UK worried over Burma referendum

 "For the UK concern, we are worried that the atmosphere of intermediation prevailing much in the country," the envoy told reporters after a meeting with Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama.

He said the UK also wanted to see participation of the opposition National League for Democracy in the constitution making process.

The military junta called a national referendum on May 10 to endorse the constitution which substantively prohibited opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from holding key political position as she was married to a foreigner.

Williams said the junta should allow international observer, notably foreign journalists to access the country to see the referendum to make it be more credible.

Thailand has an opportunity to play when Burma's Prime Minister Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Nyan Win would visit to Thailand at the end of this month to convince the junta to make the referendum be more creditability.

Foreign Minister Noppadon said he would discuss the idea with Burma leaders when they would be in Bangkok in coming weeks.

Williams also hoped that the United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari could return to Burma again before the referendum since he has failed to convince the junta to have an inclusive process to make the constitution.

 "Thailand has a great role to play as an immediate neighbor, you also share the burden to put on that way as the chair of Asean in the coming months, we are looking forward to working with you and the Asean on the issue," he said.

By Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation