September 1, 2003

KNU Statement on Speech by SPDC’s So-called Premier Bo Khin Nyunt

Included in Bo Khin Nyunt’s speech on August 30, 2003, were assertions that Burma had greatly progressed during the “SLORC/SPDC” Era, and that in order to make Burma a developed, prosperous and democratic state, action would be taken in accordance with a ‘Road Map’ based on the “National Convention” the SPDC had arranged. Regarding this, the KNU issues its position statement as follows.

1. To say that there has been progress during the “SLORC/SPDC” Era is an absolute lie. In reality, there has been serious deterioration of political and economic situations and the cause for that is the rule of the SLORC/SPDC military dictatorship.

2. In Bo Khin Nyunt’s speech, there has been nothing about matters concerning the release of political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, investigation into the Depehyin massacre and taking action against the perpetrators, resolving political problems through dialogue and resolution of the current economic crisis. For that reason, Bo Khin Nyunt’s speech was not about a “Road Map,” but a “Road-lost Speech.”

3. In essence, Bo Khin Nyunt’s speech is a repudiation of the demand for just resolution of political problems of Burma through dialogue, by the political parties and the people of Burma, made up of various nationalities. It is a rejection of the UN resolutions. It is also a repudiation of the calls made by the ASEAN and the World for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and dialogue.

4. Far from improving the political and economic situations in any way, as the SPDC’s current policies of consolidating the system of military dictatorship and brutal repression of the people will seriously worsen the conditions for peace and stability of Burma and the region, the SPDC must be held responsible for all the consequences.

5. As the failure to resolve political problems of Burma justly would worsen the situation, we, the KNU, call upon the democratic and justice-loving countries to continue pressuring seriously against the SPDC and call upon the people of all nationalities and anti-SPDC military dictatorship parties and organizations to step up their anti-SPDC struggle on all sides.

Karen National Union
Central Headquarters