Peace talks planned in Yangon

 

This followed a crucial meeting during May 1-3 hosted by the United Wa State Party/United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Panghsan, Shan State, which is home to its headquarters.

At the talks on Saturday, Aung Min, Union Peacemaking Works Committee (UPWC) vice-chairman, will explain the peace process and efforts to complete a nationwide ceasefire deal between the government and the armed ethnic groups, the sources say. The UPWC represents the government in peace talks.

Leaders of the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS)/Shan State Army (SSA) will attend the talks, the sources say. Both the KNU and RCSS were among armed ethnic groups invited to a peace-building summit last weekend hosted by the United Wa State Army in Panghsang in Shan State.

"As far as I know, the invitation by the KNU and the RCSS to the talks is under the theme of national reconciliation and peace talks," said Hla Maung Shwe from Myanmar Peace Center, a government-linked organisation helping facilitate the peace process.

"It includes the KNU, the RCSS and national races affairs ministers. As far as I understand, it will be a preparation for future political talks."

Ethnic group leaders are currently analysing a draft nationwide ceasefire accord that was agreed upon earlier this year by organisations representing the government and armed ethnic groups. 

During May 1-3, leaders from the 12 ethnic armies and the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT), which speaks for the armed ethnic groups in ceasefire talks gathered in Panghsan. They discussed the country’s current political situation and peace efforts, and the summit was held as the ethnic leaders evaluate a draft nationwide ceasefire deal.

Those in attendance at the summit came to an understanding that the ongoing conflicts that have plagued Myanmar for more than six decades are the result of political differences between the various ethnic groups and Myanmar's government and can be resolved through political means.

Meanwhile, Wa's demand for an independent state received support from some representatives of the ethnic armed forces during the summit.

The Chinese-speaking Wa Special Region 2 is located in Northern Shan State and uses the Chinese currency renminbi. It has a population estimated at more than half a million. The region, which is run by the UWSA, declared independence from what was then called Burma and now Myanmar in April 1989, but the country's national government has never recognized the demand.