Christian body voices support for Burmese in democracy struggle

The Council for World Mission has joined others in the international ecumenical community in expressing its support for the people of Burma pressing for the creation of a democratic government.

In September, Burma was the scene of some of the largest protests in two decades against the country's military regime, with peaceful protesters violently repressed by soldiers. According to the Burmese Government, 10 people were killed although some witnesses speculate that the real number may be much higher.

In a statement this week, CWM assured the people of Burma of its "moral support for them in their desire and demand for a democratic government".

Armed police and members of the military junta surrounded key Buddhist religious sites in Rangoon on Friday to prevent any repeat of last month's protests, which were spearheaded by unarmed Buddhist monks. CWM expressed its "solidarity with those individual citizens and communities of faith who have engaged in protest against the military regime".

The situation remains volatile, as the Burmese people await the outcome of highly confidential talks between the ruling junta and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for the last 12 years.

Her National League for Democracy (NLD) won an overwhelming victory in a 1990 election but was blocked from taking power of the country by the military.

CWM added its support for the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar as it continues working and praying for justice and peace in the troubled country.

It concluded with a call for the "unconditional release" of Suu Kyi and all Burma's political prisoners.