- 1. The Peace Talk between the Union Peace – making Work Committee and Ethnic Armed Organizations for Nation-wide Ceasefire.
The Press Release Team of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar issued a Press Release dated 5 November 2013 on the Peace Talk which is as follows:-
1. The peace talks for signing the nationwide ceasefire deal between Union Peace-making Work Committee and ethnic armed organizations were held in Ma-jwel Hall in Myitkyina in Kachin State on November 4-5, 2013. It was attended by Vice-Chairman of Union Peace-making Work Committee Union Minister U Aung Min and party and leaders and representatives of ethnic armed organizations. United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative to Myanmar Mr Vijay Nambiar and Asian Special Representative of the People’s Republic of China Wang Ying Fan also attended the meeting as observers.
2. The nationwide ceasefire common principles of ethnic armed groups (Laiza Agreement) drafted by Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) formed with leaders of ethnic armed organizations were discussed and transferred to the Union Peace-making Work Committee.
3. Similarly, the nationwide ceasefire accord between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and ethnic armed groups drafted by the Union Peace-making Work Committee was transferred to the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team.
4. The meeting agreed on the following facts so as to reach the political agreement:-
(a) Reaching nationwide ceasefire deal
(b) Designing policy framework for political dialogue
(c) Holding political dialogues
5. The NCCT will coordinate with ethnic armed groups for nationwide ceasefire deal and agreed to hold discussions with Union Peace-making Work Committee in Hpa-an in Kayin State in December, 2013.
6. The press release is aimed at informing the public that the delegates from both sides were encouraged by the fruitful cooperation in the meeting that could bring an end to the more-than-60-years-long armed conflicts and that they agreed to hold political dialogue as soon as possible.
- 2. The State Visit of the Honourable Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia to Myanmar.
The Honourable Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia paid a State visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar from 4 November to 8 November 2013 at the invitation of the U Thein Sein, President of Myanmar. The Governor-General was accompanied by Spouse Mr. Michael Bryce.
The Australian Delegation was greeted by U Wunna Maung Lwin, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and wife upon arrival at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport.
The Governor-General and Mr. Michael Bryce attended the official welcoming ceremony by President U Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win on 5 November at the President’s Office. After attending the bilateral talks, the visiting Delegation attended a State Luncheon hosted in their honour. Then, at the Rule of Law Committee Building, the Governor-General and Mr. Bryce met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Member of Parliament, Chairperson of Committee for the Rule of Law, Peace and Tranquility and Chairperson of the National League for Democracy.
Afterwards, the Australian Delegation proceeded to Yangon where they were welcomed by U Myint Swe, Chief Minister of Yangon Region. Later, the Governor-General laid a wreath at Taukkyan Commonwealth War Cemetery.
On November 6, the Governor-General visited the Yangon Children’s Hospital and called on U Myint Swe, Chief Minister of Yangon Region. The Governor-General then hosted a Roundtable Discussion for Women Community Leaders at the Residence of Australian Ambassador.
In the evening, the Governor-General and delegation attended a reception at the Residence of Australian Ambassador where she met representatives of Australian and international business as well as non-profit sector.
The Governor-General and party paid a visit to the Golden Shwe Dagon Pagoda in the late evening.
On November 7, the Governor-General and spouse went to Mandalay and were welcomed by U Ye Myint, Chief Minister of Mandalay Region at the Mandalay International Airport. Then. they visited the places of Myanmar cultural heritage in Mandalay.
The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Mrs. Quentin Bryce and party left Yangon by air in the morning of November 8.
Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Bandar Seri Begawan
**************