Only when the country restores peace which can prevail stability and tranquility, will it carry out development of the country, said Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the meeting 13/2021 of the State Administration Council at the SAC Chairman Office yesterday afternoon.
In
his opening address, security and political situation of the State are being
systematically managed despite high infection rate of COVID-19 at present.
Terror acts could be wiped out as of August through cooperation of region and
state administrative bodies and security personnel It is a timely opportunity
for us to reflect on the journey of how far ASEAN has come to be where we are
today. Today, ASEAN has evolved from an “association” of five countries to a
“community” of full-fledge regional organization comprising ten Member States.
Indeed, it did not come thus far easily. Along the arduous journey, ASEAN has
passed through many difficulties and challenges, ranging from the financial
crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic today.
After
having passed over half a century, ASEAN has made many achievements despite
obstacles. The collective effort of ASEAN has paved the way for ASEAN to
overcome these challenges. But there remains many more to be done, and the
unified will and collective effort among ASEAN Member States must continue to
preserve the identity of ASEAN – “unity in diversity”.
Since
its inception on 8 August 1967, ASEAN has successfully evolved into a
rules-based regional organization, giving legal personality in the pursuit of
its purposes and principles as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter. In this ever
evolving regional architecture with rising strategic competitions and diverse
interests among countries, the fundamental principles enshrined in the ASEAN
Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) remain important for the
conduct of inter-state relations. Above all, the ASEAN spirit of unity and the
ASEAN way of 2C – “consultation and consensus” must be preserved.
We
are encouraged by the increasing number of parties to the TAC as well as
growing number of interested countries to establish partnership with ASEAN.
This reflects trust, confidence and respect on ASEAN’s norms and values by
others. On the other hand, the enhanced partnership with its dialogue partners,
for example, the elevation of ASEAN-EU dialogue partnership into a strategic
level also proves that ASEAN treasures its relations with its partners. In
engaging with external partners, we are committed to pursue our efforts to
upholding ASEAN centrality and unity.
To
expand ASEAN’s wings across the world, ASEAN has stationed the ASEAN Committees
in Third Countries and International Organizations (ACTCs). To date, there are
fifty four ACTCs that have been formally established in the national capitals
and other key cities across the world. These committees are functioning to
promote ASEAN’s interests and identity and to facilitate in strengthening
ASEAN’s relations with external partners through close engagement with
respective host countries and in bridging ASEAN with the rest of the world.
Since
the COVID-19 pandemic is the immediate challenge that we all are facing at
hand, ASEAN will continue to prioritize its efforts in the fight against the
virus from spreading in the region and swiftly recovery from its multiple
impacts. We are confident that collective efforts will enable ASEAN to overcome
the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a responsible Member
State of ASEAN, Myanmar has been working hand-in-hand with ASEAN as guided by
the theme “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper” formulated by 2021 ASEAN Chair.
Myanmar has contributed USD 100,000 dollars to COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund.
Once all the tasks are completed, ASEAN will be able to deliver the benefits of
this initiative to the peoples, at its earliest possible.
While
staying focused on current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also
continue our efforts on regional integration which is the key aspect for the
success of ASEAN Community building effort as well as for a better future for
international community at-large.
The
far-reaching insights and aspirations of ASEAN founding fathers paved the way
for ASEAN to become a rules-based, vibrant and thriving regional organization.
Today, it is up to the people of ASEAN to see how the future of ASEAN will be
written. For Myanmar, we remain firmly committed to work with ASEAN and its
peoples to ensure a successful ASEAN Community building and regional
integration. Now is the right time for ASEAN Community to care and to share for
each other. With this, Iwould like to encourage our fellow citizens to actively
join us in pursuing ASEAN’s aspirations.
As
infection of COVID-19 depended on travels and following the disciplines of the
people, temporarily closing of schools and restriction of travels were
undertaken. High infection rate and death rate can be seen in other countries.
Office holidays were set to be able to mitigate the infection rate. At present,
infection and death rates gradually decline thanks to cooperation of the
people. Likewise, relevant ministries, private organizations, companies and
individual persons cooperate in ensuring availability of COVID-19 vaccines and
oxygen for the people.
Coordination
has been undertaken with India, China, Russia and other countries to purchase
COVID-19 vaccines to be injected into the people. To supply oxygen, all the
factories across the nation which can generate oxygen produce the gas to be
supplied to the people in time whenever they need. It is necessary to vaccinate
the people, continuously import the medicines for treatment as well as produce
the medicines with sufficient volume at home. Quarantine centres are extended
while hospitals should be prepared.
The
Senior General stressed the need to call back the citizens who arrive in
foreign countries with various reasons. So far, 6,209 citizens returned from
China, Thailand and Laos from 25 July to 6 August. Among them, COVID-19
patients are being admitted at the hospitals. Relief flights are arranged to
call back the citizens from other countries.
The
Tatmadaw is an organization which has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement
(NCA) which emerged due to negotiation based on proposals of EAOs. The Tatmadaw
pledges to continuously walk along the peace route by standing on the NCA path.
The Tatmadaw will accept negotiation with any ethnic armed organizations except
for the organizations declared as the terrorist groups. Only when the country
restores peace which can prevail stability and tranquility, will it carry out
development of the country. If so, the country will be stable on the path of
multiparty democracy the people inspire. Prevention, control and treatment of
COVID-19 are being taken in the areas of ethnic armed organizations. Those EAOs
need to have behaviors, talks and moves based the peace if they actually wish
to restore the peace. If NCA non-signatories implement the points of NCA, they
cooperate in peace and democracy.
As
COVID-19 affects businesses, the road map comprises that actions will be taken
to ensure the speedy recovery of businesses from the impact of COVID-19 as much
as possible. Incorrect ways of operating the businesses are breaking the law.
The State will provide necessary assistance for resumption of businesses at
home.
Some
countries exercise e-banking system and card system but Myanmar emphasizes
currency note systems in banking services. CDM activities caused shortages of
banking servants. Such situation was stable to some extent in July. Now, banks
allow withdrawl of currency with the purpose of prevention, control and
treatment of COVID-19.
The
new Union Election Commission was assigned to scrutinize the voter lists in the
2020 general election in respective regions and states. Final findings were
released on 26 July. Representatives from international community and diplomats
will be invited to show the vote-rigging measures.
The
Senior General said that he clarified situation of Myanmar at the ASEAN Leaders
Meeting on 24 April. It declared the five-point consensus of ASEAN. Former
foreign ministers from Indonesia and Malaysia and former deputy foreign
minister from Thailand were proposed for appointment of ASEAN special envoy. The
Senior General said he proposed the deputy foreign minister of Thailand. ASEAN
Chair Brunei Sultan offered his foreign minister as ASEAN envoy, so he was
approved.
Myanmar
will take measures in the ASEAN framework on the correct international
relations. Myanmar exercises the independent and active foreign policy based on
five principles of peaceful co-existence and good relationship with all
countries. Such standing will never change, and it will continue within the
framework.
SAC
members discussed soonest enactment of national security act, invitation to
foreign investment for importing fuel, establishment of the plants to produce
fuel in the country, assistance of Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural
Development for the people during COVID-19 period, production of traditional
medicine which can fight against COVID-19, establishment of oxygen plants in
respective townships, assistance for displaced persons, prioritized vaccination
on medical doctors, nurses and their families, and appointment of medical doctors
and nurses in Kayah State.
The
Senior General said he will scrutinize the plan to draft the national security
act. Rewards will be given to those who inform the authorities about the
terrorists. Relevant departments are conducting the research to produce
COVID-19 vaccine with the use of traditional medicinal plants. Efforts will be
made for ensuring a half down of COVID-19 infection rate in August. And the
people were urged to cooperate in reducing the disease infection rate.
Health
personnel will be assigned for Kayah State. Development tasks depend on income
of the State. At present, some trips of rail and aviation transportation are
being operated with loss with the aim of ensuring proper connections among
regions and states and for travelling the people. The sports sector plays a key
role in uplifting morality of the citizens. So, arrangements are being made to
build gymnasiums, stadiums and swimming pools in all regions and states.
A
plan is underway to vaccinate health staff and their families. The government
emphasizes narrowing of the development gap between regions and states as well
as urban and rural areas so as to encourage the ethnic people.
In
his conclusion speech, the SAC Chairman Prime Minister said that they are
carrying out the government tasks in a smooth process. It is necessary to
consider extension of new sectors. The unrests and terror acts based on
vote-rigging in the 2020 election are being combated. Emphasis must be placed
on development tasks while prioritizing the peace and stability, especially
political stability. The provisional government temporarily takes the
responsibility of the country, and when the emergency period runs out, the
election will be held under the law. Undertakings will be carried out to hand
over the State duty to the government emerged by the election in accord with
the Constitution.
The
Senior General said the Provisional Government of Myanmar is implementing the
policies adopted by the State Administration Council, primarily emphasizing the
economic affairs. All the SAC members need to prioritize the interests of the
State in carrying out the tasks based on their individual experiences.
MNA
#The_Global_New_Light_of_Myanmar
No comments:
Post a Comment