Academics submit letters over Burma

They called on the UN to use "use all possible means to restrain the Burmese suppressive regime to stop using violence against its citizens" and demand for the release of all political prisoners.

They called on Surayud in his capacity as the head of the Thai government and a neighbour of Burma to use whatever means to influence change in military-run Burma.

The academic expressed their solidarity with the Burmese people and praised their peaceful demonstrations. They equate the bloody attacks against the Buddhist monks as a grave crime.

 Last but not least, they called on Than Shwe to "end all forms of suppressions", free political prisoners, as well as pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, and "return the power to the people as soon as possible."

PM's Deputy Secretary General Surapong Jayanama received the letters.

In separate incident, Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general designate of Asean was caught by surprise yesterday (Thursday) when he found himself surrounded and petitioned by Burmese exile groups after delivering a speech on Human Security at Chulalongkorn University's international seminar - without mentioning Burma.

A protest banner was unveiled by exiled activists next to Surin: "China + India + Thailand, Your Trading = Killing People".

"I think it's addressed to the wrong person," Surin told reporters afterward, adding that he's not going to assume the role of new secretary-general of Asean until the beginning of January.

 "I will pass on your message, your concerns. I'm still a nominee," Surin told the protesters.

 San Aung, an elected MP in exile, said he was disappointed.

"Yeah, disappointed. I think he's being too careful. He should discuss Burma."

 The petition submitted to Surin stated that no one knows where the estimated 6,000 detainees are, and urged Surin to do something .

The petition quoted the top US envoy in Rangoon as expressing grave concern about the fate of the monks and civilians who have been arrested. The envoy said "it is frightening to think why" a number of monasteries have been ransacked and many temples have been emptied of monks.

 The letter, signed by 23 non-profit organisations urged Surin, upon assuming the secretary-general post, to publicly state that Burma has become a destabilising factor for the region and to support a Burma resolution in the UN Security Council.

It also urged Asean to play a leading role in international efforts to find a solution that will end the political stalemate.

"We look forward to Asean becoming a progressive and proactive regional body tackling problems associated with human rights and democracy with Your Excellency's guidance."

by Piyanart Srivalo

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation