According to the RCSS/SSA-S the meeting, between three representatives from each organisation, took place in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand on 15 December.

Lt. Col. Sai Nguen, an RCSS/SSA-S representative, told SHAN that three issues were raised during the talks.

He said: “Firstly, we discussed how we could work together in the political arena in the future, secondly, we discussed long lasting ethnic unity and finally we discussed the recent fighting between the RCSS/SSA-A and the TNLA/PSLF.”

Tension between RCSS/SSA-S and TNLA/PSLF heightened in Shan State on 27 November just over a month after the RCSS/SSA-S signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with the government. The TNLA argues that this agreement has effectively allied the RCSS/SSA-S with the Burma Army.

The TNLA/PSLF is among the six ethnic armed groups that were excluded by the government from signing the NCA.

At the meeting representing the UNFC, a  coalition of ethnic armed organisations, were Military chief general Bee Htu from the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), U Htun Zaw from the Arakan National Council (ANC) and Naing Shwe Thein from the New Mon State Party (NMSP). Representing the  RCSS/SSA-S were Lieutenant General Yawd Serk, Lieutenant Colonel Sai Nguen and Lieutenant Colonel. Sai Muang. No TNLA representatives attended the discussions.

Lt. Col. Sai Nguen said: “We agreed that we will solve the problem by peaceful means. The UNFC will report what we have discussed with them.

“In the near future, both sides will hold a meeting again in order to find a solution. The RCSS, has always thought of the TNLA as an ally, in the past we never had any problems or fought each other. We have never thought of the TNLA as our enemy.”

SHAN was unable to contact the TNLA/PSLF at the time of reporting.

By SAI AW / Shan Herald Agency for News (S.H.A.N)
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI