Myanmar’s military government resumed its National Convention on October 10, without the participation of the country’s main opposition groups.
The Convention, widely considered a farce by governments throughout the world, kicked off with 1,000 hand-picked participants in attendance. The Convention is the first of seven steps in the military government’s roadmap to democracy. Burma analysts speculate that this latest round may be the Convention’s last as the regime intends to ratify a constitution as early as next year. It is also believed that the regime hopes a new constitution will legitimize the military government’s rule.
Burmese democracy activists called the convention a slap in the face of international opinion. “Restarting the sham National Convention, in defiance of the UN and the people of Burma, will do nothing to solve Burma’s problems,” said Aung Din, policy director for the US Campaign for Burma. “The Burmese people want real democracy, not a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Myanmar government minister Brigadier General Kyaw Hsann meanwhile vowed to “crush” opposition to the Convention. “We will crush whoever intends to destroy the National Convention,” the information minister told reporters on Sunday.
AFP: Myanmar vows to ‘crush’ rivals as charter talks resume – 10 Oct
