Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - SAC calls for peace talks with rebels in Myanmar

SAC calls for peace talks with rebels in Myanmar

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has offered to meet face-to-face with representatives of Myanmar's numerous ethnic rebel groups. AFP

SAC calls for peace talks with rebels in Myanmar

Myanmar's current leader has called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer militias that have sprung up to fight the ruling council.

Myanmar has about 20 ethnic rebel armies – many of which control swathes of remote border territory – that have fought each other and the military for decades over the drug trade, natural resources and autonomy.

Some have condemned the ouster of the previous civilian government and offered shelter and weapons training to "People's Defence Forces" (PDF) that have sprung up since the military took over state duties, and which analysts say have surprised the ruling State Administration Council (SAC) with their effectiveness.

"I invite leaders of ethnic armed groups for dialogue," SAC chief Min Aung Hlaing said in an address on state media, calling for representatives to register by May 9 and adding that he would meet them personally.

"We are all going to discuss honestly and openly … for the people to be able to enjoy the essence of peace and development," he said, without giving a date for proposed talks.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the