Letter No

Myanmar Literary and Journalists Organization

# 529, Merchant Street , Sarpay Beikman

Yangon

Letter No. /Sapana (Sazana)2006

Dated: ( ) June 2006

Announcement

1. Myanmar Literary and Journalists Organization issues this announcement with the consent of its members regarding the situation in Myanmar .

2. Myanmar Literary and Journalists Organization represents the entire literary persons and journalists of Myanmar . It is an NGO dealing with social matters only. It has 4 Organizing Committees with branches in 168 Townships, and 7,194 members.

3. Myanmar literary persons and journalists have taken part enthusiastically hand in hand with people in serving the national interests since the anti-colonialist movement and the struggle for independence.

4. After regaining independence in 1948, parliamentary democracy was practised in Myanmar till 1962. During the period we witnessed and experienced lack of peace and stability, lack of rule of law and order, failures in economic undertakings, failures in promoting intelligent level of the national people in our country. There were disunity, splits and political struggles in the Government.

5. As the situation turned worse, the nation was on the verge of disintegration. Thus, the political system was changed to Myanmar Socialist Programme in 1962. However, it did not succeed due to centralization and weaknesses in implementing the policy.

6. Over 40 years after the independence, the national development activities could not be carried out so the situations turned to general deterioration. Hence, the people demanded reform in the year 1988. In fact the aspirations of people are to ensure the country to be a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Because of instigations and manipulations of internal and external elements as well as politicians there were anarchistic acts in the country which was on the verge of collapse. Thus, the Tatmadaw had to take to over State responsibilities.

7. After taking over State responsibilities, the Tatmadaw Government gives priority to ensure peace, tranquility and rule of law and order in the country. Then, efforts are being made for national reconsolidation. As the result, 17 major armed groups and other small groups which had been launching armed insurrection against the successive Governments over 40 years returned to the legal fold. Some groups exchanged arms for peace forever. Therefore, the entire nation except few border areas has become stable and peaceful. It can be seen vividly that good foundation for development is achieving.

8. The Tatmadaw has never loose sight of the people's desire. After achieving sound political, economic and social foundations, the Tatmadaw Government declared a seven-step Road map. It has been implementing step by step. So far, the first and the most important step of holding the National Convention was successfully held for 3 times and 4^th session will be held end of 2006. The Literary and Journalists Organization firmly believes that the Government's efforts to reform to democracy will certainly be succeeded.

9. The literati and journalists have experience in national political movements and witnessed the history of the country. Due to the present situation of Myanmar and the prevailing international situation we have convinced that reform of nation towards democracy must be in step by step basis. There are some countries which disintegrated and suffered as a result of hasty manner in reforming to democracy.

10. According to the history and actual condition of the nation we are trying to reform the country to democracy. It is sad to learn that some big nations, organizations and anti-government groups are accusing that the situation in Myanmar has become a threat to regional peace and international security and trying to take action against Myanmar by the UN Security Council.

11. The fabrications and manipulations of some big nations, organizations and anti-government groups with the intention to harm the image of Myanmar may delay the pace of democracy reforms in the country. It may also cause contradictions, conflicts, discords and confusing in the country. As the 40-years internal insurrections was over recently, development gaps among the over hundred national races have yet to be narrowed down. Some remnants of insurgents are still launching opposition against the Government. Some expatriate groups are also launching anti-government activities. Myanmar is making every efforts to overcome the existing difficulties while taking steps of reform to democracy. Those who have genuine goodwill towards Myanmar and its people they should render a helpful hands to the Government in order to implement seven- step Road Map.

12. Our group representing the literati and journalists firmly believes that the Government has been making efforts for emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing nation as aspired by the people. We also firmly believes that democracy reforms cannot be made urgently and must be carried out step by step in accordance with the seven-step Road Map.

U Hla Tun U Hla Myaing

Secretary Chairman

Myanmar LJO Myanmar LJO

U Myint KYwe U Tin Kha

Joint Secretary (1) Vice-Chairman (1)

Myanmar LJO Myanmar LJO

Dr Tin Tun Oo U Than Maung

Joint Secretary (2) Vice-Chairman

Myanmar LJO Myanmar LJO

U Khin Swe U Myint Thein

Joint Secretary (3) Vice-Chairman (3)

Myanmar LJO Myanmar LJO