NLD, ethnic armed groups meet to hash out peace framework

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NLD, ethnic armed groups meet to hash out peace framework



YANGON: -- The Irrawaddy reported that National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week hosted leaders from ethnic armed groups.

The meeting with leaders from the Karen National Union (KNU), Chin National Front (CNF), Pa-O National Organization (PNO), Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), among other groups, was held at Suu Kyi’s rule of law office in the capital Naypyidaw.

KNU secretary Pado Kwe Htoo Win said Aung San Suu Kyi told the ethnic groups she wants to avoid additional disunity between ethnic armed signatories and non-signatories.

Although Suu Kyi agreed with the ceasefire text, which was drafted by ethnic armed groups and the government, she wanted all ethnic groups to be involved in efforts to resolve ethnic conflict, he said.

So far only eight ethnic armed groups have signed the agreement, which was inked on Oct 15. Several others have abstained, while some ethnic rebel armies have been shut out by the government.

Pado Kwe Htoo Win also said Suu Kyi “appreciates our political dialogue framework because it makes it easier to accommodate changes.”

The nationwide ceasefire text stipulates that a framework for political dialogue must be drafted within 60 days of signing the agreement—which the committee has done—and that this dialogue must commence within 90s days. Talks are slated to start in January, under the outgoing government.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/nld-ethnic-armed-groups-meet-to-hash-out-preade-framework

-- Thai PBS 2015-12-21