Shan Herald Agency for News

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Burma Army orders media outlets not to publish MNDAA statements Posted: 04 May 2015 03:46 AM PDT The Burma Army has ordered all media outlets not to publish statements from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Kokang armed group which is attending the Ethnic Submit in Pangsang, the United Wa State Army Headquarters, according to a letter sent to the Interim Myanmar Press Council yesterday. The statement said that the MNDAA was designated an unlawful association by the government. It warned that any media outlet that broadcast, published or disseminated statements of the MNDAA could face prosecution. According to Article 17/1 of the Unlawful Association Act, prison terms of between two and three years can be given for being a member of an "unlawful association," making contributions to one, or assisting its operations. "There are two main purposes of MNDAA participation in this conference. The first purpose is to open negotiations between MNDAA and the government for ceasefire talks. The second purpose is to allow them (MNDAA) to be involved in the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with the government," said U Aung Myint, spokesperson of the United Wa State Army. "It will take time for the NCA to be signed because all groups must participate," said Khuensai Jaiyen, Managing Director of the Pyidaungsu Institute for Peace and Dialogue.

Panghsang summing-up: Balance of power necessary to maintain peace process Posted: 04 May 2015 12:08 AM PDT The 4th day of the ethnic armed organizations (EAO) conference today found Hkun Okker, PaO leader assigned to summarize the major points discussed by its 12 participants, reporting that balance of power with the "dialogue partner" should be carefully maintained throughout the peace process. Khun Okker "As the political negotiations are likely to prolong, the need for preserving long term unity and political power is great," he is quoted as saying. "They must not be undermined from either within and without." Common political aims, according to him, include: The establishment of a federal union To amend or rewrite the union constitution To establish a Federal Union armed forces to defend the federal union Not to resolve political issues based on force but to resolve them through political means To conclude a Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) as soon as possible and with the least errors He was also reported to have touched on the subject of a Wa statehood, as called for by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the conference's host. No details were given by the source, however. The conference is due to wind up on Wednesday, 6 May. As for tomorrow, the participants will be given a guided tour to Mongmai, north of Panghsang, said the source.

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