Yangon, July (7)
The seven ethnic armed organizations that signed Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) said on July 5 that they support Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of the philanthropic Nippon Foundation and Japan’s special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar, in his humanitarian and peacemaking efforts.
The statement said that the Nippon Foundation, led by Sasakawa, provided financial support for the implementation of new town projects, schools, and hospitals for the development of ethnic areas.
According to the statement, 64,000 bags of rice were supplied in the areas of seven NCA-S EAOs in 2022–2023, with plans to continue providing rice in 2023–2024.
The seven NCA-S EAOs published a statement objecting to some activists’ criticism of Sasakawa and his organization, the Nippon Foundation, which has supported IDPs, displaced people, and refugees in ethnic communities under successive administrations.
Regarding the statement, Than Lwin Times tried to reach Colonel Khun Okka’s Thai and Myanmar phone numbers at least five times, but there was no response.
The statement also mentioned that six NCA-S EAOs have signed and resolved to fully support and cooperate with the Nippon Foundation and Chairman Sasakawa for the benefit of the ethnic people who are affected by the conflict.
The NCA-signatories who have committed to this include the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), the Karen Peace Council (KNU/KNLA PC), the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), the New Mon State Party (NMSP), and the Pa’o National Liberation Organization (PNLO).
Those NCA-signatories and the Reconciliation Council of Shan State (RCSS) attended peace talks invited by the military council at least five times.
News – Than Lwin Times
Photo – Nippon Foundation (file photo)
Thanlwintimes