Phyo Min Thein, Yangon Chief Minister, has sent an apology letter (dated July 13) to Min Aung Hlaing, the Commander-in-Chief via express mail according to the official Facebook page of Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces .The post did not reveal the contents of the letter.
On July 9, Yangon Region Chief Minister made a remark at a forum that there are no civil-military relations in a democratic era and that the Commander-in-Chief position is the same as that of a Director-General.
The introduction and orientation workshop held in collaboration with USAID, CSOs and the media, to discuss employment opportunities for former political prisoners was held at Sedona Hotel on July 9.
Regarding to the infamous “protocol” remark of the Yangon Region Chief Minister, the Myanmar Armed Forces released two statements: the first on July 11, which asked for the Government to take actions against the Chief Minister for this remarks.
On July 12, the Myanmar Army released another statement strongly condemning the Chief Minister. On second statement, Myanmar Armed Forces stated that “every country around the world has civilmilitary relationship and political policies they use. Our country is just on the way to peace building and there are still conflicts with ethnic armed groups. So the relationship between the civilian government and military is more important than other peaceful countries. His (Chief Minister) comment has threatened the government’s policy of “national reconciliation”. Moreover, his comment showed lack of awareness. It added Chief Minister comments were not conducive to the “constructive, long-term” relationship between the government and the Armed Forces. This is an insult toward the head of Myanmar Armed Forces and defames the reputation of Myanmar military. On July 13, National League for Democracy party’s Central Executive Committe (CEC) has warned the Yangon Chief Minister for his controversial remarks, according to Nyan Win, a Central Executive Committee member and a party spokesman.
