Foreign dignitaries invited to witness ceasefire signing

Foreign dignitaries invited to witness ceasefire signing

Published on Tuesday, 24 September 2013 17:59

Khunsai, the Chief Editor of Shan Thandawsint Journal, discusses trust building for peace in Taunggyi (Photo/EMG)

Myanmar plans to invite United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, as well other foreign dignitaries to attend a ceasefire signing between the government and ethnic armed groups in Nay Pyi Taw in October.

Minister Aung Min detailed ceasefire signing plans during a meeting with the Union Peacemaking Working Committee, the Rehabilitation Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA), and the Karen National Union (KNU) at Myanmar Peace Center in Yangon.

"When we know the names of groups attending, we are to officially inform them. We have been talking this matter through with ethnic armed groups. The main thing is KNU share this matter with other groups. They have controlled other groups' needs. This isn't the matter between the two groups," said Dr. Min Zaw Oo of the Myanmar Peace Center.

The government continues its plan to host a nation-wide ceasefire signing agreement with ethnic armed groups in the capital Nay Pyi Taw in October aimed at putting an end to decades of civil war.

Khun Sai, Editor-In-Chief of Shan Tan Daw Sint Media also said: "The (government) side submitted four people; they are the President, Speakers of the Upper and the Lower House of Parliament, and the Commander-in–Chief of the Defence Services. They (ethnic groups) proposed that Union Attorney General. Afterwards, Vice-presidents and the supreme judge were among the list, but the supreme Judge should only be a witness."

Former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, as well as former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair are also invited.

"If only the government and the ethnic armed groups attend, their pledges may fade so it is important to sign (the ceasefire) in front of world leaders and international prominent persons to appear as witnesses," reiterated Phado Man Nyein Maung, a member of KNU central executive committee.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/foreign-dignitaries-invited-to-witness-ceasefire-signing/