The ten ethnic armed organizations that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) are not engaging in Myanmar's peace process outside the framework of NCA, said Colonel Sai Ngern, Leader of Negotiating Team of NCA-S EAO. 

Sai Ngern made the remark during the Negotiation Meeting between Government’s Delegates and NCA-S EAO Negotiating Team started at the National Reconciliation and Peace Centre in Yangon on September 10. 

"It is absolutely untrue that “The NCA-S EAOs are embarking on the peace process outside of NCA” as some people or organizations believe. As it was clearly stated in the preamble of NCA that “We pledge to each other to work together to fully implement the provisions contained in NCA agreement successfully and without fail” I would like to conclude that we, NCA-S EAOs, stand unswervingly on our pledge," he said. 

With a view to achieving an enduring and sustainable peace, building a federal union, resumption of official negotiations, holding 21 Century Panglong conference in early 2020 and laying down a program for political dialogue by stages beyond 2020, they would coordinate frankly and openly in details the four peace processes proposed by the government and the points of the framework related to the Framework Agreement on NCA implementation which is prepared by NCA-S AEO through lengthy deliberations.  It is also necessary to discuss a situation for inclusiveness in the peace process, he added. 

"It is incumbent upon all dialogue partners to cooperate in achieving good result that is fair and acceptable to all because this dialogue is precarious and delicate for the peace process. In negotiation, wishing to get the upper hand, wishing to profit from and wishing to win the other side by one side should not be in the forefront.  For the benefit of all people, we are joint owners of NCA, we are colleagues, we are on the same boat and we are fellow travelers. Only if we work together to find ways and means for an answer, could we overcome our problems," Sai Ngern commented. 

The meeting was attended by the 10-member government delegation led by NRPC vice chairman and Attorney General Tun Tun Oo and the 15-member NCA-S EAO negotiation team led by Colonel Sai Ngern.