A/RES/48/150 Page 3 restoration of democracy in accordance with the will of the people as expressed in the democratic elections held in 1990, and to ensure that political parties can function freely; 4. Notes with concern the observation of the Special Rapporteur, with regard to the National Convention, that no evident progress has been made towards turning over power to a freely elected civilian Government; 7/ 5. Also notes with concern in this respect that most of the representatives duly elected in 1990 have been excluded from participating in the meetings of the National Convention, created to prepare basic elements for the drafting of a new Constitution, and that one of the objectives of the National Convention is to maintain the participation of the armed forces in a leading role in the future political life of the State; 6. Strongly urges the Government of Myanmar to take all appropriate measures to allow all citizens to participate freely in the political process in accordance with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to accelerate the process of transition to democracy, in particular through the transfer of power to the democratically elected representatives; 7. Urges the Government of Myanmar to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and assembly, and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities and to put an end to violations of the right to life and integrity of the human being, to the practices of torture, abuse of women and forced labour and to enforced disappearances and summary executions; 8. Appeals to the Government of Myanmar to consider becoming a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 2/ and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 2/ and to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; 8/ 9. Stresses the importance of free and confidential access to prisoners by international humanitarian agencies; 10. Regrets the recent harsh sentences meted out to a number of dissidents, including persons voicing dissent in regard to the procedures of the National Convention; 11. Regrets also that, while a certain number of political prisoners have been released, many political leaders are still deprived of their freedom and their fundamental rights; 12. Strongly urges the Government of Myanmar to release unconditionally and immediately the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now in her fifth year of detention without trial, and other political leaders and remaining political prisoners; ______________ 7/ Ibid., sect. V, para. 49. 8/ Resolution 39/46, annex. /...