The 4^th day of the ethnic armed organizations (EAO) conference today found Hkun Okker, PaO leader assigned to summarize the major points discussed by its 12 participants, reporting that balance of power with the “dialogue partner” should be carefully maintained throughout the peace process.

“As the political negotiations are likely to prolong, the need for preserving long term unity and political power is great,” he is quoted as saying. “They must not be undermined from either within and without.”

Common political aims, according to him, include:

• The establishment of a federal union
• To amend or rewrite the union constitution
• To establish a Federal Union armed forces to defend the federal union
• Not to resolve political issues based on force but to resolve them through political means
• To conclude a Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) as soon as possible and with the least errors

He was also reported to have touched on the subject of a Wa statehood, as called for by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the conference’s host. No details were given by the source, however.

The conference is due to wind up on Wednesday, 6 May. As for tomorrow, the participants will be given a guided tour to Mongmai, north of Panghsang, said the source.