The British Embassy has expressed concern regarding recent events which saw USDP Secretary-General Maung Maung Thein and USDP President Thura U Shwe Mann removed from their positions as party General Secretary and Party Chairman respectively.
The statement, received by Mizzima on 13 August, states that in response to questions about the incident, a British Embassy spokesperson said:
“We are concerned by reports that the police were involved yesterday and this morning inthe resolution of a party dispute. Public trust in the democratic process is essential as weapproach the elections in November. The British Government will continue its efforts, withpartners, to support those elections. It is important that the Government and ElectionCommission fulfil their commitment to ensuring the elections meet international standards.”
Myanmar’s President U Thein Sein has taken over the position of USDP chairman jointly with vice-chairman U Htay Oo.