Htet Nadi/Thant Zin (NP News) – November 15
A veteran politician told The Statesman Journal that Thailand's mediation between the KNU, KNPP, and the government could help advance the peace process.
He said that it is understood that the NSPNC is not only following the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) path for peace in Myanmar, but is also meeting with non-NCA-signing organizations and partner organizations as part of the NCA plus.
“There are both formal and informal meetings. The KNU is one of those groups that meet like this. That is why the carrot and stick strategy is used all over the world, where one side gives the carrot and the other holds the stick. There are peace talks while this is happening. For example, look at Iran vs. the United States and Ukraine vs. Russia. It is the same in Myanmar. That is why I see this as just another part of the work that we do,” he said.
In addition, foreign forces are also intervening in peace negotiations, and just a few days ago, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said after his visit to Myanmar that he was ready to help facilitate talks between ethnic armed organizations such as the KNU and KNPP and the government.
“I urged further progress on issues of concern to Thailand and the international community, particularly in advancing the peace process and dialogue with ethnic opposition organizations. I also emphasized our readiness to facilitate dialogue between the Myanmar government and ethnic organizations along the Thai border, particularly groups such as the KNU and KNPP, to help bring the two sides to the negotiating table,” the Thai Foreign Minister said.
Therefore, the veteran politician said that if Thailand can mediate and negotiate for peace in Myanmar, it could lead to a peace process.
“Peace is not something you can simply desire today and achieve tomorrow. It requires patience. The mediator must listen carefully to what both sides have to say, keeping each side's concerns in mind, and ensure that negotiations are conducted properly and effectively from a neutral position. If this can be done, progress towards peace can be made step by step,” he said. –
