Armed forces chief thanks NCA signatories for ‘constructive cooperation’
Myanmar Army Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing thanked ethnic armed groups that signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement last year for their “constructive cooperation,” while indirectly criticizing other groups. The armed forces chief alluded to NCA non-signatory groups “expanding their forces.” He urged them to eschew “dogmatism” and adopt a “peaceful” approach through “political” means. This was suggestive of the military’s ongoing distrust of certain ethnic armed groups, whose participation is key for a comprehensive and sustainable peace deal. Min Aung Hlaing was speaking in Naypyidaw on 29 June at a meeting with the Peace Process Steering Team, which represents the eight NCA signatory armed groups.
