ASEAN-based activists have condemned the Burmese regime's
constitution-drafting process as "part of the problem and not the solution
to Burma's troubles".

In a briefing issued a day ahead of the resumption of the
military-controlled National Convention, Altsean-Burma (the Alternative
ASEAN Network on Burma) pointed out that outcomes of the flawed National
Convention would merely intensify the root causes of the ethnic-based
conflicts perpetuated by Burma's successive military regimes.

"Regional governments, including ASEAN members, China and India, should be
extremely concerned at the destabilizing potential of the regime's
strong-arm tactics to formalize and prolong its rule," said Altsean-Burma
Coordinator, Debbie Stothard. Over the weekend, ethnic representatives
warned that a regime-dominated constitution will lead to "increased
militarization, armed conflict and chaos."

"Ethnic groups and the National League for Democracy have consistently
proposed steps to salvage the National Convention and transform it into a
venue for dialogue; however these recommendations have been rejected. These
solutions deserve greater support from governments in the region,"
emphasized Ms Stothard. The Altsean-Burma statement adds to the chorus of
condemnation by pro-democracy and ethnic groups within and outside of Burma.

Originally devised by the military regime as a tactic to avoid convening
Parliament after it lost the 1990 elections, the National Convention was
mothballed in March 1996. It was revived in 2004 as part of the "7-point
roadmap to democracy", a response to heightened regional and international
pressure following the Depayin Massacre in May 2003, in which
government-organised thugs attacked pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi and her supporters. Scores were killed or injured, and the Nobel
Laureate has been held under strict conditions of detention since.

Altsean-Burma's briefer titled "National Convention: Roadmap to Instability"
is available for download from http://www.altsean.org/ The briefer launches
Altsean-Burma's revamped website which now boasts a range of new features,
including research resources for advocacy.