Junta seeks recourse to softer approaches for election

_{By: Kwarn Lake (Tel:++6683 9474191)}

 
"This is another strategy of the junta to make ceasefire groups to surrender by saying that 'we won't force you to disarm, it is your own choice'.  But, I think after forming the political parties, the junta then will say that 'it is against the law to have armed political parties'. And it will then put them under difficult situation", said Khu Rihmond Htoo, the General Secretary of Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) in a recent interview conducted by S.H.A.N.
 
The junta recently announced that it will hold a referendum in May for a new constitution and a general election in 2010. It is also urging the ceasefire groups around China and Thailand borders to form political parties, according to other sources.
 
"They won't force cease fire groups to surrender yet but they will try to use indirect ways in order to disarm them. Now the international are waiting and hoping to see the junta to change but actually I think, it is the junta that wants to change the international community's view," he added.
 
"The one country, one armed forces principle is included in 104 basic principles in the draft constitution of the junta, so they will try to make cease fire groups to disarm anyway.If we are not united and take one wrong step, they will take advantage and destroy us," said the General Secretary of PaO National Libration Organization (PNLO) Khun Thurain. PNLO is a splinter group of Shan State Nationalities Peoples’ Liberation Organization (SSNPLO) in 2007.
 
"To divide the groups and make them to surrender is their (SPDC's) policy.  We fought with some of the ceasefire groups in the past, but we have learnt that it is of no benefit for both sides.So now we have reached mutual understandings," said Col. Yawd Serk, Chairman of  Restroation Council for Shan State (RCSS).  "We always welcome open political discussions with the SPDC but we haven't got reply from them". 
 
Several media groups reported that, since early this month, the Military Affairs Security (MAS) chief, Major_General Ye Myint , was meeting cease fires groups in  Nothern Shan State which included Kachin Defense Army (KDA),  Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), National Democratic Alliance Army- Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS), Shan State Army- (SSA-North), and United Wa State Army (UWSA) .
 
And in Kachin State, the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Major-General Khin Aung Myint was reportedly meeting Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K).