Myanmar's parliament opens with 43 faces missing.<br/> <br />After sweeping by-elections, the National League for Democracy party refused to take its seats in protest against the oath of office.<br/> <br />Reform leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other party MPs want to swear to "respect the constitution" rather than safeguard it, as they have pledged to amend the army-drafted charter.<br/> <br />But the ruling military-backed party has refused to change the oath.<br/> <br />Lawmakers from other parties urged compromise.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Burmese) NEWLY ELECTED UPPER HOUSE MEMBER FROM SHAN NATIONALITY DEVELOPMENT PARTY, SAING SAN MIN SAYING:<br/> <br />"When I swore in today, there were no NLD (National League for Democracy) members attending the opening. That makes me sad. So far they have been expected (to attend parliament). "<br/> <br />The current constitution grants the military broad powers, including occupying a quarter of parliamentary seats.<br/> <br />A National League for Democracy spokesman estimated the conflict would be resolved within 10 days.<br/> <br />"the NLD is trying to take part in parliament and will go to parliament", says Nyan Win.<br/> <br />The European Union agreed on Monday to suspend most of its sanctions against Myanmar for a year despite the dispute .<br/> <br />Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
