Ottawa (Feb. 23, 2007) - The Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB), a national non-governmental organization working for democracy and human rights in Burma, strongly supports a rare protest taken place in Rangoon on Feb. 22, 2007.

 â€œI greatly admire the courage of the people who risked danger to publicly demonstrate against the social crisis and corruption perpetrated by the ruling junta,” said Ms. Elizabeth Shepherd, Canadian actress and advisory council member of the Canadian Friends of Burma.

About 30 demonstrators gathered in the Rangoon downtown area and marched toward the Sule pagoda, protesting the economic hardship facing the whole populace under the military regime. It is reported that three reporters and two protesters were arrested in the aftermath of the protest. Although the reporters were all released after seven hours investigation, the two protestors are still being held.

 The New Light of Myanmar, the mouthpiece of the Military junta, reported the protest today and warned that “action might be taken against the protesters.”

 However, Elizabeth Shepherd said, “We support and encourage these actions which tell Than Shwe and his confederates that they cannot silence the peoples of Burma forever,” warning that “The hatred of the people is a ticking bomb under the house of the tyrant.”

 â€œThe most powerful weapon against oppression is the will to rise up bodily to overthrow the yoke of oppression. This recent demonstration shows how eager the people are to speak out loud to demand a life of social justice for the common good” she added.

 A few days ago, the military authorities also threatened to beat up young activists and elders gathered at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon. They do, however, allow demonstrations supporting their rule and opposing democratic movement and countries that are critical of their rule. A recent anti-sanction/pro-military demonstration taken place in front of the U.S and U.K embassies went well without any harassment and arrest.

“The military is too biased and using a double standard. There is no reason whatsoever to believe they are heading to what they call a ‘disciplined democracy,’” said Tin Maung Htoo, executive director of Canadian Friends of Burma.  

Support for the Oppressed Peoples of Burma
MUSICIANS PLAY FOR BURMA RELIEF

_ from Juliet Rogers

Maureen Lipman will introduce a concert at the Royal College of Music, South Kensington, London on Thursday 1st February at 7.30pm.

On February 1st a  dazzling line-up of classical musicians will play to raise funds to support Burmese refugees and the internally displaced people (IDPs).  Pianists Martin Cousin and Simon Crawford-Phillips; violinists Andrew Haveron and Ruth Rogers; Lawrence Power (viola),  Katherine Jenkinson (cello), Thomas Hull (clarinet) and Morgan Szymanski(guitar) are all giving their talent for this important cause.  The programme includes Sibelius Malinconia Opus 20 and Shostakovich Two  Preludes for viola and piano; Sofia Gubaidulina “Dancer on a Tightrope” for violin and piano; Shostakovich “Allegretto” from Piano Trio No2 in E Minor, opus 67; Piazzolla “History of the Tango” for violin and guitar; Mozart “Larghetto” from Clarinet Quintet K581 and Mendelssohn “Allegro moderato ma con fuoco” from Octet opus 20.  Maureen Lipman will perform a monologue and will introduce a Karen and a Karenni (ethnic minorities in Burma).

Tickets £15 unreserved from the Royal College of Music Box Office on 020 7591 4314
 

Diamond Jubilee Celebration:

The 60^th Anniversary of Burma’s Union Day

Sunday, February 11, 2007

10AM – 1PM

Location:

George Washington University

Continental Ballroom

3^rd floor of Marvin Center, 800 21st Street NW, Washington

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