An appeal to the fraternal people of all nationalities of Burma now living overseas

Dear people of all nationalities of Burma,

The National League for Democracy (NLD) has issued a Special Announcement for national reconciliation and peace on 12 February which is an historic and auspicious day for all of us. In the announcement, the NLD has called on the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to convene the Parliament in accordance with the results of the 1990 general elections. It says that that Parliament will extend de jure recognition to the SPDC as a transitional government, the term of which will be negotiated between the two sides.

The announcement also demanded that as the first phase of the national reconciliation and peace process, the SPDC should immediately and unconditionally release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo, U Khun Tun Oo, and all other political prisoners. Only then, it added, that a conference on political dialogue for national reconciliation, which is urgently needed in the country, can be held immediately.

The flexible and forward-looking offer by the NLD has overwhelmingly been supported by ethnic nationality leaders who are leading members of the Committee Representing People's Parliament, leaders of the 1988 Generation of Student Leaders, and democratic forces inside and outside the country.

The process of dialogue for national reconciliation is the best option if we are to systematically transit toward democracy by overcoming the political, economic, and social problems that are facing the country today. Now is a crucial time for change in the mother country and we must all strive to the best of our mental and physical capabilities so that the NLD's vision for peace is realized without fail.

It is, therefore, vital for all of us to show that the wish to achieve national reconciliation and peace is not just that of the NLD but also an overwhelming desire of all the people of Burma. On the basis of this political thinking, I am appealing to the fraternal people of all nationalities from Burma now living overseas all over the world to continually hold "National Reconciliation and Peace" mass rallies between 25 March and 17 April.

The New York-based democratic forces, the Fort Wayne Conference Strategic Coordination Committee, and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma have been making preparations to hold a mass rally in New York, the site of the United Nations which was formed to promote world peace and develop and protect inherent rights of all people.

On behalf of our brothers and sisters in Burma who have been denied of their rights to freedom of speech and assembly, let us all gather before international diplomats and the UN secretary-general to show that national reconciliation and peace is the overwhelming desire of all the people of Burma.

Global incidents taking place in countries around us indicate that the combined result of individual courage, diligence, and determination leads to intensifying mass movements that open up brilliant new chapters of history.  Our generation has been burdened with the historic duty for national reconciliation, peace, and democracy.  I do understand that you -- my brothers and sisters -- who are overseas are constantly struggling for your needs. But the time now is crucial and it requires all of us to be united.  Let us all do our parts individually, and with the strength derived from our combined efforts, let us strive together to leave a legacy for the new generations and ensure a brilliant future for our country.  I call on you to take leave for the day and be part of the important national movement.

Sein Win
(Prime Minister)
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
March 16, 2006

Note: A special website www.campaignfordemocracy.net has been set up to coordinate mass movements for national reconciliation and peace globally. Please use the website to consult, exchange news, and inform us of your political activities.