A framework of NCA implementation should be methodically drafted in order to get rid of bottlenecks lying on the peace process after seeking approvals from the government, according to the PPST meeting.

The meeting of the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) formed with ethnic NCA signatories was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 21 to 25, issuing a statement on August 25 and that suggested the NCA implementation framework ought to be drafted.

The NCA implementation framework will be drafted to go on holding peace dialogues with the government. With this purpose, the PPST meeting formed two technical teams-NCA Implementation Framework Negotiation Team and Ceasefire Strengthening Negotiation Team, according to the statement of the PPST.

The PPST meeting that is currently  being held recognized the NMSP and the LDU as permanent members and the PPST's formation was expanded with their participation and the members of the PPST has become 10 in number, the statement of the PPST said.

In the past, the PPST was formed with eight ethnic NCA signatories in 2015. The NMSP and the LDU signed the NCA on February 13 in 2018 and that the PPST + 2 meeting was held.

The 10 ethnic organizations that signed the NCA are the KNU, the RCSS, the PNLO, the CNF, the ABSDF, the DKBA, the KNU/KNLA-PC, the ALP, the NMSP and the LDU.    

The PPST meeting urged the government, the Tatmadaw and three allied armed organisations to seek the peace solution after reducing the ongoing conflicts and the clashes taking place in Rakhine State. It issued a statement urging all stakeholders to participate in the establishment of federal democratic Union and peace process.

Translated and Edited by Win Htut