Opinions vary on exiled government expansion

_{By:  Mu Byan Binn}

The Members of Parliament Union congress was held from 14-19 of February on Thai-Burma border and the MPs agreed in principle on reforming and expansions of the NCGUB. 
 
“In order the principle to go ahead, we agreed that firstly, we need to seek support from NCGUB alliances members groups, Ethnic organizations’ (inside Burma as well) support and agreement, some international understanding and we need political as well as financial support by some countries” said Khun Man Ko Ban a participant in the congress. 

The congress also re-elected Khun Teddy Buri as the president of MPU.  Teddy is formerly the Minister of Asia/ Pacific Affairs (NCGUB) and the Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee for National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB).
 
When finding out about what other ethic leaders thought of the plan, Khu Richmond Htoo, the General Secretary of Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) said, “We support the expansion as an ethnic and state base organization”. 
 
Things are already complicated with the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)’s planned referendum and they (NCGUB) shouldn’t rush to the expansion, otherwise things could get worse. Expanding an organization which cannot do anything has no benefit, stated Col. Khun Okker the General Secretary of the National Democratic Front (NDF). 
 
Major Sai Lao Hseng, the spokesperson of Restoration Consol of Shan State (RCSS) said, “We agree on principle but we will need more discussions.” 
 
S.H.A.N contacted David Taw, the Head of Foreign Department of Karen National Union (KNU) and he didn’t object the principle to expand and said it is NCGUB’s affairs.  When asked whether KNU would join if the principles go ahead and actions being taken, he said, “We have no reason to join”. 
 
NCGUB is an exile government, founded in 1990 at Marnerplaw then the KNU headquarters and led by Dr, Sein Win as the Prime Minister, who is also the first cousin of Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.