30 October
The 21st Century Panglong Conference is keeping alive hopes of building a federal democratic Union in Myanmar, a desire which began with the 20th century Panglong Conference in 1947. Building a federal democratic Union is the wish of our generation and the dream of the next generation, especially our ethnic youth.
The responsibility of making this dream come true is now resting on the shoulders of the leaders of our government, the Tatmadaw, and the ethnic armed organizations.
The political dialogues of the 21st Century Panglong are the first-ever peace talks to put an end to the armed conflicts that have plagued the country since independence in 1948.
Only a genuine federal democratic Union can bring a sustainable solution to armed conflicts.
A federal system guarantees equal federal units with power sharing, resource sharing, and tax sharing, and regional and state charters. Power sharing must be based upon the interests of the people.
But, the journey to our goal of building a federal democratic Union will be long, with ups and downs. Challenges are ahead of us. As it is a long journey, we need a great determination to succeed.
Those who are on the same boat and headed to the same goal should assist each other with understanding and sympathy, and lend a helping hand. History and the people will decide who doesn’t want peace.
The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement is the sole agreement or political charter in the history of Myanmar which shows the way for building a federal democratic Union.
The challenges we are facing today are not because of the NCA, but because of weaknesses in implementing the agreement, following it, and misunderstandings over it.
We hope that all leaders participating in the NCA have understood the importance of keeping their promise on the agreements in the NCA.
A ceasefire agreement can address surface problems, but only political dialogues can address underlying grievances. As such the NCA itself is not the ultimate destination. The NCA opens the door to political dialogue towards a federal Union.
Most of the people who were affected by armed conflicts are ethnic minorities. Only when we heal the pains of the ethnic minorities can we move towards peace, which can help resolve conflicts.
The past 70 years have shown that we cannot achieve peace without a federal Union which guarantees equality to ethnic people. Now, we must all remain true and be resolute in our quest for peace. It is not too late for Myanmar to achieve complete peace.
