01.10.2006

What do They Say

About the National League for Democracy

“The National League for Democracy stands bravely against one of the most brutal regimes in the world. They are under extreme pressure but refuse to capitulate. We call on all those people around the world who love freedom and democracy to stand behind the NLD, 88 student generation and other democratic forces in Burma. We all have a responsibility to support them in any way we can.”

Mark Farmaner

Media & Campaigns Manager

Burma Campaign UK

“Burma's National League for Democracy serves as an example of how to survive as a progressive party and continue to organize under the most difficult conditions imaginable. The NLD has shown extraordinary moral strength and political flexibility in its ability to maintain its nonviolent stance and popular support despite every obstacle that has been thrown in their path. I wish the NLD members renewed energy for the struggle ahead and continued wisdom for leadership after victory.”

Edith Mirante

Project Maje www.projectmaje.org

Author of "Down the Rat Hole: Adventures Underground on Burma's Frontiers"

“NLD inside Burma, in spite of being much marginalized, has a very strong spirit and righteousness. It is doing a very good work and an opportune moment to call for negotiations with the Junta (maybe this is the last time as the Junta days are numbered). This also proves that the NLD unlike the top brass is very sincere and full of cetena (good will and loving kindness) to the people and the country.”

Prof. Kanbawza Win

“We sincerely hope that it is in the very near future that individuals and organizations in Burma, the National League for Democracy, media, unions and non-governmental organizations for instance are able to freely enjoy these rights and freedoms without fear or hindrance. We wish them well in helping to build a Burma founded on the principles of human rights, democracy and participatory governance.”

Clare Doube, CIVICUS Civil Society Watch Programme Manager.  

[CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international alliance established to nurture the foundation, growth and protection of citizen action throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens’ freedom of association are threatened. CIVICUS is committed to supporting the realization of the fundamental rights to free assembly, association and assembly in all countries.]

“My views on the NLD are close to those of Zarni (below). I think they are doomed. They won an election, but failed to capitalise on their success. They always were more a political movement than a party, and their leaders (apart from Daw Suu)  are all now in their 80s and should have retired years ago. It would be insincere of me to say a few kind words.”

Derek Tonkin

“At some point, the NLD's octagenarian leadership needs to serious soul searching.  The sad reality is that not only has the NLD leadership missed opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the people who so hopefully voted in 16 years ago but it has painted itself into
a corner. It is time that the NLD leadership either bows out of politics or engage in deep soul searching.”

Dr. Zarni 

“NLD is the legitimate party, which won the support and votes of the people in 1990 election. Daw Suu, who is the hope, for many millions in the country, is leading NLD. From an organizational structure viewpoint, NLD has been hurt because SPDC is using hard intimidation methods to isolate and marginalizes the party. Nevertheless, as long as Daw Suu is leading by example, standing tall and sticking to Liberal Democratic principles, the soul of the party and its members will be still be alive with its leader. We, the people, must therefore work hard to support NLD to show there is still HOPE for the country and Democracy and to honor the heroes who are sacrificing for the country.”

Bo Bo Kyaw Nyein

For the 18th Anniversary foundation of NLD; 

NLD's blood is red! 

NLD's commitment is high! 

NLD's future is bright! 

We, Women Of Burma (UK), always strongly support the NLD until we achieve the goal of genuine Democracy and Human Rights in Burma.

Dr Khin Wynn Nwe, on behalf of WOB (UK)

“N.L.D, the people's League, which has been founded for 18 years, is now reaching maturity age. Since 1989, it has faced various struggles has been supported by various ethnicities, races and religions including the international community, with great endurance and perseverance.

Although its leaders have been in and out of custody, its supporters enduring repression and harassment, it still is going stronger.

Now the UNSC is coming to intervene in our national problem as a formal agenda, the time is right for National Reconciliation, with a dialogue.

Our comrades inside and outside our motherland are working harder to achieve our goal of genuine democracy. 

LIGHT ALWAYS SHINES ON THE TRUTH!!!!!”

Dr.Win Naing (UK)

“That 18th anniversary marks the day our achievement 18 years ago and clearly reflects and shows what majority of Burmese and 80% of the election result had said loud and clear internationally. To fulfill that is not only our duty of Burmese people but also it is indeed a responsibility of all the civilized world, e.g., UN, UNSC etc. etc.,

NLD has been given a mandate from the majority of people of the country. We will never forget that.

After 18 long years of longing wishes from the Burmese people, this world organization has given nothing to fulfill those wishes, even neglected sufferings happening under their own eyes e.g., still 1144 political prisoners, still detained among them is our noble laureate. It is indeed shameful scenario to any international organizations who are responsible. A reminding day of 18 times apologies for them to make.

I can also feel the nature of double standard there in these world's organizations, they can do it in many other countries in Africa, Middle East, Europe,   and why not us? Now it is on a next set of level on UNSC after 18 long years struggle; now time to do more effectively on their agenda and must and should be followed by serious consequences. If not Burma’s case will, like other soft-toned resolutions, end in their bins in UNGA. If that happens, shame will never end.”

Prof. Thann Naing

“Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is the only person in Burma who has the quality to lead Burma into a prosperous nation. To free Burma and to end the military dictatorship in Burma we must united in our collective effort to continue to work together to free DASSK from house arrest and to fully support her NLD party.  I congratulate NLD Party to mark the 18th anniversary commemoration.”

Henry Soe-Win, former student leader and founder of the D4B forum

“NLD is the party which people has trusted and voted for their future lives.  NLD existance is crucial for Burmese political betterment.  Daw Suu is the capable leader for the country, with Daw Suu, NLD will lead the country from the Least Developing status to a well developing country.”

Ko Htun Aung Gyaw (former Chairman of ABSDF & currently President of Civil Society Burma)

“To the people of Burma

The NLD has been a beacon

In the darkness of their long night.

It has been un-shifting

on its firm rock of principle,

Unwilling to barter principle

For illusory concession.”

Eric Bruce Johnston

"I can find out no word for the courage of the members of NLD and NLD  inside Burma to praise and to be proud of them.The voice of the NLD members is heartening to the people of Burma and to the international community.Because of their bravest and strongest desire and stand ,I believe that we must get the democracy in near future."

U Kyaw Thwin (elected people’s representative from Khayan constituency, Burma)

“On this anniversary, the NLD must renew its commitment to freedom, peace and democracy in Burma.  They must never lose heart or resolve in continuing their just and honorable fight to claim their role as the legitimately elected government of Burma.

May Daw Suu Kyi know and feel in her heart that although she lives in isolation she is not alone and that she has many devoted supporters around the world who wish her and the NLD a happy and productive future in reshaping the poilcies of their country, a country that will serve its people.”

Jim McNalis (the famous sculptor of Aung San Suu Kyi statues)

“With respect and prayer in support of the NLD’s called for release of the detainees, Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe, who were and are continually sacrificing their valuable life time for entire population of the Union of Burma and for the sake of their loved ones to live a democratic life of peace, freedom and justice, I personally demand SPDC to treat them justly and release them without any restriction or condition.

In love and in justice and in truth and with commitment we will build the old country to be a new country for all.”

Sai Aung Mart

Former Joint General Secretary of SNLD 

“NLD reaches the conventional age of adulthood. Maturity is key for wise thinking, high-quality decision-making and effective actions.

I have never been swayed throughout 18 years. 

Apart from the dedication and the proof of imperviousness, we look forward to fulfilling the aspiration of the voters. 

We need all fronts more vigorous. We want all means efficiently utilized. We promise!” 

Dr. Tint Swe,Hluttaw Representative, NLD, Pale constituency (2), Currently in New Delhi

“DEMOCRACY IS THE ONLY OPTION: WE SALUTE THE NLD LEADERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SACRIFICE IN THIS LONG WALK TO FREEDOM.

Burmese people's struggle to change Burma continues with only one of the two options; democracy vs dictatorship. They have tasted enough of the poison of dictatorship. They wanted to taste the fruit of democracy by electing the NLD. The NLD won over 80 per cent of the seats in Burma's 1990 Parliamentary elections but has not yet been allowed to form a government. Burmese people are being deprived the fruit of democracy which is peace and prosperity for all. Since NLD speaks for the Buirma of the future democratic Burma that includes, every race, religion, and culture, NLD still remains the choice of the Burmese people comprised of namy nationalities. NLD is Burma'a future.

WE SALUTE THE NLD LEADERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SACRIFICE AND THE LONG WALK TO FREEDOM.”

Prof. Abid Bahar

“Greetings on your 18th anniversary and very best wishes for the future - may we soon see a liberated and free Burma.”

David Winter, a human-rights activist

"On this occasion to mark the 18th Anniversary of the founding of NLD party, I would like to send them (the members) my greetings. I have been supported them since their founding and even though I haven't had a chance to vote for them during the election, I followed them around during their campaign. Although they've won the election with landslide victory the Military Junta has ignored it. But I truly believe that the Truth will prevail and this truth will make us free from the Junta. I would also like to send my greetings to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Ba Ba U Tin U, and let them know that we are praying for their release and for their welfare. Last but not least I would like to encourage them to have strength and perseverance in fighting for what we believe in. We have to fight in Unity as well."

Naw Pa Saw Htee (Karen Community, UK)

"We firmly believe that the meaningful dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party and Committee Representing Peoples Parliament (CRPP), 1990 election winner parties, is the only solution to the multi crisis and instabilities that the country is facing."

Students & Youths Congress of Burma

"Congratulations on 18th Anniversary of NLD formation. NLD is still in the struggle embracing people will is because of the support of the people. According to the subsistance of struggle for Freedom and Democracy in Burma, we still have to give our support to NLD until military regime is wiped out. But we all know that political stalemate in Burma is escalating and people undergo more disaster continually.
In this auspicious occasion, I would like to suggest that we should not be walking whilst we know how to run in order to reach our goal."

Ko Thant Zin (ABSDF)

"It is appreciable that National League for Democracy (NLD) with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has withstood series of sinister designs and conspiracies of the Burmese ruling military regime, for long 18 years, with the blessings of the people. In solidarity the Rohingya people of Arakan heartily congratulate NLD leaders and supporters. We hope the untiring efforts, steadfastness and sacrifice of its leadership will continue to energize the people of Burma in their struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights.

When Burma under military rule has become a serious concern of the UNSC, as a threat to international peace and security, we caution the SPDC to read the writings on the wall and to respect the international opinion for a national reconciliation, through a meaningful tripartite dialogue, before it is too late."

Nurul Islam
President
Arakan Rohingya national Organisation

"Irrespective of where DASSK is, despite all the restrictions put to her, her handicap is rather or only pyhsical in nature. It is her "spirit", her will and shear determination and perseverence that really counts. No one on earth, however powerful including the gun tottling SPDC cowboys could sudue her. She will stay tall on her moral high ground forever in the history of humankind. That doesn't come from me, I am just reflecting the mood of the world's community.

DASSK is not only the "IRON LADY OF BURMA", but she holds the key to the mine field laid for SPDC for their quick process of bad karma to happen. For SPDC rogue generals there is only one way to go. According to the Newton's Law of physics, " Whatever goes up must come down".

In our effort to find out what really needs to be done for the "ghost of our nation", our soul searching scrutiny like everybodyelse, shows that changes must come from within. Outside influences, even including physical forces, would not make a dent to battle hardened and die-hard generals. They also know too well "who holds the key", for the very reason DASSK is being held in hostage and suffering. The moment she is let loose and free from her stranglehold, that would be the final day of judgement for the generals. It is spell bound with hell.

I personally wish for her good health to outlast the rougue generals because there is only one way for them to go, may I repeat, down and out sooner or later. The sooner the better."

Hkun Hom

Interim Shan Government

"1990 election result has been proven that NLD is the heart of the people of Union of Burma. SPDC could never change the aspiration of the people."

Nay San Lwin (Founder of Burmese Rohingya Group and General Secretary of NDPHR (in exile) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Branch)

Comments:

Zaw Win Htun said _

We strongly believe that the NLD can break the political deadlock in Burma. Everybody should understand the situation inside the country and the space for human rights and democracy activists and political parties. I do believe inside people are trying their best for the country. Without the struggle inside the land, no meaning for exiled activists.

Ko Ko Linn said _

NLD, Daw Su and her members are worthy for salutes and respects. The situation inside Burma is to be understood before sending comments against them. We believe that the NLD will be a leading party with peace harmony for all community in Burma.

Your Comments here_

Request: If you can kindly volunteer to translate BURMA DIGEST English articles into Burmese, please let us know burmadigest@tayzathuria.org.uk .

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Click here for This week’s  articles

Last week’s English articles

Seeing in Black & White

Blue Print for Burma

Interview with Global Peace Malaysia

A pledge for Non-violence

Five pages of Blather

The Great Natural Light of Freedom

Is there a cause to celebrate?

Humanitarian Intervention

Cultural Politics, Asian Values & Burma (4)

Disappearances

Guess who is staying for a Thai dinner?

Protest in India against 18 years Long Military Rule in Burma

Protest in Malaysia against 18 years Long Military Rule in Burma

International Day of Peace celebration in New Delhi