Nay Pyi Taw October 29
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received a delegation led by Karen National Union (KNU) chairman Saw Mutu Say Poe at the parlour of Bayintnaung Villa this morning.
Also present at the call were Lt-Gen Aung Soe of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, senior military officers, commanders of regional military commands, and Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo (Rtd). The KNU chairman was accompanied by KNU general-secretary Padoh Saw Tar Doh Moo and officials.
The Senior General warmly welcomed the KNU delegation led by chairman Saw Mutu Say Poe to the 4th anniversary of the signing of the NCA. Cordial discussions will facilitate the peace process, he said. Peace talks were initiated as of August, 2011 and the NCA could be signed in 2015. Despite the differences in beliefs and conditions, we have to work together as partners for the peace of the country. The Senior General welcomed the constructive discussions. The sooner peace is achieved, the greater pace at which the country will see development. The development of Kayin State is tangible during the ceasefire period. In multi-party democracy era, all things must be done in accordance with law, and the laws must be acceptable to all. It is important to take lessons from the past, and continue doing what is good.
He called for working together with broad mindedness and trust. The KNU chairman and party said they are grateful for the meeting. The KNU delegation discussed their desires in the peace process, importance of building consensus and mutual understanding in implementation of NCA, obstacles to peace process. The delegation explained that KNU had suspended from formal talks because of the need to coordinate within the organization. They also discussed potential for peace talks, trust-building and contributing factors for the peace process, and coordination with Tatmadaw for improving transportation in the state.
The Senior General in response said Tatmadaw wants to hold JICM and the fourth session of 21st Century Panglong Conference as soon as possible. He cleared up misunderstanding about the trip of the RCSS chairman. Tatmadaw just wanted to make his travel safe and convenient, and arranged him for air travel, however a misunderstanding arose, and the RCSS chairman could not attend the anniversary event as a result.
There was no other reason. Tatmadaw only wants to make peace talks successful, and thus wants all the stakeholders are present at peace talks. He also discussed cordially the potential to continue formal constructive talks, and explained that Tatmadaw is just improving roads in Kayin State without any military intention for regional development and better transportation in the state.
The Senior General handed over gifts to the KNU chairman and party after the talks.
