(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Peace talks between Myanmar authorities and ethnic armed groups ended in deadlock yesterday, with officials blaming rebel demands for autonomy from the central government.
State media reported that negotiators from the government, army and multiple ethnic armed groups agreed on 33 out of 41 points discussed during the five-day conference.
But they could not reach an agreement on the key issue of federalism, a major demand of ethnic minority groups currently locked in bitter conflicts with the army.
Fighting between government soldiers and insurgent groups is at its worst since the 1980s, with tens of thousands of refugees pushed into neighbouring China in recent months.
The military fears the country will 'split into pieces if rebels do not agree to a non-secession clause in any peace deal, government spokesman Zaw Htay told reporters on Sunday.
'Without the commitment of the ethnic organisations for non-secession from the union, we cannot move forward for discussing related issues such as constitution of respective states, equality and self-determination, he said.
Further meetings are planned to break the deadlock, he added.
State counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's leader, has made ending the decades-long civil war in the country a priority since taking power in 2016.
The conference was the second round of major peace talks held during her rule.
In a closing speech later posted to her Facebook page, she sounded an optimistic note while stressing that the talks marked only the beginning of a long peace process.
'Reaching these agreements has not been easy; we have encountered moments of disappointment as well as inspiration along the way, she said.
'Yet I am greatly encouraged that despite our many different views and perspectives, we have been able, through frank discussion and negotiation, to reach common positions.
'Only if we can set aside the grudges that weigh us down will we be able to stride forwards with full vigour and determination along the path of peace, she said.
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