Reconvening of the National Convention The responsibility of the Government of the Union of Myanmar, which is interim in nature, is to pave the way for the adoption of a new State Constitution and for the emergence of a government in accordance with the constitution. Accordingly, it has been striving for the successful implementation of the political roadmap outlined by the Prime Minister on August 30, 2003.The first step of the political roadmap, the reconvening of the National Convention has now been initiated. The National Convention, which was adjourned in 1966, was reconvened on May 17, 2004, with nearly cent per cent participation.Altogether 1088 delegates from all strata of Myanmar society organised into eight groups, namely - political parties, representatives-elect, national races, workers, peasants, intellectuals and intelligentsia, state service personnel and other invited delegates are now attending the National Convention. The opening ceremony was also attended by the members of the diplomatic corps in Yangon, including representatives from ASEAN countries, Australia, Russia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Serbia and Montenegro and Nepal, and from the UN agencies as well. The news of the ceremony was covered by 19 journalists from the Foreign Correspondents Club in Yangon including those from AFP, Reuters and AP. CNN was also present in Yangon to conduct interviews. The proceedings of the National Convention are being broadcast by the Myanmar Radio and Television Networks on a daily basis.Since the announcement of the date for reconvening of the National Convention, the Government, through various contacts, demonstrated its willingness to accommodate the participation of the National League for Democracy (NLD). The NLD delegates, after participating for 3 years, left the National Convention of their own accord in 1996, and were barred from participation by the standing rules and regulations of the Convention. However, with a view to ensuring national reconsolidation, the Government did not wait for the NLD to reapply formally for representation of their party, and manifested its goodwill by sending out invitations to the NLD delegates concerned.When the invitation from the National Convention Convening Committee was delivered to U Aung Shwe, the Chairman of the NLD at his residence, he refused to accept it, stating that it had not come from the NLD headquarters, thereby indicating that the headquarters should be reopened first. The Government not only allowed the reopening of the headquarters, but also lifted restrictions placed on five senior party members as a gesture of magnanimity. At the request of the NLD, arrangements were also made to enable the Central Executive Committee members to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and have the opportunity to discuss freely among themselves. The Government also agreed to the request of the NLD to invite additional delegates to participate in the Convention. Furthermore, the Government urged Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on several occasions to permit NLD delegates to participate in the National Convention. The procedures of discussion at the National Convention were also explained to the NLD leadership, and the Government was encouraged by their enthusiasm at that point. For Myanmar, the successful convening of the National Convention is a crucial step. The maintenance of peace and stability is of the utmost importance for the success of the Convention. The Government, short of officially announcing the lifting of restrictions placed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, exercised utmost latitude in allowing senior members of the NLD to meet together with her and decide on a future course of action. The Government took these steps in an earnest desire for the National Convention to succeed. Before the reconvening of the Convention on May 17, 2004, the Government had requested the NLD leadership to cooperate with the Government in helping maintain a stable environment and a peaceful atmosphere for the National Convention to proceed, and in order to gain a healthy momentum from the very outset. In this respect, both Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo, the Vice-Chairman of the NLD, were being earnestly requested to have understanding and patience, and continue with party activities while retaining their present status quo for the time being. It may be noted that delegates from all strata of Myanmar society, including those from the national races, are participating in the National Convention and only 54 delegates from the NLD, the Shan NLD, and a small Kokang party have decided to stay away. The Government as well as the other National Convention delegates were deeply disappointed with the decision of the NLD not to take part in the Convention. However, the choice and decision made by the NLD will be respected. With regard to the news emanating from certain quarters about the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), it must be stated that this organisation does not exist at all but the name seems to have been unofficially created by the Shan NLD. This so-called ethnic based political party (UNA) was never registered as a political entity when political parties were first formed in 1988. It also did not contest in the 1990 elections and never participated in the National Convention. Most importantly, the UNA does not represent any ethnic nationality group. The Government, whose responsibility is to protect the interests of the entire nation, is obliged to adhere to laws, regulations, and procedures. It is its bounden duty to ensure economic progress, prevalence of peace and stability, and to strengthen the social fabric of the nation so that national unity is enhanced. The steps followed by the Government must be measured and the broader perspective taken into consideration. The fact that there is unprecedented peace and stability in Myanmar, in sharp contrast to the bloodshed, misery, and chaos that prevails in many parts of the world, speaks volumes for the systematic manner in which the Government is carrying out the transition to democracy. It should be emphasized again that the National Convention, which is the first step of the political roadmap of Myanmar, is proceeding in an open and transparent manner. The representatives from all corners of the Union are discussing the fundamental principles for the new State Constitution. The actual drafting of the Constitution will be the next step. It is hoped that just as the people of Myanmar are looking forward with anticipation to a successful outcome of the national endeavour, so also will the international community encourage the progress of the homegrown political process. * * * * * |
