• The Myanmar junta has currently no intention to engage in peace negotiations with the opposition. This stance was reiterated in the press briefing by General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the junta. Furthermore, Zaw Min Tun articulated that entities designated as terrorist organizations by the junta administration would need to publicly renounce their engagement in terrorist activities and such a gesture would prompt the junta administration to reconsider the possibility of initiating peace talks. (Source)

• Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun also attempted to stir up hatred between Kachin and Bamar people. In his response to questions from pro-junta media outlets, the junta spokesman said three times that he was staggered by the fact that Bamar people are willing to kill each other with weapons supplied by the KIA. (Source)

• Zaw Min Tun also stated that the military intends to hold the elections (or the electoral exercise, the term we prefer to use). He added that safety will be guaranteed for the voters and the election will be fair and correct. (Source) 

Myanmar junta's message is clear - they have no intention to reduce or stop the ongoing violence against civilian targets. The message also underscores the prolonged nature of the nation's ongoing civil conflict.

Our message is also clear - The junta has also kept stating that an "election" will be held, while also extending the state of emergency again and again, violating their own 2008 constitution. The extensions are strong evidence of the junta's inability to control the nation's ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, their electoral exercise, which has been built up using a targeted campaign to remove all political opposition, will never be free and fair. Thus, the Myanmar people will in no manner accept the outcome of the exercise as it will not represent the will of the people. Consequently, the election will only create more conflict and instability in Myanmar, with regional repercussions for the ASEAN. Therefore, the ASEAN and international community must reject the electoral exercise and refrain from any actions that may legitimize the junta.