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.

CNI News

5 July 2023

Myanmar workers have been allowed to make the CI (Certificate of Identity) book until the end of July, said the Thai-based people helping in the affairs of Myanmar migrant workers to CNI News.

Although registering CI books in Thailand stopped in May, CI camps will be re-opened from 1st to 31st July and CI fees can be paid at the near 7/11 stores reportedly.

Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand are registering CI books

"The rest workers to register CI book can make through mobile system or if it's open in Samutsakhon or something like that. If they can't register, they will find it to get visa and work permit. But it depends on both sides - on Myanmar side and on Thai side. Both sides serve necessary documents, visa and work permit for once only. So, workers need to register when is the best time for government staff. Especially, they haven't got much time. So, brokers become involved. Brokers serve only when there are many workers that they have to serve.  Workers can't do that by themselves. They have to wait for brokers. They have to depend on brokers because they have language barrier. There some workers don't register anymore that is unwanted."said U Min Oo, incharge of labor affairs from the FED.

Besides, those who have paid to register CI book can register without paying anymore reportedly.

a camp issueing CI books

If a worker has a PAID slip, he doesn't have to pay brokers, said the people helping Myanmar migrant workers.

"Mainly, migrant workers need to know the expenditures designated by the law. For example, they need to know how much will cost them when they renew their work permits and how much will cost them for health insurance and how much the cost designated by the law is when they register CI book. Migrant workers try to know them. I'd like to give them some advice that they need to know how much will cost them and how long they will have to take when they register CI book. And when they pay the money, they need to keep records." said Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of Arakan Workers Organization.

When a worker register a CI book, he normally tends to pay about 6,000 Baht, but he has to pay the double when he register through a broker reportedly. Myanmar migrant workers who have not registered CI books should register ASAP, according to the people who are helping Myanmar migrant workers.

CNI News

5 July 2023

if Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA,MNDAA and TNLA)'s statement describing that those who disrupt international investment projects will be taken against is scrutinized, China's influence on Myanmar is more growing, according to some Myanmar politicians.

Chin is currently increasing its investment in Myanmar and has influence on ethnic armed groups to an extent, said U Kyee Myint, a Myanmar political analyst to CNI News.

statement released by three groups of northern alliance

" China sent its foreign minister and its delegates and discussed, but they didn't succeed. 
To tell you how wide steps they have taken, three northern alliances have released a statement describing that those who disrupt foreign investments in their territories will be taken against. In some way, China asked three northern alliances on which it has inflence, to issue a statement not to disrupt Chinese investment. No one dares to go the territories of Wa and Myla.Take them into account. How much China has influence. Because SAC is not able to take action anymoe, three brotherhood alliance sort of will take action. China would indirectly tell SAC, if you are not able to take action, I have my men. They will take action. Don't disrupt my pipeline and my investment. In this way, China has indirectly warned SAC and PDFs and other armed groups at the same time." he said.

Those who disrupt international investment projects would be effectively taken action against, said the statement released by Arakan (AA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) on 1st July 2023.

three organizations of northern alliance meeting with Chinese delegate in Myla on 30th May , 2023

Although China, to an extent, has influence on the ethnic armed organizations which are active along the Chinese-Myanmar border, there is no organization that does as    China says, said some politicians.

" China has influence on some Myanmar EAOs. AA is related to China. TNLA is also related to China. United Wa State Army (UWSA) is also related to China. But China can't direct them exactly. At any rate, China has influence on them to an extent." said Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political analyst to CNI News.

The China-Myanmar border is more than 1,300 miles long. Near to the border, Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP/S.SA) armed groups are active.

CNI News
4 July 2023

Local manufacturing industries need to be increased in order to substitute imports with manufacturers producing finished products from raw materials produced by agricultural and livestock industries, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).

He sad as above while he was meeting businesspeople from the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) in Yangon on 2nd July, 2023.

To produce high quality and value-added products in local, just issueing loans by the government was not enough, said U Aung Pyae Sone, a businessman to CNI News, adding that not only manufacturing policies but also economic policies needed to change.

products of Myanmar are being looked

"Whether you import a product from abroad or produce the product locally, only if consumers buy it, you can go on producing and sell it as a businessman.You are manufacturing a product in local because you love your race and religion too much, but if nobody buys it, you won't be able to stand for long. The government didn't give you the money free of charge. Small and medium enterprise (SME) businesspeople must be encouraged, but talking of encouragement, Just lending money is not enough. Manufacturing and economic policies need to change. Products that can keep abreast of the products from abroad must be produced in local such as value-added products. For example, peanut coming from Thailand is being sold at 2,000, but if local peanut can't overcome the level of salted peanut, our economy will surely be salted peanut economy" he said.

Moreover, he added that the government should connect foreign investors with local businesspeople so that qualified products can be produced and needed to open business opportunities for joint-ventures.

Myanmar is a country that relies on imports without manufacturing products and should increase domestic production. So, SAC is planning and carrying out to be able to export the excess after producing to meet the domestic need, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Although the government issued loans for SMEs, because they were not long term loans, it was just a little help.So, it was needed to review, said U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst to CNI News.

a businessperson asking some questions at the meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

" No.1 is that we can't compete with imports at price, and local products can't compete with imports at composition and quality. So, domestic Industrial businesspeople had to stop their businesses.And technolgy is so much progressing abroad. We need money badly to buy machines. With the money an entrepreneur has and loan, it's difficult for an entrepreneur who wants to start a business. If someone in a foreigne country can show a product, everything can be arranged about it, including a sufficient loan. So, we need sufficient loans. We are largely issued one year loans or two year loans. There are rarely long term loans here in Myanmar. We need to review if an entrepreneur can operate his business during a short ternm like that." he said.

The businesspeople who have borrowed loans need to spend correctly so that their businesses can improve and they can repay the loans, said businessmen and economic analysts.

When products are manufactured in local, manufacturers need help from the ministry of commerce, including machines and technologies, said businesspeople.

CNA News

4 July 2023

Killings among Rakhine people made a setback for Rakhine State, said Major Khaing Thurein, secretary member of Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) to CNI News.

Rakhine organizations have maintained weapons for the development of Rakhine people and disharmonies among Rakhine organizations affact Rakhine People, he said. 

" it affacts Rakhine people most. Rakhine armed organizations have their intensions. In any case, we want our state to develope and our Rakhine people to develope. We wage armed revolutions with the good intentions like that. An armed revolution can make you die anytime. We have maintained arms risking our lives representing Rakhine people. Everyone who has a common sense knows that killings among Rakhine people make a big setback for Rakhine State" he said.

 A junction in Rakhine State 

Khaing Ni Raung, vice chaieperson of ALP, Khaing Kyaw Min, commander of No. (101) Battalion from ALP's armed wing, Kyaw Kyaw Naing, a private were shot dead by AA outside of the Sittwe University on 1st July, said in a statement released by ALP.

Although CNI made a contact to AA by phone to know AA's reply relating to the ALP's statement saying that AA killed ALP's members, AA made no answer. 

After that, CNI asked Rakhine politicians, Rakhine political parties and Rakhine civil societies by phone, they all replied that they didn't want to comment about it. At present, ALP was going with a peaceful method and but AA was going with armed method. 

So, there was no reason why there was any problem between the two organizations, said Maj. Khaing Thurein.  

Rakhine State

"There are many ways that can be solved. But I wonder how they will solve the problem relating to what our people shed blood in order to satisfy us. We have questions to ask them about it. We are Rakhine and so are they. If AA kills a member of ALP, that member is Rakhine and vice versa. They should have known that. Intelligent persons are included in their leadership. So, their leaders should keep their men under control. Keep in mind to solve the problem. That's all I want to say." he said.    

Moreover, Maj-Gen Khaing Soe Mya, ALP's commander in chief, Lt-Col Kaing Kyaw Soe, commander of No.(101) battalion and Capt. Khaing Thureinda were killed by AA on 4th January, 2023 said in a statement released by ALP.

ALP, a Rakhine armed organization, is one of the nine ethnic armed groups that signed on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and AA, another Rakhine armed organization,is still discussing and negotiating with the State Administration Council for peace without signing on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).