NLD reviews finer points of Special Announcement No. 18

NLD reviews finer points of Special Announcement No. 18
by Ko Wild
Wednesday, 08 April 2009 21:47

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – In a bid to explore a political strategy, the National League for Democracy (NLD), is currently reviewing the finer points expressed in its Special Announcement (18/09/08).

The NLD has said that convening Parliament, as mentioned in this statement does not imply seizing power, but amendment and approval of the Constitution.

For this process to be successful, dialogue between the two top leaders, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Snr. Gen. Than Shwe should be initiated, without any preconditions, NLD CEC member, U Khin Maung Swe told Mizzima.

"If Daw Suu and Snr. Gen. Than Shwe accept the amendment of the Constitution, everything will be fine. Then we can consider other options rather than forming a committee in Parliament. In the last stage, there must be a Parliament, as we must recognize the results of the 1990 general elections. After reaching an agreement, there will be the option of forming a committee, amending the Constitution and getting it approved by the Parliament. It depends on mutual trust," he said.

In the Special Announcement No. 18, the NLD says that the 2008 Constitution was forcibly approved by the SPDC, against the will of the people. And it also urges the junta to convene Parliament at the earliest with the elected MPs, in accordance with Section 3 of the 1990 General Election Law.

This Parliament should be formed with a 'Constitution Review Committee', with representatives of the 1990 election winning parties, elected MPs, army representatives, ethnic representatives, representatives of ceasefire groups and constitutional legal experts.

U Khin Maung Swe said that NLD had first focused on transferring power from the junta just after general elections and it could accept the changing situation later.

"We initially thought the junta would really transfer all three pillars of power to the winning party, as there was no clear provision and explanation before the elections. So we thought in a normal manner. Now, we have called for convening the Parliament as recognition of the 1990 election results. However, it has nothing to do with the three pillars of power, just amendment of the Constitution, and its adoption," he said.

Meanwhile, at the last 64th Anti-Fascist Resistance Day, Snr. Gen. Than Shwe warned not to undermine the Constitution, which had already been approved by the people.

"There is provision for amendment in the 2008 Constitution. It is not undermining of the Constitution, but demanding a review, as we have the right to do so, in accordance with the law. In every country in the world, no law is perfect and needs to be amended. Calling for amending an amendable Constitution does not mean undermining it," he said.

After releasing this special announcement, the Police Chief met NLD party CEC members at the office of the Home Ministry and warned they could be prosecuted, unless they withdrew this statement. But, the NLD replied that they could not accept what he had said.

The United Nations has urged successive military regimes to recognize the 1990 general election results for over 10 years.

Copy from Mizzima.