Myanmar: Govt holds fresh talks with Kachin rebels

 

 

  Myanmar to  resolve a festering ethnic conflict, undermined reforms, Myanmar’s government on Monday met Kachin rebels for renewed peace talks in China, an analyst said.

Representatives of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) — and its armed wing the KIA — met government officials led by President’s Office Minister Aung Min in the Chinese border town of Ruili.

“I think this meeting may be a little more productive than the previous one (in February) although we cannot expect too much,” said Aung Kyaw Zaw, an analyst with close ties to the KIO who was monitoring the talks in Ruili.

“Myanmar troops are not retreating from Kachin State yet,” he said, adding Chinese officials and members from some of Myanmar’s other ethnic groups were also present for the talks.

A dozen rounds of talks between the government and the Kachin since 2011 have faltered with fighting continuing to claim lives on both sides and rights groups accusing Myanmar’s army of a catalogue of abuses.

But analysts said a new round in February, followed up by Monday’s discussions, were a positive development after an upsurge in fighting.

The government in January announced a unilateral ceasefire with the Kachin after fighting intensified, but battles continued with the government army capturing a key outpost as it edged closer to the rebels’ headquarters near the Chinese border in the far north.

The Kachin, who are fighting for greater autonomy, say any negotiations should also address their demands for more political rights.