Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has accused the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAO) not attending the peace conference of being groups involved with People Defense Forces (PDF), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and having contacts with foreign countries.

He made this remark at the Military Council meeting in Naypyidaw on 12 May.

“The KNU, KIA, KNPP and the other groups around those areas are connected and involved with the PDF and CRPH, groups we define as terrorists. We also know that these groups are involved with foreign countries,” the junta leader said.

In addition, the military junta leader said political affairs and internal affairs will never be stable as long as foreigners are involved.

According to the latest list on 9 May, seven of the ceasefire NCA signatories and three non-signatories, a total of 10 groups, will attend the peace conference.