Kristian Gould from PACRIM Associates - a marketing consultancy that serves as a bridge between clients, government and industry - is working to mediate between the Myanmar government and opposition groups to improve the success of the peace discussions.
According to a Karenni representative who attended a recent meeting, Gould provided United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) valuable suggestions on how to conduct discussions with the government.
“She’s observing discussions between the Myanmar government and ethnic armed groups. Gould contacted us, and the government, to provide advice for future peace discussion with the government so it will be more effective.”
PACRIM Associates said, in order to work towards peace in Myanmar, a mediator who can effectively communicate between the government and the ethnic opposition groups is necessary. Seven representatives from UNFC attended a consultation meeting from October 5-7. During the meeting Gould reviewed the government’s Union Level Peacemaking Agenda, which highlights eight-points, and also the Six-Point Ethnic Peace Road Map, drawn up at the Panglong Conference in Chiang Mai, last September.
Gould suggested the government is using propaganda and the media to strengthen their negotiating position. She also said ethnic groups were guilty of presenting one-sided views to the media. Gould told the UNFC the government will probably not accept the fourth point in the Six-Point Ethnic Peace Road Map, which requires that a national conference with all ethnicities, including representatives from all ethnic armed groups, political parties, women and youth organizations, be held.
Representative, Ta-Aie, also believes the government will not accept the fourth point.
“They are afraid to have a meeting where all ethnic groups are allowed to attend because they will be outnumbered, and this frightens them - it means they will no longer be in control.”
Gould intends to meet with the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) and the government soon.
