The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the second largest victorious party in Burma and the topper in Shan State in the 1990 elections, has sent a petition to Senior General Than Shwe, the State Peace and Development Council Chairman, for a meeting with two of its imprisoned leaders, according to party sources.

According to the letter, dated 21 December 2009 and written in Burmese, the party sees 2010 as the year when all must cooperate in bringing about “Burma’s democratization and national solidarity”.  “Toward this end, a meeting and discussion with the party’ chairman and general secretary is mandatory,” said party spokesperson Sai Lake.

Hkun Tun Oo, party leader and elected MP from Hsipaw, is currently serving a 95-year term in Burma’s northernmost town Putao, while the general secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin aka Sai Nood is serving an 85 year term in Kalemyo, Sagaing division.

Burma’s ruling military council allowed detained Aung San Suu Kyi to meet other detained leaders on 16 December to discuss the party’s role in the country’s future politics.

Hkun Tun Oo and eight other leaders were detained on 8-9 February 2005 on charges of treason, defamation, setting up of illegal organization and violation of the 5/96 Law prohibiting people from criticizing the constitution drafted by its rulers. The draft was “ratified” by an overwhelming 92 per cent of the country’s eligible voters in May 2008, according to a junta announcement.

Gen Than Shwe, on a January 4 message to the people of Burma marking the country’s 62nd anniversary of Independence from the British, confirmed the planned holding of general elections this year. No specific date and procedures however were stated.