RCSS and SSPP leaders discuss avoiding confrontation at their meeting
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Htet Nadi/Thuta Kyaw (NP News) - March 7
A source with knowledge of the matter told The Statesman that the discussions between top leaders of the RCSS/SSA and SSPP/SSA in Kunhing Township, Shan State, included the issue of avoiding confrontation.
This meeting, which was led by RCSS/SSA Chairman General Yawd Serk, and SSPP/SSA Vice Chairman (3) Lt. Gen. Say Paing Pha, took place on March 2, but has only recently been widely reported.
"Agreements were made," the source said. When asked by The Statesman about the details of the deal, he said he could not yet release the details.
He also said that due to the circumstances on both sides, there is no possibility of an official release of the points discussed.
"Basically, it's a situation where the two sides can avoid confrontation. It's a mutual exchange of information. It's not an appropriate time to make an official announcement. It will be announced soon," he said on March 6, as of this writing.
A video of the meeting emerged, in which General Yawd Serk said that Shan State was also inhabited by other ethnic groups in the region, and that it had been peaceful in the past.
He also said a phrase that means, "Why are we fighting among ourselves now? There are people behind the scenes who are instigating."
The RCSS is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), and while there was previously military tension between the RCSS and the SSPP, this is now easing. –