The Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) and the Union Peace-Making Working Committee (UPWC) resumed nationwide ceasefire talks yesterday in Yangon.
“At this [round of] talks, both sides would be able to come to an agreement for the eight remaining points [which are in need of consensus] for the signing of a nationwide ceasefire agreement,” said U Hla Shwe, senior advisor for the MPC.
Prior to this round of talks, UPWC’s chairman Dr. Sai Mauk Kham met with representatives from the Kachin Independent Organization (KIO), in order to build trust between both sides.
“If the government and KIO were able to build trust, this can be very helpful in supporting a nationwide ceasefire. If, at this [7th round] talks, both sides are able to exchange in dialogue in an acceptable way, lasting national peace be can be established and political talks involving all ethnic armed groups will be able to be held,” stated Nai Hongsar, leader of the NCCT, in his speech at the conference for the 7th round talks.
Nai Hongsar also stressed that during the 7th round talks, discussions must be held regarding fighting that has broken out in Kachin State and the Palaung and Kokang areas, and that matters involving protesting students, factory workers and farmers should be discussed in a peaceful way.
Yesterday’s talks were attended by NCCT representatives, including NCCT leaders Nai Hongsar, General Gun Maw, Padoh Saw Kwe, Htoo Win, and Khun Okkar; UPWC’s vice-chairman U Aung Min and other UPWC representatives including U Thein Zaw, U Ohn Myint, U Khin Yi; and MPC officials.
