On Tuesday 13 February, the European Union hailed the signature earlier in the day of a nationwide ceasefire agreement between the Burmese government and two ethnic armed rebel movements – the New Mon State Party and the Lahu Democratic Union.
The agreement "is an important step forward in bringing peace to the people of Myanmar", the spokesperson for the European External Action Service stated in a press release, adding that an "inclusive peace process is vital". "We are proud of having signed this agreement" as a long-standing partner, the EEAS spokesperson said, stating that the EU had already had such a role with the national ceasefire agreement signed between the government and eight other armed groups on 15 October 2015 (see EUROPE 11411).
The EEAS spokesperson called on all the stakeholders to join efforts for peace. The agreement "sends a signal to all stakeholders in Myanmar that the only viable option is to engage in dialogue and negotiations", the spokesperson said, adding: "this will necessitate compromise on all sides".
"In order to build trust and create a conducive environment for such talks, all parties must end military operations, particularly in Kachin State and northern Shan State", where clashes are ongoing, the EEAS spokesperson added, urging that "full and unconditional" humanitarian access to affected populations be granted without delay. Clashes between the military and armed rebel groups in these two states have intensified since mid-December 2017. The situation is just as complicated in Rakhine State.
The spokesperson announced that the EU would continue to accompany the process for peace and prosperity. "The people of Myanmar in every corner of the country, regardless of background or faith, deserve peace and prosperity", the spokesperson said.
Burma has around 20 ethnic conflicts in which the army and guerrilla movements are in confrontation. Some of these conflicts have gone on for decades. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)