Ethnic leader demands inclusive peace deal
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Colonel Sai La of the Restoration Council of Shan State says it is vital to involve all ethnic armed groups in signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement. The colonel met President Thein Sein and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Senior General M
Sai La said: “There are 21 ethnic armed groups, including those who have come to terms with the government and those do not. There are only four groups which are sure to sign the ceasefire. The remaining groups are waiting on the results of the ninth meeting.”
“Since it is a nationwide agreement, I don’t think only four groups signing it is meaningful. Inclusiveness is important. The president said that he is going to sign it if a majority are involved.”
The colonel said that it was also important that Min Aung Hlaing signed the deal.
“The military commander said that the armed forces and the government are the same. He did not guarantee that he would sign the deal. He said signing after building trust was good. The military is part of the country so it should participate in the agreement, since it is an important institution in the country.”
Thein Sein and Min Aung Hlaing also met leaders from the Karen National Union, Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and Karen National Liberation Army that signed the February 12 peace deal.
Min Aung Hlaing did not sign the February agreement although the president, government, Parliament and military MPs did.
