Myanmar state counselor to hold talks with ceasefire non-signatory armed groups next weekend

Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi will hold talks with representatives of non-signatory armed groups to the Nationwide Cease fire Accord (NCA) in Yangon on July 17.

This was made known Thursday according to a decision taken at the second day meeting of the Preparatory Committee for Holding the 21st Century Panglong Ethnic Conference in Nay Pyi Taw.

The committee's Wednesday meeting decided to allow the NCA non-signatories to join the Panglong conference to ensure thier access to the political dialogue.

The non-signatory armed groups are represented by the United Nationalities Federal Council's Delegation for Political Negotiation.

The meeting reviewed the political dialogue framework and focused on agenda items to be discussed at the upcoming Panglong Conference and stakeholders' involvement.

On the first day meeting on Tuesday, Aung San Suu Kyi outlined the policy guidelines for the peace process which include allowing non-signatory groups to the NCA to join the Panglong Conference, relaxation of restrictions on inviting political parties, that do not hold a parliamentary seat, to the conference and functions of the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in dealing with international donors and their assistance to the peace process.

The committee set the 21st Century Panglong Ethnic Conference to be held in Nay Pyi Taw by the last week of August.

Myanmar former government and eight ethnic armed groups out of 15 signed the NCA on Oct. 15, 2015 and there remains seven other armed groups who are yet to sign the NCA. Endit