I dont think it is a very nice way to handle the issue. It appeared to me
that Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan bulldozed Mr Ibrahim Agboola Gambari into
listening
like a subordinate simply gave him a good talking in the form of a one way
traffic and invited no comments. The national convention was not handled
the
right way. It comprised of the junta's "yes men". How nice it would be if
the delegated were chosen by the party sending their delegates; members
representing the farmers chosen by the famers, members of the
intellectuals
chosen by a group of intellectuals, members from the ethnic minorities
chosen by the ethnic minorities, members for the NUP chosen by the NUP
party, members by the people chosen by a good cross section of the people.
members of the NLD chosen by the NLD party , etc... The delegates should
not
have been hand picked by the junta. That is not right. In the early stages
of the convention when the NLD members were included, the junta appointed
chairman was actually bulldozing the delegated into acceptance and
objected
unreasonably when NLD and others objected to such treatment. A comprises
should have been discussed and reached and accepted by all unanimously. .
But that was not the case. Non of the delegated were allowed to discuss
the
proceeding with the people they are suppose to representative. How then
can
one get feed back from the people. After all it is the people's convention
-
not a hand full of yesmen's. Then Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan tell Gambari what he
should do and how he should handle the situation and then asked him to
accept all what the junta has pushed down his throat ???. The discussion
itself appeared to be very undemocratic and unacceptable. The convention
should have been fixed up up front - not rely on what will be discussed
in
the parliament later; that would be tooo late. Several of the demands made
in the constitution is democratically unacceptable by the people. The
junta
does not care to find out why it is unacceptable but just continues the
push
it down the people's throat for the benefit and safeguard of the generals
and the continued rule of the military junta. That is sooo wrong.
"Tide" <tide_rain@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:95a21016-cca5-4ef5-9d7f-0c374c447e0a@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
read and it is a very nice way to handle the issue.
Good on you!
Tide
On Mar 7, 7:52 pm, U Myint Lwin <umyintlwin2...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> The New Light of Myanmar, 9-Mar-2008
>
> SPDC Spoke Authoritative Team meets Special Adviser to UN Secretary-
> General
>
> Sup****ting criticisms and economic sanctions instead of providing
> assistance means hindering and disrupting efforts to achieve goal of
> democracy
>
> Trying to frame a pattern desired by western countries may undermine
> task of offering impartial advice
>
> NAY PYI TAW, 7 March -- The Spoke Authoritative Team of the State Peace
> and Development Council and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General
> of the United Nations Mr Ibrahim Agboola Gambari held a meeting at the
> Guest House of National Defence College, in Yangon, at 9.45 am today.
>
> Present at the meeting were Leader of the Spoke Authoritative Team of
> the SPDC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, members Minister
> for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin
> Aung Myint.
>
> At the meeting, Leader of the Spoke Authoritative Team of the SPDC
> Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan explained matters related
> to Myanmar affairs to Special Adviser to the Secretary- General of the
> United Nations Mr Ibrahim Agboola Gambari.
>
> The clarification of Leader of the Spoke Authoritative Team of the
> SPDC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan is as follows:-
>
> Good morning, Your Excellency. At the outset, I would like to say that
> Your Excellency and delegation members are warmly welcomed and I am
> very glad to meet you again. Originally, Your Excellency's visit was
> arranged to be in April. However, in response to UN Secretary-
> General's coordination, the visit was brought forward to this early
> March.
>
> We have made arrangements for Your Excellency to meet those have been
> asked to meet during the visit. Your Excellency have yesterday met
> with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions,
> representatives of UN agencies and ICRC. Today, after meeting with us,
> it has been arranged for Your Excellency to meet with the Commission
> for Holding Referendum. It is also arranged for Your Excellency to
> meet with the persons worthy to be met in the following days.
>
> As you may be aware, our team is the Spokes Authoritative Team of the
> State Peace and Development Council. We would like to express at the
> beginning that Your Excellency can discuss with us frankly and
> comprehensively.
>
> Before your visit, Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki Moon sent a letter
> dated 19th February to our Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. The
> letter stated that the UNSG recognized the constructive developments
> of Myanmar after your two visits as well as the announcements to hold
> National Referendum in May and multi-party democracy general elections
> in 2010 as they are the timeframe of the seven-step Roadmap. We would
> like to express thanks to the UNSG for welcoming and recognizing them.
> Moreover, the UNSG's letter urged to discuss five points on our
> country.
>
> Regarding these five points, I would like to explain first our stance
> and what we do. The first point is for regularization of engagement
> including Your Excellency's regular trip to Myanmar and flexibility of
> programme during the trip as well as for allowing a staff member of
> your office to base in Myanmar. We have discussed this matter during
> your previous trips. If Your Excellency propose a trip, we will allow
> it but it will be depending on the availability of the responsible
> officials. As regards the flexibility of the trip agenda, arrangements
> have been made for you to meet conveniently with persons, parties and
> organizations who should be met out of those you asked for to meet.
> Regarding the matter to allow a staff member of your office to be
> based in Yangon, you have already known that many UN agencies have
> their resident offices here and appointed resident representatives in
> Myanmar. Through these UN agencies and staff, you can contact with us
> easily. Likewise, direct contacts can also be made with the Ministry
> of Foreign Affairs. Hence, we assume that there is no need to let your
> staff member to be based in Yangon.
>
> The second point mentioned in Mr Ban Ki Moon's letter is to ensure all
> inclusiveness in constitution drafting process. As Your Excellency
> have known, the Constitution has already been drafted and it should
> not be amended again. The majority of the people do not demand to
> amend it. However, Fundamental Principles and detailed basic
> principles for formulating the Constitution were adopted at the
> National Convention which was convened with the most extensive
> participation of delegates representing the entire people. It was very
> much inclusive that before holding of the National Convention, a
> coordination meeting was held with representatives-elect from
> political parties including NLD and individuals.
>
> With the consent of all, the National Convention commenced in the year
> 1993. It was participated by delegates from 8 delegate groups
> representing all m***** and cl***** such as delegates of political
> parties including NLD, representatives-elect, delegates of national
> races, delegates of peasants, delegates of workers, delegates of
> intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of service personnel and
> other invited persons. However, NLD did not accept the essence of
> democracy to give priority to the majority's consent and it walked out
> of the National Convention in November 1995. But, the remaining
> delegates continued to attend the National Convention which was
> tem****arily adjourned in 1996. In fact, NLD had got the right to
> submit, discuss and coordinate its stance and views and it
> participated till 104 Fundamental Principles and some of the detailed
> basic principles for formulating the State Constitution were adopted.
>
> Moreover, when the National Convention resumed in 2004, NLD was
> invited again. However, it did not participate of its own volition and
> deviated from the national political path. I would explain with facts
> and figures to Your Excellency how extensively the people's desire are
> inclusive in the National Convention. In the NC sessions during the
> period from1993 to 1996, there were 702 delegates and out of them over
> 200 were delegates of national races. The ratio of national race
> delegates to town****ps stands at least one delegate from one town****p
> and most of the town****ps have two delegates who attended the National
> Convention. So, in the NC sessions from 2004 to 2007, altogether 1,080
> delegates participated in the NC and of them, the number of delegates
> of national races amounted to 635. In ratio to 325 town****ps, at least
> one or two delegates represent each town****p in the country. You can
> see how extensively and comprehensively the principles reflect the
> people's desire.
>
> So far, based on the Fundamental Principles and detailed basic
> principles, the State Constitution has been drafted. It will be
> approved through National Referendum in coming May. As regards the
> draft Constitution, there are objections and accusations by internal
> and external anti-government groups including NLD. According to the
> democratic practice, it is impossible and inappropriate to discuss and
> coordinate again with all including NLD after the consensus have been
> gained through discussions and coordinations amidst contradictions.
> Yet, the Constitution draft is to be approved by the National
> Referendum. Those who agree with the draft and those who object it can
> vote freely at the referendum in accordance with law.
>
> When the Constitution has been approved, those in favour of it or
> those against it will have rights to establish political parties,
> organize and enter elections in accordance with laws concerned at
> appropriate time. When the representatives are elected at the
> multiparty democracy general elections by people's vote, they can
> participate as Hluttaw representatives. They will have the rights to
> discuss and coordinate political, economic and social affairs of the
> nation at the Hluttaw. There cannot be anymore all-inclusiveness in
> this process.
>
> Moreover, anti-government groups within and outside the country have
> constantly been accusing that the Road Map is lacking time-frame and
> it is being delayed. They also argued that the National Convention,
> the first step of the Road Map, lasted for 14 years and some said they
> could no longer wait for another 14 years for the next step. Now, the
> Government has announced time frame to hold Referendum in May and
> general elections in 2010. Then, they criticize that we are in a hurry
> and lack honesty and transparency.
>
> However much we tried our best, they are not optimistic. So we can
> clearly know their actual motives. I have time and again explained the
> matter regarding transparency how coordinations were made with all
> parties including NLD before the National Convention; how over 1,000
> delegates of national races and all walks of life attended it; and how
> principles were adopted by gaining consensus through thorough
> discussions and coordinations. When the National Convention was in
> session, diplomats, military attaches and foreign correspondents were
> invited to observe it occasionally. The discussions and decisions made
> at the National Convention were broadcast through radio, television
> and inserted in daily papers. The Fundamental Principles and detailed
> basic principles for formulating the State Constitution were also
> inserted chapter-wise in the daily newspapers. The principles are also
> published in book form for extensively enabling the public to study
> them. In addition, the Draft Constitution will also be published soon
> for the public.
>
> The third point is to have a credible, timeframe and all inclusive
> discussion between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi including
> possible sup****t by the United Nations. In this regard, the National
> Convention is the most credible and all inclusive political
> discussion. Now, discussions between Minister for Relations U Aung Kyi
> and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi are under way in accord with your advice. The
> Government issued Announcement No 1/2007 asking Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
> to declare the giving up of her policies of Confrontation, Utter
> Devastation, and Demanding Four kinds of Sanctions including economic
> sanction. The announcement further stated that if she declares so, the
> Head of State himself will meet her. That announcement is the basis of
> all existing situations today. The Government opens the door for 'Win-
> Win' situation. However, NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi replied that she
> did not demand for imposing the four kinds of sanctions and thus she
> could not declare.
>
> Actually, we have ample evidence of what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi spoke,
> wrote and asked to have international help for imposing the four
> sanctions. These facts are known to Myanmar people as well as the
> international community. The denial shows that NLD and Daw Aung San
> Suu Kyi will stick to the sanction weapon if their demands are not
> met. Therefore, it can be seen that although we have opened the door
> for 'win-win' situation, NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi are refusing to
> join hands. The fourth point is to lift restrictions against Daw Aung
> San Suu Kyi and to release her and other political prisoners. In fact,
> there are no political prisoners in Myanmar. There are only those who
> have been punished according to law for violating law. Of them,
> however, those who should be or can be pardoned were released by the
> Government in consideration of your Excellency's request. Hence, it is
> reaffirmed that the existing prisoners are not political prisoners but
> those serving sentences for violating law.
>
> Regarding the matter of lifting restrictions against Daw Aung San Suu
> Kyi, she was restricted at home for the first time as her political
> defiance stance posed danger to the State. During the restricted
> period, mutual understanding was built up and the first restriction
> was lifted. However, the next day the restriction was lifted, Daw Aung
> San Suu Kyi held a press conference and stuck to confrontation and
> utter devastation policies by shouting that the Government had to
> choose either dialogue or utter devastation. Consequently, she
> slandered the National Convention and asked NLD to walk out of the
> National Convention. Moreover, she demanded for summoning Hluttaw
> using it as an attack and attempted to convence Hluttaw by herself.
> Finally as her activities posed a grave danger and became
> uncontrollable, she was restricted for the second time.
>
> During the second restriction, the party led by the Head of State met
> and discussed with her for four times and the group comprising
> ministers for 20 times. Then, with some mutual agreements, the
> restriction was lifted. She was shown round the achievements in nation
> building works. At the beginning, she stood properly as agreed but
> later she tried to turn back to the former old track. Showing the
> reason of party organizational works, she meddled in things at the
> places she arrived and there took place riots against the local
> populace. Hence, she was restricted for the third time. As today is a
> very crucial turning point in democratization, stability of the State
> is essentially required. Moreover, we assume that there are three main
> requisites which are reasonable and reflecting the desire of the
> entire people. The first is that every person wants to see the
> development of the nation together with the uplift of socio-economic
> life respectively. The second is that today's people do not want to
> live with strikes, violence and turmoil.
>
> They want to live in peaceful and secure life. The third desire is to
> earn livelihood freely in accordance with law. The people want to
> achieve progress of life by grabbing op****tunities available under the
> shade of law. So, peace and stability essentially required for the
> country and aspired by the people cannot be harmed. Hence, the
> Government issued Announcement No 1/2007 to pave the way for bringing
> about the best outcome. I would like to reaffirm that the Announcement
> No 1/2007 is the basic for all the situations. The fifth and last
> point is to establish inclusive National Economic Forum for addressing
> economic and social affairs, and cooperative mechanism for
> humanitarian assistance sector with the assistance of UN. Regarding
> this I have clarified during your previous visits. We appreciate your
> wish to give assistance. But, the main cause for encountering
> obstacles and hard****ps in our development endeavours is various
> sanctions imposed against our country. If Your Excellency help to lift
> economic sanctions, aid, loan sanctions, etc, it might be more
> effective than the Economic Forum you proposed. Giving assistance for
> poverty reduction while imposing sanctions will never produce right
> solution.
>
> I would also like to brief political endeavours and developments of
> the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) Government. I have clarified
> comprehensively during your previous trips. Your Excellency have
> generally understood, we hope. At present, the State Constitution has
> been drafted completely on 19-2-2008 based on the Fundamental
> principles and detailed basic principles adopted by the National
> Convention. Commission for Holding Referendum has been formed for
> holding referendum in May. The Referendum Law and rules have already
> been promulgated. The process is in progress according to the laws and
> rules concerned for convening free and fair referendum. In holding the
> referendum, and the multi-party democracy general elections as well as
> implementing the remaining steps, all have the equal right to
> participate either they are sup****ters or antagonists to the
> Government. The multi-party democracy adopted by the National
> Convention will successfully be brought about within the two years'
> period. When there emerges Hluttaw, discussion and coordination on
> affairs of the nation can be made at Hluttaw which is much inclusive
> than tripartite discussion.
>
> The draft Constitution to be approved by ref-erendum soon is based on
> actual conditions of the country. If democracy is brought about beyond
> the actual conditions blindly, it will result in disadvantages than
> advantages. If one reviews the draft Constitution, one can see that
> rights for individuals as well as national races are provided in this
> draft constitution much more than in the previous Constitutions.
> Regarding the citizens, rights for citizens and responsibilities,
> there were 23 such articles in the 1947 Constitution and 26 articles
> in the 1974 Constitution. Now, there are 50 such articles in this
> draft constitution. Thus, original rights for citizens are provided
> more extensively in this draft. As there were weaknesses and loopholes
> as regards rights for national races in the previous Constitutions,
> there emerged internal insurgencies and the nation lagged behind in
> development. Hence, in adopting basic principles now, the rights for
> national races are provided to the most possible extent according to
> the prevailing conditions. The 1947 Constitution provided States for
> only four national races namely Kachin, Kayah, Kayin and Shan. The
> 1974 Constitution provided three more States for Chin, Mon and
> Rakhine. In addition to seven States, the constitution draft now
> provides one Self-Administered Division and 5 Self-Administered Zones.
> Moreover, national races can form Region/State Hluttaws; Region/State
> Governments; and Region/State High Courts to deal with their own
> affairs. Similarly, Self-Administered Division and Self-Administered
> Zones can exercise legislative and administrative powers by forming
> respective SAD/SAZ leading bodies.
>
> In addition, the national race whose population exceeds 0.1 per cent
> of the total population of the entire nation and without having Region/
> State or SAD/ SAZ can send a representative to participate in Region/
> State Hluttaw concerned for legislation. Likewise, that representative
> can participate in Region/State Government concerned as minister for
> minorities. The national race whose population is more than 10,000
> residing in SAD or SAZ can have a seat in respective SAD/SAZ leading
> bodies. Moreover, the constitution will not remain unchanged for ever.
> The democratic rights of the countries where democracy has flourished
> are different from the democratic rights when they started to practice
> democracy. It took time for these countries to make their democratic
> rights mature to the present level. We also will change and develop
> gradually. The more developed a nation with economic growth and the
> more mature the people who practice democracy, the better
> op****tunities the people of the nation will enjoy democratic rights.
> So, the Chapter "Amendment of the Constitution" is prescribed in the
> constitution. In accordance with these provisions, Members of the
> Hluttaws have the rights to make amendments to the constitution, as
> necessary at the future Hluttaws. So, it is vividly clear that today,
> this constitution is the best and the most suitable for our country
> and our people. We have to make ongoing efforts on the basis of this
> constitution to transform our country into democratic people's
> administrative mechanism steadfastly. Regarding the process of drawing
> a constitution, I would like to present you some points about
> Thailand's drafting of its 17th constitution.
>
> Thai National Security Council firstly selected 2,000 persons for the
> conference to draft a constitution. The 2,000 persons had to elect 200
> from among themselves and the list of the elected 200 persons was
> submitted to the National Security Council. And the National Security
> Council selected and appointed 100 of them as representatives to a
> conference for drafting a constitution. Then, the 100-member
> conference for drafting the constitution had to elect 25 outsiders as
> members for the committee for drafting the constitution, and the
> National Security Council had to select 10 members. And they were not
> to be the ones who were in the member****p of a political party in last
> two years. The 35-member committee for drafting the constitution
> drafted and submitted the draft to the conference for drafting the
> constitution. In our country, more than 1000 people's representatives
> took part in the process of adopting the principles. And based on the
> principles, the 54-member commission for drafting the constitution
> drafted the constitution. So, there is a great difference between the
> two countries in taking time, holding discussions, and mobilizing
> representatives from the four corners of the country.
>
> In Thailand, the upper chamber is made up of 150 representatives.
> Among them, a representative was elected from each of the 76
> provinces. The commission for holding elections had to select and
> appoint 74 seats from intellectuals and intelligentsia, State service
> personnel and eminent persons from the private sector. Twenty-five
> percent of our Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives will be directly
> appointed Tatmadaw member representatives, whereas directly-appointed
> representatives make up nearly 50 percent in their country.
>
> Now, Thai people have approved and started to practise the
> constitution of Thailand. But, none of the candidates of PPP Party and
> the opposition democrat party had the right to participate in the
> process. To make it clearer, in Iraq, ****ite militants who opposed the
> US, and Sunni militants who had links with Al Qaeda had no right to
> participate in the process of drafting a constitution. Similarly, in
> Afghanistan, Talebans had no right to draft the constitution. We
> haven't heard any objection to these events by those persons and
> organizations who are objecting us. But in drafting the constitution
> in our country, many are criticizing and pointing out that certain
> persons were not among the representatives in the process. It is not
> reasonable.
>
> Consequently I would like to affirm that Myanmar's today situation do
> not pose any threat to regional peace and stability let alone global
> peace and stability. It is agreed upon by ASEAN countries, Non-
> Aligned Movement member countries and neighbouring countries. In fact,
> the situations today in some countries are very bad and posing a great
> threat to regional and international peace and stability. It can be
> seen that the situations in those countries are much worse than the
> situation of our country. However, all round pressures are being put
> on our country's internal affairs which are not as bad as these
> international issues.
>
> It is not fair. The United Nations should stand fair and square
> without bias. So, you should extend a helping hand to the democratic
> process we are carrying out in accordance with the prevailing
> conditions of the nation and the people. If so, we will achieve the
> goal of democracy earlier than expected, as aspired by Myanmar people,
> the UN, the international community and anti-government groups.
> Sup****ting the criticisms and economic sanctions instead of providing
> assistance means hindering and disrupting our efforts to achieve the
> goal of democracy. So, you are kindly requested to understand these
> conditions and stand on the right side. Furthermore, I would like to
> suggest NLD and its associates through you to join us in implementing
> the seven-step Road Map and to take new steps to stand for election in
> accordance with the policies and laws for democracy practice.
> Consequently, I would like to clarify about the demands of NLD. Now,
> NLD is opposing the government through the strategy of holding on the
> 1990 election results and the demand for a dialogue.
>
> Regarding the demand for a dialogue, the government's Announcement No
> 1/2007 I have presented is the basis of all the conditions and
> achievement of a dialogue. So, I will not explain it any more.
> However, I would like to explain briefly about the 1990 election
> results. In 1990, Myanmar's population was just 42 million, and the
> number of the people eligible for voting was just over 20 million.
> Over 15 million people voted in the elections and NLD representatives
> won more than seven million votes. So, it is found that NLD won 30 per
> cent of the eligible voters. Although NLD won in the majority of
> constituencies, it did not won with sup****t of the majority of the
> people. In reviewing the representatives-elect, it is found that NLD
> won 392 of the 485 constituencies. Of the 392 representatives, 312
> persons are no longer representatives- elect as some of them have
> become independent representatives- elect, have died, have resigned,
> are no longer qualified, are serving prison terms for violating
> existing laws for various reasons. So, the number of the remaining NLD
> representatives elect is 80. Today, the remaining representatives-
> elect of NLD, other political parties and independent representatives-
> elect is only 120 which is over 24 per cent of the total number of
> representatives- elect.
>
> In view of the international norms, a Hluttaw session can be held only
> when at least one-third of Members of the Parliament call for. In the
> 1974 constitution says, "The Council of State shall convene a session
> of the Pyithu Hluttaw as soon as possible if 34 per cent of the total
> number of Hluttaw representatives call for". So, the demand of 80
> representativeselect of NLD for summoning Hluttaw is in no way
> conformity with international norms. And the tenure of a Hluttaw is
> minimum 4 years and maximum 5 years. Hence, time has passed so much
> and thus it is against the time limitation. Today, the people's
> educational qualification, knowledge and concept have improved much if
> compared with those in 1990. The infants in the cradle then have now
> turned 18 and have come of age to vote. So, it is not logical for NLD
> to demand by referring the election result of 18 years ago. I would
> like to suggest through you that NLD give up such unreasonable and
> impossible demands.
>
> Now, I would like to discuss the role of the UN and your role. I am
> glad to know that the UN Secretary-General and you welcomed and
> recognized the progress of our nation's democratization processes. The
> majority of the people believe and hope that the Secretary-General's
> good offices will be able to contribute to in the processes for
> progress. Therefore, I would like to present some points about
> cooperation. For the fourth time, you visited Myanmar, we showed our
> seriousness in the UNSG and Your Excellency as well as our willingness
> to cooperate by appointing U Aung Kyi as Minister for Relations to
> discuss with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, lifting curfew, releasing prisoners
> and making arrangements for you to meet individuals, parties and
> organizations you wish. In addition, the prevailing conditions and
> current situations of Myanmar were also clarified. We also explained
> to you the September protests that took place due to the instigation
> of the antigovernment groups.
>
> Moreover, we arranged trips for you to witness the situations that
> last September, few town****ps such as Yangon and Mandalay saw protests
> of a small number of people and monks, and the remaining parts of the
> nation was stable and peaceful; the majority of the people did not
> favour riots and were pleased wit present conditions; and stability,
> development and peace in border areas of national races. In addition,
> we made arrangements for you to witness the sup****t of the majority of
> the people for successful completion of the National Convention. We
> also informed you the Fundamental Principles and detailed basic
> principles adopted at the National Convention. We made the
> arrangements to enable Your Excellency, the Special Envoy of UNSG, to
> know and understand the points being claimed by a handful of anti-
> government groups, prevailing situations of the nation, and the
> stances of the majority of the people. I believe that you would *****s
> the situations and stand on the correct side without any bias.
> But the actual result was not like that. When you arrived in Singa****e
> after leaving Myanmar, you, on behalf of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, issued
> a statement concerning her stance. We have nothing to say about Daw
> Aung San Suu Kyi's act to unilaterally violate the original mutual
> agreement first without any consideration. But we are very astonished
> and dismayed for your involvement in this matter. We have been dealing
> in good faith with you as a mediator, a special envoy of the UN
> Secretary- General. Sadly, you went beyond your mandate. Hence, the
> majority of people are criticizing it as a biased act. Some even
> believe that you prepared the statement in advance and released it
> after coordinating with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
>
> Because of the statement you released on behalf of Daw Aung San Suu
> Kyi, our mutual confidence building work was hurt followed by
> undesirable obstacles and difficulties and annoyances and confusion
> among the nationalities. In the statement, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in her
> condescending tone said "it is my duty to give constant and serious
> considerations to the interests and opinions of as broad a range of
> political organizations and forces as possible, in particular those of
> our ethnic nationality races". Actually, other political parties and
> national races organizations are not her subordinate parties. So, they
> are going to deal with their own affairs and requirements. Hence, they
> have never accepted the statement released by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi of
> her own accord. Parties of nationalities and ethnic armed groups
> responded to the statement with harsh denouncements. The statement was
> dangerous to the degree of hurting the prevailing peace and stability
> of the nation in addition to harming the already-achieved national
> unity. In this regard, the government had to restore the situation to
> normal while maintaining national stability and unity.
>
> Now, we would like to discuss the UN's role. We understand that you
> have been assigned by the Secretary-General to offer good offices
> under General Assembly Resolution No 61/232. We therefore believe that
> you would carry out the tasks in accordance with the responsibilities
> and mandates covered by the good offices. Good offices, we understand,
> refers to an Impartial Adviser. Good offices is to give advice to two
> parties in dispute and the advice must be non-binding. A person tasked
> with good offices should not have preconceived intentions. Then only,
> may he be able to find a just and fair solution. We learnt that you
> have visited some countries including those of western bloc and had
> discussions before coming to Myanmar. According to article 100 (1) of
> the UN Charter, we understand that the UNSG and staff in discharging
> duties are not to seek or receive instruction from any government or
> from any other authority external to the UN. We believe that you tried
> to find an answer in just and fair manner as an Impartial Advisor in
> those countries. However, if you try to frame a pattern desired by the
> western countries, we are concerned that your task of
> offering impartial advice may be undermined.
>
> Hence, we believe that Your Excellency will be able to frankly and
> cordially discuss and exchange views with us free from the influence
> of the West Bloc. We have expended a great deal of time and energy
> seeking valuable suggestions and views to carry out the seven-step
> Road Map. You may consider yourself whether it is appropriate to
> comply with the demand for restarting the plan from the first step at
> a time when we have reached the fourth step of the seven-step Road
> Map. In the remaining steps there are op****tunities for all who may
> participate freely and fairly in the process according to law. It is
> obvious that at such a crucial stage, peace and progress are vital
> requirements of the nation and the people. We, on our part, will take
> special care in dealing with all matters keeping in mind national
> interests. We will apply a method designed to find a 'win-win'
> solution without harming the seven-step Road Map, which, at present,
> is the correct path to be chosen and followed and which is suitable to
> bring about a peaceful transition to a new democratic nation.
>
> To sum up my clarifications, the new constitution has not been drafted
> to be accepted by just particular organization or person. Since it is
> meant for the long-term interest of the nation and the people, we will
> seek the opinion and decision of the people. We look forward to a
> democratic nation which the international community would like to see
> in a matter of two years if the process goes on unhindered. With this
> belief, we will carry on the work through relentless efforts. We will
> take all possible measures to enable the entire mass of the people to
> take part in the referendum to be held soon and the multi-party
> democracy elections. We shall not accept any attempt to hinder or
> reverse the process of the seven-step Road Map. However, we will
> heartily welcome the positive suggestions of the UN to help implement
> the seven-step Road Map.
>
> In conclusion, we believe Your Excellency have already studied the
> delicate and extensive nature of Myanmar political and racial
> conditions to some extent. If Your Excellency make use of this
> knowledge and offer your appropriate and just advice and assistance we
> will be always thankful to the constructive endeavours of the UN
> Secretariat in the affairs of Myanmar. While welcoming and
> appreciating such constructive involvement of the UN Secretariat we
> are prepared to cooperate with it in all seriousness.
>
> Thank you!
>
> Replies of Mr Gambari
>
> Giving replies, Mr Gambari, Special Adviser to the United Nations
> Secretary-General, said he believes he has been a representative
> always standing by Myanmar. And he will continue to stand by Myanmar.
> He said he will put forward the minister's clarification to the
> Secretary-General. He said he welcomes the time frame announcement of
> the government regarding the implementation of the seven-step Road
> Map. It will be better if all are to cooperate for the success of the
> Road Map, noted Mr Gambari. He also said he assumes that the Myanmar
> people alone will have to address the issue as the Myanmar's issue is
> the concern of all Myanmars. He said he recognizes Myanmar's
> cooperation with the United Nations and the UN itself will also fully
> cooperate with Myanmar.
>
> Meets Commission
>
> Next, Mr Ibrahim Agboola Gambari met representatives of the Commission
> for Holding Referendum at the Seinle Kantha State Guest House at 1:30
> pm. Next, Mr Ibrahim Agboola Gambari said prayers at Bengali Sunni
> Jamai Mosque on Sule Pagoda Road at 5 pm.
>
> In the evening, member of the Commission for Drafting State
> Constitution Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint hosted a
> dinner in honour of Mr Ibrahim Agboola Gambari at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal
> Hotel. --MNA
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