Myanmar military asks opposition groups to cease fire, participate in elections

In a statement on September 26, the Myanmar military government called on ethnic armed groups and the People's Defense Forces (PDF) considered "terrorists" to leave this path and participate in politics and elections to move towards lasting peace and development, according to Reuters.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's government, during an Army Day ceremony in March in Naypyidaw

Myanmar experienced a coup in 2021, with the overthrow of the government of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD). The NLD won elections in 2020 but was accused of fraud.

Several politicians, including Ms Suu Kyi, were arrested while others fled the country. The former state counsellor was sentenced to 27 years in prison on multiple charges, all of which she denies.

Fighting has also erupted since then between the military-controlled government and opposition armed forces, including the PDF, the armed wing of the "National Unity Government" (NUG).

"The country's human resources, basic infrastructure and the lives of many people have been lost, and the country's stability and development have been blocked due to the conflict," the military government announced, calling on anti-state groups to stop fighting and negotiate to resolve political issues.

NUG spokesman Nay Phone Latt quickly rejected the proposal, saying the military government had no right to hold elections.

An explosion during a bombardment by the Myanmar military in Lashio city, Shan state on September 24.

Padoh Saw Taw Nee, a spokesman for the Karen National Unity (KNU) militia, which has been fighting the military for decades along the Thai border, said dialogue could only take place if the military accepted certain conditions.

According to AFP, the conditions he set out included the military not participating in politics in the future, accepting a federal democratic constitution, and taking responsibility for the actions it has committed.

Maung Saungkha, leader of the Bamar People's Liberation Army, formed after the coup, said he was not interested in the government's proposal.

The request comes after the military has continued to engage in recent clashes with ethnic armed opposition groups, according to AFP. In addition, Myanmar has just suffered heavy damage from Typhoon Yagi, with more than 400 people killed and hundreds of thousands in need of assistance.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/quan-doi-myanmar-de-nghi-cac-nhom-doi-lap-dinh-chien-tham-gia-bau-cu-185240927145713658.htm