Nay Pyi Taw October 29
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received representatives of eight ethnic armed organiza-tions, the signatories to Nation-wide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), who were attending the fourth anniversary of the NCA, at the parlour of the Bayintnaung Villa here this morning.
Present at the meeting together with the Senior General were Lt-Gen Aung Soe and senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, commanders of the respective military commands and Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo (Retired). Representatives of EAOs were Vice-Chairman of ALP U Khaing Soe Naing Aung, Patron of PNLO Khun Okka, Chairman of ABSDF U Than Khe, Vice-Chairman of CNF Lian Hmung Sakhong, Chairman of KKO Saw Moo Shay, General Secretary of KNU/KNLA (PC) Naw Kapaw Htoo, Chairman of NMSP (Mon) U Nai Han Thar and Chairman of LDU U Kyar Khun Sa.
At the meeting, the Senior General expressed pleasure for receiving them who were attending the fourth anniversary of NCA. The attitudes of Tatmadaw have already been explained at the NCA anniversaries. NCA is the most important policy to restore peace in the nation. All should work with goodwill and united stand.
We should move ahead without having any misunderstanding and doubts and without using delaying tactics. Regarding NCA, the peace talks were held as Our Three Main National Causes and multi-party democracy system were accepted, following the discussions with former President U Thein Sein to take part in realizing multi-party democracy, chosen by the people in 2011. Peace process needs rapid development, firmness and stability. The situation in which people can earn their living in peace and tranquility can be witnessed in the places where cease-fire can be implemented. Based on Union spirit as “ We all are Myanmar” we should continue implementing the peace process and reduce extremism. All must work in harmony and unison for the country in creating a better future for ethnic peoples and produce results without pointing a figure at the past, while taking lessons of the past.
The representatives from the EAOs expressed thanks for accepting the eight groups, stressing the need for continuing discussion and realization of the results from the JICM preliminary coordination meeting held on 25 October, importance of continuous holding of JICM meetings for the fourth Union Peace Conference- the 21st Century Panglong, emergence of federal system to establish a genuine democratic Union based on federal by terminating internal armed conflict and regional development work. The Senior General said Tatmadaw is willing to see the continued holding of JICM meetings and the fourth Union Peace Conference- the 21st Century Panglong as quickly as possible. Broad discussion is necessary in building trust and peace while any emerging difficulties should be resolved in a peaceful manner.
The definition of federal system should not be misunderstood in various meanings or standards. There are a lot of national races and citizens who are earning their livelihoods in the country. There should be updated ideas without dogmatism. Meetings must be continued and discussions must be positive. Tatmadaw will render assistance as much as it can for regional development, the Senior General said.
After the meeting, the Senior General presented souvenirs to the representatives from the EAOs.
