Volume XV, Number 232 10th Waning of Tazaungmon 1369 ME...

Senior General Than Shwe sends National Day Message

10th Waning of Tazaungmon 1369 ME Tuesday, 4 December, 2007Volume XV, Number 232

Established 1914

Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan.

* Development of agriculture as the base and all-rounddevelopment of other sectors of the economy as well

* Proper evolution of the market-oriented economicsystem

* Development of the economy inviting participation interms of technical know-how and investments fromsources inside the country and abroad

* The initiative to shape the national economy must be keptin the hands of the State and the national peoples

* Uplift of the morale and morality ofthe entire nation

* Uplift of national prestige and integ-rity and preservation and safeguard-ing of cultural heritage and nationalcharacter

* Uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirit* Uplift of health, fitness and education

standards of the entire nation

* Stability of the State, community peaceand tranquillity, prevalence of law andorder

* National reconsolidation* Emergence of a new enduring State

Constitution* Building of a new modern developed

nation in accord with the new StateConstitution

Four economic objectives Four social objectivesFour political objectives

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec — The Myanmar delega-tion led by Prime Minister General Thein Sein arrivedat Phnom Penh International Airport from Hotel Inter-Continental to pay a visit to Siem Reap at 4:15 pm on1 December. Cambodian students greeted the PrimeMinister waving the miniature flags of the two coun-tries at the entrance to the airport.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein and partywere heartily welcomed at the airport by CambodianPrime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei TechoHun Sen, the Cambodian Deputy Prime Ministers, theSenior Ministers and the Ministers.

The two Prime Ministers took the salute of theGuard of Honour. Meanwhile, the State Band playedthe national anthems of the two countries.

Next, the two Prime Ministers inspected theGuard of Honour.

Local residents and members of respectiveassociations saw off the Prime Minister waving theminiature flags of the two nations.

The Prime Minister greeted Myanmar Ambas-sador Dr Aung Naing and wife and Myanmar embassystaff and family members.

(See page 8)

Cambodian Prime Minister sees off Prime MinisterGeneral Thein Sein before his departure for Siem Reap

NAY PYI TAW, 4 Dec — The following is a translation of the National DayMessage sent by Senior General Than Shwe:Esteemed national people,

Today is the 87th Anniversary of National Day, on which the nationaleducation movement was launched with strong nationalistic spirit in the historyof Myanmar’s independence struggles.

Myanmar regained independence through earnest efforts it made with nation-alistic fervour to introduce an education system that would be in conformity withthe socio-economic life of the people. The day deserves being recorded as asignificant day because a national movement was launched with nationalisticfervour and patriotic spirit, with which the people protected and safeguarded ownrace, language and the Sasana, to oppose the colonialists’ education system

designed to benefit just a handful of people.In the course of history, Myanmars were able to preserve and uplift national

prestige by daringly driving out any alien intrusion with unyielding spirit.Myanmar people worked hard in concert to launch the national movement whileequipping themselves strongly with nationalistic fervour and patriotic spirit,thereby helping the motherland regain independence.

Nowadays, certain neo-colonialist countries, in their attempt to extend theirdomination over the targeted small countries, are resorting to various means tointerfere in the internal affairs of the small countries by airing groundless newsstories they get from their lackeys, exaggerating news stories, misleading theinternational community through media into misunderstanding the situations,

(See page 2)

Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen sees offPrime Minister General Thein Sein at Phnom Penh International Airport. — MNA

Certain neo-colonialist countries, in their attempt to extendtheir domination over the targeted small countries, are resorting

to various means to interfere in internal affairs of others

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM1

2 THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tuesday, 4 December, 2007

PERSPECTIVES* Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views* Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation* Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State* Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy

People’s DesireTuesday, 4 December, 2007

Strive for success of 87thAnniversary NationalDay objectives

The 10th Waning of Tazaungmon (to-day) is the 87th Anniversary National Day ofthe Union of Myanmar.

The National Day is the day on whichthe national education activities werelaunched. The mass movements to opposethe education system of colonialists werelaunched on that day. Therefore, the Na-tional Day is a day of significance and issomething to be proud of.

As the national activities took place ata time when the nation was under the rule ofcolonialists it paved the way for the inde-pendence struggle.

Myanmars were found to be stronglyequipped with patriotism and nationalisticfervour in successive eras. They were unitedin times of emergency. With such patrioticspirit they were able to drive the colonialistsout of the nation. As national education ac-tivities have resulted in the regaining of theindependence they went down in the annalsof Myanmar history.

At present, the government is strivingtogether with the people for the emergence ofa peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation. With this endin view, it has laid down and is implementingthe seven-step Road Map.

The National Convention attended bydelegates from all walks of life laid downfundamental principles and detailed basicprinciples for the writing of the State consti-tution. And work is well under way to drawthe State constitution.

All in all, the entire people are to dotheir bit in discharging the national duties inaccordance with the 87th Anniversary Na-tional Day’s objectives—to uplift dynamismof patriotic spirit and national prestige andintegrity; to promote national education; toensure perpetuation of independence andsovereignty; and to realize the State’s seven-step Road Map.

Senior General Than Shwe sends National Day…(from page 1)

and even using the United Nations and internationalorganizations to put pressure and impose sanctionsagainst the targeted countries.

Onus is, therefore, put on the entire nationalpeople to safeguard the motherland from such dan-gers with national awareness based on Union Spiritand patriotic spirit to enable the nation and thepeople to create self-determination, to ensure per-petuation of sovereignty and to improve the livingcondition of the people. Genuine patriotic spirit isnone other than Union Spirit.

The nation is now in pursuit of the 30-year long-term national education promotion plan dividing itinto six five-year short-term plans for the emergenceof an education system that meets the level of theinternational education that is always changing anddeveloping alongside the advancement of scienceand technology. In the process, the government isnurturing the youth to become reliable citizens andhuman resources with patriotic fervour, Union Spiritand high educational qualifications.

The government is implementing the State’sseven-step Road Map it has adopted to transform thenation into a peaceful, modern and developed disci-pline-flourishing democratic one. Now, the NationalConvention comprising the eight delegate groupsrepresenting the people from all strata of life andvarious regions across the nation has adopted thefundamental principles and detailed basic principlesfor drafting the State constitution with unanimousconsent. And the State constitution is in the processof being framed now.

Certain neo-colonialist countries and their lackeyinternal axe-handles who are not happy with the

successful adoption of the fundamental principlesand detailed basic principles to be included in theforthcoming constitution agitated the people in theirscheme to create unrest and violence with the inten-tion of disrupting stability, community peace anddevelopment of the State. Nonetheless, the peoplewho oppose unrest and violence and favour peaceand stability did not accept the agitation, and they arenow holding mass rallies and walks in procession inrespective regions to express their voice of denounc-ing recent protests.

In recognition of the people’s unanimous sup-port, the government will see to the State’s seven-step Road Map so as to work hard in harness with thepeople in the process of transition to democracy.Therefore, the entire national people are duty-boundto do their bit with patriotic spirit, nationalisticfervour, Union Spirit, and daring spirit in building amodern democratic nation that is in conformity withthe historical background of the Union, where na-tional brethren have been living in unison sharingjoys and sorrows, as well as cultural heritage andnational character our forefathers have preservedwell.

Therefore, I would like to exhort the nationalpeople to strive with national vigour for realizationof the objectives of the 87th Anniversary of NationalDay:(1) To uplift dynamism of patriotic spirit and na-

tional prestige and integrity,(2) To promote national education,(3) To ensure perpetuation of independence and

sovereignty,(4) To realize the State’s seven-step Road Map.

MNA

Minister receivesROK monk

YANGON, 3 Dec — Minister for ReligiousAffairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung received VenMok Tak-Hye Eun of the Republic of Korea at theMinistry of Religious Affairs (Yangon Branch) onKaba Aye Pagoda Road, here, yesterday morning.

Also present at the call were Director-GeneralDr Myo Myint of Department for Promotion andPropagation of the Sasana, Pro-Rector (Admin) DrMyint Kyi of International Theravada Buddhist Mis-sionary University and officials.

MNA

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec— The attendees to thepress conference (2/2007)of Information Commit-tee of the State Peace andDevelopment Council ob-served the meeting of the

Diplomats, UN officials, journalists observe meeting ofCommission for Drafting the State Constitution

Commission for Draftingthe State Constitution,which started today, here,this afternoon.

The attendees wereambassadors of foreignembassies, Charges

d’Affaires ai and militaryattaches, resident repre-sentatives of UN agenciesand officials, journalistsof Myanmar Foreign Cor-respondents Club, localjournalists and editors of

journals and magazines.They were welcomed

by members of the com-mission Minister for In-formation Brig-Gen KyawHsan and U Thaung Nyuntand officials. They wereconducted around themeeting hall. The minis-ter and U Thaung Nyuntanswered queries raisedby the study group mem-bers.

Next, members of thestudy group observed themeetings on respectivechapters to be drafted byfour groups of the com-mission. The members ofthe commission answeredthe queries raised by thoseof study group.

The study group leftat 2.45 pm. — MNA

Ambassadors, Charges d’Affaires ai and military attaches, residentrepresentatives of UN agencies and officials, journalists observe

meeting of Commission for Drafting the State Constitution.— MNA

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM2

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tuesday, 4 December, 2007 3

China-Arab dialogue oncivilization opens in Riyadh

RIYADH, 2 Dec—Officials and scholars fromChina and Arab countriesmet here on Saturday forthe second seminar onChina-Arab relations anda discussion on civilization.

Chinese delegation headand former ForeignMinister Yang Fuchang

said at the inaugurationceremony that streng-thened cultural exchangesbetween China and Arabcountries will play asignificant role inpromoting China-Arabfriendly cooperativerelations and in helpingmaintain peace and

stability in the Mideastregion.

Saudi Culture andInformation Minister Iyadbin Amin Madani said theChina-Arab discussion oncivilization is conducive todeepening understanding.It is essential for both sidesto strengthen com-munications and coo-peration in various fieldsto jointly prepare for thechallenges brought aboutby globalization, he said.

The three-day eventbrought together over 80representatives fromChina, 22 Arab countriesand the Arab League toopen discussions onpromoting understandingand dialogue between theChinese and Arab-Islamiccivilizations as well as onthe harmonious develop-ment of the world,according to ChineseEmbassy officials.

MNA/Xinhua

Road accident kills eight, wounds19 in N Afghanistan

Israeli airstrike on Gazakills five Hamas militants

Draft resolution indicates USunseriousness in M-E talks

GAZA, 2 Dec—Hamason Saturday said the USwithdrawal of a draftresolution it presented tothe UN Security Councilconcerning the relaunchof the Israeli-Palestinianpeace talks was an

indication of its unse-riousness in the matter.

“The US is unserious...it absolutely supports theIsraeli occupation in a waythat makes the countingon the biased and unfairUS stance strange,”

Hamas spokesman SamiAbu Zuhri told reportersin Gaza.

On Friday, the UnitedStates withdrawn a draftresolution it presented tothe UN Security Councilendorsing the results ofrecently-held Annapolisconference which set 12December as the date toresume Israeli-Palestiniantalks on creating aPalestinian statehood.

Some local reports saidthat the withdrawaldecision was to satisfyIsrael which rejects a UNrole in the Middle Eastpeace negotiations.

“The American re-sponse to the Israelioccupation and thewithdrawing of the draftresolution are a new proofthat Annapolis meeting isfailing and the USadministration wasunserious,” Abu Zuhrisaid.

MNA/Xinhua

GAZA, 2 Dec—FiveHamas militants werekilled and seven woundedon Saturday predawn insouthern Gaza Strip asIsraeli aircrafts struck onthem by four air-to-groundrockets, medics andwitnesses said.

Hamas movementsources also said that fiveof its armed wing al-Qassam Brigades mili-tants were killed and seveninjured in an airstrikecarried out by Israelihelicopters on guardingstations in the Abbassanarea in southern Gaza.

Leaders of Hamasarmed wing al-QassamBrigades usually ask theirmilitants to stay overnightguarding the borders andfoil any Israeli groundthrust into the Hamas-

ruled territory. Mo’aweyaHassanein, chief of emer-gency in the ministry ofHealth said two brotherswere among the fivekilled, adding that thereare seven more wounded,two of them are in seriousconditions.

MNA/Xinhua

KABUL, 2 Dec—Twentyseven persons were killedand injured in a trafficaccident in northernAfghanistan on Saturdaymorning, an official at theInterior Ministry said.

Eight people werekilled and 19 otherssustained injuries, 15 ofthem in critical condition,as a passenger bus collided

with a truck on Kabul-Mazar-e-Sharif highwaythis morning, an officialat the Press department ofthe Interior Ministry toldXinhua.

The official, however,declined to be identified,saying a Press releasewould soon be released.

The bloody accident, headded, took place in

Rubatak area some 350kilometres north ofAfghan capital Kabul.

He did not give moredetails. It remainsunknown what caused theaccident, but overspeeddriving is very commonin Afghanistan wheremany local drivers ignorethe traffic law.

MNA/Xinhua

Construction models made with biscuits were ondisplay in Shenyang, capital city of northeastern

China’s Liaoning Province on 30 Nov, 2007.XINHUA

I N T E R N A T I O N A L N E W S

US soldier killed in bombattack in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, 3 Dec—An American soldier was killedand three others were injured in a roadside bomb attackin eastern Baghdad, the US military said on Sunday.

The attack occurred on Saturday when the soldierswere on a combat patrol in the area, the military saidin a statement.

The name of the deceased soldier is being withheldpending notification of next of kin, it added.

The latest death brings the number of US soldierswho have been killed in Iraq to more than 3,880 sincethe US-led invasion in 2003, according to media countbased on Pentagon figures.—MNA/Xinhua

A child plays with a model of the moon displayed at Beijing Planetarium on

29 Nov, 2007. China has dismissed Internet gossip that its first photo of the

moon taken from a lunar orbiter might have been plagiarised from NASA,

local media said on Monday.–INTERNET

A visitor takes a picture of statuettes made of chocolate in a chocolate salon heldin Moscow, capital of Russia, on 1 Dec, 2007. The ongoing salon is intended asa promotion of chocolate culture, during which people can eat chocolate for free,make ornaments with chocolate and enjoy a chocolate fashion show. —XINHUA

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM3


Chief Justice U Aung Toe addresses meeting of Commissionfor Drafting State Constitution

Commission for Drafting State Constitution meeting in progress in Nay Pyi Taw.— MNA

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec —The following is atranslation of the openingaddress delivered by ChiefJustice U Aung Toe,Chairman of Commissionfor Drafting the StateConstitution at the meetinghall of the commission atOffice No 22 here thismorning.

Greetings areexteneded to all membersof the State ConstitutionDrafting Commisionwishing that all will havegood health and peace ofmind.

As the State Peace andDevelopment Council hasbeen implememting theseven-step road map forenabling to build a new,

modern developed anddiscipline-flourishingdemocratic nation,simultaneously striking formodernity and develop-ment, at present, it hasalready reached Step Threewhich is the drafting of theState Constitution. Fordrafting the StateConstitution, the StatePeace and DevelopmentCouncil formed andassinged the duty to theState Constitution DraftingCommission byDeclaration No. 2/2007dated 18th October, 2007.All 54 members are fullyattending the first plenarysession of the StateConstutution DraftingCommision and a warm

and hearty welcome isextended to all.

Among the membersof the Commission presentat this session some areexperienced persons whowere contemporary and intouch with the previoustwo State Constitutions ofMyanmar and some othersare legal luminaries well-versed both in domesticand foreign laws. That iswhy, we firmly believe thatthe members of theCommision will rendertheir historic service totheir utmost ability of bothknowledge and experiencein drafting the StateConstitution in the bestinterest of the State andthe people.

The Union ofMyanmar is a countryblessed with long historictraditions. For thousandsof years, this country hasstood tall among thenations of the world as asovereign State with highcultural standard andtraditions coupled withnational characteristics.Due to aggression andannexation ofimperialists, the State lostits sovereignty andbecame a colony in thenineteenth century.Myanmar regained

Independence throughunited struggles ofpatriotic nationals of allnational races imbuedwith true nationalismand became a sovereignState.

For the reason that theimperialists practised“divide and rule” policyfor more than a hundredyears and national brethrenbecame estranged andconflists developed. It is aconditional factor that ifnational unity isdisintegrated in the Unionof Myanmar where morethan a hundred nationalraces reside in unity,certainly, the sovereigntywill be lost again. That iswhy, Our Three MainNational Causes— “non-disintegration of the Union,non-disintegration ofnational unity andperpetuation ofsovereignty” is theNational Causes bestowedon by history.Commencing from thetime the Tatmatawgovernment has taken thereponsibility of the State,national unity has beenregained because of thegenuine “cetana”(goodwill) of theg o v e r n m e n t .Simultaneously, in accord

Drafting to be made upon Fundamental Principles and Detailed Basic Principles

in a human body. Currently,the members of thisCommission will performpersonally the historic dutyof drafting the StateConstitution.

On reviewing thedrafting of previousConstitutions that hadexisted in Myanmar, it isdiscovered that in 1947, theConstitution was drafted bythe Anti-Fascist People’sFreedom League (AFPFL)during the pre-independentperiod. The saidConstitution was draftedhastily during a shortperiod of time to regainIndependence and wassubsequently adopted on24th September, 1947 bythe Constituent Assembly.In the said Constitutionwere embodied 14 chapterswith 234 sections. It wasthe Basic Law thatformulated theparliamentary democracysystem in the country.

In the succeedingyears, the stability of theState deteriorated resultingin adversely affecting thepractice of disciplineddemocracy system due toobsession to the politicalparty one belonged to andsectarianism thereof andthus in the year 1958 thecare-taker governmenthad to take theresponsibility of the State.Afterwards, in an attemptto prevent disintegrationof the Union, in 1962, theRevolutionay Counciltook power of the State.Subsequently, the 1947State Constitution ceasedto have operation.

(See page 5)

Among the members of theCommission present at thissession some are experiencedpersons who werecontemporary and in touchwith the previous two StateConstitutions of Myanmarand some others are legalluminaries well-versed bothin domestic and foreign laws.

with the wishes of thepeople, the worthy basicrequirements have beenbuilt up to transform thecountry into a genuine,disciplined democraticState.

The basic require-ments that are required for“democratic practice” tocome true are none otherthan stability of the State,well-endowment ofeconomy of the State andthe people, anddevelopment of humanresources. Moreover, thedrafting and subsequentadoption of the StateConstitution that willfacilitate the requirementsand enhance the long-terminterests of the State is thetask required for the Stateas if it were the life-blood

Under the resolution of themajority of those whoparticipated in thecoordination meetings, theNational Convention wasconvened commencing in 1993and it conclusively laid downthe Basic Principles and theDetailed Basic Principles.

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Chief Justice U AungToe addresses…

(from page 4)In the year 1973, under

the leadership of theMyanma SocialistProgramme Party, thedrafting of the StateConstituion was carried outto implement the one-partysystem. After drafting thesaid Constitution, it wassubsequently adopted on3rd January, 1974 throughreferendum. In the saidState Constitution wereembodied 16 chapters with209 articles.

Even though thebuilding of socialistdemocratic State had beenendeavoured under theleadership of one-partysystem, in 1988,administrative machinerycame to a standstill andanarchy reigned supremeall over the country due toagitation of local andforeign saboteurs pointingfinger at economic andgeneral deterioration of theState. The general situationof degradation of the Statepaved the way towards theloss of the Independenceand State sovereigntywhereupon the Tatmadawgovernment took theresponsibility of the Statein time. Subsequently, theState Peace andDevelopment Council has

been striving hard torealize the establishmentof multi-party democracysystem and marketeconomy in accord withthe wishes of the generalpublic.

During the sameperiod, for coming intoexistence of the enduringState Constitution aimedat long-term interests ofthe State, in the year 1992,coordination with theleaders of the politicalparties, individualdelegates and electedrepresentatives was made.Under the resolution of themajority of those whoparticipated in thecoordination meetings, theNational Convention wasconvened commencing in1993 and it conclusivelylaid down the FundamentalPrinciples and the DetailedBasic Principles. In thecourse of convening theNational Convention, ahost of difficulties anddisturbances wereencountered, but thesewere overcome through thecollective efforts and firmconviction of NationalConvention delegatesaiming at the emergenceof the State Constitution inline with the objectivesalready laid down so that

the National Conventionwas successfullyconcluded on 3rdSeptember, 2007.

The NationalConvention was attendedby a total of more than onethousand representativesincluding representativesfrom political partiesrepresenting the people,elected representatives,representatives of nationalraces, representatives ofworkers, representatives ofpeasants, representativesof intellectuals andintelligentsia, repre-sentatives of governmentservicemen and otherinvited persons.

Among therepresentatives of theConvention were theexperienced persons in theareas of security,administration, economy,social field, law, etc. aswell as persons who arewell-versed in the customsand traditions of nationalraces who reside in thecountry. Those represen-tatives participated in thediscussions on thehistory of the country, thecustoms and traditions ofthe national races andlegal matters andsubsequently laid downthe Basic Principlesand Detailed BasicPrinciples.

In other words, thedelegates of the National

Convention worked hardfor the emergence of theenduring StateConstitution that accordswith the prevailingsituation of the State andwill endure the test of timefor the future generations.Moreover, before theFundamental Principlesand Detailed BasicPrinciples were laid down,the State Constitutions ofmore than one hundredcountries had been studiedwith the aim of drafting aState Constitution that willmeet the standard of theworld.

The NationalConvention had alreadylaid down FundamentalPrinciples and DetailedBasic Principles for thedrafting of StateConstitution and itsdrafting is to be made uponthese FundamentalPrinciples and DetailedBasic Principles. As themembers of Commissionwho are entrusted with theresponsibility of draftingare persons of interlectualand intelligentia, and theCommission is formedwith them, it is believedthat the Commission willsuccessfully draft andcomplete the tasks.

Currently, thisCommission is urged tohave firm conviction of theobjective: – non-disintegration of

The delegates of theNational Convention workedhard for the emergence of theenduring State Constitutionthat accords with theprevailing situation of theState and will endure the testof time for the futuregenerations.

the Union; – non-disintegration of

national unity; – perpetuation of

sovereignty; – emergence of genuine

discipline-flourishingmulti-party demo-cracy system;

– flourishing of worldlyvalues of justice,liberty and equalitymore extensively; and

– participation of theTatmadaw in theleadership role of thenational politics of thestate for implementingthe FundamentalPrinciples andDetailed BasicPrinciples laid downby the NationalConvention in thedrafting of the StateConstitution.Arrangements have

already been made inadvance for theCommission members to

stay at Nay Pyi Taw andperform their tasks forenabling to conclude thefunctions of theCommission in timecorrespondingly, to holdthe group session of theCommission at all times asmay be required, and tocoordinate and consultamong the members of theCommission continuouslyand without interruption.If further requirements arerequired, coordinationswill be made for theirfulfillment.

In conclusion, theadoption of the StateConstitution is the primetask for transforming theState into a genuinediscipline-flourishingdemocratic nation. It isurged for all to performefficiently their duties andresponsibilities entrustedby history so as to ensuresuccess.

MNA

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan…(from page 16)

There are reasons behind it. The westernpower wants to instal a puppet government inpower while a political party and anti-governmentgroups within the country haranguing fordemocracy without exerting any effort fordemocratization are trying hard to grab power.

Nowadays, with the successful completion of theNat ional Convent ion, there prevai l goodconditions for continued implementation of theseven-step Road Map. Inasmuch as there emergesuch good conditions, those anti-governmentgroups have less chance to seize power. So, theyaccelerate the momentum of their attacks and

antagonizing efforts.To ensure impact on their anti-government

activities, the groups inside and outside the countryemployed three strategies since circa 2006. Thefirst strategy is to jeopardize the NationalConvention, to prevent the drafting of theConstitution and to dissuade the people fromapproving the draft Constitution.

(See page 6)

Diplomats and journalists view documentary photos, equipment and papers displayed at press conference 2/2007.— MNA

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM5


enterprises under theMinistry of Information,the deputy directors-gen-eral and general manag-ers, departmental offi-cials, representatives ofthe Union Solidarity andDevelopment Associa-tion, Myanmar Women’sAffairs Federation,Myanmar Maternal andChild Welfare Associa-tion, War Veterans Or-ganization, MyanmarMotion PictureAsiayone, Myanmar Mu-sic Asiayone, MyanmarFire Brigade, MyanmarRed Cross Society and

Information Committee of State Peace andDevelopment Council holds Press Conference 2/2007

on protests in August and September in Myanmar

(The clarifications ofthe Minister Brig-GenKyaw Hsan is reportedseparately.)

Next, MPF Director-General Brig-Gen KhinYi explained the mattersregarding the proteststhat occurred in Augustand September inMyanmar.

(The clarifications ofthe Director-GeneralBrig-Gen Khin Yi is re-ported separately.)

Then, Chairman ofthe committee MinisterBrig-Gen Kyaw Hsan,Minister U Aung Kyi and

NAY PYI TAW, 3Dec—The InformationCommittee of the StatePeace and DevelopmentCouncil held press con-ference 2/2007 at theMinistry of Informationhere at 10:30 am today,regarding the protests thatoccurred in August andSeptember in Myanmar.

It was attended byChairman of the Infor-mation Committee of theSPDC Minister for Infor-mation Brig-Gen KyawHsan, Minister for For-eign Affairs U Nyan Win,members of the commit-tee Minister for CultureMaj-Gen Khin AungMyint, Minister for La-bour U Aung Kyi, DeputyMinister for Home Af-fairs Brig-Gen PhoneSwe, Deputy Minister forForeign Affairs U MaungMyint and committeemembers, Deputy Minis-ter for Immigration andPopulation Brig-GenWin Sein, members of theCommission for DraftingState ConstitutionDeputy Chief Justice UTun Tun Oo, Deputy At-torneys-General Dr Tun

Press Conference 2/2007 on protests in August and September in Myanmar in progress in Nay Pyi Taw.— MNA

Shin and U Tun Tun, Su-preme Court Justice UTin Aye and Judge Ad-vocate General Maj-GenSoe Maung, Maj-GenNgwe Thein of the Min-istry of Defence, Direc-tor-General of MyanmarPolice Force Brig-GenKhin Yi, the ambassa-dors, the Charges d’Affaires ai and embassystaff, the military at-taches, representatives ofUN agencies inMyanmar and officials,the directors-general andthe managing directorsof the departments and

the Union of MyanmarFederation of Chambersof Commerce and Indus-try, Patron of MyanmarForeign CorrespondentsClub U Hla Htway, Presi-dent U Sao Kai Hpa andmembers of the MFCC,editorial staff and report-ers of the journals andmagazines and guests.First, Chairman of the In-formation CommitteeMinister for InformationBrig-Gen Kyaw Hsanbriefed on accounts re-garding the protests thatoccurred in August andSeptember in Myanmar.

MPF Director-GeneralBrig-Gen Khin Yi an-swered the questionsraised by those presentand the press conferencecame to an end at 1 pm.

(The questions andanswers made at thepress conference are re-ported separately.)

After the ceremony,those present and guestsviewed the documentaryphotos regarding the pro-tests that occurred in Au-gust and September inMyanmar displayed atthe press conference.

MNA

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan…(from page 5)

The second strat-egy is to create distur-bances and unrests likethose occurred in 1988.The third strategy is tolaunch sabotage acts in-

cluding blasting of bombsin the country. The recentincidents in last Augustand September were theresults of timely conspira-cies of a western powerand anti-government

groups inside and outsidethe country as well as atthe border.

With a view toassisting these three strat-egies, some nations in-cluding a western power

misused UN SecurityCouncil, ILO and HumanRights Council to takeone-sided action againstMyanmar. The anti-gov-ernment groups inside andoutside the country weregiven training, cash andkind assistance as well asdirectives and harmoniza-tion as regards the plots.A political party and anti-government groups withinthe country instigated invarious ways to create in-stability and unrests so asto ensure regime changefor them to grab power.

Before the Au-gust-September protests,the anti-governmentgroups sought ways andmeans for laying thegroundwork, movementand instigation based onthe three strategies. The

external elements alsogave them directives andschemes to do so. The anti-government groups infil-trated the masses of stu-dents, workers, servicepersonnel andTatmadawmen, implantedhard-cores and instigated.Similarly, they infiltratedthe mass of monks, im-planted hard-cores andmade instigation.

While the de-structive elements wereseeking a chance to mate-rialize their plot, the Gov-ernment had to unavoid-ably raise the fuel prices.By taking advantage of therise of fuel prices, the anti-government groups madeall kinds of instigation tocreate unrests by usingplanted cells. In reality,they had already had thepre-arranged plot to cre-

ate unrest. They timelystaged the August-Sep-tember protests by shout-ing loud the fuel pricehikes as immediate cause.

In line with thetactics of BCP (BurmaCommunist Party) as wellas Gene Sharp, the de-structive elements im-planted hardcore cells anddecoys in the masses ofstudents, workers, servicepersonnel, Tatmadawmento instigate as if the upris-ings were taken part bythe public. But they didnot get success. The stu-dents, workers, servicepersonnel and Tatma-dawmen realized theirsimister scheme and un-derstood the actual condi-tions of the country verywell. Thus they could notbe enticed or persuaded.

(See page 7)Documentary photos on protests in August and September being

displayed at Press Conference 2/2007.— MNA

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(from page 6)However, some

monks who were not intouch with worldly affairsas they were involvedwith religious affairs didnot understand the truefacts. So, these monksbelieved the fabricationsof anti-governmentgroups and were waveredby the instigation whichled to the monks’ protests.

Aftermath of theprotests, it is found withsound evidence that ex-convicted bogus monksjoined anti-governmentgroups inside and outsidethe country and launchedthe pre-empted scheme.Members of All-Myanmar Young MonksUnion and All-MyanmarUnited Sangha Forceswhich were primarilyleading bodies of themonks’ protests are notreverends but young war-dens and lecturers whohad violated laws, com-mitted crimes and hadbeen organized andtrained as hard-cores. Asthese monk wardens andlecturers wielded muchinfluence on their pupils,the young monks were or-ganized to take part in theprotests.

In addition, it isfound that the anti-gov-ernment groups also en-ticed music and filmartistes as well as writersand literati. Only fewartistes and men of let-

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan…

ters who are lacking pa-triotism followed themwith the hope that theprotests would gain suc-cess. Almost all the re-maining film and musicartistes as well as literatifirmly stood by the na-tion and the people withardent patriotism. Never-

were trivial for the wholecountry and in compari-son to other events inother countries. However,the international medianeglected the true factsmade exaggerations asaspired by the anti-gov-ernment groups. In real-ity, the strikes of fewthousand of protesterswere exaggerated to theextent that the entirecountry took part in theprotests. Due to one-sidedbroadcasts of some newsmedia, the image of ourcountry was harmed verymuch. Based on that inci-dent, a western power andinternal and external anti-government groups putvarious pressures onMyanmar by misusingsome international organi-zations including UN Se-curity Council.

Such unrestswere disliked by the ma-jority of monks who avoidthe “Buddha Patikutta”works loathed by LordBuddha and who keep

labourers, etc had to suf-fer troubles by having noincome. Therefore, theentire people denouncedthe unrests and violenceall over the country.

Moreover, citingthose unrests, USA, EUand Australia imposedadded sanctions. Due tothese sanctions, the Stateas well as the public fromthe basic people to bigbusiness firms suffered. Itis known to all. Therefore,I would like to ascertainthat those unrests and vio-lence are absolutely dis-liked by the majority ofthe people as well as themajority of the monks.

Those unrests andviolence not participatedby the majority of the peo-ple and the majority ofmonks have been put un-der control all over thecountry by authorities forensuring the prevalence ofpeace and stability as wellas the rule of law with theassistance of the monksand laity. With a view to

day, 3rd December 2007,the Commission com-mences its process ofdrafting the constitution.

As known to all,the Constitution Draft-ing Commission com-prises sufficient numberof legal experts and thelaw graduates of na-tional races from vari-ous States and Divi-sions. By studying the1947 Constitution andthe 1974 Constitutionand thoroughly review-ing international con-stitutions, the constitu-tion will be drafted withthe adopted fundamen-tal principles and de-tailed basic principles ofthe National Conven-tion. The fundamentalprinciples and detailedbasic principles adoptedby the National Con-vention are the best tosuit the prevailing con-ditions of the country.With these principles toformulate and compris-ing sufficient legal ex-perts and law graduatenational peoples, no as-sistance or advice fromother persons is re-quired.

Moreover, Iwould like to say thatthe suggestions to reviewadopted principles ex-tensively by formingnecessary bodies, and tocoordinate the principleswith the aspirations ofanti-government groupswhich did not partici-pate in the NationalConvention are nolonger appropriate tothe present situation. Itis known to all that theprinciples were adoptedthrough thorough dis-cussions by eight del-

Seized arms displayed at Press Conference.— MNA

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.— MNA

egate groups comprisingmore than 1000 del-egates of the NationalConvention. In the dis-cussions, the respectivegroups submitted theirviews, ideas and de-mands. Thorough dis-cussions were made toget a consensus fromthose views, ideas anddemands. Based on Un-ion Spirit and patriotismand in the light of na-tional interest, discus-sions and co-ordinationswere made to obtain themost suitable solutionfor the nation and thepeople.

It is not reason-able or fair to reviewand amend those prin-ciples adopted by thedelegates representingthe entire people. Oth-erwise, the eight delegategroups of the NationalConvention would againmake demands they like.So, it will be never end-ing and the process willget further complicated.We were to start fromthe first step. Actually,the adopted principlesinclude rights of the na-tional races as well asrights of the citizens.Therefore, the majorityof the people support theprinciples. Thus it is inno way to review theadopted principles. Wehave now commencedthe drafting of a consti-tution as the third stepof the Road Map.

Further detailsand findings on the Au-gust/September protestswill be clarified by theDirector-General of theMyanmar Police Force.Thank you.

MNA

The suggestions to review adopted prin-ciples extensively by forming necessary bod-ies, and to coordinate the principles withthe aspirations of anti-government groupswhich did not participate in the NationalConvention are no longer appropriate to thepresent situation.

theless, it is known to allthat the Government withbroad-mindedness par-doned those artistes andliterati.

The entire inci-dent revealed that it wasnot the protest of publicand the majority of monksbased on dissatis factionwith the Government butthe plotted scheme of awestern power and anti-government groups insideand outside the countryand expatriates by misus-ing pessimist ex-convictbogus monks. Hence, Iwould like to reaffirm thatneither public nor major-ity of monks participatedin those protests.

Actually, the Au-gust/September protests

religious affairs in thefore. The majority ofmonks were much dis-pleased for those incidentswhich were not concernedwith monks and whichtarnished the Sasana.

Similarly, themajority of the people ab-solutely do not want thelife in which their dailylives are destroyed and allare to live in anxiety asthe education, health andsocial conditions are notin normalcy. Due tounrests, bus lines werestopped, stores and shopsclosed and no one daredto go outside. Transporta-tion and businesses brokedown and the basic peo-ple such as vendors,trishaw-men, taxi drivers,

carrying on the democra-tization process as aspiredby the people as well asthe international commu-nity, the 54-member Con-stitution Drafting Com-mission has been formedfor implementing the thirdstep of the Road Map. To-

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM7


(from page 1)

Next, Cambodian high-ranking officials and

diplomats of foreign missions in Cambodia greeted the

Prime Minister.

Then, the Cambodian Prime Minister cor-

dially greeted Prime Minister General Thein Sein.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party to-

gether with Senior Minister and Minister of Environ-

ment Dr Mok Mareth and Cambodian Ambassador to

Myanmar Mr Hul Phany left Phnom Penh by special

flight for Siam Reap and arrived at Siam Reap Interna-

Cambodian Prime Minister sees off …tional Airport at 5:15 pm. Governor of Siem Reap Mr

Sou Phirim and officials welcomed the Prime Minister

and party at the airport.

Next, Cambodian students greeted the Prime

Minister and party waving the miniature flags of the

two countries at the exit of the airport while they went

to Sokha Angkor Resort on a motorcade.

In the evening, the Governor of Siem Reap

hosted a dinner in honour of the Prime Minister and

party at Sokha Angkor Resort. MNA

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec — Prime Minister of theUnion of Myanmar General Thein Sein met withMyanmar Ambassador to Cambodia Dr Aung Naingand wife Daw Aye Mi and embassy staff and theirfamilies at Hotel Inter-Continental in Phnom Penh ofCambodia on 1 December.

In his speech at the meeting, General Thein Seinstressed the need to develop the friendly ties betweenMyanmar and Cambodia, the stand of Cambodia insupport of Myanmar not only in regional but ininternational arena, the step-by-step implementationof the government in accordance with the Seven-stepRoad Map, for the Embassy staff to be aware of theobjective situations in Myanmar, and to performtheir duties in the interests of the nation and thepeople when it comes to the affairs of the nation.

Then, the Prime Minister gave presents to theambassador and wife, embassy staff and their families.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, whoaccompanied the General in his tour of Cambodia,met with Mr HOR Namhong, Deputy Prime Ministerand Minister for Foreign Affairs and InternationalCooperation at the Hotel Inter-Continental at 6.30pm on 30 November. The meeting discussed matterson bilateral cooperation.

Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe

Prime Minister General Thein Sein meets MyanmarAmbassador and wife, embassy staff and their families

Minister U Nyan Win meets Mr HORNamhong, Deputy Prime Minister, and

Minister for Foreign Affairs and InternationalCooperation at Hotel Inter-Continental.— MNA

Prime Minister General Thein Sein and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha

Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen take the salute of the Guard of Honour.— MNA

Naing met with Minister of Tourism Mr Thong Khonat the same venue at 1.30 pm on 30 November.

Together with the minister at the meeting wereDirector-General U Htay Aung of Directorate ofHotels and Tourism, Chairman of Myanmar Hoteliers’Association Dr Khin Shwe, Joint-Secretary of Unionof Myanmar Travel’ Association U Thet Lwin Toeand Managing Director of Air Bagan U Soe Win.

The meeting discussed matters on launchingflights between the two countries, ensuring easyaccess for passengers, and to extend reciprocalcooperation for the development of human resources.

Minister Maj-Gen Soe Naing also met withMinister of Tourism Mr Thong Khon, DeputyDirector-General Mr Mey Marady of Siem ReadTourism Authority and officials at the meeting hall ofthe Sokha Angkor Resort of Siem Reap on 2 Decembermorning. They discussed matters to develop hotelsand tourism. — MNA

Chanphan TV retransmission station starts operationYANGON, 3 Dec—Under the programme of

transmission extension, the implementation tasksof Chanphan retransmission station in TaninthayiDivision completed on 25 November, 2007.

Television programmes are being clearlytransmitted to TV viewers starting from 26 Novem-ber, 2007.

MNA

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM8


Prime Minister General Thein Sein visitsAngkor Wat Temple in Cambodia

NAY PYI TAW, 3Dec — Prime MinisterGeneral Thein Sein andMyanmar delegationmembers yesterdayvisited Angkor WatTemple built by KingJayavarman in Cambodia.

At the temple,Prime Minister GeneralThein Sein and party hadtheir documentary photostaken and viewed the artworks and renovationtasks of the temples.

During the tour,the Prime Minister andparty visited BayonTemple and tookdocumentary photos.

Next, they visitedTa Prohm Temple and theofficials of Siem Reapbriefed on preservationtasks of the temple andarrivals of tourists to SiemReap.

Prime MinisterGeneral Thein Sein and

party visited the lake nearthe Ta Prohm Temple andthey proceeded to SokhaAngkor Resort.

The PrimeMinister and party arrivedat Siem Reap InternationalAirport at 12:45 to leavefor Myanmar and studentswaved flags of the twonations along the road.

At the airport,Prime Minister GeneralThein Sein was welcomedby Governor Mr SouPhirim of Siem Reap andofficials.

A f t e r w a r d s ,Prime Minister GeneralThein Sein greeted SeniorMinister and Minister forEnvironment Dr Mok

Mareth, CambodianAmbassador to MyanmarMr Hul Phany, MyanmarAmbassador to CambodiaDr Aung Naing.

Prime MinisterGeneral Thein Sein andparty left for Myanmar byspecial flight from SiemReap International Airportat 1 pm. — MNA

Prime Minister General Thein Sein and partyvisit Bayon Temple in Siem Reap.— MNA

Prime Minister General Thein Sein and delegation members visit Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap. — MNA

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM9


Minister

for

Labour

U Aung

Kyi.

MNA

U Kyaw Swa Min ofYangon TimesJournal.—MNA

Daw Aye Aye Win,AP News Agency.

MNA

U Myat Khaing,Snapshot Journal.

MNA

Ambassador of Ger-many Dr DietrechAndreas.— MNA

Minister Maj-Gen Soe Naing meets with MrThong Khon, Minister of Tourism, at HotelInter-Continental. (News on page 8)— MNA

Press Conference holds Q&A session

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec— The following are thequestions of journalistsand answers of officialsconcerned at the press con-ference 2/2007.U Hla Htway (NikeiNewspaper)

Is there prospect of thenegotiation between NLDled by Daw Aung San SuuKyi and the governmentor is there any progressfor the negotiation?Minister Brig-GenKyaw Hsan

Before thinking aboutthe prospect of the nego-tiation, we should see theprogress in the meetingsof Minister U Aung Kyiand Daw Aung San SuuKyi first. Regarding thenegotiation, the Govern-ment issued the announce-ment No 1/2007. DawAung San Suu Kyi has notyet responded to the an-nouncement. The an-nouncement No 1/2007 isthe basic for all.U Kyaw Swa Min (TheYangon Times Journal)

I want to know whenthe writing of the consti-tution would be com-pleted. Another questionis : I want to know whetherMr Gambari is not per-mitted to enter Myanmar.Foreign Media said he isnot permitted to enter

Myanmar by the govern-ment. Is it true?Minister Brig-GenKyaw Hsan

Regarding the firstquestion, I also want toraise you a question youimagine the time when theconstitution would becompleted. The writing ofthe constitution may bedelayed if there are distur-bances and hindrances. Ifthere is cooperation in de-mocratization process andif there are no disturbancesand hindrances, the writ-ing of the constitution willbe completed within a rea-sonable time.

Regarding the secondquestion, there are a lot ofrumours, but they are nottrue. There is no any offi-cial request concerning thematter.U Aung Hla Tun(Reuters News Agency)

Is there time framefor Daw Aung San SuuKyi to respond to the an-nouncement No 1/2007 asshe has not yet respondedto the announcement?Can we expect that shewill respond to the an-nouncement? I want toknow the progress of themeetings between UAung Kyi and Daw AungSan Suu Kyi.Minister for Labour

U Aung KyiI met with Daw Aung

San Suu Kyi for threetimes. We have madeprogress at the meetings.The first meeting wasaimed at gaining under-standing between us. Thesecond meeting was todiscuss frameworks forthe future. The third meet-ing was to discuss the factsthat should be included inthe framework. We willrelease information re-lated to the meetings whennecessary. Regarding thetime frame, we will con-tinue to hold meetingswith Daw Aung San SuuKyi. We need to considerwhat to discuss and why.We are choosing “What”and “Why”. So, we willtake “Where”, “How” and“When” into considera-tion in the future.U Aung Thu Myaing(Ji Ji News Agency)

I want to know thenumber of detainees in-cluding students, civiliansand monks who have beendetained since September.What kind of action willbe taken against detainedStudents.

There were altogether2927 people, including596 monks, interrogatedregarding the Septembercrisis. However, 575monks and 2,263 people,totalling 2,838, have beenreleased and ninesentenced up to now.Therefore, there are only80 detainees — 21 monksand 59 people. I am notsure that ‘the students’mean the 88-generationstudents or the youngstudents still studying.Anyway, both areincluded in the 59 people.Whether action should be

taken against themdepends on whether theyare concerned with theexplosives found on 11October in the compoundof NanOo Monastery andwhether they committedcrimes like burning housesand police boxes.U Myat Khaing(Snapshot Journal)

Brig-Gen Khin Yi, Iwould like to ask you somequestions. You justmentioned Kyaw Thu,Zagana, Aung Way andThan Myint Aung. Firstof all, I would like to knowwhether you have takenaction against them and, ifnot yet, are you going todo so? And among foreignbroadcasting stations younever mention DVB. Iwant to know why.Brig-Gen Khin Yi

As I have said, ActorKyaw Thu was chairmanand Poet Aung Way wassecretary of the committeefor offering the requisitesto monks formed duringthe September crisis.Kyaw Thu, Zagana andDaw Than Myint Aunghave all been released. ButPoet Aung Way has fledto the border. We can’tsurely say yet whether hehas any connection withFDB. It is because we arestill interrogating FDBcontacts.

The second point isthat the reason I didn’tmention DVB out of for-eign broadcasting stationsmay be because I forgot it.DVB is the most notori-ous. It is one of the foreignbroadcasting stations thataired fabricated newsabout Myanmar most be-cause Nanda of DVB andthe groups in the nationentered into an officialcontract on sending fabri-cated news aboutMyanmar to DVB.Daw Aye Aye Win (APNews Agency)

Let me ask a ques-tion. According to the Di-rector-General ofMyanmar Police Force,there is a programme ofthe NLD to form an in-terim government. And so,what kind of action willbe taken against the NLDin that regard? Whether

action would be takenagainst the NLD or not?

Another question isthat according to the clari-fication just made, therewere ten people dead and14 others injured. WhenMr Pinheiro visitedHteinbin Cemetery helearnt that there were 14bodies that were cremated.And so, I would like toknow the accuratenumber.Minister for Informa-tion Brig-Gen KyawHsan

The NLD had previ-ously violated the law. Asfor the violation of law bythe NLD questions wereraised whether action wasbeing taken against theNLD or not in the previ-ous press conferences.With that regard, I had al-ready replied that the gov-ernment patiently mag-nanimously handled thematter with care. And thehandling of this matter isthe same as that of theprevious matters. The gov-ernment is handling mat-ters with care. But there

can be a degree or an ex-tent of tolerance on a cer-tain matter. If a violationof the law poses a gravedanger to the State and thepeople we will be in noposition to tolerate andforgive it.Director-General ofMPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi

There were ten peo-ple dead and 14 others in-jured in the unrest. Theaforesaid number at the (See page 11)

Prime Minister General Thein Sein beingwelcomed by Governor Mr Sou Phirim of

Seim Reap at the airport. (News on page 9)MNA

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM10


(from page 10)time Mr Pinheiro visitedthe cemetery is the totalnumber of dead people.What we meant the deadnumber is the one directlyrelated to the unrest ex-clusive of the dead peoplewho died of illness. Insome death cases, they hadalready been ill beforebeing taken to the GTC.So they had to be hospital-ized but they died later inhospital. There were somecases that those dead per-sons were cremated atHteinbin Cemetery. The10 deaths and 14 injuredwere directly linked withthe violence and unrest.They were not concernedwith those who died oftheir illness. As thenumber you said was thetotal number, they are dif-ferent in number.Daw Aye Aye Win (AP):May I have a question asI’m confused a little? Yousaid that among the 14,four died from their ill-ness. So were they identi-fied or unidentified?MPF Director-GeneralBrig-Gen Khin Yi: Idon’t mean all died of ill-ness. The 10 deaths and14 injured were directlylinked with the violenceand unrest. In the whole

Press Conference holds Q&A session

NAY PYI TAW, 3Dec — The following isthe clarification of Direc-tor-General of MyanmarPolice Force Brig-GenKhin Yi made at the PressConference 2/2007 of theInformation Committee ofthe State Peace and De-velopment Council, re-garding the protests thatoccurred in August andSeptember in Myanmar.

I am going to briefon the background andinvestigations related tothe protests and demon-strations in some states anddivisions of the country inSeptember 2007.

The protests and dem-onstrations were initiatedby a group calling them-selves the 88 GenerationStudents, members ofNLD and a few support-ing youths under the pre-text of the increase of fuelprices with the guise ofpeaceful marching pro-tests centered on somebogus monks who wishedto disrupt law and order,destabilize peace andtranquility of the State.However, investigationsrevealed the genuine in-tentions behind the dem-onstrations and protestswere planned and con-spired systematicallymonths ahead to topple thegovernment. It was alsorevealed that the main or-

MPF DG explains background and situation of 2007 August & Septemberdemonstrations at the Press Conference (2/2007)

Director-General of Myanmar Police ForceBrig-Gen Khin Yi. — MNA

period of the protests,there might be some deathcases who died of othercauses. Some were hos-pitalized as they weretaken ill on arrival atGTC. And then they diedin hospital. We countedthe total numbers byputting the above-men-tioned deaths in the toll.There were some deathcases who were not iden-tified. However, accord-ing to the procedures ofMPF, the lists of thedeaths were put on thenoticeboards of the hos-pital. Their fingerprintswere sent to CID. Exami-nation was made for theiridentification. The listswere put on thenoticeboards of the hos-pital as well as of HteinbinCemetery. The unidenti-fied dead persons werecremated by the State.What’s interesting is thatthere would not be anyunidentified death casesif they resided aroundhere. As the incidents oc-curred due to the linksbetween the internal andexternal elements, wecannot say that all the de-tainees were from nearhere. They might havecome from other organi-zations we haven’t known

from the border region.That was why some deathcases could not be identi-fied.Daw Aye Aye Win (AP):The 14 injured people arein Yangon. Isn’t it? Isn’tthere any death cases inother towns?MPF Director GeneralBrig-Gen Khin Yi: No.German Ambassador toMyanmar Dr DietrichAndreas: Will other po-litical parties includingNLD have a chance to par-ticipate in drafting theState constitution and givesuggestions?Information MinisterBrig-Gen Kyaw Hsan:I have already mentionedabout it in our clarifica-tion. We will continue totake measures as men-tioned in the clarifica-tion. We will not side-line those opposing theseven-step Road Mapand the detailed basicprinciples. When a ref-erendum is held, those inopposition will have thechance to cast votes to-gether with the support-ers. In like manner, thosein opposition will havethe chance to stand forelections after the draftconstitution has beenapproved. — MNA

Seized materials displayed at the press confer-ence. — MNA

tary General Dr NaingAung, Deputy SecretaryGeneral Kyaw Htet, U BoKyi from AAPP, Yaza aNyein Chan and Sai MyintThu, FDB.

FDB held the firstconference from 2 to 7July 2006 and laid downa strategy to drum up adomestic People’s Upris-ing in the country. Simul-taneously, NCGUBformed a Committee withrepresentatives fromABSDF, ABSDF-FAC,DPNS, BWU, YCOWA-NDD to reinforce the ac-tivities of FDB. Further-more, U Khemarsara ofABYMU, Thaung DanCho and Nay Tin Myintof NLD-LA in collusionwith the Union of YouthMonks, Monks’ Front, the88 Generation Studentsand members of NLD; All

Burma Students’ Democ-racy Movement and AllBurma Students Union,exiled forces of democ-racy supported with me-dia broadcastingagitations from BBC,VOA and RFA; in addi-tion to the publication anddistribution of People’sUprising and Under-ground Manuals by MoeThee Zun and Ni Thit ofABSDF joined forces withthe intention to organize apeople’s uprising to dis-rupt the administration ofState government.

(See page 12)

Although opposition groups try to incite uprisings by infiltrating intodifferent social strata, they are not able to get people on their side

Seized materials displayed at the pressconference. — MNA

ganization behind thescenes directing fromabroad was the Forum forDemocracy in Burma(FDB).

I wish to take thisopportunity to elaborate abit on the Forum for De-mocracy in Burma. FDBwas formed on 26 Febru-ary 2004 at Maesot, Thai-land, when anti-govern-ment activists based in aneighboring country gottogether to form an anti-government coalition. TheFDB consists of 6 groups

namely; ABSDF (AllBurma Students’ Demo-cratic Front), ABFSU-FAC (All Burma Federa-tion Students’ Union For-

eign Affairs Committee),BWU (Burma WomenUnion), DPNS (Demo-cratic Party for New Soci-ety), NDD ( Network forDemocracy and Develop-ment ) and PDF ( Peoples’Defence Forces), AAPP(Assistance Associationfor Political Prisoners),ABYMU (All BurmaYouth Monks Union). TheFDB has a 25-memberPolicy Committee and themembers who are stronglyactive in the affairs ofMyanmar are the Secre-

4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM11


Although opposition groups try to incite uprisings…

Diplomats examineweapons displayed atthe press conference.

MNA

(from page 11)FDB is led by Kyaw

Htet, who is a native ofYontawyawr, Mahlaingtownship, MandalayDivision and wentunderground after 1988.When PDF commander ex-Colonel Sein Mya died,Kyaw Htet took overcontrol in 1996 and nowleads a striking force of 70.PDF collects and providesdomestic information to theUnited States, Australia andNorway getting financialsupport from thesecountries. On the militaryfront it is collaborating withKNU while workingtogether with NLD-LA,FDB, DAB, NCUB, etc onthe political front.

The FDB, to realizepublic uprising against thegovernment system-atically organized workers,farmers, monks, ethnicgroups, students, “88”Generation Students andNLD members andconducted trainings onPolitical Defiance,

Communities Organizer,Human Rights, Leadershipand UndergroundMovements at their officein Maesod, Thailand. The3 to 5-day trainingsemphasized on ways andmethods of confronting theState government byinfiltrating into themilitary, police force,USDA, Fire Brigade, etcand organizeddisenchantment withinthem how to arouseagitation among studentsresulting in protests,planting informers andextracting informationfrom informers. The dailysubsistence allowance,travel costs of the traineeswere borne by FDB, in

addition to printing anddistribution of anti-government documents,pamphlets and rentingmobile phones, computersand email installations tocommunicate with them.Relying basically on thegraduates of thesetrainings and support fromthe international anddomestic media, they triedto create unrest in thecountry.

After explaining that,I wish to continue with onhow they practicallyinfiltrate and organize thepeople of different strata.First of all, I will explainhow they organize thegeneral public. Threeobjectives were laid downduring the 3rd Meeting ofthe Policy Committee ofthe FDB on 13 July 2004.One of the objectives was“Establishing bases in thepublic which can activateand develop demon-strations”. To implementthis objective, the FDB inNovember in 2004,

distributed and circulatedpropaganda pamphlets andpapers for the generalpublic and intellectuals,proposals of artists anddemocracy alliancegroups. However, thesecurity forces managed toreveal and stop thisinitiative and it wasaborted. Kyaw Htet of FDBrecruited a second yearPsychology Major studentPyi Phyoe Hlaing A ThayLay of Pathein DistantEducation University toorganize the student body.Furthermore, he alsorecruited 17 individualsfrom the private enterprisesincluding Nay Lin Aung, asalesman of Pantanaw,Aung Bo Bo, a goldsmith,

Khin Lwin, a livestockbreeder, Aung Myo Oo, acasual labourer, ThihaThetzin (battery industry),Kyaw Zaybo, a hotel cookfrom Bogalay, December,a photographer fromWakema and Myo Lwin, aworker at a sawmill fromNorth Dagon, to undertaketrainings at Mae Sod onCO and PD. All of theseinitiatives and efforts werenot successful andeffective due to earlyrevelation of the plans bysecurity forces and the lackof interest of the majorityof the public who wishedto stay under peace andstability.

Let me continue withhow the FDB infiltrated thegovernment civil servants.Security forces managed toexpose the true identity andintentions of an agent WaiLinn (44), son of U KyawYin, arrested on 28 June

2005 at Kyun Thayar Wardof Bago who was recruitedby Network for Democracyand Development (NDD)in-charge Thein Win. NDDis a member of FDB.Subsequently, Wai Linn, KoYe @ Than Oo, Thein LwinOo, Captain Myint Lwin(retired), and Win Myintwere arrested while Ko Soe@ Kyaw Soe is still on therun. Furthermore,government employees MsAye Thi Khaing, Ma YinKyi, Ye Myint, Aung MyintThein, Ma Aye Chan whowere recruited andunderwent trainings atMaesok and planted asorganizers were arrested bysecurity forces. Interviewsof the arrested disclosed that

they were recruited by TheinWin (NDD) and providedtrainings on CO, PD, LSand UG and then used ascouriers to dispatchassistance allowances,satellite phones, obtaininformation on the issues ofsalaries, owners and labourdisputes, welfare problemsfrom governmentemployees and manuallabourers, farmers to feedthe international media andto instill anti governmentsentiments in their minds.

assistance from KyawHtet. With that financialassistance Pyi Phyo Aungwas active around Ma-u-bin University using thename of the PatheinUniversity Students Union(temporary) and tried toform Students’ Union,claiming students’ rightsand distributed agitationletters. Using the name of“88” Generation Students,he wrote and distributedanti-government papersdemanding reduction offuel prices and solicitingthe participation of the

funding from FDB, herecruited persons to attendtrainings in Maesok,Thailand and circulatedanti-government agitationdocuments and labourmovement reports,distributed documentssimilar to U Down(Peacock) in the collegesand universities, agitate,create and exacerbatingproblems and issues oflabour wages, welfare ofworkers and illegallyforming “Labour Safe andHealth Agency” (LSHA) inthe Industrial Zones. A total

This was also thwarted bysecurity forces with the earlydisclosure and arrest of theseinfiltrators. Also it did notaffect the governmentemployees due to theappreciation of the positiveefforts and achievements ofgovernment.

I would like tocontinue with FDBinfiltration into the studentcampuses disclosed frominterviews of arrestedpersons. Pyi Phyo Aung, asecond year studentmajoring Psychology atPathein DistanceEducation University,went to Mae sok, Thailand,with his friends fromBogale to visit his cousinMa Thin Myat Thu @ ThinThin in July 2005. Therehe met his cousin’shusband Pyi Pe Kyaw, whowas staying illegally inThailand after his releasefrom prison in 2003serving a jail term after the1988 demonstrations. PyiPe Kyaw is a member ofBogalay Township NLD.Through his brother-in-lawPyi Phyo Aung met KyawHtet of FDB and attendedthe CO training course. Hegave statements that herecruited 27 sympathizersand hardcore persons toattend FDB trainings andreceived financial

public. He was arrested bysecurity forces while hewas waiting to receivefunding of 1.2 million kyatfrom Kyaw Htet toundertake these activitiesin Ma-u-bin, Pathein andWakema universities. Hisstatement disclosed hereceived a total sum of12.85 million kyat duringthe period of 2004 Octoberto 2007 for this job. Fromthe 27 persons plantedamong the students, 17have been detained forquestioning at this stage.

Similarly, I would liketo explain how FDBinfiltrated the laborworkforce during thisperiod. Our investigationsinitiated with Thurein Aungwho registered as a NLDparty member in 2000 andwas known to be an activeone. However, in 2005 dueto internal problems he wasexpelled from NLD. In2004 October he went toMaeSot, Thailand, withHtun Linn Naing, a southDagon NLD member (nowa member of NLD-LA,where he was introduced toNLD-LA members ThaungDan Cho and others andthen through them he camein contact with Kyaw Htetof FDB. He was then taskedby Kyaw Htet to infiltratethe labour workforce. With

of K 9.57 million werereceived from FDB duringthe period from 2005 to2007. 12 persons planted inthe labour workforce werefound out and 6 have beendetained for questioning.Thurein Aung, ex-Mayangon Township NLDmember and 6 cohorts havebeen indicted for breachingthe law. Due to thesemeasures by the securityforces and the interventionof issues by the concernedauthorities, they did notsucceed in inducing ormotivating the workers toparticipate in the protestsin September.

Furthermore, ThureinAung was also tasked byKyaw Htet to infiltrate andorganize the farmers.Thurein Aung recruitedHtun Htun Oo of HtantabinNLD and a NyaungdonNLD sympathizer, MaungMaung Lay and sent themto attend training courseson Political Defiance,Underground Movementsand Leadership in Maesok,Thailand in June 2007.Htun Htun Oo and MaungMaung Lay took a farmerfrom Htou Nayee village,Htang Tabin Townshipnamed U Tay to ThureinAung to provide false andexaggerated information to (See page 13)

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(from page 12)DVB and RFA. Also in2006 September, theypersuaded a few farmersfrom Kyaung GonTownship who werediscontent with the PhysicNut project, to contact withNLD lawyers U AungThein and U Aye Myintfor agitation. The FDBinvested 6.9 million kyatsbetween February andOctober of 2007 to stir upprotests within the farmersbut was in vain becausethe security forces gottimely information anddetained the 2 organizersand foiled their schemes.In addition, the farmers arequite content and happywith sufficient incomesfrom double croppingpractices and aware of thegood intentions of thegovernment that KyawHtet’s efforts to sowdissient among themthrough collusion ofinternal and externalelements failed.

It was also learnt thatFDB Kyaw Htet even triedto organize Ethnic YouthGroup. This was donethrough the EthnicNationalities Council –ENC based in Chiang Mai,Thailand. The EthnicYouth Group contactedGeneral Secretary of theCouncil Dr. Salai LyanMon, a former NLDrepresentative of ChinState. This group acted as amember of the SupervisoryCommittee during therecent Septemberdemonstrations and tried toorganize the interest andparticipation of all nationalraces. We have detainedand interviewed Tin HtooAung, an active member ofthe group and he disclosedthe group sent 9 youths in 3batches from the Church atthe corner of Anawrahtaand Seikkantha streets toMaesod, Thailand toreceive trainings. Wediscovered there were 15ethnic youths recruited byKyaw Htet but up to now,we have only called 2 forquestioning while the restare still under watch. It waslearnt Kyat 10.5 lakhs was

supported by FDB duringthe period of October 2006to date in 2007.

I wish to continue withthe penetration of FDB intothe 88 Generation Students.The 88 Generation Studentsreceive funding supportfrom Dr. Naing Aung,Secretary General of FDB.On the other hand, they alsoreceive funding from AllBurma Students Union self-exiled in the United Statesand Open Society Institute(OSI), a subsidiary of SorosFoundation. In a way, theGroup survives with manyfunding sources. In earlySeptember 2006, Dr. NaingAung asked Min Zeyar thathe wished to open similartraining courses of Maesodin Myanmar and promisedto bear all expenses for thetraining, instructors,lodging and foodallowances. Min Zeyar thencontacted Ms San SanMyint of the AmericanCenter of Yangon and withher help on 27 September,opened a 3-day trainingcourse on Infiltrating andOrganizing the Public.Statements disclosed thatthe instructors were fromMalaysia and 19 membersof the Group undertook thecourse which was run at anexpenditure of 2 millionkyat supported by Dr.Naing Aung.

Similarly, Mya Ayeand Kyaw Kyaw Htwe (a)Ma Kee both members ofthe New GenerationStudents of 1988 Groupthrough the contacts andfacilitation of ex-convictNanda (a) Myo Gyi livingin Norway, signed acontract with DVB to sell

Radio Station sent throughillegal channels 6.3 millionkyat to Ma Kee to realizethe scheme.

In addition to that, MyaAye and Ma Kee withassistance and contactsfrom Sai Myint Thu of FDBmet Ms Liz from OpenSociety Institute during thelast week of March 2007 atMr. Guitar Café‘. After themeeting, OSI granted15000 $ US and Mya Ayeand Ma Kee have received4 million kyat as the firstinstallment from theassistance package throughillegal channel. Anothersource of funding camefrom the Chairperson ofMyanmar Women’s UnionKhin Ohnmar (NDD), wifeof Dr. Naing Aung and NyiNyi Aung (a) A Nge Kaung,an expatriate living in theUnited States. Nyi NyiAung is a former memberof All Burma StudentsDemocracy Movement butlater joined the ABSDFafter 1988 and migrated tothe US. Nyi Nyi Aung cameback to Myanmar in Marchand June 2006. Hediscussed plans with MinZeyar, Htay Kywe, ZawMinn and Lay Lwin toorganize units within the88 Generation Students toelevate the momentum oforganizing the generalpublic so as to put thegovernment in apredicament. This schemewas planned to besupported by NCGUB Dr.Sein Win with a budget of50000 $ US. An estimatebudget of 59.8 million kyatwas drafted and proposedbut was reduced from50,000 $ to 20,000 $ USand allotted in July 2006.The funds were granted onan ad hoc basis sinceAugust 2006 and toOctober 2006 altogether8.7 million kyats have beenreceived it was learnedfrom the statements.Statements also revealedFDB has assisted the NewGeneration Students of1988 Group within 2007 atotal of 12.3 million kyatfor the implementation ofthe project. Security forceshave exposed 18 hardcores.

The 88 GenerationStudents while acceptingfinancial support fromFDB, ABSDF and OSI hadbeen actively organizingseparately to create andestablish a political forceamong the students,workers, farmers andmonks with a core force.For instance, member ZawZaw Minn, a privatebiology tutor started to

organize high school andcollege students. At thesame time, Jimmy (a) KyawMinn Yu recruited ZawZaw Minn’s son D NyeinLinn as a core organizer atthe Western Universitywhere he is also a student.In the same vein, Si ThuMaung of University ofEconomics and La PyayWun (a) La Way ofComputer ScienceUniversity were recruitedto organize students in theirrespective universities.Nyan Lin recruited Wai LinAung of Dagon Universityand the latter startedorganizing students fromDagon University, EasternUniversity, ComputerScience University,University of Culture andThan Lyin GTC. HtunMyint Aung recruitedHoney Oo of DagonUniversity, Yahu KyawKyaw Maung a postgraduate of Faculty ofEconomics to help out inthe Signature Campaign.Also they were findingfaults with the flaws of thesystem at the universitycampus such as shortage ofvehicles in the ferry system,stringent discipline on thecampus, defects in the

able to reveal them and incollaboration with theparents, school and localauthorities which resultedin the non-participation ofstudents in the Septemberprotests and demon-strations.

I would like to continuewith the infiltration andorganization into theSangha. Starting 2005, MaKee (a) Kyaw Kyaw Htwestarted to get friendly withthe monks of Hinthada andYangon Monastery of KabaAye Hill. Ma Kee arrangedto feed information to themedia about what the Headof the Yangon MonasterySayadaw U Tayzawtharakatold him that he had to lockthe gates of the compound,that there were spray-writings on the walls of theclassrooms saying“University is not a prison”,“Free from Fear”, “thieves”and “destroyers of theBuddhist religion” and thatdue to tight checking ofvisitors into the monastery,donors have decreased. MaKee also strived to getpersonally close to themonks. Furthermore, sincethey spent jail termstogether when they wereyoung, the majority of the88 Generation Studentswere friendly with themonks from the MagginMonastery who were themain active players duringthe protests. Since theywere released from theprisons, the majority of thenew generation studentshave reached leadershiplevel in their organizationand it was the same withthe monks who havereached the Supervisorylevel since they came out ofjail. The initial friendshipcontinued and flourished toother spheres andcollaboration in politicalmovements.

Similarly, Ma Kee (a)Kyaw Kyaw Htwe wasfriendly with a GTI studentMyo Thant when they wereserving time inThayawaddy Prison in1997. He introduced MyoThant to Zan Kul, a Chinnational from YuzanaGarden City and taskedthem with 700,000 kyats toagitate the labor workforceon the expulsion of a Chinwoman in Hlaing ThayarIndustrial Zone. He alsorecruited and then plantedAung Naing Oo of SouthOkklapa and Myo Kyaw ofwest Yankin as coreorganizers to infiltrate thelabor workforce foragitation activities.

The 88 GenerationStudents took the advantageof farmers when U WinNaing of South Dagon and

4 farmers from DagonTownship came to MinnZeyar’s house on 4 January2007 to report that theirfarmland were confiscatedto develop real estates inDagon South, North, Eastand Dagon HarborTownships. Min Zeyar,Htay Kywe, Aung Myo Tintand Arnt Bwe Kyaw of the88 Generation Students alsotook the opportunity to visitfarmers whose farmlandswere confiscated.

After that, I would liketo elaborate on how FDBapproached and infiltratedthe NLD party. Aung ZawOo, a former NLD memberof Bogalay, AyerawadyDivision was expelled fromthe Party due to an internalproblem. He came up toYangon in August 2003 andmade contact with MyintAye of Kyimyindine NLDand through Myint Aye, hecame to know Htun Lin wholives near Kyimyindinemarket The‘kwin bus stop.Aung Zaw Oo then went toMae Sod with Htun Lin(code name Tar-tay-gyi)and Yan Shwe (code nameLu Min) and attended COand PD trainings withassistance from FDB KyawHtet. After the training,Kyaw Htet gave kyat 1 lakhand a Kodak camera toAung Zaw Oo and askedhim to organize and sendmore trainees to Mae Sod.Aung Zaw Oo organizedMaung Kan (WakemaNLD), Kyaw Soe(Taunggyi NLD) and Thiha( Meikhtila NLD) and sentthem to Mae Sod to attendtrainings. An emailerroneously sent by KyawHtet to Pyi Phyo Hlaingrevealed that 7.8 lakhs wassent to Taunggyi, 7.8 lakhswas sent to Wakema, 3lakhs to Pyay, 2 lakhs toChauk and 2 lakhs to MyinChan groups indicating thatKyaw Htet has his corepeople active in those areasand investigations are stillongoing. It was alsorevealed that in 2004October, Pauk NLDmember Aung Kyaw Kyawwith the persuasion of AungThan Htun, NLD memberof Taung Gok contacted BoKyi (AAPP) of FDB in MaeSod and attended PD andUG trainings. Through hisinfluence, his brother UGambhira, Myit Che‘ NLDKyaw Kyaw Naing, NutKyaw(a) Zaw Myo Htet,Kan Ma NLD Tin Ko alsowere recruited to attendtrainings in Mae Sod.Altogether FDB spent127.4 lakhs within 2006 and2007 to infiltrate NLD Partyand implant theirsympathizers and provided

(See page 14)U Hla Htwe,

NikkiPress.— MNA

U Aung Hla Tun,Reuters.— MNA

U Aung Thu Myaing,Ji Ji Press.— MNA

domestic politicalmovements informationand photographs. In 2007May, Kyaw Kyaw Htwe (a)Ma Kee went to Maesod,Thailand and met DVBDirector U Khin MaungWin, Dr. Thaung Htun ofNCGUB and Nanda (a)Myo Gyi of DVB. KyawKyaw Htwe (a) Ma Keeagreed to stir up oppositionpolitical blocs in the generalpublic. From investigationsit was revealed that DVB

toilets to classrooms,failings in the classroomlectures, etc. which theyrecord in details and thenprovide information to theforeign media to foster anti-government sentimentsamong the student body. Inaddition, under the controland supervision of HtunMyint Naing and Jimmy (a)Kyaw Minn Yu, the AllBurma Students’ Unionwas formed on 28 August2007 with the leadingcommittee members asYahu Kyaw Kyaw Maung,Sithu Maung, AungThanzin Oo, Honey Oo andThinzar Khaing. The 88Generation Students wereable to organize and implantabout 32 hard cores in theUniversities of Economics,Western and Eastern,Computer Science, Dagon,Technical, Culture,Hmawbi Technical andThanlyin GTC. However,the security forces were


4-12-07 NL 12/4/07, 07:05 AM13


(from page 13)trainings to 12 persons.

The FDB also tried to infiltrate the Military ArmedForces. In November 2004, they tried to distribute adocument named “A plead to all the patriots of the ArmedForces from Myanmar Democratic Force” but the secu-rity forces exposed the plot in time and arrested theculprits. In this connection, the FDB on 24 Septemberduring the demonstrations, issued a plea to the officersand other ranks of the military to join hands with themonks and public. Similarly, ex-General Kyaw Zaw ofthe BCP also issued “A plea to the patriotic militaryleaders and men” with the intention to split the ArmedForces.

As stated above, the FDB with funding support fromOpen Society Institute (OSI) and National Endowment ofDemocracy (NED) tried to infiltrate and organize thegeneral public, government civil servants, workers, farm-ers, students, monks and opposition groups like 88 Gen-eration Students and NLD and provided trainings onCommunity Organization (CO), Political Defiance (PD),Civil Society (CS), Leadership (LS) and Undergroundmovements (UG). While still trying to establish coreactivists in all classes and walks of life security forcesmanaged to investigate and arrest 118 persons in thisperiod. We believe that the FDB has implanted more thanwhat we have discovered thus the investigation is stillongoing. A rough breakdown of support of 679.5 lakhs tothe various organization by FDB can be seen as below;-Students 128.5 lakhsLabor workers 95.7 lakhsFarmers 69.0 lakhsNLD Party 127.4 lakhsNational youths 10.5 lakhsMonks and monkhood 125.4 lakhs‘88’ Generation Students 123.0 lakhsTotal 679.5 lakhs

In addition, exiles like the NLD –LA, ex-members ofAll Burma Students Democracy Movement (MAKADA)and ex – ABSDF members supported the 88 GenerationStudents 600.9 lakhs summing up a total of 1,280.4 lakhssupported to the activist groups to stir up trouble andproblems in the country during 2005 to 2007. This figureis only from the case interviews and there may be muchmore than this amount which we are not aware of.Moreover, the majority of those they exploited were notodd jobbers in the country. By reviewing their livingstandard, they received more cash assistance than theamount they mentioned. For instance, according to the figures of cash assist-ance officially issued on 9-11-2007 on the website of theNational Endowment for Democracy (NED), the organi-zation alone has provided cash under six categories toanti-government organizations in the country under thepretext of restoration of democracy up to 9-11-2007. Thetotal amount of cash provided was US $ 3,223,354 (3.22million). The cash assistance under the respective categories areas follows.- for internal organizations and coalition groups

US$ 993302- for independent news agencies

US$ 824902- for education and records on human rights and support

US$ 543150- for support and organizational work from international communities

US$ 545000- for national race groups US$ 127000- for participation of women and rights US$ 190000

The total is US $ 3,223,354.After explaining the activities and movements of anti-

government activists from abroad, I would like to explainto you the background of 2007 September demonstrations.This calls for the explanation of the 88 Generation Studentssince its birth. It would be fair to say that the 88 GenerationStudents initially was conceived on terrorism. After the1988 demonstrations, the All Burma Students Union laiddown a strategy with 3 plans with the objective of over-throwing the government that is; -1. establish a political party for opposition activities,2. Undertake semi- underground activities.3. Armed insurrection. Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi areto lead the semi-underground activities while the politi-cal line to be taken up by Moe Thee Zun, New …Democratic Party Chairman, and Moe Hein as Secretary.

To pursue armed insurrection, Maung Maung Kyaw,Win Moe, Aung Naing and Kyaw Htin were chosen tolead ABSDF. In other words, the original image of AllBurma Students’ Union conceived by Min Ko Naing andKo Ko Gyi was to forge alliance with political partyforces and with the assistance of armed rebels, conduct

above-ground UG activities.If we assess the political parties situation, the main

opposition party NLD is facing its own internal problemswith conflicting views and opinions at the central execu-tive level, differing views between NLD-CEC and partymembers at the field level, the active youth defyingauthority, criticism and allegations from ex-party mem-bers who were expelled or dismissed from the party,pressure from allied parties who are supporting NLD. Onthe other hand, the 88 Generation Students has increasedcontacts and relations with ally parties stepping up thealliance and getting a solid place. The allied parties alsoencouraged and supported the 88 Generation Students.Thakin Thein Pe of Veterans Political party even honoredand rendered the flags of Doe-Bama Asiayone and Anti-facist Revolution to Min Ko Naing on behalf of the party.The 88 Generation Students are also very happy andsatisfied with this crowning and have increased theirmomentum to secure a better position.

On the occasion of the 17th Anniversary of theelection day held on 27 May 2007 at the Headquarters,Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and 25 members of 88Generation Students attended wearing Daw Su Kyi’picture T-shirts and bamboo hats while the party mem-bers warmly applauded as if heroes. After the ceremonyMin Ko Naing led the party members and 100s ofonlookers to walk to the Shwe Dagon Pagoda but theresidents of the ward warned and intervene to preventfurther problems with the authorities. Min Ko Naing thenturned back and gave an anti-government speech from abench. About 350 people had gathered at the time. MinKo Naing agitated the crowd to confront head on with theauthorities. Although the 88 Generation Students weretrying to destroy the peace and stability established overthe years, the authorities were very patient and did notintervened at the time. Simultaneously, BCP ThanGyaung, US Campaign for Burma Aung Din met with themedia to give interviews and posted agitations in theinternet websites. ABSDF Moe Thee Zun also stated thatthe people wanted a change and this is the opportunity toobtain it when foreign spokesmen of BCP issued state-ments and declarations of agitations. Due to the situationgetting worse and getting out of hand, the authorities hadno choice but to detain Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi andHtay Kywe on 27 September and Pyone Cho and MinZeyar on 30 September for questioning. However, MyaAye and Pyone Cho started campaigns with crowds andgatherings as in Gene Sharp’s tactics.

NLD members, ‘88’ generation student group andanti-government groups involved in the last SeptemberSangha-centred protests led by the United Sangha Forceat the start. Later, 15 leaders of the Sangha and 20members of the Sangha of Sangha discipline committeeled the protests. The monasteries that actively took partin the protests were Maggin monastery in ThingangyunTownship, Shwetaung monastery in Mingala TaungnyuntTownship and NanU monastery, Dipayin monastery,Ngazun monastery, Myingyan monastery, Seiktathukhamonastery, U Pan monastery and Athiti monastery in thecompound of Shwetaung monastery.

As members of the press present here know, UGambhira, a member of United Sangha Force is onesangha who kept constantly in touch with Foreign NewsStations giving interviews during the sangha activities inSeptember. His background demonstrates that he fos-tered a very strong anti-Government sentiments andwould like to elaborate a bit more on him here.

Since August 2006, Gambhira started organizationalcampaigns under a pseudonym Sandaw Bartha and soonafter the formation of Young Monks Union (Yangon),resumed his actual name which depicts confidentiality,depth and darkness in Pali language. It was learnt that thefirst notification No. 1/2006 of Young Monks Union(Yangon) was transmitted to VOA under Gambhira’sname on 15 October 2006 and again announced the arrestof Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi on the same day. Furthermore, in defiance of the Sangha Maha Nayaka Organiza-tion’s notification on curtailing Sangha’s movementsbetween 2100 hours to 0400 hours, a Sangha’s DutaCommittee was formed with seven members. The re-spective township authorities then did not take any ac-tions against these sanghas. Later, U Gambhira travelledup-country during the last days of November 2006 toorganize the formation of Upper Myanmar Yahan YouthUnion and approached sanghas from Mogaung TeachingMonastery, Pauk Myaing Teaching Monastery, Dehkhina-yarma Teaching Monastery and Sinde Teaching Monas-tery in Mandalay towards this end. U Gambhira togetherwith his brother attended the CO course and PD courseconducted by FDB Kyaw Htet, AAPP Bo Kyi in Maesotin July 2006. He also attended the courses together withfour monks from Yangon he had organized in November

2006, and together with three monks from Mandalay hehad organized in December 2006.

In addition, U Gambhira took 13 monks he hadorganized in central Myanmar and in Yangon, along withTin Ko (Kamma NLD) in 25 January 2007, and U Osadhaof Ngahtatkyi Monastery in Bahan in April 2007 toMaesok to ask them to attend CO course.

U Gambhira made friends with U Issariya (a) GyaungGyaung of Maggin Monastery whose pen name is LuPhone Htet. He organized U Issariya to join the YoungMonks Union. However, he relied that he wanted toestablish a separate Sangha organization in the centralMyamar. So, on 21 January 2007 he allowed U Issariya(a) Gyaung Gyaung to organize Young Monks Union(Myelat). Based on the urge of U Gambhira, U Issariya (a)Gyaung Gyaung organized eight monks and sent them toCO course in Maesot. In that regard, FDB Min Naingprovided K 700,000 to U Issariya.

He confessed that with the use of various means, UGambhira received funds from AAPP Bo Kyi and FDBMin Naing staying in Maesok. He asked K 100,000 inJuly 2006 for traveling allowance for return from the COcourse and meals; K 150,000 in September; K 700,000 inOctober to rent mobile phone 095004910; K 100,000 inNovember for traveling allowance to take three monksincluding U Cintita to the CO course in Maesok; K 60,000in December to take three monks from Mandalay to theCO course in Maesok; K 700,000 in April to hire a houseand meals; K 2 million in 14-9-2007 to rend mobilephones 092026217, 092018118, and another one withunidentified number; K 2 million he received from AAPPBo Kyi through his brother on 24-9-2007 to rent Internetand for traveling allowance and meals; K 1.1 million heasked AAPP Bo Kyi on 5-10-2007 to buy a motorcycle;and K 500,000 he received on 15-10-2007 and K 3 millionon 4-11-2007 from FDB Min Naing for daily allowance,totaling K 10.41 million.

Having mobile phones, U Gambhira made contactswith some organizations outside the nation and persuadedthem to continue the protests in September.

On 22 May 2007, Gambiya succeeded in establish-ing a All-Myanmar Young Monks Union with U PyinnyaZawta @ Nat Zaw in the lead and with seven othersanghas from Bago Monastery as members but learntthat the reluctance to include Gambhira in the Unionitself caused contention. As Gambhira himself was thenresiding at apartment Ño. 28 in Kyimyindine nearThumingala Market, he came into contact more fre-quently with his brother Aung Kyaw Kyaw from NLDand ended up developing and distributing anti-Govern-ment caricatures.

This is how the activities within sangha groups havebeen politicized to instigate public unrests based on thehike in fuel prices on 15 August 2007 in view of require-ments. As explained earlier, it started with a walkingprotest against the rise in bus fares with Min Ko Naingand Ko Ko Gyi of ‘88’ Generation Students in the lead. Onreturn from a 'soon' offering ceremony to mark the thirdanniversary of the death of NLD CEC member U KyiMaung, the two led a group of around 150 people startedto stage a protest by walking on foot from the deceasedresidence along Shwegondine road up to Tamwe round-about. We come to understand that people later followedthis lead and started to stage walking protests either inlarge groups or individually in townships of certain Statesand Divisions across the country. On 28 August 2007 anincident took place in Sittwe involving Sanghas.

News of Sittwe incident led some sanghas fromSasana Waiponela Yama (Mandalay) monastery onBogyoke Street, Ward 15, Pakokku to gear up for awalking protest. Upon learning this, the Chairman ofDistrict PDC together with District Police Commanderwent to the monastery to settle but a group of 30 youngsanghas refused to listen to reason and started to walkalong Bongyaw road towards east at 14:15 hours car-rying playcards with signs saying, Sangha Thamaggigroup representing the people, decrease commodityprices, down with injustices and release those who arein custody because of staging protests. More sanghasjoined in and the group added to around 150 at 13:10hours and accordingly, the Chairperson of TownshipSangha Naryaka Organization Sayadaw U TayzawBartha together with district and township authoritieshad to intervene. However, the striking sanghas did noteven listen to the Chairperson and pushed him backrudely and march on. The situation began to get outof control around 14:40 hours and a military battalionbased in Pakhokku had to be called in. The strikinggroups had to be dispersed by firing shots into the air andthree sanghas who absconded after the strike were takenin for questioning. They were released at 1800 hours andwere escorted back by the district and township authori-ties.

(See page 15)


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*R 489 Published by the News and Periodicals Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar. Edited and printed at The New Light of Myanmar Press,No 22/30 Strand Road at 43rd Street, Yangon. Cable Newlight, PO Box No. 43, Telephones: Editors 392308, Manager 392226, Circulation 392304, Advertisement 392223,Accounts 392224, Administration 392225, Production/Press 392369

(from page 14)Although the earlier incident in Pakhokku concluded

systematically, things did not end there and then. When theSecretary of Divisional PDC U Myint Thein together withDivisional, Township, Police, Religious Affairs and MonasticCustodians authorities visited the Ahle Kyaung Taik monasteryat 0955 hours on 6 September 2007 to request respectiveSayadaws to conform to law and orders, some sanghas blockedthe entrances and showered the vehicles with broken rocks.Later around 1030 hours, 4 vehicles including one privatelyowned were set ablaze by some sanghas, taking force into theirhands. It was learnt that the Secretary of Divisional PDC andgroup of people were released later at 1555 hours but some ofthe Yahan youths and novices stood guard with broken rocksand sling shots around the wall of the monastery ready to attackany body that comes near the place that day. Later, a group of40 sanghas forcefully knocked down Khin Maung Aye’sresident in Ward (9) and Naynattha Store building owned byDistrict SPDC Executive Secretary U Hla Win Naing in Ward(1) at 2140 hours. At around 2355 hours, another group of 60sanghas stood guard on Shwe Chaung bridge to stop and checkindividuals as well as passing motorcycles and vehicleshindering the flow of traffic on the bridge. The group disbursedonly around 4 a.m in the following morning of 7 September2007. Based on these incidents, the United Sangha Forcedemanded four compliances and threatened to stage a nationwide strike on 18 September not to accept any form of almsfrom the Government if the demands are not met.

After the Pakokku incident, on 7 and 8 September2007, U Gambhira of the United Sangha Force was in Mandalay,and he made arrangements to hold a preliminary all-townshipSangha meeting at the Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image and atthe Eindawya Pagoda. However, he was unable to do so becauseof security measures. Being dissatisfied with the failure ofmonks in Mandalay to launch movements, he persuaded themass of the members of the Sangha of Mandalay to launchmovements. On 8-9-2007, he held a Sangha meeting in Sagaing.According to the resolutions the meeting passed, they plannedto combine Sangha organizations led by United Young MonksForce (Yangon) to make demands to the government. U Gambhiraheld discussions that a united Sangha force should be formedbased on the successful holding of Sagaing Sangha meeting forholding Pattanikkujjna rites. Under the discussions, on 9-9-2007, Monk U Kelasa of Waso monastery of TaungkhwinMingyi Taik in Mandalay compiled a handwriting manuscriptto form a united Sangha force. Then, on 9-9-2007, the UnitedSangha Force was formed with U Panñajota (a) Natzaw (a)Pakata of Maggin Monastery of Mandalay Taungkhwin MingyiTaik, U Gambhira (a) Sandobhasa of Saddhamma VamsayonMonastery, U Visuddha of Bago Monastery, U Ottara (a) UObhasa of Nagayon Monastery, U Kesalasa (a) Kheminda ofTaungkhwin Monastery, U Candima (a) Aphu Law ofNyaungdon Monastery, and seven monks including U Tiloka ofSantisukha Monastery in Sagaing. Taking a leading role, theUnited Sangha Force issued Announcement No 1/2007 thatcomprised four points.

The full text of announcement and the four demandscontained therein are as follows:

Based on the events that took place in Pakokku, a UnitedSangha Force has been established that represents all sanghaorganizations within the country.

The following are the four demands:Responsible authorities must apologize sanghas in

Pakhokku;Prices of different commodities and fuel must be brought

down;Daw Aung San Su Kyi and all political prisoners must be

released; andA dialogue must take place immediately.They sent the announcement to foreign radio stations. It

said that the four points were to be followed by 17 September2007, and if the government failed to satisfy the demands,Pattanikkujjana rite would be held led by the United SanghaForce throughout the country. Furthermore, AnnouncementNo 2 was released, urging that four monks or more than fourmonks should hold rites at nearest ordination hall or monastery.Then, Announcement No 3/2007 was released, saying thatmembers of the Sangha had recited selection from sacred Palitexts, and was sent to foreign radio stations. In addition, theyissued Announcement No 4/2007, urging the people tocooperate with the monks in the protest walks, and to participateactively in the protest walks.

As I have presented, due to internal and external elements’synchronized instigation, members of the Sangha from somemonasteries in Yangon, designating the Shwedagon Pagoda asthe gathering point, waged protest walks reciting Metta Suttasin strategic places in Yangon from 18 to 27 September. TheSangha movement that resurfaced in Yangon on 17 Septemberspread throughout the nation, followed by 349 Sangha-centeredmovements in 17 states and divisions from 17 to 30 September.At Maha Visuddhayon Monastery in Mandalay on 17

September, U Gambhira, as part of the campaign for forminga united youths force, released an announcement that urged thepeople and members of the Sangha to stand at the entrances ofthe houses or monasteries to say prayers from 25 to 27September. He also sent the announcement to BBC, VOA andRFA, engaged in the interviews by these stations. On 27September, he released the stage No 2 for forming a unitedyouths force. The statement urged the people to switch off thelights at every night from 8 pm to 8.15 pm, and not to watch theTV programmes aired by the government. He sent theannouncement to the radio stations and participated in theinterviews.

During these protests, Tun Myint Aung, the absconderfrom 88 Generation Students got back into contact with HtayKywe on 25 September and to systematically supervise thepeople’s movement, established the Committee on SupervisingPeople’s Movement comprising nine different groups. Thiswas done in close consultations with the leaders of UnitedSangha Force and various other organizations and the groupsparticipating in the Committees are United Sangha Force, TawThitsana Beikhu, Sangha Thamaggi, 88 new generationstudents, 88 new generation information group, lawyers union,poets union, artists group and ethnic youths cooperation grouptotaling 9 groups.

When the Sangha movement reached its height Poet AungWay on 24-9-2007 formed a committee for providing therequisites to members of the Sangha with Actor Kyaw Thu aschairman, Aung Way as secretary, Actor Zaganar as jointsecretary and Daw Than Myint Aung as treasurer with theexcuse that there were very few people who provided alms tomembers of the Sangha that arrived and assembled at the BronzeBuddha Image in Yangon. Poet Aung Way himself made a draftof the letter to issue an announcement that those from literary andmovie world supported the Sangha movement. However, he didnot issue it because Zaganar disapproved of it.

The Sangha movement triggered by the instigation ofanti-government groups first demanded the bringing down ofprices of commodity and fuel and dialogue without anypolitical demand. When the movement was in its height theirdemands included the forming of the United Mass Force underthe United Sangha Force and the ousting of the governmentand forming of an interim government with the might of theunited forces. Taking advantage of the magnanimity ofauthorities concerned the anti-government groups turned thereligious movement into the political movement making use ofthe Sangha movement. Hence, the Minister for ReligiousAffairs had to supplicate the State Sangha Maha NayakaCommittee, requesting the most venerable Sayadaws to controlthe movement with the Dhamma, and if the movement failedto follow the request of the Sayadaws authorities concernedwould take necessary action in accord with rules and procedures.The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee issued theDirrectives No 93 on 24 September 2007 calling on membersof the Sangh to follow the Directives No 81, 83, 85 and 65 ofthe State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee already madepublic, and warned members of the Sangha not to get involvedin the violent unrest and political activities.

But some protesters including the monk protesters dared tothreaten even the senior monks and continued their protestsdefying the directives of the State Sangha Maha NayakaCommittee. At the same time, the destructive elements startedspreading rumours, trying to harm the smooth transportation,creating panic among the people and committing arson. So thegovernment, fearing that the peace and stability of the State andthe rule of law might be harmed, issued Section-144 in Yangonand Mandalay on 25-9-2007 in accord with the procedures andtook action against the protests in conformity with the law.

While the Sangha protests were accelerating, absconderTun Myint Aung introduced U Ottara (a) U Obhvasa (a) Nagarto his trained university student named Rahu Kyaw KyawMaung. They made a plan to enable the mass of universitystudents to participate in the Sangha protests after the exam hadbeen completed. On 25 September a group of 10 students ledby Rahu Kyaw Kyaw Maung and Sithu Maung staged protestsalong with the monks at the Bronze Buddha Image at theEastern Stairways holding flags featuring fighting peacocks.

On the other hand, it came to fore that the NLD party itselfhas been trying hard to hook up with the sangha movementsthroughout the time of strikes. Discussions were held betweenU Eindaka, U Gawthika, U Eindar Sara and Nga Me fromMeghin Monastery and Kyaw Kyaw Naing from MyitcheaNLD on 24 September at 09:00 hours during which KyawKyaw Naing requested for a 10 minutes stop in front of NLDheadquarters by those sangha and people who will be stagingstrikes on 24 September. In compliance with this request, thestriking sanghas stopped in frot of NLD headquarters to chantprayers. NLD CEC members and elected representatives cameout to pay homage to sanghas after which some of the partymembers including elected representatives Dr. Myint Naing,U Nyi Pu, and U Bala joined the sanghas and walked alongsideholding NLD flag and a plcard identifying the electedrepresentatives. In this way, the NLD party began to take partin the protests.

The photographs taken on this scene are on display formembers of the press to see and comment. We have witnessedthe strikes staged by the sanghas evolving into mass politicalmovements. According to Sandar Thiri (a) U Zin Pu Yitconfessions, those sanghas staging strikes, including himself,paused in front of the Bronze Buddha statue at the easternentrance of Shwedagon pagoda on 27 September 2007 todiscuss the route to be taken. At that moment, one person whois still under investigation, approached one of the sanghaleaders U Yawthidi for private discussions. After thediscussions, U Yawdi informed his fellow sanghas that NLDwas ready to form an interim Government on 28 September ifthe Government did not comply to the three demands of thesanghas namely: to improve the living conditions of people; torelease all political prisoners and to forge national reconciliation.He then enquired whether the sanghas could lend their supportas well as secure people’s endorsement to the formation of aninterim government to which all the leaders of sanghasconfirmed. It became clear that the NLD party has plans toform an interim Government by taking advantage of thesangha uprisings.

Although foreign based FDB group has invested heavilyamong different social strata within the country to instigateunrests, it is evident from the recent September uprisings thatthey managed to get only a handful of people who do not reallyunderstand the good intentions of the Government on their sideby paying huge sums of money while the majority haveexpressed indifference. Those who were in the lead during theuprisings are found to be the protégés of Kyaw Htet from FDBwho were paid to participate in their trainings programmes andthose who have learnt through second hand training held at theAmerican Center. The uprisings dissolved within a very shorttime frame simply because the general public did not take partand our security forces were able to make preemptive strikes.Although a martial law had to be imposed in Yangon and sometownships in Mandalay on 20 September 2007 to take controlof the situation, the time limitations were decreased graduallyand eventually withdrawn on 20 October 2007.

Ten people died and 14 were injured during the monkprotests from 26 to 30 September. Thirty one members of thesecurity force were injured. The protesters marched to the mostcrowded area near the Sule Pagoda where there were about100,000 people in the normal situation. The security membershandled the situation in accord with the procedures. Unlessthere was systematic handling, there may be great loss of lives.

Authorities found 27 USD, 1 Yuan and a block ofexplosives at Nan U monastery. The discovery of gunpowderblocks coincided with the information received on plans toexplode the hostels of delegates attending the NationalConvention. This was also at the time where some of the Yangonbased Embassies from Western countries have warned membersof their families to be careful when traveling and have warnedtheir staff members not to wander outside. It seemed that thesystematic upper handedness our security forces deprived theseelements from detonating explosives. If all related informationis pieced together, the explosives found at Nan Oo monasterycan be connected to ABSDF. Therefore, the movements of 88new generation students who have close connections withABSDF can also be in doubt. As I mentioned earlier, membersof ‘88’ generation students and a lot of NLD members took theunderground courses in Maesot. They were sent to the countryand they are still at large. The ‘88’ generation students and NLDmembers who took part in the September protests were familiarwith the monks who led the protests. The ‘88’ generationstudents and activists from anti-government groups were detainedwhile they were planning to commit sabotage in synchronizationwith the public uprising. Those were involved in the sabotageand suspects are under investigation. In other words, the Statehad a close shave from being on the verge of danger.

We have explained that the September uprisings wasaimed to bring down the Government through joint efforts ofFDB party, 88 generation students and other oppositionelements by placing the sangha cause in the center. It hasbecome evident from the seized TNT gunpowder that thetimings between the forces above and underground are beingsynchronized. At the time when anti Government forceswithin the country are teaming up with anti Governmentelements along the borders to instigate political unrest, theunderground disruptive groups are to detonate explosives.This demonstrates that although the opposition groups did tryto incite uprisings by infiltrating into different social strata,they were not able to get the people on their side but managedto lure only a small fraction of the sangha force. They haveexploited the situation by using fake and bogus sanghasknowingly that the Myanmar people revered religion as wellas the sangha and putting them in the front would create apredicament to the Government in handling the crises. This isa “by hook or by crook tactic” to overthrow the governmentand a lesson to be learnt that they are prepared to use all sortsof means for their interest and goal. I would like to urge all thesanghas and the people to be vigilant in the future to preventsimilar events and to build a peaceful and stable state with apatriotic mind.— MNA

Although opposition groups try…

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10th Waning of Tazaungmon 1369 ME Tuesday, 4 December, 2007

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec—The Commission forDrafting the State Consti-tution held its meeting atthe meeting of the com-mission at Office No 22,here, this morning.

Present were Chair-man of the commissionChief Justice U Aung Toe,Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung,secretary, joint-secretaryand members of the com-mission.

Chief Justice U AungToe presided over themeeting and Secretary ofthe commission DrThaung Myint acted asmaster of ceremonies.

Chief Justice U Aung

Commission for Drafting the State Constitution meets

Chairman of Commission for Drafting State Constitution Chief Justice U Aung Toe delivers an address at the meeting ofCommission for Drafting State Constitution.— MNA

Toe delivered an openingspeech. (Reportedseparetely).

Vice-Chairman At-

torney-General U AyeMaung explained thefunctions of the commis-sion. Members of the

commission took part inthe discussions.

The meting came to aclose with the concluding

remarks by Chief Justic UAung Toe.

In the afternoon,members of the commis-

sion held discussions onchapter headings to bedrafted at the respectivemeeting halls.—MNA

Govt grants amnesty for 8,552 prisoners including 33 foreigners tomark commencement of functions of Commission for

Drafting the State Constitution, completion of National ConventionNAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec — The State Peace and Development Council is making systematic arrange-

ments for building a peaceful modern developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation, ensuringcommunity peace and tranquillity, prevalenace of law and order upholding Our Three Main National Causesand successful implementation of the seven-step Road Map.

The government granted amnesty for 8,585 prisoners between 16 November and 3 December to markthe successful holding of the National Convention in September 2007, the commencement of the functionsof the Commission for Drafting the State Constitution, the third stage of the seven-step Road Map, forgingthe national solidarity in the country and cooperation with international communities including the UN. Thosereleased on 30 November included 33 Thai prisoners.—MNA

Chairman of the Information Committee ofSPDC Minister for Information Brig-GenKyaw Hsan clarifies at press conference

2/2007 on protests in August and September inMyanmar.— MNA

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec — The following is theclarifications of Chairman of the Information Com-mittee of the State Peace and Development CouncilMinister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan madeat the press conference 2/2007 of the InformationCommittee of the State Peace and Development Coun-cil, regarding the protests that occurred in August andSeptember in Myanmar.Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gen-tlemen,

Mingalabar! I wish all auspiciousness to youall. I wish both physical and mental wellbeing of youall present at this press conference 2/2007.

After taking over State responsibilities, theGovernment has been exerting energetic efforts fordemocratization speedily as aspired by the people. It isknown to all. To bring about democracy, a Constitu-tion which will properly safeguard democracy prac-tices is essentially required. You might have knownthat as the 1974 Constitution was based on the single-party socialist system, it is not appropriate for practis-ing democracy. Thus, the Government has laid down

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsanspeaks at Press Conference 2/2007

Myanmar Government really desires democracythe seven-step Road Map and has been implementingit for proper democratization. Now, as the third step, anew Constitution is being drafted.

The National Convention, the first step of theRoad Map was successfully completed on 3rd Septem-ber 2007. And fundamental principles and detailedbasic principles have been unanimously adopted forformulating the Constitution. Actually, the comple-tion of the National Convention was not gained easily.Amidst internal and external obstacles and hindrances,the State and the entire people could achieve successthrough collective efforts.

It is not necessary to further emphasize thatdemocracy is aspired by the entire people today. Notonly the entire Myanmar people, the global nations aswell as regional and neighboring countries are desir-ous of democracy. Similarly, the anti-governmentgroups inside and outside the country consistentlyengaged in destructive acts are advocating that they toowant democracy. The Myanmar Government reallydesires democracy too. Hence, all are to join hands tomake collective efforts for democratization. Foreignnations are also to render helpful hands to our effortsfor democratization.

However, the situation is not like that in real-ity. When the continued efforts are to be made withmomentum after the completion of the National Con-vention, local and foreign anti-government groups areraising the momentum of committing destructive acts.Some countries including a western power are alsofound to be encouraging them increasingly by provid-ing cash and kind assistance, advice and schemes.With the aims to jeopardize the National Conventionand to hinder and destroy the implementation of theseven-step Road Map, they made collective attacks.By accelerating the momentum of anti-governmentactivities, they mobilize efforts for regime change.

(See page 5)

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Volume XV, Number 232 10th Waning of Tazaungmon 1369 ME...

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