Peace Process could face further delays

07 May 2015
Peace Process could face further delays
Ethnic Leader says peace process could be delayed Photo: Lachid Ka Chin/Facebook

At the end of a six day summit to discuss the nationwide ceasefire agreement and the current peace process, Armed Ethnic Group leaders have called for a guarentee of Federalism, Constitutional ammedments, and the recognition of a Wa State.
The meeting, held in Phanghsang, the capital of Wa Special Region 2, follows the signing, on 31 March 2015, of a draft nationwide ceasefire agreement text. 
One of the main points discussed at the meeting was theamendment of the 2008 constitution “. . . to build up a federal union based on democracy, racial equality and the right of self-determination.’’ In addition, the majority of Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) at the summit agreed to support the Wa call for state level status. At the moment, Special Region 2 is recognised as being part of Northern Shan State.
Mai Phong Kyaw, general secretary of the Ta-ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), told Reuters: “If the government does not consider our demands in the upcoming meetings, the NCA (national ceasefire agreement) will be delayed for sure.’’ The Government had hoped to sign the NCA before elections while the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordinating Team (NCCT), only 9 members of which were invited to the meeting, still plan to have a futher summit this month to finalise the NCA text.
The signing of the NCA is a necessary step prior to the commencement of political dialogue. An Ethnic Summit statement says that political dialogue must include representatives from government, parliament, Tatmadaw (Burmese military), political parties, the people and the EAOs. It also calls for the cessation of government offensives in Kachin, Palaung, Kokang and Arakan areas.