Brussels, 15/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - On behalf of the EU on Thursday 15 October, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini hailed the ceasefire agreement that was signed earlier that day between the Burmese government and ethnic armed organisations.
“After decades of armed conflict and civilian suffering, this day marks a significant milestone on Myanmar/Burma's road to peace, security and prosperity”, Mogherini stated in a press release, underlining that the signature of the agreement was “essential” for establishing a just and lasting peace in Burma/Myanmar. In Mogherini's view, the agreement allows for the start of “a comprehensive, inclusive and credible political dialogue which will be the next step towards national reconciliation, respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and equitable development for all”.
“We congratulate the parties on their determination to conclude a challenging negotiation process (…) Compromises were made by all parties, demonstrating strong political will to address long-standing grievances through dialogue and cooperation rather than conflict and violence”, Mogherini added. The negotiations lasted over two years. Stating that not all the ethnic armed organisations signed the agreement, Mogherini said it was important that ongoing dialogue with groups that have not signed be prioritised in order to continue to build trust. “We welcome the inclusion of these groups, as observers, in the next phase of the process”, she added. Out of fifteen groups, seven did not sign the agreement, including the armed groups of the main ethnic minorities.
Mogherini said that the EU and its member states would continue to follow the peace process closely and were determined to support it further. The EU has been asked to sign the agreement as “international witness”.
Parliamentary elections are scheduled in Burma/Myanmar on 8 November. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)