National Convention final session begins on 18 July After thoroughly reviewing all adopted  basic principles, detailed basic principles,some amendments, additions and nullification to some of the points are  to be made to ensure that the Constitution is free from flaws and weaknesses

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 June - The National Convention Convening Commission held its 2/2007 meeting at the State Peace and Development Council Office here at 7.30 am today.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein said, the State Peace and Development Council, the Tatmadaw government, laid down the seven-step Road Map and is constantly implementing it for a smooth transition to a peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic state in accord with the genuine wish of the people.

The convening of the National Convention, the first and most important step of the Road Map, to lay down and adopt fundamental principles and basic principles, began in 1993. But for certain reasons, it came to a halt in 1996. The government was able to resume the National Convention on 17 May 2004. Up to now the National Convention has been held for four times from that date.

The first time was held from 17 May 2004 to 9 July 2004; the second, from 17 February to 31 March; the third, from 5 December 2005 to 31 January 2006; and the fourth, from 10 October 2006 to 29 December 2006.

During the second session, the National Convention adopted detailed basic principles for the chapter on the sharing of the legislative power to be included in formulating the Constitution, and at the third session, it adopted the detailed basic principles for the chapters on the sharing of the executive and judicial powers.

At the fourth session, that was held from 10 October 2006 to 29 December 2006, the detailed basic principles for the chapters on the legislation of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, the Pyithu Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw, and the Region or State Hluttaw, the Role of Tatmadaw, and the Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens were adopted.

The panel of Chairmen has already collected the suggestions and approvals of the delegates groups on the Work Committee Chairman's clarification concerning the remaining chapters the Election, the Political Parties, Emergency Provisions, Amendment of the Constitution, the State Flag, the State Emblem, National Anthem and the Capital and General Provisions, and is ready to present them to the delegates for approval and adoption.

The National Convention will resume at Nyaunghnapin Camp on 18 July 2007, and it will be the final session of the National Convention.

At the final stage of the National Convention, delegates will have to make some amendments, additions and nullification to some of the points after thoroughly reviewing all the adopted fundamental principles and detailed basic principles to ensure that the Constitution is free from flaws and weaknesses, in addition to adopting the detailed basic principles of the remaining seven chapters.

Based on the previous experiences, the NCC Commission, the NCC Work Committee and the NCC Management Committee and their subordinate bodies will have to make arrangements for the success of the National Convention. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged officials concerned to make arrangements in advance for extending invitations to delegates, timely completion of all tasks in connection with the Convention, and providing reception services, accommodations, health care services and welfare services, and beautifying and cleaning the camp.

Secretary of the NCC Commission Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan explained invitation arrangements and financial matters.

Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe explained matters to be presented at the National Convention. Chairman of National Convention Convening Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung presented maintenance work and camp beautification programmes.

Members of the Commission, gave suggestions for the successful convening the National Convention. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein fulfilled the requirements. The meeting ended later in the morning.