The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA) said they could not accept a political dialogue that did not involve all stakeholders and wanted all parties involved to work together, according to a statement.

RCSS welcomed the invitation of the Military Council leader for political dialogue if it is aimed at resolving the current general political crisis and pursuing a federal union, according to a statement issued by RCSS’s third council congress on January 18.

But the RCSS spokesman Major Kham San said the statement did not mean that they would unilaterally go and hold discussions with the Myanmar Military Council.

"We have been fighting for more than 70 years and so far we have not been able to solve the problems. So, I believe we need to find a solution through political dialogue. However, there should not be a desire for political gain. All stakeholders and all parties must be involved. We have said that if we meet, but we have not said that we will meet,” he added.

The RCSS calls for all parties including the National Unity Government (NUG) to resolve the political crisis in Myanmar, he said. Currently, heavy fighting is taking place in Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Mongkaing in northern Shan State, with thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing.

The RCSS held its third council congress on January 16 and 17 at its headquarters in Loi Tai Lian, and issued an eight-point statement.