Socialist International stands firm with the people of Burma

The Socialist International, which has long supported the people of Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy and the exiled National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) in their courageous struggle for freedom and democracy, reiterates today its firm support and solidarity with the Burmese people and with all those brave citizens who have taken to the streets nationwide to demonstrate their opposition to the ruling junta.

The Socialist International condemns unreservedly the criminal violence perpetrated by the military regime against innocent civilians with reports of many people injured and others killed. The Burmese generals should immediately stop these attacks, release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and respect the lives and the rights of their citizens.

The Socialist International urgently appeals to the international community and to all nations to take all the measures necessary to prevent the Burmese regime from continuing this course of action, and implement initiatives to this end, including imposing sanctions on the military dictatorship and holding those responsible accountable for the crimes committed.

The Socialist International salutes the Burmese people for their bravery and their dignified, peaceful resistance to this brutal regime which has for too long ignored their needs and perpetuated the political and economic hardship under which they live. Today they do not stand alone. Millions of people around the world support their demands and have made their cause their own.

The Socialist International remains ready to continue cooperating with the people and the democratic forces of Burma to overcome this difficult moment in their history and to put in place the institutions required to build the future of democracy, peace and prosperity which they so deserve.

27 September 2007