FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Political dialogue to be discussed after ceasefire

Political dialogue to be discussed after ceasefire

Minister Aung Min, vice-chairman of the government's Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC), has urged ethnic armed groups to move ahead with a ceasefire agreement and promised political dialogue after that is achieved.

 
After the meeting with Kachin Independence Organisation where they discussed how to end recent clashes and the return of displaced families, the minister confirmed that the president has paved the way to hold political dialogue with ethnic armed groups on all matters, with the exception of anything relating to secession or sovereignty.
“We already agreed on the political dialogue that will be initiated within 90 days after the government and NCCT has signed a nationwide ceasefire deal. This point already remained in the first draft of the single text. No need to ask us whether we will hold political dialogue,” said Aung Min.
He said the focus should not be placed on delays of the ceasefire agreement, noting that the recent clashes between the Myanmar army and Kachin rebels only highlighted the imperative of moving ahead with peace talks. 
“As soon as we sign a ceasefire deal, skirmishes do not automatically come to a stop. We have many tasks left to be carried out so as to strengthen the ceasefire. Even at a time when we try for the ceasefire, it is difficult for us to stop ongoing clashes,” said Aung Min.
At the end of May the UPWC has scheduled to meet with the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) - a coalition of ethnic armed groups - to iron out the long-awaited ceasefire agreement. 
Aung Min noted that in the current situation, building mutual trust was a difficult challenge as both sides are concerned about how the ceasefire will be enforced or maintained. 
On Monday, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on Monday released 18 villagers, including two government officers, ahead of the peace talk on the following day.
Thirty-two people in Tanphae village near Myitsone were detained by the KIA on May 7.
The head of the army’s northern command sent letter to the KIA saying it would resort to force if the KIA did not release two staffers by May 6. 
Senior officers from the KIA ordered the release in line with the deadline, however there were dealys due to transport difficulties. 
 
RELATED
nationthailand