15
October 2025
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the auspicious occasion of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). On this significant occasion, I wish to extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the leaders of the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) who participated in the signing of the NCA, those who contributed to the peace process, local and international witnesses and all national brethren residing in the Union for your good health and personal well-being as well as further success in your endeavors in peace for the interests of the country.
The
fundamental requirement of our country today is peace and stability. With peace
and stability, people will be able to pursue their livelihood. They will be
able to build a secure, stable and prosperous socio-economic life. Therefore,
we must continue our earnest efforts persistently to achieve peace and
stability, fundamental prerequisites for the development of the country and
people.
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
Successive
Governments have strived, through various means, to end the path of armed
struggle that emerged after independence. Even now, we are also continuing our
earnest efforts to achieve peace. It is imperative that, until now, there are
destructive elements at home and abroad that are trying to undermine the unity
of our national brethren in all possible ways, we must remain vigilant against
them. While remembering that “a herd divided is a tiger’s feast”, we should
avoid the mindset of “I’ll paddle my own boat, even if it takes me to Bago.”
It
is necessary to adhere to the saying “the strength of the Union lies within the
country”, which carries a significant meaning and remains an eternal truth.
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
In
every peace-related dialogue, I placed special emphasis on the NCA due to the
fact that the NCA agreement is a fundamental foundation for the peace process,
of the utmost importance for our country’s peace process. The purpose of
signing the NCA is to achieve sustainable peace, to promote ethnic rights and
democracy through nationwide ceasefires.
The
initiative of the NCA started with the announcement No. (1/2011) dated 18 August
2011 by the President of the first democratically elected government, extending
an invitation to all ethnic armed groups to engage in peace dialogue. Union
Peace Central Committee (UPCC), composed of 11 members, chaired by the
President, Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC), composed of 52 members
and chaired by the Vice-President, and Myanmar Peace Centre (MPC) were
established to hold peace dialogue effectively.
Subsequently,
the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) with 13 members was formed at
the Convention of ethnic armed organization in Laiza, Kachin State, on 2
November 2013. Representatives from UPWC and NCCT met 7 times to draft the NCA
and agreed provisionally on seven articles and 33 sections of the Agreement
from 9 March 2014 to 31 March 2015. Senior Delegation (SD) with 15 members was
formed during the Lawkhila conference from 2 to 9 June 2015.
After
endorsing the draft NCA, UPWC representatives and Senior Delegates from EAOs
met eight times in July 2015 at the Myanmar Peace Centre. At the meeting, the
draft agreement discussed between the representatives of UPWC and NCCT at the
Lawkhila conference was finalized.
Following
several talks, a delegation led by the President and eight EAOs was able to
sign the NCA on a grand scale in the presence of the international witnesses on
15 October 2015. At the signing ceremony, the Government of the Republic of the
Union of Myanmar, Tatmadaw, EAOs, and the international witnesses, such as the
UN, EU, China, India, Thailand, and Japan, signed the NCA.
Subsequently,
two additional EAOs signed the NCA on 13 February 2018, resulting in the total
number of signatories to ten. The NCA was the outcome of several discussions
among the Government of the Union of Myanmar, Tatmadaw, and EAOs for 18 months.
The NCA was then adopted at the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on 8 December 2015. It is a
remarkable peace agreement in Myanmar’s history. NCA is guaranteed commitment
between the Government and the EAOs.
In
line with the union spirits based on freedom, equality, and justice, while
upholding our three main national causes, the essence of the NCA is to build a
union based on democracy and federalism, which ensures democracy, equity, and
self-determination in accordance with the outcomes of political dialogue. It is
necessary that all the EAOs understand the essence of the NCA and participate
in the process in the interest of the State.
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
The
Constitution is the cardinal vein of a country. Since the drafting of our
country’s Constitution (2008), State Peace and Development Council convened a
national convention in 1993 with the participation of eight groups who were
well-versed in politics, security, administration, and economics as well as
social and legal affairs: representing political parties, elected
representatives, ethnic groups, peasants, workers, intellectuals and
technocrats, civil servants, and other invited individuals. The Constitution
was also outlined in accordance with the 104 basic principles to implement a genuine
and disciplined multi-party democratic system in the country. It was adopted by
a nationwide referendum held on 29 May 2008. It is a law that was adopted after
detailed discussions and consultations on separation of legislative, executive,
and judicial powers between the Union and the Regions and States as well as the
provision of the state structure, the head of state, citizens, fundamental
rights and duties of the citizens, elections, political parties, and general
provisions, with (15) chapters and (457) articles. As the Constitution was
drafted with the explicit purpose of building a democratic and federal union
and division of power, its provisions fully constitute the concept of both
federalism and democracy.
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
Ever
since our government assumed State responsibilities due to the circumstances of
the 2020 election, we attached great importance to achieving peace. Therefore,
“Priority will be given to achieving peace as the essence of the State and
stabilizing the results of the peace process in alignment with the agreements
in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement(NCA) to the extent possible” is included
in the five-point roadmaps of the State Administration Council. Moreover, “to
emphasize the achievement of enduring peace for the entire nation in line with
the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA)” is included in the nine objectives as
a political objective.
It
is not a proper way to solve differences and political issues through arms. It
could distance us from the political goal and lead to more conflicts.
Therefore, we implemented a peace process by opening the door for peace and
establishing the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee, a
Working Committee, and a Negotiation Committee to implement a new political
culture, such as a peace process and political dialogue, instead of armed
conflicts.
National
Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) discussed many times
with seven Ethnic Armed Organizations, which signed the NCA, as well as with
three Ethnic Armed Organizations which have not signed the NCA and political
parties. During the discussions, 43 agreements were made to amend the
Constitution (2008), which included strengthening the multiparty democratic
system, building a Union based on a democratic and federal system, which is the
ultimate goal of the entire people and working together for peace and
development of the Union.
These
agreements will be submitted to the newly formed Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in order to
proceed with the constitution amendments procedure. Similarly, representatives
signed: Part I 37 points agreed in the 2017 Union Peace conference(second
meeting), Part II 14 points agreed in the Union Accord, Part III 21 points
agreed at the Union Accord in 2020 and subsequently ratified by Pyidaungsu
Hluttaw. We will continue to implement them.
Such
dialogues are a practice of democracy. Moreover, through dialogues, we can
conclude agreements and build mutual trust. Furthermore, it is necessary for
the government and the EAOs to continuously engage in genuine and meaningful
dialogue to achieve sustainable peace and build a Union based on democracy and
federalism.
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
Since
assuming the State responsibilities, we laid down two national visions, which
are “prosperity of the nation and food security” and two political visions,
which are “strengthening a disciplined, genuine multiparty democratic system
and building a Union based on a democratic and federal system”. Since our
country is a Union comprising diverse ethnic groups, only with the unity of all
ethnic groups, we build a nation that guarantees the prosperity of all national
races.
There
have been losses of lives and damage resulting from the armed conflicts, mostly
in underdeveloped regions and states. These regions were underdeveloped before
and after independence due to various reasons; the armed conflicts have
exacerbated their situation, like a saying “adding insult to injury”. Observing
the countries around the world, we can see that even remote areas achieve
development when peace and stability are maintained. Myanmar is not only rich
in natural resources but also possesses soil and water conditions which are
suitable for agricultural and livestock activities. If only peace and stability
are achieved, these underdeveloped regions at various times will undoubtedly
enjoy progress. Therefore, I wish to encourage all of you to look at the local
people with sympathy and join hands and strive to achieve peace and stability
for their sake.
I
wish to underline here that demanding our needs by holding arms, prioritizing
our own aspirations based on tribalism, holds back the development of these
people. We have to be aware that it is a deviation from democracy and is not
the right way. Our interests and aspirations must be discussed, negotiated, and
decided in the respective Hluttaws that emerged from the democratic elections.
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
Nowadays,
our ethnic brethren must respect the desires of minorities in accordance with
democratic principles and work together in building a union based on democracy
and federalism, which is the ultimate goal of our country. We must work
together in building a Myanmar society which establishes a democratic
administration system, ensures the endurance of the democratic system, and
respects the rule of law. We have to pay attention to the fact that if
democracy is properly practised, it is beneficial for the nation and its
people. On the other hand, if it is not implemented correctly, it could lead to
the loss of a nation’s existence, ethnicity, religion, social fabric and
culture. Therefore, I would like to urge all national brethren to work together
consciously to implement this goal.
Similarly,
in building a Federal System that the entire people aspire to, we must
recognize that federalism fundamentally involves power-sharing among diverse
regions, states, ethnic nationalities and tribal groups. It is essential to
look at the long-term interests of our people and our Union, and to build a
model of federalism that is suitable for our country. The government will make
necessary amendments regarding the required ethnic rights and political demands
in accordance with the Constitution. I would like to reiterate our firm
determination to tirelessly build a Union based on democracy and federalism.
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
In
accordance with the 2008 Constitution, our country will hold a free and fair
multi-party democratic general election on 28 December. We will transfer state
responsibility to the government that will emerge from the election, in line
with democratic standards.
Since
assuming the State responsibility, I have set out priority tasks in stages and
implemented them amid many challenges. In this regard, we would like to call
for the cooperation of the respective EAOs. In order to fulfil the wishes and
aspirations of the ethnic people in line with democratic norms, all ethnic
representatives must be present in the Hluttaw, which is a political arena, so
that the aspirations and objectives of each ethnic group can be openly
discussed, collectively decided, and implemented.
In
the upcoming election, the FPTP (First-Past-The-Post) electoral system will be
used for the Pyithu Hluttaw only. For Amyotha Hluttaw and the Region or State
Hluttaws, the Mixed-Member Proportional electoral system (MMP) will be used.
This approach ensures that small parties and ethnic parties gain representation
through a proportional representation system. If the elections are conducted
only through the FPTP of the “winner-take-all” system, larger parties that win
the majority of the votes would dominate the Hluttaw. By balancing with the PR
(Proportional Representation) system, the votes for smaller political parties
and ethnic parties will enable them to secure seats in the Hluttaw through
proportional representation.
Our
national brethren of the union need to choose individuals who will value the
respective regions and ethnicities. We should nurture the habit of voting with
good judgment for the flourishing of the democratic system.
Esteemed
national brethren of the Union,
In
conclusion, based on the lessons learnt from history, national unity is of
paramount importance for the stability, peace, and rule of law in the country.
Peace and unity are also essential for ending armed conflict and ensuring that
all ethnic peoples can live together in peace and harmony in the Union forever.
The
goal of lasting peace can be swiftly achieved only through genuine political
will, a sincere desire for peaceful negotiation, patience, and persistent
efforts.
Hence,
I would like to conclude by urging the entire people to uphold fast to
mindfulness and wisdom, stand firm on the path of the NCA, and work together
with patience and unity, to achieve nationwide perpetual peace in the future.
Thank
you all.
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar
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