KIO set the bottom line
The Kachin Post / July 08, 2009

The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), one of the main ethnic cease-fire groups in Burma, has set the bottom line as to transform its arms wing Kachin Independence Army (KIA) into State Security Force (SSF) instead of accepting the Burmese junta proposed Border Guard Force (BGF), according to KIO sources.

KIO has indicated that the organization’s arms wing KIA is impossible to transform BGF, however, it probably be converted into State Security Force. The message has been passed during the meeting between KIO’s seven-member delegation committee and Burma Army’s northern commander Brig-Gen Soe Win in Myitkyina, Kachin State on June 08, 2009.

This meeting is the fourth time KIO delegation had a meeting with Burmese military authority regarding the Border Guard Force. Previously, KIO leaders have met with junta representatives on April 28, May 21, and June 21, 2009.

KIO reportedly acknowledges the junta’s idea on transforming all ethnic armies into Border Guard Force. However, analysts believe that organization intends to launch a political dialogue with junta and transform KIA after 2010 election, which was planned by Burmese junta.

Early of June 2009, KIO formed a seven-member delegation committee, a political body which aims to interrelate between KIO and Burmese junta regarding the BFG. The committee comprises Lt-Gen. Gauri Zau Seng (vice chairman of KIO), Dr. La Ja (central committee member), Brig-Gen Gun Maw (vice chief of staff of KIA), Maj. Gawlu La Awng,  Lt-Col. Lahpai La Awng, Lt-Col. Lazing Ji Naw and Kumhtat Hting Nan.

Since May 2009, Burmese junta proposed all ethnic cease-fire groups to transform Border Guard Force under Burma Army.

End of June 2009, Pang Wa headquartered New Democratic Army-Kachin, Kachin Defense Army from northern Shan State and Gwi Htu based Lasang Awng Wa militia group already succumbed their armies into Border Guard Force.