Non-Burmans hold last-ditch meetings

Politics

Non-Burmans hold last-ditch meetings

A joint statement due sometime today

Hkun Htun Oo

S.H.A.N.'s source from Rangoon forewarned this morning to look forward to a joint declaration made by Burma's main ceasefire groups sometime today.

"It is expected to be released after their meeting with Gen Khin Nyunt that has been scheduled for today," he said.

The 7 point draft statement includes, among others, the call for the annulment of the 104 constitutional principles, which, if re-adopted, would legitimize the military's supremacy over the people, and the repeal of the law No. 5/96 which provides for the imprisonment of any person up to 20 years or the banning of an organization that makes statements "to undermine, belittle and make people misunderstand the functions being carried out by the National Convention," according to the critics.

The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy of Hkun Htun Oo has also been busy holding last-minute meetings since 7 May, he said.

7 May - with NLD head office, where U Aung Shwe, its chairman, reassured Sai Nyunt Lwin, the SNLD's Secretary, that no decision would be taken without first consulting the ethnic nationalities.
9 May - with foreign diplomats
11 May - with the United Nationalities Alliance member parties

No details for the latter two meetings were provided. Another meeting had been scheduled for today, he added.

According to sources, tomorrow, 14 May, has been designated by military authorities as the final day to notify the decision of the political parties and elected representatives whether or not they would participate in the National Convention, due to begin on Monday, 17 May.