Myanmar inaugurates Union Peace Conference

Hanoi (VNA) – Myanmar’s the first ever Union Peace Conference is taking place in the capital of Nay Pyi Taw, from January 12 -16.

The event saw the participation of hundreds of representatives from the government, parliament, political parties, army and eight ethnic armed groups, among others.

The five day event is three days ahead of the scheduled first round of a national level political dialogue - between the government and the eight ethnic armed groups.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President U Thein Sein, asserted the significance of this event, the first of its kind in more than 60 years, since the country declared independence in 1948.

The president, underscored that his government has carried out numerous efforts in ending prolonged armed conflicts, since it took office in 2011.

He added the conference will focus on five key issues: politics, security, economy, society, as well as matters relating to land and resources.

He said the peace process plays an important role in the country’s post election political transfer stage and this event is also a part of that power transfer process after the general election in last November .-VNA