Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Media persona both at home and abroad, have been exhorted to join the pro-democracy struggle in Burma, by veteran journalist Ludu Sein Win and film director Win Pe.

In a video communiqué sent to the Burma Media Conference being held in northern Thailand from February 24, Ludu Sein Win said, "The media’s objective is interlaced with the cause of democracy and freedom of our country. So I would like to ask all of you to join hands and be of mutual assistance and cooperation until you reach your goal".

Ludu Sein Win hailed media persons under attack by those opposing and resisting the right cause and truth, because they are on the side of the people and the country.

Famous writer and film director Win Pe said in his message that the military regime had not only seized the executive, legislative and judicial pillars by military might but had also seized the fourth pillar - the media.

"The most important is the fourth pillar - the media. It is not just interfering and poking its nose in the media, the fact remains the media does not exist in Burma at all," he said.

"I wish today on this occasion that you can do your utmost being members of the media for progress, goodwill, safety and freedom of our country - the Union of Burma," Win Pe said.

The Burma Media Conference is for three days and is being attended by news agencies at home and abroad, politicians, bloggers and NGOs, accounting for over 100 people.