CNI News
17 Jan 2023
There are limited chances for negotiations with the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army for the release of party members, Chairman Dr Aye Maung of the Arakan Front Party told the CNI.
He said that the ULA/AA has detained central committee members U Kyaw Lwin and U Kyaw Zaw Oo of the AFP.
He told the CNI, "As it is impossible to hold negotiations with the AA, I have asked for the help of some mediators because the AA is still an illegal organization and political parties are not allowed to deal directly with the AA. There are restrictions. We have told mediators to help us. We cannot hold direct talks with the AA because we might be charged under section 17 (1) and (2) of the Unlawful Organizations Act.
A road junction in Rakhine State.
The AA has already acknowledged that they have detained U Kyaw Zaw Oo but hasn't said anything about U Kyaw Lwin.
He added that he had asked for the help of the Communist Party of China through the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar for the release of the party officials as it was impossible for him to hold direct talks with the AA.
He said, "As China is interested in the peace process in Myanmar, I raised the issue with them. As the Chinese embassy asked us why our party members are being detained by the AA, I asked for their help."
AA Commander-in-Chief Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing.
The AA did not answer the phone call requesting comments for the arrests of the members of the AFP.
Vice Chairman U Kyaw Zaw Oo of the AFP was detained on 2nd November, 2022 and U Kyaw Lwin was arrested on 4th October the same year.
Similarly, the AA detained central committee member Khaing Mya Thar of the Arakan Liberation Army in November, 2022.
Currently, the ULA/AA has been enjoying the support of the local residents and fighting against the military junta.
Two-year old ceasefire between the AA and military junta collapsed last August and fighting resumed.
Then, they struck a ceasefire deal on humanitarian grounds recently.
After the ceasefire deal has been reached, the AA has been operating in northern Rakhine State and has established administrative and judicial mechanisms.
