Peace talks between Myanmar's new government and several ethnic rebel groups are underway in Myanmar's capital, Naypidaw. The talks, which are scheduled to end on Sunday, are an attempt to negotiate a long-lasting truce with Myanmar's separatists ethnic groups. But while there is hope that Aung San Suu Kyi's democratic pary could -- for the first time in years -- achieve real progress, there are also serious concerns.
Troops from the Kachin Independence army on high alert close to the government held town of Ba Mo. This remains the most violent of the conflicts still being waged between the army in Myanmar and its many ethnic groups.
Few here have much faith in the peace talks and recent ceasefires have done nothing to stop the fighting. Nowhere is that felt more keenly than here. One of the largest refugee camps outside the capital of Kachin state.
Recent fighting is estimated to have forced up to seventy five thousand people to flee their homes.
Many are now stuck in limbo with temporary shelter, no security and no income.
Mya Mya Htwe fled here when fighting between the army and the KIA broke out in 2012. She has no idea when she’ll be able to take her children home.
"It is very painful to raise my family here, especially for the seven of us in my family in a small section of house. We have lost our freedom," Htwe said.
But while peace talks have floundered in the past, this time they have international backing.
And Ban Ki Moon was keen to stress the issue of refugees, or internally displaced people, would be addressed.
"And the government has assured me of the commitment to address the roots of the problem. I conveyed the concern of the international community about the tens of thousands of people who have been living in very poor conditions in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps for over four years," Ban said.
While there is optimism, there is skepticism too. While the government has changed, the Army remains in control, especially in areas of conflict. But if there is one unifying factor,it is Myanmars de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Even the Kachin independence organization who are taking part in the peace talks as observers only, concede that she could make a difference.
"We can see it is a good sign and a constructive way, and we assume that only ASSK can transform from the military to civilian rule. It is the very first step of the political performance," Kachin Independence Organization spokesman Dau Hka said.
For those stranded in IDP camps across Myanmar, waiting to watch the political performance of Aung San Suu Kyi is a luxury they can ill afford.
But however unstable a platform these talks may be. They are the first positive step to ending Myanmars myriad ethnic conflicts in decades,
