August 8,2003

Today, August 8,2003 marks the historic 15th anniversary of the “8888”popular democracy uprising in Burma. On that day in 1988,the people of Burma from all walks of life marched through the streets of the country demanding for political and economic changes and an end to the one-party system.

The junta,however,responded to the 8888 popular uprising with violence that left thousands killed. Following the massacres,the regime named itself as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and then switched to The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).Till now,it has retained the state power through all forms of oppressive measures.

In the mean time,we,the democratic forces,have been continuing our democracy movement in order to overthrow the military dictatorship.In particular,we have been cooperating with other democratic organizations,ethnic nationalities and the international community to achieve national reconciliation,the emergence of a true political dialogue and equality-based self-determination for ethnic nationalities.

Burma will not get back on to democratic system of government so long as the present Military regime continue to exist,using military might to maintain their power.

We,therefore, the democracy activists here in New Zealand would like to appeal the following statement to all democratic nations of the world.

1.To bring the issue of Burma before the UN security Council.

2.To impose economic sanctions and suspend diplomatic ties with the regime.

3.To deploy an armed intervention force to remove the regime from power and restore the legitimately elected NLD government that won the elections in 1990.

Burmese Democratic Forces in New Zealand