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Myanmar

KNU, KIO discuss participation in nationwide peace process

Kayin National Union (KNU) delegations and the Kachine Independence Orginisation (KIO) discussed the current political situation and the status of peace yesterday morning at KIO headquarters in Kachin State.

The discussion included finding a way to be inclusive of all groups in political dialogues, in accordance with commitments in the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

Yesterday’s main objectives were to continuously cooperate for peace and to find out how to establish common ground between the two because there were disagreements over signing the NCA, said Saw Mutu Say Poe, Chairman of KNU.

“We want a big group like KIO to participate in political dialogues. Which is why we are still in touch with KIO and share peace-related information among the Kachin and Kayin people which we believe can support the peace process,” he said. After discussions, the two groups made an announcement.

“We will change the view for peace, finding what would be a common agreement through meeting among groups who did not sign yet, Tatmataw and government. We aim to do better for improvement. What we importantly see is that the public will get benefit without disagreement, although they had decided for signing on NCA based on their situation and its people. We deeply say all-inclusive political dialogues will bring sustainable peace,” he said.

In the co-announcement, peacefully finding a solution in accordance with the commitment of a ceasefire, and all armed groups not being regarded as terrorist, being as groups who are trying to get peace nationwide, urging them to work till peace is attained, KNU and KIO co finding a solution are included.

The meeting were attended by KNU Chairman and delegations, KIO central committee and two consultants of Shan state rebuilding council RCSS and SSA.