Protests a Call for Democracy, Not Just Lower Fuel Prices
24 August 2007
This week’s protests in Burma have captured the world’s attention as brave activists have put life and liberty on the line to challenge Burma’s harsh military junta. These protests were sparked by the “State Peace and Development Council’s” most recent effort to stifle democracy in Burma.
By setting exorbitantly high fuel prices, the regime created a very damaging and costly scenerio for Burma. These protests are not simply a call for a reduction in fuel prices: they are a demand by citizens no longer fear publicly to demand that the generals change towards a democratic, representative government that may assume its lawful role in healing and uniting the country. The protests taking place in Burma reflect a much different reality than the junta would like the world to imagine.
The generals have not brought about either “peace” or “development” in Burma any more than they have been able to squelch the peoples’ insistence for a democratic representative government in Burma and support for the Parliamentary representatives they elected. Despite their military might, the generals cannot silence this increasingly coordinated and vocal chorus of protestors.
The key, now, is for the international community not only to watch the events unfold in Burma, but also to support the protestors in their efforts to bring about democracy in their country.
The workers and the farmers bear the brunt of the inflation caused by the regime's illogical raising of fuel by 500% . The people have the right to express their situation. Like they have been refusing to work with the UN, the EU and even the Asean, the regime refuses to listen to the people and are branding the people as "unlawfully protesting", "elements that want to create confusion" ect; and using brute force to crackdown.
The regime described the forced labor reports submitted by FTUB as fabrications. Yet the consistent support and strong actions of the international trade union movement has materialized into the regime having to face the truth and accept an ILO office to monitor forced labor in Burma.
We request the international trade union movement to help the democratic movement of Burma and the workers and farmers of Burma realize our objective of a democratic system that allows freedom of association and the right to organize. We need you all to work with all international organizations and providing strong actions against the regime.
Contact: Maung Maung - General Secretary USA - 202 352 7884
