The Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) met with the UPWC technical team at the Myanmar Peace Centre on Nov. 8 in preparation for the nationwide ceasefire ceremony planned for later in the month.

Four ALP representatives led by Secretary Khine Thu Kha met with four members of the MPC technical team led by U Hla Maung Shwe.

Khine Thu Kha said the following day both groups also met for further discussions with the government’s Chief peace negotiator and UPWC Chairman Minister U Aung Min.

Although the ALP signed a state-level ceasefire agreement with the central government in April 2011 tensions with government troops in Arakan state have not decreased since the signing took place. Despite this MPC technical team member U Nyo Ohn Myint claims the ALP is ready to sign the government-backed nationwide ceasefire.

The ALP decided to take part after attending an October meeting that included most of the major ethnic armed groups in Kachin Independence Organization’s Laiza headquarters in Kachin state, U Nyo Ohn Myint said.

According to U Nyo Ohn Myint, the ABSDF also discussed the upcoming nationwide ceasefire conference during the recent meetings. The government has promised to follow through with Union level political talks.