The Myanmar government and the Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP) have vowed to push ahead with a nationwide ceasefire accord, a step toward holding a political dialogue for lasting peace in the country, local media reported on October 23.

The commitment was made during their third round of peace talks in Loikaw, Kayah state on October 22.

During the talks between the Government's central peace-making work committee and KNPP peace-making group, both sides discussed the formation of a joint monitoring group, the opening of a liaison office and measures for the resettlement of displaced citizens and resumption of their livelihood.

Last June, they convened the second round of talks in Loikaw, outlining an eight-point agreement calling for holding an all-inclusive political dialogue and continued discussions on military affairs, and ensuring not to harm, threat or take illegal action against monitoring individuals and organisations.

The agreement also allows the public and social organisations to observe major projects to be implemented in Kayah state, coordinate measures on clearing landmines in places where internally displaced persons will live, form a technical team to undertake policy agreements and cooperate for regional development.

The Myanmar government said that 14 out of 16 ethnic armed groups have so far signed preliminary peace pacts with the Government at central or state levels since President U Thein Sein announced peace offer with ethnic armed groups in August 2011.

KNPP once had a ceasefire deal with the Government in 1995 but the truce was broken three months after the signing.-VNA