Tai Freedom Vol. 13, Jan 2012 - Khamkoo

Statement on the ceasefire agreement between Burmese government and RCSS/SSA
10 December 2011
1. President U Thein Sein government’s olive branch offer (announcement No. 1/2011) was officially announced on 18
August 2011. Restoration Council of the Shan State (RCSS)/Shan State Army (SSA) also has the policy to solve the
political issues through political and peaceful means. Therefore, RCSS/SSA sent a letter to the government for
negotiation while the latter opens the opportunity for every ethnic to join in solving the longstanding political problems
and build peace in the country.
2. As arranged by Sao Harn Yawnghwe, the meeting took place for the first time betweenRCSS/SSA peace committee led
by Lt. Gen. Yawd Serk and Burmese government peacemaking delegations led by Union Minister for Rail Transportation
U Aung Min as a special representative of President U Thein Sein, at a Shan-Thai border on 19 November 2011.
3. At the first meeting, Minister U Aung Min presented a 4 point proposition:
a. Cessation of hostilities
b. Opening liaison offices
c. To roam freely if without arms
d. To discuss politics at Union level
RCSS/SSA presented a 4 point proposition for peace process:
a. Cessation of hostilities
b. To solve political issue through political dialogue
c. Setting up of a RCSS/SSA headquarters area to improve the living standard of the people and the families of its troops
d. Cooperation in the drug eradication
4. After the meeting, the two sides made an appointment to officially meet again in Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State on
2 December 2011. The State level peace group from Shan State Government led by Minister U Aung Min and Minister
U Khin Maung Soe consists of the following members:
a. U Sao Aung Myat, Shan State Chief Minister
b. Col. Aung Thu, minister, Ministry of Security and Border Affairs, Shan State Government
c. U Maung Maung, State Chief of Justice, Shan State Government
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