The 2008 Constitution must be replaced with federal democratic Union Constitution for ensuring that we will see internal ceasefire and peace. If not so, we will face difficulties in an effort to seek agreement in ceasefire and peace, said General Say Htin, Patron of SSPP/SSA.
The remarks of the patron of the SSPP/SSA came from the speech of 30th Anniversary of SNLD Founding held in Taunggyi, Shan State on October 26.
“If we want ceasefire and internal peace, the 2008 Constitution must be substituted with federal democratic Union Constitution. If not so, we will continue seeing difficulties in trying for ceasefire and peace. The 21st Century Panglong Conference was held for three times in this regard. But we still can’t go ahead,” said General Say Htin.
In Nay Pyi Taw, the Union Government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the military group led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and NCA signatories led by General Saw Mutu Say Poe held a meeting on security affairs on October 15. The meeting couldn’t seek solution to security and political affairs, said General Say Htin.
Regarding the matters related to politics, the military proposed that non-secession must be officially prescribed if ethnic equality and autonomy the ethnics long for is approved. This point goes against all ethnics, said General Say Htin.
Regarding the security matters, the ethnics already mentioned that it is not possible for a single army to be kept under the current Tatmadaw (defence services) as Tatmadaw is not under the civilian-controlled government, added General Say Htin.
Tatmadw sticks to six principles. If Tatmadaw isn’t able to change its mindsets, ceasefire and peace will be still far. For this we have something about to think. Anyhow, we all should be prepared to compromise to immediately end internal insurgency lasting over 70 years, said General Say Htin.
In debating Panlong matter, some people mention only the paragraph they want and they set aside the paragraphs that they don’t want. In reality, everyone must discuss the whole Panglong agreement. Now, some people recognize only the Panglong spirit and it is very sorrowful. All the provisions prescribed in Panglong Agreement must be recognized, said General Say Htin.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
