The monks are marching and the world is watching.

As thousands begin to go out in the street in support of rallies initiated by hundreds of Buddhist monks last September 19, 2007, the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia through its Secretariat in Manila is closely monitoring political developments in Burma. With one of its members, the Karen Youth Organization tracing its roots from the Burmese democratic movement, YLDA has always been supportive of peaceful dialogue and engagement to restore democracy in Burma.

Hence, as the marches that started as a protest against price increases in basic commodities ultimately reaches its pivotal stages where the tide of public opinion would go against the draconian policies of the military junta governing the country, YLDA will be at the forefront campaign for liberal-democratic changes to occur in the Burma. And changes begin with the release of lead opposition leader, General Secretary of National League for Democracy, and Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi who continues to be put under house arrest by the military regime.

While still waiting for this final development to happen, YLDA President Rajendra Mulmi expressed elation and optimism over the recent developments in Burma. In a statement sent to the YLDA Secretariat in Manila, Philippines, Mr. Mulmi states that “the democratic movement in Burma is once again gaining momentum and YLDA wishes to express our support to our liberal youth friends who are also members of the National Council of the Union of Burma, which continues to work for the opening and enlargement of democratic space in the country.”

In the same manner, YLDA Secretary General Jan Argy Tolentino has urged the YLDA Executive Committee and General Assembly to take an active stance with the happenings in Burma. He adds, “Liberal youths in Asia are now presented with the ultimate opportunity to help bring democracy back to Burma. As an acknowledged lead organization in the region that promotes liberal-democratic ideals, it is incumbent upon YLDA to seize this moment and be one of the first international organizations to encourage the peaceful transition towards liberal-democratic governance.”

As head of the YLDA Secretariat in Manila, YLDA Program Officer Pey Canlas is also proposing for the possible adoption of a resolution of supporting the call for democratic transition in Burma. Executive Committee members Sandun Gamage, Camelia Puji Astuti, and Abbas Qureshi all agree that the adoption of such resolution during the plenary of the YLDA Annual General meeting in November will met little or no resistance at all since YLDA has always believed that freedom and democracy should never stop at the doorstep of national boundaries.

Indeed, the monks and the people of Burma are marching and while majority of the world is watching, YLDA is standing up for its friends and colleagues marching for freedom and democracy to reign once again in Burma.