Burma - Reconvening of the National Convention

Burma - Reconvening of the National Convention

On February 17, the Burmese junta will reconvene its National Convention. The National League for Democracy and other pro-democracy parties have been denied a voice in this process. Absent their participation, the National Convention cannot possibly reflect the true political aspirations of the Burmese people, nor can it conduct the meaningful dialogue that is needed to achieve genuine national reconciliation. Without the full participation of the democratic opposition and ethnic minority groups, the National Convention lacks the legitimacy necessary to draft a constitution that is truly democratic and representative of the will of the Burmese people. We note the Committee Representing the People’s Parliament, a group representing the democratic opposition, publicly repudiated the National Convention for the same reasons on February 12.

We call again on the junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo, Hkun Htun Oo and all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, to engage the democratic opposition and ethnic minority groups in a meaningful dialogue leading to genuine national reconciliation and the establishment of democracy, to allow the national league for democracy to reopen its offices nationwide, and to respect and ensure the free exercise of the fundamental human rights of the people of Burma.

2005/196 Released on February 15, 2005

Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC February 15, 2005