President says 13 ethnic armed groups met for peace talks during first 100 days of new government

It has been possible to hold peace talks with 13 ethnic armed groups during the first 100-day plan of the new government, said the State President. The State President delivered a State Address at the Union Parliament today (July 31) regarding the implementation of the new government's 100-day plan, and in his address, he stated this while explaining the peace-related activities. "Our government, with the conviction that the door of peace is always open, always invites all ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) to meet and discuss. We have once again invited EAOs to meet and discuss for peace, without any preconditions, with all organizations that have signed the NCA and those that have not yet signed. Therefore, we have been able to hold discussions with 13 ethnic armed organizations," the State President said. He recalled that on the day he took the oath of office as State President, he told the media that he would prioritize and work towards achieving national stability and development. The State President said that since the new government took office, it has been accelerating the two priority objectives of achieving national stability and national development. "In particular, peace is essential for building a union based on democracy and federalism and for achieving national stability and peace. Only when the country is stable and peaceful can the social and economic lives of the people and the national economy be developed," the State President said. Regarding peace, the State President said that efforts have been accelerated within 100 days to bring those who have taken up arms due to political differences back into the legal framework and to meet and discuss peacefully, and the door of peace has been opened forever and invitations have been extended. The State President said that Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of the Union Agreement, which were discussed and agreed upon at the Union Peace Conference in accordance with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), have been submitted to the Union Parliament for approval in accordance with the NCA. He also said that 43 amendments to the 2008 Constitution, which are aimed at creating a union based on democracy and federalism, the aspiration of all ethnic peoples, have also been submitted to the Union Parliament. "Therefore, I would like to earnestly urge once again to resolve the encountered differences and aspirations through political means and through the political path, rather than through armed struggle," the State President said. The State President said that it is now necessary for all ethnic groups to unite and build a new nation together, and this strength of unity will remain an invaluable historical legacy for future generations. He said that constructive discussions and negotiations with armed organizations are continuing through the National Unity and Peace Process Coordinating Committee (NSPNC). Therefore, in order to achieve stability and peace throughout the country as soon as possible, it is necessary to negotiate and request what should be and what can be in line with the current era, rather than demanding the impossible in peacebuilding, the State President said. The State President urged the public and Union Parliament representatives to cooperate as much as possible in achieving lasting peace throughout the country, as the responsibility for striving to achieve lasting peace lies not only with the government but also with the government, the Tatmadaw, the parliament, political parties, and all ethnic peoples.