Brussels, 03/06/2013 (Agence Europe) -“Pleased” at the “significant progress” made in the negotiations between the government of Burma/Myanmar and the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO), which began a provisional ceasefire agreement on 30 May, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton encouraged all the parties, on 1 June, “to continue the path of negotiations, and to turn them into tangible results”. “Their agreement (…) to hold a political dialogue and to work for the de-escalation of conflict and a cessation of hostilities is a most welcome result”, Ashton's spokesperson stated in a press release, welcoming “the spirit of compromise displayed” by all parties.
Ashton also called for “full and unhindered access” for humanitarian aid to internally displaced persons, who number several tens of thousands.
“The EU looks forward to a peace settlement that will address all grievances and meet the aspirations of all peoples in Myanmar/Burma”, added the spokesperson. He underlined that the EU will continue to work with all stakeholders supporting the peace process until its successful conclusion.
The Burmese government and rebels from the Kachin ethnic minority signed a seven-point plan on 30 May, providing among other things for the halt to fighting, according to a negotiator from Burma's Peace Centre. Negotiations have been going on since 28 May in the capital of Kachin State, Myitkyina. (CG/transl.fl)