The New Mon State Party (NMSP) has said that it will continue working for greater self-determination, according to its most recent statement following a major conference.

“Even though there are many obstacles, NMSP will continue [its] struggles for self-determination by cooperating with monks, Mon people and various organizations,” the January 8 statement read.

The NMSP’s tenth conference was held at its headquarters in Ye Chaung Phya from December 25, 2019 until January 8, 2020.

The party pointed out that despite the National League for Democracy holding a majority of positions in government and parliament for more than four years, there is yet to be a “restoration of peace in the country,” changes to the 2008 Constitution or the building of a federal Union.

The statement also highlighted the existence of multiple issues deadlocking Burma’s politics and struggle for peace, because the government and military lack the political will to establish a federal system in line with the wishes of ethnic people, the NMSP said.

NMSP recommended political dialogue be undertaken to address these ongoing problems.

While the NMSP is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with the government and military, they have accused the Burma Army of violating the agreement by seizing a NMSP base at Japan Yaytwin village at Three Pagodas Pass in November of last year. Government troops withdrew from the Mon camp but remain stationed nearby.

The NMSP said that negotiations around this issue would continue.