Shan movement prepares for political parley
The one-day discussion was based on the draft Framework for Political Dialogue, prepared by the Working Group for Ethnic Coordination (WGEC), which was formed in June 2012 by a coalition of armed resistance movements.
RCSS/SSA president Lt-Gen Yawd Serk (Photo: SHAN)
This was the second meeting held to consider the draft. The first was held on 15 January. “The first time was to know what it was all about,” said a participant. “This time is to see how we can apply it to the Shan State situation.”
The framework, among others, include Core Principles, Roadmap, Agenda, Composition (who should participate in the dialogue) and Structure (how the peace conference should be organized).
The proposed agenda, which was discussed in detail, includes:
- Powersharing
- Security sector reform
- Constitutional reform
- Economic development and reform
- Humanitarian aid and relief
- Judicial reform and Basic human rights
- Land reform
- National reconciliation
A powerpoint presentation was given by the Sai Hseng Mong, aide to RCSS/SSA president Lt-Gen Yawdserk. “This is the first time we are using it in Loi Taileng,” said a smiling participant. “History is being made today.”
A delegation led by Brig-Gen Pawng Kherh is expected to travel inside Shan State for public consultations next month.
The RCSS/SSA signed ceasefire with Naypyitaw on 2 December 2011. Naypyitaw has so far concluded ceasefire with 13 armed movements.
| Date | Name of movement | |
| 1 | 6 September 2011 | United Wa State Army |
| 2 | 7 September 2011 | National Democratic Alliance Army |
| 3 | 3 November 2011 | Democratic Karen Buddhist Army |
| 4 | 2 December 2011 | Restoration Council of Shan State |
| 5 | 6 January 2012 | Chin National Front |
| 6 | 12 January 2012 | Karen National Union |
| 7 | 28 January 2012 | Shan State Progress Party |
| 8 | 7 February 2012 | Karen Peace Council |
| 9 | 25 February 2012 | New Mon State Party |
| 10 | 7 March 2012 | Karenni National Progressive Party |
| 11 | 5 April 2012 | Arakan Liberation Party |
| 12 | 9 April 2012 | National Socialist Council of Nagaland |
| 13 | 25 October 2012 | PaO National Liberation Organization |
Tags: News, Politics
