Some political researchers proposed that Tatmadaw should sign bilateral ceasefire agreement individual ethnic armed group if it has some difficulty in declaring nationwide ceasefire agreement.
Tatmadaw announced a ceasefire statement only in five military commands, but exclusive of Rakhine State. It is one of the causes that remain deadlocked. The implementation of nationwide ceasefire agreement is of great importance in time of growing interest in the public peace and taking extensive measures of peace talk, said Dr Yan Myo Thein.
The International Peace Day Ceremony organized by Politics and Peace Work Committee of Youths Affairs Committee of Yangon Region was held at the Arts Hall of Yangon University on September 17.
“If it is difficult to announce nationwide ceasefire due to various reasons, Tatmadaw should sign bilateral ceasefire with the AA, the TNLA and the MNDAA. If so, the ceasefire process will be practical,” said Dr Yan Myo Thein.
“Ethnic affairs researcher Maung Maung Soe, executive director Ye Myo Hein of Tagaung Political Observing Group and Kyaw Swa Swe, member of board of Lawka Alin participated in the debate with the title “How we continue peace journey?” together with Dr Yan Myo Thein. Htet Min Lwin, resident rep of Forum of Federation, acted as the moderator.
The government and Tatmadaw are now discussing peace matters including bilateral ceasefire with ethnic NCA non-signatories. It is important that the doors of peace discussions should not be shut down, said Maung Maung Soe, the ethnic affairs researcher.
The government and the Tatmadaw are discussing peace matters with four armed groups of the Northern Alliance—the KIA, the TNLA, the AA and the MNDAA in Kengtung on September 17.
The doors of the peace discussions must be always kept open. If the doors of peace talks is open, any problem can be solved, said Maung Maung Soe .
The Wa, the Mongla and the SSPP signed the bilateral ceasefire agreements with the government, but four remaining armed organizations, the government and the Tatmadaw are still negotiating to sign the bilateral ceasefire agreement.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
