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Various statements on Situation in Burma
Statement by Mr. Gambari on behalf of
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – 8 November 2007
Thursday, 08 November 2007
As you know, I have just completed a mission to Myanmar from 3 to 8 November,
where I met today with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In my capacity as Special Adviser
to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, I was authorized by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
to make the following statement on her behalf:
• I wish to thank all those who have stood by my side all this time, both
inside and outside my country. I am also grateful to the Secretary-General of
the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his unwavering support for the cause of
national reconciliation, democracy and human rights in my country.
• I welcome the appointment on 8 October of Minister Aung Kyi as Minister for
Relations. Our first meeting on 25 October was constructive and I look forward
to further regular discussions. I expect that this phase of preliminary
consultations will conclude soon so that a meaningful and timebound dialogue
with the SPDC leadership can start as early as possible.
• In the interest of the nation, I stand ready to cooperate with the Government
in order to make this process of dialogue a success and welcome the necessary
good offices role of the United Nations to help facilitate our efforts in this
regard.
• In full awareness of the essential role of political parties in democratic
societies, in deep appreciation of the sacrifices of the members of my party and
in my position as General Secretary, I will be guided by the policies and wishes
of the National League for Democracy. However, in this time of vital need for
democratic solidarity and national unity, it is my duty to give constant and
serious considerations to the interests and opinions of as broad a range of
political organizations and forces as possible, in particular those of our
ethnic nationality races.
• To that end, I am committed to pursue the path of dialogue constructively and
invite the Government and all relevant parties to join me in this spirit.
• I believe that stability, prosperity and democracy for my country, living at
peace with itself and with full respect for human rights, offers the best
prospect for my country to fully contribute to the development and stability of
the region in close partnership with its neighbours and fellow ASEAN members,
and to play a positive role as a respected member of the international
community.
I am now scheduled to return to New York to brief the Secretary-General on all
the aspects of my mission. I will therefore not be able to take any questions at
this time.
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Security Council
5757th Meeting* (PM)
Presidential Statement Reaffirms Strong Support
For Recent Good Offices Mission, Early Return to Facilitate Tangible Results
Strongly deploring the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators in Myanmar, the Security Council this afternoon welcomed the recent mission by Ibrahim Gambari, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, to Myanmar.
In a statement read by its President Leslie Kojo Christian ( Ghana), the Council emphasized the importance of the early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees. It called on the Government and all parties concerned to work together towards a de-escalation of the situation and a peaceful solution.
The Council stressed the need for the Government of Myanmar to create the necessary conditions, for a “genuine” dialogue with all concerned parties and ethnic groups. It welcomed the Government’s public commitment to work with the United Nations and the appointment of a liaison officer with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, but stressed the importance of follow-up by action. In that regard, the Council underscored its support for Mr. Gambari’s return as early as possible in order to facilitate concrete actions and tangible results.
The Council reaffirmed its “strong and unwavering” support for the Secretary-General’s good offices mission. It welcomed Human Rights Council resolution S-5/1 of 2 October, as well as the important role played by the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in urging restraint, calling for a peaceful transition to democracy and supporting the good offices mission.
The meeting, which started at 1:35 p.m., was adjourned at 1:41 p.m.
Presidential Statement
The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2007/37 reads, as follows:
“The Security Council welcomes the recent mission by the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser to Myanmar Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, reaffirms its strong and unwavering support for the Secretary-General’s good offices mission as mandated by General Assembly resolution 61/232, and expresses its appreciation for the personal engagement of the Secretary-General.
“The Security Council strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar and welcomes Human Rights Council resolution S-5/1 of 2 October 2007. The Security Council emphasizes the importance of the early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees. It also calls on the Government of Myanmar and all other parties concerned to work together towards a de-escalation of the situation and a peaceful solution.
“The Security Council stresses the need for the Government of Myanmar to create the necessary conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties and ethnic groups, in order to achieve an inclusive national reconciliation with the direct support of the United Nations. The Security Council encourages the Government of Myanmar to consider seriously Mr. Gambari’s recommendations and proposals. The Security Council also calls on the Government of Myanmar to take all necessary measures to address the political, economic, humanitarian, and human rights issues that are the concern of its people and emphasizes that the future of Myanmar lies in the hands of all of its people.
“The Security Council welcomes the Government of Myanmar’s public commitment to work with the United Nations and the appointment of a liaison officer with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The Security Council stresses the importance that such commitments are followed by action. It acknowledges that the Government of Myanmar had invited Mr. Gambari to Myanmar. It underscores its support for his return as early as possible, in order to facilitate concrete actions and tangible results. The Security Council urges the Government of Myanmar and all parties concerned to cooperate fully with Mr. Gambari.
“The Security Council welcomes the important role played by the ASEAN countries in urging restraint, calling for a peaceful transition to democracy, and supporting the good offices mission. It notes that the good offices mission is a process, and encourages the sustained support and engagement of the international community in helping Myanmar.
“The Security Council remains seized of the matter.”
* *** *
WeStandByYou
Dear friends,
it is with great confidence, although mixed with fear and concern, that we are
watching you from afar. With admiration and deep felt sympathy we witness your
struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Just like the nuns and monks are leaving their monasteries to carry the torch of
freedom to society in Burma today, we as East German Christians and dissidents
carried the protest out of the churches into the streets and to the people of
the GDR in 1989. When we see you, we see ourselves, and we want to assure you
that we are hoping and fearing with you, even though you have to fight on your
own.
We have experienced what can happen when protest leaves the sanctuaries and
steps out into the crowd. A sense of unity, of “one people” develops, an idea
becomes a common vision and moves, hopefully, all the people.
Having been dissidents and civil rights activists in the former GDR we have
experienced the dangers ourselves and we are shocked to see that our hopes for a
peaceful revolution - like the one we were so fortunate to take part in - will
not come true in your country without victims. The first freedom seekers are
dead, and we mourn for them. And many are wounded, in jail or under house
arrest. But in great need also the power of resistance grows: your determination
to change things, your love for freedom and the hope for free elections in Burma
are alive.
We are calling at you: “For an open country with free people” – this rally cry
of ours stood at the beginning of the Monday demonstrations in Lipsia, Berlin,
and in all of East Germany that led to the fall of the wall and the dictatorship
here. And in the same way your cry for freedom shall become reality, even if the
price that you are asked to pay could be much higher.
We will support you with our thoughts and prayers. We will see to it that your
protest is heard as far as our voices carry. May you find strength to persevere
and bring your peaceful uprising to a successful end.
Members of the East German opposition and civil rights movement of 1989
(5.10.2007):
Edda Ahrberg, Cobbel
Heinz Bächer, Jena (ehem. Leipzig)
Christine Alder-Bächer, Jena (ehem. Leipzig)
Ines Berthel, Berlin (ehem. Jena)
Andreas Bertram, Pfarrer, Königshain (ehem. Leipzig)
Stephan Bickhardt, Markkleeberg (ehem. Naumburg, Berlin)
Kathrin Bickhardt-Schulz, Markkleeberg (ehem. Leipzig)
Marianne Birthler, Berlin
Martin Böttger, Chemnitz
Heidi Bohley, Halle
Roland Brauckmann, Berlin
Arne Draeger, Rostock
Frank Ebert, Berlin
Renate Ellmenreich, Mainz (ehem. Jena)
Siegmar Faust, Reichenberg (ehem. Dresden)
Hans-Jürgen Fischbeck, Joachimsthal (ehem. Berlin)
Katharina Gajdukowa, Cölbe (ehem. Berlin)
Wolfgang Geffe, Jena
Joachim Goertz, Pfarrer, Berlin
Christian Halbrock, Berlin
Katrin Hattenhauer, Berlin (ehem. Leipzig)
Gerold Hildebrand, Berlin
Manfred Hildebrandt, Berlin (ehem. Jena)
Ralf Hirsch, Berlin
Dorothea Höck, Erfurt (ehem. Berlin)
Gabriele Hulitschke, Berlin (ehem. Jena)
Michael Hugo, Rostock (ehemals Chemnitz /Karl-Marx-Stadt und Weimar)
Johann-Georg Jaeger, Rostock
Carl Jesche, Leipzig
Gisela Kallenbach, EU-Abgeordnete/ Member of EP, Leipzig
Freya Klier, Berlin
Oliver Kloss, Leipzig
Dr. Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk, Berlin
Fred Kowasch, Berlin (ehem. Leipzig)
Thomas Lange, Rostock
Uwe Lehmann, Dresden (ehem. Berlin)
Vera Lengsfeld, Berlin
Dr. Ruth Leiserowitz (Kibelka), Vilnius/Berlin
Doris Liebermann, Berlin (ehem. Jena)
Heiko Lietz, Schwerin (ehem. Güstrow
Dietmar Matzke, Borna
Ludwig Mehlhorn, Berlin
Schorsch Meusel, Werdau
Thomas Pilz, Großhennersdorf
Jens Planer-Friedrich, Berlin
Ulrike Poppe, Berlin
Lorenz Postler, Berlin
Utz Rachowski, Reichenbach im Vogtland
Lutz Rathenow, Berlin (ehem. Jena)
Siegfried Reiprich, Berlin
Frank Richter, Leipzig
Thomas Rudolph, Leipzig
Udo Scheer, Stadtroda
Christiane Schidek, Berlin
Bert Schlegel, Berlin
Matthias Schlegel, Berlin
Rupert Schröter-Chetrit, Berlin
Uwe Schwabe, Leipzig
Hans Simon, Pfarrer i.R der Zionsgemeinde, Berlin
Wolfgang Templin, Kiew/Berlin
Karsten Troyke, Berlin
Esther-Marie Ullmann-Goertz, Berlin
Bettina Wegner, Berlin
Claudia Wegner, Berlin
Christoph Wonneberger, Pfarrer i.R., Leipzig
Michaela Ziegs, Leipzig
Evelyn Zupke, Winsen/Luhe (ehem. Berlin)
Sowie das / As well as the
Martin-Luther-King-Zentrum für Gewaltfreiheit/ Martin-Luther-King-Center for
Nonviolence, Werdau
5. Oktober 2007
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BADA
Statement on the arrest of student leaders and ongoing violent crackdowns in
Burma
The Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA) strongly condemns
Burma's military regime for its ongoing violent crackdowns on peaceful
demonstrations and for the arbitrary and mass arrests of Min Ko Naing, other
student leaders, human rights activists and peaceful protesters.
We demand that the regime immediately and unconditionally release all those
arrested and all political prisoners in Burma. We greatly fear for their safety
and for the well-being of all political prisoners in Burma.
We commend all participants in these nonviolent and peaceful demonstrations,
which were sparked by a sudden, government-imposed doubling of diesel and
gasoline prices, for risking their lives and taking a stand against the brutal
and oppressive regime. These demonstrations are also the grave and unavoidable
consequence of the decades-long suffering of the Burmese people under the heel
of the politically corrupt, managerially incompetent, and socially brutal
military dictatorship.
We are very disappointed that the regime falsely and cowardly accused student
leaders of disturbing national security and stability. We completely stand by
these pioneering and courageous protesters, student leaders and the people of
Burma in their quest for their well-being as well as democracy and freedom in
Burma.
The regime continues to ignore the will of the Burmese people as well as the
will of the international community and has once again proven that military
dictatorship itself is a roadblock to the long overdue development of democracy
and the national reconciliation process in Burma.
We call upon the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom and the
international community to do their utmost to take swift and effective measures
to secure the safety and release of the student leaders and all political
prisoners and to restore the fundamental citizens’ rights for all the people of
Burma.
Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Dated: August 23rd, 2007
Contact: Secretariats: Anil Verma 510 485 3751; Yan Aung 510 610 9758;
www.badasf.org
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http://www.badasf.org/2007/various_statements_released_students_arrest.htm
UNSecretary-General
SG/SM/11130 August 23,2007
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Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York
concerned over myanmar arrests, Secretary-General calls for restraint, dialogue
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The Secretary-General is following events in Myanmar closely and with concern,
particularly in light of reports that student leaders and others have been
arrested by the authorities. In the spirit of the efforts of mutual engagement
being pursued by the United Nations and Myanmar in the context of his good
offices, the Secretary-General calls on the authorities to exercise maximum
restraint in responding to any demonstrations, and encourages all parties to
avoid any provocative action. He calls for a constructive dialogue towards
national reconciliation at this important time in Myanmar’s history.
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Washington, DC -- Chairman Tom Lantos of the House Foreign Affairs Committee today called for the immediate release of leading Burmese human rights activist Min Ko Naing and more than a dozen people who had been dragged from their homes and arrested after a peaceful protest.
"Yet again, Burma's military thugs are fattening their own pockets by using gangster tactics to grind the Burmese people into deeper despair," Lantos said. "Justice demands taking a stand against Burma's rulers, who prove time and again they are little more than venal, vicious crooks. The pioneering protesters took to the streets fully aware that they would likely face arrest, torture, and potentially death. They must be released immediately."
Hundreds of people turned out to demonstrate against the military government of Burma, a highly unusual event under this oppressive regime which was sparked by a sudden, government-imposed doubling of diesel and gasoline prices. This move sent the general population of Burma staggering further into poverty and desolation and contrasts dramatically with the upsurge of wealth the regime receives from its natural gas exports.
Lantos singled out India and China as countries that have failed to join the international community to pressure Burma to improve its human rights situation. "India and China could play leading roles in improving the dreadful human rights environment in Burma, but instead they callously ignore the abuses," he said. "They do nothing to stop the situation in Burma continue to deteriorate and become more unstable."
Lantos called on China to support UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's effort to secure the release of all political prisoners in Burma and to back plans for a tripartite national reconciliation dialogue between the regime, Nobel Prize recipient Aung San Suu Ki, and Burma's ethnic nationalities.
In an attempt to prevent even bigger demonstrations that were planned for today and tomorrow, the Burmese regime conducted a midnight raid and arrested Min Ko Naing, the most prominent human rights leader in Burma behind Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and more than 20 other prominent Burmese human rights activists.
"All those arrested have previously been imprisoned by Burma's military regime and had been tortured during their incarcerations," noted Lantos, the founding co-chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. "I am gravely concerned about the safety of these courageous human rights activists and call for their immediate release."
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National League for Democracy
(Liberated Area)
Statement on the current situation concerning the arbitrary arrest of the former
student leaders who stand on behalf of people
The military regime arrested 13 88 generation student leaders including Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Ko Pyone Cho, at about 12:00 o’clock on 21, August, 2007. Moreover, the authorities are trying to arrest other student leaders and are making some preventive measures in the downtown area to crack down the potential people’s demonstrations, and make some preparation to create counter demonstrations.
The SPCD accused 88 generation student leaders of attempted acts to disturb the national security and stability and the implementation of national convention and roadmap process, and declared that they detained them by “The law guarding against acts undermining the efforts to successfully carry out peaceful transfer of State power and facilitate the proceedings of the National Convention”.
In fact, the student leaders have been campaigning in front line, in nonviolent and peaceful ways, leading students and people with the intention of getting out of general crisis concerning increased prices of commodities and fuel.
The government increased the price of fuel from twice up to 5 times on 15th August, 2007 without prior notice to the people and without taking into consideration the present situation of people. This act increases more crises that people of Burma have been already suffering from.
We strongly denounce this act which is totally unfair and make worse the situation of people who have been facing general crisis despite the fact that the country sell out natural resources at one hand and fail to fulfill the need of people at the other hand.
At that time, 88 generation student leaders including Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, and other students and youths have been demonstrating by means of walking, to get the people out of the general crisis, standing from the side of people.
This is the act of injustice to arrest those who stand from the side of people and have been campaigning for the benefit of the people by showing groundless accusations. And we denounce and demand to bring to an end any preparation to crack down demonstration of people violently.
We also demand to release unconditionally all 88 generation student leaders who have been detained unjustly and to solve the general crisis facing people.
We also appeal all people to participate into the movement hand in hand with 88 generation student leaders in unity without being passive and standing aside. We also make our pledge to participate into this movement with the best effort.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
Date: 22 August 2007
Contact: Myint Soe (Secretary) +66 086 2046023