Foreign correspondents, chief editors and those incharges of local magazines and journals, who are in Yangon to cover news on the National Convention which was resumed at Nyaunghanbin Camp in Hmawbi Township, Yangon Region on 10-10-2006, arrived at the Pyidaungsu Hall where plenary session of the National Convention was being held and covered news on attendance of the delegates and décor and holding of the plenary session.
During 40 minutes recess of the plenary session, local and foreign journalists met with Secretary of the National Convention Convening Commission Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and members and the National Convention delegates, took documentary photos and videos and raised queries on the National Convention.
Among the foreign news agencies, U Kyaw Zan Thar from BBC also attended it and interviewed with some of the National Convention delegates. These interviews were broadcast through “Global and Myanmar Affairs” programme of BBC at 8:15 pm on 18-10-2006.
The following is the reproduction of the broadcasting of U Kyaw Zan Thar’s interviews with the delegate:

U Kyaw Zan Thar - What will be the significant thing in the Constitution?

U Tun Aung Chain - There are many significant things.

The first one is that the role of Tatmadaw is not included in the late Constitution. Now, it is included. The next one is Executive. There was Parliament Executive in the late. Now, it will be Presidential Executive. There are so many significant things.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - Parliament Executive is a kind of Administration in which Cabinet is responsible for Parliament. Otherwise, it likes the Government of Britain.

Presidential Executive is a kind of Administration in which President elected Cabinet and the Cabinet is responsible for the President. Otherwise, in generally speaking, it likes the Government of the United States. So, in this discussion, what significant things will be included in respect of national races?

U Tun Aung Chain - In respect of these, the significant one is prescribing of Self Administered Regions. In the past, there were Self Administered States. Now, there will be Self Administered Region in some Self Administered States.

U Kyaw Zan Thar- How about in Administration of the States?

U Tun Aung Chain - There is specific Legislative Power in the State in respect of its right. There is a legislative group. It was not in the past.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - What will be in approving Constitution? Will it be Constitutional Assembly or Referendum?

U Tun Aung Chain - In my opinion, it may like the one in 1973 which is Referendum by voting.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - How long will it take to reach this stage?

U Tun Aung Chain- We suppose to it after drawing draft Constitution. In my opinion, it may be at the end of next year.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - How will this Constitution take part an important role in Myanmar political affairs?

U Tun Aung Chain - This Constitution will control Myanmar Affairs and it is important.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - Thanks a lot.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - Professor U Tun Aung Chain also answered the queries raised by the foreign correspondents who attended the opening ceremony of National Convention, as follow:

Foreign Correspondent - Will this drawing Constitution be more significant than the present Constitution and represent all national brethren in Myanmar?

U Tun Aung Chain - There was no Constitution since 1988. The significant one is emerging new Constitution. This Constitution will lay down basic political principles for 10 or 15 years in Myanmar. I think, it will represent all national brethren. Over 1,000 delegates of all walks of life are attending the National Convention.

Foreign Correspondent - Will true Democracy be emerged from the present holding National Convention like in other countries?

U Tun Aung Chain - Yes. Sure. We are not elected by the people. We are appointed by the Government. Democracy depends on the opinion you want to define. The Democracy emerge from the Constitution will not be the same as yours. It may be different. Some may be the same on your experience and some may not. It is being implemented according to the present situation of Myanmar.

Foreign Correspondent - Is it true that including of Tatmadaw Role in the New Constitution is 25%? What is your opinion on it?

U Tun Aung Chain – That is right. But the influence of Tatmadaw will be less than the present situation.

U Kyaw Zan Thar – I’m Kyaw Zan Thar of BBC. What do you think that how important this Constitution will be in Myanmar Politic?

U Aung Kham Hti - We regard this National Convention as hope of all our nationals.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - How much guarantee will be given in terms of the Right of national races?

U Aung Kham Hti - In my point of view, at present, we assume that it guarantees what we need and what we should gain.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - When will the State Constitution be drafted?

U Aung Kham Hti - We believe that travelers will reach their goal one day.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - How long will it take?

U Aung Kham Hti - I cannot estimate exactly. But, it’s not too far I think.

Interview with U Ma Lan Tu of Other Invited Persons delegate Group
U Kyaw Zan Thar - Are you from Kachin State? Which organization are you from?

U Ma Lan Tu - Kachin Special Region-1.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - You attend National Convention after ceasing fire, don't you? And then, do you fulfill your expectation?

U Ma Lan Tu - The Republic of Union of Myanmar is marching towards the road to democracy. We believe that the nation will develop.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - Do you have the right to frankly discuss what you need in this National Convention?

U Ma Lan Tu - Yes, we do.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - What did you discuss?

U Ma Lan Tu - We did take part in the discussion. If it was already decided, it’s over. We can’t say definitely.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - Do you think that your discussed matters will be included?

U Ma Lan Tu - I think it will be included when it is implemented?

U Kyaw Zan Thar- What kind of facts did you discuss mainly?

U Ma Lan Tu - We all believe that what we discussed will be materialized.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - What is the difference between the former Constitution and the new one?

U Ma Lan Tu - I think there is a little difference.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - The role of Tatmadaw wasn’t included in former Constitution. Now, it is included. What is your opinion about this?

U Ma Lan Tu - We also agree on participation of Tatmadaw in the State Constitution as it is vital for the nation.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - There were Constitutions in Myanmar. What will be significance compared with 1947 and 1974 Constitutions and the new one?

U Ma Lan Tu- The present Constitution is being drafted based on present situation. When the situation has changed, the present situation is............

U Kyaw Zan Thar - What do you think whether the present situation is changing good or bad way?

U Ma Lan Tu - It is changing positive way. Tatmadaw had to handle the then uprising very lately. Now, Tatmadaw participated in it in order to control the situation when crisis emerge abruptly, I think.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - Some people, pointing out this fact, dislike the National Convention and they don’t want to attend. What is your opinion?

U Ma Lan Tu - It is their opinion.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - Do you think there is disunity because of the facts?

U Ma Lan Tu - Most of the organizations are united.

U Kyaw Zan Thar - Thank you.

U Ma Lan Tu - You are welcomed.