The decision was made at the extended meeting of the UNFC’s central executive committee, which was held from January 6 to 8. After discussing for 17 months, there were 3 points deadlock out of 9 proposed by the DPN.

“There were 8 official meetings for the period of over 17 months between the government peace commission and the DPN. We, the DPN, made a proposal last month to hold a meeting between the top leaders from both sides to find the solution. We are preparing for this [meeting] after holding a pre-meeting with the PC (Peace Commission). We have set down a decision for the DPN to continue to strive for the meeting between the top leaders from both sides. The DPN has decided carrying on these responsibilities as key future program,” said U Tun Zaw, spokesperson of the UNFC.

He continued that the dialogue between the DPN and the Peace Commission is in a deadlock due to policies set down by respective organizations; therefore, the top leaders from both sides need to hold a meeting immediately to address the stalemates.

“The top leaders have to meet due to the deadlock at the DPN and PC level. There are common positions and expectations on finding the solution. We have to continue to carry out based on these common positions and views,” he said.

According to him, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) submitted its central committee’s decision to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), but it also said it will continue to stand by the UNFC’s position.

“We are all striving for these nine-point proposals as our common position. We have reached the last stage. The alliance can only give its opinion after the top leaders from both sides meet,” he added.

The UNFC said the three-day meeting focused on the DPN’s report, which is based on the 17-month dialogue between the government’s Peace Commission and the DPN.

The UNFC comprises the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), and the Arakan National Council (ANC).