Ethnic council wants political parties to engage in peace talks

Ethnic council wants political parties to engage in peace talks

Published on Wednesday, 17 July 2013 19:47

Union Minister Aung Min (centre left) meeting with UNFC General Secretary Naing Hanthar (centre right) in Chiang Mai during February (Photo - EMG)

The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) insisted for leaders of Myanmar's political parties to participate but not moderate peace talks between the government and ethnic armed groups, a representative told Eleven Media.

The UNFC - A group representing of 11 ethnic armed groups - met with Myanmar's Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) in Chiang Mai, Thailand on July 13 to discuss peace talks and political dialogue aimed at ending decades of civil war.

"The UPWC accepts the leaders of the political parties as observers, but their participation as moderator is less likely," said Padoh Mahn Mahn, the joint-secretary of Karen National Unity (KNU) who leads the technical team of the UNFC.

At the July-13 meeting, the UPWC discussed the signing of nationwide ceasefire while the UNFC presented framework of political dialogue.

"We need to meet frequently. Such meetings will bring about more transparency. We are also keen to frequent meetings. The July-13 meeting was a good sign," said Padoh Mahn Mahn.

The government expects to announce the date for the next meeting on July 20, however UNFC insists that they want to hold discussions inside the country.

"We want to discuss about our internal affairs only inside the country, but now is the time to build trust between us. There are limitations of the government. There is a need to have more transparency. If all are OK, we will discuss about our affairs only inside the country," he added.

The UNFC met with the Union Peacemaking Work Committee for the first time in November 2012 during which they presented a six-point plan for political dialogue. Both sides met again in February 2013 during which stepped up efforts to start political dialogue between the government and ethnic armed groups.

The UNFC was formed in December 2011 and comprises 11 ethnic armed groups with the aim to consolidate a comprehensive ceasefire and peace talks with the government to end decades of civil conflict.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/07/18/ethnic-council-wants-political-parties-to-engage-in-peace-talks/