The National Convention that was convened from 5 December 2005 to 31 January 2006 with the objectives — Non-disintegration of the Union; Non- disintegration of national solidarity; Perpetuation of sovereignty; Flourishing of a genuine multi-party democracy system; Further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality; and the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State, was adjourned. At 9 am today, the Plenary Session of the National Convention resumed at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division.

Also present at the National Convention were Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Commission members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and Work Committee members, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and Management Committee members, chairmen and personnel of subcommittees, delegates of political parties National Unity Party, Union Pa-O National Organization, Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization and Wa National Development Party, representatives-elect of National Unity Party and Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, inde- pendent representatives-elect, delegates of national races from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of peasants from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of workers from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of State Service Personnel from the State Peace and Development Council Office, the President Office, the Pyithu Hluttaw Office, the Government Office, the Supreme Court, the Attorney- General’s Office, the Auditor-General’s Office, the Multi-party Democracy General Election Commission Office, the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon City Development Committee, the Mandalay City Development Committee and ministries, other invited delegates, delegates from Shan State (North) Special Region-1, Shan State (South) Special Region-2, Shan State (North) Special Region-3, Shan State (North) Special Region-4, Shan State (North) Special Region-5, Shan State (South) Special Region-6, Kachin State Special Region-1, Kachin State Special Region-2, Kayah State Special Region-1, Kayah State Special Region-2, Kayah State Special Region-3, Kayinni National Development Party (KNDP) (Dragon) Group, Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP) (Hoya), Kayinni National Unity and Solidarity Organization (Ka Ma Sa Nya), Democratic Kayin Buddhist Association (DKBA) and Haungthayaw Special Region Group, Nyeinchanyay Myothit Group from Hpa-an Township of Kayin State, Burma Communist Party (Rakhine State Group), Arakanese Army (AA), Homein Region Development and Welfare Group, Shwepyiaye (MTA) , Manpan People’s Militia Group, Mon Peace Group (Chaungchi Region) and Mon Nai Seik Chan Group that had exchanged arms for peace.

Furthermore, also present at the meeting were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Philippines Mme Phoebe A Gomez, Ambassadors of the Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, India and the People’s Republic of China, Charges d’Affaires ai of Serbia, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Nepal, the Resident Coordinator of UN Agencies, the patron, the president and members of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, personnel of information, news and periodicals, chief editors and those in charge of local magazines and journals, media persons from Nihon Keizai Shimbun, AFP, Tokyo Braodcasting System (TBS), AP, NHK, Fuji Television, Reuters, Tokyo Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, TV Asahi, Sankei Shimbun, Ji Ji Press, Yomiuri Shimbun, Financial Times, Kyodo News, European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), Mainichi Shimbun, Nishi Nippon, BBC, DPA (German Press Agency), Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Cable News International INC (CNN) and Nippon Televisions attended the Plenary Session of National Convention to bring news.

Before the start of the Plenary Session of the National Convention, Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt- Gen Thein Sein and members, Chairman of NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, chairmen of subcommittees and responsible personnel, delegates of political parties, representatives- elect, National Races, Peasants, Workers, Intellectuals and Intelligentsia, State Service Personnel and Other Invited Persons signed in the attendance book.

Next, Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and embers, Chairman of NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj- Gen Lun Maung and members cordially greeted ambassadors from foreign embassies to Union of Myanmar, charges d’affairs, the regional coordinator of UN organizations and local and foreign journalists.

At the Plenary Session of the National Convention, Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein presided over the meeting while Secretary of NCCC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan acted as master of ceremonies.

First, the master of ceremonies declared the start of the Plenary Session of the National Convention as 1075 out of 1081 delegates were in attendance, accounting for 99.44 per cent. Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein made an opening speech on the occasion and the Plenary Session went into recess.

When the session resumed, Secretary of NCCC Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan clarified on rules and regulations of the National Convention Convening and the Plenary Session was adjourned at 10.30 am. The Plenary Session will continue at the same venue at 9 am tomorrow.

The following is the full text of the speech delivered by Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein at the plenary session of the National Convention.

First of all, I would like to wish both physical and mental wellbeing of National Convention delegates, diplomats, local and foreign correspondents and journalists present on this occasion.

I am also delighted to meet again with National Convention delegates in sound health and with enthusiasm at this National Convention being convened to ensure the bright future and perpetuity of the nation and the people. I would also like to express my pleasure again to see the delegates who are present here in earnest like in previous sessions in favour of the national interests instead of personal affairs.

National Convention delegates,

As the first stage of the seven-point Road Map, the National Convention was reconvened in May 2004 and now it is the fourth session since then.

As regards the adoption of fundamental principles and detailed basic principles required for formulating a Constitution, we have accomplished to a certain extent in adopting detailed basic principles which are based on the consensus of delegates upon the findings of NCC Work Committee and harmonized by the panel of chairmen.

Matters on the interrelations among Hluttaws, citizenship, basic rights and responsibilities of citizens and the role of Tatmadaw, etc which the delegates discussed and made suggestions in the previous session were compiled by the panel of chairmen and they were scrutinized to be in conformity with objectives, rules and regulations and policies of NCC Commission and NCC Work Committee. At this session, these matters will be submitted for seeking approval of the delegates so as to adopt as detailed basic principles.

National Convention delegates,

The success so far achieved in convening the National Convention is to be attributed to the endeavours of NCC Commission, NCC Work Committee and NCC Management Committee as well as to the conscientious conscientious and enthusiastic participation of delegates. In as much as the success is achieved as regards National Convention works to shape the future State, the intention of internal and external subversive elements to grab power through short cut has faded away.

Hence, these destructive elements are attempting to undermine the National Convention by creating unrest and committing terrorist acts through various ways and means.

So, it is needed to exercise a constant vigilance for security of the delegates as well as the National Convention. At this session, detailed basic principles for three chapters stated above will be adopted and the findings of the Work Committee will be presented to the delegates to discuss the remaining chapters.

National Convention delegates,

It is common knowledge that the present Tatmadaw Government while building up the Union into a peaceful, modern and developed nation, is making efforts for democratic reform in line with the seven-point Road Map.

When the Tatmadaw Government took over State responsibilities, the country lacked the rule of law and anarchy reigned. The border areas lacked peace and tranquillity as armed insurgencies were there.

The nation also lacked development infrastructures and the national economy was in general deterioration. From those conditions, unprecedented achievements as regards stability as well as political, economic and social sectors have been made on self-reliance basis with the people’s strength by overcoming various hardships and difficulties. It is indeed worthy for us to be proud of.

Today is the time to sustain and enhance the national development accomplishments so far achieved while making relentless and united efforts with national commitment for prosperity of the nation and the people without any strings attached; and avoiding discord and disputes in view of ensuring perpetuation of the Union.

In fact, Myanmar’s past history since falling under the colonial servitude has not been good. The colonialists enslaved Myanmar when it was unified but ruled it by dividing it into different regions.

In addition, the colonialists introduced extreme religious and dogmatisms intentionally and they schemed to keep it divided when it had to grant independence. Though national independence was regained through the strength of the national unity, there occurred weaknesses that could lead to disintegration of the Union in the Constitution together with the discord sown among hilly regions and the mainland as well as with power struggle caused by dogmatism indoctrinated by the colonialists.

Therefore, though the nation became independent, it was unstable and even on the verge of disintegration. The people had to live in worry. Political parties took advantage of the weaknesses of the Constitution and played political give-and-take tricks. As the country was on the brink of disintegration, the Tatmadaw had to assume State responsibilities.

However, based on worries over political disunity and the danger of disintegration of the Union, a very rigid Constitution came into being together with the single party political system and excessively centralized economy which could not be in conformity with international developments. Thus, national stability and development could not be brought about in the long run.

Hence, the Tatmadaw Government has been laying serious emphasis on emergence of an enduring State Constitution that can always guarantee stability, development and perpetuity of the Union. It is, in fact, to wipe out evil legacy of the past and to hand down good heritage to the new generation.

It is required to build fine political, economic and social foundations first in order to transform the nation into a magnificent one. In this regard, the government has first built fine political foundations that would contribute towards national unity and perpetuation of the Union, fine basic foundations on market economy that are based on the industries of national entrepreneurs and encourages international investments and trade, and fine social foundations that are based on cultural heritage and national character. Then, it is using effectively these foundations in building a peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation with flourishing discipline.

Due to harmonious collaboration of the government and the people, almost all the parts of the nation including border areas have enjoyed peace, stability and the rule of law and the people have been able to lead a peaceful life. Now, the whole nation has seen a large number of dams, reservoirs, river water pumping stations, railroads, roads, river and creek-crossing bridges and airports that are fruits of development enjoying by the people.

The government has brought many projects to fruition to make national economy strong, and as a result, the nation’s economic growth rate is rising significantly and per capita income is on the remarkable increase every time when an economic plan completes.

And thanks to the 24 special development regions project designed to improve the education, health and social sectors of the nation, strategic regions in states and divisions have been facilitated with arts and science colleges, universities, technological colleges and computer colleges, and local youth have now access to higher education in their own regions. In the basic education sector, the government has opened a huge number of basic education schools and the school enrollment rate and literacy rate are on the increase.

In the health sector, the government has established 200-bed hospitals in the 24-special development regions and 300-bed hospitals and specialist hospitals in the regions where necessary. And it has installed enough modern medical equipment in the health care facilities. So, local people can receive medical treatments in their own regions, and Myanmar is now free from some infectious diseases. In addition, it is mobilizing the Ministry of Health and social organizations to take control over the spread of such diseases as HIV/ AIDS, TB and malaria. According to the data of UNAIDS, WHO and UNDP, the outbreak of these deadly diseases in Myanmar is less than some neighbouring countries.

The national development in various sectors demonstrates that the foundations for democratic transition are getting stronger. In the process, the government is exerting genuine goodwill with the firm conviction that such kind of democracy that is based on fine political, economic and social foundations will be endowed with national resistance and will last long.

Nevertheless, with the evil intention of grabbing power through the toppling of the ruling government at the expense of the interests of the nation, antigovernment destructive elements that always harm the constructive efforts of the government are resorting to various ways and means to make the people get in precarious condition and to incite mass protests following the deterioration of political, economic and social foundations, to undermine national solidarity, and to make the nation lose sovereignty. Such acts are very ugly.

Furthermore, they are perpetrating a wide range of acts to resurface the racism, religious conflicts, ideology, sectarianism and personality cult that had made the nation impoverished for more than half a decade such as driving a wedge among national races, manufacturing fabricated news and invented stories, and awarding various kinds of titles to anyone who is opposed to the government. Such acts designed to undermine the national solidarity are in fact making the nation fall into undesirable situation again.

By ignoring the official facts and data of UN agencies and assessments of international dignified experts but citing fabrications of antigovernment destructive elements, a super power through various improper ways and means put political and economic pressures persuaded the UNSC member countries to put Myanmar on the UNSC agenda with the accusation that Myanmar’s situation has posed a threat to regional and international peace and security.

Despite the objections of the nations in the region, neighbouring countries and the majority of global nations which stand prestigiously without forming a clique, the misuse of the esteemed UN organization in one’s own national interest by wielding inappropriate influence upon UNSC member countries is indeed blantant breach of the UN Charter.

However, axe-handles relying on external elements have felt nothing upon the harmful acts against the prestige of the nation and the people. Yet they applause such acts. Indeed, it shows their lack of nationalist spirit. In the seven-point Road Map, it is explicitly mentioned the course of handing over of power as aspired by the people. The destructive elements’ subversive acts against the National Convention while turning a blind eye to the correct path are highlighting their improper stance.

National Convention delegates,

As regards the democratic reform as aspired by the people, we have dedicated ourselves to see to the success through the strength of the public participation by overcoming all the difficulties and obstacles.

To ensure the emergence of an enduring State Constitution which will be free from weaknesses of the previous Constitutions and guarantees Non-disintegration of the Union; Non-disintegration of the national solidarity and Perpetuation of sovereignty in the long run, continued efforts are to be made through the National Convention.

Hence, in conclusion I would like to urge you all to actively participate in this National Convention session with nationalist outlook and awareness.