Thein Sein cancels Kachin tour because of bad weather

Thein Sein cancels Kachin tour because of bad weather

Published on Sunday, 06 October 2013 17:59

Locals and students waiting along Union Road in Myitkyina to welcome President Thein Sein on his Kachin visit (Photo/EMG)

Bad weather has forced Myanmar President Thein Sein's to cancel his planned visit to Kachin state, said a regional government official.

The tour was scheduled for Saturday was cancelled. Thousands of local people, including political parties, social organizations, civil servants and students, waiting in the heavy rain to welcome the president.

The welcoming crowds had started lining up along the Union Road in Myitkyina since 7.30am but they knew about the cancellation of president's trip only after 11am, said locals.

The personal assistant of the Kachin State chief minister said the trip was cancelled due to bad weather and there was no other reason.

"The plane could not land due to bad weather and there was no other reason. We don't know exactly when he will rearrange his tour," said Naung Tein.

Peace Creation Group's spokesman San Aung said: "We want to urge the president to implement the results of peace talks held in May. We also want him to see the situation of Kachin State. The people were waiting in the rain to welcome him."

Political party leaders and political activists estimate that President Thein Sein's visit to Kachin state will facilitate the upcoming peace talks for nationwide ceasefire, reducing distrust between government and ethnic groups.

"It is a loss for Kachin State that the president was unable to come. We hoped the visit would facilitate the peace process. We want him to come to the state. He will have something to tell us while the people want him to listen to their reports," said Dr Tu Ja, chair of Kachin State Democracy Party.

Officials announced the cancellation the president's trip to Myitkyina, Kachin State at 11am on weather grounds.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/06/thein-sein-cancels-kachin-tour-because-of-bad-weather/