Signing of nationwide ceasefire accord expected next Feb
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A nationwide ceasefire accord between the government and ethnic armed groups is expected to be signed on February 12 (Union Day) next year, and if that happens, political talks will follow in May, say peace negotiators from both sides.
The information was revealed during a press conference on Tuesday after a two-day ceasefire coordination meeting between the government’s Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) and Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) held at Myanmar Peace Centre in Yangon.
During the meeting, the representatives from both parties reached compromises on the points which had yet to be agreeable in previous talks. They issued a joint statement saying that those points will be brought to the attention of respective leaders for further approval. In the statement, they also agreed to prevent unnecessary problems during the run-up to the signing of nationwide ceasefire deal and to hold the next meeting in mid-January.
“We discussed the nationwide ceasefire draft without any difficulties,” said Union minister Aung Min, who is also vice chairman of UPWC.
At the press conference, Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, leader of NCCT formed with ethnic armed groups, said they could seek common ground and there were only few points left to be compromised.
“In the next meeting, I want to discuss the points to which all can agree. If we could sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement on February 12 which falls on Union Day, it will be good for our country and future. I want it to happen because it is a historic day. We are trying to sign the deal on that day,” said Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win.
Hla Maung Shwe from UPWC said the ceasefire draft is expected to be finalised in the next meeting likely to take place from January 15 to 17.
“As Kwe Htoo Win has said, we are also trying to sign the agreement on February 12. According to the agreement, we have to hold a framework meeting within 60 days and then a political dialogue within 90 days after the signing of the deal.
The signing of nationwide ceasefire agreement has been expected this year but to no avail. Instead, clashes have frequently occurred in ethnic communities causing casualties to both sides.
The ethnic armed groups also offered to hold talks with the government in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, to prevent further clashes and are expecting a response from the government in January.
