Yesterday, 25 September, the Rafto Foundation sent an urgent request to Norwegian authorities as well ambassadors of the Russian Federation, the People´s Republic of China and India in Norway concerning the recent demonstrations in Burma. This is the first time in 18 years that monks have withheld their recognition of leading members of the military junta. (26-SEP-07)

Gunta Venge / Rafto Human Rights House. Photo: Terry Evans

Bergen, Norway, September 25th 2007

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Norway
Ambassador of the People´s Republic of China to Norway
Ambassador of India to Norway
Norwegian Ambassador to the United Nations

Your Excellencies,

Urgent request concerning Burma (Myanmar)
On behalf of the Rafto foundation for human rights, I hereby extend a strong request for your governments to take immediate action to secure that the unrest currently unfolding in Burma (Myanmar) is resolved in a peaceful manner.

Along with many observers in the international community, I fear that the tense situation unfolding at this very moment in Rangoon and other Burmese cities may end in tragedy for the citizens exercising their human right to free speech and political participation, and for the political future of the country as a whole.

The problems of the Burmese people cannot be solved by further repression of the political opposition in the country. I therefore urge you to issue an immediate and public demand addressed to the government of Burma, requiring that the opposition be included in talks aimed at reforming the political institutions of the country in a manner conducive for achieving improved living conditions and respect for human rights for all its citizens. 

Sign.

Arne Liljedahl Lynngård
Chairman of the Rafto Foundation