If we accept original existence of the Union, non-secession is not a problem. Non-secession is important. We need to establish together a Union that need not be seceded from it, said State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
The remarks of the State Counsellor came from the special meeting between the Government and Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement Signatory Ethnic Armed Organizations at the third anniversary of signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) at Shwe San Ein Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on October 15.
“First is the unresolved matter of self-determination and non-secession. If we accept the situation as its stands, non-secession is not a problem. We also have repeatedly said that we’ll firmly establish the democratic federal Union consistently demanded by our ethnic nationals. During the second session of the 21st Century Panglong Conference, agreement was reached on the self-determination portion that was linked directly to the non-secession. But it was left aside.
“Here non-secession is important. But also the will not to secede and to establish together a Union that need not be seceded from is also important,” said Aung San Suu Kyi.
Aung San Suu Kyi added, “We need to recognize the historical facts on the causes of the worries. However, it is also important to get out of the grasp of the past and walk towards a future that is good for all. In balancing the past worries of everyone, we need to truthfully view the situation of the 21st Century. We must face towards the future. We need to think about international geopolitics as well as the state-wise geopolitics.
The excellent and outstanding federal dream is on one side and today’s 2008 Constitution is in existence as a fact on the other side. Between these two sides, it is possible for the causes of armed conflicts to be resolved step by step. We can reach a stage where it is possible, practical and convenient to implement and establish it.”
Portions of the agreements that came out of 21st Century Panglong Conference are a proof that the path we took is correct. We must not deviate from our path. We will go forward without turning back is also being shown by attendance of all leaders at this meeting. We all need to work hand in hand together and accept the existence of difficulties and unresolved matters where agreements are yet to be reached. We need to discuss and negotiate how to overcome these difficulties. In conducting the discussions, it is important that we must not only open our hearts but we must also open our minds. I would like to urge all that we must be courageous in our responsibility toward our people and the people we are facing, said Aung San Suu Kyi.
Actually if the source of the armed conflicts are discussed and resolved in the political roundtable, it is not difficult to stop and eradicate armed conflicts. Meetings create familiarity, understanding and trust and strengthen common causes and expectations. Our peace commission and Tatmadaw leaders are striving for groups not present today to participate, said Aung San Suu Kyi.
We are not standing still. To prove that we are going forward, good results must emerge from this meeting and all leaders are to strive towards this with courage and determination. Please expose and share your worries. I’ll conclude by saying that we will work and think together on removing and resolving those worries, said Aung San Suu Kyi.
Edited by Win Htut
