Myanmar to use public funds for internal peace process: House speaker

Myanmar to use public funds for internal peace process: House speaker

Published on Wednesday, 03 July 2013 21:27

Lower House Speaker Thura Shwe Mann (Photo- Thet Myo Min/EMG)

Public funds will be used in implementing peace process, said Lower House Speaker Thura Shwe Mann during a parliamentary session in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday.

He said the decision was made by the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) during its meeting held on Monday.
The meeting emphasized the use of public funds rather than expecting international aid.  This  is in line  with the country's peace agenda, Shwe Mann said.

Budget for peace process was already included in President Thein Sein's special budget. Therefore,  expenses for peace efforts could be used from that budget, Shwe Mann told reporters on the sidelines of the parliamentary session.

"We need cash and kind in implementing our peace process. In doing so, we should not expect aid from other countries and international organizations. At the meeting, we decided to use public and state funds for the process," said the speaker.

"We also considered ways to avoid possible side effects from the peace process. Our understanding of the side effects is that it can emerge if peace-building does not comply with the law or harm public security or cannot protect the life and security of the people," said Shwe Mann, also a member of the NDSC.

The peace process is a must for the country and the meeting participants highlighted the need for all-inclusiveness in the process, he added.

NDSC is formed with the President, two Vice Presidents, Lower House Speaker, Upper House Speaker, Defence Services Commander-in-Chief, Deputy Defence Services Commander-in-Chief, Defence Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, Home Affairs Minister and Border Affairs Minister.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/07/04/myanmar-to-use-public-funds-for-internal-peace-process-house-speaker/