YANGON: The seventh anniversary of the founding of the People's Party was held at the Sky Star Hotel in Tamwe Township, Yangon on Aug 23 (Saturday). Party chairman U Ko Ko Gyi said that the People's Party's priority is peace.
“The issue that is deeply in my mind is the issue of peace. Therefore, our People’s Party will prioritise the issue of peace from the seventh anniversary celebration onwards. Therefore, without peace, we cannot achieve stability, rule of law, and development. This is the natural situation,” said U Ko Ko Gyi.
Another thing is that even though they seize territory through armed means, according to the concept of war, they retreat momentarily and then attack again, he said.
“If we look back at our history, after independence in 1948, as the armed conflict grew, the role of the military also grew. Now, because of the armed conflict that is happening today, as the military sphere has expanded, the political sphere has narrowed. At a time when the political sphere is narrowing, today’s ceremony and meeting with such a comprehensive and active participation is an attempt to expand the political sphere,” said U Ko Ko Gyi.
Colonel Saw Maung Maung, a member of the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army-Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) leadership, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech of honor and remembrance on behalf of the seven ethnic armed organizations (7EAOs) that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).
Colonel Saw Maung Maung, a member of the 7EAOs KNU/KNLA-PC command, said that the ethnic armed organisations are the ones who want peace the most. He said that Karen State was once very pleasant, and many tourists came to Karen State, but now the road conditions are bad after crossing the Sittaung River.
“That is why I want all the party members here and all the representatives who are present, including some party members, to work together with us to bring peace to our country. Because our Karen State is now very devastated,” said Colonel Saw Maung Maung.
Dr Daw Khin Saw Nwe, a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Lisu National Development Party, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech of honor and remembrance. She said that lasting peace is important and that we must work together with the people for the development of the country.
“Lasting peace is important. We must work together with the people in the development of the country. How we respond when we face criticism is important. Do your best for yourself. Don’t waste your valuable time on criticism. Don’t hurt your feelings. That is why, while we are trying to hold elections in accordance with the constitution, the parties must meet and work together to achieve lasting peace through political means,” said Dr Daw Khin Saw Nwe.
The ceremony was attended by People's Party Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi, party members, political colleagues, and invited guests. - Eleven Media/ANN
