Army and KIA to hold separate talks

Talks between the government and the KIA over the military conflict in Kachin state restarted in Myitkyina, Kachin this week.  

“We will hold talks on military affairs. But we told them [the government side] that we prefer holding a separate meeting, which will guarantee more independence and understanding,” KIA’s vice chief Major General Guan Maw said. 

“I spoke to all delegates openly to say that we need separate talks on [military affairs]. We have had 17 years of talks over ceasefire agreements and been unable to make a decision” Gwan Maw explained. 

Lieutenant-Gen Myint Soe of the Defence Ministry has been sent by Defence Services commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to attend the Myitkyina peace talks as an army representative. 

“I am here to discuss military affairs on behalf of the commander-in-chief. If there is something to say regarding the issue, talk to me, not regional commanders, as I am worried about any blunders. It has been made known to all the representatives here that the military wants peace, Lieutenant-Gen Myint Soe said. The separate talks on military affairs will cover the recent clashes that occurred in the KIA Brigade-4-controlled area in northern Shan state, and a statement over the outcomes of the talks will be issued if necessary, said Maj-General Guan Maw.   

Meanwhile, UN special envoy Vijay Nambiar, in his role as observer at the peace talks, met separately on Wednesday with a group representing Kachin residents at the Manaw Sports Ground. 

Nambiar said he believed that Kachin residents’ various opinions on the talks would support and help accelerate the peace process between the government and the KIO. 

After meeting with Nambiar, the Kachin representatives group met with the KIO peace delegation at the Manaw Sports Ground. The KIA’s Maj-General Gwan Maw also attended the event. 

The KIO explained its political stance to the Kachin residents group and canvassed their opinions.