Speaking at the 65th anniversary of Mon National Day on Wednesday,
the chairman of New Mon State Party (NMSP) said that the group will not
sign a ceasefire with the Burmese government while it continues to wage
war against ethnic Kachins in Burma's restive northern states.
Nai Htaw Mon, the chairman of the NMSP, said, “We have told the government many times that it must stop fighting in Kachin State, but it has failed to do so. This is a crucial matter that needs to be resolved before we sign a ceasefire.”
On Feb. 1, the NMSP agreed to five points with a government delegation led by Railways Minister Aung Min when they sat for peace talks in Moulmein. However, nothing was put down on paper and no truce was called.
Both sides agreed to meet again, possibly in the third week of February.
The leaders of the NMSP said that if Naypyidaw truly wanted them to sign a ceasefire, it must demonstrate that it is willing to work for a nationwide ceasefire and hold political dialogue.
Mon leaders said they were unwilling to accept the statement of Aung Min and Mon State Chief Minister Ohn Myint when they told the NMSP that they would allow Mon language to be taught as an official language in Mon State schools after the party signs a ceasefire.
The NMSP leadership said they believed these were simply personal assurances and not a policy endorsed by Naypyidaw.The NMSP said it will soon hold a central committee meeting when members will vote on whether to sign a ceasefire with the Burmese government.“I personally will vote against such a deal,” said Nai Htaw Mon.
Nai Htaw Mon, the chairman of the NMSP, said, “We have told the government many times that it must stop fighting in Kachin State, but it has failed to do so. This is a crucial matter that needs to be resolved before we sign a ceasefire.”
On Feb. 1, the NMSP agreed to five points with a government delegation led by Railways Minister Aung Min when they sat for peace talks in Moulmein. However, nothing was put down on paper and no truce was called.
Both sides agreed to meet again, possibly in the third week of February.
The leaders of the NMSP said that if Naypyidaw truly wanted them to sign a ceasefire, it must demonstrate that it is willing to work for a nationwide ceasefire and hold political dialogue.
Mon leaders said they were unwilling to accept the statement of Aung Min and Mon State Chief Minister Ohn Myint when they told the NMSP that they would allow Mon language to be taught as an official language in Mon State schools after the party signs a ceasefire.
The NMSP leadership said they believed these were simply personal assurances and not a policy endorsed by Naypyidaw.The NMSP said it will soon hold a central committee meeting when members will vote on whether to sign a ceasefire with the Burmese government.“I personally will vote against such a deal,” said Nai Htaw Mon.
No comments:
Post a Comment