Government has no plans for political U-turn, says commander-in-chief

Government has no plans for political U-turn, says commander-in-chief

Published on Monday, 17 February 2014 23:38

Myanmar is marching toward a democratic system that is appropriate for the country so the government has no plans to take a U-turn, according to the commander-in-chief of the Tatmadaw (armed forces).

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made the statement to Laotian President Choummaly Sayasone during a goodwill visit to Laos on Friday (February 14). 

Their meeting began with the Laotian president wishing President Thein Sein and the Myanmar people good health. Sayasone acknowledged the Myanmar-Laos relationship as neighbouring countries whose heads of state and chiefs of defence enjoy frequent visits. The opening and closing ceremonies for the 27th SEA Games were better than those his country hosted, he said, adding that the Games allowed him to witness the unity and development of Myanmar in person. Sayasone said the efforts of the Myanmar president and Defence Services on the internal peace process would ultimately prove successful.

The Senior General said that Myanmar and Laos had enjoyed good relations throughout history. He spoke of his country's more than 130 ethnic groups, noting that most Myanmar people are Buddhists. Although Myanmar has faced a host of problems since regaining independence in 1948, due to conflicting ideologies among ethnic groups, successive governments had made efforts to end internal insurgencies.

"If a country manages to end internal insurgencies, it will be prosperous. Also in our country, the current government and Tatmadaw are responsible for protecting sovereignty, life and property. My country will truly achieve peace with ethnic groups in the near future. The country has no plans to take a U-turn, as its current conditions are appropriate for a democratic system," said the Senior General.

"My goodwill visit to Laos is to improve the mutual friendship between both armies. My delegation is discussing with Laotian officials our cooperation efforts in combating narcotic drugs, the main issue in the ASEAN region. Our intention is to cement the long-lasting friendship between the two countries. Once the Mekong Friendship Bridge has been finished, bilateral relations and trade will be even better."

 

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/government-has-no-plans-for-political-u-turn-says-commander-in-chief/