THE meeting to review the peace processes between the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and the NCA-Signatory EAOs took place at the M Gallery Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
During the meeting, NSPNC Chair Lt-Gen Yar Pyae highlighted the current status of invitations for the peace talks, future peace initiatives to be undertaken, planned discussions with NCA-Signatory ethnic armed organizations, engagement with organizations that have withdrawn from the NCA, efforts to unite NCA signatories to prioritize regional stability and development, the outcomes of bilateral meetings with NCA signatory organizations, and matters relating to possible amendments to the 2008 Constitution.
RCSS Secretary 1 Sao Sai Ngin, who is also Head of NCA-Signatory EAOs negotiation team, said the meeting evolved from previous informal discussions. He noted that within the first 100 days of the new government, the coordination committee made greater progress on peace efforts than expected and demonstrated a strong commitment to dialogue. He expressed hope that both sides would engage in open and constructive discussions to enable all relevant stakeholders to participate in the peace process. He expressed optimism that the discussions would yield positive outcomes for lasting, sustainable peace.
NSPNC Secretary Lt- Gen Min Naing then explained the progress and legal standing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and elaborated on the committee’s future peace initiatives.
Participants also exchanged views and made recommendations on establishing an inclusive peace process based on the NCA, developing peace policies, procedures and mechanisms in a systematic manner, implementing trust-building measures, encouraging broader participation by all stakeholders, ensuring continuous dialogue, formulating interim arrangements, maintaining regular communication channels to improve the effectiveness of discussions, organizing joint study programmes, carrying out regional development projects so that local communities in conflict-affected areas can benefit from the peace process, securing international assistance for peace efforts, and selecting appropriate venues that would enable the participation of all stakeholders. The second day meeting will be on 21 July. — MNA/KTZH
