88 generation students call for tougher UN action

Nay Thwin Mizzima News
Chiang Mai – The activist group 88 generation students is urging the United Nations to take forceful action against Burma's junta, instead of relying on resolutions and statements.

88 generations' assessment came yesterday, ahead of an anticipated statement from the United Nations Security Council. A draft of the Security Council's position calls on the junta to permit pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders to partake in public debate and convene political meetings before the junta pushes ahead with any constitutional referendum.

"Only words such as 'disappointed', 'strongly condemn' and 'concern over' cannot resolve Burma's crisis. Forceful action is badly needed to resolve the crisis and achieve real change in Burma", they said.

The 15 member countries of the Security Council is expected to soon take up the draft resolution, which is jointly sponsored by the United States, Britain and France. The draft statement, as per Security Council protocol, can only be passed after receiving 9 votes in favor.

"If this non-binding statement draft is passed, it will also mean that China agrees with the position. It is non-binding but maybe it can lead to the release of some prisoners even if the junta won't allow Daw Aung San Kyi free political movement", Burmese observer U Win Min remarked.

The draft statement demands the junta allow Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political stakeholders to take part in all facets of the constitutional referendum process.

The draft statement, expressing the Council's dismay at the lack of progress on previous calls for reform, also reiterates demands made by the Security Council last September, appealing to the junta to engage in a genuine dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and release all political prisoners.

"They should say that the junta has failed to engage in dialogue and to implement an all inclusive constitution drafting process. They should demand the junta implement all these demands first. Otherwise the UN should not and cannot recognize the junta's constitution, which doesn't reflect the people's desire and does not represent the people. They should say that the United Nations Security Council does not accept the constitution. Only such an action and statement can be effective for Burma's crisis", elaborated Ko Tun Myint Aung of the 88 generation students.

He further suggests that there should be an international forum on Burma if staunch supporters of the junta, such as Russia and China, continue to obstruct the Security Council's decision making process.