CALD Resolution No. 6 S. 2006

CALD Resolution expressing disappointment over the painfully slow pace of Burma’s democratic transition and calling on the United Nations Security Council to act on the human rights violations and acts of aggression  committed by the military junta against ethnic minorities and Burmese members of the opposition.

Saddened that despite its claims of implementing democratic reforms with a “road map” towards drafting a constitution, the ruling military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), continues its autocratic practices and repressive behavior;

Noting the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus’ (AIPMC) condemnation of the SPDC’s practice of displacing entire communities through forceful means such as military offensives and the use of landmines to prevent inhabitants from returning to their homes;

Alarmed by the Human Rights Watch’s report that entire villages of Karen communities have been burned, rendering  thousands of civilians homeless in this latest government offensive aimed at clearing suspected Karen separatists from the Pyinmana (Myanmar’s new capital) area; 

Noting that during the ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting in Bali in April 2006, Malaysia’s Syed Hamid Abar observed a sense of frustration and disillusionment among ASEAN foreign ministers and a recognition that the Myanmar issue disunites ASEAN, an organization which cannot defend Myanmar as a member because of its failure to institute reforms and manifest sincerity and seriousness in ending decades-old military rule;

Believing that, as a member of ASEAN, Burma should abide “by the same rules and the same behavior as other countries in the regional grouping,” as stipulated by Mr. Javier Solana, the European Union’s foreign policy head.

Alarmed by the news from the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) that the SPDC deliberately coordinated a plan to decimate the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the two largest legitimate political parties in Burma, through threat, harassment and restriction of movement.

Noting that  CALD member parties, in particular the Liberal Party of the Philippines, the Malaysian People’s Movement Party, the Democrat Party of Thailand and the Sam Rainsy Party of Cambodia, have played an active role in the AIPMC.

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby express its disappointment over the painfully slow pace of Burma’s democratic transition and calls on the United Nations Security Council to act on the human rights violations and acts of aggression  committed by the military junta against ethnic minorities and Burmese members of the opposition.

For the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats:  

(sgd.)
Dr. J.R. NEREUS ACOSTA, MP
Secretary General
Chairman of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

May 22, 2006