The Army had expressed their concern over recruitments made by some ethnic armed groups, which were signatories to the nationwide ceasefire agreement, in the exclusive summit between leaders of the government, parliament, army and NCA-SEAO ethnic armed groups held at Shwe San Eain Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on October 16, said Pahdo Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Vice Chairman of Karen National Union (KNU) in a press conference held at Horizon Lake View Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw after the summit.

“It is true that the army raised concerns about it. But in reality, the attack on the army will make us prevent another bloodshed. In my view, I don’t see recruitment will not need if we are trying to solve the problem. But I cannot say about it decisively,” he said.

Zaw Htay, spokesperson of President Office said the leaders have agreement on seven factors including to implement ceasefire agreement in conflict areas.

“Clashes are hapening between Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the army and other ethnic armed groups. Details will have to be negotiated. They discussed about how to avoid encounters with each other. They are also negotiated on actions that will not take effect on the peace process. The respective stakeholders need to know what the rules to follow are. Both sides will implement the facts in the agreement including ceasefire agreement,” said Zaw Htay.

Pahdo Saw Kwe Htoo Win said all stakeholders need to obey the agreements in the NCA to implement ceasefire agreement in conflict areas and all armed groups need to avoid using weapons. All concerned armed groups will continue to negotiate to have ceasefire agreement.