Burma Update: January 8, 2008

Highlight

Independent Burma was founded on a seven-point constitution introduced to the country’s constituent assembly on June 16, 1947, by independence hero Aung San. A contemporary record notes that the constitution was adopted “amid cheers.”

The Honorable Aung San, Deputy Chairman of the Governor’s Executive Council, amid cheers, moved in the Constituent Assembly on the 16th of June 1947, that the future Constitution of Burma should be that of an Independent Sovereign Republic to be known as the “Union of Burma.”

The full text of the resolution is as follows:

“Whereas the representatives of the people of Burma, including the Frontier Areas and the States of Karenni, are hereby assembled in accordance with the will of the people for the purpose of framing a Constitution,

It is resolved:

1. That the Constitution shall be that of an Independent Sovereign Republic to be known as ‘The Union of Burma’; and
2. That the Union shall comprise such units as shall be specified by the Constitution and the units so specified shall exercise such autonomy as shall be defined in the Constitution; and
3. That all powers and authority of the Sovereign Independent Republic of Burma, its Constituent Parts and Organs of Government shall be derived from the people; and
4. That the Constitution shall guarantee and secure to all the peoples of the Union justice, social, economic and political; equality of status, of opportunity, and before the law freedom of thought, expression, belief, worship, vocation, association and action, subject to law and public morality; and
5. That the Constitution shall provide adequate safeguards for minorities; and
6. That the integrity of the territory of the Independent Sovereign Republic of Burma and its Sovereign rights on land, sea and air shall be maintained according to justice and international law; and
7. That this Historic Land of Burma shall attain its rightful and honored place in the world, make its full and willing contribution to the advancement and welfare of mankind and affirm its devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality.”

Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine


News from Burmese Media

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Karens around the World Celebrate New Year, Contemplate Freedom
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Detained Ethnic Leaders Denied Outside Medical Aid
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Ill Kyaing Kyaing Absent at State Dinner Celebrating Independence
Irrawaddy News Magazine: State Scholarship Program Altered by Junta Decree
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Lee Kuan Yew Criticizes Burma's Military Rulers
Kachin News Group: Myitkyina Residents Disconnect Satellite Television
Shan Herald Agency for News: Revered Shan Monk Prays for Burma’s Generals
Independence Mon News Agency: Burmese Villagers Forced to Pay Police Officer
Democratic Voice of Burma: Taunggok Residents Complain to ILO of Forced Labour


News from Global Media

UNIC Yangon: Donor Support helps WFP Expand Food Assistance Activities in Myanmar
Washington Post: Indonesia Urges Myanmar to Do More on Democracy
Travel Mole: Qatar to Halt Burma Services
The Hindu: India to Develop Sitwe Port in Myanmar


Opinion/Other

Shan Herald Agency for News: “Burma’s Sixty Years of Independence”: “Sixty Years of Darkness” “Sixty Years of Fear and Terror” “Sixty Wasted Years” - S.N.Oo
Washington Post: Decision Time in Burma - R. Nicholas Burns
Inter Press Service: Religion-Burma: Falling Back on Buddhism - Moe Yu May


Report/Briefer

Shan Herald Agency for News: 2007 Roundup