President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing highlighted measures related to PDF terrorists and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) in initiating the peace and stability of the State at the first meeting of the National Defence and Security Council at the President’s Office in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon.
In his address, the President stated that PDF terrorists committed sabotage and violence in certain areas between 2021 and 2023. Since 2024, they have come to better understand the positions of the State and Tatmadaw and have gradually begun to return to the legal fold. At present, the government is implementing the multiparty democratic system that the entire people aspire to. Therefore, it is necessary to work towards bringing PDF terrorists onto the path of peace to ensure national peace and stability.
He added that some EAOs have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), but some have not signed it yet. The government and some EAOs have held talks and agreed on some points. These agreements will be discussed and approved in the session of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Some EAOs wish to hold peace talks, but some are in the armed struggle line for their interest.
The President underscored the security sector with the plans to enhance the capabilities of the Tatmadaw and the Myanmar Police Force. He stressed that although the Myanmar Police Force is primarily responsible for internal security, the current situation in the country has necessitated Tatmadaw’s involvement in addressing these matters in cooperation with police members. He noted that in other countries, Tatmadaw takes part in resolving internal armed conflicts.
The President explained that there are two types of police forces: the armed forces police and the law enforcement police. During the past five years, MPF members secured greater success in internal security and combatting the conflicts. If systematic training can be provided, police members will have higher capabilities in serving their responsibilities. As such, it is necessary to build the military and police forces as well as enhance their capacity.
Concerning the enhancement of the capacity, the President unveiled that during the current five-year term of duty, it is necessary to enhance the capabilities and capacities of both Tatmadaw and MPF to ensure national stability and peace. It is also essential to cultivate strong discipline by establishing and practising good standards of conduct. Measures must be taken to ensure proper behaviour in daily movement, living, and dress, as well as to uphold integrity and prevent corruption.
The President also underlined that administrative bodies at ward/village and township levels must be capable of following the rules and regulations, laws and basic administrative ideologies adopted by the State, and they must be free from corruption. Hence, it is necessary to provide systematic training to shape the capable administrative bodies.
Regarding ASEAN, the President stated that, in his inaugural address delivered upon taking the presidential oath, he had already affirmed that efforts would be made to cooperate in the best possible manner with the Association of South-East Asian Nations. In line with the Five-Point Consensus agreed within ASEAN, efforts have been made, to the extent possible, to cooperate on humanitarian matters and other related provisions. He noted that there have been instances where pressure has been exerted based on inaccurate information circulated on social media, and that some ASEAN member states are seeking revisions to certain aspects. Therefore, continued efforts will be undertaken to ensure the best possible cooperation within ASEAN.
Vice-President U Nyo Saw discussed that Myanmar is making utmost efforts for the Five-Point Consensus of ASEAN, endeavours to initiate the internal peace in various ways and means, ASEAN’s humanitarian aid to the disaster-effected areas and the evolving situation in which some ASEAN member states are adopting more positive attitudes and perspectives towards Myanmar, and Vice-President Nan Ni Ni Aye talked about the emergence of the qualified administrative bodies and the needs to give capacity-building courses for them.
Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi participated in discussions on the invitation extended by the President to initiate the internal peace at the Hluttaw sessions, and participation of all stakeholders to join the internal peace talks; Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker U Aung Lin Dwe highlighted the emphasis placed by Myanmar on internal peace and stability and the rule of law, and the situation to hold parliamentary talks between Myanmar and ASEAN member states; Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services General Ye Win Oo spotted the situations to launch military operations in relevant regions and take measures on security, control of areas and rule of law, and hold talks with EAOs. He explained that the terrorist group members return to the legal fold continuously, efforts to combat narcotic drugs, telecom frauds and gambling, and holding ceremonies by relevant military commands to honour the people’s military servicemen who had completed their term of service. Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Kyaw Swa Lin also reported on the serving the State defence duties under the law, Union Minister for Defence General Tun Aung on the conducting the people’s military service courses, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe on the positive attitudes of some ASEAN countries over Myanmar, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe on the criminal cases in the Myanmar’s traditional Thingyan festival period compared to the previous year’s, further formation of the local security and terrorism combatting squads to ensure the peace and stability and uphold the rule of law, seizures of narcotic drugs, and arrangements to enhance capacity of ward and village administrators, and Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Phone Myat on returning of internal displaced people to their natives, efforts to close the temporary displaced camps, and prevent and monitor transboundary haze pollution.
In the concluding remarks, the President stated that due to the current global political landscape and ongoing conflicts, many countries are facing fuel shortages, and Myanmar is also experiencing similar challenges. Therefore, it is necessary for the country to address domestic fuel shortages and crises, and to make preparations through various means to ensure the availability of fuel and essential inputs required for agriculture, livestock breeding, and manufacturing sectors.
The President noted that it is necessary to address and combat telecommunication fraud and illegal gambling activities strictly and effectively. Similarly, in relation to drug eradication efforts, it is important to eliminate the main production areas and carry out decisive countermeasures against them.
He stressed that the 2008 Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar states that the Union practises an independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy aimed at world peace and friendly relations with nations and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence among nations. Hence, the government has to precisely understand the foreign policy and uphold it in its relations.
The President pointed out that it is important for the development of border regions, which are closely linked to national stability and peace. Only by giving it due priority can it also contribute to peacebuilding efforts. It is also necessary for ethnic armed organizations to clearly distinguish between border area development activities and the peace process, so that the two are not conflated.
MNA/TTA
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