NLD to discuss 2008 constitution with US delegation

by Phanida
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 13:26

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – The National League for Democracy (NLD) would stress on revising the 2008 constitution during discussions with the high level US delegation visiting Burma.

A four-member US delegation, including US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific, Mr. Kurt Campbell and Undersecretary Scott Marciel are to meet NLD and ethnic leaders on November 4.

“We shall discuss on the three issues of humanitarian aid, dialogue and sanctions with them. We would like to urge them to have a similar meeting between the government and us. Only dialogue can resolve the political crisis. We will not consider contesting the elections if the junta does not revise the constitution,” NLD CEC member Win Tin told Mizzima.

The NLD was informed on October 30 that the US delegation led by Mr. Kurt Campbell would meet them. On the same day, Mr. Campbell will meet detained NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The venue is yet to be announced. The US delegation will meet six NLD CEC members at the party head office.

“They will meet the CEC on November 4 at our party head office. The time is yet be finalized. Maybe it will be between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. CEC members Nyunt Wei, Than Tun, Hla Pe, Win Tin, Thakin Soe Myint and Khin Maung Swe will receive the US delegation.

The Committee Representing the People’s Parliament (CRPP) Secretary Aye Thar Aung (Secretary of Arakan League for Democracy-ALD) said that they would present their view that there would be no political stability if the junta goes ahead with its election without reviewing and revising the 2008 constitution. CRPP is constituted of parties, which won the 1990 general election.

“The 2008 constitution needs to be revised. There will be no peace in Burma if the regime holds elections under this constitution. So there will be no prospect of progress in our country. We will communicate these things to them,” he said.

Mr. Campbell will also meet ALD, the Zomi National Congress (ZNC), Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) and leaders of banned parties and 10 legal political parties.

US President Obama announced a new US foreign policy on Burma, where it will engage with the military regime directly while maintaining sanctions.

The opposition leader sent a letter dated 25 September offering to help find a way to lift sanctions on Burma. After that, she met junta’s Liasion Minister Aung Kyi twice.

Mr. Campbell’s visit will be the highest level visit by any US official in over 10 years after former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright paid a visit to Burma in 1995. Ms. Albright met Suu Kyi during her visit.