The government and ethnic armed groups are working hard to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) in order to stop the 60 year long civil war.
Although the government and ethnic armed groups are likely to sign the NCA early next month, fighting still breaks out in Shan State, Kachin State and Karen State.
“In the pre period of the 2012 by-elections, the NLD already proposed these points that it stands with for national peace. It is necessary to implement the ceasefire with 3 steps. First step is the nationwide ceasefire. Second step is to negotiate and find solutions through political discourse. Third step is for the constitution to be written with guarantees of equality and self-determination etc., which are foundation policy of the Panglong,” said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also pointed out that there is the possibility that the respective organizations will sign the NCA soon. Also, that people are happy and hoping for the inking. Ultimately, the NCA signing must be a lasting agreement wherein both sides must have understanding, respect and trust in each other.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi added, that after signing the NCA, in order to establish federal union, the second and third steps must be implemented simultaneously as they are essential for lasting peace.
Thus, the second step is holding peace talks and is the responsibility of the new government after the November elections. If people want it and if they support the NLD, it is ready to take that responsibility, according to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The nationwide ceasefire agreement will be inked in early of October and after the NCA inking, within 60 days the political framework will be drawn. Within 90 days, political discourse will start, as agreed by ethnic armed groups and the government.
According to Union Minister U Aung Min, if the NCA was signed in the first week of October, it is necessary to draw the framework of politics by early December. Then, planned political talks must be held in January.
The government and ethnic armed groups also agreed that in order to cease the conflict, the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) will be founded. The Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) will be also set up to oversee whether political discourse is held or not.
