Myanmar junta’s border security minister, Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, told “peace talks” in Naypyitaw that it was an “impossible request” for the military to withdraw from politics.
The discussions titled “Peace Talks 2025” in Naypyitaw were held from March 24 to 26 with representatives of some ethnic armed groups and political parties while airstrikes and other attacks continued across Myanmar.
“We have no preconditions. Other groups, however, have conditions such as the military exiting politics, disbanding the military, forming a transitional government and so on. These are unrealistic demands,” Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, who chairs the National Solidarity and Peace-making Committee, said on the final day of talks.
However, he claimed the junta remained open to any discussions without preconditions.
The committee will hold further peace talks in the future, according to junta media.
The major anti-regime forces, including the civilian National Unity Government and ethnic armed groups, have stated that there would be no talks with the junta unless it stops killing civilians and quits politics.
The regime has accelerated its preparations to hold an election in a move to prolong its rule despite ongoing resistance across Myanmar.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing recently announced that an election would take place in late December or early January 2026.
“The election timeline has already been announced and efforts are being made to ensure a free and fair electoral process. Invitations will also be extended to external organizations and neighboring countries to observe the election. We firmly believe that the election will serve as a model election,” Lt-Gen Yar Pyae told the “peace talks” on Wednesday.
He said insights and recommendations from the forum would be presented to Min Aung Hlaing, with efforts made to implement practical outcomes, the junta media reported.
Veteran activist U Ko Ko Gyi told Myanmar Hard Talk in Naypyidaw during the talks: “The election result cannot directly challenge the ruling military.
“The ongoing civil war and conflicts in the country are issues that must be resolved in cooperation with the military,” he said in the interview.
U Ko Ko Gyi has agreed to contest the election and has registered his People’s Party with the junta. His party contested 144 seats in the 2020 general election but failed to secure a seat.
