Steps towards Nationwide Ceasefire

Burma Link, November 12, 2013

Ethnic Armed Organizations held a Conference and agreed on common position

Ethnic armed organizations held a conference in the Kachin Independence Organization central headquarters in Laiza, Kachin State, from October 30 to November 2, 2013.

The conference was attended by a total of 102 representatives and observers from 17 armed ethnic resistance organizations, with the main aim of ending civil war and resolving the fundamental political issues underlying the conflict in Burma through negotiation and dialogue.

The conference reached a conclusion that at a time of negotiation and dialogue for peace, the continuing military offensives by the Burmese military in the lands of the ethnic nationalities could obstruct the dialogue and negotiation process.

The representatives of the ethnic armed organizations discussed the question of the nationwide ceasefire accord, and laid down an 11-point common position on the nationwide ceasefire accord (termed ‘Laiza Agreement’).

An 11-member Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) was also formed in the conference.

Dialogue between Ethnic Armed Organizations and the UPWC

From November 4-5, 2013, a dialogue was held between Ethnic Armed Organizations and the Union Peace-Making Work Committee in Myitkina, with the aim of bringing an end to more than 60 years of armed conflict, and to begin political dialogues, in Burma.

The newly formed Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) by ethnic armed organizations’ leaders presented and officially submitted the UPWC with their 11-point common position approved and signed in the Laiza Conference. The UPWC also officially submitted their draft nationwide ceasefire agreement to the NCCT.

Both parties agreed that in order to achieve political agreements, the following tasks must be undertaken; Nationwide ceasefire, framework for political dialogue, and holding of political dialogues. The parties agreed to meet again in December 2013 in Hpa-an, Karen State, after the NCCT consults with their respective ethnic armed organizations in order to prepare for the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.

Both parties were reportedly encouraged by the promising collaboration during this dialogue.