September 25, 2005

* The repressive and arbitrary rule of the Burmese military dictatorship, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has been pushing the country relentlessly towards the brink of social, economic and political disaster. The ruling clique's economic mismanagement and corruption, the massive military build-up, gross human rights violations in its war of genocide against the ethnic nationalities and severe political repression have made the entire people of Burma to face increasing poverty and lead a life of constant fear. * Though the United Nations resolutions have been urging the SPDC military dictatorship, year after year, for an inclusive political process for national reconciliation and respect for human rights since 1994, it has not only ignored the concerns of the World Body but has blatantly rejected also its effort to facilitate the national reconciliation process. Now the growing problems of refugees, IDPs, illegal immigrant workers, narcotic drugs and HIV/AIDS emanating from Burma have become a regional concern of serious magnitude.

It is only appropriate for the former Czech President Vaclav Havel and retired South African archbishop Desmond Tutu to call for an urgent initiative at the UN Security Council to bring reforms to military-ruled Burma. We, the KNU, fully agree with the proposal of the two World Leaders of Conscience calling upon the UN to intervene in Burma for "implementing a plan for national reconciliation and restoration of a democratically-elected government."

* In conclusion, we would like to affirm our earnest support for the timely action of former President Vaclav Havel and Archbishop Desmond Tutu for freedom, justice, stability and peace in Burma. At the same time, we call on the SPDC military dictatorship to submit to reason, release all the political prisoners at once, cease its attempt to perpetuate its hold on power immediately, accept the decisions of the UN Security Council without hesitation and fully cooperate with the United Nations, before it is too late.

Central Headquarters
Karen National Union