NMG and Karenni Information Network Group
August 24, 2003

Two major oppositions in exile the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) and the National Council of Union of Burma (NCUB) on August 19 expressed their acceptance to ‘Road Map’ which welcomes international intervention for the Burma’s democratic cause, their joint declaration stated.

The meeting between these two majors held at a place near Thai-Burma border from August 18 to 20 issued a seven-fact joint statement.

However, the oppositions clarified that they welcome only on that fact the international communities should intervene Burma’s cause but pointed that they didn't mean on Thai-proposed so-called ‘Road-Map’ for Burma, said leaders of both NCUB and NCGUB.

“It’s unlikely to happen a ‘Home Grown’ movement inside Burma as the United Nations as well as the international community perceived. That is why the idea of the international intervention, ‘Road Map’ comes up to overcome current situation. Because the military government (SPDC) is not willing to change political situation, there is fewer possibility to walk through ‘Home Grown’ initiative. That’s why we accept the concept of international intervention,” Aung Moe Zaw, the secretary of NUCB, said.

The word “Home Grown” instantiated by Aung Moe Zaw meant to solve internal problems of Burma by local forces.

“The people’s desire is the utmost importance. The ‘Road Map’ should compliance with the willingness of politicians and people’s representatives. And, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the leaders of NLD must released,” Aung Moe Zaw explained.

When Dr Thaung Htun, UN representative of the NCGUB briefed on international situation and the idea of ‘Road Map’, he said “the United Nations agrees on the road map as Mr Razali has been involved already. In the recent informal meeting attended by 21 countries and the UN General Secretary, so called informal consultation, it was agreed that UN should take initiatives on ‘Road Map’ for democracy in Burma and some agreement have been made in that meeting, I was informed.”

However the important and immediate neighbor of Burma, Chinese government official Tang Jiaxuan recently told Xinhua that China rejected international sanctions and intervention on Burma’s internal problems.

The opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was released second time from the house arrest on May 2002 after a series of the UN initiated confidence building talks started between military regime and the oppositions. The international communities were hoping that the Burma’s problem would be solved after the talks.

The concept of ‘Road Map’ was introduced after May 30 attack by the military government on Aung San Suu Kyi and her entourage and arresting her and other NLD leaders.

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