An interview with U Nay Phone Latt, Spokesperson of NUG Prime Minister Office, about the meeting between NUG and ASEAN Chair.
To facilitate humanitarian assistance following the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, the ASEAN rotating chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, recently held separate meetings with both the National Unity Government (NUG) and the military council.
The online meeting between NUG Union Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, on 18 April was the first official meeting in the four years since the military coup.
On 17 April, a day prior to the meeting with the NUG, ASEAN’s rotating chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, held discussions with military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing—who continues to be excluded from ASEAN’s official engagements—in Bangkok, Thailand.
Than Lwin Times interviewed NUG Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson U Nay Phone Latt, about the meeting between the NUG and the ASEAN Chairman, the topics discussed during the meeting and whether it was a constructive step for Myanmar’s political landscape.
Q: What topics did the NUG discuss and present regarding humanitarian assistance for the ongoing war and earthquake disasters during the meeting between ASEAN Chairman and Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann?
A: The primary focus was on international aid. We mainly discussed how to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the affected populations. We also addressed the importance of engaging with the resistance forces, including the NUG, which controls certain territories, in addition to engaging with the military leadership. In practice, we are witnessing the reality on the ground. In Nay Pyi Taw, international aid is not effectively reaching the people. We’ve seen photos of relief supplies piled up in open fields, lacking any proper shelter.
The junta lacks both the capacity and the goodwill to effectively manage aid. Due to this, it is evident that if all aid is placed in the hands of the military regime, it will be extremely difficult for it to reach the people who are truly affected by the crisis.
Q: In the just over four years since the military coup, ASEAN has officially engaged with the NUG for the first time following the earthquake. Do you believe this could mark a positive turning point for Myanmar’s political landscape, and what is your perspective on this development?
A: There have been meetings with ASEAN countries in the past, but none have been accompanied by an official announcement like this one. This is the first time the ASEAN Chair has made an official statement regarding a meeting that represents ASEAN. Additionally, it is the first instance where the Prime Minister of ASEAN has met with the Prime Minister of the National Unity Government of Myanmar at an equal level. We can consider this as a starting point for further meetings and a step toward positive changes for the people of Myanmar.
Q: The ASEAN Chairman mentioned at a press conference that both sides agreed to extend the ceasefire during separate meetings between the NUG and the military council. What discussions and agreements did the NUG side reach regarding this?
A: Currently, we have halted our offensives. However, even in such a situation, the military regime has not adhered to the statements they issued. Instead, they have launched attacks, conducted airstrikes, and carried out troop movements. As a result, clashes continue to occur in certain areas. A ceasefire cannot be achieved unilaterally. In this situation, we are inevitably compelled to defend ourselves. The safety and well-being of the public are our top priority. This reality must be recognized and acted upon, as it is crucial to protect the lives, property, and welfare of the people.
Q: Since the ASEAN Chair has stated that they will continue engaging with all relevant parties for the benefit of the Myanmar people and to restore peace and stability to the country, is there now a possibility for negotiations or dialogue to begin between the NUG and the military council?
A: We, the resistance forces including the NUG, have officially announced the conditions under which we can meet and negotiate. We have set six political objectives. Everyone knows that these six points are crucial and necessary for our country and the Myanmar people. First, the military must withdraw from politics. Then all armed forces must be under the control of the civilian government. We absolutely do not accept a situation where we go under the 2008 Constitution. We will draft a new constitution based on a federal democracy that is inclusive and acceptable to all. We will establish a democratic union in accordance with this new constitution. Finally, those who committed war crimes must be held responsible and accountable for these crimes and face judgment through a transitional justice process as determined by the people. We have officially announced these points. Based on these conditions, I believe dialogue is possible.
Q: In the NUG’s statement, it is clear that they are aiming to strengthen relations not only with the ASEAN Chair but also with other ASEAN member states. Given this, is it reasonable to expect improved diplomatic relations between the NUG and ASEAN, including the possibility of in-person discussions?
A: During the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Malaysian Prime Minister, the importance of holding in-person meetings was also discussed. Online meetings are valuable. In fact, there is a greater sense of intimacy when we are able to meet face-to-face on the ground. There will be future meetings. So we can expect these in-person discussions to take place.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.