Reported by Staff Correspondent Translated and Edited by Aung Khin + MYA
Ludu U Sein Win
There have been Sino-Burma (Myanmar) relations since the times of former Chinese leaders such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. PR China has more responsibility to conserve the friendship between the two countries without craving for all the natural resources of our country. Asian superpower always opposes colonialism. So they should review their colonial attitudes. We, Myanmar people, defend the Ayeyawady River in any way. This comment will represent as the strong will of the Myanmar people.
Amyotha Hluttaw Representative Dr. Aye Maung (Chairman of Amyotha Hluttaw; Government’s Guarantee, Pledges and Undertakings Committee)
The recent demand of PR China is concerned with the sovereignty of our country. Land, water and air of a certain country are owned by its people. The government is the administrative body which represents over the citizens with the limited term. Every democratic government listens to the voice of people. President U Thein Sein ordered a halt to construction of Myitsone Hydropower Project on behalf of all nationalities. The superpower should understand the actual situation. If their government represents over their people, they could appreciate the voice of Chinese people. As Myanmar and China are neighboring countries, they will exist closely forever. So they should keep mutual friendship. As both countries are practicing “The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence”, problems should be solved without interfering in another’s domestic affairs. Myanmar people have no access to the EIA Report on Myitsone Hydropower Project until now. We have not seen the original contract documents. Therefore, the possible impacts cannot be estimated. While Chinese government is considering about the interest of their companies, Myanmar government has responsibility to protect the land marks of national characteristics for the welfares of our national ethics. Both countries should solve this problem peacefully.
Daw Aye Aye Win (AP News Agency)
Chinese government asked Myanmar government to review the suspension of this project. They want Myanmar’s new government to continue this project according to the contacts. As President U Thein Sein has suspended the project to address public concerns, the two governments must be negotiated this issue. Compensation would be the only instrument for negotiation. Myanmar government should not capitulate to resume this project. They are possible to discuss about the investment of their company. There will be some difficulties in negotiation. As President U Thein Sein has made this decision, he will never go back on his word. But the two governments will discuss about this. They would have a chance to discuss about only economically at a minimum loss for both sides. It is not possible to resume the project according to people’s desire. The President will never break his promise to the people. The problem must be solved in the consideration of mutual friendship. The President is right in this decision. This is the first and foremost to hear that Myanmar government has suspended the controversial project to address public concerns. This decision has made Myanmar people happy. This is an excellent decision.
