Yangon, May 12
Discussions are underway with US government officials to receive support for the revolutionary forces, including ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), in Myanmar under the Burma Act, said U Kyaw Zaw, spokesman for the National Unity Government’s (NUG) presidential office.
The Burma Act, which is part of the US government’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2023, was signed by President Biden after it was approved by Congress late last year.
The law states that non-military technology will be provided to organizations involved in the building of democracy, human rights, and federal democracy in Myanmar from 2023 to 2027.
However, even five months after the Burma Act was signed into law, officials have yet to implement the plan to support EAOs and resistance forces.
U Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for the National Unity Government (NUG) said that the US government has not yet made a concrete decision on how to implement the draft Burma Act, but discussions are underway to receive support.
The US government has to coordinate with the relevant committees in Congress, including the ministries responsible for handling of the Burma Act, and NUG has stated that the relevant ministries have submitted the key points.
U Kyaw Zaw said that the US government is likely to disclose the exact policy on how much aid it will provide in the near future, and, they will work with organizations to provide it to the individuals who need it as soon as possible when aid is available.
The Burma Act includes plans to support the National Unity Government (NUG), the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, and those who joined the non-violent civil disobedience movement (CDM).
In addition, the Burma Act will also help deserters who opposed the coup and supported the restoration of civilian rule.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on December 27 last year that the Burma Act, which is part of the US government’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), violates Myanmar’s sovereignty.
News – Than Lwin Times