Oct 16, 2007 (DVB), A statement issued today by the 88 generation students has welcomed the positive results of the recent demonstrations in Burma and called on the Burmese people to maintain the pressure for change.

The statement highlights a number of positive developments that it says have taken place as a result of the protests. In particular, the statement says that the crackdowns on demonstrators exposed the brutality of the military regime and brought Burma to the attention of the international community.

It also claimed the protests gave new impetus to the students' unions and galvanised a new generation of young people to action against the regime, as well as leading to the formation of several new organisations and raising public awareness within Burma.

The statement cited junta leader senior general Than Shwe's offer to meet detained opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as another positive outcome.

The group also urged the public to keep up the momentum for change.

"[I]n order to have a truthful dialogue that will subtly bring changes to us to end the military dictatorship, [the people] need to continue the public movement in any ways they can with courage and unity," the statement said.

The statement said that recent arrests of 88 generation students would not weaken the group's efforts. Student leaders Ko Htay Kywe, Ko Hla Myo Naung, Ko Aung Thu and Ma Mee Mee were arrested over the weekend, having been on the run since the end of August.

Reporting by DVB