Representatives from both the government’s Union Peace-making Work Committee and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) told Mizzima on 21 October that peace talks between the two parties will resume on 3 November.
“Afterthe ethnic armed groups summit meeting in Laizaconcludes, KIO and government leaders will reconvene in Myitkyina,” said Hla Maung Shwe, a spokesperson from the Myanmar Peace Centre (MPC).
In the meantime, technical teams from both sides are in the process of drafting aceasefire, which will be presented at the meeting.
“We are working mainly to get the ceasefire signed, and, because some ethnic leaders will alsobe taking part in this meeting, we hope that they will draft their own ceasefire as well,” Hla Maung Shwe added. “We hope to negotiate two ceasefires at this November meeting.”
The government and the KIO have establisheda five-point ceasefire agreement that includes detailed strategies to de-escalate regional violence and to assist refugees and displaced persons.
The Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and government delegates will also be meeting in Loikaw, Kayah State, on 22 October to continue their own unfinished discussions of military affairs and a nationwide ceasefire.
The government and the KNPP have held one state-level meeting and two union-level meetings but have yet to sign any formal agreement.