Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN) / BNI Online | March 29, 2018.

Although the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army – South (RCSS/SSA-S) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have planned to meet in late March, the meeting couldn’t take place due to recent clashes, the RCSS/SSA-S’s spokesperson Lt-Col Sai Oo said.

Lt-Col Sai Oo said both sides need to negotiate in advance in order to have a fruitful meeting.

“We haven’t been able to make an appointment yet. We still need to discuss whether we can meet or not. The meeting should be a meaningful one with principal. There won’t be any changes if no action is taken after the meeting. We need to negotiate when we meet. The negotiation must be favorable for both sides. One side needs to comply with the other side’s aspiration. If both sides are unable to negotiate, it’s the same as not holding a meeting. So, we need to

[find out] the situation of both sides and do a pre-negotiation before holding the meeting,” said Lt-Col Sai Oo.

Fighting broke out between the RCSS/SSA-S and the TNLA in Nar Hseng Group in Namtu Township in mid-March.

At the same time, both armed organizations have clashed with the Tatmadaw.

Local villagers from Namtu Township have fled after the Tatmadaw attacked using a military aircraft. Fifteen days have passed but they are still unable to return home.

No clashes have broken out between the RCSS/SSA-S and the TNLA at the moment, according to Lt-Col Sai Oo. Arrangements have been made for the displaced residents to return home on March 30.

The RCSS/SSA-S and the TNLA have been fighting since 2014. Although both sides have made several attempts to discuss the ceasefire, they have been unable to meet due to various reasons.

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This article originally appeared on BNI Online on March 29, 2018.

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