28 July 2011: Five ethnic political parties proposed formation of a Peace Commission (PC) to restore peace in Burma at a meeting in Naypyidaw, the new capital of Burma yesterday.
The proposal to form a PC came from Mr. Zo Zam, Chairman of the Chin National Party and representative of the five ethnic brotherhoods at a meeting of political representatives and the Union Election Commission (UEC).
“There is need for restoration of peace in our country. We (five ethnic brothers) want to form a Peace Commission, so we submitted our proposal to the Union Election Commission. We hope that commission takes cognizance given our country’s situation,” said Mr. Zo Zam.
Mr. Zo Zam told Khonumthung for peace in the country, a third person mediator will be required for negotiation to resolve the conflicting issues.
The five ethnic brothers comprise Phalon-Sawaw the Karen ethnics, the Chin National Party, the All Mon Region Democracy Party, Rakhine Nationalities Development Party and Shan Nationalities Democratic Party.
At present, many ethnic people, who are victims of the conflict between ethnic armed groups and the Burmese Army, have fled to neighbouring countries, especially in Kachin, Shan and Karen states of Burma.
“Peace is the most important issue in the country and it is very important for us,” said Mr. Zo Zam.
Every party delegate was allowed five minutes to discuss and comment during the meeting yesterday and the meeting was conducted by Mr. Tin Aye, former Lieutenant General.
The meeting was conducted for the forthcoming election and the UEC Chairman Mr. Tin Aye promised in the meeting to observe free and fair elections, said Mr. Zo Zam. – Khonumthung News