Clashes reflect mutual failure to respect agreements: KIO
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Renewed fighting between the Myanmar army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has intensified because both sides have not respected previous peace agreements.
Swan Lut Gam, who was leading the KIO delegation, made the comment at the opening of the third round of peace talks with the government on May 13.
“After reviewing I know that both sides still have weaknesses in mutual belief, respect and understanding. Intensifying clashes can worsen the situation in the region, thereby contributing to delays, difficulties and unnecessary problems during our peace process in which we are seeking a solution through political dialogue,” said Swan Lut Gam.
The KIO offered to meet again with the government’s Union Peace Working Committee (UPWC) to prevent further clashes.
Minister Aung Min and UPWC vice chairman, however, argued that clashes resumed because both sides had not specified areas under their control.
“With no specified controlled areas, troops from both sides usually fight when they conduct movements. Minor problems turn into bigger ones when we fail to solve them effectively,” said Aung Min, who is a minister for the president’s office.
Aung Min also stressed the need to adopt a mechanism to prevent the conflict from escalating and that both sides must abide by their agreements.
During the meeting they agreed to establish a joint monitoring group for conflict prevention as a pilot project, in which both sides were responsible to implement.
Aung Min said they had been agreed to launch other pilot projects for resettlement of internally displaced people while efforts were underway to ensure that roads are open for public use.
“Today’s meeting aims to implement the conditions we have earlier agreed to and that will reduce conflict. It is also important to agree to a ceasefire between the government and KIO. It is difficult to achieve a ceasefire agreement as we lack mutual trust. Without a ceasefire, we will face challenges to building trust,” Aung Min said.
The latest meeting took place to review the clashes that broke out in mid April and to monitor whether the previous conditions agreed in the previous talks were followed.
The first two rounds of talks last year adopted a seven-point agreement but most points have yet to be implemented.
Several high-ranking commanders from the Myanmar army failed to attend the May 13 peace talk. Lt. General Myint Soe and other higher ranking officers from Defence Services Office were not present at the meeting.
The general was represented by the Tatmadaw’s northern commander, General Tun Tun Naung and Colonel Than Aung, together with the security affairs minister for Kachin State. Minister Aung Min and Thein Zaw, representing the government’s Union Peace Working Committee, also attended.
The KIO delegation was led by Hswan Lut Gan from the KIO and Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Guan Maw. The Myikyina meeting also included representatives from other ethnic armed groups, Wang Ying Fan, the Chinese Special Envoy for Asia Affairs and Mariann Hagen, special advisor to the UN Secretary-General.
Unconfirmed reports said that Lt.General Myint Soe arrived at Myitkyina but did not attend the meeting.
“We don’t know why he did not show up,” said Hla Maung Shwe, of the Myanmar Peace Centre.
Earlier, KIA Major General Guan Maw did not attend a meeting held at Shwe Li before the Myikyina gathering.
It was reported that when learning about that, Lt General Myint Soe cancelled the meeting at the last minute.
