(Statement No. 5/2007) 10 September 2007

The ENC welcomes the international community's condemnations on the junta leaders' "tyrannical behaviour" and recent violent crackdown in Burma. The ENC would like to congratulate the political courage shown by the world leaders, especially Mrs Laura Bush for her long-standing concern about Burma. Word alone, however, is not enough. Action is needed. The ENC thus calls upon the international community to respond to the situation in Burma more quickly with substantive actions. "We welcome the recent UN Security Council resolution on Darfur, but the situation in Burma is the same as in Darfur, if not worse", said ENC Chairman Saw Ba Thin.

The SDU, on behalf of the people of Shan State, whole heartedly support the recent public protest or resistance of the people in Burma Proper and Arakan State, due to the military regime's irresponsible imposition of  price hike of Compressed National Gas (CNG), diesel and petrol ranging from one hundred to five hundred percent.

Under the aegis of the Constitutional Affairs Committee (CAC) of Ethnic Nationalities Council (Union of Burma), the 6th Seminar of State Constitution Drafting Committees was held successfully, at a certain place in the liberated area, for 5 days from July 16 to 20, 2007.

Hkun Htun Oo and the 8 other Shan leaders have now been unjustly incarcerated for 2 years, with the sad passing of Myint Than in May of last year. Despite an attempt by their lawyers in Burma to have the case reviewed by the high court in Rangoon, their appeal case was thrown out.

Words impact meaning and they convey power – is 7th February a day to celebrate Shan ‘nation’ or ‘state’? When the elders from Shan State came together at Panglong, they were declaring the intention of establishing an independent Shan administration – independent from the British government colonial rule. When their statements were broadcast on Burma radio, it sent shock waves through the British establishment and cheers from the people of Shan States and the rest of Burma.

Independence and freedom is gained by those who are prepared to fight for it and defend it, whether by the sword (war in its many forms) or the pen (diplomacy and politics). Over the years, small bands of people have taken on the mighty empires and numerically superior enemies and won the day. How have they done this? History always provides us with examples and illustrations that illuminate our own plight and show us new ways of tackling problems, new ideas from ancient wisdom, inspiration from victories of the past.

Stepping up their anti-democracy campaign another notch, the SPDC made a formal declaration regarding the SSA-S on 26th August 2006, by branding the freedom fighters as terrorists. For an illegal government that holds on to power by force this is ripe for pointing out the inconsistencies and falsehoods stated by the state-run organs of mis-information.

A month is a long time in politics, and the succession of recent news reports about Col.Moengzuen’s disagreement with the regime has partially surprised us. I am sure that we all read with pleasure and relief that Col.Moengzuen and at least some of his men have rebelled against SPDC coercion. What is not so surprising is that the world’s media have not reported the event with the same enthusiasm that greeted the so-called ‘surrender’ last month.

Today, 18th July 2006, we read with disappointment the results of capitulating to the enemy – subjugation and humiliation. Perhaps we didn’t expect anything else. During the Vietnam War, North Vietnam would parade captured US pilots and soldiers caged on the back of trucks, through the streets of Hanoi as an exercise in defiance and propaganda. Col.Moengzuen has been paraded for much the same reasons in a sadistically inhumane press conference in at Thirihantha hall in Laikha, Shan State.

On 21st May 2006 we celebrate the 48th anniversary of Shan Revolution day, although some people call it Shan Resistance Day. This is the day that the armed struggle for independence and peace in Shan State had its beginning. I believe it is worth while to look at why Saw Yanda took up arms against Rangoon and see if either side have learnt any lessons.