Unofficial Translation Joint Statement of Nationwide Ceasefire Forum between Union Peace-making Work Committee (UPWC) and Ethnic

Armed Organizations (EAO)

November 5, 2013 Venue: Myitkyina 1. The UPWC and the EAO held a forum on November 4 and 5, 2013, at the Majeh Assembly Hall of Myitkyina Town, in Kachin State, for signing the nationwide ceasefire accord. The forum was attended by the team led by UPWC Vice Chairman and Union Minister U Aung Min, and representatives of the EAOs. As observers, UN SecretaryGenerals Special Envoy for Burma, Mr. Nambia, and Chinas Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, Mr. Wan Yin Phan, attended the forum. 2. At the forum, the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT), formed by leaders of the EAO, discussed about the Common Position of the EAO (Laiza Agreement) and officially handed over the said Laiza Agreement to the UPWC. 3. Likewise, the UPWC handed over the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Ethnic Armed Organizations (Draft) to the NCCT. 4. Both sides agreed that for reaching political agreements, the following tasks must be performed. (a) Nationwide Ceasefire; (b) Frameworks for Political Dialogue; (c) Holding Political Dialogue Meetings. 5. It was agreed that for making necessary preparations for the conclusion of nationwide ceasefire accord, the NCCT is to meet with the UPWC in the month of December 2013, in Pa-a Town of Karen State, after consultations with its armed organizations. 6. Representatives of the two sides are satisfied with the cooperation at the forum, between the two sides, with the aims of ending armed conflict that has been going on for over 60 years, and of starting political dialogue meetings. We would like to state that the two sides have agreed to begin political dialogue meetings, as soon as possible.

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