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
Myanmar ethnic groups agree to ink ceasefire accord with gov't
The six-day second conference of leaders of 17 ethnic armed groups in Myanmar ended in Law Khee Lar in southeastern Kayin state on January 25, agreeing to sign a ceasefire accord with the government.