Junta scraps ceasefire groups' demands

Politics

Junta scraps ceasefire groups' demands

According to a solid source in Rangoon, Burma's ceasefire groups were told yesterday their demands made more than a week earlier would not be considered by the National Convention Convening Commission.

Representatives from the six ceasefire groups namely, Kachin Independence Organization, New Mon State Party, Shan State Army "North", Shan State National Army, Palaung State Liberation Organization and Kayan NewLand Party, who were summoned by the National Convention Convening Work Committee, headed by Chief Justice U Aung Toe, were informed that consideration of the content of their 11 May letter was not within the parameters of the National Convention Convening Commission's authority, said the source who was in contact with the delegates inside the Nyaunghnapin camp, 29 miles from Rangoon's Sule Pagoda and off-limits to outsiders.

The grouping's 7-point demands that were publicized on 13 May include reviewing of the military leadership's declared sixth objective: participation of the military in the leading role of national politics together with the 104 constitutional principles that would give unlimited powers to the military, both constituting a thorn in the flesh for the opposition in general. (Re: Ceasefire groups position supported by Wa, S.H.A.N., 14 May 2004)

"Before the National Convention, we were told if we wanted to discuss politics, this was just the right place and that the composition of the NCCC had changed to incorporate new people who would be sympathetic to our presentations," the source quoted a delegate as saying. "We wouldn't have come in the first place, had it been known to us all we have to do is to listen to their prepared speeches day in and day out."

The ceasefire groups were also disappointed they were not allowed to leave the convention grounds during the weekend to consult with their own organizations. "They were advised by the NCCWC to hold group-wise' meetings on Saturday," reported the source.

The delegates have been broken down into 8 different categories called groups: political parties, representatives-elect, national races, peasants, workers, intellectuals/intelligentsia, state service personnel and other invited guests. Representatives from the armed groups that had concluded truce pacts with Rangoon are grouped together in the last category. (Re: Convention held to gain fellow culprits, says exiled MP, S.H.A.N., 19 May 2004)

According to the source, the question of members of each ceasefire group going to the Nyaunghnapin Camp was also unthinkable without going through a lot of bureaucratic hurdles. "We tried to go in during the last week," he said. "The venue is six miles off the main road between Htaukkyant and Hlegu. But after 3 miles in, we were turned back by a checkpoint there."

Sources were unsure how much longer the Convention will last. "And this is only the first in the 7-stage roadmap," he reminded S.H.A.N.. "But at least everybody understands a convention is a meeting. However, with the second stage, nobody has any idea what it is."

According to Myanmar Times, 1- 7 September 2003, the second stage involves "Taking the necessary steps to establish a democracy after the National Convention is concluded."

"There has been no explanation what these 'necessary steps' will entail," he said.

The remaining stages of the roadmap, announced by Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt on 30 August, are drafting the constitution in accordance with the principles laid down by the National Convention, holding a referendum to approve the draft, elections, convening the parliament and establishing the new government.