• Burmese
Friday, July 18, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The Irrawaddy
14 °c
Falkenstein
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
No Result
View All Result
The Irrawaddy
No Result
View All Result
Home In Person Interview

KIO Vice Chairman Gen Gun Maw: ‘We Hope to Gain an Equal Status in the Political Dialogue’

Nyein Nyein by Nyein Nyein
June 7, 2016
in Interview
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0 0
A A
KIO Vice Chairman Gen Gun Maw: ‘We Hope to Gain an Equal Status in the Political Dialogue’

General Gun Maw (left) shaking hands with Dr. Tin Myo Win after a meeting last Friday. (Photo: Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy)

4.8k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

In early June, the National League for Democracy (NLD) government’s new peace negotiator Dr. Tin Myo Win met with the United Nationalities Federal Council’s (UNFC) Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN), which comprises nine members drawn from various non-state ethnic armed groups who opted out of signing 2015’s nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). The meeting is said to have delivered positive results.

General Gun Maw, vice chairperson of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and one of the leaders of the DPN, recently talked to The Irrawaddy’s reporter Nyein Nyein about his views on upcoming peace talks and the role that the international community should play. The general was previously deputy chief of staff of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of the KIO, and in February was promoted to vice chairman of the KIO.

Will the UNFC members participate in the political dialogue framework meeting before the ‘Panglong-style’ peace conference?

RelatedPosts

Myanmar People Skeptical of Junta’s Promises of Election, Peace

Myanmar People Skeptical of Junta’s Promises of Election, Peace

July 7, 2025
1.2k
Myanmar’s Dictator Extends Emergency Rule Again, Citing Election Preparations

Myanmar’s Dictator Extends Emergency Rule Again, Citing Election Preparations

July 31, 2024
3.2k
Governor of China’s Yunnan, Myanmar Junta Boss Discuss Ways to Resume Border Trade

Governor of China’s Yunnan, Myanmar Junta Boss Discuss Ways to Resume Border Trade

February 21, 2024
1.8k

We were invited to attend the framework meeting, but the DPN members have to thoroughly discuss this and follow the decision made by the UNFC.

We expect that by participating in the meeting, we will be able to make necessary amendments and additions [to the framework]. Then, we hope there are opportunities for a certain degree of participation and inclusion in preparation for the peace conference. We view the government’s invitation as a positive sign.

The government has invited you to participate in the framework meeting, which is key preparation for the peace conference. Does this make you think that the new government is willing to treat NCA non-signatories as equals?

We have yet to see. They have only invited us to the dialogue framework meeting and not yet to the peace conference. Whether we sign the NCA first or go straight to the peace conference [without signing the NCA] will depend on the government’s response to our demands and follow-up negotiations. We haven’t gotten to that discussion yet.

What is the UNFC’s stance on joining the peace conference?

We are not clear yet if the peace conference means the previous ongoing [peace] process or what is being called the new ‘21st-century Panglong conference.’ We have to review this matter before putting together a prosposal for further discussion with the government. We will know after that.

Aung San Suu Kyi has said that the peace conference will be based on the inclusive spirit of the first Panglong conference convened by her father Gen Aung San in 1947, and urged ethnic groups to think about what they can concede rather than what they can gain. What do you think of her statement?

This matter was included in our questions to Dr. Tin Myo Win on June 3rd. We told him that we are not very clear about what the statement means. This has to be discussed seriously; we cannot just give an answer to it. When speaking of Panglong, many topics for discussion come to mind. Whether we refer to Panglong’s spirit, agreement or pledge, we have to discuss it inclusively.

What was the UNFC’s decision regarding the request of two of your members—the Ta’ang National Liberation Army [TNLA] and the MNDAA [Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army]—to leave the alliance?

The UNFC has not decided yet. It was taken off of the agenda until the next UNFC conference. We don’t think this issue of resignation should be discussed for the time being.

The two groups are represented in the DPN, but they did not attend the meeting on June 3rd. Why not?

Some of the leaders failed to be present at the meeting, but that does not mean that their groups have resigned. It was just an absence. DPN leader Khu Oo Reh could not attend the meeting because of his health, but leaders of other groups that were not represented in the DPN were present at the meeting. We are all UNFC members.

Has the UNFC ever invited the Arakan Army (AA) to participate in negotiations with the new government?

Yes, we have. We have also asked the government’s peace negotiators to request, on our behalf, that state leadership and the army chief not leave behind the MNDAA, AA and TNLA. We will think of as many approaches as possible to share with the government peace negotiators.

We call for not leaving them behind. We have asked the government peace negotiators to seriously put forward our request to the president, concerned authorities, state counselor and the commander-in-chief.

As a leader within the KIO, what do you expect from the meeting and upcoming negotiations?

We hope to gain an equal status in the political dialogue. The NLD government was elected by the people and has repeatedly talked about its commitment to [national] reconciliation. So, we hope to see a genuine dialogue and inclusivity.

What do you think of the government’s plan to manage all the peace process expenditures?

We have not discussed it yet, but it is difficult for us to accept the government’s control over everything. We will have nothing to say if the government is helpful and cooperative.

Western and European countries are assisting the peace process in different ways. Asian countries, like Japan and neighboring China, are also providing assistance. How do you see the role of China in the upcoming peace conference?

It is difficult to say because it is not under our management. My understanding is that China is a superpower as well as our neighbor, so we just can’t ignore its role.

China may have its hands in the peace process and the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), but the intervention of the international community should come in the form of help rather than control.

If the government becomes too reliant on China, will it affect the peace process?

It is dangerous for any government to rely on the support of one particular country, whether it’s China or America.

Your Thoughts …
Tags: A_FactivaConflict
Nyein Nyein

Nyein Nyein

The Irrawaddy

Similar Picks:

Myanmar’s Dictator Extends Emergency Rule Again, Citing Election Preparations
Politics

Myanmar’s Dictator Extends Emergency Rule Again, Citing Election Preparations

by The Irrawaddy
July 31, 2024
3.2k

Coup-maker Min Aung Hlaing says he needs another six months to impose stability and security, and compile accurate voter lists,...

Read moreDetails
Assamese Journalist Shines Light on One of Asia’s Murkiest Conflicts
Books

Assamese Journalist Shines Light on One of Asia’s Murkiest Conflicts

by Bertil Lintner
January 8, 2024
2.6k

A new book by Rajeev Bhattacharyya charts the history of ULFA, which continues to battle the Indian government, including from...

Read moreDetails
Firefight Erupts as Myanmar Junta Troops Halt PNLO Arms Convoy in Shan State
Burma

Firefight Erupts as Myanmar Junta Troops Halt PNLO Arms Convoy in Shan State

by Brian Wei
January 23, 2024
2.4k

The PNLO burned the weapons rather than hand them over. The group’s leader said the incident would not affect his...

Read moreDetails
Myanmar’s Northern Alliance ‘Not Interested’ in Empty Peace Talks With Junta
Interview

Myanmar’s Northern Alliance ‘Not Interested’ in Empty Peace Talks With Junta

by The Irrawaddy
July 27, 2023
2.2k

A representative from the ethnic armed coalition sheds light on its latest meeting with the military regime.

Read moreDetails
Governor of China’s Yunnan, Myanmar Junta Boss Discuss Ways to Resume Border Trade
Myanmar-China Watch

Governor of China’s Yunnan, Myanmar Junta Boss Discuss Ways to Resume Border Trade

by The Irrawaddy
February 21, 2024
1.8k

Wang Yubo’s visit to Naypyitaw is the first by a senior Chinese official since Beijing brokered a ceasefire between ethnic...

Read moreDetails
Inspiring Women of Burma  
Burma

Inspiring Women of Burma  

by The Irrawaddy
March 18, 2016
33.6k

The contributions of some of Burma’s leading female figures are highlighted in the final part of a series that ran...

Read moreDetails
Load More
Next Post
Myitsone Dam Resumption Would Prove Suu Kyi’s Downfall

Myitsone Dam Resumption Would Prove Suu Kyi’s Downfall

NLD to Reshuffle Executive Committee

NLD to Reshuffle Executive Committee

No Result
View All Result

Recommended

What the ‘Snake Charmer’ Analogy Gets Wrong About Myanmar

What the ‘Snake Charmer’ Analogy Gets Wrong About Myanmar

2 days ago
1.3k
Myanmar Junta’s Recapture of Nawnghkio Shows Strategic Missteps by TNLA

Myanmar Junta’s Recapture of Nawnghkio Shows Strategic Missteps by TNLA

14 hours ago
642

Most Read

  • Rakhine Fighters Close In on Myanmar Junta’s Naval Base

    Rakhine Fighters Close In on Myanmar Junta’s Naval Base

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Indian Army Accused of Deadly Strike on Separatists in Myanmar

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Behind the Scenes: China’s Hand in Myanmar’s Election

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta’s Recapture of Nawnghkio Shows Strategic Missteps by TNLA

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta’s Power Transfer Looms, but Real Control to Remain With Regime Boss

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get The Irrawaddy’s latest news, analyses and opinion pieces on Myanmar in your inbox.

Subscribe here for daily updates.

Contents

  • News
  • Politics
  • War Against the Junta
  • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
  • Conflicts In Numbers
  • Junta Crony
  • Ethnic Issues
  • Asia
  • World
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Election 2020
  • Elections in History
  • Cartoons
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Guest Column
  • Analysis
  • Letters
  • In Person
  • Interview
  • Profile
  • Dateline
  • Specials
  • Myanmar Diary
  • Women & Gender
  • Places in History
  • On This Day
  • From the Archive
  • Myanmar & COVID-19
  • Intelligence
  • Myanmar-China Watch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Fashion & Design
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Photo Essay
  • Donation

About The Irrawaddy

Founded in 1993 by a group of Myanmar journalists living in exile in Thailand, The Irrawaddy is a leading source of reliable news, information, and analysis on Burma/Myanmar and the Southeast Asian region. From its inception, The Irrawaddy has been an independent news media group, unaffiliated with any political party, organization or government. We believe that media must be free and independent and we strive to preserve press freedom.

  • Copyright
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Burmese

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Business Roundup
  • Books
  • Donation

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.