Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Filipino protesters ask Myanmar to postpone referendum (3:11 p.m.)
MANILA -- About 30 Filipino protesters demanded Wednesday that Myanmar's junta postpone this week's planned constitutional referendum and allow the unrestricted entry of international relief following a devastating cyclone.
"While the people are so worried about survival in the midst of this disaster, the junta is too preoccupied thinking of how to pursue its referendum," said Egoy Bans, spokesman for the Free Burma Coalition. About 30 protesters from the group marched outside the Myanmar Embassy in Manila.
"This is not the time for a political exercise. The population is very vulnerable and insecure," Bans said. He also called on Myanmar's military rulers to open the borders of the tightly controlled country to international aid.
In addition, Bans expressed concern that authorities in Myanmar would give priority for aid distribution to communities considered loyal to the military, and would exclude opposition strongholds. He provided no details.
Cyclone Nargis struck over the weekend and killed more than 22,000 people, just days ahead of a key referendum on a draft constitution backed by Myanmar's military leaders as an important step forward on what they call a "road map to democracy." Critics say the constitution is meant to perpetuate military rule.
State radio said Saturday's vote will be delayed until May 24 in 40 of 45 townships near the largest city, Yangon, and seven in the Irrawaddy delta - areas that bore the worst of the storm. The report indicated, however, that the balloting would be held in other areas as scheduled. (AP) |
