A conference of leaders from both Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatory groups and non-signatories will take place in the second week of November in Shan State's Pangsang where United Wa State Army (UWSA) is headquartered or in China, said Colonel Khun Okka, patron of Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO).

The plan to organize the conference started in July and initial agreement has been reached to hold it in the second week of November. The conference will be attended by leaders of the ethnic armed  groups.

"As we have asked for permission from the government, I think it will be OK. We have to choose the venue. If we hold it inside the country, the place can be the UWSA's headquarters in Pangsang. May be it will be in China because China has invited us," said Col Khun Okka.

The upcoming conference will reportedly discuss the issues that remain deadlocked such as autonomy and non-secession, and seek common opinions.

In November also, an exclusive meeting between government and NCA-S EAO is planned at which the ethnic armed groups will be submit their attitude towards non-secession to the government. But it will be difficult to find solution at the forthcoming conference, said Col Khun Okka.

"We will not be able to find solution. But we can be close to the answer. Then we will negotiate," he added.

Karen National Union issued a statement on October 17 saying that the participation of NCA non-signatories plays an important role in the success of Myanmar's peace process.

Khun Okka said the conference would take place to discuss not only their attitude towards non-secession but also the whole union affairs. How all people will live peacefully in the future union is important, he commented.