Khin Nyunt counters resistance to roadmap

Khin Nyunt counters resistance to roadmap

Politics 

Prime minister Khin Nyunt has swiftly responded to the growing opposition to his 7 step roadmap that was announced on 30 August during his maiden speech to the country by extending invitation to the ceasefire group leaders for separate meetings with him in Rangoon, according to reports coming from northern Shan State. 

"We stand by our five-point conditions," a highly-placed source quoted his immediate superior, a signatory to the "Panghsang declaration" on 15 October. "And that means 'No to the National Convention' if our conditions were not met." 

The five-point conditions include Freedom of meetings among ethnic leaders, Freedom to choose representatives, Participation of "proper delegates" in the National Convention, Freedom of discussion and To lay down democratic principles. 

"All have agreed that unless the Convention rules are revised, it will be difficult for us to attend," he said. "A summit meeting among groups have also been proposed to further deliberate on the question." 

There are 9 ceasefire groups in Shan State: 

• Special Region-1 Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (Kokang) 

• Special Region-2 United Wa State Army 

• Special Region-3 Shan State Army "North" 

• Special Region-4 National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (Mongla) 

• Special Region-5 Kachin Defense Army (Mahtu Naw) 

• Special Region-6 Pa-O National Army (Aung Kham Hti) 

• Special Region-7 Palaung State Liberation Army (Ai Mong) 

• Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organization (Taklay) 

• Shan State National Army (Gunyawd) 

"With the exception of PNA, all of us have reached a common agreement, according to my information" he said. "As for PNA, it is a tough nut to crack being close to Gen Khin Nyunt, but we shall not abandon it." 

Groups in Karenni State, he added, are also well disposed to the Panghsang agreement, especially Kayan New Land Party (Shwe Aye).

Last update: 7 November 2003