Myanmar's ruling party has invited some ethnic armed groups to participate in preliminary peace talks

[ASEAN NOW Content Team]

 

On Sunday, the Myanmar junta issued an invitation to ethnic armed organisations (EAOs), except those it has designated as "terrorist groups," to participate in preliminary peace negotiations on Union Day, which falls on Saturday.

The offer comes as the country tries to regain control a year after the coup and faces increased battles with civilian resistance forces and ethnic armed groups aligned with them across the country.

 

The junta claimed in its Sunday declaration that securing sustainable peace for the entire country was a policy that formed part of its plan. The junta is infamous for its violent assassinations, shelling, air strikes, and atrocities against people, including in ethnic states.

"In order to tackle the political difficulties [that have existed] in consecutive eras," the government noted in the announcement, "it is vital to focus on permanent peace by seeking a solution in negotiations in accordance with democratic standards."

 

It went on to say that, with the exception of terrorist organisations, it had invited not only ethnic armed organisations that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), but also non-NCA signatories to the Diamond Jubilee Union Day ceremony and the pre-coordination meeting on "perpetual peace talks."

The junta has designated the National Unity Government (NUG), its parliamentary body, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), and its armed component, the People's Defense Force, as terrorist organisations.

 

"The dictatorship has already transgressed against the NCA...
"We have nothing to discuss with the military since it is the principal opponent and destroyer of peace," said Padoh Saw Taw Nee, chief of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Karen National Union, one of Myanmar's major ethnic armed groups and an NCA signatory.

"That is why, first, we are trying to destroy the military dictatorship, which is the strong demand of the people, and second, we are striving to construct a federal democracy," he continued.