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- Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS). We humbly salute those who have sacrificed their lives, those who have been detained in prisons all across Burma, including our leader Min Ko Naing and all those who have remained resolute in continuing the struggle for democracy over the last 23 years.
- Today, we, DPNS, particularly remember and pay tribute to Ko Jimmy, Ko Zeya, Ko Thet Zaw and Ko Thet Naing Oo, our leaders and members, still defiant behind prison bars after almost 23 years.
- All the political prisoners in Burma must be released, the battles and sound of gunfire must cease before any talks can be said to be moving forward towards national reconciliation or democratic openings in our country. Therefore, we urge U Thein Sein’s government to make these substantial moves so that the current talk process can truly develop into a political dialogue between the government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi led National League for Democracy (NLD).
- These moves must also include genuine reform of the overall structure of the governance of the country. The pro-democracy forces including ethnic nationalities and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi must no longer be pushed into the narrow military dominated framework of the 2008 Constitution.
- Reform of the 2008 Constitution in accordance with democratic principles and practices is the rightful demand of the masses including National League for Democracy (NLD), 1990 MPs, members of CRPP and ethnic nationalities in respect of democracy, human rights, equality and self-determination. Reconciliation cannot be achieved under the 2008 Constitution which does not have the interest of the nation and its people as its cornerstone.
- Today, there is no guarantee that the current political circumstances are irreversible. The current talk process between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the government could have the potential to open a path to democracy and national reconciliation, but there must be guarantees that it cannot be reversed. Should the process stop, be reversed, be ignored, the situation in the country would take a nose dive into desperation.
- We, DPNS, fully support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for her initiative toward democratic opening and national reconciliation. We expect the release of the political prisoners and immediate ceasefires to pave the way to greater progress. We remain aware that any promised progress is not progress until it is actually performed not merely promised and we will remain alert and ready in all circumstances.
Central Leading Committee
Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS)
14 October 2011
