U.S. criticizes Myanmar military veto after law change fails

[Jonathan Fairfield]

U.S. criticizes Myanmar military veto after law change fails

The United States said on Friday that an effective legislative veto held by Myanmar's military was undemocratic and reiterated calls for changes to the constitution, a day after lawmakers from the armed forces bloc rejected any significant amendments to the charter.

Washington has re-engaged with Myanmar since a quasi-civilian government took power in 2011, ending 49 years of military rule, with President Barack Obama investing substantial personal effort and prestige in promoting democratic reform.

The United States has pushed for the country's military to be reined in, submitting to civilian control and stepping back from the political arena.

But Thursday's parliamentary vote, in which a proposed amendment to the veto provision failed to gain the necessary support, showed the military has no immediate plans to give up its powerful influence over public affairs.

"There are provisions in Burma's constitution, such as the lack of civilian control of the military and the military's veto power over constitutional amendments, that contradict fundamental democratic principles," a spokesman from the U.S. Embassy in Yangon said.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/26/us-myanmar-politics-idUSKBN0P615P20150626

[umbanda]

The US Government wants for Myanmar Military to pass the power to civilians, for the US Military to deal with civilians and not the military, and gain political control from them.....

"Democratic" tactics at it best!

[spidermike007]

From what I hear from well informed sources who worked at a high level within Burma for many years, very, very little has changed. And the agreement between the US and Burma to lift sanctions, came after intense pressure and lobbying from China, due to their mining equipment and supplies being so expensive as a result of the shipment. The Chinese basically said we will make it appear as if things are changing, for you to save face, and you will lift the sanctions. And when China asks, the US generally complies.

So, never be surprised at news like this. The billionaire generals still run the show. Than Shwe is still very much in power. Pigs never die.

[Srikcir]

"Constitution must win the endorsement from at least 75 per cent of MPs. Military MPs now take up 20 per cent of seats."

Another rigged military constitution to curtail a true democratic process.

There are 664 MPs in the parliament.

The military has a mandatory 25% of parliamentary seats. This means that EVERY nonmilitary MP must vote in favor of a constitutional amendment for it to pass on to a referendum. But in the current parliamentary vote all 166 military MPs were present with 50 MPs absent for a total of 583 MPs.

This gave the military an effective voting block of almost 29%, making it impossible for the opposition to garner 75% for a constitutional amendment!

[Benmart]

The US Government wants for Myanmar Military to pass the power to civilians, for the US Military to deal with civilians and not the military, and gain political control from them.....

"Democratic" tactics at it best!

Sorry, I am so dense I can't grasp the meaning of the post.