The Union Nationalities Federal Council, a coalition of ethnic armed organisations,announced on August 30 a partnership between themand civil society organisations including the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society movement.
The groups have concluded two days of talks held in Chiang Mai, buildingupon earlier talks among the parties held July.
During the meeting in July, the groups had agreed a future conference should be held based on the 1947 Panglong agreement that identifies the principle of full autonomy in internal administration for the frontier areas, UNFC secretary Naing Han Thar said on August 30.
The principle amendments must be made to the to the 2008 constitution to establish a democratic federal union and there should be a promotion of public participation in the peace process, he said.
“The decisions made at the July 3 meeting were confirmed today and we planned future meetings,” Naing Han Thar said.
He added the coalition groups would look to address constitutional amendments in their own political dialogue with the government, as they did not believe discussions to amend the 2008 constitution within the hluttaw were likely to end in success.
Ko Ko Gyi of the 88 Generation told Mizzima on August 30, “We can share our vision; to establish a federal union is a crucial strategic aim.”
