The Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) led by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) released a statement on August 13 saying that it will not attend the fourth round of the 21st Century Panglong Conference and that they feel sorry that Arakan Army (AA) was not invited. 

FPNCC is formed with UWSA, AA, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, Kachin Independence Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army. The statement came after their meeting in Pangsang of Wa State on August 13. 

The four-point statement expresses thanks for inviting the committee but deep sorrow for excluding AA. It cities weaknesses in medical treatment, medical equipment shortages and difficult transport during the Covid-19 crisis as the main reason for not attending the conference. 

In the statement, they also welcomed the principles adopted by the State Counsellor at the conference, expressing their belief that creating conditions for all stakeholders to be able to attend the conference and their assemblies will only promote trust and facilitate peace and reconciliation. 

The statement was issued in Myanmar and Chinese languages. 

The government has invited all members of the Northern Alliance, except AA which has been declared as an unlawful organization.