November 09, 2019
The People’s Republic of China donated US$ 300,000 each to the Peace Commission and the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee in a ceremony held at the National Reconciliation and Peace Centre (NRPC) in Yangon yesterday.
Firstly, Peace Commission Vice Chairman U Thein Zaw said China has made donations in cash and motor vehicles to aid Myanmar’s peace process before. He said the have conducted numerous peace talks in China and received the best hospitality and assistance from the host nation.
The Vice Chairman said that apart from a few areas, most of Myanmar has ceased all conflicts. He said the China-Myanmar border is lengthy yet all fighting has halted along it. Only a few small areas still have armed conflict, unavoidable for various reasons.
Next, Mr Sun Guoxiang, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, explained the reasons for the donations. He said it shows China’s strong support for the Pauk-Phaw relationship between Myanmar and China and towards Myanmar’s comprehensive peace process.
Next, the Special Envoy handed over $ 300,000 to the Peace Commission, which was accepted by U Thein Zaw. The Vice Chairman spoke words of gratitude for the donation and explained the progress of the peace process.
The event was attended by Peace Commission Secretary Lt-Gen (Rtd) Khin Zaw Oo, Peace Commission members, Peace Commission advisory board members, and members of the Peace Commission support groups.
Likewise, officials from China handed over $ 300,000 to the JMC as a peace fund, which was accepted by JMC-U Chairman Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, who gave certificates of honor in return.
The Lt-Gen explained the organization of the JMC, which has one committee for the Union-level, five for the state/region level, and two for the local level. He said the JMC will form new local-level committees in areas with the highest rate of conflicts, establish Local Civilians Monitor groups, and educate residents of conflict-stricken areas on the workings of the JMC.
Next, Mr Sun Guoxiang delivered an address and took a documentary photo with attendees.
The donation handover ceremony to the JMC was attended by JMC-U Vice Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi, Secretary-1 Dr Shwe Kah, Secretary-2 Col Wunna Aung, JMC-U members and support groups.
China has donated a total of $ 1 million towards Myanmar’s peace efforts, with $ 400,000 to the Peace Commission and $ 300,000 each to the Peace Commission and JMC-U. — Ye Kaung Nyunt (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)