Burma promises free elections | BBC

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Burma promises free elections

By Jonathan Head
BBC correspondent in Bangkok


Military rulers in Burma have announced what they are calling a roadmap towards democracy.

It was the Khin Nyunt's first major speech since his new appointment
In an important policy speech, the newly-appointed Prime Minister, General Khin Nyunt, said the government would restart a national convention to draw up a new constitution which would lead to a free and fair election.

However, he gave no timetable for releasing the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, nor any suggestion that the military was ready to give up its hold on power.

Until that happens, there's unlikely to be any easing of the isolation imposed on Burma by western and other governments who are still waiting for convincing signs that the military really is willing to share power.

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