Day Seven. Friday, 11 November 2016

The principle must be ‘One kyat for Burman, one kyat for Shan.’

Aung San’s famous quote

Today, the second meeting of Joint Coordination Body (JCB) for Peace Funding is held at NRPC. On the EAO side are representatives from both signatories and non-signatories. Except for NSCN (Naga), UWSA (Wa) and NDAA (Mongla), all of whom have bilateral agreements with Naypyitaw.

Each side has brought its draft ToR to the meeting.

U Kyaw Tint Swe (assisted by to doctors Aung Tun Thet and Min Zaw Oo) takes pains to explain to his EAO counterparts the government’s stance:

1. The JCB, after establishment, will not come under NRPC. It will be a separate entity.
2. The key word is (coordination) not (control). It is about (facilitation) not (centralization).
3. ‘National ownership’ only goes in line with UN principles, to facilitate, nothing more
4. The JCB’s focus will also be on programmes, not projects
5. The sharing of funds will be on the principle of equity and not equality

The EAOs then present their views:

• We are in the peace process, not because we want funding. On the contrary, we are asking for funding because we want to make the peace process a success.
• International funding should be without strings attached

The meeting agree upon two other important items:

• Both the government and the EAOs can develop and raise funds for their individual projects separately with timely information to one another
• A joint drafting team is formed that will meet on 14 November.
• The third meeting will be on 19 November.

(I have seen the joint draft that came out on 14 November, but have yet to see the resolutions passed on 19 November.)

Altogether, not bad a day, considering the result. But the 5 year experience has taught us all that the peace process in never an ever ascending one. That it always has its ups and downs. But whatever happens, one hopes for the best.