The 88 Generation Students (International) and the Democratic Forces

Statement of the Joint Action Working Committee on organizing a political forum between the 88 Generation Students (Burma and International) and the Democratic Forces Date: 31 May 2013 1. The Joint Action Working Committee (JAWC) has come together to work toward enabling cooperation among the 88 Generation Students (Burma and International) and the Democratic Forces, since the release of leaders of the 88 Generation Students Burma. The efforts of the JAWC were primarily focused on convening a political forum between those inside Burma and international and the democratic forces after more than 20 years apart. 2. Subsequently, the JAWC established an organizing committee tasked with finding ways for responding to current situations andfor formulating future workplans as for preparation for convening the political forum. Hence, the Organizing Committee was established with the following terms of reference: a) Reflection on the struggles for regime change and democracy restoration over the past 25 years b) Analysis and evaluation of the militarys imposed 2008 Constitution and present situations c) Ways forward for responding to future challenges and for formulating workplans. 3. The aim of the JAWC to enhance international collaboration for convention of an international conference. It negotiated with all parties, including those in Fort Wayne and the Canadian Friends of Burma. Though the parties agreed to collaborate, the JAWC ceased its collaboration (with the two mentioned parties) due to disagreement on the primary aims and missions of the conference and the lacking in transparency and dishonesty and insincerity. The party in Fort Wayne proposed Citizenship rights in Burma of the exiles as the primary aim for the conference. This is politically immature and against the aims of the JAWC. Similarly, the Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) displayed its dishonesty and insincerity in negotiation with the JAWC. In addition, the CFOB showed little understanding of the conferences aims and lacked good negotiation spirits. 4. However, the JAWC continues its efforts to implement its original aim of convening a political forum focused on high level and mainstream discussions. The JAWC states that it has disassociate d with the Party in Fort Wayne and the CFOB.

5. The following international members of the JAWC can be contacted regarding this statement and the political forum. MaungMaungThein (USA, 415-680 8806) AungKyiOo (USA, 607-280 4883) Ye Htut (USA, 347-226-0572) Kyaw Than (India, 91-8800 552 792) TayzaThuya (Europe, 45-4550 347 952) Maung Maung Maw (Europe, -31-6168 52 614 SoeLwin (Australia, 61-412 387 263) Zaw Naing Wynn (Australia, 61-414 311 647) Min Naing (Canadian,604-300-0589) Tin Nwe (Canadian ,604-817-1693) Htun Htun Oo (Canadian, 416-564-1952) 88transitorycommittee@gmail.com