YANGON, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw on Wednesday called on all ethnic groups to join hands with the government and work for peace without discrimination.
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary Shan State Day, the president said all ethnic groups are working hard for the cessation of mistrust and misunderstanding, using all kinds of methods for the emergence of a genuine democratic federal republic and seeking for genuine and durable peace.
Noting that the country's development has lagged behind by several decades due to armed conflicts, he called on ethnic groups to take part in the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference to discuss and seek solution to national reconciliation and peace.
U Htin Kyaw recalled that the country did not fully enjoyed the fruits of independence due to armed conflicts as the results of mistrust and misunderstanding among ethnic groups.
In struggle for independence, national leader General Aung San negotiated with the British colonialists and express that people in central regions as well as the mountain regions wished to gain independence.
The Shan people were able to gain independence together with the Chin and Kachin after they signed the Panglong Agreement with the government under Aung San on Feb. 12, 1947.
To honor the work for independence under the agreement, the day was designated as Shan State Day.
Myanmar formally regained independence on Jan. 4, 1948.
