The military has always given a security guarantee when it comes to political or peace talks, said Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun from Tatmadaw (Military) True News Information Team during a military press conference held in Nay Pyi Taw on July 25. 

He was referring to pending political talks between the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) and the Northern Alliance formed with three ethnic armed groups. 

It is up to the NRPC to take charge of implementing Myanmar’s peace process to decide to hold talks with and inviting those armed groups. 

“Talking about security, we have already met even in Kengtung. We can give our security guarantee inside the country. But, the leading group (NPRC) will decide on holding talks and inviting the ethnic armed groups,” Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun said. 

The Northern Alliance formed with Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Arakan Army issued a statement on July 21 saying that they wish to attend the delayed Union Peace Conference when the Covid-19 outbreak is under control and under Federal Political Negotiation Consultative Committee’s leadership and a security guarantee. 

The statement points out that the attempt of the Myanmar government and military to attack the Arakan Liberation Party / Arakan Army in various ways by branding them as unlawful and terrorist organizations could harm the trust already won in the peace process.