If Rakhine issue can’t be handled with care, it will have a bad effect on the Union. It is worrying that problems are being solved through pride and self-interest, said Sai Nyunt Lwin, General Secretary of the Shan National League for Democracy (SNLD).

The peace talk with the title of “Rakhine affair is Union issue” was held in Yangon on February 7. Most experts agreed that Rakhine issue concerns geopolitics.

“Most of the experts accept that Rakhine issue is related to geopolitics. India and Bangladesh are in the west of Myanmar and China is in the east. It is a pasture for the powers such as India and China. Rakhine and its people are like Bermuda grass in their power struggle. For that reason, if Rakhine issue is unable to be handled with care, it will hurt the Union,” said Sai Nyunt Lwin.

 Those involved in the problems taking place in the country are placing emphasis on own interests in time of solving them, said Sai Nyunt Lwin.

“It is worrying to see the problems that are being solved through own interests and pride. It is particularly worrying because the responsible persons from the government side are engaging in solving the problem,” said Sai Nyunt Lwin.

The governmental person’s comments at the press seemed as though AA insurgents were threatened. It should not be said like this. Problem should be solved through careful consideration. We would like the superior to pave the way for the subordinate to discuss the matters, said Sai Nyunt Lwin.

The constitutional amendment and Myitsone dam project are important issues for Myanmar. Moreover, Rakhine issue is also the same matter. We thought first that Rakhine issue must be solved politically, but now it is an international interference. It is of great importance for the country, said Sai Nyunt Lwin.

Those participating in the peace talks were Oo Oo Hla Myint from the ALD party, Sai Nyunt Lwin from the SNLD, law expert Kyee Myint and political researcher Dr Yan Myo Thein.       

Translated and Edited by Win Htut