Myanmar gov't, non-ceasefire signatory armed groups reach consensus over peace efforts

NAY PYI TAW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar government and eight non-ceasefire signatory ethnic armed organizations (EAO) reached a five-point consensus over peace efforts Thursday following a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw.

According to a joint statement released after the meeting held at the National Reconciliation and peace Center (NRPC), the consensus includes striving for conflict reduction; continued coordination for maintenance of peace and stability of the whole country; placing emphasis on regional development and regional people's affairs; settlement of political issue through political means and frequent holding of meetings participated by persons who can make decision.

In this regard, the government proposed to hold such a meeting every two months, U Zaw Htay, director-general of the State Counselor's Office, told the reporters.

According to U Zaw Htay, the military and the eight non-ceasefire signatory EAO will hold talks on Friday and more meeting with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is being planned for April, as well as a trilateral meeting between the military, Revolutionay Council of Shan State (RCSS) and Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP).