Panglong agrees to meet again in 6 months

A national-level political dialogues will be held based on the views presented by the groups at the peace conference. A similar peace conference will take place within six months. 

Representatives from the Tatmadaw (armed forces) said that all groups should focus on aims within the framework of the 2008 Constitution. 

The conference in Nay Pyi Taw opened with speeches by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Lower House Speaker Win Myint, Upper House Speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chair of the Karan National Union General Saw Mutu Sae Pho, vice-chair of the Kachin Independence Organisation General N'ban La, patron of the National League for Democracy Tin Oo and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. 

An official from the United Nationalities Federal Council, which represents nine rebel groups that did not sign last October's national ceasefire agreement, said it would continue holding talks. The ethnic armed groups said they would sign the ceasefire to participate in the next conference. 

Dr Salai Hlyan Hmone Sar Khaung, a conference organiser, said: “All groups presented their different views at the conference. We have to work on peace processes on a wider scale as we want different views and approaches. Our country has faced civil wars for more than 60 years as only one group laid down the policies. We will present these views and discussions at national-level peace talks. I think it can produce the best results for our people and country if we discuss the issues step by step.”

On the second day of the conference, the United Wa State Army walked out of the talks. Suu Kyi urged the joint committee not to blame anybody or let it hamper the peace process. 

The government’s peace commission sent a letter to Pauk U Chan, chair of the Wa special region 2. 

A total of 1,400 participants, guests and diplomats attended the opening ceremony. 

The Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and Ta'ang National Liberation Army were not present. But 75 representatives from the government, 75 from Parliament, 50 from the Tatmadaw, 200 from ethnic armed groups, 150 from political parties, 50 ethnic minority rights groups, 50 other groups and 50 observers attended the conference.