CALD pledges solidarity with NLD

(September 26, 2006) On the occasion of the 18^th Anniversary of the National League of Democracy (NLD) tomorrow, the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats (CALD) extended its solidarity with Nobel Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the elected members of parliament from the NLD and the people of Burma.

In its message, CALD stated that NLD is the true voice of the people of Burma winning a landslide majority during the 1990 elections, Burma’s last free and fair elections. Despite the overwhelming mandate, NLD was never allowed to govern. Instead its leaders were persecuted, detained and sent into exile. NLD and Burma’s leading figure of democratic struggle, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, continues to be under house arrest for 11 years during the past 18 years.

The Burmese military junta, under the leadership of Senior General Than Shwe and Prime Minister Soe Win, continues to rule with an iron fist and shows no sign of sincerity and political will towards the restoration of Burma’s democracy, rebuilding the economy and genuine national reconciliation.

Together with governments, parliaments, civil society movements and citizens of the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the United States, Japan, Australia,  and many other countries, CALD expressed its support for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and solidarity with the people of Burma in their quest for justice, freedom and democracy.

CALD also expressed its frustration over the painfully slow pace of reform. It recognizes that ultimately, the ordinary people of Burma are the ones who suffer most from continued oppression and poverty.

The situation in Burma is deteriorating and human rights abuses including torture and killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and forceful dislocation of villages and communities continue unabated.

With the military junta’s determination to remain in power at whatever cost and to destroy all forms of resistance, CALD is aware of the dangers faced by NLD and its leaders and members. For this, NLD has earned CALD’s highest respect and esteem and the umbrella of liberal and democratic political parties in Asia assured NLD of its continued and unwavering support.

The message was signed by CALD Chairman, Liberal Party President and Philippine Senator, the Hon. Franklin Drilon; CALD and Liberal Party Secretary General and Philippine MP, Dr. Neric Acosta; former CALD Chairman and leader of the Cambodian national opposition, Sam Rainsy, MP; former CALD Secretary General and Taiwanese parliamentarian Bi-Khim Hsiao of the Democratic Progressive Party; Liberal Party Sri Lanka President, Dr. Rajiva Wijesinha; and, CALD Executive Director, John Joseph S. Coronel.

Categorised in: News Article

This post was written by CALD