Monday, April 17, 2006

Junta isolates itself further by rejecting NLD offer

The Burmese military junta is further isolating itself in the international arena by not responding to the National League for Democracy's national reconciliation offer, said the Asia Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC) and Free Burma Coalition-Philippines in a join statement today.

The NLD's offer, the deadline for which expires today, called on the junta to convene a 'peoples parliament' with the winning representatives of the aborted 1990 elections and promised to recognize the junta as Burma's de jure government.

Nyan Win, spokesperson for the NLD in Rangoon today told Mizzima that the party has not received any response from the junta.

"As a political party... we have offered what it should be and what it could be. And we will continue with our planned strategy," said Nyan Win. However, he declined to elaborate on the party's "planned strategy."

While there are wide spread speculations over the NLD's next move in response to the junta's silence, U Win Naing, a veteran politician in Rangoon said, as the junta has clearly indicated its motive, the people of Burma must think of a consolidated way to break the political deadlock.

"Leaving everything aside, politicians and the people of Burma must think of just how we can move ahead politically," said U Win Naing, who is called Amyotharye given his nationalist spirit.

Nyo Ohn Myint, In-charge of exiled foreign affairs committee of the National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) said the junta is missing out on a good opportunity by not responding to the NLD's offer.

"The deteriorating situation for the people and political pressures are dangerous for the military junta. The NLD has made this offer in consideration of the peoples' suffering... and it is not final or the end but I believe it is only the first step of the peoples' movement," said Nyo Ohn Myint.

"Now it's up to the junta to decide. If they remain silent on this issue, it is a loud indication of their lust for perpetual power. But the efforts of the international community and all democratic forces will not end unless meaningful reforms and genuine peace and justice are achieved," said Gus Miclat, regional coordinator of APSOC and convener of the FBC-Phils.