Tatmadaw doing its best while giving priority to national progress, and will render cooperation in UNICEF activities as much as it can

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF Mr. Robert Justin Alexander Forsyth pose for documentary photo together with members.

Nay Pyi Taw April 7

The Tatmadaw always keeps the sense of sympathy in implementing security alongside development. It is doing its best while giving priority to national progress. It will render cooperation in the UNICEF activities as much as it can, said Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at his meeting with DeputyExecutive Director of UNICEF Mr. Robert Justin Alexander Forsyth at Bayintnaung Parlour here at 4 pm yesterday.

Also present at the meeting together with the Senior General were Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Mya Tun Oo and senior military officers of the Office of the Commanderin- Chief (Army). The Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF was accompanied by UNICEF Representative in Myanmar Mr. Bertrant Bainvel.

First, the Senior General said UNICEF is a significant UN organization, much beneficial to the Third World countries, especially for health, education and development of children. The future of the country depends on the children. Since 2011, the Tatmadaw has been directly cooperating with the UNICEF to end the issue of child soldiers. The Tatmadaw is satisfied with its performances. It welcomes the UNICEF’s extended efforts in bringing better opportunities.

Mr. Robert Justin Alexander Forsyth said UNICEF has been cooperating with the Myanmar government for 65 years, being able to save lives of many children. Now, it is continuing cooperation with the government in the areas of health, education, nutrition development and protection of children. He expressed thanks to the Myanmar Tatmadaw for earnest cooperation in the elimination of recruiting child soldiers. And there will be closer cooperation. He then asked about opinions on child soldiers in ethnic armed organizations and humanitarian and citizenship issues in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine states.

The Senior General on his part said the Union Peace Conference will be held for the second time. So far, eight ethnic armed groups have signed the NCA. He said he believes five more from the remaining armed groups will be able to sign the NCA and the plan is being carried out under the leadership of NRPC. After the NCA signing, DDR and SSR will follow on the agenda of the peace process. Then, armed confl ict will end and the issue of child soldiers will stop as well. Then, as child soldier processes cause loss to social economy and concern with Tatmadaw’s prestige, Tatmadaw is making the best to solve that issue. The issue will be completed in a short time except some cases. The Tatmadaw is tackling the child soldier cases clearly.

Then, the Senior General explained that efforts are being made through various ways and means for ensuring peace and stability with regard to northern part of Rakhine State. Especially, it needs to receive correct accounts and data. He understood to give humanitarian aid to them. As strenuous efforts are made for carrying out facts and figures in line with the law, plans are underway to give legal rights to them. Afterwards, the Senior General said Tatmadaw is trying its best to develop the nation. Security measures are taken in some tasks. On the other hand, Tatmadaw emphasizes development of the region and social development.

After the meeting, the Senior General and the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF posed for documentary photo together with members.

The Myawady Daily