NCCT to discuss ceasefire agreement in Laiza
Armed ethnic groups under the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) are meeting for a three-day conference in Laiza, Kachin State, to discuss a nationwide ceasefire deal with the government.
The NCCT is an umbrella group representing 16 armed ethnic groups currently holding peace talks with the government. The main objective of the conference is to seek approval for a draft ceasefire agreement.
“The main objective is to approve a nationwide ceasefire deal and to overcome all the difficulties we have discussed with the government. If possible, we will form a leading committee for organising conferences. But we have not reached decision. We want that committee to be able to lead political talks, standing by our ethnic groups, said Dr Salai Hlan Mone from NCCT.
The NCCT and the government’s Union Peacemaking Work Committee are drafting a ceasefire agreement that is the first step of a peace process aiming to end decades of civil conflict.
Ethnic leaders will mainly discuss the points that have yet to be coordinated for finalising the draft agreement. They also plan a follow-up meeting of all armed ethnic groups, including those not under the NCCT, on July 28 and 29.
The UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Myanmar, and a Chinese representative, have reportedly been invited to attend the meeting.
“We have invited a UN official and the Chinese ambassador. We can promote the country’s peace process if the UN and China are present at the meeting. They can understand us if we have difficulties,” added Salai Hlan Mone.
After the conference, the NCCT and the Union government’s committee will hold an informal meeting in Ruili, China and another in Yangon for finalising the second phase of the draft ceasefire agreement.
