KIO and Government: Peace Talk in Shweli

Burmese authorities and Kachin Independence Organization(KIO) agreed on Tuesday to deescalate tensions and forge ahead with peace talks aimed at reaching a “firm ceasefire,” in an advancement in efforts to end their long-running conflict.

Top military representatives from both sides involved in the fighting that broke out anew in 2011 joined in peace talks held Monday and Tuesday in the Chinese border town of Ruili, the second round of meetings held since fighting eased in late January.

A joint statement issued on Tuesday said they had agreed to make efforts for a strong ceasefire, to open coordination offices, and to hold another round of talks before April 10 this year.
Unofficial translation

Joint Statement of the Ruili Peace Talk 11-12 March 2013

1.      The Government Representatives led by the vice chairman of the Union Peace Implementation Committee and the Union Minister U Awng Min to which the Lieutenant General Myint Soe is a member and the KIO representatives led by U Sumlut Gam met at the town of Ruili, Peoples Republic of China on March 11 and 12, 2013.

2.      The meeting was also attended by four representatives of the Union Nationalities Federal Council, two representatives each from SSPP, RCSS, NDAA, four representatives from Peace Talk Creation Group (PCG), The Ambassador Mr. Wang Zongying and other two of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRC as the observers.

3.      The representatives of two sides had a frank discussion and reached the following agreements.

1. To be able to start the Political Settlement, both sides agreed to proceed the durable ceasefire based on the mutual understanding, respect and trust.
2. The arm conflicts have been reduced significantly as the result of the meeting on 4th February 2013, both sides shall continue to discuss the positions of the troops in the conflict zones. It was agreed that the both sides shall make sure that the Formal orders are reached to the ground troops.
3. To monitor the military frontlines and for closer collaboration, the Conflict Supervision Posts will be established by the agreement of both sides.
4. It was agreed to continue the implementation of the agreements reached on the 4th February 2013 and 11th and 12th March 2013.
5. It was agreed to conduct the next meeting before 10th April 2013.

4.     The necessary steps shall be taken to reach to the eventual National Level Political settlement.