A discussion between the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) and the Mon Unity Party (MUP) was canceled after both sides failed to reach an agreement on the venue. Both parties previously agreed to meet on the morning of January 4th.

The MUP accepted the date and time proposed by the NLD for discussion but did not accept the venue proposed: Mon State NLD office on Strand Road in Mawlamyine Township. The MUP asked the NLD to offer an alternative venue for discussion. But the NLD gave no reply until the appointment time, said Naing Layi Tama, Joint-Secretary-1 of the MUP.

The Spokesperson of the MUP said: “The MUP asked the NLD to change the venue since Dr. Khin Hsaung, Chair of Mon State NLD invited the MUP on the afternoon of January 2. We have already told the NLD to meet in a suitable venue. Whether or not the talk will materialize depends on the NLD’s stand. “

“We assume that our request is not one-sided. We asked the NLD to choose a third venue based on mutual respect and equality among the parties.

Magway Region Chief Minister Dr. Aung Moe Nyo who leads the NLD delegation said: “The MUP did not come though we waited for the MUP at the Mon State NLD office on Strand Road in Mawlamyine Township until 10 am.” 

The NLD delegation met with the delegates from the winning parties in Kachin State in January. The NLD secured 34 constituencies including Karen, Bamar and Pa-O ethnic affairs ministers in Mon State while the MUP won 11 seats.