The public meeting, held at “Sarsana 2500 Monastery” in Mon State’s capital of Moulmein, resulted in a consensus between the MNP and the Mon negotiating team on a four-point agreement. Sayar Daw Maydar Nonda, chairman of the Mon negotiating team, signed the agreement on behalf of the negotiating team and Nai Tin Aung, chairman of the MNP, signed on behalf of the MNP. Sayar Daw Thilar Sarya, vice-chairman of the All Mon Rehmonya Dhammarcariya Association, and Nai Win Hla, a New Mon State Party executive committee member, signed the agreement as witnesses.

The agreement involves the formation and management of the MNP in accordance with the methods agreed upon by the two sides. The four points include developing and forming the party in a step-by-step manner; deciding the number of chairpersons and advisors along with their responsibilities; officially recognizing the formation of the MNP; having the MNP use the new flag and logo suggested by Mon monks and the Mon people; and finally, continuing to hold meetings with the Mon negotiating team if any matters arise concerning the previous three points.

The Burmese government’s Union Election Committee permitted the Mon Democracy Party (MDP) to change its name to the MNP on March 28, but the party has yet to change its logo and flag.

“We are planning to hold a [full MNP] conference this coming January. The party’s constitution and laws will be recognized at the meeting and…the party’s flag and logo will be changed. At the moment, we are only changing the signboards at our party offices,” said MNP’s Joint-Secretary no. 1, Dr. Min Kyi Min.

Dr. Min Kyi Min said that party leaders will also be elected at the full meeting, and that the meeting will follow local meetings at the village and township level. He also noted that the MNP has been training Mon youths and women to play a role in Mon politics.

“Anyone who would like to become a party member [is welcome and will start from scratch and receive training],” said Dr. Min Kyi Win

Ashin Kayma Nonda, vice-chairman of the Mon negotiating team, addressed the fact that input from Mon senior monks was essential. However, he also said that due to health problems senior monks should take chairmanship positions or act as advisors for the party, whereas the MNP Executive Committee (EC) should include Mon youths and women. In addition, Ashin Kayma Nonda said that 25% of EC seats will be reserved for Mon youths and another 25% will be guaranteed to Mon women.

“For the MNP to represent the whole Mon [population], it must work with Mon youths and Mon women, and train them for leadership [positions],” he told IMNA.

The public meeting on July 8th at which the MNP and the Mon negotiating team signed their agreement was attended by 85 monks and over 200 patriotic Mon people. It was preceded by an informal meeting between the two sides on July 5th at Auk-Pagu Monastery in Moulmein.