News release
August 22, 2024
On August 21, 2024, a panel of high-level leaders and experts gathered to share insights on the achievements, opportunities and analysis about the transition phase ahead. They also raised critical questions concerning Myanmar’s neighbours and the international community.
The panel members announced their support for a series of measures they believed were essential to expedite the end the military rule and begin the process of building a New Myanmar. An open and important dialogue took place on the unprecedented alliances among ethnic groups and civil society, their significant military and nation-building accomplishments, and the growing scale of revolutionary control across Myanmar.
The President of Timor-Leste, H.E. José Ramos-Horta; the Chairman of the Karenni National Progressive Party and a leader of the K3C ethnic alliance, Khu Oo Reh; the Acting President of the National Unity Government of Myanmar, H.E. Duwa Lashi La; and its Prime Minister, H.E. Mahn Winn Khaing Thann launched the discussion.
The panel included the following distinguished guests:
– Host: Igor Blazevic, Senior Advisor, Prague Civil Society Centre
– H.E. Kasit Piromya, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
– Hon. Janelle Saffin, NSW MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Australia
– Dr. Sean Turnell, Senior Fellow, Lowy Institute and Special Advisor to the Interim Central Bank of Myanmar
Highlights:
“The Myanmar people have sustained an inclusive, broad-based and democratic revolution against an illegal military junta. Myanmar’s pro-democracy partners have forged unprecedented ethnic and civil society alliances that has sustained three years of heroic struggle.”
– Igor Blazevic, Senior Advisor to the Prague Civil Society Centre
“The Military (Tatmadaw) is losing the war. It lost the political battle. It lost everything, any respect and any trust from the people and international community. Resistance forces have the upper hand, they are winning the battle and winning the war.”
– President of Timor-Leste H.E. José Ramos-Horta
In a message to resistance forces, President Ramos-Horta said: “Continue the struggle with absolute integrity. Commit no violence against civilians, captured or surrendered military personnel, or those who might have supported the military. Show that you are better and show that you hold higher standards than the military. Never descend to their level. Make an example, a contrast for the rest of the world to see.”
– President of Timor-Leste H.E. José Ramos-Horta
“Our refusal to surrender our freedom and democracy stood as a shining example to the world. Myanmar’s ethnic revolutionary forces and their PDF partners have shattered the myth that our people could never prevail over the brutal military.”
– Acting President H.E. Duwa Lashi La
“After three years, the coup d’etat has completely failed. They are on the losing side. My message to the military junta is that their days are numbered and they are finished.”
– H.E. Kasit Piromya, Former Foreign Minister of Thailand
“Adherence to military ethics is of the utmost importance. We will never adopt the behaviour of the war criminals we oppose.”
– Acting President H.E. Duwa Lashi La
“Three years ago, our young people took up arms and joined the resistance to build a better future. We are not seeking revenge for persecution under successive military rules, but to build a brighter future with our own hands. The Karenni have engaged with others within the whole country, working together to build unity and to develop a new federal democratic union. We are cooperating with the National Unity Government and the National Unity Consultative Council, on political and military matters.”
– Khu Oo Reh, Chairman of the Karenni National Progressive Party
“The revolutionary forces are more united than ever. We are heading toward a Federal Democratic Union where democracy, equality, and full self-determination rights are ensured”.
– H.E. Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Thann
“I have been struck by the incredible discipline and creativity of the revolutionary movement. sustaining the movement financially without much international support, and a young generation bringing great creativity, it’s been extraordinary. It’s a great contrast to Min Aung Hlaing’s regime that has destroyed Myanmar’s economy.”
– Dr. Sean Turnell, Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute
On ASEAN and International Affairs
“We are committed to a foreign policy that is independent, proactive, and non-aligned.”
– Prime Minister H.E. Mahn Winn Khaing Thann
“It’s about time that all democratic governments must stop informal contacts with the junta. To have full sanctions, tell all the Ambassadors appointed by the junta to leave. We need much more drastic measures to tell the junta that they can no longer hold on to power. Strong words, strong actions! The international community must render support and provide diplomatic recognition to the NUG and all democratic forces.”
– H.E. Kasit Piromya, Former Foreign Minister of Thailand
“The international community simply needs to recognize that SAC junta is not a reliable partner economically or diplomatically. It will not last very long. Financial sanctions are effective. The US sanctions on foreign exchange are very effective, but we need to close the loopholes. Sanctions on aviation fuel are needed and the international community must deliver it.”
– Dr. Sean Turnell, Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute
“Not acting against the junta now means letting the destruction and war of terror against the people to continue.”
– Igor Blazevic, Senior Advisor to the Prague Civil Society Centre
“it’s time for the international community to back the democratic actors in Myanmar: the NUG, the PDF, ethnic nationalities, local governments & administrations. We need to step up to support, and not be nervous about supporting NUG, K3C and other ethnic nationalities in providing development support, practical support, administrative support, economic restoration support.”
– Hon. Janelle Saffin, MP NSW Australia
“In the name of the Interim Executive Council of Karenni State, we have structured our governing body with capable people from all walks of life, of whatever gender, religious affiliation or ethnic background. We refer to this as bottom-up federalism or state-based federalism for our better future. Assistance from the international community in education, humanitarian support, and technical support are necessary to progress.”
– Khu Oo Reh, Chairman of the Karenni National Progressive Party
“We need to provide technical and material support for the emerging governing structure in liberated areas.”
– Igor Blazevic, Senior Advisor to the Prague Civil Society Centre
“The UN agencies inside Myanmar can do a lot in supporting other actors, not just working with the military or SAC.”
– Hon. Janelle Saffin, MP NSW Australia
“I have a message for our neighbours and our fellow ASEAN Member States – Myanmar’s revolutionary partners are committed to peace, security and stability throughout our entire region.”
– Acting President H.E. Duwa Lashi La
“We, the nine member states of ASEAN, are not united. It has been a collective failure of ASEAN leadership. One of the ASEAN member states should arrange an inter-Myanmar parties conference, as there is no victory possible for the military junta.
The UN and international community can no longer leave the issue to ASEAN because the ASEAN community has no will and has no leadership. Democratic governments must stop hiding behind ASEAN’s curtain; and come out and act.
It’s about time that the international community needed to take over, especially the UN Secretary General, can work with ASEAN. We should suggest the Secretary General to set up informal gathering at the UNHQ with all key players, ASEAN members & major neighbouring countries, and some of the dialogue partners of ASEAN to come together collective position to tell junta to relinquish power. The UN has to come in, similar to UN peace keeping forces and interim administration in Cambodia, have a master plan return of all the refugees including the Rohingya to Myanmar.”
– H.E. Kasit Piromya, Former Foreign Minister of Thailand
“ASEAN is still inviting junta bureaucrats. All these things need to change. China is active around Myanmar, they’re in the position to work with others.”
– Hon. Janelle Saffin, MP NSW Australia
Economy and Public Services
“Under the Min Aung Hlaing regime, the economy is 50% below where it should be, the value of the Myanmar currency is 80% below where it was before the coup, the destruction of institutions continues, as does, above all, trust. The finance team within NUG cooperates with various organizations, (economic recovery and reconstruction) plans have been very well laid out and are progressing. In contrast, SAC reduced the Myanmar economy to a war economy.”
– Dr. Sean Turnell, Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute
“As our reach grows, we are expanding our provision of services, and administrative governance with our ethnic and civil society partners.”
– Acting President H.E. Duwa Lashi La
“We are entering a new development phase. We are striving to realize a better future. Our ambition stretches well into that future.”
– Khu Oo Reh, Chairman of the Karenni National Progressive Party
In conclusion
“You will lead Myanmar towards a new spring of hope and prosperity. We are helping you to the extent possible. I never missed the opportunity to talk about you, about the need of the international community to support the struggle of the people of Myanmar for freedom and for democracy. All the very best. May God Bless You All”
– President of Timor-Leste H.E. José Ramos-Horta
“We, the people, stand for unity, freedom and civilian rule. The junta, however, represents repression, chaos and atrocity. The choice is stark and clear: freedom or terror, accountability or impunity, democracy or dictatorship. Now is the time to stand with us on the right side of history.”
– Acting President H.E. Duwa Lasi La
“The Karenni people will always be one of the resources for a creating new Burma (Myanmar). We look to the international community for co-reliance and trust. Both the support of our people within the country, and the strong support and pressure from the international community are required to achieve our end goal. This is our collective vision for a new future of Myanmar.”
– Khu Oo Reh, Chairman of the Karenni National Progressive Party
Associated links
ဆက်သွယ်ရန်-
Press Office
Email pst@nug.sjmyanmar.com;
Signal (+1) 332-240-3557)