Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said she is willing to mediate an end to violence between the government and ethnic minority groups, a move that could lead to a formal invitation from the government to take part in negotiations with Kachin rebels.
The Nobel laureate made the announcement on Union Day, which celebrates the day in 1947 when her father, the late General Aung San, signed an agreement with leaders of Burma's ethnic minorities to wrest independence from British colonial rule.
Aung San Suu Kyi has until now drawn fierce criticism from rights groups over her silence on ethnic issues, notably communal violence in Rahkine and the conflict in Kachin state. Her critics say she has failed to use her international stature to raise awareness and put an end to the violence.
Aung San Suu Kyi said she preferred not to take sides but would gladly get involved if formally invited by the government. It is unclear whether the government, which has floated suggestions in the media that Aung San Suu Kyi should get involved on her own initiative, will directly invite her.
Activists said the opposition leader's involvement in the peace process could make a profound difference in negotiations with Kachin rebels, which began last week, but only if she stressed the ethnic groups' desire for federalism.
"All ethnic groups, not just the Kachin, are talking about negotiating outside of parliament and pursuing federalism," said Khon Ja, of the Kachin Peace Network. "None of these groups are talking about non-federalism, so we all share the same points. But if Suu Kyi mediates using the 2008 constitution [as a framework], there will be no difference."
Under the Burmese constitution, ethnic groups are denied the right to self-determination. Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly stated she would like to change the constitution, and said last year her party favoured a federal union in which "the powers are divided between the federal and regional governments, [where] right of secession may or may not be part of it".
The Burmese government, a quarter of which comprises military generals, has long opposed a federal union.
The Kachin are the only ethnic group to have not yet signed a ceasefire with the administration of Thein Sein, a former general turned reformist who has instituted great political and economic reforms since taking office in 2011.
The continuing conflict in Kachin state, northern Burma, where rebels have been fighting for greater autonomy since 1961, has raised questions about Thein Sein's ability to institute greater change in Burma.
