Day Four. Monday, 12 December 2016

China is another victim of the conflicts.

Global Times, 12 December 2016

07:30     Air KBZ takes me to Nyaung Oo.

09:45     Arrival at Heho (Haiwo).

11:00     Check in at Paris Hotel, Taunggyi

11:15     Meeting of Ethnic-based National Level Organizing Committee, held at the spacious hall owned by Sao Kham Perng Fa aka Sai Khin Maung Nyunt, head of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, Taunggyi branch.

This is the second and last day of the meeting. Youth leaders like Ying Lao and Sai Hak Kherh are facilitating it, attended by big names in local media like Lt-Gen Hso Ten, Sao Khwan Mong, Lt-Col Sai Ngeun, Brig-Gen Pawng Kherh, Sai Nyunt Lwin and Sai Kyaw Nyunt.

Here are some of the highlights:

·         There are both opportunities and risks in the peace process which all should be aware. In order to achieve peace, each side must give up at least 50% of their original demands. Thus far, nobody appears to be budging an inch. (Gen Hso Ten)

·         There is no need to have the Union Assembly (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw). By having it, the Upper House, which represents 12 members from each of the 14 state/regions, will always be outnumbered and outvoted by the Lower House. Instead power should be equally conferred to both houses. (Sai Aung Myint Khaing, White Tiger Party)

·         The Northern Irrawaddy basin which is now known as Sagaing Region and Kachin State, used to be Shan sovereign states. The proof is in this map produced by Ava in 1765 (during the region of Hsinbyushin). (Red Shan politician)

Here are key decisions of the meeting:

·         The Shan committee will hold ethnic-based National Level Political Dialogue (ND) in 13 venues (8 inside Shan State and 5 outside)

·         15 member field work committees will be formed and trained before undertaking field work, totaling 195 members

·         Capacity building workships for fieldwork members, fieldwork and the concluding meeting will be conducted during the month of January 2017

·         The budget estimate for the programme is K 250,000,000 ($203,250).

Funders have agreed to grant K 160,000,000 ($130,000). Organizing Committee will seek additional assistance from funders. (Funds for ND come from PSF)

We have a dinner party in the evening with the RCSS/SSA delegation headed by Brig Gen Pawng Kherh to SSPP/SSA headquarters at Wanhai, Kehsi township, tomorrow.

N.B

1. State/region governments hold local based ND

2. EAO/registered parties hold ethnic based ND

3. CSOs hold topic based ND.