Myanmar News Links: Shan leaders meet in Rangoon

On Wednesday evening at 4.00 pm local time, the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army's (RCSS/SSA) delegates met with Hkun Htun Oo, chairman of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), at his residence on Pyay Road in Rangoon for a discussion on current political situation in the country and Shan State affairs followed by a press conference.

In the meeting between the 2 leaders 3 main issues were discussed: a framework for political dialogs, alternative solutions for Shan migrants in Thailand, and the releasing of political prisoners, according to Maj. Lao Hseng, a spokesperson for the RCSS/SSA.

"It is very important to begin with a framework for political dialogs. The dialog is not only among politicians, but ethnic armed groups and with all people concerned to take place in Shan State in 2014. Secondly, since 1997 during the rule of the previous military government, the so-called'4-cut Policy' was used to forcefully relocate the people of Shan State. The policy resulted in the migration of over 800,000 people to Thailand, most of them with illegal status. For those people, before the National census can be conducted countrywide in 2014, they should consider how the national identification card and household registration could be applied; and also how to resettle them in their home states prior to their leaving. Thirdly, the leaders also discussed freeing all the political prisoners and eliminating the illegal status of ethnic armed group organizations, Section 17/1 of the penal code," Maj. Lao Hseng told SHAN.

It has been reported that RCSS/SSA's delegation led by Lt-Gen Yawdserk were cordially received by Hkun Htun Oo, the chairman, vice-chairman Sai Hla Aung, secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin, joint-secretary Sai Leik and some other members of the SNLD.

"Following the meeting with Hkun Htun Oo, a press conference was held at his residence," said RCSS spokesperson.

On the same day, in the evening at 5.00 pm, the RCSS delegation, led by Yawdserk, were honoured with a dinner at Chatirum Hotel in Rangoon. Apart from SNLD members, SNDP chairman Sai Ai Pao, Lt-Gen Hsohten, chief advisor of SSPP/SSA and Harn Yawnghwe from the Euro-Burma Office were among those present.

"The gathering for a dinner was a special event of its kind. Basically we gathered only for dinner, no political discussion. But informal talks on 'how permanent peace' can be achieved were on the table," Maj. Lao Hseng told SHAN.

Since 9 June, upon the invitation of President Thein Sein, the RCSS delegation, led by Lt-Gen Yawdserk, is on a trip to Burma visiting Naypyitaw, Rangoon and other cities.