The Shan State Army (SSA) South that has been without a spokesperson since late last year has appointed a noted fighting officer as its spokesman, according to the resolutions passed at the recent annual meeting across the border.

Major Lao Hseng

The fiery and articulate Khurhsen Heng-awn who resigned in November is succeeded by Major Lao Hseng, a youthful fighter whose valor had gained much recognition during the defense of the SSA South's main base Loi Taileng, opposite Maehongson, against joint Wa-Burma Army campaign in 2005. The 3 day meeting, 4-6 January, also chose Sub-lieutenant Hseng Merng as his deputy.

Their contact numbers and email addresses will be disclosed as soon as they have taken up their new duties, according to an insider source.

The meeting also adopted two important decisions, among others:

• To continue the fight against drugs
• The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the political arm of the SSA-South, is ready to resolve all political problems with the State Peace and Development Council by political means

So far the group's overtures have been spurned by Burma's ruling military council. Unlike its allies the Karen National Union (KNU) and Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the SSA-South has been steadfastly been regarded as a part of the Mong Tai Army (MTA) that surrendered in 1996 and therefore has no right to negotiate for a separate deal.

The SSA 'South' is led by Colonel Yawdserk and Sai Yi. According to the new setup, the former will be responsible for all external affairs and the latter for all internal affairs.