26 September 2007

1. The SDU, on behalf of the people of Shan State,  is saddened by the recent crackdown of military regime or SPDC on the peaceful demonstration of monks and people, resulting in hundreds of arrest and 17 wounded and at least, 1 death, according to the latest reports.

2. It is a tragedy that the SPDC could not heed the numerous suggestion of international community and the peoples of Burma to embrace reconciliation stance, through tripartite dialogue – between the SPDC leadership, NLD and all ethnic political parties -  to end the decades long conflict.

3. Such all-inclusive dialogue, which has been endorsed by the United Nations and accepted by all major players internationally and within the Burma political arena, is, in effect, the only viable way out for Burma.

4. It is high time now that the military regime make an about turn from this oppressive mode, total elimination posture and zero-sum game,  before it is too late. Repeating the 1988 crackdown scenario will only hasten the its downfall.

5. Instead, the military regime should embark on a win-win out come mode and, for once, show the wisdom, patriotism and courage for a real democratisation process of a multi-ethnic state, which is long overdue.

Sai Wansai
General Secretary

Shan Democratic Union