Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Changes in Myanmar's top political leadership will not stop the process of constitutional reform. The National Convention which interrupted its work in July should restart in January, this according to Lieutenant-General Thein Sein, chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission and a senior member of the military junta that governs the country.

The convention is the first in a seven step road map to democracy outlined in August 2003 by recently ousted Prime Minister Khin Nyunt. General Khin Nyunt, who was open to a dialogue with pro-democracy forces, was removed from office on October 19 and is now under house arrest on corruption charges. He was replaced by Lieutenant-General Soe Win, a former army chief-of-staff.

The convention was adjourned in July after two months. Concerns have been voiced that its restart might be further delayed after the leadership shake-up. The regime's reform plan includes multiparty elections as the final step, but is firmly rejected by opposition National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest. Lieutenant-General Thein Sein did say however that some rebel ethnic groups will take part in the national convention.

Some political analysts see Khin Nyunt's ouster as an internal settlement of scores in favour of Myanmar's strongman General Than Shwe.

General Than Shwe was welcomed yesterday in India on a six-day visit. It is the first time in 24 years that a Myanmar head of state is welcomed in New Delhi. Both sides want to reinforce their political and economic ties.

India is one of the few countries that still have official relations with the Yangon's regime. Unlike India, most of the rest of the world objects to military rule and has condemned the junta's repressive policies.

Many voices in world public opinion remain however critical of those countries that have not transformed criticism into action. (MA)