“If the government invites us, we will show up. As of right now, we haven’t been informed of what will actually take place there. If we have to sign the nationwide ceasefire, we will first need to review the government’s demands. Because of this, it isn’t on our agenda,” he said.

Myint went on to say the ceremony seemed to only concern the newly elected government and the 13 ethnic armed groups that have signed ceasefires after 2010, he said. Myint blamed the government for this claiming it didn’t clearly specify their strategies for achieving peace.

In late June tensions were running high between the UWSP and Buma army in southern Shan state. Leaders from both sides narrowly avoided conflict by signing a five-point agreement during a July meeting at the Triangle Region Command center in Kyaing Tong Township.

“The UWSP had stationed troops in southern Shan state for 24 years and until now the government’s army never came near,” Myint pointed out.

Whether or not the UWSP attends the upcoming national ceasefire ceremony the government will still meet with other ethnic armed groups for discussions on cooperation for the upcoming census that includes Wa state. The actual date of the meeting is yet to be confirmed.

The UWSP is the largest ethnic armed group of in Myanmar with an estimated 30,000 troops and 10,000 auxiliary members. They currently administer six townships in Wa state.