Mixed results from ceasefire talks

On the sidelines of the talks, military officials had a meeting with Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO). After the meeting, Lt Gen Myint Soe from the office of the commander-in-chief of the defence services issued a statement, saying a mutual trust has been gained. 

“Today’s meeting is very significant because our commander-in-chief and delegates from KIO/KIA (Kachin Independence Army) met for the first time in the history. I could say that we were able to build up considerable amount of trust and confidence between us. That’s why today’s meeting is a remarkable one. I believe that based on the trust we have gained, we could convene nationwide ceasefire agreement from today’s meeting.

“We will discuss some cases such as reducing conflicts and some matters that still need to be discussed in this meeting. What I would like to urge those attending the meeting is to be patient and work for a peaceful solution,” he added.

“In the beginning of the meeting, we will discuss on how to reduce conflicts. Both sides know that there are still many difficulties and clashes we didn’t anticipated. By positive discussions, we will find the solutions. After that, we hope we can agree to a nationwide ceasefire,” said Maj-Gen Gwan Maw.

“The meeting also coincides with clashes between the government forces and the ethnic armed forces in northern Myanmar. It is a good prospect that the KIO is meeting the government in such a time and if the trust could build up between them, it will support the nationwide ceasefire agreement,” said Naing Hantha, leader of Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT), the coalition of 16 armed ethnic groups.

Both the government-sponsored Union Peace Working Committee (UPWC) and NCCT made effort to get the ultimate agreement.

Minister Aung Min, the Lower House MP Thein Zaw, and Lt-Gen Myint Soe attended the meeting as representatives of the UPWC. The NCCT leader Naing Han Thar, Pado Saw Kwal Htoo Win and Gen Gwan Maw gave speech as the NCCT representatives. 

Minister Aung Min said that the government is implementing three main visions including handing over the ceasefire and peace process to the next government, building a strong ceasefire accord, and holding the peace talk. 

He continued that it is important to form a joint committee to monitor the ceasefire.

The ceasefire meeting had been suspended for six months since September 2014. During the period, many armed clashes happened in different places which affected the internal peace process. 

NCCT’s Naing Han Thar said that those situation needs to be controlled and the country’s politics needs to be solved by means of political talks. Otherwise, trust will be broken between the two groups. Therefore, the UPWC and the NCCT are responsible for that. 

He continued “The issue will be complicated if trust is broken between the two groups. Therefore, I urge all to give full support to the NCA.”

Aside from conflicts with KIA, the government is now engaged with fighting with Kokang rebels in the northern Shan State. Global New Light of Myanmar has produced daily reports of casualties.