The framework development is occurring per the agreement in the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).
U Aung Min, who is also the vice-chairman of the Union Peace-making Working Committee (UPWC), discussed the above, at the tri-dialogue conference, during the morning of November 24, at Myanmar Peace Center (MPC). Members of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee, comprised of representatives of government, ethnic armed groups and political parties were in attendance at the conference.
“We do have difficulties with the peace program that we are carrying out. Because we have limited time, we will have weakness in implementing the program. But we would like everyone to understand our situation. From our side, we are not blocking anything. It’s not easy to achieve the NCA. Let me again remind you of that. In order not to violate any points of the NCA timeline, and the majority’s acceptance, we must cooperate to move forward. The framework should be also implemented as one that is easy to change and easy to fix. So, it won’t be difficult for the new government,” said U Aung Min.
On November 15, 2015, the government and eight ethnic armed groups signed the NCA. Per the agreement of the NCA, within 30 days of the inking, the Joint [Ceasefire] Monitoring Committee (JCMC) and UPDJC must be founded. While within 60 days, the political framework must be completely drawn,and within 90 days, political discourse must begin.
“To be able to implement the NCA text, we have already formed the UPDJC on the 21st. The NCA text is not only to carry out ceasefire matters but also to hold political talks, at the same time. So, we would like to urge everyone to come in and work together,” said Padoh Saw Kweh Htoo Win, vice-chairman of UPDJC.
Thus far, the JCMC and the UPDJC are established with respective representatives from government, ethnic armed groups and political parties.
According to the NCA agreement, a political framework must be drawn no later than December 14, and political dialogue must be held no later than January 14.
According to what Minister U Aung Min has suggested and urged, in order to finish drawing the political framework no later than January 14, framework parameters must be drawn;
1) the total number of representatives to participate in political talk, 2) the ratio of participants, 3) agenda for discussion, 4) rules for political talk, and 5) the techniques and rules for decision-making.
