UNSC calls for free and fair referendum in Burma

The nonbinding statement reaffirmed the Oct. 11 presidential statement without explicitly mentioning the release of National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

     The statement noted the importance of establishing an atmosphere ''conducive to an inclusive and credible process, including the full participation of all political actors and respect for fundamental political freedoms.''

     The October statement stressed the need for Burma to ''create the necessary conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties and ethnic groups.''

     Earlier, the United States circulated two drafts, which called for the Burma junta to allow Suu Kyi to take part in the referendum process. But neither was supported by permanent UNSC member China, which backs Burma's ruling junta.

     In response to the latest statement, adopted by the Security Council's 15 members, Burma submitted a letter to British Ambassador and current President of the Security Council John Sawers, saying ''This is unprecedented since Burma is not a threat to either international or regional peace and security.''

     ''The presidential statement delved into matters which under the Charter fall within the domestic domain of my country and we find this highly objectionable,'' the letter said.

     In April, the NLD called on voters to cast ballots against the draft constitution in the upcoming referendum scheduled for May 10.

     Official sources have confirmed that the pro-democracy leader is on the list of eligible voters, which was released earlier Friday by the ruling junta.

     However, it is unknown whether she will vote or will be allowed to go to the polling station as she remains under house arrest.

     In a press conference at the United Nations, Sawers said, ''Aung San Suu Kyi has to be released, has to be able to play a full part in the political process along with everyone else.''

     ''We are concerned that the referendum...is severely constrained'' Sawers said. ''Indeed, there are real limits and constraints on people campaigning against the constitution...and frankly the conditions for a free and fair process are not yet in place.''

     Burma's embassy in Singapore extended expatriate voting on the referendum until Friday, apparently in response to complaints from Burma nationals that they could not vote last Sunday when the embassy closed its doors amid protests by expatriates.//Kyodo - May 03, 2008