings of the Special Envoy on his return from Burma. We believe that because of the urgency of the problem in our country, Burma will be considered a priority agenda at the United Nations and that you personally will visit Burma as soon as possible to resolve the problem.

Yours Sincerely,

No.

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