Internal and external destructive elements resorting to various means to disrupt and obstruct the National Convention We will protect the National Convention and delegates from any forms of danger

Yangon, 10 Oct— The following is the full text of clarification made by Secretary of National Convention Convening Commission Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

I wish you Mr Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission and members, members of the National Convention Convening Work Committee and the National Convention Convening Management Committee and the delegates to be blessed with health and happiness and auspiciousness.

I would like to express pleasure to have a reunion with all the delegates to the National Convention on this occasion. Esteemed delegates, We have invited all the delegates as invited previously to attend the National Convention that resumes today. However, there are new delegates who have been chosen for the vacant seats of the persons who passed away, who are suffering from deteriorating health conditions, and who have retired from their posts as State-service personnel. The previous sessions of the National Convention concluded successfully as all the delegates followed the procedures and rules & regulations of the Convention of their own conviction. As for the new delegates to know and observe the procedures and rules & regulations and to remind the remaining delegates of the procedures, I will now explain them in brief as well as other matters including accommo-dation, messing, health care, welfare, entertain-ment and security.

The procedures have the preamble and seven chapters. The main chapters are chapter 1 the objectives of the National Convention; chapter 2 duties and rights of the delegates and members of the panel of chairmen; chapter 3 the convening of the sessions of the National Convention; chapter 4 means to discuss; and chapter 5 restrictions.

Chapter 1 states the objectives of the National Convention — non- disintegration of the Union: non-disintegration of national solidarity: perpetuity of sovereignty: flourishing of a genuine multiparty democracy system: further bur-geoning 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. The delegates will have to hold discussion within the framework of the objectives to adopt the detailed basic principles to draw a new constitution.

Chapter 2 includes delegateship, functions and powers, privileges and rights and codes of conduct and principles to the delegates and matters relating to the panel of chairmen.

There are seven functions and powers and three privileges and rights for the delegates. As they have the privileges and rights, they should be dutiful. There are also the codes of conduct for the delegates. All the provisions are aimed at successfully convening the National Convention, the first step of the seven-point Road Map, for the emergence of a new constitution in accord with the Road Map.

The important codes of the conduct are: the delegates shall not be loyal to any state, other than the Union of Myanmar; the delegates will have to observe the directives of the panel of chairmen and the chairmen of the delegate groups; to live and act in accord with the prestige of a National Convention delegate and stay away from disturbing or undermining the tasks and functions of the National Convention; to hold discussions in an objective way and to stay away from making personal criticisms or criticizing a particular organization; and to bow to the State Flag every time they enter and exit the conference hall; the delegates shall not carry arms and ammunition, recorders, hand phones,video cameras, photo cameras, com-puters, lap tops and similar equipment into the conference hall; and the delegates shall keep all the news of the National Convention secret till they are officially released.

Esteemed delegates, the panel of chairmen is required to supervise the formal sessions of the National Convention and group discussions. In accord with the rules and regulations, five members from the NCC Work Committee, 10 of the political parties and representatives-elect, and five each from the remaining six delegate groups have been elected to the panel of chairmen. Rules and regulations for holding the National Convention and the functions and powers of the chairman and members of the panel have already been designated. The chairman and the panel of chairmen will have to systematically hold the sessions in accord with its functions and powers.

Esteemed delegates, In chapter 3 are the functions to scrutinize the delegations when the National Convention is in session and the rules concerning the validity of the sessions. A meeting will be valid if 50 per cent of the delegates are present.

Esteemed delegates, Chapter 4 deals with matters relating to the designation of procedures for the formal discussions and the principles for discussing chapter headings, plenary meetings and group discussions.

The procedures for group discussions are: the delegates will have to present their suggestions and proposals to the panel of chairmen after holding group-wise discussions on the matters. The panel will collect suggestions and proposals under the same options into separate categories and then will present its compilation to the plenary session.

In addition to their respective group’s approved suggestions, the delegates can submit other individual or group-wise proposals to the plenary session through the panel of chairmen after the matter has been discussed at the group discussions.

Delegates of the political parties and representatives-elect will have to submit the majority-approved party-wise proposals to the plenary session through the panel after coordinating the matter at the group meetings.

In addition to the majority-approved party-wise suggestions, delegates and represen-tatives-elect ofpolitical parties and independent represen-tatives-elect can submit their own suggestions to the plenary session through the panel after presenting and discussing the matter in their respective groups.

If there arise any contradictions in proposals of political parties, delegate groups and the independent, the Work Committee will take necessary measures and coordinate the matter to the best of its ability to solve the problem.

Esteemed delegates, Now I will deal with the procedures of the plenary sessions, which are, for the delegate groups to state their topics clearly in their papers on their suggestion they are going to submit to the plenary session; they will have to submit their paper together with the names of two or three readers to the Work Committee through their representative panel of chairmen within the fixed time; in reading the papers at the plenary sessions, only the papers presented and approved in advance must be read by persons whose names are submitted to the Work Committee in advance. They will have to read only the approved suggestions; all discussions and suggestions at the group meetings and plenary sessions must be within the framework of the six objectives of the National Convention.

If there are any disagreements in the proposals presented to the plenary session, the Work Committee will make necessary arrangements for the delegate groups concerned to submit new proposals to solve the matter in the best way.

There have been due procedures to be followed in holding discussions at the group-wise meetings and plenary sessions of the National Convention — (1) not to express words disloyal to the State, (2) not to express words harmful to Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of National Solidarity, and Perpetuation of Sovereignty, (3) not to express words in the interests of any organi-zations or persons that are outside the legal fold, (4) not to express words that harm unity, and mutual help, friendship and respect among national races, (5) not to criticize any religion of one’s belief, (6) not to submit again a matter for which discussions have been held and resolved at the National Convention, (7) not to make accusation or criticism against any other NC delegate subjectively, (8) to read and discuss papers, as presented in advance, in reading the papers, not to read items that are not included in the papers, and to record the papers as presented originally even if items that are not included in the papers are read and submitted, and (9) for the delegates not to leave plenary sessions or group-wise meetings in protest and not to mock while NC plenary sessions or group-wise meetings are in session.

I would like to stress the importance of abiding by these procedures for ensuring successful completion of the National Convention and to enhance the prestige of the NC.

In addition, some restrictions have been set up in Chapter (5) to provide protective measures for the NC delegates and restrictions to be abided by for ensuring successful completion of the National Convention. Among them are (1) for NC delegates are not to distribute any kinds of pamphlets that are prohibited by the National Convention Work Committee, (2) not to tell, trickle out and publish the confidential documents of the NCC Work Committee, and (3) for delegates not to bring arms and ammunition into Nyaunghnapin Camp where the National Convention is being held including hostels and the conference hall, while they are attending the NC.

What I have explained are important points relating to the procedures of the National Convention. The purpose of prescribing the procedures, responsibilities and rights, and rules and restrictions is to ensure successful completion of the National Convention through cordial discussions among the delegates. I am sure you delegates understand that point. I would also like to brief you on the arrangements for your comfort and convenience.

While the National Convention was adjourned, the hostels were renovated. Necessary measures are being taken for ensuring hygienic meals for you. Meals are prepared only after proper arrangements. And special arrangements are made for the convenience of all the delegates with various faiths and those delegates who are vegetarians.

Necessary arrangements have been made for you delegates to take physical exercises. So, you can take a walk or jogging, or you can play badminton, table tennis, body building in the gymnasium or golf in the golf course in the morning and afternoon. In addition, a hospital is opened with specialists and enough medicines and medical equipment to provide health care for you. And preparations are made for you delegates to receive medical treatment in the hospital if needed.

For rest and recreation, TV sets are installed and daily newspapers and journals provided to each hostel. Mover, book shops and book rental shops are opened. Entertainment of music bands, Anyeint, variety concert and film show are to be staged.

Besides, you can get items you want at Win Thuzar shop and GEC shop. Barber shop, beauty parlour, laundry and optical shop are open. Transport services are provided and post office, auto exchange and Fax office are also open for your convenience.
Now, the government is implementing the seven-step Road Map in its drive to transform the nation into a modern and developed democratic one with flourishing discipline. In the process, the National Convention is the first and the most important stage. It is also important and to be put on record. Now, the delegates representing the people from all walks of life across the nation are holding discussions, giving advice and making suggestions at the National Convention with nationalist fervour and Union Spirit as a national duty.

At this time, attempts were made to put Myanmar on the agenda of the UN Security Council by the internal axe-handlers who want to seize power in a short-cut way in collaboration with the US that want to install a puppet government. They also interfered in Myanmar affairs in order to undermine the National Convention. Therefore, the people, NGOs, armed groups that returned to the legal fold opposed and protest their stance on the US, expatriates and internal axe-handlers by issuing the declaration.

The National Convention represents the entire national races and it is the main organization responsible for success of the National Convention, the emergence of the constitution and restoration of discipline-flourishing democracy. So the delegates said they wanted to oppose and protest the US and its axe-handlers. In spite of their hindrance to the National Convention, the Convention will continue to be held until it succeeds. They demanded that the National Convention Special Meeting be held to express their attitudes. In accord with the desire of the delegates, the National Convention Special Meeting will be held after the morning session of the National Convention.

Internal and external destructive elements using the UNSC as a tool try to interfere Myanmar affairs and they are plotting to destabilize the country and plan to committee terrorist acts and to cause hardships and public unrest. Security measures for the delegates are being taken in all seriousness.

I would like to present some security measures relating to the delegates. (1) Each vehicle and person entering or getting out of the compound are searched for something suspicious at the gates. (2) Vehicles carrying meat, fish and vegetables and other items for preparing meals for you delegates are under thorough inspection at the gates and they are allowed to enter the compound only if the items are suitable for consumption. (3) Only permitted vehicles and persons are allowed to enter the compound. (4) Visitors of delegates are not allowed to get to the hostels, and if necessary, it is required to report to the National Convention Management Committee and then the committee will have to deal with it. (5) Employees, private shopkeepers and workers who work in Nyaunghnapin Camp are given identity cards and only identity card holders are allowed to live and work in the compound. (6) No one except security staff is not allowed to hold arms in the compound of Nyaunghnapin Camp. (7) No delegate is allowed to bring any handbags into the convention hall or group-wise meeting halls. Necessary items such as documents and medicines are to be brought as they are. These restrictions are indeed necessary for the security of you delegates. I believe you delegates understand that these security measures are taken for ensuring successful completion of the National Convention and in your interests.

If there is something you want to know more, you may make inquiries at any time. And I pledge if there is a problem relating to your stay, health, meal and personal affairs, you should inform us, and we responsible officials will take care of your problems as far as we can. In conclusion, I wish you a success in your efforts to give advice and make suggestions to adopt detailed basic principles for formulating an enduring State constitution in the interest of the nation and the people, throughout your stay here.

Delegates to the National Convention dissatisfied with the act of US putting Myanmar on the agenda of UNSC

Yangon, 10 Oct— The following is the speech delivered by U Maung Hla (a) U Hla Myint of Delegate Group of National Races.

The National Convention is being convened with six objectives. The top three objectives are Our Three Main National Causes — non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and consolidation and perpetuation of sovere-ignty. To build the modern, developed and discipline-flourishing-democratic nation, the State Peace and Development Council has taken measures to ensure law and order and to gain stability in the country and to broaden the horizons of people. Therefore, the nation is witnessing the rapid development and necessary infrastructures for building the future democratic nation have been laid down. After that, the Seven-Step Road Map was laid down. They are :

1st Step — Reconvening of the National Convention that had been adjourned since 1996;

2nd Step — After the successful holding of the National Convention, step-by-step implementation of the process necessary for the emergence of a genuine and disciplined democratic system;

3rd Step — Drafting the Constitution in accordance with the basic principles and detailed basic principles laid down by the National Convention;

4th Step — Adoption of the Constitution through national referendum;

5th Step — Holding of free and fair elections for Hluttaws (Legislative bodies) according to the new Constitution;

6th Step — Convening of Hluttaws attended by Hluttaw members in accordance with the new Constitution; and

7th Step — Building a modern, developed and democratic nation by the State leaders elected by the Hluttaw; and the government and other central organs formed by the Hluttaw.

The National Convention, the first step of the Seven-Step Road Map, has resumed. However, attempts are being made to jeopardize the National Convention.

Unprecedented progress has been made in an effort to restore peace and stability and bring about national solidarity and development in the time of the State Peace and Development Council Government. However, internal and external destructive elements holding negative views have been plotting to impede the National Convention, resorting to various ways and means.

Turning a blind eye to the prevailing situation they are manufacturing fabri-cations with a view to tarnishing the image of the nation and the people. Besides, to interfere in the internal affairs of Myanmar the US is plotting to impede the National Convention which is being convened for transition to discipline-flourishing democracy in addition to attempting to put Myanmar on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council using the UN as a tool. In this regard, a decision was made by a group led by the US on 1 September to put Myanmar on the agenda of the UNSC accusing the nation of posing a threat to regional stability. Friendly countries which know the prevailing situations of Myanmar did not accept the act of using the UNSC as a machinery by a certain nation and they firmly stood by Myanmar.

At the National Convention being convened there are delegates from all walks of life as well as a variety of national races who have been residing in the Union through thick and thin.

Those delegates to the National Convention representing the entire national people are dissatisfied with the act of US putting Myanmar on the agenda of the UNSC and called for holding of a National Convention special plenary meeting to denounce the act of the US. After making a detailed assessment of the demand, the Panel of Alternate Chairmen has to hold the special meeting. In conclusion, I would like to urge all the delegates to openly express their genuine wishes at the meeting.

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