Burmese Democratic Forces In Exile Criticise Kofi Annan - 2004-01-07

A group of Burmese exiles is criticizing UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his support of the Burmese military regime's proposal for a national constitutional convention. The International Campaign for Democracy in Burma sent a letter to Mr. Annan saying it is "deeply disappointed" in him and his envoy, Razali Ismail, for publicly praising the convention.

The Burmese military government says the convention lead to democracy to Burma.

But the pro-democracy advocates say the military regime has hand-picked the delegates for the convention. They say it is a ploy to diffuse international pressure.

The current military government has ruled Burma since 1988. It refused to give up power when the opposition National League for Democracy won a general election in 1990.

Information for this report is provided by AFP and ICDB Press Release.