Peace Commission vows to ensure NCA non-signatories become signatories this year

NRPC and Northern Alliance hold meeting in Kengtung on September 17, 2019.

Published 2 January 2020

The Peace Commission and National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) have vowed to continue their efforts to make sure that ethnic armed groups that have yet to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) become signatories in 2020, said Hla Maung Shwe, member of the commission's advisory board.

Hla Maung Shwe made the remark in his New Year message published by State-run newspapers.

"I would like to convey a New Year's good message that we could increase the momentum of the peace process beginning in early 2020. The first formal meeting will be held in the second week of January, and the Ethnic Armed Organizations that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) will work together to hold a Union Peace Conference, while the Peace Commission and the NRPC will negotiate with non-signatories to NCA in 2020," said Hla Maung Shwe.

Saw Mya Yarzar Lin, secretary of Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) and the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC), in his message also urged all stakeholders to work towards the well-being of the country in view of internal peace.

"Rakhine issue is more serious. Conflicts must be ended for public security. All the stakeholders in the ceasefire process are urged to consider the welfare of the country," he said.

Khun Myint Tun, vice chairman of Pa-O National Liberation Organization in his message pointed out the need for simultaneous implementation of peace dialogue and reform.

"There are two significant points in the ongoing peace process. The first one relies on political dialogue. The second one is based on public participation. Both political dialogue and political reform are simultaneously required for peace. These processes must not be entrusted only to the leaders and armed organizations. All the people must take part in the process," Khun Myint Tun said.

Myo Win, vice chairman of All Burma Students' Democratic Front, in his New Year message, said efforts would be made to call a Union Peace Conference before the 2020 general election while his organization would continue working with the next administration beyond the election.