NLD Statement No-16/09/11 Released on its 23rd Anniversary

By National League for Democracy • September 27, 2011

Statement No-16/09/11

During the unprecedented uprising in 1988, the monks, laity, students and other people of Burma, by sacrificing lives, blood and sweat, demanded human rights and democracy for the country and the people. It is now 23 years since the National League for Democracy (NLD) was formed according to the Political Parties Registration Act to fulfill those aspirations of the people.

During these years NLD struggled to overcome the obstacles along the way to its political objectives. The members of the League made innumerable sacrifices to withstand against severe restrictions, ruthless repressions, brutal harassments and illegal detentions and imprisonments.

While facing such onslaughts of the authorities, they stood firmly behind the flag of the NLD and under the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, its leader and General Secretary, without losing sight of national reconciliation through dialogue which is the means to the objectives.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader and General Secretary of NLD, looking for the future benefit of the country, is trying her utmost for the emergence of dialogue and national reconciliation in order to resolve peacefully the current problems facing the country.

For this critical moment of the country and the people, guidance given by Bogyoke Aung San in his speech delivered on January 20, 1946 to the mass meeting held at middle terrace of Shwedagon Pagoda might be expedient. It is:

“We have reduced our demand to compromise not because we are getting softer. We did it because of our desire to get result for the country and the people as soon as possible”

At the Independence Day Celebration held on 4-1-03, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leader and General Secretary of the NLD said:-

“Our desire for reconciliation, discussion and unification of the people of whole country has not been reduced. We hold no grudges against anybody. Resolving the problems is most important. We will not hesitate to cooperate with any organization, be it the State Peace and Development Council or the Tatmadaw. We can work hand in hand with anybody for the country and the people.”

In her open letter to the President of the Union of Burma delivered on 28 July, 2011, the leader of NLD Daw Aung San Suu Kyi stressed the importance of the unity among all the nationalities of the Union at this delicate moment.

“There will only be losses to the both sides if those conflicts and problems are to be solved by using forces alone. National reconciliation cannot be achieved by military means. It must be built up through political dialogue and negotiations. Genuine solidarity of the nationalities that can guarantee the future of the Union can be achieved only through political solution.”

Therefore it is declared that all the members of the NLD, holding firmly to their beliefs and convictions will stand unitedly under the League and the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi until our objectives are achieved, and that the NLD will constantly strive for the establishment of democracy and human rights for benefit of the country and the people.

As per the resolution of the CEC meeting of the NLD held on 19-9-11

CEC
NLD

Rangoon

—

Chairman Speech on 23rd anniversary

I wish health and prosperity to all the guests attending this ceremony including members of the Committee Representing People’s Parliament (CRPP), veteran politicians, diplomats and members of National League for Democracy (NLD).

In 1988, an unprecedented democratic uprising erupted all over the country. As a consequence, the National League for Democracy was formed to fulfill the aspirations of the people and today it completed its 23rd year.

During these years, while struggling for the democracy and human rights, democracy forces including the senior leaders and Central Executive Committee members, organization committee members of States, Divisions and Townships and other members of NLD were arrested by the authorities under various pretext.

I wold like to honour all of those members and other democratic activities who have been standing for the principles of the League, against all the difficulties and repression sacrificing lives, properties and neglecting personal problems including social, educational and health issues. Despite the oppression, harassment and violation of human dignity, the NLD tries its utmost for the emergence of dialogue and national reconciliation for the benefits of the country and the people.

On August 19, 2011 a meeting was held between U Thein Sein, the President of the country and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, during which frank discussions were made regarding cooperation for the interest of the country and the people. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has already expressed her stratification for these discussions and the Central Executive Committee (CEC) issued a statement of support.

Today is a very important moment for the NLD. New political advances have to be made cautiously. Therefore mutual understanding and mutual respect among the leadership of the NLD as well as between CEC and the organization committees at various levels are now imperative. It is also essential for them to follow the procedure, guidelines and policies of the League.

The States, Divisions and Township committees need to increase the tempo of organizational works. It is important for all the members to help the people in order to alleviate the social woes and to be constantly in touch with them. They must coordinate and unify their efforts the original objectives of the NLD laid down at its formation.

Our members must refrain from the making rhetoric and behaviors that could harm the unity and policies of the NLD to achieve the democracy and human rights.

I would like to conclude by saying that by following the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and steadfastly holding to their beliefs, all the League members should continue to work unitedly and loyally until our objectives are achieved.

As per the decision of the meeting of CEC held on 19-9-2011

CEC
NL

This post is in: Press Release

NLD Statement No-16/09/11 Released on its 23rd Anniversary

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