Would-be authors of constitution 'p

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Would-be authors of constitution 'public enemies': Myanmar


Kyodo, Rangoon, 21 September 2000.  Myanmar's military junta
has warned that anyone who attempts to draft a state constitution
outside the government will be considered a 'public enemy,' state
media reported Thursday.

The warning was apparently issued in response to the recent
announcement by the pro-democracy movement that it would
draw up a supreme law.

After it seized power in September 1988, the State Law and
Order Restoration Council (SLORC) abolished Burma's 1974
Constitution. In 1993, a National Convention consisting of SLORC
members and representatives of opposition parties met to draw
up a new constitution, but adjourned three years later without results.

Lt. Gen. Tin Oo, second secretary of the SLORC's successor the
State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), made the remarks
at a meeting in Yangon Wednesday. The text of the speech was
reported in newspapers Thursday.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, which won
elections in 1990 but has been prevented from claiming power by
the military junta, decided Saturday to draft a model constitution.
Under Myanmar law, it is illegal to write constitutions without
official authorization.

'The government is preparing an enduring state constitution, and
anyone who attempts to draft a constitution to suit foreign interests
will be considered an enemy of the state,' Tin Oo said.

'The military will crush all dangers to the country hand in hand
with the people,' he added. 'The military has always intervened
and prevented dangers to the state in times of national emergency.'