Lt-Gen Yawdserk, Chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA), during the 5 day annual meeting of its Central Committee which concluded yesterday, 13 January, had expressed his desire to step down from his 18 year long leadership.

Calling from his Loi Taileng base in Shan State’s Mongpan township, opposite Thailand’s Maehongson province, on Saturday, he told SHAN of his announcement made at the meeting.

“I made it clear that did not mean I would retire from the national cause and the movement,” he said. “But I would like to be sure that the cause will be able to move forward without me at the helm. For this purpose, I would be happy to serve as a counsel to the new leader.”

The RCSS/SSA has two vice chairmen: Maj Gen Sai Yi (57) and Col Kherh Ngeun (62). Its secretary general is Lt-Col Siri (61). Yawdserk is 55. All of them joined the resistance in the 1970s.

“A commission will be formed to elect the new chairperson,” he added.

The statement that was released this morning, dated 13 January, however, did not mention about the election commission, but said a new 4 year Congress will be held to elect a new chairperson. It did not include time and venue for the purpose.

The statement also mentions that a 10 point position on the planned nationwide ceasefire had been approved at the meeting. There were no details.

The RCSS/SSA is one of the 14 ethnic armed organizations that have concluded a state-level ceasefire with Naypyitaw. Yawdserk reportedly enjoys close relationship with the government’s key negotiator U Aung Min.