UNFC vows to hold on
Members of the
United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) that are parties to last month’s
“Panghsang Pact” have decided to hang on together, despite the uncertainty of
continued membership by its two strongest members, according to the alliance’s
secretary general Khu Oo Reh.
 |
| Khu Oo Reh, the general secretary of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) and the Vice Chairman of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) (Photo: The Irrawaddy) |
Speaking to the Peace Process Working
Committee (PPWC), the implementation body of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement
(NCA) signatory organizations yesterday, he said, “Whether or not the KIO
(Kachin Independence Organization) and the SSPP (Shan State Progress Party)
continue to be part of us, remaining members have decided not to dissolve the
UNFC. We will work together with other EAOs (Ethnic Armed Organizations) to
seek a way out. We will consider other options only if our present resolution
doesn’t work out.”
Other possible options, according to
discussions at the meeting held at Chiangmai Orchid Hotel, are:
·
The
return of KIO and SSPP back to the fold
·
The
merger with the Panghsang Pact
·
Dissolution
The 22-24 February Panghsang summit,
hosted by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) considered the strongest of all
existing EAOs, had rejected the NCA and resolved to seek a new path for peace.
Both the KIO/KIA and the SSPP/SSA had participated in the event. Only the
Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the New Mon State Party (NMSP), also
invited, chose to stay behind.
Other remaining UNFC members are Arakan
National Council (ANC), Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) and Wa National
Organization (WNO). The three, considered as non-combatant groups, were
disallowed by the previous government to sign the NCA, but invited to take part
in the political dialogues. All three had rejected the offer, demanding that
they be accepted as signatories instead.
The meeting, which lasted from
09:00-12:30, resolved to hold a joint strategic planning meeting early next
month.
The long-delayed UNFC Congress, due to
be held 23 March, has been postponed until June, to await for final decisions
from the KIO and SSPP.
“If the KIO chooses to stay with the
Panghsang Pact, it may be welcomed by the pro-Chinese elements,” said a Thai
observer. “But if it continues to remain in the UNFC, it may be welcomed by
pro-West elements.”
The SSPP meanwhile is dependent on the
UWSA for arms and ammo to defend itself against continued harassments and
attacks by the Burma Army. “Its heart may be with the UNFC,” said the same Thai
observer. “But its immediate needs are with the Wa.”
By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
Tags: News, Politics
