STATEMENT ON RECENT DEMONSTRATIONS IN BURMA

September 2, 2007

We, the Overseas Mon Communities are deeply concerned by the use of force by pro-government group, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) in attacking the peaceful and democratic demonstrations in Burma .  Several of the female activists were assaulted and several protesters were forced into trucks and taken away. These arrests and brutal attacks are another example of the Burmese military regime’s continued disregard for freedom and democracy.

We also strongly condemn the recent detentions of human rights activists, including the student leaders Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Min Zeya and others from the 88 Generation democratic movement, which have taken place on the sidelines of ongoing demonstrations in Rangoon .

Recent peaceful demonstration in Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma is an expression of widely felt discontent and despair among the people of Burma . We, the Overseas Mon communities, strongly support the peaceful demonstrations of people in Burma . Triggered by steep increases in fuel prices, these demonstrations appear to be a logical consequence of many years of political repression and economic mismanagement.  On August 15th, the regime hiked up fuel prices - up to quintupling the price of natural gas; this is despite the fact that the regime makes billions from the export of oil and natural gas. Instead of solutions are sought collectively and peacefully, the military regime has one-sidedly attempted to solve the problems by force. The military junta will be held solely responsible for the consequences that this unacceptable repression may have on the demonstrators.

Therefore, we urge:

(1)    The military junta to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Burma and to end the regime's blatant attempt to intimidate and silence those who are engaged in peaceful promotion of democracy and human rights in Burma

(2)     The military junta to release all recent arrests of activists and all political prisoners in Burma and to find a long-term political solution by engaging in a meaningful tripartite dialogue with the leaders of Burma's democracy movement and ethnic minority groups

(3)    The United Nations Security Council to immediately address situations in Burma .

This statement is jointly issued by:

1. The Australia Mon Association (AMA)

  2. Euro-Mon Community

3. Mon Canadian Society of Alberta

4. Monland Restoration Council ( USA )

5. Mon National League for Consolidating and Aiding ( Thailand )

6. Mon Women's Association of America

7. Mon Unity League ( Thailand )

Media Contact:

Banya Htaw Weang (USA) Tel: 716-390-9106

Nai Sunthorn Sripanngern ( Thailand ) Tel: + (66) 0869890079, E-mail:sunthornmul@gmail.com

Nai Siri Mon Chan ( Australia ) Tel: +(61)433548199,E-mail: sirimonchan@yahoo.com