The Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) formed with the 10 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatories had declared a policy of no peace talks with the junta, as they all agreed not to grant recognition to the coup regime. But still some EAOs which signed the NCA, have not honoured the agreement and met the military council in Nay Pyi Taw.

The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Karen National Liberation Army /Peace Council (KNLA/PC) met with the military council on April 26th and the New Mon State Party (NMSP) on April 30th.

Here are the views of the Karen and Mon CSOs about the EAOs meeting with the military council:

Saw Alex, Spokesperson of the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN)

Their meeting with the army is a betrayal of democracy. They encourage and recognize those who are committing massive crimes and trashing our country. This is granting recognition to the junta that is committing a slaughter of the people.

It would not bring about any fruitful results to the country in term of politics and peace. It is not good for them and would not bring about any benefit to the public. I would like to urge them to stop all such meetings.

Naw Sae Sae, member of the Karen Women’s Organization

We do not recognize the military council as a government. We are working to root out it. We are forging a revolution.

I don’t understand why the EAOs continue doing the discussions with the junta over the NCA by tacitly recognizing it as a de facto government. The public and the Women’s League of Burma think that the NCA path has stalled. It is in no position to continue political dialogue and coordination. We are working for peace based on the people's demands and not for any concessions from the junta. In my view discussion with the junta is only for the sectarian advantage of their organizations.

Naing Banyar Mon, Director of the Federal Affairs and Policy Center

I think it is time for the EAOs to carefully think about the ways of how the current peace will be implemented. The implementation of the peace needs to take account of which government the EAOs will negotiate with.

The previous peace talks are clear. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi continued holding the talks based on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signed in the reign of the U Thein Sein Administration. It is questionable which government is recognized after the army seized the country’s power. The recent statement by the PPST shows that the EAOs join hands with the National Unity Government (NUG). On the other hand, some members of the PPST held talks with the military council.