Subject: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's speech on Union Day

Address given on the Union Day (Fifty Second Anniversary) by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy

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Today- 12 February 1999- is the fifty second anniversary of Burma's Union Day. It was on this day fifty two years ago that our national leaders signed an agreement at Panglong to join together for the attainment of our independence. That is why the Pangong Agreement forms the foundation stone of our Union. The spirit and essence of the Union is derived from this agreement.

The Panglong Agreement was not the product of compulsion on anyone by any other person or group. Our founding fathers came together as equals, and after a process of harmonious discussion put their signatures to the document. These leaders understood fully the futility of applying force, coercion and intimidation in the interest of a noble cause for the country. Only in the spirit on which the Pangong Agreement was reached can we establish a genuine democratic Union Of Burma. Subjugation, oppression, persecution and annihilation will never be beneficial but can even result in peril to the Union. It can create misunderstanding and division amongst us brothers and sisters of our different nationalities.

Only a genuine democratic Union can guarantee equality for all. In its political activities, the National League for Democracy is fully conscious of the fact that all the issues regarding the nationalities, the union and all natives of the country are linked to the cause of democracy and can not be separated. Only a democratic People's Parliament which is the outcome of the true wishes of the people can implement the genuine will of the people. This is why convening of the People's Parliament is of concern to all citizens, all the nationalities (ethnic groups) and the cause for democracy.

The cooperation between all organisations, nationalities included, to convene the People's Parliament is a very good omen for our country. Despite the difficulties, intimidation and diverse persecution. the unity and cooperation of all the nationalities, standing firm and undaunted as comrades is gratefully acknowledged and applauded by us on this the 52nd anniversary of our Union Day.

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Rangoon
12 February 1999