China, Russia Oppose UN Security Council’s Draft Presidential Statement

By LALIT K JHA
The Irrawaddy News

China and Russia objected to a draft UN Security Council presidential statement on Burma on Monday that called for an early end to military rule and full participation of all political opposition groups.

Drafted by three permanent members of the Security Council—the US, Britain and France—the proposed presidential statement was circulated among the 15-members of the Security Council.

The draft statement was then discussed by Council members at what is called the “expert level.” It was during that meeting that China strongly objected to the contents of the draft statement. Russia followed, but with a less stringent objection, according to observers.

The Chinese objection, it is understood, was based on two major points— elections and the end the military rule. The draft statement is believed to have called for the government to bring an early end to military rule and to begin a transition to democracy.

Nothing the Burmese government’s planned constitutional referendum in May, and multi-party general elections in 2010, the draft statement emphasized the need for the process to be inclusive and credible, said sources.

The statement also called on the military government to allow the full participation of all political groups and individuals, including Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of a major opposition group.

“The Security Council further notes the commitment by the Government of Myanmar [Burma] to ensure that the referendum will be free and fair and that all will be allowed to participate on equal terms, and stresses that this commitment must be followed by action, including the guarantee of freedoms of expression, association and assembly in the political process leading to the referendum, as well as independent monitoring of the referendum,” it said.

No presidential statement could be approved without the consent of China and Russia, which wield veto power. The last presidential statement on Burma was issued on October 11, 2007, after negotiations between members.