The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), composed of exiled elected National League for Democracy MPs, announced in mid-April its plans to establish an interim administration in Karenni State. However, the Karenni National Progressive Party's (KNPP) interior ministry issued a statement on 26 April, opposing this on the basis that it deviates from the original Federal Democratic Charter drafted by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC).
NMG spoke to KNPP second secretary Aung San Myint to find out why the ethnic armed organisation is opposed to the establishment of a transitional administration in Karenni State, what points differ from the original draft, and how this affects the development of a federal democracy in Burma.
On what points do the second part of the NUCC Federal Democracy Charter and the implementation of the interim administration by CRPH differ?
CRPH, National Unity Government (NUG), KNPP and other relevant organisations have jointly drafted the Federal Democracy Charter and we are all trying to implement it. All members must follow it, which includes section 1 and 2.
According to Articles 52 and 53 of section 2 of the Charter, a respective ethnic state can form an executive, legislature and judiciary in its respective ethnic state. For example, if our Karenni State needs an executive or a legislature, it is allowed to establish these things itself. Yet, it is the Union Government that's currently trying to set up an interim administration and this deviates from the Federal Democratic Charter.
What will KNPP respond if CRPH does not respond to its objection letter?
We said very clearly in our letter of objection that we have an organisation that represents our state. So if they introduce an interim administration in our state without negotiating with the state organisation or the ethnic armed organisations, we will not accept that. If we do not accept that, we will not follow them no matter what they implement. That is how it is.
Has CRPH said anything on this issue?
No, they have not answered us until today.
After the NUCC presented a draft federal democratic charter, the CRPH is trying to set up an interim administration without consulting the regional organisations. What do you think of the CRPH's position on building a federal democratic country?
I do not want to comment on other organisations. We, however, have a clear political objective. We will build a federal democratic union that will give national equality, justice and self-determination rights. In the time of revolution, we will try to end the military dictatorship in this country. In order to achieve our political goal, we will cooperate with other organisations that have the same political objectives and share common ground with us. I think they should negotiate with us before establishing a transitional administration in Karenni State.
Is the current situation an obstacle to building a new federal democratic union and ending the military dictatorship?
We have a concrete charter. And this is the basis on which we advance our political movement. If we disagree, however, we need to have a dialogue between us and we expect this will happen.
