All the organisations fighting in and around Laukkai must take responsibility for what is happening said the government army chief when meeting representatives of armed groups in Naypyidaw.
A high-ranking officer from a Shan armed group said: “Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the army chief of the government talked in the meeting about the stability of the state, national unity and development, which are national causes of the army. Now the country is following the path of democracy they want to follow the same path, but to follow that path there must be rule of law. He then talked about drug related problems and the Laukkai issue and he said that related organisations must take responsibility.
“He also said that the international community accuse Burma of producing and distributing drugs. This is dangerous not only for Burma but for the world community, that is why they will take serious action on this issue.”
Another high-ranking officer from a Shan armed group said: “There will be a press conference regarding the Laukkai issue. They [the Burma Army] will respond with force, if required they will use jet fighters to attack the forces from the Kokang area. Lt. Gen Aung Than Htut, the commander of No.2 Bureau of Special Operations (BSP) is already in Lashio and he is taking command.
After meeting with Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, representatives from the ethnic armed groups also met with U Shwe Man, the Union parliament chairman, on 13 February.
Translated by Aung Myat Soe English version written by Mark Inkey for BNI
