Senior General Min Aung Hlaing receives British ambassador

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing receives Ambassador of Britain H.E. Mr. Andrew Silas Patrick at Bayintnaung villa.

Nay Pyi Taw, August 20

The Tatmadaw was playing the leading role in the past. But now it is just taking part in the national politics. As the Tatmadaw members are the children of people, the two are indivisible. The past saw the practice of command system in the relations between the military and the civilians. But now the Tatmadaw is just assisting the civilian functions. So there must be a close relations and cooperation between civilian departments and Tatmadaw. The Tatmadaw is also providing suggestions and help for the good of towns while engaging with townselders. Thanks to such cooperation, we have produced good results in recent flood relief measures. So we are further enhancing military-civilian relations, said Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during his meeting with Ambassador of Britain H.E. Mr. Andrew Silas Patrick at Bayintnaung villa here at 10 am yesterday.

Also present at the call together with the Senior General were senior military offi cers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army). The British ambassador was accompanied by Military Attaché Col Antony David Stem.

The ambassador said, I also wanted to say how much the international agencies have appreciated the work they have been doing together with the Tatmadaw on the flood. I think it has made a real difference in people's view of the Tatmadaw from the international community. I think it is very successful. One of the consequences is that the international agencies are very impressive how that the relation is working. The Senior General said every citizen has the duty to prevent natural disasters. There are NGOs, fire brigades and organizations specially formed for providing assistance in a natural disaster. However, they are not large in size. The more consolidated and stronger institution is the Tatmadaw. The Tatmadaw has the duty towards protecting the country and the people’s interest. The Tatmadaw is serving duties with this conviction. The Tatmadaw has been carrying out flood relief undertakings of its volition, and not under anyone’s urge. In fact, local battalions in the flood-hit areas have been rendering assistance.

The ambassador said, we also agree that democracy in this country, the army will need to play a very important role. There are people abroad who seem to think that the transition of democracy means the army must leave the scene completely. We do not agree. The army must be strong and present. I am very pleased to hear about the new arrangement for military voting. I think you reach the agreement with the UEC about having the transparent way of voting. And I think this will be very important. I want to thank you for that also. 

In response, the Senior General said free and fair elections are also my aspiration. As the rule of law is in question in some places we are trying to do our best. Concerning the voting process, the Tatmadaw will abide by the law. Ministry of Homes Affairs and the Union Election Commission are cooperating to ensure security in the elections. The Tatmadaw will accept the results announced by UEC.

The ambassador said, I just want to say briefl y on the ceasefire. You have gone extra miles that have been recognized. You have prepared to take things forward. The guarantees on the treatment of those who do not sign have been very important in the negotiation. The Senior General said Tatmadaw truly wants peace. The ethnic armed groups too need to have the true wish for peace. They also should have the wish to abide by the law after peace has been restored. They cannot hold arms after making peace. After the signing of NCA, DDR and SSR procedures must be carried out without fail through negotiations. It is impossible for someone who says he accepts democracy to refuse the relinquishment of his armed struggle line. We must follow the system in which the holding of arms must be in line with the law. In marching towards democracy together we must strive to ensure a perfect democracy. If the groups that are not the signatory do not observe the rules and principles and harm the government administrative machinery and public life and property, action will have to be taken against them.

They then cordially discussed promotion of relations between the two armed forces, exchange of goodwill visits, the Tatmadaw’s firm stand and participation in Myanmar politics.

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