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National peace body calls for more input from civil society, Suu Kyi
Published on Monday, 28 January 2013 15:49
The national level peace-making body called on opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and members of civil society to become more engaged in peace building, during a groundbreaking meeting with representatives of 46 non-governmental organisations at the weekend.
The meeting was held at the non-governmental Myanmar Peace Centre on Sunday.
Union Level Peace-Making Group vice-chairman Aung Min said the meeting showed that President Thein Sein was following up on his pledge to include NGO views in policy formation. The pledge was made during his meeting with civil society on January 20. The president specifically called for civil society to become more engaged in the peace process, said Aung Min, who is also a minister in the President’s Office.
“Representatives of NGOs should take part in the peace process. Their co-operation is a key factor in implementing the peace process as they play a crucial role in building peace,” Aung Min said.
He also said that Thein Sein had told Suu Kyi she could choose her role in the peace-making process. “She would be warmly welcomed,” said, adding that she looked exhausted. Aung Min told the NGO representatives that Suu Kyi was busy handling the Letpadaungtaung copper mine issue and a general assembly for her political party, but said “she would surely take part in the peace process someday”.
President’s Office ministers Aung Min, Soe Thein and Khin Yi also discussed the conflict in Kachin State and answered questions on how NGOs could participate in the peace process.