STATEMENT ON 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF MILITARY COUP IN BURMA

September 18, 2003

The spontaneous uprising and demands for democracy by the Burmese people from all walks of life such as students, workers, peasants, monks, civil servants
including some personnel from Armed Forces occurred in August, 1988. However, peaceful demonstrations were brutally cracked down by the military that staged a
second coup detat' on today, September 18, fifteen years ago.

Our organization, the Patriotic War Veterans of Burma (PWVB), firmly believes that today, the 15th anniversary of the military rule after 1988 national uprising, is a day of infamy in the history of Burma's military which violently and ruthlessly crushed the peoples' uprising only for the continuation of military rule which effectively began on March 2, 1962.

We commemorate this day with prayers for all those killed and still remaining in prisons for freedom and democracy in Burma.

The recent May 30, 2003 event, ruling SPDC-sponsored terrorism act and the massacre in DiPeYing township; the arrest of Burma's democracy leaders Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and General Tin Oo (Retired.); and the nationwide crackdown on the NLD provides ample evidence that a handful of illegitimate ruling
military leaders are not serious about political reform.

The recent speech of SPDC Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt also proved that the regime never wants an honest and meaningful dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi led political opposition forces including all ethnic nationality organizations. Instead the SPDC reintroduced its infamous National Convention as the
so-called Road Map to buy the time for establishing the permenant military dictatorship in Burma.

On this 15th anniversary of military rule, the Patriotic War Veterans of Burma (PWVB) urges all patriotic citizens of Burma as follows:

We’re a country of freedom fighters, and you can join one or more wherever you are—or start your own! It doesn’t mean to fight for fighting’s sake, but fight
to take our country back on the democratic track.

Don’t wait on "heroes."

Be your own hero — everyone can do something, everyone makes a contribution. Everyone, including members of Burma Armed Forces, who does any light lifting in the democratic cause of Burma is a hero.

The important thing to know is that you are wanted.You are needed. You are important. You are not only what Burma counts on, you are what Burma is.

Patriotic War Veterans of Burma (PWVB)
Contact E-mail pwvbjacat@yahoo.com