The following is a statement from the Burma News International (BNI):
Statement from the 14th Bi-annual Meeting
The 14th bi-annual meeting of Burma News International (BNI) was successfully held from 15-17 November 2009, near the Thai-Burma border. Representatives from the following member news organizations attended:
- Independent Mon News Agency
- Kachin News Group
- Kaladan Press Network
- Kantarawaddy Times
- Kaowao News Group
- Karen Information Center
- Khonumthung
- Mizzima News
- Narinjara
- Network Media Group
- Shan Herald Agency for News
The meeting focused on reports presented by member news groups and discussion of plans for the upcoming year.
One of the resolutions passed by the bi-annual meeting concerns the Burmese general elections, scheduled for 2010, by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the ruling military leaders.
BNI members agree that freedom of information and transparency are crucial components of free and fair elections, as promised by the military government. Journalists must be allowed access to information and the freedom to report it to the public without interference. Otherwise, the planned elections will not be considered free and fair and should be rejected by the international community.
Therefore, BNI presents the following demands:
- The unconditional and prompt release of all journalists under detention
- The freedom to gather, print and disseminate information be granted to journalists, both local and foreign
- Suspension of news censorship
All BNI members and partners are resolved to do their duty as responsible journalists, with or without SPDC approval.
For more information, please contact:
1. U Khuen Sai- (0) 81 531 2837
2. Nai Kasauh Mon- (0) 81 365 9140
3. Nan Paw Gay- (0) 81 209 9772
