Nay Pyi Taw, 20 Feb

A 11-member Union Peace Working Committee delegation led by its Vice-Chairman U Aung Min held talks with a 12-member delegation of United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) including Nai Hong Sar and Dr La Ja in Chiang Mai of Thailand from 9 am to 5 pm today.

Both sides agreed to issue a five-point joint-statement. The full text of the joint-statement is as follow:-

Joint Statement

February 20, 2013

 1. The eleven-member Union Peace Working Committee delegation, led by its Vice-Chairman U Aung Min, and including Union Ministers U Khin Yi, U Ohn Myint, and Deputy Attorney-General U Tun Tun Oo met with United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) twelve-member political negotiation team led by Nai Hong Sar and Dr La Ja to discuss the Framework for Political Dialogue from 9.00 to 17.00 hrs on February 20, 2013 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

2. Both delegations discussed the following issues in a frank and friendly manner:

(a) Political objectives;

(b) Framework for political dialogue;

(c) Timeframe for political dialogue;

(d) Drafting agenda for political dialogue;

(e) Venue for future political dialogue;

(f) Presence and role of mediators, monitors, and observers in the meetings;

(g) Six-point ethnic nationalities peace plan; and

(h) other miscellaneous issues.

3. Both delegations discussed mechanisms to secure local and international support for humanitarian assistance, education, health, agricultural and livestock sectors during the preparatory period and political dialogue for areas where member organizations of the UNFC are located.

4. Both delegations discussed holding meetings between respective technical teams.

5. Both delegations also agreed to hold a follow-up meeting within two months.