A meeting between the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and the Shanni (Tai Leng, Tai Lai) National Unity Council (SNUC) was held yesterday morning at the meeting hall of the Horizon Lake View Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw, following the SNUC’s expressed desire to participate in discussions on national unity and peacebuilding.
The meeting was attended by NSPNC Chairman Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Secretary Lt-Gen Min Naing and committee members, along with a delegation from the SNUC led by Chairman Sao Say Khun Aung. The delegation also included Vice-Chairman 1 Sao Say Sai Kam, Secretary Sao Say Sai Htoo, Central Committee members Sao Say Aung Tun and Sao Say Kawng Seng, and Joint Secretary Sao Say Wam Hfa.
During the meeting, NSPNC Chairman Lt-Gen Yar Pyae said that it was the second official meeting with the SNUC in Nay Pyi Taw. He highlighted the need to eliminate local terrorist groups and ensure regional stability, peace and development. He noted that some armed groups pursued commercial interests to gain control of local natural resources. He reaffirmed that the political aspirations of ethnic groups would be discussed in accordance with existing laws.
He also emphasized that ordinary citizens, including women and children, were suffering in conflict-affected areas and represented the human resources essential to the nation’s future. He added that the government was undertaking projects to develop roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the Shanni region, stressing that adequate infrastructure was essential to improving livelihoods and access to education and healthcare. As the SNUC/SNA was a peace partner, he encouraged its representatives to openly present and discuss their needs.
SNUC Chair Sao Say Khun Aung said that the SNUC/SNA was cooperating with the State to promote regional stability and development. He expressed his pleasure and honour at being allowed to participate in peacebuilding efforts for national unity. He also sought guidance on addressing the organization’s weaknesses and expressed his desire to continue cooperating with the government.
The attendees subsequently discussed regional peace, stability and development, reviewed the fourth official round of discussions with the NSPNC, examined and approved the draft “Commitment to Cooperate for Peace”, and addressed healthcare and education needs, as well as socioeconomic development through formal trade and production activities.
The NSPNC then explained in detail the procedures for submitting matters to Parliament in accordance with the Constitution. The issues discussed included official political recognition of the SNUC, military coordination, the historical distribution of the Shanni population, the designation of ethnicity on national identity cards and recognition of the region.
Following the discussions, representatives of both sides signed the agreed “Commitment to Cooperate for Peace” and exchanged the signed documents.
NSPNC Secretary Lt-Gen Min Naing explained that work was already underway on education, healthcare and regional development initiatives raised during peace talks with the SNUC. He noted that participation in Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) ceremonies, workshops and peace talks demonstrated active cooperation in support of peace.
Both sides subsequently coordinated the documentation of the meeting’s outcomes and signed the official record to confirm their agreement.
Sao Say Khun Aung, Chairman of the SNUC, expressed his thanks, while NSPNC Chairman Lt-Gen Yar Pyae delivered the closing remarks. The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photograph.
MNA/TH
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