New York: The UN Security Council has asked Myanmar's military government to ensure that the May 10 referendum on the constitution drafted by the army is credible, allows full participation of all political actors and respect for fundamental political freedoms.

The non binding Council statement, a watered down version of the original draft, was promptly attacked by Myanmar's UN Ambassador Kyaw Tint Swe who shot out off a letter to the Council accusing it of "delving" into its domestic matters.

"We find it highly objectionable," he said, blaming powerful Council members, meaning the United States and Britain, of pressuring it to issue the statement.

The referendum, being held ahead of the multi-party election scheduled for 2010, is a component in the 7-step road map leading to democracy in the country which has been ruled by the army for almost half a century.

The National League for Democracy, led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, has already rejected the draft as it gives a quarter of seats in Parliament as also control of key ministries to the army. It also gives the army the power to suspend the constitution. Suu Kyi continues to be under house arrest and thus unable to participate in the campaign.

The opposition activists are campaigning for a "No" vote but say their efforts are being thwarted by the military government even though it is under strong international pressure to restore democracy.

The statement read out by Council President Ambassador John Sawers of Britain underlined the need for the government of Myanmar "to establish the conditions and create an atmosphere conducive to an inclusive and credible process, including the full participation of all political actors and respect for fundamental political freedoms."

It also noted the commitment by the government to ensure that the referendum process will be free and fair.
Source : PTI