Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meets EUMC chairman

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing holds talks with EU Military Committee Chairman General Mikhail Kostarakos.

Nay Pyi Taw June 7

Myanmar has a long history of better relations with the EU. Myanmar Tatmadaw is making military cooperation with the EU member countries. The EU’s undertaking is constructive. Myanmar places emphasis on it. Myanmar welcomes the EU’s efforts to promote the relations and cooperation, said Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, at a meeting with a delegation led by General Mikhail Kostarakos, the chairman of the EU Military Committee (EUMC) at Zeyathiri Parlour here at 4 pm yesterday.

The EUMC chairman said he took pride for Myanmar’s smooth and gentle political reform, the Tatmadaw’s role in the elections and cooperation with the new government. Then, he explained the formation of the EU member countries, democracy rights, human rights and equal rights for regional security assurance and the establishment of secure communities for development of people.

After that, both sides cordially exchanged views on the appointment of military diplomats for cooperation between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the EU, training courses including the UN peace-keeping course, goodwill tours and promoting longterm military cooperation. 

The EUMC chairman said the EU would provide assistance for Myanmar’s peace process as much as it can. The Senior General replied that the country’s peace and stability is of great importance. 

Internal armed conflict is one of the reasons that hinders the country’s development during 60 years after the country regained her independence. So, efforts are being made to end the ethnic armed conflicts. No armed group should exist on the way of current political trend. Those wishing to join the political arena should march towards the political dialogue by abandoning the armed struggle line. The government, on its part, is striving for restoring eternal peace with the help of the Tatmadaw. The Senior General expressed a warm welcome to assistance of the EU.

The guest delegation discussed that the organizations of the Tatmadaw were accused of human rights violations and sexual abuse. So, the Tatmadaw is difficult to rebut these accusations. Some members of the UN peacekeeping troops also face similar occurrences. They said they knew the Myanmar Tatmadaw is also facing these accusations.

In his response, the Senior General revealed that although some cases of accusations related to human rights violations were related to the personal offences, the Tatmadaw does not totally accept them. Deterrent action was taken against them. The military action was more severe than the civil action. The Tatmadaw does not accept the cases which make the country misunderstand the Tatmadaw. Although there are many accusations against the Tatmadaw over the cases related to the democratization processes and ethnic affairs, the Senior General expressed his hope that if anyone studies the history of the country, they will understand the Tatmadaw’s stand.

Also present at the meeting together with the Senior General were Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in- Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win and senior military officers of the office of the Commander-in- Chief (Army). The EUMC chairman was accompanied by Mr. Gunner Wiegand, in-charge of Asia and Pacific Affairs of the EUMC, EU Ambassador to Myanmar H.E. Mr. Roland Kobia and officials.

After the meeting, the Senior General and the EUMC chairman exchanged gifts and posed for documentary photo together with members. (100)

The Myawady Daily