In not so surprising news, the government wants to polish off a ceasefire deal with ethnic rebel groups before the election on November 8.
Minister Aung Min, vice-president of the government-backed Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC), said during a round of negotiations on Wednesday at the Myanmar Peace Center in Yangon that time is of the essence, otherwise a new government – should there be one – will have to shoulder the responsibility.
“The election campaign will start at the first week of September,” he said, according to Radio Free Asia Burmese.
“That’s why, if we can’t get the strong agreements on the national ceasefire [soon], it will depend on the next government to discuss about the ceasefire. It will be new at that time. I expect that we can negotiate until we can sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement because both sides are trying.”
Although more than a dozen groups are taking part in the talks, which have lasted more than a year and could end about a half century of fighting, there are still holdouts not involved in the process. There are also ongoing clashes between the military and rebel factions.
A special representative for the ethnic groups said she hopes they all sign the agreement, but realities on the ground are complicating any resolution.
“Battles are still happening in Karen, Shan and Kachin states for several reasons, all while we are meeting for the discussion of the ceasefire agreement. That’s why we are worrying so much.”
Photo / Facebook / Myanmar Peace Center
