Gen Thein Sein delivers concluding speech at plenary session of National Convention Delegates adopted fundamental principles and detailed basic principles that are vital for perpetual existence of the Union of Myanmar and peace and prosperity of national races

Yangon, 3 Sept - The following is the concluding 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 at Nyaunghnapin Camp today.

Esteemed National Convention Delegates,

The National Convention delegates successfully completed drawing fundamental principles and detailed basic principles for the writing of a constitution. Throughout the convening of the NC, the National Convention Convening Commission, Work Committee and Management Committee on their part have worked hard side by side with the delegates. I would like to say that the NC has shown the strength of unity by bringing together delegates of national races, delegates of townships, delegates of political parties, representatives-elect, delegates from all walks of life and other invited guests.

Delegates,

The delegates have adopted basic principles and detailed basic principles that are fundamental for perpetual existence of the Union of Myanmar and peace and prosperity of national races. The principles adopted by the NC are to be enshrined in the constitution. In order to lay down such principles, efforts have been made since 1992.

State Law and Order Restoration Council took a step to hold the National Convention by issuing the declaration No 11/92 on 24 April 1992. Coordination meetings on the convening of the NC were held from 23 June to 10 July 1992. Leaders of the legitimate political parties, representatives-elect and independent representatives-elect attended the meetings and passed a resolution to invite delegates groups to the National Convention and set the number of representatives.

Under the resolutions of the coordination meetings, eight delegate groups namely, delegates of political parties, delegates of representatives-elect, delegates of national races, delegates of peasants, delegates of workers, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, State service personnel and delegates of other invited persons participated in the National Convention. Delegates of political parties were chosen by the respective parties. Those chosen by respective political parties for representatives-elect group and independent representatives were invited. The rest delegates were chosen by respective townships, departments and organizations.

Delegates,

The National Convention commenced on 9 January 1993. As is known to all, the National Convention was adjourned temporarily in 1996.

On 30 August 2003, the government announced the seven-step Road Map. In order to implement the first phase, the National Convention was reconvened on 17 May 2004. From 1993 to 1996 the National Convention was held six times and from 2004 to date five times. Today, the National Convention came to an end succesfully and completely.

Delegates,

Now the desire of all the citizens is to build a peaceful developed nation. Therefore the government is discharging duties of establishing a peaceful modern developed nation. In doing so, it laid down twelve objectives, namely, four political objectives, four economic objectives and four social objectives. At the same time, the government is implementing the tasks for peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order which is essential for practice of democracy system, for strong economy of the State and the people and for emergemce of an educated State through the border areas and national races development project, 24-special development region project and rural development project. Such endeavours mean upgrading the value of the Union and serving the national interest.

Despite internal and external obstacles, accomplishments were made on its own efforts. The constitution is very important in shaping the brighter future through the already-achieved progress. There were the 1947 Constitution and the 1974 Constitution in Myanmar. However, they are not relevant to the present conditions. That is why efforts are being made for drafting a new constitution.

The 1947 constitution was formulated in haste by 71 persons 55 members of the Committee for Drawing State Constitution formed under the resolution passed at the first session of the first Constituent Assembly and 16 members appointed by the chairman of the Constituent Assembly. And 1974 constitution was written through coordination by 97 members of the Commission for Drawing State Constitution (Draft). At this National Convention, more than 1000 representatives of the eight delegate groups collectively adopted the basic principles through thorough discussions after taking historic lessons and considering the prevailing conditions. So, you delegates know best that this State Constitution has a broader area and more political essence than any other constitution in the nation. At the National Convention, the representatives from various groups including the representatives of national races from all walks of life and the representatives of the groups that have returned to the legal fold have different views and opinions. However, they held discussions and made positive suggestions, putting the interests of the Union in the fore. So, such fruitful results have been achieved.

Delegates,

Regarding the basic principles and detailed basic principles the National Convention has adopted, some self-centered organizations have manufactured false propaganda on the rights bestowed upon national races. It is undeniable that if compared with previous constitutions, this constitution vests national races with better rights on the basis of the prevailing conditions of the nation.

Under the 1947 constitution, the nation had only four states Kachin, Kayah, Kayinni and Shan. Under the 1974 constitution, three more states  Chin, Mon and Rakhine were formed. And under this State Constitution, apart from seven states and seven divisions, the nation will be constituted with one self-administered division for Wa national race and five self-administered zones for Naga, Danu, Pa-O, Palaung and Kokang national races.

Moreover, for the legislation and execution of Regions and States, there will be governing bodies with Region Hluttaws along with chief justices of Regions and States for jurisdiction. A Region or State Hluttaw will be formed with two representatives from a township each. Furthermore, of the remaining national races other than those who have already got the representative Region or a Self-Administrated Area in that region, each national race that has a population which constitutes 0.1 percent of the population of the State will have a representative to Region or State Hluttaw. And if a national race in a self-administered division and zones that has not had self-administration and has a population of more than 10,000 will have a representative to the self-administered leading body. It indicates that the principles also mention the rights of a national race that has a population of 10,000 and above. So, those who are criticizing unreasonably the basic principles are indeed the ones who are attempting to break up the Union.

Delegates,

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the democratic society that the eintire nation have longed for is one that will ensure the interests of all the national races who will safeguard and defend the Union, live together through thick and thin, work together for national development and share the fruits of development. In other words, it is a society of the Union nationals who are ready to give up their lives for the national policy. The national policy is Our Three Main National Causes, non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. This being so, I would like to call on the entire national people, including the delegates to the National Convention, to continue working together in every step towards a genuine and discipline-flourishing democracy, upholding Our Three Main National Causes.

National Convention successfully concludes with closing address by Chairman of NCCC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein

Yangon, 3 Sept - The Plenary Session of the National Convention continued at Pyidaungsu Hall in Nyaunghnapin Camp, Hmawby Township, Yan-gon Division, at 9 am today and it successfully concluded with the closing address by Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Present also on the occasion were members of NCCC, National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, National Convention Convening Management Committee Chairman Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, chairmen and officials of sub-committees, delegates of political parties such as National Unity Party, Union Pa-O National Organization, Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, Lahu National Development Party, Union Kayin League, Kokang Democracy and Unity Party and Wa National Development Party, representatives-elect of National Unity Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, independent representatives, delegates of national races from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sa- gaing, 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, Ma-gway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, 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 intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of State Service Personnel from the State Peace and Development Council Office, the President 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 the State service personnel of the respective ministries, other invited delegates, delegates from Shan State (North) Special Region-1, Shan State (North) Special Region-2, Shan State (North) Special Region-3, Shan State (East) Special Region-4, Shan State (North) Special Region-5 (KDA), Shan State (South) Special Region-6, Kachin State Special Region-1, Kachin State Special Region-2, Kayah State Special Region-1, Kayah State Special Region-2, Kayah State Special Region-3, Kayinni National Democratic Party (KNDP) (Dragon) Group, Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP) Breakaway (Hoya), Kayinni National Unity and Solidarity Organization (Ka Ma Sa Nya), Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization (DKBA) and Haungthayaw Special Region Group who have returned to the legal fold, Nyeinchanyay Myothit Group from Hpa-an Township of Kayin State, Burma Communist Party (Rakhine Group), Arakan Army (AA), Homein Region Development and Welfare Group, Shwepyiaye (MTA), Manpan People's Militia Group, Mon Peace Group (Chaungchi Region) and Mon (Breakaway) Nai Seik Chan Group that had exchanged arms for peace.

At 7.30 am, before the plenary session of the National Convention, National Convention Convening Commission Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, National Convention Convening Management Committee Chairman Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, chairmen and officials of sub-committees, delegates of political parties, representatives-elect, delegates of national races, delegates of peasants, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of workers, delegates of service personnel and other invited delegates signed in the attendance books at Pyidaungsu Hall and the recreation hall for National Convention delegates.

National Convention Convening Commission Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presided over the meeting. Secretary of NCCC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan acted as Masters of Ceremonies.

First, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan declared the start of the meeting with the permission of the chairman as 1062 out of 1071 delegates were in attendance, accounting for 99.16 per cent.

Before handing over of the Book of Records to National Convention Convening Commission Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Alternate Chairman of the Plenary Session Dr Ma Nan Tu Ja of Other Invited Persons made a speech saying that as today is the auspicious and a special day for the Union of Myanmar as well as the chairman and members of NCCC, the chairman and members of NCCWC, the chairman and members of NCCMC and all the delegates because the National Convention which all have desired concluded successfully. He continued to say that the Book of Records which contained fundamental principles and detailed basic principles to be included in drafting the State Constitution (draft) will be handed over to the Chairman of NCCC.

Based on these fundamental principles and detailed basic principles, State Constitution (draft) would be made, he said. Fruitful results have been achieved for the State and the people, due to cooperation among the delegates, their selflessness and concerted efforts of the delegates with patriotism and Union Spirit, he said. He said that throughout the holding of the National Convention, all delegates living in harmony as brethren and making consultation is a remembrance. He expressed thanks to the State for transportation, accommodation, food and health. He also thanked NCCC, NCCWC, NCCMC, the respective sub-committees and supporting staff for their respective roles.

In conclusion, he wished all the delegates be able to serve the interests of the State and the people and requested the chairman of the NCCC to accept the Book of Records.

Next, Dr Ma Nan Tu Ja handed over the Book of Records which contained fundamental principles and detailed basic principles to be included in drafting the State Constitution to National Convention Convening Commission Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan explained administrative matters. He said: The National Convention that was reconvened on 18 July 2007 will be over soon. This time, the National Con-vention has adopted the basic principles and detailed basic principles for the remaining seven chapters to be included in the State Constitution. And of the basic principles and detailed basic principles, the ones that should be amended, added or repealed have been done so. Now, the National Convention has successfully completed its functions, so it is going to conclude.

Therefore, you delegates will go back home soon. In this regard, the National Convention Convening Commission has made all necessary arrangements for your convenience. I would like to present the arrangements we have made in the management sector such as transportation.

The Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission will host a dinner in your honour tonight. Based on the distance, transport means and route, we have made schedules for you to go home beginning on 4 September schedules have been made for their convenience in going home.

Arrangements are being made in states and divisions to render assistance to the delegates or their way home.

Remedying the weak-nesses we found out when the National Convention was in session in 2004, 2005 and 2006, we made better programmes in the management sector. However, we heard that delegates got some difficulties. You delegates, however, understood and forgave these minor weak points because you witnessed that the government and responsible persons took necessary measures with great care in various sectors, and young men who provided services on accommodation and meals expressed their goodwill and hospitality towards you. So, I found that everything was all right without any particular problem during the National Convention. I have to say thanks to you for that. During the National Convention, the National Convention Newsletter was in circulation daily. It featured National Con-vention sessions, group-wise discussions, and the laying down of detailed basic principles. The newsletter reflects the National Convention where you worked together, so it will become invaluable historic evidence.

In addition, many delegates created articles, poems, comedies, cartoons and stories in various sectors including the National Convention. Those responsible rendered assistance to them in this regard. The newsletter carried various kinds of creative and informative works, so it won your interest and satisfaction. I learnt that the newsletter to a certain degree helped delegates of various national races further understand one another's customs, traditions and culture along with the basic principles and detailed basic principles the National Convention laid down, and strengthen national unity. Therefore, the Ministry of Information is planning to insert suitable works in the newspapers and journals.

Here, I have to say thanks to responsible persons and staff who made enthusiastic contribution towards the services on management, creation of the newsletter and entertain-ment, and the delegates who showed their understanding and forbearance with the difficulties and provided their contribution. My thanks also go to the staff from the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Culture, members of the Myawady troupe of the Ministry of Defence, the Anyeint (non-dramatic) troupe of the Yangon Command Head-quarters, the Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, the Music Asiayon, and the Theatrical Asiayon and all artistes who contributed voluntary services towards the entertainment pro-grammes. I also thank the organizations and wellwishers who donated cash and kind for successful completion of the National Convention, entrepreneur delegates and outsider entrepreneurs who rendered assistance for the sports and entertainment programmes, and film producers who donated motion pictures.

At the National Convention, we have built fraternal relations, unity, comradeship, mutual understanding, magnani-mity, forgiveness and harmony among our-selves. That harmony has enhanced genuine and firm attachment on Union Spirit. We have gained a reward that is invaluable for the country and the entire people including us.

Besides, we have gained a golden opportunity to attend the National Convention, to submit our views, participate in the discussions, coordinate and make decisions and create a prosperous future of the nation. Due to the victory of the National Convention, we have been recorded as initiators of the new nation, and we can be proud of that.

The National Con-vention will be over soon, but you delegates will have to continue to discharge the duties on the National Convention. It is because a copy each of the book featuring the basic principles and detailed basic principles has been distributed to you delegates. So, at every opportunity, you have to give the people talks on the functions of the National Convention and the essence of the basic principles and detailed basic principles. And I urge you to give the talks to the people on a small scale at surrounding areas, at your societies, at your homes, and at informal discussions for public knowledge.

The National Con-vention has played its role, however we will have to accomplish the follow-up programmes of drafting the State Constitution. I would say that is a national duty every citizen has to uphold. Then, we have to carry out a large number of demanding tasks step by step in accordance with the seven-step Road-Map such as to ascertain the wishes of the people to approve the State Constitution, to elect representatives of the people, to complete the building of a discipline-flourishing democratic country, and to improve the socio-economic life of all national races.

We will soon have to say goodbye to each other, but we should consider that we are in the same residence because we live in the same Union. I would like you to have a concept that doing your bit with earnest efforts in public services in your regions is pursuing the common goal together.

We have to part each other at Nyaunghnapin Camp soon, but not entirely. Indeed, completion of the National Convention means assigning duties to you to work together for democratic transition, while serving the public interest in your own regions.

Therefore, we have to maintain the already-achieved momentum. After accomplishing our duties, we will have to meet together again. I would say goodbye to you delegates.

In conclusion, I wish you delegates a safe trip home, a peaceful life with your family members, and a success in playing your respective roles in drafting the State Constitution and holding a referendum, and contributing towards the transforming of the nation into a modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic one.

Next, National Con-vention Convening Com-mission Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein delivered a concluding speech.

(The speech of National Convention Convening Commission Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein is reported separately.)

The National Con-vention which was reconvened for the fifth and last time on 18 July 2007 with the objectives non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, consolidation and perpet-uation of sovereignty, flourishing of a genuine multi-party democracy system, further flourishing of noblest and worthiest of worldly values namely justice, liberty and quality in the State and for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State successfully concluded at 9.35 am.

In the evening, the Secretary-1 hosted farewell dinner to mark the successful completion of the National Convention in honour of the National Convention delegates.

Present were members of the National Convention Convening Commission, members of Work Committee and Management Committee, officials of the various sub-committees and the delegates.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and NCCC members cordially greeted the delegates.

Then, they enjoyed dinner. After dinner, artistes from Myanmar Music Asiayon and Motion Picture Asiayon entertained the delegates with the accompaniment of Myanma Athan modern music troupe.