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Negotiators of Myanmar government and the ethnic Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) on Tuesday issued a joint statement after a renewedpeace talks in Myitgyina, capital of the Kachin state, agreeing to set up a conflict mediation teamas part of the first phase of implementing the joint monitoring mechanism agreed in October 2013.
The statement said Tuesday's talks covered the incidents which took place in May and October2013 and focused on avoidance of incidents that can hinder ongoing peace process and upholding the realization of the peace process as well as mistaken reports of media that disrupted mutual understanding.
The two sides also agreed to make coordination for holding the next talks.
The government's negotiating teamwas headed by Vice Chairman of the Central Peace Making Work CommitteeU Aung Min, while the KIO side was led by U Swan Lut Gam.
With the absence of the military's main negotiator Lieutenant- General Myint Soe, the peace talks was attended by Mariann Hagen of the Office of UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Myanmar, Chinese Special Envoy on Asian Affairs Wang Yingfan, representatives ofNational Cease-fire Coordination Team (NCCT), United NationalitiesFederation Council (UNFC) and others ethnic armed groups as observers.
U Aung Min stressed the need to take a simultaneous action to sign nationwide ceasefire agreement and peace process between the government and KIO.
He proposed a mechanism for finding solution to the problem before going to a higher degree, urging both side to follow and implement the already-achieved agreements including an agreement to establish a joint monitoring committee.
He called on both sides to protect the civilian population in Kachin state, emphasizing the need to start a pilot project for resettlement of internal displaced people and reopening of roads.
KIO negotiator U Sum Hlut Gam blamed the escalation of the clashes for being weak for both sides to follow the agreement reached earlier.
Representative of NCCT Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Winsaid the talks would contribute to the national cease-fire talks.
On April 4 and 13, the government forces launched a mopping-up operation in three main areas inKachin state against the KIO, resulting in some casualties from both sides.
The April clashescame afterthe government'sPeace-Making Work Committee and ethnic armed groups' National Cease-fire Coordination Teammet in Yangon earlier in the monthfor talks to coordinate for jointly drafting a single text document for the nationwide cease-fire proposal.
On April 8 ceasefire talks in Yangon, Myanmar government and ethnic armed groups agreed on the first draft nationwide ceasefire agreementto be presented for further discussion in details in the next talks.
