Myanmar political forces welcome preliminary signing of draft ceasefire accord

Political forces in Myanmar expressed welcome Wednesday to the recent preliminary signing of the finalized draft nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), while stressing the need to draw a framework for political dialogue.

Information Minister U Ye Htut told a press conference here that a 44-person meeting on the day, summoned by President U Thein Sein, emphasized that the political dialogue should start before the general election is held.

The meeting discussed the holding of 2015 general election and the political stability in the interim period before and after the election.

The 44-person meeting comprises the president, vice president, parliament speaker, deputy commander-in-chief of the Defense Services, political party leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi, ethnic affairs ministers of regions and states.

U Ye Htut also told the press that the six-party talks will continue on Friday, in which important political issues such as constitution amendment, general election and peace process are expected to top the agenda.

The talks will involve President U Thein Sein, Commander-in- Chief of the Defense Services Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, speaker of the Lower House U Shwe Mann and speaker of the Upper House U Khin Aung Myint and Upper House MP Dr. Aye Maung who is chairman of Arakan National Party (ANP) selected to represent ethnic nationalities.

The talks was re-proposed by the parliament to the president in January.

On Jan. 12, U Thein Sein invited persons from respective sides to hold a 48-person talks. Endi