CNI News

12 November 2024

The excursion regarding constitution and federalism of Myanmar political parties, EAOs and delegates from the peacemaking committee to India supported the building of Myanmar, those who were included in the excursion told CNI News. 

The excursion contained 11 political parties, six EAOs, chairman and secretary of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and 20 delegates of the Center for Peace and Reconciliation (CPR).

The excursion lasted from 4th to 7th November and they reportedly studied matters relating to the division of power between the central government and states, equal rights and self-determination. 

The issue of Myanmar could not be solved with military means and it could be only with discussions regarding the reformation of constitution, U Ko Ko Gyi, chairman of the People's Party (PP), who was included in the excursion, told CNI News.

While seeing the NSPNC and the political groups from the UPJDC

" Military means can't produce an answer. So, mainly, how shall we go to the federalism and the administrative system of our country? Depending on the excursion, there are discussions regarding the reformation of constitution. If we can discuss about it more widely, an progress may be won. And then, more widespread reformations have to be conducted. It's unlikely to be perfect in one sitting." he said.

The constitution of India had not been broken since India gained her independence. But it was amended 106 times without being any coup there. 

India became a country that has developed with its constitution being negotiated and amended, from which a lesson must be taken, pointed out political parties.

The discussion should be conducted how to benefit Myanmar from the constitution of India and its incidences, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP) Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

While seeing international diplomats, leaders of the SAC and leaders of armed groups

" They said that federal is the division of power between the central government and states and they have their own separate autonomies. They cooperate. It's the India's federal. When we have passed through 1947, 1974 and 2008 constitutions, we should take out some samples from India and make them useful to Myanmar. There are 135 races in Myanmar, but by the thousand in India. There is an answer to how such a big country has been built to become developed." he said.

Myanmar needed a constitution that could end armed conflicts and create a peaceful and stable political layout, pointed out political parties.

India delivered a lecture on constitutionalism and federalism in Naypyidaw, Myanmar in 2017 for the first time and in India on 5th and 6th November 2024 for the second time. Attempts are being conducted to build the union based on federal and democracy.

CNI News

11 November 2024

Over two million Myanmar citizens whose work permits will expire in February 2025 will be allowed to renew four years of their work permits by renewing every two years, stated the Myanmar Embassy. 

The decision came after officials from the two countries met and discussed the matter regarding Myanmar migrant workers on 5th November, according to the statement released by the Myanmar Embassy.

However, Myanmar workers who would renew would directly face paying tax, U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Right Foundation told CNI News.

While officials from the Myanmar Embassy and Thai authorities were meeting and discussing

" It is convenient for Myanmar workers because they will be allowed to renew their work permits until four years in a row by extending every two years. Myanmar workers get into trouble if they have to renew their work permits every year because they have to hire brokers to renew and the service fee costs them a lot. But to the best of my knowledge, they will have to face the tax directly." he said.

Myanmar migrant workers' temporary residence permits and work permits need to be valid until over two years on 13th February 2025 reportedly. 

Myanmar migrant workers whose passports are not valid within over two years to come can renew at the Myanmar consulate in Chiangmai.

Because the Ministry of Labor has announced to pay the tax since 2023, Myanmar migrant workers who have not paid the tax yet would be hurt more, Ko Moe Lay, a migrant worker, told CNI News.

While Myanmar migrant workers were waiting to make documents

" What I've heard about tax, if a migrant worker changes into new CI book, they have to pay the tax. Migrant workers must pay the tax. If the passports don't expire, visas and work permits can be renewed in Thailand. Mainly, if the migrant worker can change into red books at the embassy and CI books can be renewed only in Thailand, it will be more convenient for migrant workers." he said.

According to the statement released by the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, negotiations have been conducted already to change from old CI books to new ones and an official statement will be released soon.

As Myanmar workers in the factories and workshops in Thailand, if they want to change from passports to passports or from CI to passports on the mobile team, they can come to the Myanmar Consulate and carry out them, said in the statement.

CNI News

11 November 2024

What might be the root cause of armed conflicts taking place across the country must be find out, pointed out military and political analysts. 

The root cause of armed conflict was because there were no equal rights in accordance with the constitution and the way to end the conflict was to amend the constitution or to write a new constitution, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP) Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

" The root cause of armed conflict is because there has been no equal right which has been enjoyed. So, the only way that can solve the armed conflict is giving equal right in accordance with the constitution. So, if the problem is related to the constitution, the armed conflict must be solved by the constitution. A law relating to the constitution, democracy and federal is needed. According to the constitution, equal right, self-administration and self-determination must be fully given to ethnic people." he said.

While seeing international diplomats, leaders of the SAC and leaders of armed groups

Something like the national assembly is needed to grant self-administration and self-determination, pointed out Dr. Aye Maung. 

" If some thing like the National Assembly could be created by the current government, powerful countries could help make all the armed groups participate in the peacemaking. China could help make the armed groups along the China's border take part and so could India and Thailand. All the armed organizations including the Myanmar Tatmadaw need a point of assembly like this. It's an assembly on peace or principles of the constitution." he said.

Because of political disagreements that started from 1st February 2021, armed conflicts have been breaking out widely across the country and the number of IDPs were over six millions until October 2024, according to the ISP Myanmar.

While seeing leaders of the MNDAA, the TNLA and the AA

It wouldn't be unlikely to negotiate between the both sides anymore, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News. 

" The both sides don't seem to negotiate. (Sr-Gen) Min Aung Hlaing goes on waging the terrorist war. The rest people (revolutionary forces) are making preparations to launch offensives from the defensive war. So, peace talks will never arise as long as Min Aung Hlaing exists. Both sides are to reach a situation that can decide militarily. Because the peace process the military council is talking about contains one-sided demands, it's unlikely to arise peace talks. As the people won't stop this battle as long as the military council steps down and the 2008 constitution is dissolved, there won't be alternative. So, they'll go on fighting." he said.

While seeing Chinese PM Li Chang and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

The Myanmar Tatmadaw has announced the unilateral ceasefire since 2018 and implemented it; only when armed groups started fighting, would the Myanmar Tatmadaw fight back, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing when he met with the Chinese PM Li Chang on 6th November 2024.

And then, only when the Three Brotherhood Alliance (MNDAA,TNLA,AA) really wanted peace, would the Myanmar Tatmadaw discuss, he added. 

Battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and EAOs/PDFs in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago, Tanintharyi Regions, Shan, Kachin, Karen, Kayah, Chin, Mon and Rakhine States.

CNI News

9 November 

Salt production in the season when Nay Hlan Sar ( salt produced by drying in the sun) is produced has declined because the price of salt is falling, according to salt farmers. 

With the price of local salt falling, because salt farmers could make a loss, some salt farmers have stopped salt production. 

Moreover, because it was difficult to hire workers, the cost became higher and the price of salt was falling, salt production decreased and eight of ten Sar Phos (workplace where salt is produced) only could produce, U Hla Tin, a salt farmer, told CNI News.

" The cost is higher. It's not easy to find workers. The prices of fuel oil are higher. So, some have stopped their work. Eight of ten Sar Phos can work. This year when the price of salt was around 200 kyats per viss, all Sar Phos were able to operate. But now the price is just between 150 and 180 kyats." he said.

At present, the price of coarse salt is only 150 kyats per viss and only when the price is 200 kyats, will it be beneficial to salt farmers.

While producing salt

Salt is produced Thanbyuzayat, Yay and Paung and the salt produced in Mon State is exported to Mon, Karen States, Tanintharyi and Mandalay Regions. 

At present, because of difficult transportation and territorial instability, some manufacturing industries that use salt have suspended.

So, demand for salt declined in the salt market of Mon State and the price of salt decreased as well.

Salt is produced in Mon State from November to April. 45,000 tons of salt are produced from 4,700 acres of salt production and not only is salt sufficient for the local consumption, it can be exported and entrepreneurs are trying to export it.

If salt can be exported to the international market, not only can locals enjoy job opportunities, foreign income can also be earned.

CNI News

9 November 2024

Thai PM Paetongtarn and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council met and discussed at Wyndham Grand Hotel on 7th November 2024. 

She wanted to help for the peace of Myanmar, Paetongtan answered while Thai reporters asked her. 

" We talked separately and offered our goodwill to nurture the peace." said Thai PM.

Thailand has planned to hold an informal meeting that will find an answer to the political problem of Myanmar in Thailand in December. Myanmar and Thailand were inseparable good neighboring countries and the issue of a country impacted on the other, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to Paetongtarn.

Leaders of the two countries discussed the stability of border areas of the two countries, matters regarding the rule of law and development, anti-cross-border crimes,  anti-narcotic drugs and online gambling, matters relating to border trade, investment and economic promotion, reported the Information Team of the SAC.

Moreover, matters relating to labor affairs, cooperation promotion among the ministries and departments of the two countries and preparation for holding a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, said in the statement.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing attend the 8th Great Mekong Sub-region Summit Talk, the 10th Ayeyarwady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategic Summit Talk and the 11th Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam Cooperation Summit Talk on 6th and 7th November.

During his trip to China, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing separately met with Chinese PM Li Chang, Lao PM, Cambodian PM and Thai PM, and discussed the issue of Myanmar.

CNI News

9 November 2024

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council, met with Mr. Wang Ning, member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and secretary of Yunnan Province Communist Party Committee on 5th November 2024 and they discussed the matters relating to border area stability and questions about what change can arise from the discussion.

It was necessary to emphatically carry out for the stability of border area so that the cooperation between Myanmar and Yunnan Province could be promoted, said chairman of the SAC. 

If the facts from the discussion could be put into practice, it would be beneficial, Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, U Thein Tun Oo, told CNI News.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with Chinese businessmen

" Border trade and stability are very important to the two countries whose borders are sharing with each other. The two countries must overcome the problems by cooperating. Even if one side has no problem while the other has some problems, it won't be convenient. It must be resolved. According to the facts that were discussed , as they were very good, if they can be put into practice to stop armed conflicts and restart the border trade, it can be beneficial." he said.

Although the peace and stability of the border areas was important, the Chinese policy meant the stability and not finding an answer politically, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, an NCA signatory, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

While seeing the China-Myanmar border gate

" It is called stability in the Chinese policy. China doesn't use peace. It doesn't mean finding an answer politically. It's convenient for China if there is stability in any way. Only if there is stability, will there be economic development. Now because there's no stability, economy has declined." he said.

Battles are taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and KIA-MNDAA-TNLA-PDFs in Kachin and Shan State. China has closed down its border gates sharing with the two States.

In the same way, the Myanmar side has designated the Chinese and Thai products as illegal commodities and is taking action and seizing them.

CNI News

8 November 2024

An international mechanism that contain foreign countries must be built in order to make many other countries concentrate on the Myanmar's issue, said  general secretary of the Karen National Union (KNU), Pado Sawta Do Mu. 

He said the above at the co-press conference of the KNU, the Chin National Front (CNF), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the National Unity Government (NUG).

" The security of Myanmar has anything to do with that of the entire world. Online scam business, human trafficking and narcotic drug trade are spreading all over the world. They are on the roads of New York in the US while they are on the roads of Bangkok. And they are in Europe as well. So, our problem is enormous. That's why we are responsible to make the entire world concentrate on the problem. We can make the world concentrate on the problem by building an international mechanism from which we can reach the route reconstructing the country, I believe." said Pado Sawta Do Mu.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

Saying that the NLD government was trying to form a government without solving vote list dispute in the 2020 general election, the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government and took the State power on 1st February 2021.

After that, leaders of the NLD, members of the Hluttaw, activists, democratic elements and armed groups are implementing the Spring Revolution in order to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

While the Spring Revolution was being waged, China put pressure on the Myanmar government to crush down online scams and online gambling and used some armed groups.

Due to these situations, armed conflicts are severely taking place in Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Magway, Mandalay, Bago Regions, Kachin, Karen, Kayah, Chin, Mon and Rakhine States and there has been over six million IDPs.

While seeing Miss Bishop and chairman of the SAC

Moreover, there have been international economic sanctions on leaders of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, members of the SAC, state-owned banks. individuals and groups related to the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

Moreover, the US imposed the Burma Act and is supporting financially to opposition groups while Europe and other countries are putting pressure on the SAC and the Myanmar Tatmadaw by laying down the policy of no contact.

The UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Miss Julie Bishop came to Myanmar in October and met with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing after which she said to carry out an international process led by Myanmar at the UN Assembly.

CNI News

8 November 2024

The State Administration Council (SAC) would discuss only if MNDAA-TNLA-AA wanted peace, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC on 6th November 2024. 

He said the above while he was meeting and discussing with Chinese PM Li Chang at Haigeng Garden Hotel in Kunming City, China on 6th November 2024.

" If they really want peace, we have always opened the peace door and are ready to discuss; armed terrorists need to carry out what should be in stead of giving priority to what they want to be; if MNDAA-TNLA-AA show only a clear signal that they want peace, we could carry out discussion." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Because China urged Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that and it was impossible to arise discussion, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Myanmar-China affairs commentator, told CNI News.

While Chinese PM Li Chang was meeting with chairman of the SAC on 6th November 2024

" It's unlikely to arise the discussion. Because China urged him to say so, he said that. What he wants is to get back all territories captured. Before he go to China, he told all armed groups to abandon arms and come to political dialogues. He didn't clearly say what the meaning of wanting the peace is. That's why there's no reason to arise political dialogues. He might have said that because China urged him to hold political dialogues. He met with Chinese PM Li Chang, Cambodian PM and Lao PM." she said.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw had announced its unilateral ceasefire since 2018 and carried out the peace; only when armed groups started fighting against, did it fight back them, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing during his meeting with Chinese PM Li Chang.

MNDAA-TNLA-AA refused the peace offer of Myanmar government in April 2022 and the MNDAA started attacking to the Myanmar Tatmadaw's military camps and Chin Shwe Haw in the border areas with China in northern Shan State on 27th October 2023 in order to re-enliven the Special Region-1. 

Although a peace agreement was reached at the mediation of the Chinese government, they breached the agreement and went on attacking towns and villages, which Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing told Chinese PM Li Chang.

While seeing leaders from the AA, the MNDAA and the TNLA

As the two sides, in attempting to arise peace talks, if they had preconditions, it wouldn't be convenient, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, an NCA signatory, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" Both sides are telling their preconditions before they can discuss. But if there are preconditions, it doesn't work. Because of preconditions, they won't be able to discuss. An organization that can mediate and help negotiate is needed. Another thing, there must be guarantee. If the dialogues are held in Naypyidaw, armed groups won't attend. Is it possible to hold in Thailand in December? If China support and Thailand shows green light, a preliminary discussion can arise." he said.

In collaboration with the PDFs under the NUG, the BPLA, the KNDF and the PLA, the TNLA, the AA and the MNDAA launched Operation-1027 in northern Shan State on 27th October 2023 and captured Lashio, Theinni, Kutkai, Namkham, Nansang, Mangtong, Mong Ngor, Namtu, Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Mongko, Phaungsai and Chin Shwe Haw.

While Chinese PM Li Chang was meeting with chairman of the SAC on 6th November 2024

After that, second wave of Operation-1027 was launched on 25th June 2024 and offensives were severely waged to capture Lashio,Nawnghkio, Thibaw and Kyaukme in northern Shan State as well as Mogok, Momeik, Madaya, Sintku, Natogyi and Thabeikkyin in Mandalay Region.

While the MNDAA, the TNLA and their allies were making military preparations to launch offensives to Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay, The Chinese government put pressure on them not to do so, they haven't been able to attack up to now. 

Chinese PM Li Chang also said that China wouldn't accept destroying the interests of Myanmar, based in China during his meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

CNI News

8 November 2024

China would not accept destroying the interests of Myanmar, based in China, said Chinese Prime Minister Li Chang during his meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council. 

He said that when he was discussing about the China-Myanmar affairs with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing at Haigeng Garden Hotel in Kunming City on 6th November 2024.

He could discuss matters relating to existing friendship and Pauk Phaw (sibling) cooperation between the two countries and he believed that not only between the two countries, would the two countries also be able to cooperate more closely in the region and international frontage, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

"China recognizes sovereignty and territorial ownership of Myanmar again and won't accept destroying the interests of Myanmar, based in China." said Chinese PM Li Chang.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) severely attacked the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Kachin State and northern Shan State, both sharing border with China and captured towns and border trade gates.

In collaboration with the PDFs under the NUG, the BPLA, the KNDF and the PLA, the TNLA, the AA and the MNDAA launched Operation-1027 in northern Shan State on 27th October 2023 and captured Lashio, Theinni, Kutkai, Namkham, Nansang, Mangtong, Mong Ngor, Namtu, Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Mongko, Phaungsai and Chin Shwe Haw.

After that, second wave of Operation-1027 was launched on 25th June 2024 and offensives were severely waged to capture Nawnghkio, Thibaw and Kyaukme in northern Shan State as well as Mogok, Momeik, Madaya, Sintku, Natogyi and Thabeikkyin in Mandalay Region. 

Myanmar nationalist elements accused that China supported Operation-1027 and held demonstrations against Chin in Yangon, Naypyidaw and Mandalay.

" The issue of Myanmar is that of China's neighboring country, so China will stand with Myanmar in the international frontage." said Chinese PM Li Chang.

MNDAA-TNLA-AA refused the peace offer of Myanmar government in April 2022 and the MNDAA started attacking to the Myanmar Tatmadaw's military camps and Chin Shwe Haw in the border areas with China in northern Shan State on 27th October 2023 in order to re-enliven the Special Region-1. 

Although a peace agreement was reached at the mediation of the Chinese government, they breached the agreement and went on attacking towns and villages, which Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing told Chinese PM Li Chang.

" If they really want peace, we have always opened the peace door and are ready to discuss; armed terrorists need to carry out what should be in stead of giving priority to what they want; if MNDAA-TNLA-AA show only a clear signal that they want peace, we could carry out discussion." he said.

The SAC offered armed groups and the PDFs to meet and discuss politically and to demand from the election on 26th September 2024. 

The SAC will hold a general election in 2025 and the State power will be handed over to the winning party, according to Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

China supported the five point road map laid down by the SAC and would help Myanmar to be able to hold the election, said Chinese PM Li Chang during his meeting with chairman of the SAC.