YANGON, February 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Myanmar's opposition National
League for Democracy (NLD) Tuesday stressed that unity could be
achieved through negotiations between individuals, organizations
and ethnic groups, citing the "Pinlon Agreement" signed 55 years
ago.
   The Pinlon Agreement was signed on February 12, 1947 when
Myanmar ethnic leaders met at the then Pinlon Conference held in
northeastern Shan state to strive in unity for the country's
independence from the British colonialists.
   Marking Myanmar's 55th Anniversary Union Day, the NLD said in a
statement that the 1947 agreement was a historical landmark that
gave a valuable lesson on the way of achieving domestic unity.
   The statement was issued amid confidence-building talks between
the NLD and the government initiated in October 2000.
   The statement pointed out that the ruling State Peace and
Development Council has achieved cease-fire agreements with a
number of anti-government armed ethnic groups, adding however that
a political solution is necessary to establish long-term peace and
stability.
   The statement also stressed that democratic rights and the
rights of the ethnic nationalities are inseparable both of which
have to be worked for.
   The statement called on the country's ethnic nationalities to
unite firmly in the endeavor to build a truly democratic Union.
   The NLD, which was a winning party in the 1990 general election,
demands the government release Aung San Suu Kyi, the party's
general secretary, and all other political prisoners in the
country and guarantee the rights of free activities for all legal
political parties.  Enditem