"Statement on Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of 8888"

Today is the 15th anniversary of 8888 nation-wide peoples' uprising for 40 days from August 8 to September 18, 1988. The people of Burma including all-walks-of-lives protested against the military dictator and called for democracy and human rights. However, the Burma military regime currently known as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) brutally cracked down the democracy movement. At least 4000 peaceful demonstrators were awfully killed on the streets and around 3000 political activists including student leader Min Ko Naing have been detained throughout the country in Burma.

In May 1990 election, even though the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, won over 82% of the parliament seats, the SPDC has been trying to ignore the results of election and still has not transferred the power yet. Moreover, the military regime (SPDC) has consistently committed human rights violations such as the last "Depayin Assassination" on May 30 was the most significant one.

The present situation in Burma is very critical time for those who want to act the historic event in the spirit of 8888 as the SPDC military regime increasingly oppresses all political activities. But, the spirit of 8888 is still flourishing in locally and internationally. The international community now puts more and more pressure on the regime. Although Burma has many diverse ethnic nationalities, the political rights of those minorities have never equally been implemented since the military took over the power in 1962.

Therefore, the alliance organizations, the inheritance of 8888 nation-wide peoples' uprising, pledge to continue the struggles to end the military regime and to restore true democracy. The true democracy we are calling for is a process in which each and everyone including women, elderly, ethnic minority, differently able person etc. have full opportunities to participate in decision making for the society. Among society and between communities, there is respect, caring and sense of community for everyone.

Strongly demand the SPDC's generals as follows:

1. To release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, student leader Min Ko Naing and all political

prisoners unconditionally

2. To recognize the results of 1990 election and transfer the power immediately

3. To recognize and allow the CRPP's action freely

Joint-Statement by the following organizations:

Democratic Burmese Students Organization (USA)

All Burma Students Democratic Organization (Australia)

Burmese Students' Democratic Organization (Canada)