Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - The President of Myanmar, Thein Sein, has ordered the army to stop attacks against ethnic Kachin rebels, as released by the presidential press office. According to observers, the move seems a breakthrough to end the civil conflict raging in northern Myanmar, marked by violence and abuse against civilians, and has caused 50 thousand displaced Kachin, mostly Christians. Thein Sein seems to have acted as a result of international pressure, particularly from the United States, that have placed such a "precondition" to soften the economic sanctions on Myanmar. As part of the process of democratic opening of the country, Thein Sein had already launched in past weeks, a new "diplomatic initiative" seeking dialogue with minorities and giving rise to a "national conference for reconciliation" (see Fides 1/12/2011).
His Exc. Mgr. Raymond Saw Po Ray, Bishop of Mawlamyine and President of the Commission "Justice and Peace" of the Episcopal Conference of Myanmar, says to Fides: "The whole country speaks of peace, people and minorities talk about it. We strongly hope that now it is a priority for the country, although there are several obstacles to be removed. A cease-fire in the conflict with the Kachin is a beautiful sign of hope for all. The next step is to initiate a national reconciliation process, where all our efforts go. Of course, the civil conflict has lasted for decades and ethnic minorities have suffered greatly because of the war. For this reason, in the new era of reforms that the country lives, there is now a historic opportunity, a kairos: we strongly want peace and we hope with all our heart that a period of reconciliation begins".
In the past, negotiations between the government and ethnic minority groups stalled on the fact that minorities such as Kachin, Shan and Karen claim a form of autonomy within a federal system, while the government asks to hand in the arms and back in the national framework. Now the organization of "preliminary talks" is expected. The main obstacle to negotiations, note sources of Fides, is the lack of trust between the parties, that should be acknowledged in a dialogue on new bases. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/12/2011)
