NLD rejects Government’s referendum plans; Gambari expresses optimism on finding a solution; India: Sanctions would not achieve the goal of peace and stability
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print
  • Reports noted that the National League for Democracy (NLD) rejected the military government’s referendum and election plans, asserting that these would not lead to democratic reforms and that it was another tactic by the junta to extend military rule1. The government however announced on February 19 that a draft of the new constitution had been completed and that it would be put for a referendum in May and that elections would follow in 20102. Reports also noted that Suu Kyi would not be allowed to take part in the proposed elections as she had been married to a foreigner3.

    Meanwhile, UN special envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari expressed optimism towards seeking a solution to Myanmar’s political problems as he started his latest round of visits to various Asian capitals, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan4. India, which had asked the Myanmarese government to allow Gambari to visit the country, on its part maintained that sanctions would not achieve the goal of peace and stability in Myanmar5.

    In other developments, international interlocutors like the European Union again threatened further punitive measures against the military regime6. Thailand expressed its support for UN efforts to mediate a solution and stated that it would raise the Myanmar issue at the regional ministerial meeting of ASEAN in Singapore7.

    Top