“Wa” group and political framework discussions underway, says interim government

The interim government, which is conducting airstrikes across the country, has announced that it held two days of discussions with the non-confrontational “Wa” National Unity Party (UWSP) in Naypyidaw to achieve a political framework, through its propaganda newspapers. The National Unity and Peace Consolidation Committee (NSPNC) of the interim government held its second meeting with top leaders of the UWSP from August 3 to August 4. This meeting followed a visit to Panghsang on June 18 for discussions with the UWSP, and detailed discussions are underway to achieve a better political framework, said NSPNC Chairman Lt. Gen. Yan Pyay. The interim government stated that it will proceed in accordance with the provisions of the 2008 constitution, which the UWSP drafted, ratified, and enacted, regarding the political aspirations of the UWSP, and that discussions are being held based on cooperation. The interim government, which has transitioned from a military junta, is intensifying airstrikes on defeated regions, while at the same time engaging in contact and dialogue with Ethnic Armed Organizations (EROs), including the UWSP, under the pretext of peace. The “Wa” group (UWSP) is the leader of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), which is formed by the Northern Alliance groups that have not signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), but it is in contact with the interim government without any clashes. According to the interim government's press release, UWSP Vice Chairman U Kyauk Kaw Ann stated that they will support the peace process and combat drug trafficking and online scams during the current meeting. Furthermore, it was reported that the UWSP Vice Chairman congratulated Army Commander Min Aung Hlaing again on becoming the interim president and added that they are cooperating in a practical manner while adhering to the principle of preserving the unity of the Union. The Irrawaddy Times is still attempting to contact U Nyi Hlaing, the liaison officer of the UWSP's Lashio office, to ascertain the main issues discussed during the two-day meeting in relation to the interim government's announcement. Photo – MOI