A ceremony to support the National Convention and Constitution, organized by townselders of the Shan State (North) in accord with the law, was held at the sports ground in Lashio this morning.

Over 100,000 people, including the townselders, national race leaders, members of social organizations, traditional cultural troupes, representatives of peace groups, entrepreneurs, peasants and workers, service personnel, students and local national races people from five districts of Lashio, Kyaukme, Muse, Laukki and Kunlong in Shan State (North), attended the ceremony.

Local people including townselders, national race leaders, members of social organizations, traditional cultural troupes, peasants, workers, representatives of peace groups, service personnel and students marching towards the ceremony to support the National Conventionand the constitution in Lashio, Shan State (North).

Ceremony to support the National Convention and the constitution being held in Lashio, Shan State (North).

Before the ceremony, starting at 6 am Lashio District column led by U Sai Khan Kaw, executive of Lashio District Union Solidarity and Development Association, Kyaukme District column led by U Ko Ko, Secretary of Kyaukme District USDA, Muse District column led by U Sai Aik Aye, executive of Muse District USDA , Laukki District column led by U Maung Maung

Tun, Secretary of Laukki District USDA and Kunlong District column led by U Soe Naing Myint, executive of Kunlong District USDA, marched to the sport ground.

Townselder U Kyaw Myint of Lashio presided over the ceremony. Member of the Panel of Chairmen were U Mahtu Naw, Chairman of Kachin State Special Region (5), U Lwe Maung, Chairman of Shan Race Special Region (3), Lt-Col Tin Ohn (Retd) of Shan State (North) War Veterans Organization, Daw Khin May Yi, member of Shan State (North) Women’s Affairs Organization, Joint-Secretary Dr Nan Kain Faung Tip of Shan State (North) Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committe and Industrialist U Sai Myint Aye of Lashio.

Members of Lashio township USDA Ma Nan Win Nanda Tun and Ma Hnin Haman Oo acted as master of ceremonies and co-Mc respectively.

First, those present saluted the State Flag.

Chairman U Kyaw Myint gave an opening speech.

He said that in the process of transition between one period and another or between one system and the other, the old era ends and the a new one sets in. The Republic of Union of Myanmar is in the period of marching to a peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation after the end of the past system and era. The nation is in the period of transition based on regional stability, the rule of law, development and diligence.

Myanmar already has two constitutions — the 1947 constitution based on parliamentary democracy administrative machinery and the 1974 constitution based on socialist democracy administrative machinery. They were drawn in accord with the prevailing situations and public experiences.

The National Convention took time in drafting the present constitution taking the weaknesses and loopholes of the previous constitution as the lessons. The meeting held in 1992 with the participation of representatives-elect approved to convene the NC in accord with six objectives. The objectives were laid down with majority consent. In 1995 some groups left the NC of own volition and began to disturb it.

But the government has never lost sight of the public-desired goal and public interest. It after proclaiming the seven-point Road Map internationally resumed the NC in 2004. Representatives of peace groups in Shan State (North), the groups that unconditionally exchanged arms for peace, workers, peasants and national races also took part in the NC. It is common knowledge that the government invited all parties and representatives from all walks of life in the whole nation.

Though some people disrupted or walked out of the National Convention, the remaining delegates were able to successfully conclude the NC with full Union Spirit without keeping in the fore self-interests. The government is in the process of gentle transition to discipline-flourishing democratic nation while ensuring non-disintegration of Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty and taking into account long-term public interest.

A certain Western power that is jealous of those developments and endeavours has been trying to disturb Myanmar by using BBC, VOA, RFA and DVB. A draft constitution will emerge after the conclusion of the NC; perpetrators will not be able to manipulate Myanmar at will when draft constitution emerges. As the constitution is against their interest, they were applying various means to halt the NC, trying to magnify every problem till it can be put on UN agenda.

As their attempts to deviate the NC from its original course failed, they used monks to destroy peace and stability and generate public alarm.

Those perpetrators are trying to erase the success of the first step of the Road Map. The present disturbances occurred as they are making instigation through some foreign media. But the number of unruly protesters is so few that they are just a minor disappointment to the people and fail to produce any sound effects.

The disturbances are the wish of a handful of traitors relying on aliens and not the desire of the people. The genuine public desire is a peaceful, stable, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation or in other words the consolidated Union of all the national races. As there are fine causes, there will be good effects. All should harmoniously march towards the future democratic state.

Daw M Nan Aung, Member of Shan State (North) WAO.

U Sai Khun Hse, Secretary of Lashio District USDA.

Secretary U Sai Khun Hsay tabled a motion calling for the support of the National Convention and the State Constitution. He said that there is no country that does not have a constitution. But this constitution needs to endure bringing about the interests of the entire national people. The Government released No 9/92 notification to hold the National Convention in 1992 May and duties were assigned to form the Steering Committee. Delegate groups approved six objectives of the National Convention. The National Convention could be held with 702 delegates on 9 January 1993 and all delegates frankly discussed at the sessions of the National Convention and could lay down 104 basic principles to draw the State Constitution. While the National Convention was gaining speed, the certain political party withdrew on 30 November 1995. The constitution is the lifeblood for the State and the entire people. All national races are to draw the constitution based on prevailing conditions of the country in line with the requirements of the current age. The upcoming constitution must be the one capable of bringing about the interests of the consolidated Union State in order that the ultimate goal of all citizens would come true without delay. In the mean time, a handful of internal and external saboteurs in collusion with some big nations are accusing the National Convention of being invalid and incorrect to delay the development of the State and impose economic sanction on the nation.

Under the pretext of high-priced fuel, antigovernment groups are plotting to stir up unrest from bad to worse in the country by taking advantage of the protest of monks. American and its allied BBC, VOA, RFA and DVB are flattering power crazies not only to harm the interests of the State but also to cause unrest in the country through media.

The government discharges the duties of State security, stability, peace and development. The National Convention has ended in accord with the seven-step Road Map.

I believe in the National Convention and constitution and urged the people to take part in the efforts for drafting the enduring constitution and to oppose the acts of the big nation and four broadcasting stations.

Afterwards, Daw M Nan Aung, Member of Shan State (North) Women’s Affairs Organization seconded the motion calling for support for the National Convention and the new constitution.

She said: Transition from a system to another is very difficult and complicated and is a Herculean task. Therefore, it will take time for a transition from the old system to another one.

We are to make efforts for ensuring a smooth transition to a new system which is adaptable to the culture and customs of national races.

Community peace and tranquillity did not prevail in Shan State (North) in the past and it was an uncertain time for residents. Local armed groups had become a burden to the local people.

So, residents could not live and work in peace. Meanwhile, a lot of youths in the region had fallen victims to the abuse of narcotic drugs.

Now, community peace is prevailing across the region as regional armed groups have exchanged arms for peace. Towns and villages along the Union Road have enjoyed fruits of development and narcotic drug is nearly eliminated in Shan State (North). Moreover, industries have mushroomed in the region due to the market economic system.

The thriving paddy fields in the region proves that Shan State (North) has enjoyed high paddy yield. Tea and rubber plantations are also thriving in the region. Shan State (North) contributes much to the country’s export.

Altogether three colleges were upgraded for the people to widen their scope of knowledge. In the whole region there are 80 high schools, 126 middle schools and 235 postprimary schools and 1,525 primary schools. In our younger days we had to go to major towns that are far away from our natives areas to pursue higher education. At present, with the emergence of Lashio University, Lashio Technological University, and Lashio Computer Science local people need not go to major cities and they are able to pursue higher education within their reach. At the same time, K 241.9 million were donated to the trust funds of education sector.

For the development of health sector and for the people to enjoy full health care services one 200-bed hospital, two 150-bed hospitals, three 100-bed hospitals, three 50-bed hospitals, ten 25-bed hospitals, one 16-bed hospital and six township hospitals (branch) were opened and K 58 million were donated to the trust funds of health sector. Therefore, people, who found it difficult to access medical treatment, are now able to receive wider medical treatment.

Moreover, as Shweli Hydel Power project in Muse and Namhkam region is nearly completed. The development of Shan State can be imagined. Since Shan State will soon be able to enjoy full power supply agricultural, economic and industrial sectors will surely meet with success. Such development is something for the entire national races to be proud of.

However, we are surprised that there are still organizations and individuals under the instructions of big nations to destroy such national development. They perpetrating acts to the liking of big nations such as harming the National Convention, plotting to detonate bombs and blow up buildings and creating an incident like the “88” unrest. The BBC, VOA, RFA, DVB foreign radio stations help to fuel the acts.

Actually, those destructive elements were unable to destroy the National Convention in which delegates from all walks of life discussed and formulated the future of the nation. We the people together with the government are determined to march to the national goal. If we make concerted efforts through thick and thin the emergence of a peaceful modern and development nation will be possible.

Therefore, we are here to support the drive for successful realization of the seven-step Road Map. And we oppose the perpetration of such foreign stations as BBC, VOA, RFA, DVB that are making a series of accusations and fabrications.

Dr Khin Nan Thi, Member of Shan State (North) MCWA.

Daw Di Nar Hla, “Wa” national of Lashio.

Maj Myo Win (Retd), Member of Shan State (North) WVO.

U Sai Tun Aye of Lashio.

Member of Shan State (North) MCWA Dr Khin Nan Thi seconded the motion, saying that the 1947 constitution featured four states—Kachin, Kayah, Kayinni and Shan.

According to the 1974 constitution, three more states—Chain, Mon and Rakhine—were formed. According to the upcoming constitution, the nation will be composed of seven states, seven regions, one self-administered region for Wa nationals and five self-administered zones for Naga, Danu, Pa-O, Palaung and Kokang national races.

Every citizen with qualifications fixed can stand for election as representative to Region/ State Hluttaw but also as chairman of the Amyotha Hluttaw, Pyithu Hluttaw and Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Moreover, it bestows more rights to national races than the previous ones.

In conclusion, she, on behalf of national races, expressed support for the National Convention and the constitution, calling on them to be vigilant against the acts of internal and external saboteurs.

Major Myo Win (Retd), member of Shan State (North) War Veterans Organization Supervisory Committee seconded the motion calling for support of the National Convention and constitution.

Myanmar is a country where over a hundred national races reside and efforts are being made for emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation. Achievements have been made in the country. National races are taking part in the nation-building tasks and they are safeguarding the national interest with the Union spirit and patriotism.

After assuming the State duties in 1988, the Tatmadaw carried out the tasks for stability of the State, prevalence of law and order as priority.

Internal insurgency ceased due to the genuine goodwill and correct path of the government. Worries and anxieties of the people disappeared as peace was restored in Shan State (North).

After the end of armed insurgency, progress has been made in various parts of the country and Our Three Main National Causes, the national policies laid down by the government, have become more important.

There have been many evidences that the Union collapsed when the brethren wrongly believed in the words of others. There are so many nations in the world that encounter situation worse than they lost their sovereignty under the influence of Western nations. Those with negative views and those who want to grab power in short cut under the protection of a big nation are disrupting stability of the State. We oppose unrest and we will not let anyone encroach upon the sovereignty.

Ignoring the progress of the country, nations led by the US will submit Myanmar issue to the UN. I would like Mr Gambari to tell the US ad-ministration that they will get into trouble if they have ill will.

There are disturbances due to a group of people relying on external elements and they are creating political change.

Now the National Convention, the first phase of seven-step Road Map, has concluded successfully. It is the national duty to implement the remaining tasks. I urge the people to build a society with high dignity and unity and to support the National Convention and constitution.

Entrepreneur U Sai Tun Aye of Lashio said the National Convention held from 1993 to 2007 successfully laid down fundamental principles and detailed basic principles. These principles reflect the prevailing political, economic and social conditions. They are better than those included in the 1947 and 1974 constitutions.

The 1947 constitution of parliamentary democracy was hastily written by 111 people in over three months during the colonial rule. As there was instigation, the national people of the only four states cast doubts among themselves and consequently, the then constitution was defunct. The 1974 constitution was drafted in the time of one party system practicing socialism. The constitution drawing committee with 97 members wrote the constitution after seeking advice from the people and the socialist democracy machinery started after a referendum was held. However, it could not serve the interest of the people only causing political, economic and social weaknesses. The 1988 unrest proved the failure of the constitution. Therefore, history has shown that however good a constitution is, it will have to meet its end if there are those who do not follow the stipulations, if there is outside instigation and if that constitution cannot keep up with prevailing conditions. Both the 47 and 74 constitutions have proved that.

Taking lesson, the entire people hold the belief that it is essential to draw an enduring constitution. Despite disagreements and doubts in the past, now peace, stability and national consolidation are prevailing thanks to the goodwill of the government. With these fruits, the National Convention was held to formulate an enduring constitution. So, the new constitution will come into force soon. That is why I hereby declare that the upcoming constitution will surely help all national brethren live in weal or woe, raise living conditions of the people and serve the interest of the people.

At such a time like this, all the people are warned against the slanders of the US and its followers broadcasting stations. As the desired goal of the people is at hand, all are to march towards a discipline-flourishing democratic nation. All in all, the entire people are to fully support the upcoming constitution and to totally denounce the slanderous accusations of the big power and its followers.

Local national Daw Dee Narlu seconded the motion, saying that due to the weaknesses of the 1947 constitution, the nation was on the verge of collapse. The 1974 constitution did not contribute towards national development. So, the people expressed their discontent about the one-party system by staging protest in August 1988. So, the Tatmdaw had to take up State duties on 18 September 1988. Since then, it has been constructing infrastructures across the nation. So, the nation is enjoying fruitful results of the efforts it has made.

Being aided and abetted by foreign masters, local power-mad elements are inciting an unrest like that in 1988. What is the most necessary for the nation that is now on the path of development is an enduring State constitution. The National Convention is the foundation for the State constitution.

The drive for emergence of a constitution is a national duty. The entire people of Shan State (North) denounced the acts of the US that is using BBC, VOA, RFA and DVB radio stations to destroy Myanmar.

With the approval of the entire attendees, the rally passed a resolution of supporting the NC and upcoming constitution and condemning the acts of these stations.

The attendees chanted slogans: “non-disintegration of the Union (our cause, our cause), nondisintegration of national solidarity (our cause, our cause), perpetuation of sovereignty (our cause, our cause), State’s seven-step Road Map (must succeed, must succeed). The rally ended at 9.30 am.

Ma Nan Win Nandar Tun acts as MC and Ma Hnin Hayman Oo as Co-MC.

Local people marching towards the ceremony to support the National Convention and the constitution in Lashio, Shan State (North).

Local people marching towards the ceremony to support the National Convention and the constitution in Lashio, Shan State (North).

Local people marching towards the ceremony to support the National Convention and the constitution in Lashio, Shan State (North).