Myanmar government decides to allow non-ceasefire signatories to join Panglong conference

Myanmar government has decided to allow non-signatory armed groups to the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) to join the 21st Century Panglong Ethnic Conference confirmed to start on Aug. 31.

It was revealed Monday evening by U Zaw Htay, spokesperson of the President's Office, following the first day of a two-day meeting of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) earlier in the day.

Prior to the Panglong conference, the government will hold talks with the non-signatory armed groups this weekend.

Political dialogue framework will be negotiated at the Panglong conference until consensus is reached, at which point the non-signatory groups would sign the NCA and be allowed to continue participating in the conference, U Zaw Htay said.

About 1,600 participants are expected to attend the five-day Panglong conference which the spokesperson said will be held every six months.

Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also chairperson of the UPDJC made up of representatives of the government, ethnic armed groups and political parties, called for mutual trust and unity to successfully hold the upcoming 21st Century Panglong Ethnic Conference.

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

Source : XINHUA