NLD, ethnic groups pledge united effort to forge federal union
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Armed ethnic groups, the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) and other political forces said they are committed to joining forces to establish a federal Union, according to a joint statement issued after the end of a two-day meeting.
The announcement came after armed ethnic groups, ethnic political alliances, pro-democracy groups, and women’s and youth groups met near the Myanmar-Thai border on August 29 and 30.
The meeting focused on a nationwide ceasefire, amending the 2008 Constitution and political dialogue between ethnic groups and the Union government.
“Now is the time to discuss national reconciliation, ensuring democracy and establishing a federal Union based on justice, equality and prestige,” the joint statement said.
The meeting was attended by 113 representatives from the United Nationalities Federal Council, the United Nationalities Alliance, the opposition National League for Democracy and 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, among others.
The meeting was the second between political parties and the United Nationalities Federal Council. The first was in early July. The NLD and the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society have been working in tandem to build support for amending the charter and strengthening ties with ethnic groups ahead of next year’s national elections.
