Contents of the NLD Chairman's 2 December 2004 Letter to SPDC Chairman National League for Democracy Headquarters No, 97/B West Shwegondine Street Rangoon, Burma 9 December 2004 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT 1. The National League for Democracy (NLD) party herein announces the subject matters contained in NLD Chairman’s 2 December 2004 letter addressed to Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). “ Item ‘Sa’ - Dialogue 1. 1. The NLD is a political party existing legally in accordance with the State Law and Order Restoration Council (presently SPDC) Act 4/88 (Political Parties Registration Act). 1.2. It is the NLD’s official policy to work toward national reconciliation, national unity and the emergence of a Union of Burma wherein democracy is practiced. Toward that goal, the NLD has adopted the following 7-points working principles and practiced them consistently. These principles are: a). to practice frankness, sincerity and mutual respect b). to seek national reconciliation c). to adopt peaceful and smooth means d). to strive toward the establishment of harmony without any prejudice e). to pursue reciprocal cooperation f). to establish mutual understanding and g). to build mutual respect. 1.3. In addition, to the best of its intellectual and political capacities, the NLD has been striving toward its mission of “laying the foundation for the establishment of a lasting federal union (of Burma/Myanmar) and a democratic system in accordance with the popular will (of the people).” It is the NLD’s belief that if such Union is to last it has to be built on the basis of unity amongst, and with the participation of, all ethnic nationalities or national races of the country (including political parties of all national groups, ceasefire groups and armed ethnic nationalities or national races organizations). 1.4. Similarly, we note especially the following remarks made by Chairman of the SPDC at the Annual Meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association on 17 November 2004: “The government believes unequivocally that national unity is the most essential ingredient in the effort to develop the nation (of Burma/Myanmar).” “…the government believes strongly that national unity serves as the foundation on the basis of which such important goals as the unceasing growth of the nation and her people, peace and development, and emergence of a democratic nation are to be pursued. It must be emphasized here that the government will strive to further strengthen national unity and protect the interests of the nation and the entire populace made up of all national races and nationalities.” 1.5. Therefore, it is apparent that both the SPDC and the NLD have commonly shared noble goals and well-intentions regarding the nation and her people. 1.6. Given this commonality, the NLD wishes to state with sincerity that bearing in mind the national unity and interest of the nation and her people, the NLD and SPDC should, without avoidance, seek solutions through face-to-face meetings and discussions. It is the NLD’s belief that dialogue or face-to-face meetings shall, by definition, lead to neither loss nor gain for the individuals or the organizations concerned. Instead it can only result in the advancement of the interests of the nation and her people. 1.7. It is through dialogue or discussions that we will all learn respective wishes, views and future work plans of concerned individuals and organizations, and consequently formulate a united approach toward the common goal. The time is ripe for holding such frank and honest discussions, especially in view of the fact that the country’s situation calls for such discussions. It is the NLD’s firm belief that the future of the Union of Burma or Myanmar depends on being able to seek successfully agreeable results through discussions and dialogue. The NLD Central Executive Committee Meeting held on 29 November 2004 decided on the aforementioned.” 2. It is further pronounced that the MP-elects from the non-Burmese ethnic nationalities parties and the “Committee Representing People’s Parliament” also endorsed the above items or views. 3. a). The contents of the letter (to SPDC Chairman) include initial unity first to be established through dialogue and discussions which can then serve as a basis for establishing national unity amongst all ethnic groups. Such genuine unity can advance genuine growth and development of the nation and her inhabitants. Further to this belief, and on the basis of it, (in genuine unity through discussions and dialogue) and through the practice of democratic process, a genuinely federal union can be built to last, (the NLD is convinced). It is imperative that all ethnic nationalities or national races participate in realizing this goal (or vision). b). National unity as a goal which SPDC Chairman has emphasized and national reconciliation which the political parties advocate are, in essence, the same. (The NLD believes) that dialogue and discussions creates a scenario wherein there shall emerge no losers amongst all parties concerned. This will, in turn, lead to opening of a genuinely new chapter in the history (of the nation). Therefore, the NLD wishes to inform the SPDC that the prevailing political situation calls for starting dialogue and discussions particularly before the auspicious occasion of the country’s independence on 4 January 2005. Holding discussions (between parties concerned) is also in full accord with the people’s common desire. This announcement was made according to the decision made by the meeting of the NLD Central Executive Committee held on 7 December 2004. CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY RANGOON 9 December 2004 ~