THE MEETING BETWEEN THE SPDC AND H.E. RAZALI ISMAIL

SHAN DEMOCRATIC UNION (SDU)

THE MEETING BETWEEN THE SPDC AND H.E. RAZALI ISMAIL

Press Release, November 18, 2002 

The Shan Democratic Union strongly condemns the very undiplomatic behaviour of the leaders of the Spdc (State Peace and Development Council) in terminating the meeting with H.E. Razali Ismail after a mere 15 minutes. 

Such behaviour is rude and arrogant and very un-Burmese. 

The Spdc has abused the courtesy and the benefit of the doubt extended to it by the United Nations, democratic and civilized governments, and international bodies like the International Red Cross, other such organizations, and the international community in general. 

It is becoming quite clear to all that the Spdc is the main obstacle to peace, order, development, and prosperity in Burma, and that the regime is not only the root of the current raging humanitarian crisis, but that it just does not care. 

The Spdc generals think that decency, courtesy, obligations, civilized behaviour are mere fluffs and puffs of smoke. They not only do not respect their fellow citizens, but all civilized norms.

The mind-set of the Spdc generals is very similar to those of Saddam Hussein, the Talibans, and the North Korean regime. 

The Shan Democratic Union calls upon the rest of the world, in particular the United Nations and the United States, to press home the message, very strongly and firmly, that with power, there is also obligations -- obligations to the people, to respond to their needs and to inter-act with them, and talk with their leaders and representatives, and importantly, to the international community, to the civilized world. 

It is time that decent people and leaders of the civilized world -- in particular, President George W.Bush and the U.S.Congress -- to take a closer look at the plight of the people of Burma, and come to the support of the United Nations in bringing about political changes in Burma, in the direction aspired to by the oppressed people and ethnic nationalities of Burma. 

The SDU, like other forces within the democratic movement, have committed ourselves to a peaceful resolution of Burma's problem and to an orderly, peaceful political transition. To this end, we have cooperated with the international community, including the United Nations Special Envoy to Burma, H.E. Razali Ismail, the U.N. Human Rights Rapporteur H.E.Dr.Sergio Pinheiro, the International Red Cross, and other governments, notably, Japan, and other international organizations interested in promoting dialogue and peace in Burma. 

The Spdc claims that it is working for a democratic society in the context of maintaing stability. So far, these are only words. It is apparently more interested in holding on to power at all cost. This indicates an orientation common to outlaw governments and leaders of terroristic, failed states. 

The people of Burma regardless of ethnic affiliation, creed, religion, class, and political beliefs are united in bringing about political change in the democratic direction, to re-building the nation in the Panglong spirit, and creating a prosperous economy and country in the free market context. 

The SDU firmly and very strongly believes that the will of the people will triumph. We also believe that the international community will not let a country die and the people further pauperised. 

The SDU, together with other democratic forces and our brethrens inside the country, will continue to work for a better world for the present and coming generation within the Union of Burma. 

Shan Democratic Union
Date: 18 November, 2002