The Arakan Army (AA) will not join hands with any terrorists any time as they have already proved their history and stance, according the statement of the AA issued on January 7.
The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) is an organization working together with Rakhine indigenous people fighting for liberation of Rakhine nationals, equality and autonomy, the statement said.
We can discriminate who are friends or who are enemies or who are terrorists along the road we are walking according to the bounden duty handed down by our Rakhine ancestors. Our history and acts already proved that we would never join hands with any terrorists any time. We boldly vow never to collaborate with any terrorists in the future, the statement said.
Zaw Htay, spokesperson of the President Office, told at the press held at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on January 7 that Tatmadaw objected to the existence of two AA and three ARSA camps on the side of Bangladesh by means of Bangladeshi military attache’ channel.
“According to bilateral agreement, we make objections to their attempts to destabilize the situation in Myanmar taking strongholds in Bangladesh. It is quite difficult to stamp out the AA as it isn’t the area Myanmar owns. They can go back to the other side if they face some difficulty. ARSA means terrorist organisation. We would like the AA to stop cooperating with the terrorist organization that gave trouble to Mro and Dienet, tribes of Rakhine in the previous terrorist attack. Even if not so, we would like the AA to shun the acts that can encourage the ARSA politically and militarily,” said Zaw Htay.
Negotiations were conduct between the AA and the ARSA. The ARSA is active in the west of Mayu mountain in Rakhine State and the AA in the east. The west and the east of Mayu mountain are their designated active areas, said Zaw Htay.
We would like the AA to come to the political dialogue stage for discussing with the peace commission about ethnic equality just like the remaining ethic armed groups and not to launch operations backing the terrorist organisations and not to work together with them, said Zaw Htay.
Zaw Htay’s words of ultimatum mentioned at the press were regarded as an insult to the entire people of Rakhine. The AA will never be afraid of the threatening words of Zaw Htay. The AA continues doing what it should do and should serve the interest of Rakhine people until we have achieved our aims, the statement said.
The AA will march toward our destination sticking to our belief to escape from the oppressive life and to fight for truth. Moreover, we will repulse all forms of oppressions unconditionally. We are always posed to talk peace, the statement said.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
