Those with negative views about NC just a handful of people, whereas those supporting the NC majority It is required to make thorough reviews about adopted basic principles, detailed basic principles so that all the principles are harmonious one another There should not be any difference in essence between initial aims of the principles and already-adopted detailed basic principles

Yangon, 18 July - The following is the opening 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 which resumed today.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

The seven-step Road Map has been laid down and is being implemented to gently and smoothly carry out the transition task of transforming the Union of Myanmar into a peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic State. It is a great pleasure for me to have a reunion with the delegates who have been striving in harmony and unison to implement the first step -? ?the reconvening of the National Convention that was temporarily adjourned in 1996?.

Esteemed delegates,

The Constitution is the principal law of a nation to steer her political, economic and social systems. A Constitution that is in conformity with the era and system is the first requirement to change from old to new system. A hasty change from one system to another will trigger terrible blunders that may harm the nation.

In this regard, the Tatmadaw government has designated the emergence of an enduring Constitution as a national task and is implementing it steadfastly.

The new Constitution should be suitable to the nation and the people. Hence, the government has been striving for the emergence of a Constitution that is in accord with a system desired by the people, and at the same time, it has been constantly making arrangements to enable the nation and the people to be ready to adapt themselves to the new era and system. The government reconvened the National Convention on 17 May 2004. The delegates have been holding discussions to adopt the detailed basic principles. We take pleasure and honour to their efforts as the National Convention will be completed soon.

Esteemed delegates,

The National Convention temporarily adjourned in 1996 was reconvened for the first time from 17 May to 9 July 2004; for the second time from 17 February to 31 March 2005; for the third time from 5 December 2005 to 31 January 2006; and for the fourth time from 10 October to 29 December 2006. The delegates have been able to hold discussions frankly and freely based on their experiences, knowledge and vision, taking into account the past, the present and the future. Thanks to the delegates' loyalty to the State, firm Union Spirit and far-sightedness, the sound results of the National Convention will become the new pages of the nation's history.

At the present National Convention, the delegates' suggestions on the chapters ? Election, Political Parties, Provisions on State of Emergency, Amendment of the Constitution, State Flag, State Seal, National Anthem and the Capital, Transitory Provisions and General Provisions will be compiled and discussed to adopt detailed basic principles concerning the said chapters.

From the beginning of the National Convention to date, the basic principles and detailed basic principles are adopted with one voice through all-round discussions by the delegates for the emergence of an enduring State constitution. So, the forthcoming State constitution is to be based on these points. However, some elements who want to tarnish the image of the National Convention suggested that some delegates would not be attending the NC fearing that the already-adopted basic principles would be binding upon the upcoming State constitution. As a matter of fact, their ignoring the already-adopted basic principles reflects that they are desirous of making all the NC functions illegal. Attempts to harm the NC functions include destructive means such as disturbing, disrupting, blocking and criticizing the NC, inciting public misunderstanding, holding anti-NC talks, writing and distributing publications designed to oppose the NC, carrying out NC procedures or participating in the drawing of the State constitution or writing and distributing the State constitution without having any rights to do so. Action may be taken against these attempts under the law in order to prevent destructive elements from disturbing systematic handing over of State duties and successful implementation of NC procedures. Here, I would say those with negative views about the NC are just a handful of people, whereas those supporting the NC are the great majority of the people.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

The delegates' suggestions, the panel of chairmen's assessments, and the adoption of detailed basic principles through delegates' discussions throughout the NC have been telecast and stated in the newspapers in detail. As a result, the essence of the National Convention and the hard work of the delegates have been known not only to the people of the nation but also to the international community. So, today, many people are working hard with a sense of duty in support of the National Convention.

Besides, delegates are relaying their experiences and knowledge they have gained from the NC to the people in their circles. So, today's people have gained the knowledge about and put trust in the detailed basic principles the NC has adopted.

This session is final one, so it is required of you delegates to make thorough reviews about the adopted basic principles and detailed basic principles so that all the principles are harmonious one another. In the process, there should not be any difference in essence between initial aims of the principles and the already-adopted detailed basic principles.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

Arrangements for accommodation, meals, transportation and security of the delegates are made under the supervision of experienced persons. If there is any requirement, you can contact with responsible persons for your convenience. Here, I would like to remind you that certain persons are opposed to the National Convention. So, all of you delegates are duty-bound to protect collectively the National Convention with a sense and awareness of security. I wish you a success in discharge of your duties with enthusiasm.

National Convention reconvenes at Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township

Yangon, 18 July - With six objectives: Non-disintegration 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, which was held from 10 October to 29 December 2006 and temporarily adjourned, reconvened at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, at 9 am today.

Present on the occasion were 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 subcommittees, delegates of political parties suc 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 and 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, 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 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 had 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 Saik Chan Group that had exchanged arms for peace.

Ambassadors of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Republic of India, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and France; charges d'affaires ai of Serbia, Nepal and Pakistan, the People's Republic of China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Russian Federation, Laos and Bangladesh; diplomats from Japan and the PRC, the Regional Coordinator of UN Agencies led by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Cambodian Ambassador Mr Hul Phany observed the National Convention and the patron, the chairman and members of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, officials of information and periodicals, the chief editors and executives of magazines and journals at home gathered news.

At 7.30 am before the plenary session of the National Convention, Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, Chairman of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of National Convention Convening Management Committee Auditor General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, chairmen of the respective subcommittees and members, 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.

At 8.45 am before the plenary session of the National Convention, Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, Chairman of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of National Convention Convening Management Committee Auditor General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members greeted ambassadors, charges d'affaires ai, diplomats, the Regional Coordinator of UN Agencies, the patron, the chairman and members of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, the chief editors of magazines and journals.

Chairman of NCCC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presided over the plenary session and Secretary of NCCC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan acted as master of ceremonies.

First, the secretary of NCCC announced the start of the meeting as there were 1,058 delegates attending out of 1,071 listed accounting for 98.79 per cent.

Next, Chairman of NCCC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein delivered an opening speech. (The speech delivered by Chairman of NCCC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein is reported separately.) Then, the plenary meeting took a break at 9.10 am.

During the break, NCCC Secretary Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and NCCC Work committee members cordially greeted the ambassadors, charges d'affaires ai diplomats and the Regional Coordinator of UN Agencies led by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Cambodian Ambassador Mr Hul Phany.

Next, NCCC Secretary Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and delegates replies to queries raised by the chief editors and executives of magazines and journals.

The plenary session resumed at 9.35 am, and NCCC Secretary Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan explained the procedures of the National Convention. (The clarification made by Secretary of NCCC Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan is reported separately.)

The plenary session went into recess at 10. am.

The Plenary Session of the National Convention continues on 20 July at 9 am.

Secretary of National Convention Convening Commission explains procedures of the National Convention Destructive elements hatching schemes to commit subversive acts Tight security measures being taken for safety of the National Convention and delegates

Yangon, 18 July - The following is the clarification on procedures of the National Convention made by Secretary of the National Convention Convening Commission Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan at the Plenary Session of the National Convention that resumed today.

It gives me great pleasure to have a reunion with all the National Convention delegates here.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

We have invited the delegates in accord with the previous list. The previous sessions of the National Convention were convened successfully thanks to the delegates who observed all the procedures and rules and regulations with conviction. As you, the delegates, have already known that this is the final session of the National Convention, I would like to explain in detail the procedures and rules and regulations and the administrative functions covering transport, accommodation and health care services for the delegates to the National Convention to achieve success as in the previous sessions.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

The procedures and rules and regulations of the National Convention have the preamble and seven Chapters.

The Chapter I states the six objectives of the National Convention as follows:

- Non-disintegration of the Union

- Non-disintegration of the national solidarity

- Perpetuation of sovereignty

- Flourishing of genuine multi-party democracy

- Further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of the 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 hold discussions within the framework of the six objectives of the National Convention to lay down and adopt basic principles and detailed basic principles.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

The Chapter II stipulates the duties and powers and rights and privileges of the delegates, their codes of conduct and principles and the facts about the Panel of Chairmen.

Some of the important codes of conduct and rules for the delegates are:

(1) not to be loyal to any other nation except the Union of Myanmar

(2) To observe with respect the directives of the Panel of Chairmen of the National Convention or the Panel of Chairmen of the delegate groups

(3) To act in accordance with the ethics of the delegates and to stay away from disturbing or harming the functions of the National Convention

(4) To hold discussions in an objective way at the sessions of the National Convention and to avoid criticisms of a person or an organization

(5) To pay respect to the State Flag whenever they enter or depart the conference hall

(6) Not to bring arms, ammunition, recorders, mobile phones, video cameras, cameras, computers, laptops and similar equipment with them to the conference room

(7) To keep news of the National Convention secret before it is issued officially

As the delegates are able to enjoy rights and privileges, they should observe the procedures and rules and regulations and should be dutiful.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

The Panel of Chairmen is required to supervise the sessions of the National Convention and the group discussions. In accord with the procedures, the Panel of Chairmen is formed with five representatives of the National Convention Convening Work Committee, 10 representatives of the political parties and representatives-elect and five representatives each of other six remaining groups of delegates. The procedures of the National Convention and the duties and powers of the Chairman and the Panel of Chairmen have already been designated. The Chairman and the Panel of Chairmen will have to systematically supervise the National Convention sessions in accord with the duties and powers.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

The Chapter III states scrutiny work and validity of a meeting. A session of the National Convention can be declared valid if 50 per cent of all the delegates attend it.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

The Chapter IV contains the procedures and rules and regulations to be observed in the discussions at the plenary sessions and group discussions of the National Convention. I will now explain the procedures concerning the group discussions as follows:

1. Delegates will have to present their proposals and suggestions within their delegate group and to present them to the Panel of Chairmen concerned. The suggestions approved by the Panel of Chairmen should be compiled and then submitted to the plenary session of the National Convention.

2. In addition to papers approved by the delegate group concerned, the delegates can submit their individual or group-wise proposals and suggestions to the plenary session through the Panel of Chairmen after discussing the matter at the group meetings.

3. Representatives of the political parties and representatives-elect will have to submit their party-wise majority-approved suggestions and discussions at the group meetings and then to the plenary session through the Panel of Chairmen.

4. In addition to the aforesaid majority-approved papers, representatives of the political parties, representatives-elect and independent representatives-elect, if they have any individual or separate proposals or suggestions will have to submit their papers to the plenary session with the permission of the Panel of Chairmen after the matter has been presented and thoroughly discussed at the group meetings.

5. If there surface any disagreements in connection with the suggestions or proposals of the political parties, delegate groups and independent representatives-elect, the National Convention Convening Work Committee will take necessary measures to solve them.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

Now, I will explain the procedures of the plenary session of the National Convention as follows:

1. The group-wise proposal papers that will be submitted to the plenary session should be clear and precise.

2. The names of one or two or three delegates who are going to read the papers will have to be submitted to the Work Committee within the fixed time through the Panel of Chairmen concerned.

3. In presenting the proposal paper at the plenary session, only the listed persons or a person will have to read the paper submitted in advance. They or he will have to read only the suggestions approved in the said paper.

4. Suggestions at group discussions and plenary sessions should be within the framework of the six objectives of the National Convention.

5. If there arise any disagreements resulting from the suggestions submitted to the plenary sessions, the Work Committee will, as necessary, make arrangements to the best of its ability to solve the problems.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

There are rules for group discussions and the plenary sessions. They are:

1. not to speak words disloyal to the nation,

2. not to speak words harmful to non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty,

3. not to speak words that serve the interests of the organizations or persons who are outside the legal fold,

4. not to speak words that harm solidarity, mutual help and friendly relations among national races,

5. not to criticize any religions,

6. not to submit a matter that has been already discussed at the National Convention again,

7. not to accuse any of the NC delegates subjectively,

8. in submitting a paper, to read out and discuss the paper, as presented already, and not to read any points that are not included in the already-presented paper. A principle is laid down in this regard that if some points that are not included in the paper are read out, only the points stipulated in the already-presented paper will have to be put on record.

9. There is another rule that the attendees are not to get out of the hall in protest or to make fun in a rowdy way individually or in groups while an NC plenary session or group-wise meeting is in progress.

I would like to remind you that it is important to abide by these rules and regulations for ensuring successful completion of the National Convention with dignity.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

Chapter (5) features some prohibitions to protect NC delegates for ensuring successful completion of the National Convention. Some of them are:

(1) for NC delegates, not to distribute any kinds of documents prohibited by the National Convention Work Committee,

(2) not to leak and distribute the documents the Work Committee has designated to keep secret,

(3) not to bring along with them and hold arms into the compound of Nyaunghnapin Camp including in the hostels and convention hall while the National Convention is in session.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

What I have explained are important points that are stated in the procedures for convening the National Convention. These procedures, duties, privileges, rules and regulations and prohibitions are aimed at ensuring successful completion of the National Convention and holding cordial discussions. So, I believe you delegates understand and will observe them.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

Now, I would like to present the management arrangements so that you can attend the NC in peace.

During the NC adjournment period, your hostels were all repaired for your comfort and convenience.

We are also taking necessary measures to make sure that the meals and food to serve you are hygienic. In cooking meals, daily programmes for dishes are drawn in advance for your good appetite. All kinds of meals are prepared to be suitable for people of different religions, and special arrangements are also made for the convenience of the vegetarians only.

Preparations are made in various sectors such as health, medical treatment, sports, periodicals, and entertainment. You delegates may take physical exercise in the morning and evening such as walking and jogging, along with playing badminton, table tennis, weightlifting and body building and physical culture. Apart from equipment for sports games, a golf practising range has been set up. To provide health care, a hospital is opened in the compound with doctors and nurses including specialists along with various kinds of medicines and medical equipment. Arrangements are also made for sick delegates to receive treatment in the hospital.

For your rest and recreation, hostels are furnished with TV sets, Karaoke sets, newspapers and journals. In addition, bookstores and book rentals are opened. As entertainment programmes, music show, anyeint, dance variety and films are staged in rotation.

Win Thuzar and GEC sales centres, hairdressing salons, beauty parlours, laundry services, spectacles shops and restaurant are opened for your convenience. And necessary measures have been taken for transport and post office and telephone booths are opened for communications.

Esteemed National Convention delegates,

Today, the government is implementing the State's seven-step Road Map to transform the nation into a modern developed democratic one with flourishing discipline. In the process, the National Convention is the first and the most crucial step as well as the work to be put on record. At the National Convention, representatives of people from all walks of life are holding discussions and making suggestions with nationalistic fervour and Union Spirit.

As you know, this session is the final one, so when the NC is over, the remaining steps will be implemented one after another. Nevertheless, destructive elements who are desirous of disrupting the drive for transition to a modern and developed democratic nation with flourishing discipline, those are attempting to seize State power through short cut, lackeys of external elements and those inciting instability and unrest to gain position are now resorting to various means to destabilize the nation with general crises with the intention of inciting mass demonstrations. At the same time, they are hatching schemes to commit subversive acts. I would say tight security measures are being taken for safety of the National Convention and the delegates.

In conclusion, I wish you a success in giving good advice, making suggestions and working together in peace while the NC is in session for adopting detailed basic principles in drawing an enduring State constitution in the interests of the nation and the people.