March 2, 2004

Dear all democracy loving ex-servicemen and current servicemen of 'Tatmadaw':

We, the Patriotic War Veterans of Burma (PWVB) would like to take opportunity to release our statement on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the first military coup in Burma.

1) We, PWVB, do not have faith or confidence in what the present military regime, the SPDC, has been lobbying - national convention and drafting of a new constitution - as the SPDC is clearly lack of sincerity, transparency and accountability towards Burma's democratic forces including ethnic groups.

2) Indeed, the SPDC is shamelessly adopting and implementing divide and rule policy between the cease-fire groups and the mainstream democratic forces
led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic leaders in order to hold the national convention and the drafting of a new Constitution according to the SPDC's
dictation.

3) As long as Burma's genuine democratic forces aren't given chance to take part in the national reconciliation process based on democratic principles and values, we, PWVB profoundly believe neither national reconciliation nor restoration of democracy could be achieved in Burma.

4) In view of the grave general situation in Burma, we, PWVB, urge and request the SPDC to show sincerity, transparency and accountability towards all democratic forces so that all can take part in the national reconciliation process.

5) Last but not least, we, PWVB would like to make a fervent request to all democracy-loving ex-service-men and current servicemen of 'Tatmadaw' to fully support and join the Burma's democratic forces in whatever way or capacity they deem necessary as the time has just arrived to draw a clear line between friendly forces and our common enemy.

PWVB Central Executive Committee

Contact:pwvbjacat@yahoo.com