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Govt, Kachin rebels agree to discuss monitoring of conflict areas
Published on Tuesday, 05 February 2013 14:26
In order to ensure a prompt and effective ceasefire, the union government and Kachin Independence Organisation agreed to discuss the establishment of a surveillance system for conflict areas in the northern state of Kachin, a joint statement said yesterday.
It was issued after the first day of informal talks between the government’s union level peace-making committee and the KIO. The talks were brokered by the Chinese government and held in the Chinese border town of Ruili.
Both sides discussed the establishment of a liaison, reducing military tension and inviting observers as witnesses for the next talks, the statement said.
The Kachin Independence Army has agreed to hold another round of talks before the end of the month after coordinating it with the United Nationalities Federal Council. It has also agreed to continue political dialogue, the statement said.
The KIA’s vice chief of staff, Major General Guan Maw, Swam Lut Gam, La Phai La and three second-line officers represented the Kachin side. The union government sent five representatives, including ministers Aung Min and Ohn Myint.
The talks were also attended by Ambassador Luo Zhaohui of the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry, Karen National Union chairman General Saw Mutu Sae Poe, general secretary Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Brigadier General Sai Lu and two members of The Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army, Han Nyaung Wai and Victor Biak Lian, as witnesses.
The previous round of peace talks were arranged by the Peace-talks Creation Group, formed in Kachin State.