The 12 point agreement

The 12 point agreement
19 May 2012

Union level Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) – Restoration Council of Shan State / Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA)

(Unofficial version)

Note The official version deals with military maters in several pages. Even SHAN editor, who was there as a consultant, has not been given a copy of it. The following therefore is a gist, not word by word translation, of the agreement. It there is any mistake, the blame is SHAN’s alone.

The RCSS/SSA plan to cooperate in the eradication of illicit drugs is heartily received by the UPWC to be forwarded to the President for consideration
The two sides will conduct a joint field survey
The government will assist families of the RCSS/SSA members to earn adequate means of livelihood
The government will assist the RCSS/SSA in the preservation and promotion of Shan literature and culture
The RCSS/SSA is permitted to request assistance from and coordinate with NGOs and INGOs
The RCSS/SSA will be allowed to register its Tai Freedom news agency after the new media law comes into effect
Members and supporters of RCSS/SSA who are in prison will be released except for those who have been imprisoned on criminal charges
A peace monitoring group will be formed before the end of July 2012 after nomination by the two sides of suitable persons
The two sides will continue to build up mutual trust to enable the RCSS/SSA to be totally withdrawn from the list of unlawful associations
A special industrial zone will be set up in the area controlled by the RCSS/SSA
The RCSS/SSA is free to hold political consultations with individuals, groups and communities throughout the country
National ID cards will be issued to members, family members and people residing with the RCSS/SSA