Myanmars Military Government Rebuffs Peace Talks Offer

Myanmar’s Military-Backed Government Extends Peace Talks Invitation to Rebel Groups

The Myanmar military-backed government has extended an invitation to rebel groups to participate in peace talks, despite initial rejections from two key opposition armed groups. According to state media, President Min Aung Hlaing announced that rebel groups not yet engaged in ceasefire discussions should join talks within 100 days, with a final deadline of July 31.

Min Aung Hlaing stated that the government invites all relevant parties to participate in negotiations by the specified deadline. The Karen National Union and Chin National Front have already declined the offer, citing their withdrawal from previous agreements following the 2021 coup.

Chin National Front spokesman Salai Htet Ni expressed his group’s desire for a federal democratic system free of military influence. He stated that the group is fighting a “military-political battle” and therefore has no interest in discussing with those who currently claim to be an administration.

The government’s invitation comes after Min Aung Hlaing was elected as president earlier this month, following a parliamentary election described by critics as a sham. The new administration has only been recognized by a few countries.

The National Unity Government, the main opposition group coordinating against military rule, has expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions. “We already understood that the military’s fake invitations are aimed at prolonging people’s subjugation under military rule,” said Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the National Unity Government.

The 2021 coup led to an intensification of armed resistance in Myanmar, with pro-democracy activists joining ethnic armed groups battling for greater autonomy. The military government had previously held peace talks with ethnic minority leaders starting in 2022, but with limited success.

Source: Al Jazeera