"But the meeting takes on a new dimension as representatives of the military and the alliance will also discuss military matters for the first time. The urgency of the meeting is underscored by the fact the alliance agreed to the military’s demand to hold the talks in Kyaingtong, rather than its original choice of Panghsang township in the Wa self-administered region of Shan, or in China. The government rejected the alliance’s choice of venue for security reasons, it said. Government negotiators insisted on holding the talks in Kyaingtong during a meeting with the alliance in the town on August 31. The alliance comprises the Kachin Independence Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, Arakan Army, and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. U Zaw Htay, spokesman of the President’s Office, said that if Tuesday’s talks are successful a more sustainable ceasefire could be implemented in the area. Fighting eased between the military and alliance after the August 31 talks as both sides declared separate ceasefires, but clashes erupted again on Friday. The agenda for Tuesday’s meeting includes discussions about the signing of bilateral ceasefires that could pave the way to the signing of the more comprehensive government-initiated Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Ten ethnic armed groups have signed NCA, while seven others – including the alliance – have refused to sign the pact..."