Ethnic coalitions to write federal-based constitution
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The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) and the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) will draft a new federal constitution, according to ethnic-council representatives.
The UNFC is the latest coalition representing 11 ethnic armed groups founded in February 2011 and UNA is a coalition of 12 ethnic political parties, who took part in the 1990 election. Both want to establish a federal union in Myanmar.
“We will give priority to the wishes of the people. Only when a draft is acceptable to the majority of the people, can it be written by legal experts and members of parliament – along with finishing touches we will add,” said Colonel Khun Okka, UNFC deputy general-secretary.
The move came after UNFC and UNA met in Thailand earlier this month. Both groups agreed to finish drafting the new constitution within this year.
“The draft panel of the federal constitution will be formed by women organisations, youth organisations, community-based organisations and other democratic organisations. Drafting the constitution and coordinating the formation of a national union army will run parallel,” Okka said.
He added that setting up an army responsible for safeguarding the country would be part of the process, but that it should also be under civilian control.
Orchestra to go to Germany, UK
Myanmar drama artist Nan Win will perform traditional dance accompanied by a traditional orchestra in Germany and the United Kingdom, according to local artists.
“Those who sponsored the music festival in Germany and Denmark last year, invited us again. We will perform not only traditional songs and dance but also a puppet show,” said Nan Win.
The Myanmar traditional orchestra performed at the Rumzetit Festival 2011, held in Germany, together with other international artists. They also performed in the Netherlands and Denmark last year.
Performances will take place in Germany and UK from August 23 to September 3 and will include folk singing and dancing, traditional puppet shows and solo performances with artist Nan Win.
More than half of tourist robbers remain at large
Myanmar police have only been able to solve three out of seven robbery cases involving foreign tourists this year, according to officials.
Police Colonel Myo Min Oo said police were trying to nab those involved in robberies and over twenty tourist police were now assigned to Bagan where the majority of robberies take place.
Tourist Police have also been posted in other major tourist areas including Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and Nyaung Shwe.
“Recently, police arrested the culprit who attacked a French female tourist with a stick and took her bag in Nyaung U Township,” said Police Colonel Myo Min Oo.
Tourist Police Force offices were also opened in Bagan and Nyaung Shwe in February, he added.
