Burma's draft constitution fails to address the long-held desires of Aung San Suu Kyi and other "Burmese patriots," according to a United States government spokesperson.

Sean McCormack, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, speaking yesterday in Washington D.C., said the initial reaction of the State Department to the junta's draft constitution is that it is designed to perpetuate military rule in Burma.

 

"[T]his draft constitution that the regime intends to put to a vote does not give much hope to those who are looking for real democratic change in Burma," McCormack told assembled reporters.

 

Responding to a question regarding the junta's accusation that foreign embassies are working in collusion with the National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi and elements of the Burmese opposition, McCormack roundly rejected the claim, labeling it "a canard."

 

He added that the work and dedication of Aung San Suu Kyi and other patriots had been ongoing for a lengthy period of time well before Burma became a subject of mainstream international interest.

 

Following a meeting with Singaporean Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong on Wednesday, U.S. President Bush said he was "disappointed" in the lack of progress toward establishing the framework for meaningful dialogue between Burma's military rulers and opposition leaders.

 

For his part, Goh maintained that, "The army has to be part of the solution. Without the army playing a part in solving problems in Myanmar, there will be no solution."

 

Burma, under military fiat since 1962, is to hold a constitutional referendum on May 10.