Congratulating U Htin Kyaw on becoming the President of Myanmar, the military pledged its cooperation even as it faces questions from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) members for choosing a former general for the post of vice president.
"For stability and peace, unity and development, the Tatmadaw will cooperate (with the new president) in every aspect of future processes," the Myanmar Times quoted the office of commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, as saying.
The NLD welcomed the statement and have full faith that party leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was barred by the constitution from assuming the presidency, will be able to manage power-sharing arrangements with the military.
The military holds 25 percent of seats in parliament and has three key ministers as well as the position of first vice president in U Myint Swe.
NLD leader and Nobel laureate Suu Kyi in her first public statement since her trusted long-time aide was elected president by parliament on March 15, said that she was proud of her party for its support to U Htin Kyaw, Myanmar's first non-military head of government since the 1962 military coup.
"I don't know how to properly express thanks to our people who have long peacefully supported the efforts of the NLD. I believe we can overcome all of the challenges we will have to face along with our people," the Myanmar Times quoted her as saying.
Meanwhile, NLD spokesperson U Zaw Myint Maung said that people should not be too anxious over how the government will cope with a former general despite them holding important portfolios as first vice president.
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"We have no reason to comment on the person selected by the bloc of military representatives. Our policy is that we will work together with anyone who acts for the good of the country. We need to forget the past, but we need to do better in the future," he said.
He added that at the end of the day it was Suu Kyi who is running the government even if it is headed by the president.