Myanmar: Ceasefire talks between gov’t and armed rebel groups collapse

Ceasefire talks between the Myanmar government and armed ethnic rebel groups in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, have collapsed after the government declined three factions to join the deal.

Rebel soldiers of Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) (Source: Reuters)

Ceasefire talks between the Myanmar government and armed ethnic rebel groups in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, have collapsed after the government declined three factions in the Kobang border area to join the deal.

Ten out of 18 armed groups have refused to sign the ceasefire agreement, calling it “a final decision”.

The talks began four years ago following an initiative by Myanmar President U Thein Sein’s government but little progress has been made since then.

The failure of the talks may end the attempt of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party of Myanmar to reach a peace deal ahead the country’s general elections on November 8.-VNA

VNA