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India forms Parliamentarians Forum for Democracy in Burma
Press Release - December 18, 2005
New Delhi -- The first-ever Indian Parliamentarians Forum for Democracy in Burma-comprising twelve Members of Parliament from various political parties in the upper and lower houses-was established at the India International Centre in New Delhi yesterday.
Nirmala Deshpandey, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), was tapped as the forum's chief patron, while Robert Kharshiing, MP (Rajya Sabha), will serve as convener. The parliamentarians belong to both ruling and opposition parties such as Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Samajwadi Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Nationalist Congress Party, among others.
"We have [created] this forum for people to address the principal issues of the early release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and the restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma," said Ms Nirmala Deshpandey. She also said that other members of India's Parliament are expected to join the forum in the next several days. Concurrent with the activities of the forum, the Indian Parliament will also address issues on Burma and consider sending members to meet Suu Kyi and other top leaders in Burma, she added.
"We are no longer a weak country, and we can convince politicians in other countries to take up this noble cause," said Robert Kharshiing. "I think we can manage something because in world affairs today, nothing is impossible."
He added that the forum appreciates the public statements by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for national reconciliation and the restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma. Prime Minister Singh said recently that he had conveyed New Delhi's desire to Burma that Suu Kyi should be freed immediately.
Members of New Delhi-based Burma Campaign India which has been lobbying for formation of such forum for some months attended yesterday's meeting of the forum. Thanking the Indian parliamentarians at the meeting, U Thar Noe, a Member of Parliament from Burma who was elected in 1990 elections, said the peoples of Burma expected India to help Burmese democracy movement as it enjoys a democratic system. "I appeal the Members of Parliament both houses to join the forum and to do whatever you can to support the Burmese peoples' struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma" he added.
For more information, please contact: Mr. Ramjiv Verma - at +91-11-28531516 Ms. Thin Thin Aung - at +91-9891252316
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