National League for Democracy

No, 97/B, West Shwe Gun Daing Road

Bahun Township, Rangoon

29 August 2008

SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENT – 15/08/08 (unofficial English translation)

1. It is observed that the Sixth Mission of UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor Mr

Gambari, from 18-23 August 2008, has failed to produce any tangible political progress,
who came with the view towards realizing both (A) the consecutive UN General
Assembly annual resolutions from 1994 through 2007, which call for a) the
implementation of 1990 election results, b) building a democratic state (in Burma), and c)
convening a politically meaningful dialogue, and (B) the Security Council President’s
Statement, dated 11 October 2007, calling on the (SPDC) authorities a) to release with no
conditions all political prisoners and detainees including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and b)
embark speedily on political discussions/dialogues/negotiations with Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi, political parties, and leaders of ethnic nationalities.

2. During his last mission, Mr Gambari failed to secure a meeting with the senior most
military leader who can actually make decisions on behalf of the State Peace and
Development Council. Nor was Mr Gambari able to secure opportunities to meet with
with elected MPs from ethnic nationalities parties and individuals representing pro-
democracy forces. Instead Mr Gambari only went along with the SPDC-determined
itinerary/schedule, thus having wasted invaluable time.

3. During their meeting with Mr Gambari, the NLD leaders told him that the popular
outcome of the free and fair elections held in 1990 must not be nullified and that it is
impossible to build a ‘democracy’ while utterly disregarding the outcome of the popular,
free and fair elections (of 1990). Additionally, the NLD leaders queried about Mr
Gambari’s views on the 1990 elections results. He chose not to answer this question.

4. Moving on, the NLD leaders told (Mr Gambari) that the Constitution of 2008 was drawn
up by the SPDC unilaterally and with no legitimate authority to do so, that the
Constitutional Referendum held in May 2008 was a sham, with the authorities not
seeking to find out about the genuine desire of the public while violating Referendum
Rules and Regulations and resorting to all nasty and dirty tricks in order to forcibly
secure the desired outcome (of the Referendum). For these reasons, the NLD
unequivocally reject both the Referendum and the Constitution, Mr Gambari was told.
Furthermore, (the NLD also informed Mr Gambari) the said Constitution can in no way
be considered a step in the right direction. In light of this (conclusion/observation by the
NLD), he should not be raising the issue of, and discussing, the upcoming elections, the
NLD told Mr Gambari.

5. Despite the fact that the NLD leaders had presented their party’s views, Mr Gambari told
the SPDC Authoritative Spooks Team “that with the view towards securing international
 community’s trust and acceptance regarding 2010 general elections, the SPDC should
accept UN expertise and assistance.” In addition, Mr Gambari said in his meeting with
the SPDC Team that “once the Election Commission has been established, he would like
to further discuss and seek cooperation (with the SPDC) on the issue of providing the
SPDC UN technical assistance.” Consequently, there is growing disquiet, dissatisfaction
and discontent amongst the Burmese public that strongly desire (genuine)
democratization.

6. On the subject of Mr Gambari having an opportunity to meet with Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi, NLD Chairman (U Aung Shwe) told Mr Gambari that it was SPDC’s business.
However, Mr Gambari asked the NLD leaders to help secure ways to meet with Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi. In response, NLD Chairman and General Secretary told Mr Gambari
that they thought there could be some positive outcome if Mr Gambari and Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi were able to meet . With that in mind, Mr Gambari should try to secure
SPDC’s permission for the NLD leaders and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to meet, the NLD
leaders responded to Mr Gambari.

7. To date Mr Gambari has come to Burma 6 times, having tried diplomacy. But, the NLD
has concluded there is absolutely no progress on any of the following:

A) the release of political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi;
B) starting a politically meaningful dialogue between the SPDC and pro-democracy
forces including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; and
C) democratic change and development in Burma.

By the decision taken by the Central Executive Committee in its meeting held on 28 August
2008.

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy