U Htaung Co Thang : The position of our party, the UNLD is still the same as before; if the National Convention is to be reconvened with the same principles and regulations, we won’t be attending it. With the latest situation, according to the latest reports, the NLD could attend it if the compromise works. As we are the ally of the NLD and if it attends the convention, I don’t think they will leave us behind. If the NLD decides to attend the convention, it will come and persuade us to attend it with them. In that case, we do have the plan to attend. It won’t be good if the NLD attends and we don’t. The situation is like this. But I am unable to tell you our definite decision yet. We will only make a clear decision only when we have a meeting.

DVB : Even if you attend the forthcoming convention, as stated by General Khin Nyunt, it is only the first step of the seven-point road map plan. If you attend the convention, would it not be like recognising the seven-point road map plan and agreeing to a fresh election?

U Htaung Co Thang : If we attend the condition with the current situation, as it is based on the road map, I don’t think they will recognise the result of the 1990 election. After drafting a new constitution, they are
likely to hold a fresh election and form a new government. I am sure they won’t recognise the 1990 election anymore.

DVB : As you are a member of the CRPP, by attending the convention would you not be dissolving the CRPP inadvertently? What are your views?

U Htaung Co Thang : I am unable to comment for sure on this matter. The role of the CRPP is, if I say it clearly, not to accept the National Convention but for the emergence of people’s parliament. In my opinion, in Burmese politics, there are many titles. I don’t think it would be enough with the National Convention alone. The national convention is just one title. You need another title called the national reconciliation and there is another called the future of ethnic nationals and how to solve their problems. There are many titles in our country. Among the titles, the first thing to be sorted out is the National Convention. It is not at the stage of drafting a constitution. The National Convention was reconvened so that they could agree on basic rules. I think that they (the generals) could negotiate with political parties on the matter of 104 principles (undemocratic rules and regulations). We are taking part in politics on democratic principles. The NLD which won the biggest number of votes is leading in Burma. Therefore, we have to behave in accordance with their desire. It would be very profitable for the nation if we cooperate, I believe.

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