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02/22/2008: "NPF rides on the unique history, identity of Nagas morungexpress"

NPF rides on the unique history, identity of Nagas morungexpress

Chedema | February 21 (Chizokho Vero/MExN): The Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) today declared that the party is committed “to work and assist in any possible manner on any approach for a peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga political issue, keeping alive at the same time the fire of relentless endeavour to stand against any force to further divide the Nagas.” Stating this in its manifesto released here today for the forthcoming state general elections, it states that the party stands committed to preserving the unique history, honour and identity of the Nagas.
“The party will also continue to play a mediatory role for any peace talk with the Centre and to pave the way for an alternative arrangement in case of an honorable and acceptable settlement of the Naga political issue is found,” states the manifesto which was released by Rev. Deo Vihienuo, State Chaplain in the presence of NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and other NPF leaders. The party also declared to strive for unity and integrity of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas and remain vigilant to tackle illegal immigration “so that the demographic composition of Nagaland is not altered.” The NPF will also pursue the movement for recognition of “eastern” Nagaland people’s organization for their legitimate rights including the recognition of Nagas in Myanmar with defined territories.
It also announced that the NPF will strive for creation of a Nagaland Legislative Council to accommodate elders and imminent persons of the Naga society representing different areas of human society for their advice in the process of governance. “The party will also make further attempts to increase the number of seats in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,” it says. On the social front, the manifesto said that the NPF will make continued efforts to protect and preserve the ethnic, traditional and cultural identity of Nagas strengthening the traditional village institutions and heritages by amending the relevant Acts. It would also work towards an equitable society irrespective of their community, caste, religion, profession or status of individual standing.
Social security including food security, for uplift and empowerment of women, setting up of district level women commissions, care for mother and child, special programme for senior citizens and disabled, empowerment of youth also figured as special area of NPF. On the development front, the manifesto said that it will focus on “health for all” by enhancing the infrastructure and needed manpower, to attain total literacy, special programs on agriculture and allied sectors including veterinary and animal husbandry with special emphasis on higher productivity and marketing facilities.
Irrigation, flood control, anti- soil erosion and water management programme will be on the leading agenda, it said.
It also stated that protection and preservation of natural environment, wild life, fauna and flora will be strictly implemented, adding that transport and communication sectors will continue to receive priority attention.
“Special packages for the less developed areas particularly for Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire districts will be prepared and implemented,” the party manifesto said. Stating that power being the principle requirement for any industrialization and modern necessities of life, it said that such sector will receive topmost priority.
Provision of incentives to the small and medium industries will be continued while efforts will be made to attract notable business houses to invest in the state for which necessary facilities will be worked out, the manifesto said. Also highlighting the high potential of tourism industry in the state, the manifesto stated that the party will extend assistance to such ventures.
Touching on financing and administration, the manifesto said that the party will make all out efforts for appropriate funding agencies including business houses and international financing institutions. The party also assured of prudent dispensations in all financial matters. “The next government will also work towards a transparent administration with devolution and decentralization of powers to appropriate levels of officers even by amending the existing rules of executive business if need be,” it said.
It also stated that e-governance and the schemes of the Right to Information will further be improved and decentralized for the benefit of the general public at their door steps.
This document, the manifesto said “is not just a set of mere promises but a covenant with the people with full commitment as it opens a window to highlight our recent past achievements with a proof that our earlier election manifesto was not just mere promises.”
‘While we look back with a feeling of satisfaction with whatever we have achieved, we now look ahead with broader vision and confidence of attaining higher goals with clear intend and dedication coupled with joy, humility and modesty,” it said adding that “this manifesto is an offer the NPF would like to offer to the people of Nagaland for the next five years.”
Neiphiu Rio fears rigged elections Limalenden Longkumer
The NPF is apprehensive that the March 5 election is not going to be free and fair. Former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during his brief stop in Mokokchung today to a query put forward by this correspondent remarked, “the imposition of President’s Rule, it indicates that they are going to rig this election.” He mentioned about “transfer and posting” of government officials to supplement his claim that Congress is manipulating the government machinery to their advantage. However, Rio believed “good sense will prevail” and added, “In Democracy, absolute power lies in the people. I believe, hope and pray that the people will give a befitting reply.”
He argued that the imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland is “illegal and unconstitutional” and said that the biggest democracy under Congress leadership has undermined the rights of the people, which he said ‘will jeopardize the whole country.’ Rio also said that it is the fourth time that the Congress has imposed President’s Rule in Nagaland. He accused the Congress for suppressing the rights and aspirations of the regional people. He claimed that the era of regionalism has come.
Mokokchung has ten assembly constituencies. “Fifty-fifty,” Rio calculated when asked how many seats he expects his party to win in the district. He also said, “I have no doubt about DAN alliance coming back to power with absolute majority. In my own party also, we’re working hard, but at this juncture I don’t want to spell out the numbers.” “Nagas are self-respecting people, Nagas are God fearing people. And I believe that the people will vote for the Naga party, their own regional party to come back to power.”
Earlier, while addressing a mammoth gathering of NPF party workers and supporters at the town hall, Mokokchung, Rio exhorted that the NPF led DAN’s position for the ensuing general election is getting better by the day and advised the people to therefore “swim with the wave.” He said that the ensuing election is a battle between the Nagaland People’s Front and the Indian National Congress and challenged the people to vote for NPF claiming that only the NPF can address the local problems of the Nagas. He also mentioned that the ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’ led to the ouster of Congress during the last election. He also said that the Congress’s election manifesto to “implement the 16-Point Agreement in full” meant their indifference to the current peace talks.
He acknowledged the Indian National Congress was a strong party earlier but that it has now become weak because although they propose various programs for the poor, backward and the minority, they don’t implement their programs. He also informed that 22 out of the 28 states in India were ruled by the regional parties. He said he resigned from Congress because “the Congress has no future” and concluded, “I believe, hope and know that the people will provide thumping support to my leadership.”
Earlier, the Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland Wangyuh Konyak also addressed the gathering. Wangyuh maintained that there was no ‘leadership crisis in DAN’ and that the NPF led DAN will form the next government and asked if Mokokchung should remain an “opposition district.” NPF campaign co-coordinator Z Lohe who also spoke at the rally said, “Congress in Nagaland is a party of defectors” and that Rio is coming back to power as Chief Minister with thumping majority. NPF General Secretary Chubatemjen also addressed the gathering during which he asked, “Who are you? If you are a Naga, vote for NPF,” and added “this is the time to prove our identity.”
Rio and his company who landed Mokokchung in a chartered chopper were welcomed by party workers and leaders at the Assam Rifles helipad. The day saw the largest assembly of supporters in Mokokchung so far ever since campaigning for the ensuing general election began, which was attended by supporters from all the ten assembly constituencies in the district. All ten of the DAN candidates, nine from NPF and one from BJP, were present at the rally.
Peace, the main poll plank in Nagaland thecheers.org
Kohima, Feb 22 (ANI): If Assembly elections in Nagaland are all about strengthening democracy, it is also about ensuring permanent peace in the insurgent-affected state.
If Assembly elections in Nagaland are all about strengthening democracy, it is also about ensuring permanent peace in the insurgent-affected state. Political parties and people hope that this year's Assembly polls will resolve the Naga problem and usher lasting peace in the state.

Most ticket seekers in the Nagaland People's Front (NPF), the former ruling party in Nagaland, have sought to get the party's nomination by advocating peace.

The party has claimed that during its five-year rule in the state it tried to facilitate the peace process. It is looking for support from people on the same issue again. The party realizes that unless permanent peace is established in the state, no development can take place, and the huge potential of the people and the state's resources will remain under utilized.

"We have been committed to continue to strive for a solution to the Naga political problem. We will continue to play the role of the mediator to bring together the conflicting parties to conference table or for a political dialogue," said Shurhozelie, the President of the NPF.

The Congress Party is propounding the same agenda. The party is claiming to be at the forefront in advocating peace in the state and bringing the conflicting parties on the negotiating table.

The party is pinning its hope on the March 5 elections, and believes that for a better future and for a better result out of the Look East Policy, the five-decade old Naga problem should be resolved.

"While we talk about the political agenda, I want to tell that the Congress party has been consistently following the policy of reconciliation, unity and permanent political settlement, acceptable to all the Nagas," said I.Imkong, leader, Congress Legislative Party.

People too want concrete results. Ayanai, a professional, wants to make it big in life while living in Nagaland. For that she feels there is a need for a conducive atmosphere and rapid economic development. Rokose, a housewife, said: "Now it is election time, candidates are talking big, but we want to see real development. We want someone, who can bring peace and development." By Vibou Ganguly (ANI)

Indo-Naga talks. By Simranjit Singh Mann

Any fool would have predicted that the talks (peace) the NSCN-1M were having with the Indian’s had floundered. Its been India’s policy to carry on and prolong any talks with any nationality within India. In my experience all leaders of any nationality who have dealt with the Hindu Indian state have invariably failed, whether it be the militant Mizos, Nagas or even the Sikhs. The Indian state has customarily dealt with them on the table and through its intelligence services. Prolonging the talks, the Indian state has come to study and learn about the strength and weaknesses of its adversaries. A prolonged parley has given time to the Indian state to exploit the weaknesses of its antagonists. Invariably the opponent, generally to my mind and study has fallen victim to the aura of the Indian state and what it has to offer in terms of goodies to its adversary. In my study of the Naga, Mizo and Sikh movements I have found that the leaders have joined their respective movements through emotion. Therefore they have had little commitment. I would not say that they have not endured the hardships of the struggle but these have been mainly suffered because of their emotions and not commitment to the struggle.

What is worse is that these leaders have had little or no education and therefore though their experience in the field may have been better than their opponents on the table, but due to their lack of commitment and lack of education and hence knowledge and reasoning they have allowed themselves to be exploited by their adversary as he has been superior in the game of outwitting them and luring them with the largesse and the power the Indian state has at its disposal.

The cardinal mistake these nationalist leaders have thus committed is that they have been allured into talking to the intelligence agencies and not to the political leadership. The Indian state has shrewdly kept them engaged with its intelligence service which has no responsibility, accountability or commitment. Any promises these agents have made are conveniently denied by the political leadership as the talks are held in secrecy and away from the public glare in which case the press and media are kept away.

I call these negotiators from the nationalities as retired and pensioned militants, who now serve their masters in the intelligence services, being passed on from one handler to the other as the intelligence service personnel are subject to transfer from one desk to the other or finally, retirement. These leaders of nationalities who have compromised with the Indian state are left like waifs, high and dry as they have had no contacts with the political system.

The other mistake these leaders of nationalities make is that they donot allow over ground political leadership to develop, for example like the Sinn Fein of the Irish movement. They thus leave the over ground political field open to their adversary, that is the Indian state. Since these nationalities work underground they have no voice in parliament or state assemblies. The over ground political leadership of their group, therefore, has no loyalty to these movements but out of fear, temporarily do their bidding, whereas in cases of divided loyalty they know that their long term self interest lies with the Indian state.

Once the Indian state gains an upper hand in bringing the underground leadership into the open arena it does everything to corrupt that leadership, morally and financially. All rules and laws are broken to have the won over leadership to amass wealth, with every impunity. Once corrupted these leaders’ die a moral death and they are neither here nor there. Once such a leader dies, the state protects his grave or smadhi with all the armed strength at its disposal. His family is given government accommodation and at times his children are pushed up into the Rajya Sabha (India’s Upper House of Parliament).

It’s a tough, rewardless world for the national leader but if he’s into the business of liberating his people he must look before he leaps. He should be less emotional and more committed when he joins up to free his people from bondage and slavery, humiliation and insults of the ruling class.

Mr. M.K. Narayanan the guru of the Indian intelligence services, after a visit of the North-Eastern states has let it be known that the Nagas can have anything they desire within the Indian Constitution. In simple language it means that the Nagas and their demands can go to hell! The Naga’s are the latest causality in the list of the Indian states successes. Seconds out of the ring!

Isak congratulates people of Kosovo morungexpress
Dimapur, February 21 (MExN): The chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) Isak Chishi Swu has on ‘behalf’ of the Naga people congratulates the people of Kosovo and expressed the ‘Naga people’s warm greetings’ on the historic independence declaration on February 17, 2008.
“The bold decision of Kosovo and its victory is a clear message sent to all over the world that the rights of the nation, big or small, weak or strong must be acknowledged”, Swu stated in a letter written to Fatmir Sejdiu, President of the Republic of Kosovo. “As one among the co-constituent members of the Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination (PNSD) and as a struggling nation, Nagalim fully supports the newly achieved status of Kosovo and feel overwhelmed at the triumph of the people’s will”, Swu stated in his congratulatory letter.
Should UGs influence Indian election & civil bodies? morungexpress
The question of whether undergrounds should have an indirect say in the Indian elections and influence the civil bodies is a hot debate in the underground (UG) and overground set ups where there are underground movements. There is a school of thought that, the UGs should keep aloof from the Indian elections as untouchables as their aims and principles are to be detached from the Indian union. Then, there is a school of thought that, they influence political parties and candidates who can further their aims and objectives in times of extreme needs. Yet, there is another opinion that, the people should be forbidden to participate in the Indian elections.
The above conceptions are disregard offensives of the Indian nation and are applicable in different situations and circumstances. The UG movement politics is the toughest of politics as there are no exact set of rules and regulations as against the day to day normal functioning of the legislative judiciary and executive wings of the overground governments. But even here, there are breakdowns, loopholes, collision and revolts from among the three wings.
The underground politics is a tough one, where the leaders have to oversee that the cadres are in the right track, that their moral and spirit are high and ready to go to any extent on command. They have to give a piece of their mind how to influence the civil bodies and intellectuals so that, their line of thinking, actions are understood and had feedbacks. Interaction and understanding beginning with the lowest strata of the society which are, the villages, range of villages, tribes and the apex civil bodies and student organizations are the paramount needs. These are most needed than ever before in this peace process time and interactions are being scheduled in the case of the Naga undergrounds from time to time.
Without the above agenda, the civil societies and the underground leaders will speak in different tunes, voices and different interpretation and the world around, who are expected to know the cause of the conflicts, follow the day to day happenings leading to inhuman bloodsheds and suffering will be confused and does not support the struggle.In this moments of ceasefire and peace process between the Naga freedom fighters and the government of India (GOI) persons having familiarity with the peace process be elected as MPs, MLAs and MDCs (Member District Council) and work hand in hand with the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) who are initiating dialogue with the GOI.It has been said again and again that, the Naga issue would have been settled decades back, but for the non co-operation of the overground politicians. How far this is true is for the people to judge.

K Ramfu Bachelors Colony, Senapati Siiramai Kouna Bachelors Colony, Senapati
Pre-poll violence in Dimapur Nagaland post Staff Reporter
Dimapur, Feb 21 (NPN): Stray incidents of pre-poll violence were reported in and around Dimapur on Wednesday and Thursday.
The RJD alleged around 30 to 35 of its activists were “assaulted” by Congress workers at a place between Murise village and Deziephe village near Doyapur at around 1:30 am, Thursday.
According to one of the victims, Vitolu, the incident occurred when the RJD youth were confronted by a group of Congress youth while returning to their camp. Vitolu alleged they were “assaulted” by two persons in uniform and with arms, believed to be from an underground faction.
It was alleged the armed persons fired seven blank shots and then began to punch the RJD youths. The Congress youth also reportedly started pelting stones and smashing the windshields of five vehicles with sticks. The RJD alleged five of its workers were injured, two of them seriously, in the incident. The RJD also alleged this was the fourth attempt on its workers by the Congress.
In the earlier incidents, Congress workers had allegedly destroyed RJD flags and banners besides harassing its workers.
However, the Congress dismissed the allegations as baseless. Congress candidate for Dimapur-III, Azheto Zhimomi, said it was the youth from another political party who were involved in Thursday’s incident. Police recovered two empty cases of 7.65 Pistol from the site of the incident.
It maybe mentioned earlier the Congress had alleged that six of its supporters were roughed up and the Gypsy they were traveling in damaged by supporters of rival RJP party at Purana Bazar late Wednesday night. According to the six youths, around 200 youth belonging to RJP party waylaid them and started attacking them with “rods, stones and sticks.”
NPF releases party manifesto Correspondent Nagaland Post
CHEDEMA (KOHIMA): The NPF on Thursday released its party manifesto from Chedema Village under 10th Northern Angami - I A/C, which is the home constituency of NPF president and candidate Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu.
The NPF manifesto, which was blessed and prayed upon, was released by Rev. Deo Vihienuo, state chaplain at the Chedema football ground.
The four-page NPF party manifesto overwhelmed with socio-political concerns of the state promises to strive for unity and integrity of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas and to remain vigilant to tackle the illegal immigration so that the demographic composition of Nagaland was not altered.
Some important agendas of the party included to work and assist in any possible manner on any approach for a peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga political issue, keeping alive at the same time the fire of relentless endeavor to stand against any force to further divide the Nagas. It stated that the party will also continue to play a mediatory role for any peace talk with the Centre and to pave the way for an alternative arrangement in case of an honorable and acceptable settlement of the Naga political issue was found.
The NPF will also pursue the movement for the recognition of Eastern Nagaland People's Organization for their legitimate rights including the recognition of Nagas in Myanmar with defined territories.
It further stated that the party will strive for creation of a Nagaland Legislative Council to accommodate elders and imminent persons in Naga society representing different areas of human society for their advice in the process of governance and also make further attempts to increase the number of seats in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
On Social front, the party said that it will make continued efforts to protect and preserve the ethnic, traditional and cultural identity of Nagas by strengthening the traditional village institutions and heritages by amending the relevant acts.
The party will also work towards an equitable society irrespective of their community, caste, religion, profession or status of individual standing, provide social security including food security, uplifment and empowerment of women, setting up of District level Women Commissions supported by appropriate official functionaries, care for mother and child, special programs for senior citizens and disabled and empowerment of youth with a vision of building future leadership in different areas of social living.
Special programs on Agriculture and allied sectors including Veterinary and Animal Husbandry will be formulated with special emphasis on higher productivity and marketing facilities. Protection and preservation of Natural Environment, Wild Life, Fauna and Flora will be strictly implemented.
Transport and Communication sectors will continue to receive priority attention with special provisions to reach all unreached areas, Special packages for the less developed areas particularly for Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphere districts will be prepared and implemented and Power being the principle requirement for any industrialization and modem necessities of life, shall receive topmost priority.
Nagaland having rich natural scenic beauty and nature's gifts coupled with rich cultural and traditional festivals and other attractions, Tourism Industry has high potentials for which the Party in government will extend assistance to such ventures.
Cease-fire declaration between NSCNs- Nagaland Post
How peace today under the cease-fire agreement between two NSCNs, where easy meeting among the leaders and friends of different Naga factions. The cease-fire declaration between two NSCNs on 7th December'07 under the aegis of Nagaland GBs and DBs is a gift of God, direct responding to the unceasing prayer of some God loving Nagas for many years. My dear leaders of different Nagas' factions let us not blame anymore to Azheto's group who to some extend brought down the blood flowing situations to normalcy. I strongly pray the leaders of the two NSCNs to mentally prepare to get extension of six months cease-fire due to expire on 7th June'08. I wish they (leaders) also should advice the kilonsers of their respective government to meet for exploration of ways and means for final merger. This process should include even the FGN/NNC under different leaderships. I also sincerely appeal the army ranks and files in two NCSNs to contact one another through telephone and mobiles seeking each other's opinion. Let us stop killing fellow Nagas because every single cadre is precious in National Movement. I also appeal the church leaders and Naga NGOs to convene the meeting of kilonsers, ranks and files of the two NSCNs to create the sense of oneness among them. I want all the leaders of two NSCNs to have joint fasting programme seeking God's forgiveness and promise the living God that there will be no more fratricidal killings and no Naga National arms will be used to eliminate Naga fellows. Untill and unless we love one another as our own body, killing will not stop. Therefore, let us not kill one another. My dear leaders of NSCN (I-M), still you are not achieving anything even if you kill all the NSCN (K) leaders and cadres. So, also, my leaders of NSCN (K), you will achieve nothing even if you completely destroy the NSCN (I-M) set-up. To me, attacking and killing each other is highest form of foolish action and mad plan. This opinion is in no case reflects the ideas and ideologies of collective leaders but is an expression of my inner feelings. May I therefore, request leaders to forgive me if it is unacceptable idea and expression, but request to study this opinion exceptionally.
Y. Wangtin Naga, Dy. Kilonser, Ministry of Kilo (Home) Affairs, NSCN/GPRN.
Officials in Ulfa tangle - Glare on 6 for paying outfit A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Feb. 21: Six senior Assam government officials who allegedly contributed to the Ulfa coffers are under police watch and could be arrested soon.
A senior police official said some evidence had been gathered against the officials, but further investigation was necessary to make the cases watertight.
He said an Ulfa militant arrested recently revealed the names of the senior officials, mostly from Guwahati, who paid money to the outfit. “We need to gather more evidence before taking action. We simply cannot pick them up on the basis of allegations by an arrested militant. We want a strong case in court.”
On Saturday, a police team picked up an employee of the animal husbandry department, Pradip Kumar Neog, on charges of paying Rs 1.5 lakh to Ulfa in the last week of January. Neog took ill after that and is undergoing treatment at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital.
The police official said the arrested militant named several government employees as contributors to Ulfa, but evidence had so far been found only against six of them.
“If the sources of funding are cut off, we can deal a blow to Ulfa, which has already suffered because of the surrender of many of its cadres,” the police official said.
He said several government employees had reported receiving extortion notices to the police. “We have provided them guards in plainclothes.”
The police recently arrested a militant, Champak Sarma, in the heart of the capital city when he was about to collect money from the owner of a nursing home.
A source in the home department said the police had built a strong case against Lachit Bordoloi, a member of the Ulfa-constituted People’s Consultative Group. He was arrested recently on charges of helping Ulfa in its illegal activities.
“The Rangia case about Bordoloi directing activists of the Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (a rights organisation) to help Ulfa by supplying explosives is only the tip of the iceberg. We have more evidence against Bordoloi. He was not only helping Ulfa in its subversive activities, but also in collecting money,” the source said.
Suu Kyi's disputed candidacy status Derek Tonkin Mizzima News
The Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win is reported to have told ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Singapore on 18 February that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would not be eligible to stand as a parliamentary candidate in the 2010 elections because she was once married to a British Citizen, Michael Aris who died in 1999, and that this only reflected what was in the 1974 Constitution.

Unless the final version of the draft Constitution has considerably tightened up the provisions for candidacy to the Pyithu Hluttaw (National Assembly) contained in the Detailed Basic Principles, and made them similar to the restrictions for the Presidency, then what Nyan Win told his ASEAN colleagues may only have served to generally confuse them and the world.

There is nothing in the 1974 Constitution remotely resembling the alleged restriction. I think Nyan Win might have been referring to the 1947 Constitution, which in Article 74 (1) (i) included a restriction against any person who "is under any acknowledgement of allegiance or adherence to a foreign power, or is a subject or citizen or entitled to the rights and privileges of a subject or citizen of a foreign power." This restriction was, I understand, introduced out of concern for the large number of persons of non-Burmese nationality living in Burma at the time of Independence, notably persons of Indian origin whose own nationality was linked to Indian Independence.
This clause was however taken over into the Election Law of 31 May 1989 which governed the 1990 Elections and appears as Article 10 (e), and it also appears in two sub-clauses of Chapter IV Paragraph 33 of the Detailed Basic Principles completed on 3 September 2007. The likelihood that these two sub-clauses have been tightened up to reflect the same restrictions on candidates for the Presidency – which provides in Chapter III Article 4 (f) that: "The President of the Union himself, parents, spouse, children and their spouses shall not owe allegiance to a foreign power, shall not be the subject of a foreign power or citizen of a foreign country. They shall not be persons entitled to the rights and privileges of a subject or citizen of a foreign country" – I regard as highly unlikely, as the draft Constitution has been based on the Detailed Basic Principles.

It is reported that at the time of the 1990 Elections Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's candidacy was rejected on three grounds, one of which was reportedly that as a result of her marriage to Michael Aris she "enjoys the right to reside in the UK indefinitely. Apart from the right to vote, she enjoys all the other privileges of a British Citizen." [Col. Hla Min, Page 53 "Political Situation of the Union of Myanmar and its Role in the Region" 28th Edition April 1994]. However, if UK authorities had been consulted at the time they would have provided a long list of rights and privileges which Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a Burmese citizen permanently residing in the UK would not have enjoyed in addition to the inability to vote in local, national and EU elections, including her inability to stand as a candidate in such elections, or to take a permanent position in any local or national government office, or to join the Armed Forces, intelligence or security agencies, or to benefit from British consular protection and support when overseas, or to travel to any country in Europe without a visa in her Burmese passport. In addition, there are a wide range of restrictions on "aliens" resident in the UK in connection with social welfare, medical, pension and other related State facilities, not to mention the additional requirements often placed on "aliens" in connection with opening bank accounts and making investments, notably through State "National Savings".

Indeed, only UK authorities could provide a definitive statement in this respect, and if there is any doubt about the rights and privileges which Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would not enjoy, if ever she were to return to the UK, then the Burmese authorities should ask the UK authorities to provide such a statement.

I understand that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at no time applied for British nationality but at all times retained her Burmese nationality and her Burmese passport. As regards her residential status in the UK in 2008, again only the UK authorities could define this. She has been resident in Burma ever since March 1988 and I have no idea whether her leave to remain indefinitely in the UK still exists. My expectation is that she would be most welcome to return to live in the UK at any time, but that she might need to complete the necessary formalities, which in her case would likely take less than 60 seconds.

As Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been widowed since 1999 and has shown no interest at all in returning to the UK, it would border on the absurd to allege that she enjoys the rights and privileges of a British citizen, which of course she never did.

The two other reasons why Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was denied the right to stand as a candidate for the 1990 Elections was that she was alleged to have collaborated with and harbored a terrorist arrested at her compound on 54 University Avenue, Rangoon, in contravention of Article 10 (h) of the 1989 Election Law, and that she gave 15 Park Town, Oxford, as her permanent address, instead of an address in Burma, in contravention of Article 8 (b) of the Election Law which requires a permanent address in Burma. Today, at least, there can be no doubt about her permanent, enforced, residence at 54 University Avenue where I think it highly unlikely that any "terrorists" would again be unmasked.

In 1990 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was not debarred from voting in the General
Elections, and there would seem to be no reason to suppose that she would be debarred from voting in the 2008 Referendum and the 2010 General Elections.

It would however seem that a new Election Law will be needed in order to define the qualifications for candidacy to the Pyithu Hluttaw, because only the Hluttaw can promulgate the new Constitution if and when it has received a majority vote in the forthcoming national referendum. I would assume that the Election Law will decree the same qualifications as those found in the draft Constitution, though the Constitution itself will not be in force when elections are held.

My conclusion is that the Burmese Foreign Minister may have unwittingly misled his ASEAN colleagues, or they may not have understood what he was saying. At all events, the actual draft of the new Constitution, when published, should resolve the issue.

(The author, Derek Tonkin, is the former British Ambassador to Thailand and now the Chairman of Network Myanmar www.networkmyanmar.org)