Network Media Group / BNI Online | July 24, 2018

The government’s Peace Commission held informal meetings with the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) in Chiang Mai, Thailand on July 20 to build trust and find a solution within the NCA path to reduce the conflicts.

The Peace Commission met with the KIO in the morning and the RCSS/SSA in the afternoon.

A source close to the leaders of the ethnic armed organizations told Network Media Group on July 19 that they were likely to focus on reducing the military conflicts in the region.

“They don’t want clashes to take place anymore. That’s for sure, but

[the Tatmadaw] has been frequently clashing with the RCSS and fresh fighting has erupted with the KIA (Kachin Independence Army). That’s why I estimate that they will discuss these issues,” the source said.

The KIO chair Gen N’Ban La, Dr La Ja, and Maj La Awng from the KIO attended the meeting.

The Peace Commission’s secretary U Khin Zaw Oo, a former military general, was accompanies by Maj-Gen Than Htut Thein, the deputy chief of Military Affairs Security, U Zaw Htay, and U Hla Maung Shwe.

The RCSS/SSA’s chair Gen Yawd Serk, Col Sai Ngan, and political adviser Sao Khun Say attended from the RCSS/SSA’s side.

No decision has been set down as they were only informal dialogues.

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This article originally appeared on BNI, July 24, 2018.

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