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“SUPPORTING ROAD MAP FOR DEMOCRACY IN BURMA CONFERENCE” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H9793-H9795 on Oct. 21, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUPPORTING ROAD MAP FOR DEMOCRACY IN BURMA CONFERENCE
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Porter). Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and support the Road Map for Democracy in Burma Conference, which was held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, my hometown, on October 11 through 12, 2003. I had the distinct pleasure to address the conference and speak to some of the attendees. I pledged to them to insert this Road Map for Democracy in Burma into the Congressional Record, and let me explain why.
My colleagues are well aware of the military dictatorship currently ruling in Burma. In July of this year, the House passed the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, which imposes sanctions on Burma until the military gives up power and a new democratic Burma is established.
While the Burmese appreciate the support of the United States, they are working among themselves to organize a future democratic Burma. The conference in Fort Wayne brought together members of the democratically elected Burmese government-in-exile and various Burmese ethnic groups.
As the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) recently explained in the last few minutes, the problems that we face in Iraq, Burma, in fact, is trying to address these in advance. They had a democratic government overthrown by the junta, and they are now trying to pull the different factions together to be prepared, when this junta collapses, with a balanced democratic government.
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Burma has long been plagued with ethnic tensions. The delicate balance among ethnic groups was shattered early in Burmese independence. Since the military takeover in the 1960s, many ethnic groups have been persecuted and harassed. In such an atmosphere, suspicion and mistrust have been the norm.
This conference was particularly significant, because so many of the Burmese ethnic groups were brought together to discuss Burma's future. The fact that the groups were able to meet in one room together is a noteworthy accomplishment. Compare this to the problems we had in Iraq. In my hometown we have 125 Iraqis who fled. There are Sunni, Shia and Kurds. Prior to the recent conflict in Iraq, when I wanted to meet with the different groups, they would not meet together. That was a pretty good forerunner of what was going to happen when we got into Iraq.
In fact, we have nearly 2,000 Burmese in Fort Wayne. When we tried to meet there, initially some of the ethnic divisions were a problem even in meeting with their United States Congressman from that district.
This conference, unlike what we are seeing in many places of the world, we see the Burmese and the different ethnic groups trying to pull together to address what kind of country should Burma be when democracy is restored. Cooperation among the groups at this conference is an important step towards a future democratic Burma.
The road to democracy is not easy for any country, and Burma is no exception. I believe that the resolution unanimously passed by the conference is a positive step in the right direction. Democracy in Burma will only be achieved if all Burmese work together. I encourage the groups to continue their dialogue and their work together.
I admire the courage and tenacity of all the Burmese people, and I will continue to work with them and do what I can to help them achieve their goal of a free and democratic Burma for all Burmese.
Mr. Speaker, I will insert in the Record following my remarks ``The Full Road Map for Democracy,'' and I will just summarize a couple points.
In this Road Map for Democracy, they established a long-term goal. For example, number one is, ``To fully realize that goal, the committee in charge of establishing a self-help, fund-raising body has been formed.'' Because, as they state right at the beginning, ``The conference firmly believes that the objective of the struggle to abolish dictatorship and promote democracy in our country,'' Burma,
``can successfully be achieved only through self-reliance.'' They understand that basic principle.
In the section ``Future Plan for Inland and Overseas Democratic Struggles,'' they say, ``In accordance with the belief of the Road Map for Democracy in Burma Conference held in Fort Wayne, that the elimination of the dictatorial system in Burma is the only way to successfully achieve genuine democracy and genuine national reconciliation among all ethnic nationalities, and that the only path that can lead to the realization of that goal is a correct road map from all of us.''
Then they proceed to lay out who are some of the steering committees. Under ``Solidarity of Nationalities of Burma,'' point Number 1 is,
``There must be equality and self-determination for all ethnic nationalities,'' a major step that we do not see in many other nations around the world. They have detailed things on unity-building committees.
Under strengthening ethnic unity, for example, they say, ``All nationalities should learn the language of at least one nationality other than their own,'' and ``Ethnic nationalities should mutually respect each other.''
For a strategy to end military dictatorship in Burma, they have things as diverse as, ``Accept the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy,'' the elected president who has been held in exile.
Number 2 is, ``Any political change not based on the results of the 1990 elections will not be accepted.''
They also point out, ``The unwavering political objective of this conference is democracy and the establishment of a federal union.''
So they are very clear where they stand on the issue of democracy.
They have also, in conclusion, how to press the military regime in Burma by international communities and the United Nations.
Point one was to step up economic sanctions against the military regime of Burma through the United Nations Security Council.
Two is to seek stronger pressure from the international community to secure the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.
But they also have very explicit things in the resolutions. For example, to urge the Burmese expatriate communities to stop paying tax to SPDC, the military junta, embassies, and other specific things.
I commend this group and this conference for actually laying out a road map, having a plan of how to work together, how to build a country, so we do not see repeats of our struggles in Iraq, which are very important, which we must back up. We do not really have much option.
But, at the same time, to the degree we can to this in advance of a people getting their freedom back, this is what we need to do.
Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the Record:
Participants Worked Out Several Key Resolutions
(By Kevin Kilbane)
They agreed any transition to democracy in Burma would begin with leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whom the ruling military dictatorship has kept under virtual house arrest for more than a decade.
Members of the various ethnic groups making up the Burmese refugee community agreed they all must be given political equality and the right of self-determination.
Most importantly, however, Burmese attending the two-day Road Map for Democracy in Burma conference this weekend in Fort Wayne agreed to work together.
``All arguments are settled,'' said U Peter Limbin of Bluffton, who was elected to the Burmese parliament in 1990. He and other pro-democracy officials elected then had to flee to escape government persecution.
About 300 Burmese gathered for the conference Saturday and Sunday at Neff Hall on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Organizers held the event here because the 1,500 Burmese in Fort Wayne make up the largest Burmese community in the United States.
The conference drew representatives from Burmese pro-democracy groups around the world. People flew in from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Thailand, said Zar Wint, 30, of Fort Wayne, who attended the conference.
``I feel like I am home again,'' Wint said as many different conversations swirled around him, all in Burmese.
Guests also included Sein Win, acting prime minister of the exiled democratic government.
Burmese pro-democracy groups have enjoyed support from the United States and European Union, Win said during a break Sunday. Trade sanctions and travel restrictions those nations have placed on the Burmese government apply pressure for change. But Burmese refugees must network more to increase the pressure on the regime to step down.
``We need more push,'' he said.
To develop such strategies, people attending the conference broke into six panels to discuss key topics and propose future action. Discussion topics included how to replace the ruling military dictatorship and how to build solidarity among Burma's ethnic groups. Panels also debated how to fund the democratic movement and how to increase international and United Nations pressure on the ruling regime to step aside.
Some of the key resolutions passed included:
To lobby leaders of conference goers' current country of residence to increase pressure on Burma's military rulers to relinquish control.
To follow Aung San Suu Kyi (pronounced Ahn Sahn Sue She) once military dictators leave power. The 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate largely has been kept under house arrest since the government cracked down in 1988 on a student pro-democracy movement.
To unify pro-democracy groups' power by working through the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the exile government based in Washington, D.C.
To more actively support prodemocracy movements inside Burma, which the current rulers have renamed Myanmar.
To recognize the equality and right to self-determination of all Burmese ethnic groups. Members of the Mon, Karen, Shan and Chin ethnic groups exhibited unprecedented cooperation when planning the conference.
The resolutions how to replace the ruling government and on ethnic solidarity generated the most emotional debate. All of the discussion took place in Burmese peppered with occasional English words or phrases--``U.S.-China dialogue,'' for example--when no Burmese equivalent existed.
The room where the presentation's took place, Neff Hall's auditorium, resembled an international hearing room. The red, gold and white flag of the Democratic Burmese Students Association and letters spelling out ``Road Map for Democracy in Burma Conference'' hung on a velvet curtain behind the long tables set up on stage for panel members. Portraits and posters of Aung San Suu Kyi hung on the sides and front of the stage.
Men in blue jeans, suits and ties or traditional skirtlike longis--and, occasionally, women in business or traditional attire--would stand to make a comment or propose an amendment. Listeners often clapped or cheered in response.
The proposed resolutions for following Aung San Suu Kyi and working for replacement of Burma's dictatorship drew the most enthusiastic cheers and applause.
The conference closed with an appearance by area U.S. Rep. Mark Souder, who pledged to get resolutions ``in the hands of the right people'' in Washington.
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The ``Roadmap for Democracy in Burma Conference'' held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, 11-12 October 2003, unanimously passed the following resolutions:
The conference firmly believes that the objective of the struggle to abolish dictatorship and promote democracy in our country, Burma, can be successfully achieved only through self-reliance.
(1) To fully realize that goal, the committee in charge of establishing a self-help fund raising body has been formed.
(2) The term of the committee will be (12) months.
(3) The committee will draft and approve rules, regulations, and procedures which will extensively be global in nature.
(4) The committee, which will come into force immediately from the date it is formed, has been assigned to undertake self-funding programs.
Future Plan for Inland and Overseas Democratic Struggles
In accordance with the belief of the ``Roadmap for Democracy in Burma Conference'' held in Fort Wayne that the elimination of the dictatorial system in Burma is the only way to successfully achieve genuine democracy and genuine national reconciliation among all the ethnic nationalities, and that the only path that can lead to the realization of that goal is the correct roadmap for all of us.
A concerted struggle must be waged both domestically and internationally through various means to remove the vicious SPDC military clique. After careful considerations of all issues, it is decided that: the force inside the country is the key force and the force inside the country is the deciding factor.
The key players who will be waging the deciding struggle are:
(a) The Committee Representing the People's Parliament and the National League for Democracy led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi;
(b) The ``Veteran Politicians'';
(c) United Nationalities League for Democracy and the ethnic nationalities; and
(d) Masses (students, monks, workers, farmers, etc.) from all strata.
To provide all-round support to the intensification and improvement of the ``anti-dictatorship and people's liberation activities'' of these key players is the most important requisite and vital responsibility of our forces outside the country.
The conference unanimously viewed that a work committee is needed to effectively perform responsibilities, and it was formed accordingly.
Solidarity of Nationalities of Burma
1. There must be equality and self-determination for all ethnic nationalities.
2. Like all other ethnic nationalities, Myanmar nationalities should also be sincere and decisive in standing as one racial group.
3. The other ethnic nationality groups should recognize that the Burmese military is not an organization that represents the Myanmar nationalities.
4. When choosing a name for the federal union of the future, it should be representative of all the ethnic nationalities in the country.
5. Unity Building Committee comprising representatives of all ethnic nationalities should be formed.
6. With a view to strengthen ethnic unity, all nationalities should learn the language of, at least one nationality other than their own.
7. Ethnic nationalities should mutually respect each other.
Strategy to End Military Dictatorship in Burma
The conference resolves to:
1. Accept the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy.
2. Any political change not based on the results of the 1990 elections will not be accepted.
3. To support and enhance the role of the Committee Representing People's Parliament.
4. To continue the struggle through all means to eliminate the dictatorship in Burma.
5. To secure victory through the revolutionary movement inside the country.
6. That the unwavering political objective of this conference is democracy and establishment of a federal union are:
7. To form ad hoc committee comprising individuals and organizations under the political leadership of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma and the National Council the Union of Burma. The committee is to be formed with members of the Strategy Panel and to be expanded later.
8. To support and assist the just revolutionary war of the ethnic nationality groups.
Forward Actions Planned at the Conference
1. Myanmar democratic forces abroad are to stage demonstrations on December 10 (Human Rights Day) to display unity.
2. To urgently carry out organizational work in different regions (of the world).
3. To organize and encourage all the people of Myanmar and organizations to oppose the dictatorship in Burma and participate in the activities to liberate the people.
Press Against Military Regime in Burma by International Communities &
United Nations
1. To step up economic sanctions against the military regime of Burma through the United Nations Security Council.
2. To seek stronger pressure from the international community to secure the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.
3. To work toward the implementation of resolutions passed by the International Labor Organization at its conference in Year 2000.
4. To work toward the European Union to use stronger pressure mechanisms, including economic sanctions.
5. To request the United Nations Secretary General to fully implement the Burma resolutions passed by successive sessions of the United Nations General Assembly.
6. For the Burmese democratic forces worldwide to urge international governments and members of Parliament concerned to exert pressure on the Burmese military regime.
7. To collect information and prepare reports to increase the effectiveness of the visa ban on SPDC leaders and their close relatives, the freezing of their assets, and the ban of transfer of funds imposed by the United Sates and the European Union.
8. To urge Burmese expatriate communities to stop paying tax to SPDC Embassies.
9. To raise the awareness of the people of the world about the true condition in Burma through educational and lecture tours.
10. Believes that the nuclear reactor project being carried out jointly by the SPDC and Russia directly threatens regional security.
11. To work for the reversal of the ruling by the United States Department of Justice to suspend lawsuits against UNOCAL.
12. To prevent the SPDC from selling off land owned by the Burmese people in foreign countries where Burmese Embassies are located.
13. Proposed to the conference to form a Networking Committee so that Burmese democratic forces all over the world can coordinate their activities and work in unity.
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