Govt fails to sign ceasefire accord with KIO despite peace talks

Govt fails to sign ceasefire accord with KIO despite peace talks

Published on Saturday, 12 October 2013 19:20

Dignitaries exchange documents on a seven-point agreement during the peace talks (Photo- EMG) 

Myanmar government has failed to reach a ceasefire agreement with the armed ethnic Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) despite three days of high level peace talks that took place in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State.

Both sides however agreed on 7 points including two requested by KIO for political dialogue, as well as establishment of a Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) to prevent further clashes between them. 

The talks took place from Tuesday to Thursday, four months after the last talks in May. The discussion focused on the progress during the four months.

The first point agreed upon is to make the continued effort to invite the KIO to join the nationwide ceasefire signing the government is planning and then to enter political dialogue. 

Other agreed points are for the government to send the KIO ceasefire plans to be discussed among other ethnic armed groups conference.  

It was also agreed that the technical teams of both sides and government departments concerned are to continue coordinating for the adoption of basic principles and a plan for the return and resettlement of displaced people by choosing at least four villages to carry out a pilot project. 

The two sides also agreed to form a JMC based on an organizational structure that can cover all conflict areas as requested by the KIO while the technical teams are to take further action to adopt the basic principles.  

Another point agreed on is to coordinate as quickly as possible for reopening public and arterial roads which remain closed due to conflicts.  

Aung Min, vice-chairman of the Union Peacemaking Work Committee and minister at the President's Office, said the present talks were deemed a success during a press conference after the talks.  

"Generally, we signed a seven-point agreement, including one to prevent further clashes. We agreed to arrange resettlements for the IDPs (internally displaced persons) as a pilot project. For the formation of a joint monitoring committee, we have already agreed in principle. Now we are going into detail about it. Another point is that when we achieve peace, it should be publicized for public consultation. We can say the talks were successful," said Aung Min. 

The Kachin ethnic leaders did not sign a ceasefire accord but they had supposedly agreed to do so, added the minister. 

KIO's vice chief of staff, Major General Gwan Maw told reporters that the KIO would not sign a ceasefire agreement until there was trust.

"The reason we did not sign a ceasefire is that we have the policy. According to the experiences and lessons we have had, we will not do it until there is trust. This is our stance. We talk about political dialogue before ceasefire. Without ceasefire, how we can reduce clashes? In a way, we are also discussing how we can engage in political dialogue though we haven't signed a ceasefire agreement," said Gwan Maw.   

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/12/govt-fails-to-sign-ceasefire-accord-with-kio-despite-peace-talks/