Nay Pyi Taw September 12
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by, his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Maung Maung Kyaw and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Lin Aung and officials, arrived at Kyauktalongyi town in Taunggyi Township this afternoon and was welcomed by member of the patrons of people’s militia (transformed) (local) of Pa-O Peace Group (PNO) U Nay Win Tun, officials and local people.
Afterwards, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with Patron of people’s militia (transformed) (local) of Pa-O Peace Group (PNO) U Aung Hkam Hti. First, U Nay Win Tun explained the PNO’s endeavours for peace and development of Kyauktalongyi region.
Later, the Senior General said armed ethnic groups are on the stance to hold arms, with the protection of their race and region as a reason. There must be the rule of law in the region, and it is the duty of the administrative bodies and the Myanmar Police Force. The national defence duty must be shouldered by the Tatmadaw which is the sole organization for national defence. Efforts should be made to reach the said stage to restore genuine eternal peace.
Then, the Senior General discussed efforts of the government and the Tatmadaw to achieve genuine eternal peace, the Tatmadaw’s wish to provide assistance for the development of Kyauktalongyi region to the most possible degree and the requirements to free the Kyauktalongyi region from narcotic drugs and promote education of the ethnic races.
The Senior General presented gift to Pa-O leader U Aung Kham Hti and cash donation contributed by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) families for Mahawitha Buddha Gaya MyoU Zedi on Bopanna hillock in Kyauktalongyi. Pa-O leader U Aung Kham Hti also presented regional gifts to the Senior General.
In the morning, the Senior General met with ethnic leaders in Kayah State at the meeting hall of the regional control command headquarters (Loikaw). Also present at the meeting together with the Senior General were Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Maung Maung Kyaw, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Lin Aung and officials, Honourary Col Tun Kyaw of central advisory and control group of border guards, Chairman of U Richard of Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and Karenni National Unity Group, Chairman of KNG U Htay Ko, Vice-Chairman of KNPP and Kayinni National Peace and Development Party U Aung Aung, peace mediators U Paw Lu Chan and U Khee Yai and officials.
At the meeting, discussions were centred on peace and development of Kayah State which is everyone’s concern, participation of organizations, parties, social organizations and all ethnic groups who have not returned to the legal fold yet for regional peace and stability, Tatmadaw’s restoration of the situation due to the political unrest in 1988, the Tatmadaw government’s realization of the multi-party democracy system in accord with the public demand, the aim of peace endeavours that are for all ethnic people to enjoy democracy rights equally under the multi-party system, and the realization of eternal peace if all are the signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.
Then, the meeting discussed the need to practically work towards peace, stability and development despite the differences in view and approach in carrying out the democratization task. The meeting also discussed that development is easier said than done, as a lot of efforts are required. There must be production capacity for deve-lopment and production capacity needs technology and capital.
So, education promotion should be carried out region wise. Armed ethnic groups should work in good faith for the development within the framework of law. The KNPP should be organized to sign the NCA. As for the remaining groups there must be twofold progress for the region as ceasefire agreement was reached about 20 years ago. All should work in unity under the multiple views. In every country there is a single armed organization for national defence. It in reality is the armed forces of the respective country. So, the Tatmadaw must be regarded the sole armed forces of the country on the road to democracy. They should be realistic and have realism, while working with sympathy for the local interest.
Afterwards, participants presented endeavours for regional peace and development group wise. The Senior General looked into the requirements and presented them gifts.
