Discussions between President and Political parties
Myanmar’s President U Thein Sein met with political parties on 18th May at Yangon Regional Government Office and discussed a number of issues including nationwide ceasefire agreement, potential constitutional amendments and upcoming 2015 General Election. In his opening speech, President included his intention to hold political dialogues prior to the election and process on constitutional amendment to take place through such dialogues. Participants at the meeting also expressed their opinions and suggestions regarding the 2015 election as well as issues on land disputes. Along with President and government officials, about 130 representatives from 68 political parties attended the meeting.
UN confirmed the boat people are Bangladeshis
After a joint visit to Rahkhine on 22nd May, the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General; Mr. Vijay Nambiar and his team confirmed that over 200 boat people found in Myanmar marine territory are believed to be Bangladeshis. President U Thein Sein later host Mr. Nambiar on 27th May at Nay Pyi Taw expressed his opinions on providing humanitarian assistance to the migrants saved by Myanmar Navy in accordance with UN policy and international obligations. Myanmar President included the on-going boat people issue during his discussion on 21st May with the United States’ Deputy Secretary of State along with 2015 election and constitutional amendment and strengthening the relationship between the two countries. Myanmar participated in the regional meeting on 29th May in Bangkok to discuss the boat people issue and regional cooperation.
President reaffirmed no regression
President U Thein Sein reaffirmed that there will be no regression during his address on the Consultative Workshop on Developing a Framework for Administrative Reform on 23rd May 2015 in Nay Pyi Taw. In his speech, President pointed out to build capacity for civil servants through meritocracy and also stated that the government is on the verge of becoming one of the members of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Toily Kurbanov, UNDP Country Director reminded at the event that the administrative reforms are not only about bureaucratic and procedural improvements but also about who is making decisions, who has the resources and who is holding the authority. This workshop held at MICC II, Nay Pyi Taw on 23rd-24th May was attended by President along with Presidential Advisors, Government officials and UNDP representatives.
Myanmar’s President host Woodside’s CEO
President U Thein Sein host the Australian oil and gas company, Woodside’s CEO and Managing Director Mr. Peter Coleman and his team on 14th May 2015 at the Presidential Palace, Nay Pyi Taw. A number of issues were discussed during this encounter including Myanmar’s oil and gas production procedures, assisting social development for local people as well as developing infrastructure and human resource sector. Alongside with President, Union Minister U Soe Thane, Union Minister of Energy U Zayar Aung and Deputy Minister U Tin Oo Lwin were present at the meeting. Woodside’s Mr. Coleman also met with NLD’s Chairperson Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Speaker of the Parliament Thura U Shwe Mann during his visit.
