Myanmar's peace process is finely balanced, after the latest round of talks failed to produce anything of substance. Sitting comfortably and very relaxed, the chairman of the Myanmar ethnic rebel group, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), Yawd Serk was happy to offer his insights into the recent summit between the government and the leaders of the ethnic groups, which have signed the national ceasefire agreement (NCA). Reflecting on the meeting he simply said "very tense". The other ethnic leaders in attendance had a similar opinion: "high drama" according to one, on condition of anonymity.
Although the conference was called amid high hopes of a breakthrough on the stalled peace process, it degenerated into a shadow boxing session between Yawd Serk and the top general in the Myanmar army, or the Tatmadaw. This sparring session has left the stalled peace process precariously poised. All hopes now are pinned on a meeting of the ethnic groups early next month to decide on ways to break the current deadlock.
Larry Jagan is a Myanmar specialist and former BBC World Service news editor for the region.
