The Myanmar Tatmadaw (armed forces) government is trying to shape the nation with a fully- institutionalized disciplined democratic system which is in conformity with its culture, traditions, customs and way of life, a state-run press quoted Myanmar leader Lieutenant-General Thein Sein as saying Sunday.

The endeavors are being made after the government laid down a seven-point roadmap to democracy as a transition process to the system with a constitutional national convention as the first step being underway, said Thein Sein, First Secretary of the State Peace and Development Council, at a recent meeting with regional administrative officials during an inspection tour in Shan state's Kengtung, the New Light of Myanmar reported.

He stressed the acquisition of three points as prerequisites for the emergence of the system which are to ensure prevalence of peace and stability; to make the people to be higher educated to create an educated nation and to put the national economy on the development track.

Noting that a variety of democracy systems are being applied in the world, he held that "It is impossible at all for Myanmar to copy a democracy system of western nations as there have been differences in culture, traditions, customs and way of life between Myanmar and those countries."

He emphasized the need for the national people to live in the union sharing weal and woe on the basis of union spirit.

He called on people to strive with the armed forces in stamping out the dangers of destructive elements at home and abroad and not to believe the instigation of those saboteurs.

The government's political roadmap to democracy, announced in August 2003, was outlined as reconvening the national convention to draft a new constitution, undergoing a national referendum on draft of the constitution, holding a general election to produce parliament representatives and forming a new democratic government.

Meanwhile, the national convention started to adjourn again on last March 31 until it resumes at the end of this year.

Source: Xinhua