23 June
A meeting between Dr. Win Myat Aye, UEHRD Vice Chairman (1), UEHRD committee members and Task Forces was held at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Yangon yesterday afternoon. Dr. Win Myat Aye is also the Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. (UEHRD – Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine).
At the meeting, Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe said UEHRD was a national movement that included ministerial departments, responsible officials from the government and business persons from the private sector. Without the cooperation and participation of persons from all walks of life, UEHRD projects would not reach their respective goals. He thanked UEHRD committee members and all Task Forces for participating in this important venture on behalf of the State Counsellor and on his own behalf.
Next, Union Minister Dr. Win Myat Aye said that the UEHRD was an important initiative that came about due to the requirement of the country. It was a national movement implemented under the leadership of the Union Government with the cooperation of the people, private sector, local NGOs and CSOs, partner countries, United Nations agencies and INGOs. The goal of the Union Government was establishment of a Democratic Federal Republic where the entire people achieve equality. Equality meant fulfilling where required and raising the development standard of certain states such as Chin and Rakhine State. Rakhine State was such a place required much needed development assistance. Complications and challenges had occurred or existed for close to 70 years and thus many difficulties were faced in creating changes. It was a pleasure to see that UEHRD committee task force leaders and members were working for the benefit of the people. ASEAN had conducted preliminary assessment to cooperate with Myanmar in the repatriation process and was implementing the three future work processes of raising the capacity of government departments, conducting repatriation works, distribution of news and information and implementing development works. It was important to show the world how UEHRD Task Forces were cooperating and coordinating with countries of the ASEAN region in Rakhine State. All were urged to participate in working for socio-economic development, social cohesion and rule of law in Rakhine State.
Afterwards, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) secretary general U Aung Kyi Soe explained about how UMFCCI has been providing support for development of economic enterprises in Rakhine State with UEHRD Task Forces, Rakhine State Chambers of Commerce and Industry, merchants and industrialist association.
Later, U Toe Aung, Advisor to UEHRD Chairperson said that UEHRD initiative was a very important enterprise implemented by the Union Government. Although there were international criticisms about Rakhine State affairs, the criticisms could not increase further due to the UEHRD committee and Task Forces working hand in hand. Future work processes were to be conducted in accordance with the present situation and efforts were made to provide news and information of works conducted to be made known internationally. The day’s meeting was held in order to implement more UEHRD projects, he said.
This was followed by UEHRD Task Forces members making brief presentations about their respective tasks, difficulties faced and future works.
Chief Coordinator Dr. Aung Tun Thet then said UEHRD was facing a lot of international pressures and discussed about works conducted in Rakhine State with Task Forces.
The meeting came to a close after Union Minister Dr. Win Myat Aye delivered a concluding speech.
The meeting was attended by the following persons:
Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe from the Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr. Win Myat Aye, Deputy Minister U Soe Aung, Secretary of the Committee, committee members, Chief Coordinator Dr. Aung Tun Thet, U Toe Aung, Advisor to the UEHRD Chairperson , Information and Communications Director U Kyaw Myaing, Chief Operation Officer U Nyi Nyein Aye and Task Forces leaders and representatives.— MNA (Translated by Zaw Min)
