NLD and national convention

[burma1un@xxxxxxxxxxx]

NLD And The National Convention:

Associated Press on June 24 reported on a commentary in three Burmese
newspapers.  AP said, "a resolution passed last month by the democracy
party's executive committee called for it to rejoin the national
convention and to conclude the convention honorably." AP, however, said
it was unclear whether the party had formally asked to rejoin the
national convention because Suu Kyi and party leaders could not be
reached for comment because the military regime has cut their phone
lines.

The commentary totally contradicts the publicly declared position of the
NLD with regard to the national convention. Only last month, on May 27
-- the seventh anniversary of the general elections in Burma - NLD
clarified its position on the national convention. The party said, "With
a sincere intention to achieve national reconciliation, the NLD
participated in the national convention for three years.  During this
period, the NLD joined in the discussions and dedicated itself to
presenting before the convention fundamental principles that should be
incorporated into the constitution so that a truly democratic Union will
emerge in accordance with the aspirations of the people. However, the
action taken by the National Convention Convening Commission and
decisions made at the national convention in response to the NLD
suggestions were not in accordance with regulations and procedures
agreed upon at the preparatory meeting for the convening of the national
convention.

"The NLD therefore informed the chairman of the National Convention
Convening Committee that it wishes to hold talks so that:

(a) national reconciliation 
(b) a multi-party democratic Union, and 
(c) a State Constitution that is accepted in confidence by the majority
of the people will emerge from the national convention. 

The NLD also informed the Chairman that its delegates will not continue
to participate in the convention and will wait until a dialogue takes
place successfully. Since then and until today, the NLD has not attended
the convention and has been waiting."

Paragraph (16) of the declaration also said, "political and economic
problems of Burma cannot be resolved in the way that various levels of
authorities have imposed restriction and persecution against members of
the NLD. A new modern and developed democratic union can only be built,
within the short period, by the participation and cooperation of the
people in the atmosphere of general harmony and national reconciliation.

The NLD believes that a political dialogue with good intentions that are
based on the principles of not having a grudge with each other and
taking interest only for the sake of the entire people is the only way
to bring about the well being of the State and its citizens. 

Paragraph (17) of the declaration said that "on the occasion of the 7th
anniversary of multiparty general elections in Burma, the NLD declared
that it will always welcome political dialogue based on the principles
of (a) sincerity and mutual respect (b) national reconciliation (c)
orientation to general harmony without having personal grudge."