Nyaunglebin, Myanmar -February 28, 2015.  Charles Maung Bo, Myanmar’s first Roman Catholic Cardinal, has called on the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) and armed groups to meet for negotiations to end their ongoing armed conflicts.

He urged the Tatmadaw to begin negotiations with armed groups including the KIA and Kokang renegade group, saying it is important to meet face-to-face to end armed conflicts in the country.

“People suffer from wars. The Tatmadaw, considering itself as parents, should lead negotiations,” said Bo during an interview at a Catholic church in Nyaunglebin town where the 113th annual National Marian Pilgrimage is being celebrated.

At his first meeting as a cardinal with more than 50,000 people from the Roman Catholic community from different parts of Myanmar during the celebration of the pilgrimage, he has also reaffirmed his commitment to work towards peace and reconciliation between different religious groups in Myanmar.

He has become a voice of not only for Myanmar’s Catholic community but  also for the peoples  of the  country including those with no voice and will work for building a more friendly relationship between leaders of different religions and for reduction of conflicts based on religions, Bo said.

He will also work for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the Vatican.