The Burma Partnership called on ASEAN and the international community to reject the referendum proposed by State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the military regime of Burma. In a statement issued on 13 February, the organisation said that all political prisoners and ethnic leaders must be released and allowed to participate in an open debate on the proposed constitution before the referendum.
(Bangkok) The Burma Partnership called on ASEAN and the international community to reject the referendum proposed by State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the military regime of Burma.

In a statement issued on 13 February, the organisation said, “All political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Khun Htun Oo and ethnic leaders must be released and allowed to participate freely in an open debate on the proposed constitution long before a referendum takes place”.

“The constitution drafting process has not been inclusive, participatory and transparent since its beginning in 1993, and as the constitution draft is not publicised, the referendum in May is too soon,” added Burma Partnership.

This was said in response to SPDC’s announcement on 9 February, that it would hold a national referendum on a new constitution in May this year.

The Burma Partnership, formerly known as Asia-Pacific Peoples’ Partnership on Burma (APPPB), was established in February, 2006. It is a movement of organisations, including FORUM-ASIA, and individuals that aims to develop a partnership of peoples of the Asia-Pacific advocating and mobilising a movement to promote freedom, democracy and human rights in Burma.

Please visit the website of Burma Partnership to read the full statement.