The 20th anniversary of the founding of the Arakan League for Democracy was commemorated by party members in Rangoon on Monday. Many prominent political leaders attended the ceremony.

"We held the ceremony at ALD general secretary U Aye Tha Aung's house. A dinner party and a get-together with politicians were hosted," a party member said.

U Win Tin, who was recently released from prison after 19 years, and Dr. Aye Myint attended the anniversary ceremony.

An ALD source said the politicians discussed many political issues related to matters both inside and outside Burma.

U Aye Tha Aung delivered a speech at the ceremony about the ALD making the long journey for democracy in Burma, and he vowed to continue fighting for democracy, the party member said.

The ALD is one of the winning parties in the 1990 elections in Arakan State and cornered 11 parliamentary seats in Arakan. The military government abolished the ALD after the party refused to accept the military government's declaration (1/90) in 1990.

Despite this, the party has been carrying out its activities and cooperating with the National League for Democracy. The ALD is a member of the Committee Representing the People's Parliament, and U Aye Tha Aung is the general secretary of the CRPP.