1. The Government of the Union of Myanmar is much surprised by the Security Council Presidential Statement on 2 May 2008 even though the situation in Myanmar does not threaten regional as well as international peace and security.

2. The Government of Myanmar has announced that a referendum for the draft constitution will be held on 10 May 2008 and that multi-party democracy general election will be held in 2010 in accordance with a new constitution. The referendum is going to take place in a few days time and the entire people of the country are eagerly looking forward to that.

3. Myanmar is a sovereign Member State of the United Nations. The referendum to approve the draft constitution is a matter to be decided solely by the people. Moreover, the holding of a referendum is a matter which falls within the domestic jurisdiction. The draft constitution can be adopted and transition to democracy can be materialized through the holding of such referendum.

4. The Government of Myanmar will continue to implement together with the people the seven-step Road Map which has been welcomed by countries of the world including neighbouring countries and ASEAN countries.