NCUB Statement on Hunger Strike by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

1. We have learnt from the statement of Philip T. Recker, Deputy
Spokesperson of the US State Department that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is on
hunger strike. In addition to failing to carry out until today the
investigation, demanded by the people of Burma and the international
community, into Depehyin massacre, the SPDC fails to officially announce
where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is being detained. We, the NCUB, is gravely
concerned by appearance of the news at a time when the Burmese people and
the international community are being concerned about the health of Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi.

2. It may be learnt from Burma's past history that, as a result of the
assassination of Bogyoke Aung San and his leading colleagues in 1947, how
the country has to suffer, as proven by the current political situations.
The people of the country, made up of various nationalities, and the
international community wholly believe that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is the
leader who can bring about peace, justice and national reconciliation. In
accordance with that belief, the entire people of Burma will never accept,
under any circumstances, the loss of such a 'leader of the people' as Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi. Accordingly, at a time of urgency for the country, we,
the NCUB, will make utmost effort to prevent occurrence of treasonous
assassination for a second time.

3. The hunger strike by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is not for her personal
freedom. We resolutely believe that she is in resistance against the
military dictatorship, as a true leader of the people, for peace and
democracy, yearned for by the entire people of Burma. In addition, she is
signaling to the people and the international community for a decisive and
effective struggle against the military dictatorship.

4. Therefore, we, the NCUB, earnestly call upon the entire people, the
opposition forces and the international community to join hands and
struggle on, in consonant with the struggle of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, until
the military dictatorship ceases to exist.

National Council of the Union of Burma
September 1, 2003