Suu Kyi calls for establishing federal union in Myanmar

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday invited all nationalities residing in the country to establish a genuine federal union, saying it is the sole aim of the new government.

Meeting with a peace process leading group in Nay Pyi Taw, Suu Kyi expressed belief that if working for peace actively, the group would undoubtedly overcome the matter of worry, inviting all stake-holders to help establish the union with trust and respect, XInhua news agency reported.

"Myanmar can only develop when there is peace and it should explore a way of peace based on unity," she said, adding that "the country will prosper only when peace is achieved".

Present at the event were Border Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Ye Aung, Minister of the Office of the State Counsellor U Kyaw Tint Swe, and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for holding the 21st Century Panglong Ethnic Conference Dr Tin Myo Win on the government side, while the ethnic peace group included seven armed groups led by Saw Mutu Sae Poe of the Kayin National Union.

According to U Hla Maung Shwe, secretary of the Panglong Conference Preparatory Committee, both sides proposed that the conference should start before August-end without delay, inclusive of non-ceasefire-signatory armed groups.

--IANS

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