[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H9793-H9795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SUPPORTING ROAD MAP FOR DEMOCRACY IN BURMA CONFERENCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Porter). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and support the

[[Page H9794]]

Road Map for Democracy in Burma Conference, which was held in Fort 
Wayne, Indiana, my hometown, on October 11 through 12, 2003. I had the 
distinct pleasure to address the conference and speak to some of the 
attendees. I pledged to them to insert this Road Map for Democracy in 
Burma into the Congressional Record, and let me explain why.
  My colleagues are well aware of the military dictatorship currently 
ruling in Burma. In July of this year, the House passed the Burmese 
Freedom and Democracy Act, which imposes sanctions on Burma until the 
military gives up power and a new democratic Burma is established.
  While the Burmese appreciate the support of the United States, they 
are working among themselves to organize a future democratic Burma. The 
conference in Fort Wayne brought together members of the democratically 
elected Burmese government-in-exile and various Burmese ethnic groups.
  As the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) recently explained in 
the last few minutes, the problems that we face in Iraq, Burma, in 
fact, is trying to address these in advance. They had a democratic 
government overthrown by the junta, and they are now trying to pull the 
different factions together to be prepared, when this junta collapses, 
with a balanced democratic government.

                              {time}  1645

  Burma has long been plagued with ethnic tensions. The delicate 
balance among ethnic groups was shattered early in Burmese 
independence. Since the military takeover in the 1960s, many ethnic 
groups have been persecuted and harassed. In such an atmosphere, 
suspicion and mistrust have been the norm.
  This conference was particularly significant, because so many of the 
Burmese ethnic groups were brought together to discuss Burma's future. 
The fact that the groups were able to meet in one room together is a 
noteworthy accomplishment. Compare this to the problems we had in Iraq. 
In my hometown we have 125 Iraqis who fled. There are Sunni, Shia and 
Kurds. Prior to the recent conflict in Iraq, when I wanted to meet with 
the different groups, they would not meet together. That was a pretty 
good forerunner of what was going to happen when we got into Iraq.
  In fact, we have nearly 2,000 Burmese in Fort Wayne. When we tried to 
meet there, initially some of the ethnic divisions were a problem even 
in meeting with their United States Congressman from that district.
  This conference, unlike what we are seeing in many places of the 
world, we see the Burmese and the different ethnic groups trying to 
pull together to address what kind of country should Burma be when 
democracy is restored. Cooperation among the groups at this conference 
is an important step towards a future democratic Burma.
  The road to democracy is not easy for any country, and Burma is no 
exception. I believe that the resolution unanimously passed by the 
conference is a positive step in the right direction. Democracy in 
Burma will only be achieved if all Burmese work together. I encourage 
the groups to continue their dialogue and their work together.
  I admire the courage and tenacity of all the Burmese people, and I 
will continue to work with them and do what I can to help them achieve 
their goal of a free and democratic Burma for all Burmese.
  Mr. Speaker, I will insert in the Record following my remarks ``The 
Full Road Map for Democracy,'' and I will just summarize a couple 
points.
  In this Road Map for Democracy, they established a long-term goal. 
For example, number one is, ``To fully realize that goal, the committee 
in charge of establishing a self-help, fund-raising body has been 
formed.'' Because, as they state right at the beginning, ``The 
conference firmly believes that the objective of the struggle to 
abolish dictatorship and promote democracy in our country,'' Burma, 
``can successfully be achieved only through self-reliance.'' They 
understand that basic principle.
  In the section ``Future Plan for Inland and Overseas Democratic 
Struggles,'' they say, ``In accordance with the belief of the Road Map 
for Democracy in Burma Conference held in Fort Wayne, that the 
elimination of the dictatorial system in Burma is the only way to 
successfully achieve genuine democracy and genuine national 
reconciliation among all ethnic nationalities, and that the only path 
that can lead to the realization of that goal is a correct road map 
from all of us.''
  Then they proceed to lay out who are some of the steering committees. 
Under ``Solidarity of Nationalities of Burma,'' point Number 1 is, 
``There must be equality and self-determination for all ethnic 
nationalities,'' a major step that we do not see in many other nations 
around the world. They have detailed things on unity-building 
committees.
  Under strengthening ethnic unity, for example, they say, ``All 
nationalities should learn the language of at least one nationality 
other than their own,'' and ``Ethnic nationalities should mutually 
respect each other.''
  For a strategy to end military dictatorship in Burma, they have 
things as diverse as, ``Accept the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 
and the National League for Democracy,'' the elected president who has 
been held in exile.
  Number 2 is, ``Any political change not based on the results of the 
1990 elections will not be accepted.''
  They also point out, ``The unwavering political objective of this 
conference is democracy and the establishment of a federal union.''
  So they are very clear where they stand on the issue of democracy.
  They have also, in conclusion, how to press the military regime in 
Burma by international communities and the United Nations.
  Point one was to step up economic sanctions against the military 
regime of Burma through the United Nations Security Council.
  Two is to seek stronger pressure from the international community to 
secure the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.
  But they also have very explicit things in the resolutions. For 
example, to urge the Burmese expatriate communities to stop paying tax 
to SPDC, the military junta, embassies, and other specific things.
  I commend this group and this conference for actually laying out a 
road map, having a plan of how to work together, how to build a 
country, so we do not see repeats of our struggles in Iraq, which are 
very important, which we must back up. We do not really have much 
option.
  But, at the same time, to the degree we can to this in advance of a 
people getting their freedom back, this is what we need to do.
  Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the Record:

                [From the News Sentinel, Oct. 13, 2003]

            Participants Worked Out Several Key Resolutions

                           (By Kevin Kilbane)

       They agreed any transition to democracy in Burma would 
     begin with leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whom the ruling military 
     dictatorship has kept under virtual house arrest for more 
     than a decade.
       Members of the various ethnic groups making up the Burmese 
     refugee community agreed they all must be given political 
     equality and the right of self-determination.
       Most importantly, however, Burmese attending the two-day 
     Road Map for Democracy in Burma conference this weekend in 
     Fort Wayne agreed to work together.
       ``All arguments are settled,'' said U Peter Limbin of 
     Bluffton, who was elected to the Burmese parliament in 1990. 
     He and other pro-democracy officials elected then had to flee 
     to escape government persecution.
       About 300 Burmese gathered for the conference Saturday and 
     Sunday at Neff Hall on the campus of Indiana University-
     Purdue University Fort Wayne. Organizers held the event here 
     because the 1,500 Burmese in Fort Wayne make up the largest 
     Burmese community in the United States.
       The conference drew representatives from Burmese pro-
     democracy groups around the world. People flew in from 
     Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Thailand, said Zar Wint, 
     30, of Fort Wayne, who attended the conference.
       ``I feel like I am home again,'' Wint said as many 
     different conversations swirled around him, all in Burmese.
       Guests also included Sein Win, acting prime minister of the 
     exiled democratic government.
       Burmese pro-democracy groups have enjoyed support from the 
     United States and European Union, Win said during a break 
     Sunday. Trade sanctions and travel restrictions those nations 
     have placed on the Burmese government apply pressure for 
     change. But Burmese refugees must network more to increase 
     the pressure on the regime to step down.
       ``We need more push,'' he said.
       To develop such strategies, people attending the conference 
     broke into six panels to

[[Page H9795]]

     discuss key topics and propose future action. Discussion 
     topics included how to replace the ruling military 
     dictatorship and how to build solidarity among Burma's ethnic 
     groups. Panels also debated how to fund the democratic 
     movement and how to increase international and United Nations 
     pressure on the ruling regime to step aside.
       Some of the key resolutions passed included:
       To lobby leaders of conference goers' current country of 
     residence to increase pressure on Burma's military rulers to 
     relinquish control.
       To follow Aung San Suu Kyi (pronounced Ahn Sahn Sue She) 
     once military dictators leave power. The 1991 Nobel Peace 
     Prize laureate largely has been kept under house arrest since 
     the government cracked down in 1988 on a student pro-
     democracy movement.
       To unify pro-democracy groups' power by working through the 
     National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the 
     exile government based in Washington, D.C.
       To more actively support prodemocracy movements inside 
     Burma, which the current rulers have renamed Myanmar.
       To recognize the equality and right to self-determination 
     of all Burmese ethnic groups. Members of the Mon, Karen, Shan 
     and Chin ethnic groups exhibited unprecedented cooperation 
     when planning the conference.
       The resolutions how to replace the ruling government and on 
     ethnic solidarity generated the most emotional debate. All of 
     the discussion took place in Burmese peppered with occasional 
     English words or phrases--``U.S.-China dialogue,'' for 
     example--when no Burmese equivalent existed.
       The room where the presentation's took place, Neff Hall's 
     auditorium, resembled an international hearing room. The red, 
     gold and white flag of the Democratic Burmese Students 
     Association and letters spelling out ``Road Map for Democracy 
     in Burma Conference'' hung on a velvet curtain behind the 
     long tables set up on stage for panel members. Portraits and 
     posters of Aung San Suu Kyi hung on the sides and front of 
     the stage.
       Men in blue jeans, suits and ties or traditional skirtlike 
     longis--and, occasionally, women in business or traditional 
     attire--would stand to make a comment or propose an 
     amendment. Listeners often clapped or cheered in response.
       The proposed resolutions for following Aung San Suu Kyi and 
     working for replacement of Burma's dictatorship drew the most 
     enthusiastic cheers and applause.
       The conference closed with an appearance by area U.S. Rep. 
     Mark Souder, who pledged to get resolutions ``in the hands of 
     the right people'' in Washington.
                                  ____

       The ``Roadmap for Democracy in Burma Conference'' held in 
     Fort Wayne, Indiana, 11-12 October 2003, unanimously passed 
     the following resolutions:
       The conference firmly believes that the objective of the 
     struggle to abolish dictatorship and promote democracy in our 
     country, Burma, can be successfully achieved only through 
     self-reliance.
       (1) To fully realize that goal, the committee in charge of 
     establishing a self-help fund raising body has been formed.
       (2) The term of the committee will be (12) months.
       (3) The committee will draft and approve rules, 
     regulations, and procedures which will extensively be global 
     in nature.
       (4) The committee, which will come into force immediately 
     from the date it is formed, has been assigned to undertake 
     self-funding programs.

        Future Plan for Inland and Overseas Democratic Struggles

       In accordance with the belief of the ``Roadmap for 
     Democracy in Burma Conference'' held in Fort Wayne that the 
     elimination of the dictatorial system in Burma is the only 
     way to successfully achieve genuine democracy and genuine 
     national reconciliation among all the ethnic nationalities, 
     and that the only path that can lead to the realization of 
     that goal is the correct roadmap for all of us.
       A concerted struggle must be waged both domestically and 
     internationally through various means to remove the vicious 
     SPDC military clique. After careful considerations of all 
     issues, it is decided that: the force inside the country is 
     the key force and the force inside the country is the 
     deciding factor.
       The key players who will be waging the deciding struggle 
     are:
       (a) The Committee Representing the People's Parliament and 
     the National League for Democracy led by Daw Aung San Suu 
     Kyi;
       (b) The ``Veteran Politicians'';
       (c) United Nationalities League for Democracy and the 
     ethnic nationalities; and
       (d) Masses (students, monks, workers, farmers, etc.) from 
     all strata.
       To provide all-round support to the intensification and 
     improvement of the ``anti-dictatorship and people's 
     liberation activities'' of these key players is the most 
     important requisite and vital responsibility of our forces 
     outside the country.
       The conference unanimously viewed that a work committee is 
     needed to effectively perform responsibilities, and it was 
     formed accordingly.

                  Solidarity of Nationalities of Burma

       1. There must be equality and self-determination for all 
     ethnic nationalities.
       2. Like all other ethnic nationalities, Myanmar 
     nationalities should also be sincere and decisive in standing 
     as one racial group.
       3. The other ethnic nationality groups should recognize 
     that the Burmese military is not an organization that 
     represents the Myanmar nationalities.
       4. When choosing a name for the federal union of the 
     future, it should be representative of all the ethnic 
     nationalities in the country.
       5. Unity Building Committee comprising representatives of 
     all ethnic nationalities should be formed.
       6. With a view to strengthen ethnic unity, all 
     nationalities should learn the language of, at least one 
     nationality other than their own.
       7. Ethnic nationalities should mutually respect each other.

             Strategy to End Military Dictatorship in Burma

       The conference resolves to:
       1. Accept the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the 
     National League for Democracy.
       2. Any political change not based on the results of the 
     1990 elections will not be accepted.
       3. To support and enhance the role of the Committee 
     Representing People's Parliament.
       4. To continue the struggle through all means to eliminate 
     the dictatorship in Burma.
       5. To secure victory through the revolutionary movement 
     inside the country.
       6. That the unwavering political objective of this 
     conference is democracy and establishment of a federal union 
     are:
       7. To form ad hoc committee comprising individuals and 
     organizations under the political leadership of the National 
     Coalition Government of the Union of Burma and the National 
     Council the Union of Burma. The committee is to be formed 
     with members of the Strategy Panel and to be expanded 
     later.
       8. To support and assist the just revolutionary war of the 
     ethnic nationality groups.

               Forward Actions Planned at the Conference

       1. Myanmar democratic forces abroad are to stage 
     demonstrations on December 10 (Human Rights Day) to display 
     unity.
       2. To urgently carry out organizational work in different 
     regions (of the world).
       3. To organize and encourage all the people of Myanmar and 
     organizations to oppose the dictatorship in Burma and 
     participate in the activities to liberate the people.

 Press Against Military Regime in Burma by International Communities & 
                             United Nations

       1. To step up economic sanctions against the military 
     regime of Burma through the United Nations Security Council.
       2. To seek stronger pressure from the international 
     community to secure the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and 
     all political prisoners.
       3. To work toward the implementation of resolutions passed 
     by the International Labor Organization at its conference in 
     Year 2000.
       4. To work toward the European Union to use stronger 
     pressure mechanisms, including economic sanctions.
       5. To request the United Nations Secretary General to fully 
     implement the Burma resolutions passed by successive sessions 
     of the United Nations General Assembly.
       6. For the Burmese democratic forces worldwide to urge 
     international governments and members of Parliament concerned 
     to exert pressure on the Burmese military regime.
       7. To collect information and prepare reports to increase 
     the effectiveness of the visa ban on SPDC leaders and their 
     close relatives, the freezing of their assets, and the ban of 
     transfer of funds imposed by the United Sates and the 
     European Union.
       8. To urge Burmese expatriate communities to stop paying 
     tax to SPDC Embassies.
       9. To raise the awareness of the people of the world about 
     the true condition in Burma through educational and lecture 
     tours.
       10. Believes that the nuclear reactor project being carried 
     out jointly by the SPDC and Russia directly threatens 
     regional security.
       11. To work for the reversal of the ruling by the United 
     States Department of Justice to suspend lawsuits against 
     UNOCAL.
       12. To prevent the SPDC from selling off land owned by the 
     Burmese people in foreign countries where Burmese Embassies 
     are located.
       13. Proposed to the conference to form a Networking 
     Committee so that Burmese democratic forces all over the 
     world can coordinate their activities and work in unity.

                          ____________________