Convention to take a break soon

Politics

Convention to take a break soon

The military-organized National Convention to lay down principles for the new constitution is expected to adjourn during the forthcoming week, according to a delegate from Shan State.

"Many of us are betting it'll be on 9 July, being the generals' auspicious number," said the delegate. "Organizers have already asked the attendees to notify them how they would like to leave for home: by plane, car, ship or train, so they could make advanced bookings for them"

The convention that resumed on 17 May after an 8-year "vacation" has now entered its 8th week.

According to the delegate, altogether 11-papers were presented by the Other invited Delegates group. "It took us 14 sessions to put all of them together as a single paper", he said.

The delegates were informed the next meeting of the National Convention would be in a month or two. "No precise date has been given so far," he told S.H.A.N..

Asked what the delegates thought about Foreign Minister Win Aung telling his Asean counterparts Aung San Suu Kyi would be allowed to run in future elections, he declared, "His words were merely for those who want to believe them."

The junta's critics have denounced the National Convention as a feeble attempt to legitimize its rule.