Local and foreign journalists led by Minister for Information view development of South-East Command area in Mon, Kayin States

Yangon, 11 June — Local and foreign journalists visited South-East Command area in Mon and Kayin States on 9 June to study development tasks being undertaken by the Government, matters related to the breakaway of DKBA, the group led by Phado Aung San and the group led by U Saw Tha Mu He from KNU, and peace and stability and regional development tasks being carried out by these groups joining hands with the Government.

Accompanied by members of the Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi, Deputy Commander of South-East Command Col Zaw Min, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Maung Myint, ambassadors and diplomats of foreign missions, resident representatives of UN agencies, media personnel, the president of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club and member correspondents, and chief editors and staff of local journals and magazines, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan conducted them round these places.

The group of study tour left Mawlamyine in the morning and arrived at Sonnathamyaingswe Myodaw Myainggyingu Special Region in Hlaingbwe Township at 9:40 am. They were welcomed by Chairman of Kayin State PDC Col Khin Kyu and departmental officials, Leader of Myainggyingu Special Region U Tha Htoo Kyaw and members.

At the Yeiktha, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan clarified that Myainggyingu Special Region was established by the Government to settle DKBA members and their families that broke away from KNU due to religious discrimination and oppression and to enable them to enjoy fruitful results of peace and development.

Leader of Myainggyingu Special Region U Tha Htoo Kyaw explained matters related to the breakaway of DKBA from KNU, tasks carried out by the Government for settlement of DKBA and regional development tasks, and cooperation of DKBA with local people in development tasks.

(The full text clarification of U Tha Htoo Kyaw is reported separately.)

National race leader U Tha Htoo Kyaw answered the queries raised by members of the study tour group.

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented CDs and 900 books for the library of Myainggyingu Special Region to national race leader U Tha Htoo Kyaw and U Nay Lin Aung.

Next, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and party viewed progress of Sonna-thamyaingswe Myodaw, Myainggyingu Special Region by car.

In the afternoon, they arrived at the office of Kayin State PDC in Hpa-an, capital of Kayin State.

Chairman of Kayin State PDC Col Khin Kyu explained facts about Kayin State, and development tasks of Kayin State being performed in 18-year period of the Government.

(The full text clarification of Col Khin Kyu is reported separately.)

Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan explained development tasks being undertaken in Mon and Kayin States in the time of the present government, matters related to the breakaway of DKBA, the group led by Phado Aung San and the group led by U Saw Tha Mu He from KNU, participation of these groups in peace and stability and regional development tasks joining hands with the Government after their breakaway, to the ambassadors and local and foreign journalists.

(The full text clarification of Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan is reported separately.)

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi replied to the queries raised by the study tour members.

Next, they viewed progress of Hpa-an by car. In the evening, they arrived at Nyeingyanyay Myothit Phayagon of Hpa-an Township where they were welcomed by national race leader Phado U Aung San, members and families.

At the Nyeingyanyay Hall, national race leader Phado U Aung San reported on matters related to the breakaway of their group from KNU to exchange arms for peace, necessary assistance being provided by the State for their group, and participation of the group in regional development tasks joining hands with the national people.

(The full text clarification of Phado U Aung San is reported separately.)

Afterwards, leader of Haungtharaw Special Region Peace Group U Saw Tha Mu He of Kya-in-seikkyi Township who had exchanged arms for peace after breaking away from KNU clarified matters related to the breakaway of their group from KNU and fulfillment of the Government for their group and development tasks.

(The full text clarification of U Saw Tha Mu He is reported separately.)

Next, the local and foreign journalists and guests viewed a local disabled person who lost his right leg due to killing, arson, planting mines and destructive acts of KNU.

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented 500 books and CDs for Aung San Thuriya Saw Myint Library opened on 8 June in Nyeingyanyay Myothit Phayagon to national race leaders Phado U Aung San and U Saw Tha Mu He. The two presented a commemorative pennant to the minister.

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan posed for documentary photo together with national race leaders and families.

The study tour group led by Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan arrived back Mawlamyine in the evening.