RANGOON — In a surprise move, Burmese President Thein Sein has held a series of informal meetings with ethnic leaders during a visit to the Shan State town of Kengtung, according to pictures posted on the Facebook page of Information Minister Ye Htut.
The photos show Mongla leader Sai Lin, Restoration Council of Shan State leader Yawd Serk and United Wa State Army (UWSA) senior leader Pao Yuyi were given separate audiences with the president on Friday.
Wednesday marked the end of an ethnic summit in the UWSA headquarters of Panghsang to discuss the government’s draft proposal on a nationwide ceasefire agreement. Members of the summit reiterated their desire for a federal system of governance and most delegates to the conference expressed their support for the granting of statehood to Wa territory.