Text of NLD Tin Oo's letter ref. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung's views on Burmese so-called election 2010

National League for Democracy
97/B West Shwegondaing Street
Bahan Township, Rangoon

Mr. Andreas List
European Commission
South East Asian Unit

Subject: Rountable Discussion on "Burma/Myanmar before the
parliamentary elections - Perspectives from inside the country"

Dear Mr. Andreas List,

We learnt that you are going to give comment at the above Rountable
Discussion sponsored by Friedrich Ebert Siftung to be held on
September 17th, 2010 in Berlin. It is a matter of grave concern that
this discussion/workshop might be a deliberate attempt to present a
biased picture of the serious situation in Burma.

For instance, what evidence is there to say in the invitation that "In
light of these developments growing parts of the population are
reluctantly optimistic that the elections will bring about some
positive change in creating more space for political action" when just
yesterday the Election Commission deregistered 5 political parties
that they themselves had permitted to form very recently? It shows
clearly that the present political parties can function only for this
discreditable election, only in time of election and no more "space"
post election.

Besides, the impartiality of both of the speakers is questionable. Is
there any other prisoner of conscience who would cliam that Mr. Khin
Zaw Win was a "prisoner of conscience"? What had been his seditious
writings and human rights work that bestowed him that title?

Is "Myanmar Egress" the organization founded by Mr. Nay Win Maung
independent from the junta's influence or is it a broker between the
government's cronies and the NDF which it is touting as a substitute
for NLD?

It is highly disturbing that Mr. Andreas List, an European Commission
official responsible for this country is going to give comments on the
selected international views and reactions as a recap after the
speeches of these two dubious "experts". This could create the
impression that the European Commission is trying to steam roller this
election which most see as a means to constitutionalize military
dominance in Burma.

We strongly urge that the appropriate measures to be taken by European
Commission to make clear that it is not acting in concert with those
who are disseminating pro-junta propaganda.

Yours sincerely

U Tin Oo
Vice Chairman


Copy to: -

Mr. Jurgen Stetten
Head of Department for Asia and the Pacific, FES

The Ambassador
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Rangoon

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Government of the FRG
Per kind favour of the Ambassador