CALD Resolution No. 3 S. 2003

CALD Resolution No. 3 S. 2003

Resolution on Steps
Towards Burma’s Transition to Democracy

CALD, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, notes with concern the critical situation in Burma following the May 30th incident, in particular the continuing detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of the NLD and the freezing of NLD offices and activities.

CALD is encouraged by the announcement of Burma’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Gen Khin Nyunt, that the government intends to take a series of steps that would lead Burma to democracy, commencing with the re-convening of its long-stalled constitution- drafting body, the National Convention. CALD urges the SPDC and the government to recognize the need for a clear timetable for the implementation of its plan to bring democracy to Burma and the need for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other opposition leaders before any significant steps can be taken towards drafting a new constitution for Burma.

CALD firmly believes that for constitution-drafting in Burma to be meaningful, there must be tripartite dialogue (involving the authorities, the opposition and the ethnic nationalities), and that it must be carried out by a truly representative body in an environment of freedom of expression and respect for human rights.

CALD welcomes the efforts of the international community to secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders, appreciates the expression of concern by ASEAN at its Foreign Ministers Meeting in Phnom Penh regarding the situation in Burma, notes the efforts of individual ASEAN leaders, especially the recent initiative by the current ASEAN Chair, Indonesia, to secure change in Burma and urges ASEAN to actively pursue the necessary commitment by the SPDC to implement a step by step transition to democracy.

CALD calls on the ASEAN People’s Assembly to support this statement.

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, MP

Chairman of the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats

Manila, Philippines September 25, 2003