Statement of the Third Forum of Burmese in Europe

December 13/14 2003, London/UK

The democratic Burmese community in Europe, including ethnic representatives met together on Dec. 13/14, 2003 at the School of Oriental and African Studies (S O A S) University London to call on the international community to increase the concerted efforts in helping the people of Burma to restore their fundamental rights, human dignity and democratic political freedom.

The Forum of Burmese in Europe reaffirmed its commitment to fight against the Burma's despotic military regime that is systematically continuing its arbitrary arrests with long-term and harsh imprisonment, summary executions, torture, harassment, license to rape,...and other grave human rights violations all over the country.

During the 2-day conference the Forum of Burmese in Europe has reached the following decisions:

· Fully support and appreciate the tireless struggle of the entire Burmese people for democracy, freedom, regime change and peace in Burma

· Recognize and endorse the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the legitimate National League for Democracy (NLD) party and Committee Representing People's Parliament (C R P P) of Burma

· Strongly condemn and reject Khin Nyunt's roadmap (mad-road) / national convention due to its non-mandatory and illegitimacy

· Firmly believe that so-called Khin Nyunt's roadmap has no meaning so long as - Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners are not set free unconditionally, - there is no permanent nationwide cease-fire, - there is no political freedom all over the country and - there is no substantive national reconciliation process (tripartite dialogue)

· Call on the United Nations and European Union to initiate forming an independent and neutral Commission to investigate the 2003 May 30 Depayin massacre in Burma and to submit the Commission's report with recommendations to the UN Security Council

· Profoundly urge the UN Security Council to refer and commend the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague/NL for further actions on crimes against humanity in Burma

· Request the EU countries and other friendly nations to urge the United Nations to impose targeted sanctions and arm embargo on Burma

· Welcome and urge to implement the recent UN Secretary General's statement (June 2, 2003), noting ' The people of Myanmar are overwhelmingly in favour of change and deserve to experience the same economic, social and political benefits as the peoples in the rest of South-East Asia.'

· Synpathize and lend helping hand within the legal frame to the asylum seekers in Europe for their basic rights in light of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Approved and endorsed by the coordinating sub-committee of the Forum of Burmese in Europe.

London, December 15 2003. For more information, contact Dr. Win Naing: Email < walaynaing@aol.com>