To be disciplined, to be tranquil & peaceful, to ensure permanent democracy depend on people, political forces Combined efforts to be made farsightedly, broad-mindedly to address dissention, distrust stemming from personal attachment, sectarianism, foreign provocative acts

YANGON, 17 Feb—The following is a translation of the speech delivered by Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein at the Plenary Session of the National Convention.

Respected National Convention delegates,

I would like to extend my warm wishes to you, delegates, to be able to carry out the responsibilities of the National Convention successfully with peace of mind and body.

As is known to you all, delegates, the 1988 unrest triggered instability in the Union in the absence of the rule of law. Sovereignty was also on the verge of collapse. All the national people had to live in panic. In the end, the Tatmadaw had to assume the responsibility of the State as the situation was getting worse and as the Tatmadaw could no longer step aside from the deterioration situation. There are three possible dangers over which the Tatmadaw, since its assumption of the responsibility of the State, has been much worried, for they can harm national interest.

They are: the danger of Union disintegration, the danger of the explosion of conflicts at the collapse of national solidarity, and the danger of the loss of independence in other words, the sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Tatmadaw, since its assumption of the responsibility of the State, has vowed to ward off these dangers hand in hand with the people. Subsequently, the Tatmadaw has made public Our Three Main National Causes to deter the rise of these dangers by regarding them as the threats to nationalism.

At the same time, the Tatmadaw made concerted efforts to create a peaceful and prosperous life for the national people after laying down the four political objectives, the four economic objectives, and the four social objectives.

Politics and economy correlate. The rise of better political conditions brings with it better economic conditions. Strenuous efforts were made to build national consolidation which is central to the restoration of peace, stability and the rule of law as well as to the creation of national political forces.

There broke out a series of armed conflicts among national races for over 40 years, resulting in hardened dissension among them. After assuming the responsibility of the State, the Tatmadaw took great pains willingly to cultivate a sense of scruple like mutual understanding, tolerance and sincerity among the national brethren.

These well-intentioned endeavours produced belief and confidence, whereupon 17 armed groups of national races returned to the legal fold in succession. They are now lending themselves to the drive for regional peace.

By making the most of the fruitful results in the political confidence, steps were taken systematically in all seriousness beginning June 1992 to hold the National Convention as part of the crucial efforts to formulate an enduring State constitution the country needs. As a result, fundamental principles and detailed basic principles could be laid down at the National Convention that was held from 9 January 1993 to 30 March 1996. ‘Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the new State constitution,’ which is the fourth point of the four political objectives, is the lofty political hope of the Tatmadaw government for the country and the people.

This being the case, ‘flourishing of a genuine multi-party democracy system’ was embedded in the National Convention Objectives as the fourth point. In our rounds of discussions, emphasis will be placed on the emergence of discipline-flourishing democracy.

Of the National Convention Objectives, non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty are the three points key to the flourishing of the genuine multi-party democracy. The development of the political, economic and social infrastructures in the country is based on these three points.

Only when the embankment of the lake is strong will lily flowers be in full bloom. Likewise, only when Our Three Main National Causes are in order will democratic system last. No lily flowers blossom amid flames and hot ashes. In like manner, democracy will flourish only in the disciplined human society where peace and stability prevail with the rule of law.

Democracy cannot thrive in a country where insurgency erupts at the collapse of unity and stability. There were times in which democracy existed in name but was short-lived as a consequence of riots and anarchy. Even worse were some situation.

We all have seen the dismemberment of Unions, which were once strong. Lessons should be taken from such international events.

Democracy and the rule of law are inseparable. Discipline is a must for prolonged democracy. Therefore, we have pinned our hope on discipline-flourishing democracy.

To be disciplined, to be tranquil and peaceful, and to ensure permanent democracy are what concerns the people and political forces.

It is necessary that stability peace and the rule of law should reign the country. Besides, the fulfilment of infrastructures needed for national interest is what matters most.

The people should have a sense of scruple to elect will-rounded delegates. With this end in view, the Tatmadaw government is taking pragmatic measures to create and develop human resources, concentrating on the basic and higher education.

Fourteen years into the exercise of the 1947 Constitution in the country, the Union was on the brink of disintegration. Later, that Constitution came to a complete end.

The people made it clearly that they disapproved of the 1974 Constitution on account of one-party system and the negligence of private economic sector.

It will therefore be necessary to draw lessons from the previous constitutions, and care should be taken to avoid similar fates in the constitution now being formulated.

Now is the time to make combined efforts farsightedly and broad-mindedly to address the dissension and distrust stemming from the personal attachment, sectarianism, and foreign provocative acts.

It is natural that there exist saboteurs in the world. They are now hatching wicked schemes with fouled intention of making the country deviate from its current right track of nationalism.

On the other hand, the Tatmadaw, throughout the course of history, has never lost sight of the interests of the national people. Moreover, it has pledged to go on making concerted efforts to turn into reality the ambitions, hopes, and wishes of the entire people. The Tatmadaw will also cooperate with the simple national people who entertain patriotism and Union Spirit until the seven-point Road Map has been successfully implemented.

The National Convention Convening Commission, the NCC Work Committee, and the NCC Management Committee in tandem with the members of the Panel of chairmen carried out the tasks in unison and harmony during the time when the National Convention went into recess.

The panel of chairmen took time to observe the proposed papers submitted by the delegate groups at the National Convention that was held from 17 May to 9 July 2004. And they also compiled assessment papers. After collecting suitable proposals made by the delegate groups, the panel of chairmen submitted them to the National Convention Convening Work Committee, which then submitted them to the National Convention Convening Commission.

The findings of the panel of chairmen will be presented here on this occasion so that other delegate groups can make assessment of them. And then approval will be sought.

The Work Committee will present the principles concerning the sharing of legislative power at the Plenary Meeting.

The Work Committee will also clarify the matters related to the sharing of executive power and judicial power in different sectors like those concerning the Union, those concerning the Region or the State, and those concerning the Self-administered Area. The delegate groups are to hold discussions on the clarification and compile proposed papers. Later, the proposed papers related to detailed basic principles that shall be laid down for the executive and judicial sectors will be read out at the Plenary Meeting.

Now is the time when the winter is out and the summer is in. During this climatic change, you all, delegates, should take care of your health. I would like to urge you all to take preventive measures, receive treatment and do some physical exercises for health.

The Management Committee has been prepared to offer as much assistance as possible for your physical and mental health.

After all, I would like to urge you all, delegates, to be friendly, open and frank with one another as before.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

National Convention reconvenes 99.44% of delegates attend; diplomats, journalists observe

YANGON, 17 Feb—With the six objectives — Non-integration of the Union; Non-disintegration of national solidarity; Perpetuation of sovereignty; Flourishing of genuine multi party democracy system; Further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values namely justice, liberty and equality in the State; and For the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the State — the National Convention reconvened at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, at 9 am today.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of the NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, chairmen and officials of respective subcommittees, delegates of Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, National Unity Party, Union Kayin League, Union Pa-O National Organization, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, Lahu National Development Party, and Wa National Development Party, representatives-elect of National Unity Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, and independent representatives, delegates of national races from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of peasants from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of workers from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of State service personnel from the State Peace and Development Council, the President’s Office, the Pyithu Hluttaw Office, the Government Office, the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Auditor-General’s Office, the Multi-party Democracy General Election Commission Office, the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon City Development Committee, the Mandalay City Development Committee and ministries, other invited delegates, delegates of 17 armed groups who exchanged arms for peace, and representatives of other organizations, Acting Dean of Diplomatic Corps Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun, ambassadors of embassies of Brunei, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Russia Federation, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Bangladesh, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Pakistan, Japan and Singapore, charges d’ affaires of embassies of Nepal, the Philippines and India, diplomats from Egypt, Japan and China, regional coordinators of UN agencies, the president of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club and members, officials of the Ministry of Information, correspondents from The Yomiuri Shimbun, Fuji Television Network Inc, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), The Nishinippon Newspaper Co, The Sankei Shimbun, NHK, The Mainichi Newspaper, Nippon Television Network Corp (NTV), The Tokyo Shimbun, The Churuchi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, VOA, EPA, TV Asahi News, AFP, Ji Ji Press, Reuters, AP and Kyodo news agencies.

NCCC Chairman Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and commission members, NCC Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, NCC Management Committee Chairman Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, chairmen and officials of the subcommittees, delegates of political parties, representatives-elect, delegates of national races, delegates of peasants, delegates of workers, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of State service personnel, and other invited delegates signed the attendance registers at Pyidaungsu Hall and the recreation hall for National Convention delegates.

Prior to the plenary session of the National Convention, NCCC Chairman Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, NCC Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, and NCC Management Committee Chairman Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members cordially greeted ambassadors and charges d’ affaires of foreign embassies, foreign diplomats, and coordinators of UN agencies.

The NCCC chairman also had a cordial convention with local and foreign correspondents and replied to their queries.

Chairman of the NCCC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presided over the National Convention Plenary Meeting. Secretary of NCCC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan acted as MC.

First, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan announced the start of the plenary session of the meeting as out of 1081 delegates, 1075 attended it, accounting for 99.44 per cent.

Next, the plenary meeting went into recess after the Secretary-1 had delivered an opening speech.

Afterwards, the meeting resumed and Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan explained procedures of the convening of the National Convention, which then went into a recess.

When the plenary meeting restarted, U Maung Hla (a) U Hla Myint of National race group presided over it together with NCC Work Committee member U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin), member of delegate group of political parties U Tun Yin Law, U Yaw Aye Hla of delegate group of representatives-elect, U Mya Aye of delegate group of peasants, Dr Myo Thant Tin of workers delegate group, Dr U Thein Oo Pho Saw of delegate group of intellectuals and intelligentsia, Maj-Gen Aung Thein of delegate group of State service personnel and U Tun Aung Chein of other invited delegate group.

Director (Meeting) of the office of NCC Work Committee U Than Aung acted as MC and Deputy Director U Aung Kyi as co-MC. U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) explained suggestions made by the delegates about detailed basic principles on power sharing of legislation that will be included in the State constitution.

Maung Hsu Shin delivered a speech. In his speech, he said that first, I would like to wish health and happiness for the National Convention Commission Chairman and members, the Work Committee Chairman and members, the Management Committee Chairman and members and all the delegates.

Esteemed delegates,

Of the sectors for sharing the legislative power, the executive power and the judicial power to be included in drafting a constitution, delegates have presented group-wise suggestions concerning the basic principles for the legislative sector at the National Convention held from 17 May to 9 July 2004.

The 18 papers presented by the delegates at the plenary session of the National Convention held from 24 June to 9 July are:

(a) Political parties delegate group — 7 papers

(b) Representatives-elect group — 5 papers

(c) National races delegate group — 1 paper

(d) Peasants delegate group — 1 paper

(e) Workers delegate group — 1 paper

(f) Intellectuals and intelligentsia delegate group — 1 paper

(g) State-service personnel delegate group — 1 paper

(h) Other invited persons delegate group — 1 paper

The papers were read out by the members of the delegate groups and other delegates at the plenary session.

Now, a collection of the excerpts from the suggestions compiled the panel of meeting chairmen will be presented.

Esteemed delegates,

At the plenary meeting held on 18 May 2004, the Work Committee Chairman said, “In connection with the sharing of legislative power of the State, the National Convention has already laid down a fundamental principle, — the legislative power of the State is shared among Union Hluttaw, Region Hluttaws and State Hluttaws; legislative power stipulated by the State Constitution shall be distributed to self-administered areas. The Work Committee has invited officials of the ministries and respective departments and experts in their respective professions and collected necessary facts and documents after making discussions with them. Concerning the tasks and responsibilities implemented by the ministries, the Work Committee has studied in detail weaknesses and advantages experienced by the central status and state and division levels. Regarding the sharing of legislative power, it has studied the Union Legislative list and State Legislative list in the 1947 Union of Myanmar Constitution. Moreover it has paid serious attention to studying the sharing of the legislative power stipulated in the constitutions of some of the former colonies that freed themselves from under the rule of the British, and some other nations around the world.

“The Work Committee will clarify the proposed legislative list to be entrusted to the Pyithu Hluttaw comprising Amyotha Hluttaw and Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and Region or State Hluttaw in 11 sectors as follows:

(1) Defence and security sector

(2) Foreign Affairs sector

(3) Finance and planning sector

(4) Economic sector

(5) Agricultural and livestock breeding sector

(6) Energy, electric power, mining and forestry sector

(7) Industrial sector

(8) Transport and communication sector

(9) Social sector

(10) Management sector

(11) Judicial sector.

The Work Committee Chairman added: “Now, I have already explained the matters that should be included the Union Legislative list concerning the defence and security sector. Hence, the delegates will have to discuss and give suggestions on whether or not the following basic principles should be laid down to be included in the Union Legislative list concerning defence and security of the State:

1. The defence of the Union of Myanmar and of its every part, and to prepare a defence programme thereof.

2. Defence and security industries.

3. Arms and ammunition and explosives including biological and chemical weapons.

4. Nuclear energy, nuclear fuel and radiation, and mineral resources that produce them.

5. Declaration of war and ceasefire.

6. Peace and stability of State and the rule of law.

7. Police Force.”

Of the seven political parties, the National Unity Party said that the NUP found out that all the matters included in the defence and security sector are comprehensive and appropriate.

The Union Pa-O National Organization said that the national defence covers the task of ensuring security for lives and property of the entire nation without fail. The nation will be able to ward off all alien intrusion, insults and threats only if its defence and security is strong. Thus, all necessary preparations must be made for defence and security. The seven points presented by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as a basic principle.

Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization said that the seven points should be included in the Union legislative list as a basic principle.

Lahu National Development Party said that as the defence and security sector, the foreign affairs sector and judiciary sector are required for a nation, the seven basic principles for the defence and security sector, the seven basic principles for the foreign affairs sector and the 11 basic principles for judiciary sector are found to be appropriate to be included in the Union legislative list as basic principles.

Union Kayin League said that as the defence and security sector is of vital importance for the nation, it is required for the nation to become modern and strong. The seven points explained by the Work Committee chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as the basic principles.

Kokang Democracy and Unity Party said that the State security is of vital importance for the nation. Public lives and property will be secure and at ease only if there is State security. The points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as basic principles.

Wa National Development Party said that a strong national defence cannot be built overnight. Preparations must be made for national defence. And if necessary laws must be enacted. Thus, it should be included in the Union legislative list concerning the matters defence of the Union of Myanmar and all her parts and preparations for defence to enact laws if necessary.

Defence and security industry should be set up as necessary for national preparedness in the defence and security. Thus, it should be included in the Union legislative list concerning the matter defence and security industries to enact laws if necessary.

National defence and security have interrelations. The State will have to safeguard the nation against all alien intrusions and to ensure public security. To do so, the nation should have a law concerning ammunition and explosives including biological and chemical weapons. Thus, the matter concerning the ammunition and explosives including biological and chemical weapons should be included in the Union legislative list to enact laws for the sake of public safety.

At present, the nuclear energy, nuclear fuel and radiation are being used for civilian as well as military purposes. But the correct way of controlling the original mineral that produces nuclear energy or fuel and causes radiation is required. But the task of controlling the material can be carried out only by the State. Thus, the matter concerning the mineral resources that produce nuclear energy or fuel and cause radiation should be included in the Union legislative list to enact laws.

The power of declaration of war and ceasefire is entrusted to the parliament, the highest legislative body of a nation. If a war broke out there will be a cease fire agreement reached between the countries concerned or through an intermediate country. As the matter concerns the whole nation it should be included in the Union legislative list to enact laws if necessary.

In most global nations, the rule of law, and prevalence of peace and stability and security in the entire nation are important in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Thus, the matter should be included in the Union legislative list to enact laws if necessary.

The seven points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list.

Of the five papers presented by representatives-elect group, the papers presented by the delegates of the National Unity Party and the Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization are the same as the ones presented by the delegates of the respective parties in the political parties delegate group.

Representative-elect Dr Hmu Htan of Htantalan Township constituency in Chin State, and Representative-elect U Aung Thein of Ywangan Township constituency in Shan State said that the points clarified by Work Committee Chairman U Aung Toe should be laid down as the detailed basic principles.

Representatives-elect U Tin Win of Kyaiklat Township constituency-2, U Thein Kyi of Taungdwingyi Township constituency-1, U Hla Soe of Minbu Township constituency-2, U Mya Hlaing of Twantay Township constituency-2, U Kyi Win of Mingaladon Township constituency-1 and U Tin Tun Maung of Mingaladon Township constituency-2 said that the points explained by the Work Committee Chairman concerning the defence and security should be included in the Union legislative list. Biological and chemical weapons, nuclear energy or pesticides may cause accidents. As accidents may harm locals, the matter should be coordinated with the respective local authorities.

Representative-elect U Tun Kyaw of Namhsan Township constituency in northern Shan State said that it is much important for the nation to have a powerful defence force to stand tall among world countries. Almost every country in the world entrusts the legislative power concerning defence to the central level parliament that has the power to look after every affair of the state.

As the nation needs to safeguard itself from external and internal dangers, it also needs to ensure security for lives and property of the people.

The development drive can be launched only if there is peace, stability and security in the nation.

Thus, the points clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list.”

The national race delegate group said that the points clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list.

It also gave a separate suggestion, saying that it will take time to train the soldiers, human resources of the defence sector, to be healthy, gallant and patriotic and to possess Union Spirit. The nation should produce good sons and daughters whose spiritual and physical ability is sufficient for the nation to rely on and who can handle sophisticated weapons and who have high intellectual qualification. Before launching the Naungyoe battle, King Bayintnaung told his soldiers, “In a battle numbers do not matter. What matters is the efforts, brian and efficiency.”

Perpetuation of sovereignty is the inborn duty of all the people of Myanmar. In this age that is seeing rapid advancement in science and technology, the national defence and security task will be effective only if the modern Tatmadaw and the people join forces.

Thus, Myanmar youths will have to prepare to produce healthy, fit, highly-qualified and courageous citizens.

Peasant delegate group said that almost all the nations of the world entrust the legislative power concerning the national defence to the central parliament. National security is as important as the national defence itself. The nation will have security only if there is peace and stability. Utmost efforts can be made for national development only if there is peace and stability. Thus, national defence and security should be included in the Union legislative list.

Worker delegate group said that when it comes to national defence and security, the nation will have to beware of terrorism of the extremists.

Terrorism is spreading all over the world. It is the inborn duty of all citizens to ward off all forces of terrorism. Thus, the defence and security should be laid down as the basic principles of the Union legislative list.

The intellectuals and intelligentsia delegate group said that the legislative sector should focus on laying down long-term and short-term national defence plans and forming a strong, active and brilliant Tatmadaw.

The defence and security should be included in the Union legislative list to enact laws as necessary.

The group suggested the following points;

— To safeguard the territory of the Union of Myanmar and to guard against terrorism and coercion.

— To take into account the conventional arms, ammunition and explosives and strategic arms in enacting a law concerning the arms and ammunition and explosives including biological and chemical weapons.

— To consider compensation and insurance cover for accidents of the persons whose work is concerned with nuclear energy, nuclear fuel and radiation and highly classified material, objects, areas, technologies, researches and information.

In advanced and developed nations laws regarding the information and communication technology are enacted. Thus the nation should take into account the ICT and post-ICT concerning the defence and security sector.

Those of the training programmes and research, health, agricultural and military professions may face health hazards. The persons whose work involves the use and study of minerals may be exposed to health hazards depending on time, type and strength of radiation and situation. Thus, compensation and insurance for those persons should be included in the Union legislative list.

State service personnel delegate group discussed in support of the seven points clarified by the Work Committee Chairman.

Other invited persons delegates group said that since the end of Cold War, the world has expected the emergence of multipolar system. But what it really sees at present is the emergence of the unipolar system. It is time the world nations paid attention to peace and security. They need regional cooperation, self-reliant efforts and strong armed forces. The clarification concerning the defence of the Union and its parts is much appropriate. Thus, the seven points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in Union legislative power.

It gave a separate suggestion, saying that success has been achieved in ensuring regional peace and stability and development, narcotic drugs elimination, and national defence due to participation of peace groups. Their participation has also benefited the Union. They can be called the extra strength of the Union. In the future also, these groups should be maintained as the national strength ensuring peace and security and protecting the lives and property of the people.

In accord with one of the already-laid-down basic principles, which says, “The Defence Services Commander-in-Chief is the Supreme Commander of all the armed forces”, these armed groups should be kept under the command of the Commander-in-Chief in the future.

The use of nuclear energy for defence and military purpose is being opposed in the world at present. Thus, inserting the basic principles concerning nuclear energy, nuclear fuel and radiation and mineral resources that produce them in defence and security sector will be like inviting criticism worldwide. Thus, the matter should be included in energy, electricity and forestry sectors.

Next, the plenary session went into recess for lunch.

It resumed at 1 pm. Alternate panel of chairmen of the meeting, U Tun Yin Law of delegate group of political parties and U Yaw Aye Hla of delegate group of representatives-elect explained suggestions made by the delegates about detailed basic principles on power sharing of legislation that will be included in the State constitution and the meting went into recess again. Later, the plenary session of the meeting resumed. Alternate panel of chairmen of the meeting, U Maung Hla (a) U Hla Myint of delegate group of national races explained suggestions made by the delegates about detailed basic principles on power sharing of legislation that will be included in the State constitution.

The plenary session of the NC continues tomorrow.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

PM Lt-Gen Soe Win to payofficial visit to Philippines

YANGON, 18 Feb — At the invitation of the President of the Republic of the Philippines Her Excellency Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Soe Win will pay an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines in the near future.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

Delegates to make discussions within framework of procedures to lay down basic principles to be included in drafting a durable Constitution

YANGON, 17 Feb—The following is a translation of the clarifications on the procedures of the National Convention by the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary.

Esteemed Chairman and delegates,

I wish peace and happiness and auspiciousness for the NCCC Chairman and members, the NCC Work Committee members, the NCC Management Committee members and delegates.

I would like to express my pleasure for meeting the delegates again at the National Convention.

At the National Convention which reconvened on 17 May last year, the delegates held discussions to lay down detailed basic principles for sharing the legislative power. At this meeting, the delegates will have to make discussions to approve the detailed basic principles in sharing the legislative power and to lay down detailed basic principles for sharing the executive and judicial powers. Delegates who attended the Convention held on 17 May 2004 were invited according to the list of last year. New faces are included in the present National Convention as they have been selected for vacancies occurred during the period due to certain reasons. The National Convention last year did not face any difficulties, but achieved success thanks to the delegates who took part in it with firm conviction adhering to the procedures of the National Convention. For the new delegates to know the procedures and other necessary things and as a reminder for the other delegates, I will now explain the procedures, and messing, health, welfare, Entertainment and security matters for the delegates.

The book on the procedures includes the preamble and seven chapters Included in Chapter I are six objectives of the National Convention:

— Non-disintegration of the Union

— Non-disintegration of national solidarity

— Perpetuation of sovereignty

— Flourishing of a genuine multi-party democracy system

— Further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values namely justice, liberty and equality in the State

— For the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the State.

The delegates will have to make discussions within the framework of the procedures to lay down basic principles to be included in drafting a durable constitution.

Chapter II states that representatives from eight categories of delegate groups are permitted to take part in the National Convention. There are seven duties and responsibilities and three rights and privileges for the delegates. As they have rights and privileges, they should be dutiful. Moreover, there are codes of conduct and rules for the delegates. As these are prescribed for the success of the National Convention. I believe that the delegates will understand, accept and adhere to them.

The codes of conduct and rules are:

1. Delegates should not be loyal to any other state, except the Union of Myanmar,

2. They will have to obey and observe the directives of the panel of chairmen or the group meeting chairman.

3. They will have to live in compatible with the dignity of a National Convention delegate and so on.

The panel of chairmen is required to preside over a meeting. Thus, the panel of chairmen comprising five representatives from the Work Committee, 10 delegates from political parties and representatives-elect, and five from the remaining six groups since resumption of the National Convention on 17 May 2004 are to carry out the duty. Selections have been made to fill vacancies occurred due to certain reasons. The existing panel of chairmen will preside over the present National Convention.

Chapter III states the checking of the attendance register during the meeting and announcement of the validity of the meeting. Any meeting of the National Convention can be announced valid if the number of delegates attending it reaches 50 per cent.

Chapter IV states the procedures to be observed in presenting discussion or suggestions. First, I will deal with the procedures for group discussions. They are:

Group discussions of the delegates should be submitted to panel of chairmen of the group meeting. The panel of chairmen will collect the suggestions of similar types and will present them to the plenary session of the Convention.

A delegate can present his individual discussion or suggestion to the plenary session through the panel of chairmen after presenting it for discussion in his group.

If any disagreement is found in the suggestions of political parties, delegate groups and independent representatives, the Work Committee will coordinate the matter and will take necessary measures.

Now, I will explain the procedures of the National Convention.

The papers compiled by delegate group for the plenary session must be stated clearly and precisely the facts they wish to discuss.

The papers must be presented to the Work Committee together with the name or names of the presenters within the specific time through the panel of chairmen.

If there are any differences in the paper presented to the plenary session the Work Committee will take necessary measures to address the problem.

Now, I have explained the important part of the procedures. They are for the success of the National Convention and for the delegates to make discussions and suggestions in a cordial atmosphere within the framework. I believe that the delegates will understand this.

As in the past, each room is to accommodate four delegates at men and women’s hostels for their convenience. All rooms have electricity and adequate amount of clean water supply.

Food served for the delegates are being stored and cooked in accord with the health standard. All the persons who serve at the messing rooms have already undergone medical check ups. Food programme are being drawn with the approval of high level officials. Arrangements are being made to serve food for vegetarians and in accord with the religious practices of the delegates.

As now is the open season, delegates can take early-morning exercises on the streets of the Nyaunghnapin Camp. They can also play badminton, table tennis and weightlifting at the gymnasium or practice golf. The hospital at the camp is kept open round the clock. It has sufficient number of doctors and other health staff. Arrangements have been made for the specialists to visit paitents. If needed any patient warded at the hospital will be transferred to a military hospital for further treatment.

Television programme, karaoke entertainment and books and periodicals are avaliable for the delegates. Programmes are being made to entertain the delegates with stage shows, anyient shows, variety dances, films and video plays.

The Industry-1 Ministry and GEC have opened shops at the camp. There are also a hair dressing saloon, a beauty parlour, a laundry service, an optical service and restaurants. Transport and communication programmes are being made for the convenience of delegates, The Goverments is in the process of materializing the seven-point Road Map for emergence of a modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation. The National Convention is the first and most important step of the Road Map. Delegates of all walks of life in the entire nation are taking part in the Convention as a national tesk, with patriotism and Union Spirit.

It is a commom knowledge that saboteurs from inside and outside the national, who are jealous of seeing the developing situation are making attempts to cause obstacles which will bar the nation from holding the Convention successfully.

The National Convention is of vital importance for the nation, and it will go down in the annals of history.

The delegates are the persons who are shaping the nation’s future. So, the Government will not let the Convention and anyone of the delegates be harmed by outside interferences. We will never tolerate any harm against the Convention and the delegates. As stated in the speech delivered by Chairman of NCCC the Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council that it is natural that there exist saboteurs in the world. Thus, the Government has tightened the security at the Convention.

We the officials concerned are ready to solve any problem, and attend to any requirement including personal matters of the delegates.

I wish you all to enjoy physical and mental health and to work with intellectual ability and utmost efforts to lay down basic principles to draft a durable constitution for the interest of the nation and the people. With this I conclude

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

Foreign diplomats visit Nyaunghnapin Camp

YANGON, 17 Feb—Acting Dean of Diplomatic Corps Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun, ambassadors of embassies of Brunei Darussalam, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Russia Federation, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Bangladesh, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Pakistan, Japan and Singapore, charges d’ affaires of Nepal, the Philippines and India, diplomats from Egypt, Japan and China, and regional coordinators of UN agencies observed the National Convention today.

Next, the National Convention Convening Commission held a tea party to the foreign guests.

The guests also observed the Nyaunghnapin Camp and visited Win Thuzar Shop of the Ministry of Industry-1. After that, the diplomats observed hostels of the NC delegates, sports hall, golf club and hospital.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/

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