After negotiations between the Burmese government and ethnic armed groups comprising the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Karen National Union (KNU), Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and Chin National Front (CNF) on 19 November, the Burmese government and the CNF have decided to conduct peace talks in Hakha, the capital of Chin state sometime during January 2012.
Following talks between the Restoration Council of the Shan State (RCSS) and Burmese government delegates, the armed ethnic groups met on the Thai-Burma border. Mr. Zing Cung, President of CNF and Mr. Sui Khar, Secretary of the Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC) and the Joint General Secretary of the CNF attended.
Mr. Aung Min, Railway Minister and his advisors Dr. Tin Maung Htan and Dr. Kyaw Yin Shwe, attended as Burmese government delegates. The ENC, based in Thailand, conducted the negotiations.
During the meeting, Mr. Aung Min said that the new Burmese government wanted stability and peace in Burma. He noted that the National League for Democracy had registered to compete in future Burma elections and thus the government wanted to invite the CNF to peace talks.
“We want stability for Burma’s future political process and we want to step up on this. This is our standpoint. We are ready for peace talks early next year,” said Paul Sitha, General Secretary of the CNF.
The Chin National Front and the former State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) had previously held negotiations in Falam, Chin state, near the Indo-Burma border in 2007 but nothing came of it.
“The ethnic nationalities were part of the Union of Burma building process, so they will not split from the country. The new Burmese President should appoint an adviser for ethnic affairs to enable better discussion of union and ethnic issues. Mr. Aung Min himself should emphasize stability and forward the peace process in Burma,” said the president of the CNF.
The CNF president added that the government should embark upon public consultations before the peace talks with the CNF begin.
Next year, the government and CNF will discuss opening a legal licensing office for the CNF and work towards mutual understanding on travel by both sides’ forces, and other ceasefire issues. The meeting date is to be fixed soon.
Chin State Government delegations and central government observers will also participate in the peace talks next year. The CNF will call an emergency meeting on this issue. Khonumthung news
