Sagaing CSOs hold three-day peace forum

Sagaing CSOs hold three-day peace forum
Published 8 November 2018
Kaung Khant Lin (Monywa)

Civil society organizations in Sagaing Region held a peace forum at Monywa town hall for three days from November 4 to 6.

The forum focused on discussing ongoing land problems, latest developments in Myanmar, situations in Sagaing Region and environmental issues, said Kyaw Moe Hlaing, director of Chindwin Institute.

"First we discussed difficulties and challenges in land policy. We are trying to adopt a land policy. Now, provisions on land policy are coming from the peace forum of CSOs in Sagaing Region. Today, we start drawing basic federal principles. We will seek common agreements soon. We will also finalize papers on federal principles for submission," said Kyaw Moe Hlaing.

Advocate Thein Oo, who participated in the forum, said: "The main thing is we must have the same vision. Then, it will be easy to go forward. Without common vision, we will face difficulties. This is why we need to seek common ground in our federal principles. What is federalism? If we discuss federalism in view of secession (from the union) like in the past, coordination and negotiation will be difficult.  Since 1962 when coup was conducted, many have made discussions under the title of union breakup. Most people should not have a view of describing federalism as secession. Federalism means coordination."

The forum was attended by representatives of CSOs from 37 townships of Sagaing Region.