Peace talks show progress

According to participants, the six-day peace talks between the government’s Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC) and the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) have made significant progress. The discussion lasted six days.

"Both sides agreed to the structure of how to implement a ceasefire deal after an agreement is signed. We regard it as a very crucial step," NCCT member Dr Salai Lian Hmone said. 

The two sides are scheduled to meet again in Yangon on March 30.

Hla Maung Shwe, member of UPWC, said: “From my standpoint, there will be few important points. We previously thought that eight points were important. Now an agreement has been reached on about four of those points, both sides need to discuss the remaining issues. Sometimes we have to report back if some points, not included in the framework, prove difficult to agree on. We need to wait for this weekend’s result. Whether the talks can finalise a deal or not will depend on [Saturday’s] talks.”

Saturday’s talks will focus on the points that can guarantee the existence of armed ethnic groups, trust building and the road map for reconciliation for security purposes. 

On Tuesday, NCCT, is a coalition of ethnic armed groups, had a meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs). 

It is the fourth time the NCCT and CSOs have met. NCCT leaders normally meet with CSOs after ceasefire meetings.

The UPWC and the NCCT still need to finalise details on four key points, although the seven rounds of talks to date have seen peace negotiators complete the bulk of the draft nationwide ceasefire accord.

The government and 14 of 16 ethnic groups the NCCT represents already have peace deals. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have yet to reach accords.

However, a meeting last week between the KIA and President Thein Sein and then later with Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sparked some hope that the sides are committed to finding common ground.