CALD Resolution No. 1 S. 2002

CALD Resolution No. 1 S. 2002

A resolution expressing cautious optimism over the release of Daw Aung Suu Kyi from house arrest; supporting the recommendations of United Nations and supporting the continued struggle of the people of Burma and the ongoing engagement of the United Nations, global civil society movements, international members of parliament and other pro-democracy advocates towards Burma’s return to democracy and reintegration to the international community.

Delighted that Nobel Laureate and leading Burmese opposition leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was released last May 6, 2002 after 19 months of house arrest;

Believing that her release is a step in the right direction towards the rebuilding of democracy in Burma;

Noting that her release by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) removes a major stumbling block towards genuine national reconciliation;

Asserting that Burma’s “Second Struggle for Independence” was paid for with great personal sacrifices by Suu Kyi, daughter of independence hero Aung San, who decided to return in Burma in 1988 to care for her ailing mother and was, instead, swept into the pro-democracy uprising of her compatriots;

Acknowledging that the international community of nations and the global civil society movements have contributed to bringing about the release of SPDC’s most famous prisoner;

Recognizing that it is the people of Burma themselves who have shown steadfastness in their struggle for freedom, peace, justice and democracy and therefore must take the main credit for the democratic achievements gained;

Believing that the support for Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy and other pro-independence forces must continue and that the vigilance of the Burmese people and the global civil society, members of parliament from various countries and other pro-democracy advocates must be sustained;

Saddened that an estimated 1500 prisoners of conscience remain in the custody of the SPDC and SPDC continues to employ restrictions on free association, assembly and expression;

Cautioning that her release would not immediately end the military rule that had cause tremendous suffering to the people of Burma in terms of political persecution, economic underdevelopment, and non-delivery of basic services especially in terms of health and education;

Believing that her release must be met with cautious optimism considering that Suu Kyi was released in 1995 with the same fanfare and media hype only to be re-arrested by the military authorities;

Noting that the United Nations General Assembly and the U.N. Commission on Human Rights have unanimously adopted key recommendations for Burma including, among other things, (1) the immediate and unconditional release of those detained for political reasons, (2) the end to the practice of torture, forced labor and forced relocations, (3) the full respect of the freedoms of expression, association, movement and assembly, (4) the right to a fair trial and (5) the protection of the rights of ethnic and religious minorities;

Be it resolved that the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats express cautious optimism over the release of Daw Aung Suu Kyi from house arrest; supporting the recommendations of United Nations including the demand for the release of the remaining prisoners of conscience, the end of torture, forced labor and relocation, full respect of the freedoms of expression, association, movement and assembly, the right to a fair trial, and the protection of ethnic and religious minorities; and support the continued struggle of the people of Burma and the ongoing engagement of the United Nations, global civil society movements, international members of parliament and other pro-democracy advocates towards Burma’s return to democracy and reintegration to the international community.

For the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats:

Hon. Sam Rainsy, MP

Chairman

Manila, Philippines May 9, 2002