The message given to the Wa leadership yesterday by the Naypyitaw delegation was essentially no different from that given to Mongla on Monday, 3 November, according to Wa sources.

On the political side, Wa leaders were invited to observe the proceedings of the parliament when its 5th session begins early next year.

U Aung Min, President’s Office Minister and Vice Chairman # 2 of the Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) arrived in two helicopters in Mongla at noon today.

His 39 person delegation was greeted by Sai Leun, leader of Mongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA).

In response to criticisms that the 3-day Shan conference in Rangoon that concluded Wednesday, 28 November, did not come up with formal resolutions, its organizers have countered with statements that the meeting augurs well for subsequent peace building efforts.

Recent survey conducted in 39 townships has called for repeal of 4 of the 8 point peace guideline set by the Thein Sein government, according to a copy of the survey results received by SHAN this morning.

U Aung Min, President’s Office Minister for ethnic and NGO affairs, is due to visit Panghsang, the capital of Wa on the Sino-Burmese border, in December, according to sources close to the United Wa State Army (UWSA) leadership.

In his message to the Trustbuilding for peace consultation, as the Shan conference being held in Rangoon is officially titled, Shan State Army (SSA) South leader Lt-Gen Yawdserk presented a 6 point proposal, one of which is the amendment of the 2008 constitution.

Some 150 Shan representatives from all over the country are expected to participate in the 3 day conference in Rangoon next week, according to organizers of the event and the prospective participant.

The meeting, 26-28 November, is to be held at Taw Win Hninzee, Shwe Gondaing road.

Hkun Htun Oo, who had a brief meeting yesterday with President Barack Obama, just before his televised half hour address to the host nation, said he saw Obama’s visit as “constructive”.

“He (Obama) had focused on national reconciliation in his speech, which is exactly what we need here,” added Hkun Htun Oo.