The establishment of a federal democracy in the country and the implementation of equality
for all ethnic nationalities under a new name which represents all ethnic groups for the
benefit of the country should be discussed, according to Nai Hongsar, vice chairperson of
United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC).

Nai Hongsar, also vice-chairman of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), stated the above, in
his speech on the 3rd day of the Union Peace Conference, on Friday [September 2]. It was
the first of a three-part statement for the UNFC that he was delivering at the conference.

“Burma and Myanmar are the same. Everyone knows that. Burma is what was used in the
past and Myanmar is being used at the moment,” said Nai Hongsar, in his speech.

He also pointed to whether it is “Burma” in English or “Myanmar”, as it only refers to the
ethnic “Barmar”, just one of the ethnic groups living in the union.

However, former Lt. Gen. U Myint Soe, of Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP),
responded to a few of the ethnic representatives’ statements, in a meeting with reporters,
“There are two divided aspects. The 21st Century Panglong Conference is for these discussions
and they can speak their points of view. However, some points are possible, but for those deemed
impossible, we will know better at a later date.”

33 representatives from political parties and other organizations discussed their views at the
conference on Friday. There were five chairing persons for the 3rd day conference, including
U Thu Wai, Dr. Win Myat Aye and 2nd general Tin Maung Win.