NAY PYI TAW, 31 Jan 2011— Upholding Our Three Main National Causes, the State Government is striving for equitable development of all parts of the nation after fully realizing the national reconsolidation. After understanding their wrong acts, the armed groups that realized the correct endeavours and genuine goodwill of the government exchanged arms for peace in groups and individuals.

In September, October and December 2010, Pvt Wae Ei of KNPP armed group bringing along with one M-21 and 10 rounds of ammunition, Pvt Aik Swe of SSA (Ywet Sit) armed group along with one M-22 and 71 rounds of ammunition, and Pvt Ai Pi, Pvt Maung Lin of KNPP armed group along with one M-16 and five rounds of ammunition and Pvt Stany along with one revolver and six rounds of ammunition in Eastern Command area; Cpl Saw El Tha of KNU armed group along with one carbine, six rounds of ammunition and one magazine, Lt Chan Aye with two grenades, Pvt Saw Htaw Kho with one .32 revolver and six rounds of ammunition, Pvt Saw Htoo Wah with one AR- 15, five magazines and 200 rounds of ammunition, WO Alex Sein, Sgt D Kyaw Htoo, Sgt Saw Pwa and Pvt Tu Tu in South-East Command area; Pvt Kyaw Myo Tun of KNU armed group with one pistol and five rounds of ammunition in Coastal Region Command area; Cpl Nan Le of CAN armed group, (former) Chairman U Patee Phyu, (former) Sgt Sandasara (a) U Saw Tun (a) U Nyan Lin of Rakhine National Unity Party (NUPA) armed group in Western Command area; Pvt Saw Maung Maung Lwin (a) Yoe Ni with one grenade and seven rounds of ammunition in Southern Command area exchanged arms for peace.

Officials of respective military camps warmly welcomed 18 persons exchanged arms for peace and provided necessary assistance to them. It is learnt that there are more persons wishing to exchange arms for peace.