Union Government – Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) Peace Talks

By US Embassy Rangoon • May 31, 2013

We welcome the constructive talks which took place between the Union Government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) May 28-30 in Myitkyina, Kachin State. We are encouraged by the seven-point joint agreement that resulted from the talks and look forward to continued progress in building trust and delivering lasting peace, as envisioned in the agreement. As a fundamental matter, we support dialogue as the best and only way to address the root causes of longstanding conflict and to ultimately achieve lasting peace, justice, reconciliation, and equitable development throughout the country, including Kachin State.

At the same time, we remain deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of internally displaced persons and other civilians in need in Kachin State and other conflict-affected areas. We continue to urge that all sides ensure unhindered humanitarian access to enable those in need to receive adequate food, shelter, and other urgent assistance.

We will continue to follow the political, military, and humanitarian situation in Kachin State closely in consultation with the United Nations and other interested parties, as part of our continued commitment to support lasting peace, equitable development, and reconciliation among all the people of this country.