Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the auspicious occasion of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). On this significant occasion, I wish to extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the leaders of the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) who participated in the signing of the NCA, those who contributed to the peace process, local and international witnesses and all national brethren residing in the Union for your good health and personal well-being as well as further success in your endeavours in peace for the interests of the country.
The fundamental requirement of our country today is peace and stability. With peace and stability, people will be able to pursue their livelihood. They will be able to build a secure, stable and prosperous socio-economic life. Therefore, we must continue our earnest efforts persistently to achieve peace and stability, fundamental prerequisites for development of the country and people.
Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
Successive Governments have strived, through various means to end the path of armed struggle that emerged after the independence. At the present time, we are also continuing our earnest efforts to achieve peace. It is imperative that, until now, there are destructive elements at home and abroad, that are trying to undermine the unity of our national brethren, in all possible ways, we must remain vigilant to it. While bearing in mind that “If the cattle are scattered, the tiger seizes them.”, we should not nurture the attitude of “Paddling my boat to Bago or anyplace I choose.”
It is necessary to adhere to the saying “the strength of the Union lies within the country”, carries a significant meaning and remains an eternal truth.
Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
In every peace-related dialogue, I placed special emphasis on the NCA due to the fact that the NCA agreement is a fundamental foundation for peace process, the utmost importance for our country’s peace process. The purpose of signing the NCA is to achieve sustainable peace, to promote ethnic rights and democracy through nationwide ceasefires.
The initiative of the NCA started with the announcement No. (1/2011) dated 18 August 2011 by the President of the first democratically elected government, extending an invitation to all ethnic armed groups to engage in peace dialogue. Union Peace Central Committee (UPCC) composed of 11 members chaired by the President, Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC) composed of 52 members chaired by the Vice-President and Myanmar Peace Centre (MPC) were established to hold peace dialogue effectively.
Subsequently, Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) with 13 members was formed at the Convention of ethnic armed organization in Laiza, Kachin State on 2 November 2013. Representatives from UPWC and NCCT met seven times to draft the NCA and agreed provisionally seven articles and 33 sections of the Agreement from 9 March 2014 to 31 March 2015. Senior Delegation (SD) with 15 members was formed during Lawkhila conference from 2 to 9 June 2015.
After endorsing the draft NCA, UPWC representatives and Senior Delegates from EAOs met eight times in July 2015 at Myanmar Peace Centre. At the meeting, the draft agreement discussed between the representatives of UPWC and NCCT at the Lawkhila conference was finalized.
Following several talks, a delegation led by the President and eight EAOs was able to sign the NCA on a grand scale in the presence of the international witnesses on 15 October 2015. At the signing ceremony, Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Tatmadaw, EAOs, and the international witnesses such as the UN, EU, China, India, Thailand, and Japan, signed the NCA.
Subsequently, two additional EAOs signed the NCA on 13 February 2018, resulting in the total number of signatories to ten. The NCA was the outcome of the several discussions among the Government of the Union of Myanmar, Tatmadaw, EAOs for 18 months. The NCA was then adopted at the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on 8 December 2015. It is a remarkable peace agreement in Myanmar history. NCA is guaranteed commitment between the Government and the EAOs.
In line with the union spirits based on freedom, equality, and justice, while upholding our three main national causes, the essence of the NCA is to build a union based on democracy and federalism, which ensures democracy, equity, and self-determination in accordance with the outcomes of political dialogue. It is necessary that all the EAOs understand the essence of the NCA and participate in the process in the interest of the State.
Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
The Constitution is the cardinal vein of a country. Since the drafting of our country’s Constitution (2008), State Peace and Development Council convened a national convention in 1993 with the participation of eight groups who were well-versed in politics, security, administration, and economics as well as social and legal affairs: representing political parties, elected representatives, ethnic groups, peasants, workers, intellectuals and technocrats, civil servants, and other invited individuals. The Constitution was also outlined in accordance with the 104 basic principles to implement a genuine and disciplined multi-party democratic system in the country. It was adopted by a nationwide referendum held on 29 May 2008. It is a law that was adopted after detailed discussions and consultations on separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers between the Union and the Regions and States as well as the provision of the state structure, the head of state, citizens, fundamental rights and duties of the citizens, elections, political parties, and general provisions, with (15) chapters and (457) articles. As the Constitution was drafted with the explicit purpose of building a democratic and federal union and division of power, its provisions fully constitute the concept of both federalism and democracy.
Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
Ever since our government assumed State responsibilities due to the circumstances of the 2020 election, we attached great importance to achieving peace. Therefore, “Priority will be given to achieving peace as the essence of the State and stabilizing the results of the peace process in alignment with the agreements in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement(NCA) to the extent possible” is included in the five-point roadmaps of the State Administration Council. Moreover, “to emphasize the achievement of enduring peace for the entire nation in line with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA)” is included in the nine objectives as a political objective.
It is not a proper way to solve differences and political issues through arms.
It could distance us from the political goal and lead to more conflicts. Therefore,
we implemented a peace process by opening door for peace and establishing the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee, a Working Committee, and a Negotiation Committee to implement a new political culture, such as a peace process and political dialogue, instead of armed conflicts.
National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC)discussed many times with 7 Ethnic Armed Organizations which signed the NCA as well as with 3 Ethnic Armed Organizations which have not signed the NCA and political parties. During the discussions, 43 agreements were made to amend the constitution (2008), which included strengthening the multi-party democratic system, building a Union based on a democratic and federal system, which is the ultimate goal of the entire people and working together for peace and development of the Union.
These agreements will be submitted to the newly formed Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in order to proceed with the constitution amendments procedure. Similarly, representatives signed: part (1) 37 points agreed in 2017 Union Peace conference(second meeting), part (2) 14 points agreed in the Union Accord, part (3)21 points agreed at Union Accord in 2020 and subsequently ratified by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. We will continue to implement them.
Such dialogues are a practice of democracy. Moreover, through dialogues, we can conclude agreements and build mutual trust. Furthermore, it is necessary for the government and the EAOs to continuously engage in genuine and meaningful dialogue in order to achieve sustainable peace and build a Union based on democracy and federalism.
Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
Since assuming the State responsibilities, we laid down two national visions which are “prosperity of the nation and food security” and two political visions which are “strengthening a disciplined, genuine multi-party democratic system and building a Union based on democratic and federal system”. Since our country is a Union comprising diverse ethnic groups, only with the unity of all ethnic groups, we could build a nation that guarantees prosperity of all national races.
There have been losses of lives and damage resulted from the armed conflicts, mostly in underdeveloped regions and states. These regions are underdeveloped before and after independence due to various reasons, the armed conflicts have exacerbated their situation like a saying “adding insult to injury”. Observing the countries around the world, we can see that even remote areas achieve development when peace and stability are maintained. Myanmar is not only rich in natural resources but also possesses soil and water conditions, which are suitable for agricultural and livestock activities. If only peace and stability are achieved, these underdeveloped regions in various times will undoubtedly lead to progress. Therefore, I wish to encourage all of you to look at the local people with sympathy and join hands and strive to achieve peace and stability for their sake.
I wish to underline here that demanding our needs by holding arms, prioritizing our own aspirations based on tribalism hold back the development of these people. We have to be aware that it is deviation from democracy and is not the right way. Our interests and aspirations must be discussed, negotiated, and decided in the respective Hluttaws that emerged from the democratic elections.
Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
Nowadays, our ethnic brethren must respect the desires of minorities in accordance with democratic principles and work together in building a union based on democracy and federalism, which is the ultimate goal of our country. We must work together in building Myanmar society which establishes democratic administration system, ensures the endurance of the democratic system, and respects the rule of law. We have to pay attention to the fact that if democracy is properly practiced, it is beneficial for the nation and its people. On the other hand, if it is not implemented correctly, it could lead to the loss of a nation’s existence, nationality, religion, social and culture. Therefore, I would like to
urge all national brethren to work together consciously to implement this goal.
Similarly, in building a Federal System that the entire people aspire, we must recognize that federalism fundamentally involves power-sharing among diverse regions, states, ethnic nationalities and tribal groups. It is essential to look at the long-term interests of our peoples and our Union, and to build a model of federalism that is suitable for our country. The government will make necessary amendments regarding the required ethnic rights and political demands in accordance with the Constitution. I would like to reiterate our firm determination to tirelessly build a Union based on democracy and federalism.
Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
In accordance with the 2008 Constitution, our country will hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election on 28 December. We will transfer state responsibility to the government that will emerge from the election, in line with democratic standards.
Since assuming the State responsibility, I have set out priority tasks in stages and implemented them amid many challenges. In this regard, we would like to call for the cooperation of the respective EAOs. In order to fulfill the wishes and aspirations of the ethnic people in line with democratic norms, all ethnic representatives must be present in the Hluttaw which is political arena, so that the aspirations and objectives of each ethnic group can be openly discussed, collectively decided, and implemented.
In the upcoming election, the FPTP (First-Past-The-Post) electoral system will be used for the Pyithu Hluttaw only. For Amyotha Hluttaw and the Region or State Hluttaws, the Mixed-Member Proportional electoral system (MMP) will be used. This approach ensures that small parties and ethnic parties, gain representation through proportional representation system. If the elections are conducted only through the FPTP of the “winner-take-all” system, larger parties that win the majority of the votes would dominate the Hluttaw. By balancing with the PR (Proportional Representation) system, the votes for smaller political parties and ethnic parties which are in vain could secure seats in the Hluttaw through proportional representation.
Our national brethren of the union need to choose individuals who will value the respective regions and ethnicities. We should nurture the habit of voting with good judgment for the flourishing of the democratic system.
Esteemed national brethren of the Union,
In conclusion, based on the lessons learnt from history, national unity is paramount importance for the stability, peace, and rule of law in the country. Peace and unity are also essential for ending armed conflict and ensuring all ethnic people can live together in peace and harmony in the Union forever.
The goal of lasting peace can be swiftly achieved only through genuine political will, a sincere desire for peaceful negotiation, patience, and persistent efforts.
Hence, I would like to conclude by urging the entire people to uphold mindfulness with wisdom, stand firmly on the path of the NCA, and work together with patience and unity, to achieve nationwide perpetual peace in the future.
Thank you all.
