Burmese military regime came to power after gunned down more than 3000 peaceful demonstrators in 1988. They promised to hold election in 1990 due to the continuous pressure from international community. National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi won landslide victory but military ignore to transfer to power. Instead, put Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest and imprisoned more than 2000 political dissidents.

The people of Burma have been suffering under one of the world's most brutal and repressive regime. Freedom of expression, association, assembly and movement are non-existent and Burmese citizens are denied any state in the shaping of their future. The military maintains an extensive network of Military Intelligence (MI), police, informers, militias such as Swan-Arr-Shin and Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) members, and control completely over the legal system. The worst forms of child labour can be seen in Burma –in the army, there are 70, 000 child soldiers.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on 23rd June 2008 regarding the current situation of Zimbabwe and its Mugabe’s regime that “The whole world is of one view: that the status quo cannot continue” and “Mugabe’s regime should not be recognised by anyone”.

“When we hear such kind of decisive and affirmatives clear messages from Mr Brown regarding Zimbabwe, we are very encouraged to learn that Prime Minister is not accepting undemocratic government and state terrorising acts. We would also like to see more such kind of assertive clear cut messages and action by Prime Minister to sort out current political crisis of Burma. We are very grateful that Mr Brown is personally engaging Burma issue but we would like to see more. We would like to see more actions backed up by practical measures in order to restore democracy in Burma and to establish democratic country led by Aung San Suu Kyi as the Prime Minister of Burma,” said Myo Thein, Director of Burma Democratic Concern in United Kingdom.

Burma Democratic Concern today called for United Kingdom government not to recognise Burmese military regime. There are very concrete reasons:

1. Current military government is not the democratically elected one
2. Junta held the General Elections in 1990 in which NLD led by Aung San Suu Kyi won landslide victory but ignore to transfer the power
3. Aung San Suu Kyi should be the Prime Minister of Burma according to the result of 1990 Elections result
4. The military regime uses murder, torture, rape, political imprisonment and forced labour as practices for ruling the citizens of Burma
5. Junta rules through intimidation, the strict censuring of information, repression of individual rights, and suppression of ethnic minority groups
6. In May 2 and 3, 2008 when Cyclone Nargis hit Burma, the regime delayed to give relief work and not fully co-operate with International Community

With the pratical actions taken by United Kingdom government and International Community, we will be able to realise our aspiration for democracy in Burma.

For more information contact,

Myo Thein
00-44-78 7788 2386
Registered No:6496926
Registered Address:
145-157 St John Street
London
EC1V 4PY
[United Kingdom]
www.bdcburma.org