KNU: Genuine Peace Can Be Achieved Only By Mutual Respect

Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung, a Central Executive Committee member of the Karen National Union said in his speech at a peace process consultation meeting that lasting and genuine peace could only be reached when there is mutual respect between the government, ethnic groups and citizens.

Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung made the statement while attending a peace building process consultation meeting held in Maubin in Irrawaddy division on 27th May organized by the Karen Culture and Literacy Committee of Maubin Township.

Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung spoke at the event and said.

“Genuine peace can be achieved only by the collaboration of government, ethnic armed organizations and civilians. We can only proceed through mutual respect. Peace building won’t be successful by engaging with each other to make use of the opportunity or by oppressive means.”

With the background banner declaring, “Welcoming and supporting event for peace building process implemented by Karen National Union (KNU) and central [Burma] government” – the event organizer Mahn Khin Maung Nyein who is a member of the Karen Culture and Literacy Committee from Maubin Township said that civilian participation is important during the peace process.

Speaking at the event, Mahn Khin Maung Nyein said.

“We’ve been longing for the genuine and lasting peace. So, we are organizing this type of ceremony. We would like to urge the civilians to participate in the peace process.”

Attending the event were civilians and representatives of various organizations from the four townships of the Irrawady division – Maubin, Danubyu, Pantanaw, and Nyaungdone Townships, as many as 3,000 people attended. U Than Tun, the Minister of Road and Communication from the Irrawaddy Division, Kayin People Party (KPP) leaders and Maubin Township National League for Democracy representatives were also among the attendees.

S’ Kyauk Keh, a Karen youth who attended the ceremony said.

“I attend this event in support of a genuine and lasting peace. I want to see peace. I am also glad to have the opportunity to be part of this ceremony. There are a lot of things to learn.”

Similar events had been organized twice before in the area. The first was organized on 1st May 2013, in Pantanaw Township and the second took place on May 18th in Myaungmya Township in the Irrawaddy Division.