CNI News

22 July 2022

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is still able to exert her influence on the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and the National Unity Government (NUG), which are fighting for democracy, according to Chairman Dr. Aye Maung of the Arakan Front Party.

It is widely believed at home and abroad that the role and attitude of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is vital in resolving the current Myanmar political crisis and that she is able to use her influence on the PDF and the NUG to change their uncompromising attitude.

“No one has conducted surveys on the extent of influence she can exert on the PDF and the NUG but anyone can guess she has more or less influence on them. She has influence on them to a certain extent because the NUG has included Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint in their government,” he told the CNI.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Dr. Aye Maung and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during a meeting.

The NUG has still recognized Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as the state counsellor and U Win Myint as the president in their government.

ASEAN special envoy Prak Sokhonn, who has been tasked with resolving Myanmar political crisis, told the CNA that he wanted to use the influence of Daw Aung San Suu to end the violence in Myanmar and to hold dialogues.

“The most important things we will ask, or discuss with her is about her view on the future of Myanmar. How she sees the way out of the crisis, her political influence could have weight on the political process, the political dialogue that could lead to peace and reconciliation,” Mr. Sokhonn told the CNA. “Another point would be to ask her how her principle of non-violence could influence all the armed factions in order to stop violence,” he said.

Prak Sokhonn and Dr. Aye Maung.

Special envoy Prak Sokhonn is planning a third official visit to Myanmar in September and hopes to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi during the visit.

On his second trip to Myanmar Prak Sokhonn, AFP Chairman Dr. Aye Maung pointed out that the role of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should be taken into consideration in resolving the crisis during the meeting between seven leaders from political parties and the special envoy.

CNI News

22 July 2022

Sales in restaurants fell recently and profits were dwindled due to shortages and rising prices of gas for cooking, according to restaurant owners.

Restaurant owners, who have to rely on gas for cooking, are running their businesses without any profits due to rising gas and commodity prices, the owner of Linletkyal Fried Noodles Restaurant in Bahan Township told the CNI.

“Previously, we bought cooking gas at K 33,000 or K 35,000 per cylinder. Now, gas prices have risen by K 25,000 to K 55,000 per cylinder. As gas and foodstuffs are getting expensive, we cannot get profits. I have to rent the restaurant and pay staff salaries. I earn just enough money for the rent, the salaries and food for us.,” he said.

While gas prices have increased by more than K 20,000, some shops are selling gas under the rationing system.

Although some restaurants turned to electric stoves, they faced other problems like blackouts, rising electricity bills.

If gas prices rise further, restaurant businesses will have to face shutdowns, according to the owner of Lin Let Kyal noodles restaurant.