[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF DEMOCRACY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National 
League of Democracy (NLD) and all of those who languish in crushing 
servitude. On 27 September 1988, the NLD was founded by the forces of 
Democracy in Burma. The NLD was founded at what seemed like a turning 
point in Burmese history. After decades of military rule and 
dictatorship, the leaders of Burma announced that free elections would 
be held in 1990.
  Led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD won those elections with 60 percent 
of the vote and 83 percent of the parliamentary seats. Alas, the 
military never allowed a new government to form. Sadly, Liberty was 
crushed and the promise of that time has never been realized.
  Today, Aung San Suu Kyi is under house arrest. Many other NLD members 
and other defenders of democracy are in prison, in exile, or in hiding. 
The brutal military dictatorship that very nearly did the right thing 
so many years ago is still in power. They continue to brutalize the 
people of Burma in savage ways that we can hardly imagine.
  International pressure is mounting, however. After turning a blind 
eye to Burma's actions Burma's ASEAN neighbors are distancing 
themselves from Burma. Last week at the United Nations, the First Lady 
of the United States Laura Bush held a forum on Burma. She urged the 
military leadership of Burma to release Aung San Suu Kyi and the 
adoption of a U.N. resolution condemning Burma's dictatorship.
  And for the first time, Burma has been placed on the agenda of the 
United Nations Security Council. For those of us who have been active 
on Burmese issues for some time, this is truly a victory. On Friday, 
Ibrahim Gambari, U.N. Undersecretary General for Political Affairs, 
will report on the latest situation in Myanmar at the 15-member 
council. Getting a resolution through the Security Council will be no 
small task. Burma's stalwart ally China is ever ready to block any 
criticism of its neighbor.
  The United Nations is not known for its tough stances on any issue. 
Time after time we have seen the U.N. shy away from condemnation of 
even the most egregious evil. I urge the U.N. to be firm. The United 
Nations Security Council must use this unmatched opportunity to defend 
the least among us.
  In closing, I congratulate the NLD on their 18-year commitment to 
democracy. I hope they never give up their struggle for freedom. I will 
never abandon my commitment to them or the people of Burma.

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