(DVB: December 11, 2003)

The alliance ethnic political parties oppose the junta's road map and the principles of the National Convention sponsored by the Rangoon regime in the coming year.

According to the statement issued on 10 December, the UNA firmly opposes the SPDC's road map and the 104 basic principles set forth in the National Convention. It believes the objective and procedure of Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt's road map is to revive the adjourned 1996 National Convention and to implement the 104 basic principles prescribed at that Convention. As outlined, the people's delegates are not represented in full at the National Convention and are unable to present and discuss their views freely.

The basic principles prescribed at the National Convention clearly indicate the military's anticipation of a further grip on power and a place in Burma's future national politics. That is why attempts to revive the National Convention not only contravene the resolutions adopted consistently by the UN but also gravely ignore the mandate of the entire Burmese populace.

The UNA urged the junta to convene a genuine National Convention comprised of the democratic forces including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, representatives of the national races, and the relevant SPDC authorities.

The United Nationalities Alliance was formed with the nine ethnic political parties which won seats in the 1990 elections.