Several of Myanmar's ethnic leaders have pledged their support to the military-ruled country's so-called democracy "road map" at an annual festival, the state-run press reported here Thursday.
Leaders from ethnic groups that have signed cease-fire deals with the Yangon regime, including the New Mon State Party and Karenni National Democratic Party along with peace negotiators from Karen, Mon, Chin, Kayah and Wa ethnic groups reportedly attended the festival, marking a significant display of unity.
Kachin leader and peace mediator Sabwe Jum pledged at the harvesting festival Monday in Myitkyina, the capital of northern Kachin state, that he and the foundation he heads would actively work towards the road map's success.
We "are determined to organise the Kachin peoples as well as religious, social and peace organisations to strive for the success of the seven-point policy programme of the state initiated by the prime minister," he said according to the official New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, who also attended the festival, announced in August the seven-point plan aimed at shifting the regime towards democracy, which includes that drafting of a new constitution and eventually elections.
Zakhaung Ting Ring, leader of the Kachin Democratic Army which has signed a cease-fire agreement with the junta, reportedly said he was optimistic the plan - criticised for not including a timeframe for elections - would move ahead.
"We believe that the seven-point road map of the state will make progress and the national convention (to draft the constitution) to be held will be successful," he was quoted as saying.
Ethnic insurgencies have plagued Myanmar's border areas since the Southeast Asian nation gained independence from Britain in 1948.