Myanmar's President Thein Sein met ethnic rebel peace negotiators for the first time in the capital Naypyidaw Wednesday in an...
Myanmar's President Thein Sein met ethnic rebel peace negotiators for the first time in the capital Naypyidaw Wednesday in an effort to secure a long-awaited nationwide ceasefire before looming November elections.
At the opening of the talks in the capital Naypyitaw on Wednesday, Thein Sein stressed the importance of peace in the country's "transition to democracy" through peace.
"I hope today's summit will pave the way to signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement by the end of September," Thein Sein said.
Myanmar's government has agreed to allow 15 ethnic armed groups to sign the deal. Thein Sein's quasi-civilian government, which took power four years ago, sees a nationwide ceasefire as opening the way to more complex political dialogue and questions of federalism in a country where the army has for decades hung its legitimacy on enforcing its own concept of unity.
But a consortium of rebels has insisted that the agreement should include half a dozen groups which the government has rejected. Some of those rebel groups are still actively fighting the military.
The president is not running in the elections, but the Myanmar constitution allows lawmakers, who select the president, to vote for a person from outside parliament, giving Thein Sein a chance of reelection.
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week urged the rebels not to rush the deal, but work slowly on a pact to ensure lasting peace and stability. She said all groups should be included in the accord.
"She is coming here just to support our candidates, because it looks like we are weaker than the rivals," Thaung Htay, 56, a member of the Loikaw chapter of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy,said one of the supporters.
The party's headquarters in Loikaw was abuzz with activity as staff readied banners, hoisted the party flag, and polished bronze statues of Suu Kyi and her father, Myanmar national hero General Aung San, ahead of the visit.
