Unity could not be built among the ethnic nationalities because of the failure to solve political problems through political means, said State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in her message sent to commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of Mon National Day. 

The message was published by state-run newspapers on February 9. 

“Since Myanmar is a Union composed of different ethnic groups, unity among them is extremely important. If we review the objectivity of the true nature of  more than 70 years’ period after regaining independence, we were unable to establish unity among the national races because we failed to solve political problems through political means. As a result, our State moved further away from peace and we have lagged behind in development.  We have seen this with much regret,” said the State Counsellor. 

Now, the government has prioritized national reconciliation and peace to bring an end to internal armed conflict and to achieve genuine peace by solving political problems in political ways. It is believed that the dreams of all ethnic nationals such as democracy, equality and the right to self-determination will come into reality, she commented in her message. 

She expressed her delight in seeing the New Mon State Party cooperating with the government in the process of national reconciliation and peace since 2018. 

The State Counsellor said Mon National Day celebration not only brings honour and recognition to the age-old traditions of the ethnic  Mon but also shows the beauty of diversity within the Union. 

The 73rd Anniversary of Mon National Day (at central level) was celebrated from February 8 to 10 in Mawlamyine, Mon State. Similar celebrations were held in other regions such as Kayin State, Taninthayi Region and Bago Region where Mon people also live.