Peace efforts could be exerted only if the Arakan Army (AA) changes its attitude and activities at a time when the government, military and the people are pursuing democracy and federalism, which contradicts the way AA currently operates, said Major General Soe Naing Oo, chairman of Tatmadaw (Military) True News Information Team.

The remark came in response to the question by a journalist during the press conference held by the Myanmar military at the Defence Services Museum in Nay Pyi Taw on January 18.

The RFA reporter asked if the army would seek political means, not military means, if the AA offers peace talks as the nationwide ceasefire agreement paves the way for peace.

"This will be considered depending on the AA's activities. They talk about confederation. The government, military and people alike are marching towards democracy and a federal union, not confederation. Their concept and activities are totally different from those of ours. Only if they can change their attitude, can we continue to exert peace efforts," said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.

Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said whether there would be a dialogue with the AA through political means depended on the AA itself adding that the military had made a peace pledge by 2020 in its statement.

Vice chairman of the information team Major General Tun Tun Nyi said when it comes to the peace for Rakhine State, emphases is placed on only the danger of ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) as the AA is mainly based in Laiza of Kachin State. He added that all the peace  situations are related to the regions mentioned in the recently issued statement, excluding Rakhine State.