Myanmar Information Committee

No. C-2529 (I/L) 13th February 2003

Yangon, Myanmar

 The Government of Myanmar extends its appreciation to the political figures in Myanmar for their cooperation

As Myanmar moves towards multi-party democracy, the current government is laying a foundation of peace and stability, and is ensuring that all 10 political parties in Myanmar may act freely and without interference within the framework of the law.

The Government therefore appreciates that the 10 political parties are helping with this transition, by working peacefully and by legal means. The Government therefore regrets very much when individual members of some parties, acting in violation of their own party’s regulations, deliberately break national law.

Myanmar law treats all its citizens equally, and membership in a political party does not give any citizen special status. Members of political parties, in particular, should take special responsibility for helping Myanmar make a peaceful transition to democracy, by respecting the rule of law.

The Government regrets that a small group of political figures were recently arrested for violating national laws. They will, of course, be tried fairly in a court of law, and are considered innocent until proven guilty. But the Government would also like to extend its thanks to the vast majority of political figures in Myanmar, who are acting responsibly and with dignity to bring multi-party democracy to our country.

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