2020 has augured well for Myanmar with the reaching of an eight-point agreement at the 8th Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting on Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, held on 8 January in Nay Pyi Taw.
At the 8th JICM, both sides agreed to explore a framework agreement for NCA implementation, steps for the peace process beyond 2020, and step by step implementation.
The leaders also decided to hold the fourth session of the Union Peace Conference-21st Century Panglong in the first four months of 2020.
For the people of Myanmar, who have borne the brunt of the more than 70 years long internal armed conflict, peace is, without a doubt, the greatest desire.
The 8th JICM can be regarded as an important milestone in our peace process because all stakeholders met again a year after the suspension of the official peace meetings.
Besides, the 8th JICM can be regarded as an important precursor for the successful convening of the Union Peace Conference – 21st Century Panglong, with deep political ramifications.
It is very important for us this year to lay down priorities and action plans acceptable to all participants on ways to continue the implementation of the NCA and the peace process.
In her opening speech at the meeting, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said: “As you all know, the NCA belongs to all of us. It is necessary for all stakeholders who have signed the agreement to share responsibility and accountability. I wish to remind all of you in great seriousness that we should refrain from adopting what we like and rejecting what we don’t like, from implementing what pleases us most and failing to implement what doesn’t please us. If one group picks and chooses what it likes and ignores what it doesn’t like, this could cause obstacles to all the other groups, resulting in a series of difficulties for the peace process. Your signature stands for your solemn promise, your unshakeable integrity, and your firm sincerity.”
To reach our destination, we should first know where we are going.
All the people of Myanmar cherish a dream of a federal Union and we share the same goal with our hearts and souls.
We all must set our sights on this goal, a “golden opportunity” for Myanmar.
Let’s make history, with a sense of trust and confidence, by grabbing the opportunity while it presents itself.
