National Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee and Political Parties Delegation Meet

It is reported that the National Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee (NSPNC) and representatives of the Political Parties Delegation met. It is reported that the National Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee held a meeting with representatives of the Political Parties Delegation today (September 17) in the morning at Office No. 20, Central Headquarters of the National Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee in Nay Pyi Taw, with the aim of discussing and coordinating peace processes with political parties in the process of building a union based on democracy and federalism and achieving lasting peace. At the meeting, Chairman of the National Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee, Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, stated that the meeting with political parties today was the second such meeting. He also stated that during today's discussions, 16 members of the Political Parties Delegation's permanent working group would be selected to engage in peace talks with the NSPNC. He further stated that political parties represent the people and that previously agreed-upon discussion points would continue to be discussed. Lieutenant General Yar Pyae requested discussions on ways political parties can coordinate and assist armed groups to enter the legal framework, and ways political parties can assist ethnic armed organizations that signed the NCA but have since become estranged for various reasons to return to the path of peace. He also requested discussions on the conditions for restoring conflict-affected areas to their previous state. He further requested that political parties located in areas inhabited by ethnic armed organizations discuss ways they can contribute to peace. He also urged for frank discussions on constitutional matters, peace-related issues, and the return of displaced persons in conflict-affected areas, which had been previously agreed upon for discussion with political parties. Similarly, Lieutenant General Min Naing, Secretary of the National Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee, explained the status of peace efforts under the State Administration Council government, peace-related activities under the new democratic government, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and the policies, guidelines, and ongoing peace processes established for the national unity and peacemaking process. Following this, Lieutenant General Khin Zaw Oo (Retired), a member of the National Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee, explained the framework for peace processes that can be better connected to align with the current political situation based on past experiences and successes, the objectives for future peace processes, the transition strategy, and the trust-building process. Subsequently, representatives from the 32 attending political parties discussed matters related to previously signed bilateral agreements, the status of meetings with peace partner organizations, the holding of peace dialogues in regions and states, the importance of the media's role in the peace process, ways to legally resolve disputes, the provision of humanitarian assistance, the establishment of procedures and regulations for political party participation, the participation of women in the peace process, ways political parties can participate in the peace process, matters requiring cooperation for national stability and peace, points that can be amended in the 2008 constitution, public awareness activities, and opinions on future peacebuilding efforts. The first day of discussions concluded. It was reported that Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, Chairman of the National Unity and Peacemaking Coordination Committee, and members of the coordination committee, a member of the Union Election Commission, and chairmen, vice-chairmen, general secretaries, central executive committee members, and responsible officials from 32 political parties attended the meeting. It was also reported that the second day of discussions will continue on September 18.