CNI News

8 July 2023

There are arguments whether Myanmar is the same as Burma or totally different from each other while the stakeholders are striving to build Myanmar as a federal union.

At present, Myanmar is called Burma as well and Bamar race and Myanmar are used and called.

When the British ruled the country, Bamar or Burma became the name of the country, but later,the name had been changed and called, said Col. Khun Okka, a leader of an ethnic armed group to CNI News.

stakeholders having discussion about building a federal union

" In my opinion,when the British ruled th country, they called our country Burma. But on the Bagan stone inscriptions were written Myanmar, a little different from the currently-used spelling. So, Myanmar was the name of a race and Burma was a country under the rule of the British. But, later Myanmar has become the country and Bamar (Burma) is the name of a race. In any case, what we are currently using is Burmese language. I think we can call like that." he said.

The word 'Burma' represented all the races _ Shan, Kachin, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and so on all over the country. But since the time of General Ne Win, Bamar has become the name of a race and Myanmar, a country reportedly.

The matter whether Myanmar was the same as Bamar or not would be solved only when the revolution is finished, said a person close to revolution.

While seeing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

"The reason was not strong. Burma represents Myanmar people and Myanmar applies to all the ethnic people. That's not right. According to literature ideology, you have to write Myanmar when you want to mean Bamar. But Myanmar is Bamar. It's not true that Myanmar applies to all the ethnic people" said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when she met with Myanmar citizens in Japan.

" Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said in Japan that Myamar was equal with Bamar. Myanmar literature and Bamar literature are the same, which we have already known. But Myanmar is sweeter for ears" said U Pe Than, a Rakhine politician to CNI News.  

Dobama Asiayone which played an role in striving to gain independence arose in 1292 (Myanmar Era) and proclaimed "we, Burmans, are masters. Burma is our land.

Burmese language is our langusge. Burmese speech is our speech and so on"
At present there are arguments whether Burma and Myanmar are the same,Burmese language and Myanmar language are the same, and Burmese speech and Myanmar speech are the same, or not. Myanmar and Burma, which expression represents all the ethnic people all over the country has not been exactly described.  

CNI News

8 July, 2023

New Mon State Party (NMSP) discussed with the State Administration Council (SAC) in Naypyidaw on 5th July, 2023 while facing with military and political crises.  

The discussion were attended by Naing Aung Min, vice chairman of NMSP, Naing Aung Mangay and Naing Banyar Lae, members of NMSP's Central Executive Committe, and delegates from SAC _ Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, chairman of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun, member of SAC, Lt-Gen Win Bo Shein, secretary of NSPNC. 
The discussion was held from 6th to 7th July, 2023.

At present, NMSP is facing with political and military crises because KNU (Karen National Unin) and PDFs (People's Defense Forces) have increased their military activities in Mon, Kayin States and Tanintharyi Region  where it has been active.

 delegates of the New Mon State Party

Because KNU is making preparations to form Brigade (8) while new Mon armed organizations have arisen im Mon State, NMSP is worried that there will be.regional instability.

If all the ethnic armed organizations fought against the Tatmadaw at the same time, NMSP would also fight against the Tatmadaw, said Naing Han Thar, chairman of NMSP to Mon News Agency a few days ago.

NMSP is one of the ethnic armed organizations that have signed on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and is carrying out carefully for the regional stability reportedly.

CNI News

7 July 2023

They were carrying out to hold all-inclusive discussions and provide humanitarian assistance which are included in the five ASEAN common aspirations, said U Than Swe, Foreign Minister of the State Administration Council (SAC).
He said as above while he met with international diplomats in Yangon on 6th July, 2023.

" We are carrying out to stop terrorism, to hold all-inclusive discussions and to provide humanitarian assisstance, the most important of the five ASEAN common aspirations" said U Than Swe.

5,938 innocent people ( 4,878 civilians and 1,060 government employees) were killed due to the attack of PDFs and PDFs were doing subversive activities and preventing  the process of bringing about democracy and the government was unavoidably taking action against PDFs to protect the people from their lawless actions, he said.

 international diplomats

Myanmar was facing with the challenges relating to geopolitical impacts and news media war, but striving to have rule of law and to implement the all-inclusive peace process, said U Than Swe.  

At present, the National Unity Government (NUG) formed the People's Defence Force and is fighting against the Tatmadaw and some ethnic armed organizations are also fighting against the Tatmadaw by providing civilians with military trainings and forming armed forces to topple down the Tatmadaw.

So,battles are taking place in Sagaing, Magway, Tanintharyi Regions, Chin, Mon and Kayah States. The Tatmadaw has annunced that NUG/PDF is a terrorist organization and did not invite to the peace talks. NUG/PDF has also announced that the Tatmadaw is a terrorist organization and has proclaimed there is no reason to discuss about blood debt.

So, it's very difficult to arise an all-inclusive discussion, said local political parties and politicians.

CNI News

7 July 2023

The Indian government is trying to destroy the National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang Yung Aung (NSCN-K-YA) by using the faction led by General Ang Mai who was expelled from the parent organization, said U Yung Aung, chairman of NSCN-K/YA in his statement issued on 4th July, 2023.

 U Ang Mai who was expelled and U Lan Nyei led and formed a new Naga armed organization on 2nd July 2023, which was strongly condemned by NSCN/GPRN ( NAtional Socialist Council of Nagaland/the Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland), said in the statement.

the letter dismissing Gen.Ang Mai and Maj-Gen Lan Nyei

" If we look at this event, The Indian government's intelligence unit is obviously using these persons with the intention of crushing NSCN/GPRN. This event is clearly opposed to regional stability and peace that Naga people want and bluntly threatening our national intention, which we, NSCN/GPRN, regard like that." said U Yung Aung.

U Ang Mai, a general, took responsibility as a personal officer of U Khaplan (deceased) when he led NSCN-K and as the minister for home affairs After that, General Ang Mai and Maj-Gen Lan Nyei separated from NSCN-K/YA and formed a new organization called NSCN-K/YA on 2nd July 2023.  

They (NSCN-K/YA) have to give up their selfish actions and stop their deceiving the public or they must be accountable to the Naga people for the possible consequences in the future, said U Yung Aung.

Gen. Ang Mai and his organization that separated from NSCN-K/YA

U Lan Nyei has repeatedly said that he was folloeing the policy of U Khaplan, his father, but in practice it's nothing more than just deceiving the people, said the statement. So, they stop their actions and surrender before the people is the best way for them, according to U Yung Aung.  

Myanmar-based NSCN-K is an aremed organization that is fighting against the Indian government for the liberation of the Naga people and establishment of the Naga State .

Although NSCN-K was led by U Khaplan, After his death on 9th June, 2017, U Kham Ngor, vice chairman, was appointed as chairman of NSCN-K. But a meeting was held from 15th to 17th August, 2018 and U Kham Ngor was overthrown.

After that, U Yung Aung, a nephew of U Khaplan, who graduated from Manipur University was appointed as the chairman of NSCN-K on 18th August, 2018. 
When U Yung Aung has taken responsibility as the chairman, Lt-Gen Nikisumi, deputy chief of staff, had a disagreement with U Yung Aung, and separated from NCSN-K and built an organization called NSCN-K/NK. 
The organization ceased fire with the Indian government for peace on 8th September, 2021.

In the same way, General Ang Mai, minister for home affairs, and Maj-Gen Lan Nyei separated and formed an organization called NSCN-K/AM on 2nd July, 2023.

CNI News

7 July 2023

That Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) was formed as Border Guard Force (BGF) was not right, said ALP's Maj. Khaing Thurein to CNI News. They did not have discussions about forming ALP as BGF and some news agencies'reports were not correct, he said.

"Who told you that ALP was formed as BGF? You must ask him. we did not discuss, we did not negotiate that we would form BGF. We have to ask the person who told or report the news for the first time. How reliable source did he get it from?" said Maj. Khaing Thurein, secretary member of ALP.

Armed conflicts have been spreading in Myanmar since the Tatmadaw took power on 1st February 2021. Sr-Gen Min aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council.

seven NCA signatories including ALP were discussing with National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) of the State Administration Council

offered the ethnic armed organizations to hold peace talks in April 2022 and ALP often took part in the peace talks held in Naypyidaw.

Khaing Ni Raung,vice chairperson of ALP, Khaing Kyaw Min, commander of No. 101 Battalion and private Kyaw Kyaw Naing were assassinated on 1st July.

Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin

When these events took place, a few days ago, an Arakan news agency reported that ALP would be formed as BGF. 
" I don't want to comment on that.It's just their decision. It depends on their independent decision." said U Ye Tun, a Myanmar political analyst.  
ALP was formed on 9th April, 1967 and had been active in the Thai-Myanmar border and India-Myanmar border. At present, it's active in Rakhine State as well.

ALP is one of the ethnic armed organizations that have signed on the Natonwaide Ceasefire Agreement and also a member of the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST).

CNI News

6 July 2023

There are good opportunities that they will be able to create their own destiny and self-determinism at present although there are big challenges, said Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, chairman of Karen National Union (KNU). 

He said as above in the letter sent to the 74th anniversary of Karen National Liberation (Kawthoolei) Army.  

Current political and military situations are totally different from the situations that took place throughout their country's history, he said.

"So, KNU and Kawthoolei Army need to carry out more effective defenses not only for the Karen people's lives and properties but also for the entire people. MOreover, taking advantage of opportunities given by the current situatuin, we need to build own security system and orocedures, including public service and administration. At present although there are big challenges, there are also good opportunities that we are able to create self-determination and our destiny" he said.

 KNU force (KNU-fb)

Although KNU signed on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, it has been carrying out to topple down the Tatmadaw by providing the People's Defense Forces with military trainings and arming due to political landscape that changed after 1st February 2021.

Besides, armed conflicts are taking place in Kayin, Mon States, Tanintharyi and Bago Regions where KNU is active. The Kawthoolei Government was formed on 14th June 1949 and all Karen national revolunary groups were gathered as the Kawthoolei Army, said Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win in his message.  

The military plans of Kawthoolei Army were confirmed by the representative leaders at the All Karen National Congress held in Sawhti Township on 26th June, 1956 and they modified structure and composition on 5th July and that day was confirmed as the day of Kawthoolei Army.

The 5th of July is still celebrated as Kawthoolei Army Day to date.

CNI News

6 July 2023

New visa application system is being implemented by Malaysia, but it doesn't apply to Myanmar workers who will come to Malaysia, said those who are helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia to CNI News.

The new system intends for foreign skillful workers working in financial, energy and other companies which was reported in Nikkei Asia News. In the past, applying for a visa took about three months because it needed necessary documents and agencies' recommendation, but the new system will take only five days at most reportedly.  

"That it will take five days is very possible because there are many skillful workers here in Malaysia. They have reduced a lot of time. May be they carry out through online To the best of my knowledge, Myanmar skillful workers come with his contacts. Largely, they come by calling, but not so many.Myanmar citizens are not called in a large scale." said U Barbu Gyi helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia.

 a factory in Malaysia

Malaysia calls skillful workers only from other countries and not from Myanmar. Myanmar citizens are generally called as general workers. But  the new system may apply to some Myanmar skillful workers who will come with their contacts reportedly. At present, Myanmar citizens are not officially and some factories have stopped employing Myanmar citizens, said the people helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia.

But Myanmar citizens who have been working in Malaysia for years are designated as skillful workers.

" In Malaysia, there are so many Myanmar old hands-real masters in the factories, construction sites and restaurants as engineers, mechnics and chefs" they said.

Malaysia is implementing a new visa application system which connects data with Xpats Gateway system, an advanced technology that makes applying for visa easy, reported in Nikkei Asia.

CNI News

6 July 2023

The Panglong Agreement must be implemented so that political problems taking place in Myanmar can be solved, said U Kun Gong Aung Kham to CNI News.

Myanmar gained her independence not because the 30 Comrades fought against the British and Japan but because mountainous regions and mainland agreed to take independence together, he said.

"Bamar army always solve with weapon. Political problem must be solved by political method rather than by arms. Panglong Agreement is political. I have said about it since before. Independence was not gained because battles were just waged. That we got independence was not because of battles led by Bogyoke Aung San. You know that or read the books. According to Panglong Agreement, mainland and mountainous region signed the contract that they would take independence together and went to Rritain.  That we got independence was not because the 30 comrades waged battles." he said.

In the Panglong Agreement, at that time, the leaders of the mountainous regions and the mainland agreed in principle that their territories must have full self-determination in the newly formed union. And ethnic people of the mountainous regions must democratically enjoy equal level, equal opporyunity and equal rights with Bamr people of the mainland in the agreement.

 leaders who signed on the Panglong Agreement

The political landscape at the time when the Panglong Agreement was signed is not equal with the current political landscape anymore for which a lot of time would be taken, said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson of the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) to CNI News.

" It's been a long time since the Panglong Agreement was signed. Due to the consequences of our independence gained from the Panglong Agreement that was not implemented, arms conflicts or civil war have been taking place for over 70 years. The political landscape at the time when the Panglong Agreement was signed is different from the current political landscape that has arisen from the struggles of our ethnic people. In my opinion, we'll take a lot of time to negotiate and have to talk a lot as well." said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt.  

21st Panglong Conference was being held

If the Panglong Agreement was implemented, the country would be peaceful, said Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political analyst to CNI News. 

"In fact, the Panglong Agreement must be implemented. Talking of implementation, I've always said we broke the Panglong Agreement. To tell you the truth, U Ne Win started breaking the agreement. He asked Sawbwars (Shan ethnic leaders), Duas (Kachin ethnic leaders) and Kayah's Sawkaras to give up their powers. If the Panglong Agreement is implemented, the country will be peaceful. But there will remain a problem relating to how the power will be shared in their states." he said.  

Although it has been 76 years since a union was established under the Panglong Agreement, armed conflicts have not yet ended.

CNI News

6 July 2023

Because the ministry of commerce has issued a statement saying exporters can export without having to pay export revenue in advance since 1st July 2023, border trade will be faster, said traders. 
It was very difficult for exporters because they had to pay 100 percent export revenue since July 2022 reportedly.

 Now that 20 to 35 percent of export revenue has to be paid, trade activities will be faster, said U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairperson of Myanmar Corn Industrial Association to CNI News.

" Companies that have exported for over three years have to pay 20 percent of export revenue in afvance and 35 percent for companies exporting for less three years. There are designations relating to what goods will be exported in how many days and when the tax will be paid to the State. The procedures must be completed. If they don't complete, they will be prosecuted and their deposits will be confiscated. We have to watch about four days whether it's working. Traders have been allowed to use Baht or Dollar on the border. We haven't found any limitations relating to what currency will be used for paying tax. Trade activities will be faster, I think." he said. 

 Myawady Trade Zone

Because there were frequent changes in policies relating to border trade, he needed to watch the policy currently issued, said a trader in Myawady to CNI News.  
  
When the export earnings enter the account of company, premium will be refunded. If the export earnings did not enter the account of company within the deadline, its premium will be confiscated and import/export license will be cancelled as well reportedly. Any currency of Dollar, Yuan, Baht and Kyats can be used for paying export revenue in advance which the department of trade has announced.