NATIONALITIES MEET ON UNION DAY ( Kao-Wao ) February 22, 2003

NATIONALITIES MEET ON UNION DAY

(Kao-Wao, February 22, 2003)

The ethnic nationalities inside Burma commemorate the Union Spirit with a joint statement to mark the 56th anniversary of Union Day.

The Union Day message for Democracy was jointly signed by the Zomi National Congress, Mon National Democratic Front, Chin National League for Democracy, Karen National Congress, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, Kayah State All Nationalities League for Democracy, Kachin National Congress for Democracy and the Democratic Organisation For Kayan National Unity.

"The union spirit has slowly diminished since independence was gained and today we are in a deplorable situation. Our greatest desire is for national reconciliation and we have been striving to achieve it even to this day. We will be doing our utmost to find solutions for a dialogue and national reconciliation," read the statement. The ethnic groups highlighted that the only way to a peaceful and productive national reconciliation is through a tripartite dialogue.

At the same time, the Untied Nationalities League for Democracy (UNLD-LA) held the Second Conference from 9 to 12 February in a liberated areas, near Thailand Burma border. Attended by twelve parties of ethnic nationalities, the meeting elected Advisory, Presidium, Secretariats, CEC, and Working Committees for the next working term.

Among elected leaders were Khun Teddy Buri (President of Members of Parliamentarian Union), Dr. Chao Tzang Yawnghwe (son of the former President of Burma Sao Shwe Thaike), Dr. Lian Sakhong, Kun Manko Ban (Minister for Federal Affairs of the NCGUB), Dr. Za Hlei Thang (MP from Chin National League for Democracy), Daniel Aung (MP from Lahu National Development Party), U ThaNoe (MP from Arakan League for Democracy), Pu Thang Lian Pau, (MP from Zomi National Congress), Nai Tun Wai and Nai Thaung Shein (MP from Mon National Democratic Front).

Themes of inner strength, separation and loss, common solidarity, the importance of education, and a peaceful return to democracy emerged at the meeting. The ultimate goal on their agenda is to restore democracy and establish a genuine federal system in Burma. The four-day gathering was to achieve a clear strategy and design tactical measures by reviewing past activities and to set up new work plans for the future.

The UNLD was established in 1989 as an umbrella organization for the non-Burman nationalities in Burma. The member parties of the UNLD contested the 1990 general election under the slogan of "democracy and equality" and won 67 seats in the parliament. The election results established the UNLD as the second largest political party in Burma.