The situation in peace process may be changed if the armed conflicts between army and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arakan Army (AA) still occur while the negotiation between government and four armed groups of northern allies cannot be made, said Lamai Khun Jar from Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG).

The meeting between government and four armed groups of northern allies is stalled due to COVID-19 pandemic and fighting between government troops and Arakan Army (AA) intensified in northern Rakhine State and Paletwa. The army and TNLA also clashed in northern Shan State frequently.

Although the government proposed the four armed groups via the PCG to resume the meeting through online video conferencing system, the four armed groups didn’t make a response yet, he said.

“I don’t know about their difficulties to use online video conferencing. If the negotiation is stalled, it may change the situation. I think the meeting via online video conferencing will be better as we cannot meet in person right now,” he said.

The last meeting between government and four armed groups was held at Kengtong, eastern Shan State and both sides agreed to meet during February in that meeting, he said.

Zaw Htay, Spokesperson of President Office and Director General of State Counsellor Office made an online press conference on May 30 and he said the government offered the four armed groups to resume the meeting but their response is not satisfactory.

“The four armed groups didn’t say it in details. They said they want to hold the meeting in Kengtong and Myitkyina and we informed the government about it. They haven’t made a reply about the online video conferencing yet,” he said.