No.20 - 01/2006
28 January 2006

Politics

Col Sai Yee elected to SSA leadership

Col Sai Yee, formerly of the ceasefire group Shan State National Army (SSNA), has recently been elected to the anti-Rangoon Shan State Army - South's supreme political body, according to the statement issued today.


Col Yawdserk and Col Sai Yee

According to the statement, the annual meeting of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), held 21-25 January at Loi Taileng, opposite Maehongson's Pang Mapha district, had re-elected Col Yawdserk as President and elected Col Sai Yee, who had returned to the armed struggle after 3 of his units were forced to "exchange arms for peace" last April and May, as Vice President.

The meeting also resolved to uphold its Six Guiding Principles: Independence, Unity, People's Welfare, Democracy, Peace and Anti-Narcotics.

Throughout last year, the group has been attacked by its critics as deviating from its founding principles.