9/9/99 - Free Burma!

In 1996 resistance began building to prepare for September 1999, to release Burma from 37 years of brutal dictatorship,with demonstrations and stamping banknotes with the date 9-9-99 (as for J18 in the UK ).Hudreds have been arrested.

In response to calls for solidarity hundreds demonstrated in the US, Japan, Bangkok, and Europe. In Australia several hundred broke into and occupied the Embassy compound, trashed the fencing and burnt all the flags!

In the UK a group visited the Burmese Embassy, London. Wearing butterfly masks they handed out flyers and tied yellow flowers and butterflies (Burmese symbols of hope and freedom) to the railings. Meanwhile others sneaked up onto the balcony to lower the regime's flag, replacing it with Student Resistance flag, and hung a "Free Burma" banner. An embassy official and two military intelligence officers came out to play tug-of-war, but the assailants made a speedy getaway. The police turned up late and everyone had dispersed. Within half an hour news of the action was being broadcast across Burma by anti-government radio stations on the Thai border.

In Nottingham there was a spate of actions on the scum British companies whose investments support the regime. (20% of foreign investment is British ) Four "Going Places" Travel Agents who book holidays to Burma were picketed.

More mysteriously, on the night of 9-9-99 two Daewoo car showrooms and two HSBC banks were super-glued. and left with a calling card reading "Your company has been targeted for its involvement in Burma." That same night GEC-Siemens complex had two prominent signs graffitied with "Get out of Burma" in red paint. The following morning, two Total garages were padlocked shut during morning rush hour.

e-mail: burmese_forum@hotmail.com

Free Burma Coalition, c/o Box G, 101 Magdalen Rd, Oxford OX4 1RH

For info on companies contact Notts EF!