Government reveals parts of ceasefire agreement

20 August 2015
Government reveals parts of ceasefire agreement
President of Myanmar Thein Sein (L) shakes hand with Naing Han Tha (C), leader of the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) as Padoh Kwe Htoo Win (R), of the Karen National Union, a member of the ethnic armed groups' National Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) looks on after they signed the nationwide ceasefire draft agreement at Myanamr Peace Center in Yangon, Myanmar, 31 March 2015. Photo: EPA

Myanmar official media Tuesday published excerpts of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) to inform the public of its contents in anticipation of the signing of the document later this month between the government and the ethnic armed groups Xinhua reported on 18 August.
Described as an important milestone for the peace process, the NCA comprises seven chapters.
Chapter 1 highlights establishment of a union based on the principles of democracy and federalism, reaching a negotiated settlement to end protracted armed conflict, establishing a new political culture of resolving political disagreement through political dialogue, guaranteeing equal rights to all citizens and ensuring no citizen will be discriminated.
Chapter 2 highlights the beginning of an inclusive political dialogue between the government and the ethnic armed groups and formation of a joint monitoring committee to carry out implementing the agreement.
Chapter 3 deals with ceasefire-related matters, saying that the authorities are to meet within 14 days after signing of the NCA to define the exact time frame and abiding by the mutually binding terms and military codes of conduct.
The chapter also highlights the deployment of military forces to prevent confrontation, free movement of troops, protection of civilians, and provision of humanitarian assistance.
Chapter 4 deals with maintaining and strengthening the ceasefire, while Chapter 5 highlights guarantees for political dialogue.
Chapter 6 deals with the provision of confidence building measures, tasks to be implemented during the interim period and submission to the parliament for ratification.
Chapter 7 deals with signatories who are to undertake and ensure the success of the NCA.
The signing is to be done by leaders of the government, the armed forces, the parliament and leaders of ethnic organizations before local and international witnesses.
Negotiators of the Myanmar government and armed ethnic groups are expected to continue their talks in Nay Pyi Taw on 25 August. Four groups have already agreed to sign the document.