Marching for Peace/Opposing the Elections in Burma on the International Day of Peace

By The Best Friend • September 14, 2010

Media Advisory
** Photo Opportunity **

Following successful gatherings in Mae Sot, The Best Friend Education Project will be holding the inaugural “Walk for Peace” in Chiang Mai on Tuesday 21 September 2010, the International Day of Peace. All members of the Burmese and international community are welcome to join.

Supporters are called upon to join the walk through Chiang Mai in order to raise awareness about ongoing violence in Burma, to emphasize that the upcoming elections are not a positive step towards solving Burma’s conflicts, to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, and to spread a message of peace.

With approval from the Chiang Mai Police, participants will meet at 9 a.m. in front of Wat Suan Dok temple on Suthep Road in Chiang Mai. The gathering will then proceed down Suthep Road and around the walls of Chiang Mai’s moat until it reaches Thapae Gate. A rally will then take place with speeches, displays, and activities to support the campaign to call for the establishment of an international commission of inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity committed by the military regime. “Peace Dove” t-shirts, stickers, and flags will be distributed to supporters.

The Walk for Peace sends a message of solidarity to those struggling for peace, freedom, and democracy inside Burma, while also encouraging the international community to recognize that the regime’s “military selection” is not a real election, but rather a ploy to cement dictatorial military rule and impunity in Burma.

The Best Friend Education Project, established in 1999 by Burmese monks in exile along the Thai-Burma border, seeks to raise awareness about Burma by spreading the wish to end violence and suffering. The Best Friend coordinates a diverse range of projects to help Burmese people inside and outside of their homeland.

For further information, please visit www.thebestfriend.org, contact [email protected], or call 087-656-7267.