RESTORATION COUNCIL OF THE SHAN STATE

Date: October 27, 2005.

STATEMENT ON “THREAT TO THE PEACE: A CALL FOR THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO ACT IN BURMA”

Regarding the report titled "Threat to the Peace: A Call for the UN Security Council to Act in Burma", made public on 20 September 2005, we would like to support and welcome the endeavour of the former Czech President Vaclav Havel and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu for their call.

For 58 years since the independence of the so call Union of Burma, consecutive military government have had done serious damage to the entire people of Burma. Human right abuses, such as forced labour, extra-judicial detaining and execution, confiscation of farming lands, resulting in the growing problems of IDPs and illegal immigrants.

Under the rule of corrupted military authorities, the proliferation of narcotic drugs was not only a direct threat to the society, it also become the epicentre of HIV/AIDS and other drug related diseases, a potential epidemic in store for the whole region.

These man-made disasters have not only ruining the livelihood of the people, but also the tradition, culture, historical heritage and environment of the whole nation. With the prompt action and cooperation of the international communities, this disaster could be stopped.

In conclusion, we would like to affirm our earnest support for the action of former President Vaclav Havel and Archbishop Desmond Tutu for freedom, justice, stability and peace in Burma. And we also call upon the United Nations Security Council to take immediate action on Burma’s Military Regime for the sake of peace and safety for the whole region.

Central Executive Committee
Restoration Council of Shan State.

See Human Watch Report for further information