28 September 2007
Source: ARTICLE 19
Siem Reap, Cambodia - ARTICLE 19, Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, the Alliance of Independent Journalists of Indonesia (AJI) and Reporters without Borders (RSF) call for a day of solidarity and prayer for the people of Myanmar tomorrow, September 29, 2007.

On the occasion of the 8th informal Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Seminar on Human Rights we will gather at Angkor Wat to demonstrate our solidarity with the Burmese people, and condemn the violence that has claimed lives, including the life of a journalist, and shattered the peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar.

Attending the ASEM Seminar as representatives of NGOs and governments, we will hold a moment of silence and prayer for the people of Myanmar at 11 AM, September 29, and stage a short program of statements to express solidarity with the democratic aspirations of the Burmese as well as to call on the Burmese junta to exercise restraint in dealing with the protesters around their country.

There can be no justification for the bloodshed recently reported, as we have, one with the whole world, witnessed the courageous yet orderly, peaceful, and dignified conduct of the protesting Burmese and their religious leaders.

We urge the country’s ruling junta to put an immediate end to the use of violence, and to respect the human rights of the Burmese people, including the universally accepted and guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. We call for the release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and for the return to democracy.

We celebrate the courage of the Burmese people, civil society and monks. We urge all governments and all societies to listen to, keep alive, and support the Burmese people’s demands for democracy, peace, and national reconciliation.

We welcome the statement issued by the Asian and European participants to the ASEM, in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which joins the global expressions of outrage and concern for the developments in Myanmar.