The PNLO is the combined force of the Pa-O People’s Liberation Organization ( PPLO) and the former PNLO.
Question – The State Administration Council (SAC)’s National Solidarity and Peace Council (NSPC) has met with ethnic armed groups that signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). Does PNLO have any plans to have a meeting with them?
Answer – We have not received any invitation. Since I have not heard anything, I cannot say anything yet. I think we have not been invited yet. We are now on Thai side, but our Chair and Secretary are in the country.
We will decide whether we should go or not, if we are invited. But we do not have the desire to initiate a meeting.
Question – What if the SAC’s NSPC invited PNLO, would the PNLO have a meeting with them?
Answer – We have to discuss whether we should go or not. If invited, the [PPST] central committee has to have an emergency meeting and make the decision. Since we have not been invited, it is not necessary to do anything yet.
Question – The armed groups such as DKBA, KNU/KNLA(PC) and NMSP, have met with SAC’s NSPC already. Do you have a comment?
Answer – Yes, I heard that. That is up to each group. PPST has permitted its members to find a solution through bilateral talks. We have put a halt to NCA matters. Per the bilateral agreement any group can implement their agreements freely. That is what we have agreed.
Question: We have heard that the SAC’s NSPC has met with ALP, so what about your organization?
Answer – I heard that if ALP was invited, it would go to meet. …[..] So, they would suggest and request a discussion on points that would be good for them. I think, this would be per the wishes of the people, which should be respected.
The PPST (Peace Process Steering Team) was started not to serve political or military matters, so each organization is free to do what it wants. Some groups would have meetings in Nay Pyi Taw but some would have unofficial meetings like talking over the phone. Then, through the communication [liaison] office, low level issues have been solved. So, there is no 100% close-out. We have a communication channel with them and are open for that.
