Tatmadaw is unlikely to extend its unilateral ceasefire in five military regional commands, said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun, Secretary of the Tatmadaw True News Information Team.
The brotherhood alliance carried out attacks on the military headquarters (15) in Butheedaung on September 20 the day on which they declared the unilateral ceasefire until the end of 2019, he added.
They carried out attacks a military headquarters with heavy weapons, just a few hours after the declaration of statement. This shows their genuine desire. This is an insult to the public, the government and all those longing for peace by issuing an official statement. We are unable to show our generosity to it. There is a relatively slim chance of extending the unilateral ceasefire even though Tatmadaw’s unilateral ceasefire will end on September 21
Since December 21, 2018, the Tatmadaw declared the unilateral ceasefire in five military regional commands for eternal peace and ceasefire. The Tatmadaw formed the negotiation team to hold talks with ethnic armed groups (EAOs). The Tatmadaw extended the unilateral ceasefire from December 21 to April 30, May 1 to June 30, July 1 to August 31 and September 1 to 21.
“Section 24 (a) of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) is clear. It covers the clause pertaining to the removal of NCA signatories from the list of unlawful associations. They will not get exemption as they have not signed the NCA yet. They were unable to bring about good results citing various reasons. The Tatmadaw has made the nine-month unilateral ceasefire for negotiation as both the government and the Tatmadaw want peace. There are two targets linked to the army—the Defence Services Technological Academy (DSTA) in Pyin Oo Lwin and a battalion in Naungcho. The rest are Goketwin Bridge and drug inspection camp. They carried out attacks on these targets,” he added.
The Tatmadaw extended the unilateral ceasefire from September 1 to 21 after the meeting between the government’s NRPC and the Northern Alliance in Kengtung Township in Shan State (East) on August 31. The extension of unilateral ceasefire in five military regional commands expired on September 21.
