Obama and Suu Kyi demand reforms in Burmese constitution

U.S. President Barack Obama and Burmese opposition leader and Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday demanded reforms in the Burmese Constitution to allow “free and transparent” elections for a fully representative democracy.

Obama called for “inclusive” changes in the Constitution before general elections scheduled for 2015.

The Constitution of Myanmar, once known as Burma, prevents Suu Kyi from running for president because she was married to a foreigner and her children have British nationality.

Suu Kyi said she was confident that negotiations would bring reforms demanded by the society.

The leader of the opposition National League for Democracy also reiterated the antidemocratic and discriminatory character of the 2008 Constitution, approved by the military Junta which then ruled the country.

With onefourth of the total parliamentary seats and onethird of the senate seats reserved, the army has the power to vote down laws it does not like, as well as those that need more than 75 percent of votes in favor.

Obama met with Burmese President Thein Sein in Naypyidaw on Thursday and highlighted the changes in the country since the military junta transferred most powers to a civilian government in 2011.

The changes emphasized by the U.S. president included the releasing of thousands of political prisoners, the opening of the economy, efforts to negotiate peace agreements with restive ethnic minorities and greater access to the media.

Obama said that the United States would strengthen its relationship with Burma if there is further improvement.

He also called for greater commitment from authorities regarding the rule of law, improvement in press freedom and reforms respecting the rights of the minorities, especially the Muslim Rohingya minority.

Obama demanded a peaceful solution to the situation in the western state of Rakhine where 140,000 Rohingyas live in refugee camps in unhealthy conditions, as well as an end to discrimination and opportunities for all.

“If you want democracy, you must demonstrate its principles,” Aung San Suu Kyi said, adding that violence does not solve anything, so rule of law is important.

Obama is on his second visit to Myanmar, and will travel to Brisbane, Australia, Friday night to attend the G20 summit at the weekend.