Myanmar: government, armed groups resume talks ahead of election

Myanmar: government, armed groups resume talks ahead of election (Photo:Xinhua/VNA)

The Myanmar government, army and ethnic armed groups met in Yangon on August 7 as part of last ditch efforts to reach a historic peace agreement before the country takes to the polls in November.

Addressing the event, lead government negotiator Aung Min lauded the participation of all parties as playing an important role in the peace process, adding that the government is seeking a practical solution.

A representative of the ethnic armed groups said the ninth dialogue round will contribute to the signing of the national crease-fire-agreement (NCA).

On March 31 Myanmar government’s Union Peace-Making Work Committee (UPWC) and the National Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) of the 16 ethic armed groups signed a draft NCA with seven chapters.

However the government is eager to seal a full nationwide ceasefire before elections on November 8.

Myanmar’s peace dialogue process started in November 2003 when the UPWC and NCCT met in Myitgyina, Kachin state. It was the first time a NCA had been discussed.

The eighth dialogue between UPWC and NCCT was held in Yangon on July 22.-VNA