Suu Kyi wants to convene a meeting to thrash out the precepts of greater federal autonomy for ethnic groups in exchange for peace. The United Wa State Army (UWSA) stopped fighting the government in 1989 in exchange for control of a remote portion of territory bordering China which is believed to be awash with drugs. Suu Kyi has not set a date for the meeting but is ramping up efforts to ensure all rebel groups are at the table. Friday's "very positive discussions" between leaders of the Wa, a powerful group called the Mongla army, and Suu Kyi were an "important first step" in building trust, Zaw Htay, spokesman for her office, told reporters. Some groups that fought the army for decades have signed ceasefires but they have been fragile, adding urgency to the task facing Suu Kyi, the country's de facto leader.

Source: Bangkok Post July 29, 2016 12:11 UTC