The third session of the Union Political Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) concluded yesterday with the committee approving a draft political dialogue framework and determining the ratio of representation of stakeholders.
The UPDJC said it would hold the upcoming political dialogue no later than 14 January 2016 with the participation of 700 representatives.
Senior advisor Hla Maung Shwe of the Myanmar Peace Centre (MPC) told assembled media at a press conference that the ratio for participants in the political dialogue will be 75 representatives from government, 75 from parliament, 150 from Tatmadaw (Defence Services), 150 from ethnic armed organizations, 150 from political parties, 50 ethnic leaders and 50 special invitees,.
“Earlier the meeting was in deadlock as the groups gave different proposals for the ratio participants in the dialogue but we could overcome this impasse by consensus,” Hla Maung Shwe said.
This press conference was given by Nyan Win from NLD, Dr. Salai Lian Hmung from Chin National Front (CNF),and Hla Maung Shwe.
“First we faced huge difficulty but all present want peace and a transition to democracy and no one wants to undermine this process. So we overcame this impasse with the necessary determination of going forward,” Dr. Salai Lian Hmung said.
“Regarding peace, the NLD will give priority to it. We will absolutely not let the peace process as set by Hla Maung Shwe and others be spoiled or undermined,” Nyan Win said.