Both the Union Peacemaking Work and Committee (UPWC) led by U Aung Min and the Restoration Council of Shan State / Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) led by Sao Yawd Serk had agreed yesterday that the key to the sustainability of ceasefire between the two sides is the people’s active participation, said the RCSS/SSA leader.

The two sides had also discussed the yet-to-be implemented agreements on local ceasefire monitoring (signed 19 May 2012) and cooperation against drugs (signed 19 May 2012 and 28 October 2012). “U Aung Min said there were some hurdles he had to clear,” recounted Lt-Gen Yawd Serk. “Now that they are cleared, he expected to start the ball rolling soon.”

The RCSS/SSA president also lodged a complaint with him on the continued clashes between the two sides. “At first, we thought the junior commanders were launching operations on their own initiative,” he told U Aung Min. “But we later found out that they in fact did not want to fight, but were forced against their will to do so by commanders.”

“Whether there is trust or not is not up to us, but to you (the government),” he added later.

Other issues discussed reportedly included joint economic development programs and the reactivation of long-dismantled non-Burman military units. President Thein Sein was said to have served with the First Shan Rifles established right after Independence.

“U Aung Min also invited me to tomorrow’s meeting with the UNFC (United Nationalities Federal Council),” he said. “But I replied it wouldn’t be appropriate as the RCSS/SSA is not one of its members.”

The UPWC is due to meet the UNFC delegation led by Nai Hong Sa, New Mon State Party (NMSP); and Dr Laja, Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) today.

The venue will be at Holiday Inn Hotel. It will be a closed door meeting. No press conference is expected to be held unless there is a major breakthrough, according to a participant.