ပြဲကေတာ့ ၾကမ္းလာေတာ့မည္

တုိင္းရင္းသားအသံ
ပြဲကေတာ့ ၾကမ္းလာေတာ့မည္

အာဆီယံႏုိင္ငံမ်ား၊ အိမ္းနီးခ်င္းႏုိင္ငံမ်ား၊ ေဒသရွိႏုိင္ငံမ်ားႏွင့္ ကုလသမဂၢအဖြဲ.တုိ.က နအဖ လမ္းျပေျမပုံကုိေထာက္ခံသည့္အေၾကာင္းကုိ နအဖသတင္းစာထဲမွာ ေအာက္ပါအတုိင္းေရးသားသည္၊ ဒီလုိ ခပ္မုိက္မုိက္ေျပာရဲလာတာဟာ မစၥတာဂမ္ဗလာ၏ခရီးစဥ္ အဆုံးသတ္ျပီး နအဖအတြက္အျမတ္ထြက္ေၾကာင္းကုိ ျပသလုိက္တာပဲလုိ. သုံးသပ္လုိက္ရပါသည္၊

Road Map recognized, supported by ASEAN, neighbouring countries, regional countries, NAM as well as UN
SPDC's Spokes Authoritative Team meets UNSG special advisor Mr Gambari

Nay Pyi Taw, 23 Aug � Spokes Authoritative Team of the State Peace and Development Council met Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Mr Ibrahim Agboola Gambari at the guesthouse of the National Defence College at 3 pm on 19 August.


Present on the occasion were team leader Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and members Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint.

Mr Gambari's discussion

Mr Gambari said: The aim of my visit is to strongly build confidence between the two sides and to promote the role of UN Secretariat in Myanmar. I first visited Myanmar in May 2006 when the National Convention, the first step of the seven-step Road Map, was in progress. I praise Myanmar for its reaching the fifth step of the Road Map during the two-year period. I also recognize the Myanmar government for its efforts for being able to approve the constitution and address the problem of cyclone Nargis. Nonetheless, for the past two years, the international community has paid more attention to Myanmar. There prevailed negative attitude towards the country. After the cyclone Nargis, the UN Secretary-General himself visited the country and his visit to Myanmar was the first ever one during the period of 44 years. He pointed out two facts: it was encouraging to see that Myanmar had shown its positive and flexible attitude and begun to accept the international aids; and he believed there would be more cooperation between the UN and Myanmar. Now I frankly welcome and invite any proposals and suggestions from Myanmar's side. I assume it is necessary to continue discussions between the Myanmar government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for national reconsolidation and democratization. Myanmar should accept expertise from the UN in the general election to be held in 2010 in order to win the trust of the international community. Economic forum shall be established for improving the socio-economy of the people including the cyclone victims. We would like to establish regular ties between the Myanmar government and UN Secretariat. From the humanitarian perspective, the Myanmar government should consider the release of old and sick detainees. Moreover, it would be of much benefit if those who are able to participate in discussions on Myanmar's affairs are released. UN would like to know how it can cooperate with Myanmar in her affairs. If there is any difficulty on Myanmar's side, let us know. And if there is any new issue that has never been discussed before, I am ready to discuss it.

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan's clarification

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said: At the outset, I would like to say that Your Excellency and delegation members are warmly welcome and I am very glad to meet you again. This is the fourth time for our Spokes Authoritative Team of the State Peace and Development Council to discuss with Your Excellency. As we have discussed and exchanged views frankly and cordially thrice, we have understood each other very well and we have become very intimate friends. Hence, we do hope that this fourth discussion will surely bring out good results by discussing and exchanging views more frankly and cordially than the previous times.

Our country exercises the independent and active foreign policy. In accordance with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Myanmar is also maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring countries, regional countries and global countries. Being a member of the United Nations Organization, to constantly cooperate with the UN is also the main point of our foreign policy. Therefore, our country has been and is actively coperating with the UN and it will certainly continue to do so. Similarly, we highly regard the role of the UN Secretary-General. We do appreciate the UNSG and the UN for their role in rendering a helpful hand to us as regards relief and reconstruction works after the cyclone "Nargis". So, we invited Your Excellency to come and see the Myanmar political developments and prevailing conditions of Myanmar so that Your Excellency can play a positive role. On our side we will fully cooperate with Your Excellency at our utmost for bearing fruitful results of your trip.

I would like to explain points regarding the latest developments in implementing the seven-step Road Map of the country. As Your Excellency has known, the entire people of Myanmar aspire democracy. Accordingly, the seven-step Road Map is being implemented to bring about democracy. The seven-step Road Map has been adopted and declared to the world since 2003. The implementation of the seven-step Road Map has been recognized and supported by ASEAN countries, neighbouring countries, regional countries and Non-Aligned Movement member countries as well as the UN.

According to the prevailing objective situations and conditions of our country, the seven-step Road Map is the most suitable and appropriate to bring about democracy. We firmly believe that the way to bring about democracy peacefully is the seven-step Road Map. The National Convention, the first step of the Road Map, has been convened successfully with the extensive participation of the entire people and national brethren. The seriousness of the National Convention has been known by Your Excellency as you have visited it time and again. Likewise, efforts were made to ensure all inclusiveness in holding the National Referendum to ratify the draft Constitution in the fourth step of the Road Map. The public approval of the draft constitution in the referendum has also approved that the seven-step Road Map is to continue till its success. Today, we will continue efforts to implement the remaining fifth, sixth and seventh steps successfully. Efforts will also be made properly to ensure all inclusiveness and democratic practices in the general elections, the fifth step of the Road Map which you have mentioned.

But it is rather difficult for us to accept any attempt to harm or jeopardize or hinder the implementation of the Road Map. We assume that our process for transition to democracy is accepted by the international community including Your Excellency as well as internal and external anti-government groups. Hence, those all who aspire democracy should render a helping hand to us in implementing the seven-step Road Map, we honestly believe.

The National Referendum, the fourth step of the Road Map, was successfully held on 10th and 24th May 2008. In doing so, necessary law and rules were promulgated and the National Referendum was held in accordance with them. These law and rules were prepared in accordance with international norms. Such law and rules were promulgated systematically and Central-level, State/Division-level, District-level, Township-level and ward/village-tract level commissions were formed to supervise the referendum properly. Regarding voting system, we did not use the system of ballot card and yes/no double ballot boxes. We used the system of ballot slip, single ballot box and secret voting, which is difficult to commit malpractices.

Moreover, the draft constitution as well as the Referendum Law and Rules were published for public information. The preparations made and systems to be used in the referendum were clarified to Your Excellency during your last visit.

When the National Referendum was held the whole country, diplomats and UN officials were taken to various places to witness the processes in which the people cast votes independently and freely. Hence, I would like to reiterate that the National Referendum was free and fair.

According to the results of the National Referendum, there are 27,288,827 eligible voters who have attained the age of 18. Of them, 26,776,675 or 98.12 per cent cast votes. Of the votes, 24,764,124 votes representing 92.48 per cent were yes-votes while 1,631,712 votes representing 6.1 per cent were no-votes. Altogether 380,839 votes representing 1.42 per cent were cancelled. Thus, the draft constitution was ratified with the support of 92.48 per cent of the voters. So, the Constitution has now become the one mandated by the majority of the people.

The Constitution was approved by the majority of the people as they truly like it. Moreover, the people really trust and rely on the ruling government. For your knowledge, I would like to recount some points regarding the previous National Referendum held to ratify the 1974 Constitution. It was held under the aegis of the Burma Socialist Programme Party when the socialism was flourishing without any opposition or antagonism. Besides, party fractions were formed at different levels and well-organized.

Yet, the outcome of the referendum was 90.17 per cent of votes in favour. The percentage should have been higher. However, the people who did not like failed to support it and the result was as such.

Nowadays, the National Referendum was held amidst the anti-government elements from various angels. The internal and external anti-government groups instigated the public to cast no-votes or not to cast vote. Even the insurgents put pressure on the people dwelling near their areas to cast no-votes. Some big nations imposed various sanctions and tried hard to instigate the people to have negative views against the Government. Among these conditions, the outcome of the referendum is 92.48 per cent surpassing the 1974 referendum result. It can vividly be seen that the people truly like and accept the draft Constitution.You can study by yourselve it is true or not.

Hence, I would like to say that the existing Government is making efforts on behalf of the people in accordance with the Constitution ratified by the people. Article 442 in Chapter 14 Transitory Provisions of the Constitution states: "The State Peace and Development Council shall continue to exercise State sovereignty, before this Constitution comes into force." Article 443 states: "The work done by the State Peace and Development Council to bring the Constitution into force shall be deemed to have been carried out in accord with this Constitution." Hence, the existing Government has become the Transitional Government mandated to implement the provisions of the Constitution before the commencing date of the First session of the Union Hluttaw on which the Constitution will come into force.

Being the Transitional Government, our Government will continue to implement the seven-step Road Map in accord with the mandate of the people. We cannot accept any attempt to jeopardize or harm our process. We will oppose and wipe out those attempts to jeopardize or harm the Constitution.

Multiparty general elections, the fifth step of the Road Map, will be held in 2010 as announced in advance. Before it, necessary laws and rules concerning establishment, organizing and entering elections of political parties, will be promulgated. Then, those in favour of or against the Government and the Constitution will have above-mentioned rights equally in accordance with law. This is designed to ensure all inclusiveness. Moreover, the Election Commission and necessary sub-commissions at different levels will be formed properly for holding the free and fair elections. After forming the commission, it will make necessary arrangements to hold free and fair elections.

If elected, those representatives-elect can participate as Hluttaw representatives in the proceedings of various Hluttaws as the sixth step of the Road Map. They can enjoy the rights to take part in discussing, coordinating and seeking solutions in legislative matters including political, economic and social affairs of the State at the Hluttaws. Likewise, they can enjoy the rights to exercise the legislative matters in a democratic way.

The Government will continue to implement the democracy processes, paying serious attention to the aspiration of the people. In so doing, the Government will carry out tasks on behalf of the people in accord with the Constitution ratified by the people. So, it is reasonable that the Government cannot accept any attempt to jeopardize or harm the process. In addition, efforts for bringing about democracy, developing the nation and the people, flourishing human rights, etc are the processes to be favoured and supported by neighbouring countries, regional countries, global countries and the United Nations including Your Excellency. So, we believe that all will render cooperative hands to the process of our seven-step Road Map. We also believe that Your Excellency will kindly convince the UN Secretary-General and other dignitaries and groups of the actual conditions and situations. We also hope that Your Excellency will kindly convince the anti-government political groups which Your Excellency will meet following days.

Actually, the stability of the State is essential for the development of the nation and the people as well as national economic development. Hence, the Government has constantly been striving to ensure State stability. As a result, peace has been attained between the Government and almost all the national race armed groups. Our country is now enjoying unprecedented peace and stability. In addition, peace door is kept open to the remaining national race armed groups. The Government is also making continued efforts for the national reconsolidation. In recognition of your discussions, talks with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be held in line with the previous procedures.

As regards the storm �Nargis�, we fully cooperated with the UN as well as ASEAN. We also smoothly cooperated with international aid groups, health care groups, medical teams, etc. In addition, we are providing cooperative hands closely to UN agencies to conveniently carry out their works. We believe the UN agencies based in our country are also rendering a helpful hand to see to the success of your good offices.

Today, the Government has been striving its utmost for the national development as well as the socio-economic development of the people. Yet, the difficulties encountered are, as Your Excellency might have known, various sanctions imposed by western powers. Under such circumstances, we are very grateful to Your Excellency for being interested in helping promote the socio-economic development of the people. We are also seriously considering it. In that regard, Your Excellency should hold talks with the ministry concerned.

Regarding your question of how we will cooperate to win trust of the international community in the 2010 elections, an election commission will be formed when it is opportune. The commission will take necessary measures to ensure free and fair elections.

Regarding the case of the detainees, old ones and sick ones should be released to show humanitarianism, along with those capable of helping work out the Myanmar affairs, I would say the government always has a tradition to do so.

At present, the transition to democracy is being implemented with the timeframe in Myanmar as wished by the UN and international community. Hence, we assume that now is the prime time for the UN and international community to lend a helpful hand with goodwill as regards Myanmar's affairs.

The positive changes of our country are prevailing conditions and cannot be ignored. If review with right sense and clear outlook, it is fair to say that the future State can be visualized now. The State affairs are the internal affairs to be handled by the people themselves. Through the collective efforts by the combined force of the Government, the people and the Tatmadaw with own strength, we have achieved many accomplishments nowadays. In such conditions and situations, the attacks of internal and external anti-government groups are merely worthless, we assume.

The explanation I have made also covers your question of how we want the UN to cooperate with our country in the affairs. Now, I would like to reiterate that the State constitution has been adopted with the approval of the people. That reflects their desire. So, we will try in accordance with the State constitution to transit to democracy as soon as possible. Only with the assistance of the UN in that regard, the people's desire can be brought to fruition. Now, the State constitution has been approved. So, law on political parties, and election law will come into being. Then, the people, supporting or opposing the constitution, and both anti-government persons and pro-government persons will be able to enjoy the right to form political parties and canvass for the votes in accordance with the law. After that, all will have the right to stand for election in the multi-party democracy election scheduled to take place in 2010. That path is the most practical, the most appropriate and the safest way. Furthermore, it is the most peaceful way for transition to democracy. Therefore, I would say the UN including you should extend a helping hand for peaceful and successful transition to democracy in accordance with the people's desire.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the Government with the support of the people has successfully launched tasks for transition to democracy. And it will continue to see to the desired goal. We hope that Your Excellency will render a helpful hand to us for achieving greater successes while we are bringing about democracy in conformity with prevailing situations of the nation and the people. As Your Excellency has understood the subtleness of Myanmar politics to a certain extent, we believe that Your Excellency can fully cooperate in implementing the seven-step Road Map and provide us good advice. Thank you.

Further discussions of Mr Gambari

Holding further discussions, Mr Gambari said that the main aim of him and the United Nations Secretary-General is to win greater support of the international community in the process of transition to democracy in Myanmar; that he himself respects the sovereignty of Myanmar; that at present, even super powers are unable to stand on their own separately; that it is required to take into account the positive suggestions of neighboring countries; that both the UN Secretary-General and him accept that economic sanctions are a serious impediment to national development of Myanmar; that he will put forward the facts presented by the Spokes Authoritative Team of the State Peace and Development Council to the UN Secretary-General on his arrival; that at the request of Your Excellency he will continue striving for opposition parties to cooperate; the UN Secretary-General is trying its best for the international community to response in a positive manner to prevailing situations of Myanmar; and Your Excellency will see it sooner.

He continued to say that he welcomes the necessary measures to be taken by the election commission without harming the sovereignty of Myanmar; that he will discuss matters on dispatching the working level technical team with the ministers concerned as to the establishment of Economic Forum; that those who oppose the government at present can turn out to be an alliance in future; that the transitional period of Myanmar politics is aimed at the emergence of a civilian government; and therefore, he wants the government to review the actions taken against those who do not post a threat to national security with a view to forging national reconsolidation.

In his discussions, Leader of the Spokes Authoritative Team of the State Peace and Development Council Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said that he would pay serious attention to what Mr Gambari discussed and has made arrangements to meet him again. The meeting ended at 4.30 pm.