Joint Policy Declaration

30 October 2003

In light of political developments pertaining to Burma taking place globally, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) and the National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) deem it necessary to reaffirm their position on issues that can influence the political future of Burma and determine the fate of the people of Burma.

The NCGUB and NCUB hereby:

Affirm their common vision with the people, political parties and institutions, and ethnic forces in Burma in rejecting the "seven-point roadmap" proposed by the State Peace and Development Council's Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt since the main intent of this roadmap is nothing more than to legitimize military rule.

Demand the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who is now unlawfully under house arrest, and emphatically stress that any decision made about the future of Burma without the participation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the process is not acceptable to the democracy and ethnic movements.

Affirm that any "roadmap" to restore democracy and national reconciliation in Burma must be formulated to reflect the aspirations of the people and in consultation with the elected leadership who represent the people.

Firmly believe that a UN-sponsored initiative to restore democracy and human rights in Burma within the framework of Burma resolutions unanimously passed by successive United Nations General Assembly sessions since 1991 is the best option for peace, stability, and democracy in Burma. Any attempt to resolve Burma's democracy and ethnic problems without taking into account the principles outlined in the UNGA's Burma resolutions is not acceptable to the democracy and ethnic movements of Burma.

Understand that the UN Secretary-General, given the mandate by the UN General Assembly, has assigned UN Special Envoy to Burma Mr Razali Ismail to facilitate the implementation of the Burma resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly sessions. The UN Special Envoy is therefore urged to ascertain that the democratization process in Burma proceeds within the framework of the UNGA resolutions

Reaffirm strong belief that international pressure and economic sanctions are an effective policy tool that have a desired impact on the military regime and that the NCGUB and NCUB will continue to advocate such policy until there is an irreversible change toward democratic transition in Burma.

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The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma comprises representatives elected in the May 1990 elections

The National Council of the Union of Burma is an umbrella organization of democratic and ethnic forces (The National Democratic Front made up of ethnic forces, the Members of Parliament Union-Burma, the National League for Democracy - Liberated Area, and the Democratic Alliance of Burma)

Contact:

Tel: 202.639.0639

Fax: 202.639.0638

E-mail: ncgub@ncgub.net