Bloomington, Aug 4: Under the theme of "Sustainable Democratization for Burma," students and scholars from the Burmese community across the United States of America met at Indiana University (IU), Indiana State from July 29 thru 31, 2005.

The meet, sponsored by the U.S. State Department, was among others, attended by exiled National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma's Prime Minister Dr. Sein Win, Interim President of Liberia (1990-1994) Dr. Amos Sawyer, Professor David Williams of Indiana University Law School and Dr. Josef Silverstein, an expert on Burma.

We are fortunate to be part of the democratic movement in Burma, said Dean Patrick O' Meara, Dean of International Programs for Indiana University in his welcoming remarks.

Mandated by the U.S. Congress in 1990, the program has been administered by Indiana University since 1995 and has thus far recruited 45 students.

At the panel discussion, diverse issues on contemporary world politics and politics of Burma were conspicuously touched.

Citing a gradual development of the largest democratic Indian political structure from its formerly princely states, Nehginpao, who is the scholarship recipient and a representative of the Kuki International Forum (KIF), stressed that creation of more states should not be out of question in future Burma.

The imbroglio in the country is ethno-political, said the KIF leader.

Dr. Sawyer, who is also a professor at Indiana University, comparatively discussed the political transition his country had experienced and the need of sustainable movement in Burma.

Dr. Silverstein opined that creation of states should not be based on ethnicity.

When asked what form of democratic government he would like to have in Burma, Dr. Sein Win said, "My personal choice is for Parliamentary Democracy."

At the end of the three day session, participants of the program agreed to submit a petition to the government of the United States with new proposals and follow-up activities.

The final day of Prime Minister's open lecture was largely attended by people from different walks of life including local journalists.

The meeting was also addressed by leaders of U.S. Campaign for Burma and U Thein Oo, elected Member of Parliament and Chairman of Burma Lawyers' Council.

Please refer this link for photos attached to the article;
http://www.kukiforum.com/news/brsp_alumni_2005.htm