Shwe Mann calls for reconciliation between Buddhists and Muslims
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Parliamentary Speaker Shwe Mann has said that action must be taken against anyone found to be violating the rule of law in Rakhine State. His speech, delivered on Sunday in Yangon, comes amid widespread claims that Rakhine officials have done little to pr
“Anyone residing anywhere in the country must follow the laws enacted by parliament. … Actions must be taken against concerned officials who are turning a blind eye to those violating the laws,” said Shwe Mann.
He went on to say that mutual respect between ethnic groups was of great importance and that Myanmar – a majority-Buddhist country – had lagged behind as a result of a lack of understanding between ethnic groups.
“We need national consolidation and national reconciliation. Peace cannot be restored by just ending the armed conflicts [between the government and armed ethnic groups]. In the past, we dared not speak about the possibility of a federal system because we considered it as seceding power. In reality, a federal system would mean sharing power, finances and natural resources,” he said.
The Speaker called on residents to muster the physical and mental strength to work together to develop Rakhine State.
He concluded by saying that authority must be handed over to state parliaments and state governments.
