Yangon: Myanmar President U Thein Sein has called for all-out efforts to bring stability to the state and promote its socio-economic development, Xinhua reported Saturday, citing official media.
U Thein Sein made the call at the meeting with national races affairs ministers from regions and states in Nay Pyi Taw, said the New Light of Myanmar, and urged them to cooperate with the government.
"Over 100 national races reside in the country and all are national brethren living within the boundary of the nation," he noted, adding that they will have the fundamental rights of the citizens vested by the constitution and also need to perform the equal duties together.
U Thein Sein stressed that border regions still lagged behind in development and such works as education, health, transportation, and economy could not be undertaken effectively due to conflicts with various races` armed groups.
According to the president, most of the places have begun to see tranquillity without gunfire and certain success has been achieved in making peace with the remaining groups.
If peace agreement could be reached with Kachin Independence Organization (KIO)/Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the peace-making process could be said nearly successful, he said.
He reiterated that the process at region/state level would be smoother with the participation of all local national races including national races affairs ministers, and said these ministers can attend the meetings of region/state government concerned if they have things to discuss.
U Thein Sein also emphasised on eliminating poppy cultivation in cooperation with the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and substitution of the poppy business with other income-generating occupations.
IANS
