Plenary Session of National Convention resumes at Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township

Yangon, 10 Oct — The National Convention that was convened from 5 December 2005 to 31 January 2006 with the objectives — 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 such as justice, liberty and equality; and the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State, was adjourned. At 9 am today, the Plenary Session of the National Convention resumed at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division.

Also present at the National Convention were Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Commission members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and Work Committee members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and Management Committee members, chairmen and personnel of subcommittees, delegates of political parties National Unity Party, Union Pa-O National Organization, Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization and Wa National Development Party, representatives-elect of National Unity Party and Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, independent representatives-elect, 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 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 ministries, other invited delegates, delegates from Shan State (North) Special Region-1, Shan State (South) Special Region-2, Shan State (North) Special Region-3, Shan State (North) Special Region-4, Shan State (North) Special Region-5, 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 Development Party (KNDP) (Dragon) Group, Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP) (Hoya), Kayinni National Unity and Solidarity Organization (Ka Ma Sa Nya), Democratic Kayin Buddhist Association (DKBA) and Haungthayaw Special Region Group, Nyeinchanyay Myothit Group from Hpa-an Township of Kayin State, Burma Communist Party (Rakhine State Group), Arakanese Army (AA), Homein Region Development and Welfare Group, Shwepyiaye (MTA) , Manpan People’s Militia Group, Mon Peace Group (Chaungchi Region) and Mon Nai Seik Chan Group that had exchanged arms for peace.

Furthermore, also present at the meeting were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Philippines Mme Phoebe A Gomez, Ambassadors of the Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, India and the People’s Republic of China, Charges d’Affaires ai of Serbia, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Nepal, the Resident Coordinator of UN Agencies, the patron, the president and members of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, personnel of information, news and periodicals, chief editors and those in charge of local magazines and journals, media persons from Nihon Keizai Shimbun, AFP, Tokyo Braodcast-ing System (TBS), AP, NHK, Fuji Television, Reuters, Tokyo Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, TV Asahi, Sankei Shimbun, Ji Ji Press, Yomiuri Shimbun, Financial Times, Kyodo News, European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), Mainichi Shimbun, Nishi Nippon, BBC, DPA (German Press Agency), Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Cable News International INC (CNN) and Nippon Televisions attended the Plenary Session of National Convention to bring news.

Before the start of 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 NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, chairmen of subcommittees and responsible personnel, delegates of political parties, representatives-elect, National Races, Peasants, Workers, Intellectuals and Intelligentsia, State Service Personnel and Other Invited Persons signed in the attendance book.

Next, Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, Chairman of NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members cordially greeted ambassadors from foreign embassies to Union of Myanmar, charges d’affairs, the regional coordinator of UN organizations and local and foreign journalists.

At 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 presided over the meeting while Secretary of NCCC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan acted as master of ceremonies.

First, the master of ceremonies declared the start of the Plenary Session of the National Convention as 1075 out of 1081 delegates were in attendance, accounting for 99.44 per cent. Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein made an opening speech on the occasion (reported separately) and the Plenary Session went into recess.

When the session resumed, Secretary of NCCC Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan clarified on rules and regulations of the National Convention Convening (reported separately) and the Plenary Session was adjourned at 10.30 am.

The Plenary Session will continue at the same venue at 9 am tomorrow.

NC delegates openly submit their true desires as they feel bitter about accusation and evil acts of US against the country Special Plenary Session of National Convention held at Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township

Yangon, 10 Oct — The Special Plenary Session of the National Convention was held at Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township this afternoon.

Also present at the National Convention were Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Commission members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and Work Committee members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and Management Committee members, chairmen and officials of subcommittees, delegates of political parties — 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 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 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 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 (North) Special Region-4, Shan State (North) Special Region-5, Shan State (North) 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 Development Party (KNDP) (Dragon) Group, Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP) (Hoya), Kayinni National Unity and Solidarity Organization (Ka Ma Sa Nya), Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization (DKBA) and Haungthayaw Special Region Group, Nyeinchanyay Myothit Group from Hpa-an Township of Kayin State, Burma Communist Party (Rakhine State Group), Arakanese Army (AA), Homein Region Development and Welfare Group, Shwepyiaye (MTA), Manpan People’s Militia Group, Mon Peace Group (Chaungchi Region) and Mon Nai Seik Chan Group that had exchanged arms for peace.

Delegate U Maung Hla (a) U Hla Myint of National Races Group presided over the Special Plenary Session of the National Convention together with members of the panel of chairmen Dr Kan Zaw of the National Convention Convening Work Committee, U Tun Yin Law of Delegate Group of Political Parties, U San Tha Aung of Delegate Group of Representatives-elect, U Sai Tint Aung of Delegate Group of Peasants, U Kyaw Myo Win of Delegate Group of Workers, U Hla Myint of Delegate Group of Intellectuals and Intelligentsia, U Hla Tin of State Service Personnel and U Paw Laik Kham of Delegate Group of Other Invited Persons.

Director (Meeting) U Than Aung of the NCCWC and Deputy Director U Aung Kyi acted as MCs.

The MC announced the start of the Special Plenary Session as 1,075 delegates out of 1,081 listed accounting for 99.44 per cent were present.

Meeting Chairman U Maung Hla of National Races Group delivered an opening address. (The opening speech of the meeting chairman is reported separately.)

Next, NC delegates expressed their desires over the submission of the US to put Myanmar on the agenda of the UN Security Council accusing the country of posing a threat to regional stability. First, NC delegate U Saw San Shwe of Union Kayin League representing Delegate Group of Political Parties tabled the motion on the desires of the delegate group.

(The motion tabled by U Saw San Shwe is reported separately.)

NC delegate U Thein Kyi representing the Delegate Group of Representatives-elect seconded the motion submitted by Delegate U Saw San Shwe. (The discussions of Delegate U Thein Kyi is reported separately.)

NC delegate U Larl Tin Mann of Chin State representing the Delegate Group of National Races tabled the motion on the wishes of the delegate group. (The motion tabled by U Larl Tin Mann is reported separately.)

NC delegate U Houng Jone representing the Delegate Group of Peasants seconded the motion submitted by Delegate U Larl Tin Mann. (The discussion of Delegate U Houng Jone is reported separately.)

NC delegate U Aung San representing the Delegate Group of Workers tabled the motion on the wishes of the delegate group. (The motion tabled by Delegate U Aung San is reported separately.)

NC delegate U Myat Thu (Tekkatho Myat Thu) representing the Delegate Group of Intellectuals and Intelligentsia seconded the motion submitted by Delegate U Aung San. (The discussion of Delegate U Myat Thu (Tekkatho Myat Thu) is reported separately.)

NC delegate Dr Daw Myat Myat Ohn Khin representing the Delegate Group of State Service Personnel tabled the motion on desires of the delegate group. (The motion tabled by Delegate Dr Daw Myat Myat Ohn Khin is reported separately.)

NC delegate U Man Shan Teint Hsaung of Kachin State Special Region-1 representing the Delegate Group of Other Invited Persons seconded the motion submitted by NC delegate Dr Daw Myat Myat Ohn Khin. (The discussion of Delegate Man Shan Teint Hsaung is reported separately.)

Afterwards, the meeting chairman delivered a concluding speech. He said that each NC delegates have already tabled and seconded the motions.

It can be seen that all the NC delegates openly submitted their true desires because they feel bitter over accusation and evil acts of the US against the country. At present, not only the NC delegates but also the people feel bitter over evil acts of the US. He said that all the citizens need to have the spirit of unity in times of emergency. Therefore, we have laid down the seven-step Road Map to realize the genuine and discipline-flourishing democracy and are marching to the goal. Although internal and external destructive elements disturb and put pressure on Myanmar, all the national brethren will march to the goal of genuine and discipline-flourishing democracy with diligence and perseverance.

Next, all the NC delegates unanimously approved the four motions submitted by the delegate groups, and the meeting chairman announced that the Special Plenary Session of the National Convention has approved the four motions.

Later, the Special Plenary Session of the National Convention ended with the chanting of slogans by the NC delegates at 3 pm.

Myanmar an ideal in abiding by the Law of the United Nations

Yangon, 10 Oct — The following is a discussion seconded by NC delegate U Myat Thu (Tekkatho Myat Thu) of the Delegate Group of Intellectuals and Intelligentsia at the Special Plenary Session of National Convention at Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township this afternoon.

I am U Myat Thu, a delegate of the Delegate Group of Intellectuals and Intelligentsia. On behalf of the group, I would like to second the motion opposing and protesting US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda accusing that Myanmar situation may threaten international peace and security.

It is already known that based on the groundless accusations that Myanmar poses a threat to international peace and security, the permanent US representative to the UN demanded to put Myanmar on the agenda of UNSC. Veto power holders Russia and China and UNSC members Qatar and Congo voted against and Tanzania abstained. The permanent Chinese representative to the UN objected the US’s act against the UN Charter Article 24 and Qatar also objected that any regional country did not consider that Myanmar was harmful to international peace and security. So, the US’s accusations were not acceptable at all.

The US is too far away from Myanmar. So it is out of the question that the US which is far from Myanmar has known all detailed points of Myanmar. Accordingly, it is certain that the accusations were based on false facts and also groundless. The US is lack of assessment on information.

In this regard, it is necessary to scrutinize the information. As the US embassy opens in Myanmar, it is possible that the embassy may collect false news and send it to them. Besides, the false news may come from fugitives, opposing organizations and insurgent groups from the border areas and perhaps local informers holding negative views. Therefore, it is known to all these news can derail the right track.

There are so many make-up stories for Myanmar created by the US in collusion with fugitives and destructive elements to break up the national consolidation and drives a wedge among the people. Authorities have made clear the incidents with evidences for several times and released issues. As a result, we needs to have national concern for prevention against the acts of the US and national traitors.

The Union of Myanmar is a sovereign State and so it has the duty to ensure peace, security and development for the State and its people. Since the regaining of its independence on 4 January 1948, Myanmar has been practising the Non-Alignment Foreign Policy, the Independent and Active Foreign Policy, and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Policy.

Myanmar actively took part in the duties of global families as a member of the UN and a member of 116 countries of Non-Aligned Movement. Besides, it is a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations. Myanmar participated in the movements of BIMSTEC, the Five-Country Mekong Valley Region, and international organizations based of mutual understanding and friendship. So, Myanmar has made progress in the region. A total of 17 major armed groups and 18 small armed groups had returned to the legal fold, and the country has restored peace and tranquillity. The unprecedented development has been made in the whole country. Myanmar accepted the principle of equality, mutual respect and non-interference, and practised it constantly.

In reviewing the actual situations, it is obvious that the US’s groundless accusations are quite untrue. According to the above reasons, it was clear that Myanmar is an ideal in abiding by the Law of the United Nations. Therefore, on behalf of the group, I deeply seconded the motion opposing and protesting US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda accusing that Myanmar situation may threaten international peace and security.

With prevalence of peace and stability coupled with national development, all are to get rid of any act to impede the process of transition to democracy

Yangon, 10 Oct — The following is a discussion seconded by U Man Shan Teint Hsaung of the Delegate Group of Other Invited Persons from Special Region-1 of Kachin State.

U Man Shan Teint Hsaung of the Delegate Group of Other Invited Persons from Special Region-1 of Kachin State seconded the motion opposing and protesting the US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda accusing that Myanmar situation may threaten international peace and security since it is an act of undermining the National Convention.

Due to the pressure of the US, Myanmar issue was put to the vote in the UNSC. Although the Government and the people denounced and protested the act of the US to put Myanmar on an agenda of the UNSC, stooges of the US within and without Myanmar including NLD welcomed the decision.

It is clear that those who have been betraying the nation are hindering the progress of the political situation in Myanmar. The US and its lackeys are trying to jeopardize the National Convention which paves the way for future democratic nation.

NLD has adopted its policy of sticking steadfastly to confrontation, demanding defiance of all orders, demanding utter devastation and demanding the imposition of sanctions against Myanmar.

In 1993, about 100 delegates of NLD participated in the National Convention for drafting the new constitution, and 104 basic principles and detailed basic principles and were laid down. However, according to 104 detailed basic principles, any foreign troops shall not be allowed to deploy in Myanmar’s territory. The US that has tried to deploy its military base in Myanmar and to pose a threat to the region does not accept the basic principles.

Likewise, in detailed basic principles, there contains the facts that those who are a foreign citizen or those who are subject to a foreign government or those who enjoy the right of citizenship of a foreign country cannot stand as delegates. This could not be accepted by opposition groups that are subject to foreign nations and their master US.

The NLD and its cohorts have been in synchronization with internal and external destructive elements for a puppet government to come to power to the liking of the US prior to the emergence of a new constitution based on basic principles and detailed basic principles. Sticking to the 1990 election result, the NLD and some of its fellow parties refused to attend the National Convention. There is no reason for them to refuse attending the NC if they really want the flourishing of democracy in the nation.

As the basic principles and detailed basic principles are designed to serve the interest of the national races as well as for flourishing of democracy aspired by the people the NLD must be pleased with this. However, the desire of US and NLD is not the flourishing of democracy in the nation but for a government under the influence of foreign nations to come to power. So, they have been plotting to impede the National Convention.

The delegates are to represent the State and the people in whatever role they are. So, they are to oppose any act detrimental to the interest of the State and the people. If the US really wants the emergence of democracy in Myanmar with goodwill it should be in favour of the National Convention being convened for transition to democracy. And the NLD and its cohorts are to continue participating in the National Convention, accepting basic principles and detailed basic principles already laid down.

We would like to make public that all the delegates will actively participate in the process of transition to democracy in line with the seven-point Road Map. With prevalence of peace and stability coupled with national development, all are to get rid of any act to impede the process of transition to democracy. Therefore, I seconded the motion opposing and protesting the US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda accusing that Myanmar situation may threaten international peace and security since it is an act of undermining the National Convention.

US using the UN as a tool is making attempt to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs

Yangon, 10 Oct—The following is the presentation on the wish of Delegate Group of Political Parties made by U Saw San Shwe on behalf of the group.

Esteemed Chairman and delegates, I am U Saw San Shwe, a delegate of Union Kayin National League. On behalf of delegates of political parties I will table a motion opposing and protesting the US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda.

On 1 September, John Bolton, the US permanent representative to the UN, said a refugee crisis and the detention of political prisoners in Myanmar, narcotic drugs, AIDS and outbreak of other diseases threatened to destabilize the region and therefore Myanmar poses a threat to international peace and security. He one-sidedly demanded that Myanmar should be put on the agenda of the UNSC. As a result, the council voted 10-4 with one abstention and a decision was made on 15 September to put Myanmar on the agenda of the UNSC.

The US using the UN as a tool is making attempt to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs. It is the fabrication of the US to put pressure on Myanmar.

Mr Chairman,

On 18 September 1988, the Tatmadaw government took up the State duties for non-disintegration of the Union and perpetuation of sovereignty. Since then, the US has been putting pressure on Myanmar to install a puppet government. The US imposed sanctions on investment in Myanmar and export of Myanmar products to the US. They told international monetary organizations not to provide financial assistance to Myanmar. They had degrading relations with Myanmar in political, economic and social fields. These are the acts of hegemony of a big nation over a developing country.

The entire people did not accept the acts of hegemony. But traitors and expatriates who wanted to seize the State power and their lackeys welcomed the act for the liking of the US. The US and accomplices instigate the expatriates for formation of a parallel government. Expatriate Sein Win who absconded and his accomplices relied on the US.

NCGUB led by Sein Win and Pyithit Nyunt Wai (a) Maung Maung distributed a paper entitled The Crisis in Myanmar: An Agenda for the United Nations Security Council with the assistance of US-based Burma Fund for discussions at the UNSC. They highlighted that it is necessary for the UNSC to take action against Myanmar as there are cases of human rights, narcotic drugs, armed conflict and spread of AIDS in Myanmar.

The paper is the work of an expatriate group. The international communities took little interest in it as there are many evidences which show that these expatriates are committing terrorist acts. Later, the US and the expatriates changed their methods Different NGOs to Myanmar were formed under different names in some western nations. In collusion with US senators and the expatriates Nobel prize winner former Czech President Harvel and Bishop Desmond Tu Tu from South Africa were put in the fore-front.

A group of Nobel prize winners visited the border area in East of Myanmar. The US government made one-sided accusations on human trafficking, narcotic drugs, human rights, freedom of religion in Myanmar, issuing annual report.

Expatriates and those who have been betraying the nation aired fabricated news under the title of labour, licensed to rape and ethnic cleansing and refugees in Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Verclav Havel and Desmond Tu Tu published a paper under the title of “Threat to the Peace and Security; A Call for the UN Security Council to Act in Burma” in an attempt to put Myanmar on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. Political analysts on Myanmar Affairs pointed out that the paper was based on facts of reports of expatriates, so it did not reflect actual conditions in Myanmar and turns a blind eye to the development in the country.

However, lackeys of the US and some media aired fabricated news and tried to project the image of Myanmar as a Failed State.

Assistant Secretary of State Mr Eric Johnson grasped the false facts of the paper and briefed to House of Representatives on attempts of the US to put Myanmar on the agenda UNSC in October 2005. Since then, the US has organized some member countries of UNSC and took a step to put Myanmar issue to vote in UNSC’s meeting.

Most of the members of UNSC wanted to observe principles of UN Charter and believed that Myanmar does not pose a threat to the regional security. Due to the pressure of the US, Second Secretary-General Mr Gambari presented his report in UN and briefed on constructive approaches on Myanmar issue in his report.

On 7 February 2006, Assistant Secretary of State of the US Christopher Hill said that the US will take steps to put Myanmar on UNSC’s agenda. It shows that the US does not give up its attempts to put Myanmar on UN agenda.

Second Secretary-General of UN Mr Gambari visited Myanmar on 18 May. He said his trip to Myanmar was a successful trip. His successful trip was a new chapter of the cooperation between Myanmar and UN. Although Mr Gambari briefed on constructive approaches in dealing with Myanmar on 30 May at UNSC, the US stepped up its attempts publicly to put Myanmar on the agenda of UNSC.

Neighbouring countries of Myanmar, regional countries and members of Non-Aligned Movement are against the wrong stance of the US and unanimously approved that Myanmar does not pose a threat to the region. However, the US made one-sided accusation against Myanmar and tried to put pressure on Myanmar. It is clear that the US is trying to install the puppet government in Myanmar. Hence, on behalf of Myanmar people, I’d like to table a motion on opposing and protesting the US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda.

Accusations made by US that Myanmar can pose a threat to international peace and security unreasonable

Yangon, 10 Oct—The following is the presentation on the wish of Delegate Group of National Races made by U Larl Tin Mann of Chin State on behalf of the group.

I am U Larl Tin Mann of Chin State, a delegate from Delegate Group of National Races. I am going to table a motion US accusations that Myanmar situation poses a threat to international peace and security to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda totally untrue.

Mr Chairman,

Due to the lopsided accusation and submission of the permanent US representative, a decision was made on 15 September 2006 to put Myanmar on the agenda of the UNSC under the title “Situation in Myanmar”. This is the propagation made by the US government using the United Nations as a forum to interfere in internal affairs of Myanmar.

In other words, this is an attempt to deceive the world people desirous of peace and security as regards the situation of Myanmar. Therefore, a statement on the stance of Government and the people as regards the matter to put Myanmar on UN Security Council agenda was issued. Why it boldly issued such a statement? The answer is that only we of the people of Myanmar know the objective conditions of Myanmar.

US Representative John Bolton said that human rights situation in Myanmar is deteriorating and it has detained over 1000 political prisoners. He continued to say that there were many refugees flocking to neighbouring countries and also made an excuse that Myanmar is weak in drug control. He also accused that AIDS and other diseases are out of control and these diseases spread to neighbouring countries.

We and our neighbouring countries are fully aware of the fact that these accusations are not true and Myanmar does not pose a threat to regional peace and security. I will present fact by fact to suggest that these accusations are not true.

In Myanmar, there are prisoners who are serving their prison terms according to law for committing crimes. But they are not political prisoners projected by the US and cohorts. They are the ones punished under the existing law who undermine law and order and hamper development and commit terrorist acts against the people.

No one in Myanmar is detained due to his political belief. Those who commit crimes under the guise of membership of a political party and those who commit terrorist acts to cause instability can not be dubbed as politicians. They are punished according to law as they commit criminal acts. And this cannot be put under the heading political prisoners.

Actions taken against these prisoners and their release are conducted by the respective organizations according to law. Therefore, the US accusation that Myanmar’s human rights situation is deteriorating and detaining over 1000 political prisoners is unreasonable.

Mr President,

Another accusation said that there are tens of thousands of refugees from Myanmar flocking to neighbouring countries. As the government has been forging national unity after 1988, peace and stability prevail in border areas remarkedly. Therefore, those who fled to the other country from the border area for various reasons in the past has returned to their natives and resided there.

The 17 major armed groups and 18 small groups who have realized the goodwill of the government and returned to the legal fold have been taking part in regional development drives. The government, after establishing a separate ministry, is also paying serious attention to development of border areas and national races. This is the opportunity for the so-called refugees to be able to reside. A report of the UN said that over 90 per cent of refugees fled from Rakhine State has been reestablished as cooperation is being made with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It can be seen that those who are living at the so-called refugee camps in the other country today are insurgents and their families.

Fugitives are inflating the numbers by putting the names of those who entered neighbouring countries illegally, insurgents and their families. According to the International Law they are not recognized as refugees. The Ministry of Labour has reached agreement with the country concerned to solve the problems of illegal workers. 

Myanmar has been carrying out the tasks of drug control since the times of Myanmar kings. Colonialists are those who introduced the country with poppy cultivation and drug trafficking. There are firm evidences in history that alien troops who were lackey of the US intruded Myanmar and carried out poppy cultivation and refining of heroin.

Although governments of the successive eras have been engaged in drug control activities, the tasks were slow due to insurgency in border areas. But nowadays, border areas have been witnessing peace and stability and drug control activities are being conducted not only by the government but also the national race armed groups who have returned to the legal fold. In doing so, various ways and means are sought such as cultivation of poppy-substitute crops and raising the living standard of poppy growers in addition to drug control measures. Therefore, the regions where drugs were produced have become poppy-free zone. The national race armed groups who have returned to the legal fold have been participating in drug control activities and exposing drug refineries and crushing them.

UNODC, US Counter Narcotic Crime, diplomats in Myanmar and officials of UN agencies have witnessed these attempts.

The last accusation made by the US on Myanmar said that there were many cases of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria in Myanmar and these diseases spread to neighbouring countries.

AIDS epidemic highlighted in the accusation broke out in Africa and spread to the western countries. The westerners who visited Asia are the carriers of the disease. The disease spread to Myanmar via those who have worked in these countries where the disease has become epidemic. In reality, as AIDS spread from the lifestyle of westerners, the blame for the outbreak of this disease should be put on the US and cohorts. According to data issued by WHO, AIDS cases in Myanmar were less than that of neighbouring countries and thus accusation that Myanmar is a source to spread of AIDS is unreasonable.

To take disease control measures for AIDS, TB and Malaria, the government has been laying down National Health Plan and taking preventive measures, providing treatments and giving education are being conducted in mass activities. Thanks to these cooperation, progress has been made remarkably in fighting against TB and Malaria.

According to my presentation, it can be vividly seen that the accusations made by the US that Myanmar may pose a threat to international peace and security are unreasonable. This is the lopsided accusation made by the US using UN as a tool with the aim of toppling the existing government and installing puppet government.

Therefore, I table a motion US accusations that Myanmar situation poses a threat to international peace and security to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda totally untrue.

All are to protect sovereignty and independence of the State, prevent destructive acts

Yangon, 10 Oct — The following is the motion tabled by NC Delegate U Aung San of the Delegate Group of Workers.

I am U Aung San of the Delegate Group of Workers. I would like to table a motion opposing and protesting US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda accusing that Myanmar situation may threaten international peace and security.

It is known to all that the decision was made to put Myanmar on the agenda of UNSC because of US accusation. This accusation is irrational and not true. Regarding this, some delegates have already tabled the motion with full evidences.

Those from internal and external organizations instigated US to interfere and put pressure on domestic affairs of Myanmar. They sent misinformation in collusion with those within and without distorting and fabricating the news on true situations and progress of the country. The so-called democratic and human rights groups made up of expatriates from the US and its cohorts described Myanmar as a deteriorating country in international arena.

The accusations made by the US permanent representative to the UN are based on fabricated news of some political parties in Myanmar, those who participated in ‘88’ unrest, terrorist groups abroad and ramnant insurgent groups. Thus, democratization process in Myanmar was delayed. Instead of making cooperation with positive view for the emergence of discipline flourishing democratic nation, they are committing destructive acts ignoring national politics.

They attempted to cause social and economic crises in Myanmar by putting pressure and sanction on the existing government. Therefore, they are plotting to take State power through the pattern of 88 unrest. These groups mislead the international community into not realizing true situations in Myanmar by turning a blind eye to political, economic and social progress of the country.

These groups put those under imprisonment for committing crimes and harming peace and stability and prevalence of law and order in the list of political prisoners of conscience to have sympathy of international community. Their acts meant that those who had participated in the 1988 unrest and belong to political parties should not be punished by the law even if they had broken the law.

They propagated false news at home and abroad that they are taking care of local AIDS patients due to lack of assistance from the Government. Using the patients as a tool, they make attempts to take political exploitation with a request for securing assistance from international organizations. They spread false news that three kinds of common diseases are causing serious problem to Myanmar. Indeed, it can be seen that their facts and figures will not be correct and accurate in comparison with the official statements of the UN agencies. In addition, the groups formed by terrorist insurgents from border areas under the pretext of various names issue false reports that the Tatmadaw kills the national people en masse, rapes women and participates in narcotics cases. The US and its accomplices make these facts and figures as the firm references in their annual reports.

They plot conspiracies to wreck Myanmar and to oust the existing government for the emergence of the puppet government they can control. In reviewing the booklet entitled Methods of Non-violent Struggle in Burma published by Soros Foundation, it is obvious that evil acts of internal and external destructive elements are pushing the country into the abyss.

The destructive elements do not have to make efforts to spend a large sum of money on disturbing peace and tranquillity of the nation. In reality, the US and its cohorts provide necessary assistance to them to do so. Similarly, opposition groups abroad rely on assistance of the US and its accomplices. Whenever these internal and external destructive elements and so-called politicians exist, the US, a neocolonialist, will put pressure and interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs.

In the world history, the countries under instigation and external intervention faced disintegration. In the 19th Century, the colonialists enslaved Myanmar using national traitors. Hence, all are to protect sovereignty and independence of the State, and prevent destructive acts.

It is necessary for a country to be free from outside instigation in building a new one

Yangon, 10 Oct — The following is the motion tabled by NC Delegate Daw Myat Myat Ohn Khin of the Delegate Group of State Service Personnel.

I am Daw Myat Myat Ohn Khin, a State Service Personnel delegate. I’d like to table a motion opposing and protesting US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda accusing that Myanmar situation may threaten international peace and security since it is an act of undermining the National Convention.

The US demanded that Myanmar be put on the agenda of the UNSC. The purpose of the demand is to put pressure on Myanmar to hold a dialogue between the ruling government, opposition party and national race armed groups. In other words, they impede the National Convention, a national forum, where all national races take part in the discussions. Most of the tasks of the National Convention have completed and all the tasks will be finished soon.

This is why they delay the whole process of the National Convention purposely. We all believe that holding the National Convention for drafting the constitution in accord with the desire of the people is the efforts to practise multi-party democracy and to build a peaceful modern developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

The US secretly built prisons all over of the world. Many people were arrested and tortured there. The people of the world condemn their acts. Even Americans condemn the act of the US Administration. It is a joke that the US is trying to improve the human rights of the people in Myanmar. It is obvious that the US Administration that imposed economic sanctions on Myanmar is trying to undermine the already-achieved human rights and better conditions.

The US and its accomplices do not want transition to democracy. They want Myanmar to be a satellite country of neo-colonialists and to install a puppet government in Myanmar.

If a country wants to change a system to another, the constitution is to be drafted first. The 1947 constitution of the Union Myanmar was drafted for practice of parliamentary democracy. Due to the weakness of the constitution, the country was on the verge of disintegration. Therefore the Tatmadaw took up duties of the State on 2 March 1962. Later, the 1974 constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Myanmar was drafted and socialist democratic state based on socialist economic system was built.

There was general deterioration in the country and disturbances occurred in 1988. The Tatmadaw took up the duties of State and the 1974 constitution was declared null and void. The Tatmadaw government made efforts for introduction of multi-party democracy and market-oriented economic system.

It is essential to draft a constitution in changing one system to another and it is impossible to practise multi-party democratic system in a country without a constitution. So, the emergence of the State constitution is the duty of all citizen of the country and that is why the National Convention is being held in accord with the seven-step Road Map. The delegates are discussing detailed basic principles to be included in drafting the constitution.

The government and the people are marching on the path to the future democratic State. It is necessary for a country to be free from outside instigation in building a new one. National politics is to be carried out based on internal strength and possible things are to be done first.

Then, we should do what should be done for the sake of national interests according to the demand of time and circumstances.

Now, the US government and the opposition party and remnants of insurgents are calling for national reconciliation and dialogue. It is contrary to prevailing conditions of Myanmar and it can delay the democratic reforms. In other words, it is like forcing the nation to copy the western-style democracy.

I would like to say that the National Convention is laying down better foundations for the emergence of a democracy. Therefore, we will carry on with the National Convention till it is a complete success. I would like to reiterate that we will crush all the attempts aimed at destroying the National Convention.

Myanmar people are determined to defend nation at risk of their lives

Yangon, 10 Oct— The following is the discussion seconded by U Thein Kyi of the Delegate Group of Representative-elects.

I am U Thein Kyi of the representative-elect group. At this meeting of the National Convention, I am going to second the motion by U Saw San Shwe of opposing and protesting the US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda.

It is known to all that the United States has been making attempts to interfere in the domestic affairs of Myanmar all along and now it is plotting to put more pressure on Myanmar by using of UNSC.

If we look at the history of our country, we will see that it is full of wounds afflicted by the US. Around the early 1950s, some foreign forces invaded Shan State in our country and it was due to the US policy to control China.

Not long after Myanmar had regained her independence, she had to tackle the problem of internal insurgencies and at the same time drive out the invaders at the cost of numerous lives, without being able to work for national development. The result of the foreign invasion is that drug trafficking has taken roots in Shan State and some other regions and we still have to be trying to wipe out the danger of narcotic drugs.

The US and its lackeys, capitalizing on the foreign invasion, also instigated the insurgents to break away from the Union. In 1962, due to the federal policy of Shan Sawbwas, the Union was on the brink of collapse. At this, the Tatmadaw rose to the occasion and saved the nation. After taking over the responsibilities of the State, the Tatmadaw established a socialist state. At this time also, the US attempted to persuade Myanmar not to become a member of the communist bloc and to settle military bases in Myanmar. At the same time, they provided support to rightist insurgents.

Seeing that they could not have Myanmar at their beck and call, they instigated the expatriate group led by U Nu by giving military and economic assistance. In addition, the US reared racial insurgents in border areas to ruin peace and stability of Myanmar and stop her development.

In the post-Cold War period, the United States is trying to shape the world in such a way as to promote her political, economic and social interests on the pretext of human rights and democracy. The United States has made it her first priority to prevent the emergence of a nation in every region of the world that can challenge her militarily, economically and diplomatically. In his foreword to the report on National Security Strategy released in March, 2006, President Bush made it clear that the United States would shape the world the way she liked. This clearly shows the object of the United States.

If we look at the situations of Iraq and Afganistan invaded by the US-led NATO forces, we will see that:

1.      these countries are still far from peaceful and developed because law and order cannot be restored yet

2.      Afganistan has become the world’s largest poppy-growing country as nothing can be done to raise the socio-economic status of its people

3.      people of these two nations are not yet in a position to be able to enjoy democracy and human rights

4.      racial conflicts cannot be settled as yet

5.      a nation cannot become a peaceful democracy just by holding multi-party general elections

As Myanmar is the neighbour of regional powers of Asia, the United States has been trying to have Myanmar at its back and call and interfere in the domestic affairs of our country by taking advantage of the 1988 disturbances.

Now, it can be seen that 17 armed groups and 18 small groups of Myanmar have returned to the legal fold and are now cooperating with the government in regional development work. And due to the 15-year drug elimination plan, poppy cultivation has dropped by 80 per cent and opium production by 88 per cent.

AIDS did not originate in Myanmar. It has spread from western nations. Anyway, Myanmar is trying her level best to fight the disease with the help of EU.

For the sake of national interests, Myanmar has always practised an independent and active foreign policy and maintained friendly relations with her neighbours and other countries in the region. The United States has not been pleased with Myanmar as it has not succeeded in trying to install a puppet government and settle military bases in Myanmar. Therefore, it is still trying to do so through various ways and means.

As the United States is always trying to bully and influence various nations all over the world. As a result, it has become the most-hated country in the world.

Most of the nations in the world are totally against the policy of the United States: Those who are not with us are against us.

All the nations and organizations that are in favour of justice and fairness have denounced the accusation of the United States that Myanmar poses a threat to international peace and security. The neighbours of Myanmar, her friends in the region and member-nations of Non-Aligned Movement have often pointed out that the US attempt to refer Myanmar to UNSC amounts to the breach of the UN Charter.

Now, the UN Charter has fallen into pieces because of the US strategy to control the world.

If the United States has good intentions and sincere towards Myanmar, it should take a constructive approach to the national reconciliation of Myanmar. Only then, the nations and orgnaizations that think highly of the United States will come to recognize the nation-building work of the Tatmadaw government and iron out the differences.

Anyway, we Myanmar people are determined to defend our nation at the risk of our lives and we seconded the motion tabled by U Saw San Shwe of opposing and protesting the US pressure to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda.

Accusations made by the US are totally contrary to the present situation of Myanmar

Yangon, 10 Oct— The following is the discussion seconded by U Haung Jone of the Delegate Group of Peasants.

In seconding the motion on the US accusations that Myanmar situation poses a threat to international peace and security to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda totally untrue, U Haung Jone, a representative of peasants, said that the US called for putting Myanmar on the agenda of UNSC accusing the country of posing a threat to international peace and security including detention of political prisoners, refugee problem, narcotic drug trafficking and spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

They are fabrica-tions manufactured by the US, turning a blind eye to relentless efforts of Myanmar for national development. Myanmar was under colonial rule for over 100 years. Peasants had to lead a miserable life and faced various hardships and difficulties under the yoke of colonialists.

In the time of the State Peace and Develop-ment Council the living standard of peasants has improved, and they are enjoying human rights to the highest degree as well as better transport, water supply and electricity in rural regions. Hence, they don’t want to experience the life under colonial rule any more.

At present the development of rural regions is on a per with that of urban regions. One can travel easily from one place to another in a day. There have emerged various modes of transport including six-wheel vehicles and ten-wheel vehicles. Youths in rural regions have now become graduates including doctors and engineers.

Due to sanction on trade imposed by the US peasants in Myanmar had suffered direct loss in selling of their surplus paddy. We believed that fellow peasants in the US would show understanding and sympathy towards their counterparts in Myanmar.

As Tatmadaw launched operations against insurgents who are engaged in exploration of natural resources, drug trafficking and arms smuggling in border areas the families of those insurgents fled to the other country. And there emerged refugee camps on the territory of the other country.

Realizing the genuine goodwill of the State Peace and Development Council, altogether 17 large armed groups and 18 small armed groups had returned to the legal fold. Only the three remaining armed groups are active in the refugee camps of the other country.

At present, peace and stability prevails in border areas. Moreover, arms smuggling is meeting its end and drug trafficking is on the decrease significantly. I would like to call on anti-government groups at home and abroad to come and see the prevailing condition of Myanmar.

The condition of the country in 1988-1992 and that of nowadays are totally different. In 1988-1993 there were no accusations that Myanmar is posing a threat to regional and international security. It is safe to say that it is unreasonable to impose pressures on and accuse Myanmar at the present time in which unprecedented peace and stability prevails. In addition, the accusation on influx of refugees into the other country is illogical.

The government in cooperation with neighbouring countries as well as international community including the UN is making all-out efforts in the fight against drugs. Foreign diplomats and those from UN agencies visited border areas on their own arrangements and acknowledged the significant decrease in poppy cultivation and achievements in poppy substitute-crops cultivation. That is why such accusations made by the US, are totally contrary to the present situation of Myanmar.

In view of those facts, it is obvious that the US, in its attempt to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs, was collecting false news on Myanmar using the UN. And internal and external destructive elements were collecting fabricated news in return for payment.

Therefore, I seconded earnestly the motion on the US accusations that Myanmar situation poses a threat to international peace and security to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda totally untrue.

Mediamen cover news on NC Plenary Session

Yangon, 10 Oct — Altogether 100 mediamen from Nihon Keizai Shimbun, AFP, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), AP, NHK, Fuji Television, Reuters, Tokyo Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, TV Asahi, Sankei Shimbun, Ji Ji Press, Yomiuri Shimbun, Financial Times, Kyodo News, European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), Mainichi Shimbun, Nishi Nippon, BBC, DPA (Germany Press Agency), Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Cable News International INC (CNN) and Nippon Television, Kyodo News Agency, Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club and local journals and magazines arrived at Pyidaungsu Hall and covered news on attendance of delegates, preparations for the Plenary Session of the National Convention in progress at Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, this morning.

During the interval, the mediamen met with Secretary of the National Convention Convening Commission Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and members, delegates of political parties, delegates of national race, delegates from national race organizations that had returned to the legal fold, delegates from peace groups that had exchanged arms for peace and representatives-elect, and took documentary photos. The Secretary of the NCCC and members and NC delegates replied to the quarries raised by local and foreign mediamen.