Government clarifies terrorist training camps in Mayu mountains, multiple visa rejections to U Han Nyaung Wai, stance on UNFC’s possible reformation

 June 21, 2017

The Union Government held a press conference at the Presidential House in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday on a range of issues, including the terrorist movements in the Mayu Mountains, re-entry visas for U Han Nyaung Wai and the government’s stance on the United Nationalities Federal Council.

At the news conference, U Zaw Htay, Director-General of the Ministry of the State Counsellor’s Office, denied the rumour that U Han Nyaung Wai, a representative of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), has been banned from re-entry into Myanmar. U Han Nyaung Wai is in exile in a western country.

“The government (previously) granted multiple visas to U Han Nyaung Wai as he represented the Euro-Burma Office and worked together with the Myanmar Peace Center.  But when the incumbent government carried out peace-making works, no agreement was made with the Euro-Burma Office,” said U Zaw Htay.

“He did not cooperate with the government for peace making and the government did not ban a visa to him. However, he cannot get multiple visas. But he can get a social visa and we have informed the Myanmar embassies,” he added.

U Zaw Htay said the UNFC is currently holding a meeting and taking into consideration news that says reformation is necessary for the UNFC. He said the government has sent Dr. Min Zaw Oo from the Peace Commission to to the UNFC to clarify the government’s thoughts on the matter.

The reason why the government has sent its envoy to the meeting is to avoid confusion over the government’s stance after the possible reformation of UNFC.

There are currently 21 groups approved by the government involved in negotiations with the government and the Tatmadaw regarding the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire  Agreement).

They said there may be difficulties in accepting new additions of armed ethnic groups to the UNFC. The UNFC and the Delegation for Political Negotiation are currently negotiating nine demands and have held five discussion meetings. The 6th discussion meeting will be held in Yangon and a representative from the peace commission will be sent to ensure difficulties do not arise in the meeting, as well as to share the government’s thoughts on the matter.
It has been made clear that only the 21 groups who were at the NCA negotiations will be accepted and groups who formed after the NCA will not be accepted, said U Zaw Htay.

Afterwards an explanation was given on the ongoing investigation into terrorist training said to have been conducted in the Mayu Mountains in the Buthidaung-Maungtaw area. This was followed by a question and answer session with reporters in attendance.

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar