Convention chair begs his way to "victory"

Politics

Convention chair begs his way to "victory"

The 13 ceasefire groups that had jointly submitted a paper finally "decided to give in" and "change the wordings" in their proposal, following a two-day meeting with U Aung Toe, Chairman of National Convention Convening Work Committee, who "almost went down to his knees" to reconsider their demands, according to delegates from Shan State.

"He repeatedly said, 'I beg of you to rewrite it' citing the Convention would drag on endlessly if we refused to heed his words," a delegate recounted. "Now and then, he acted as if he would suddenly break down and cry his heart out. It was a clear stand-off the first day. But we decided to give in after he promised that our objections would be put on record."

The claims in question include that the states have legislative power and that all residual powers rest with the states, among others, said another delegate. As for more details, they simply said, "The rest will follow after 9 July," when the Convention is expected to adjourn.

The delegates denied they had agreed to withdraw the 7-demands that were opposed by the Convention's organizers.

"They were only rewritten, not withdrawn," insisted one.

Asked whether they had made the right decision in revising their proposal, one admitted," I don't know. I guess that's for future history to decide. But, if there is anybody who doesn't see eye to eye with us, please remember that none of us here is an elected representative."

The majority of representatives elected in 1990 had chosen to stay out of the National Convention that resumed on 17 May after an 8-year hiatus.

The National Convention Convening Work Committee, chaired by Chief Justice U Aung Toe, is subsidiary to the National Convention Convening Commission, chaired by Lt-Gen Thein Sein.