Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council, said that peace talks would be held if the NCA and the constitution do not affect the building of a union based on democracy and federalism.

This was stated by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at a meeting of the State Administration Council in Nay Pyi Taw on January 20.

Peace talks must be based on the Union. In the case of all ethnic groups, the federal states are given equal rights in a democracy and federalism. All ethnic nationalities must be given equal opportunities and cannot be prioritized by one person alone. Therefore, the peace process will be accepted as long as it does not affect the building of a union based on the NCA and the constitution and democracy and federalism, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

During the reign of the NLD government, the NLD often came to me to negotiate to amend Article 59 (f) of the Constitution. The Tatmadaw worked to amend the constitution in 2011-2015 period as well as in 2015-2020 period. Since the Constitution was start drafted around 1990, it is inconsistent with the current situation and understands that it needs to be amended. However, he added that the factors that could jeopardize our three main objectives were not included.

There are ethnic armed groups that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), non-signatory ethnic armed groups and subsequent terrorist organizations. We are in regular talks with the NCA signatories and informally with the non-signatories. The KIA and KNPP, which are part of the non-signatory group, have supported CDM groups, provided bomb disposal training and provided ammunition. They themselves are involved in acts of terrorism and were involved in blowing up the roads and bridges, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Vice-Senior General Soe Win, council members General Mya Tun Oo, General Tin Aung San, Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun, Mahn Nyein Maung, U Thein Nyunt, U Khin Maung Swe, Daw Aye Nu Sein, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, U Moung Har, U Sai Lone Saing, Saw Daniel, Dr Banyar Aung Moe, Lieutenant General Soe Htut, U Shwe Kyein, Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe and Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo.

Continued here:

Peace talks will be held if the NCA and the constitution do not affect the building of a union based on democracy and federalism: SAC's Chair - Eleven...