Joint-Statement For The 21st Anniversary Of 8888Uprising In Burma

Date 2009/08/08

1. Today marks the 21st anniversary of the nationwide 8.8.88 Uprising in Burma that occurred in Aug 8, 1988.

2. The so-called democracy uprising quite led to the overthrow of the repressively totalitarian regime in Burma for 26 years. At the same time, it gave birth to Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the leading political party NLD and other political parties, the Committee Representing People's Parliament, 88' generation student leaders and particularly the results of the 1990 general elections that can never be obliterated from the historical records. However people's wish for establishing the Federal State has not yet been fulfilled.


3. The incumbent military regime is now committing not only the unprecedented human rights abuses in Burma history but also genocide among the ethnic groups systematically. And over 2100 political prisoners struggling for democracy and national reconciliation including DASSK, student leaders, ethnic leader U Khun Tun Oo, etc have been unlawfully detained and sentenced to long imprisonment. The junta carelessly neglected the advices for a genuine dialogue in order to settle political problems peacefully and the results of the general elections freely and fairly held in May, 1990. Besides, their unilaterally drafted constitution was forcefully approved against the people's will so that they can continue to grip on power forever. Moreover they are now preparing to hold another general election in 2010.

4. Although the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon paid a visit to Burma on July 3 and 4 and met the military leaders for the immediate release of all political prisoners including DASSK and for holding political dialogue for national reconciliation, senior general Than Shwe did not make any exact promise and denied his access to DASSK. Therefore Mr. Ban Ki-moon disappointedly expressed, " I think that Myanmar (Burma) government missed a unique opportunity to prove their promise to open a new chapter in Myanmar politics." Actually that was their arrogantly rude insult to the internationally community.

5. DASSK must have been released unconditionally in May this year after detaining her for six years following the Depayin Massacre in May 30, 2003. Instead, the junta charged her against committing house arrest law by conspiracy because of a foreigner who intruded her house.. DASSK, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, has been calling for political dialogue for national reconciliation in Burma. To Burmese people, she is not just a national leader but hope and light of democracy. That's why her detention and imprisonment unlawfully sentenced is like a verdict of the death penalty to democracy movement and a blatant challenge to the civilized international community. About her case, DASSK said, " it will be an example of whether there is the rule of law in Burma or not." A verdict will be expected on Aug 10, and the regime will surely get a big stick instead of a carrot if they miscue the judicial power and sentence her to unlawful imprisonment. And they will soon realize that people’s power is stronger than that lying at the barrel of a gun.

6. Nothing is impossible to be solved if we have a genuine and peaceful dialogue based on the interests and the dignity of the people in Burma. Hence, our Burmese democratic forces together with the Korean community continuously supporting our struggle for democracy in Burma seriously demand the junta.

01. To immediately release DASSK facing unlawful trial and all prisoners of conscience

02. To hold a genuine dialogue with the NLD and ethnic leaders for national reconciliation and democracy-transforming process within the time-bound frame as soon as possible.

National League for Democracy(Liberted Area) Korea Breach
Karean Youth Organization (Korea Breach)
Chin National Community Korea (CNC-Korea)
Kuki Student Democratic Front (Korea Branch)
Song Young Gil Democratic Party MP(National Assembly Korea)
May 18 Foundation Korea
Korea Other MP and NGO Group