STATEMENT ON CEASEFIRE BETWEEN THE STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL (SLORC) AND THE NEW MON STATE PART (NMSP)

Date: 13 July, 1995

It is almost half a century that Mon resistance movement has gone through for freedom enjoying full rights of self-determination. In so doing, Mons prefer to solve their desired aspirations by peaceful means. But successive governments' denial and oppressive actions left them with no other alternative than to take up arms which has lasted more than 47 years. Though the armed resistance had borne some fruits in their favor, painful sacrifices in lives and property had also been paid by them.

The trend of the world events in the past few years have changed and gathered momentum in such a way that political problems are solved by peaceful negotiation rather than by arm conflict. The New Mon State Party (NMSP) also believes that political problems could successfully be solved by political means through dialogues.

Deep contemplation by the Mon leadership of the current situation was made after initiative for ceasefire was called for by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). With a view to unify the Mon populace and to further develop the fruits of armed resistance, acceptance of dialogue with representatives of the SLORC was made.

After negotiating for four times an amicable agreement was reached resulting in ceasefire ceremony on 29 June, 1995.

This truce is just merely a military ceasefire.

An arduous task to find satisfactory political solution is still in abeyance. During period of this ceasefire, the NMSP armed forces will retain their arms while carrying on its miscellaneous tasks as situation permits. On the other hand, work beneficial t the party as well as to general public would be carried out widely in consultation with the SLORC. For development for Mon areas, in some cases, joint-ventures between the party and the SLORC would be practiced, while in the other case, it would be done between the party and the private sector. Endeavors would be made as much as feasible to boost up Mon national movement.

Thus, after abandoning the method of violent struggle, the method of peaceful negotiation will be followed for our national movement. The NMSP will carry on with the trend of current political tidal waves of changes. With full endurance and without surrendering our arms, we will solidify the unity of the Mons and hereby declare to struggle with determination together with the peoples of other ethnic nationalities for restoration of peace, democracy and human rights in the country, in accordance with the programme laid for Mon freedom.

Central Committee

New Mon State Party