The United Wa State Army (UWSA) says due to its different situation from other ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) draft as negotiated by the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) with the government is unacceptable, according to the Wa supreme leader Bao Youxiang’s message in Burmese read our today on the last day of the 12-EAO conference in Pangkham.

Nevertheless, it is ready to join hands with brotherhood organizations to hold political dialogue with the government “for the achievement of racial equality, political equality and equitable sharing of natural resources.”

“Your discussions about existing political inequality, your opposition to armed resolution, and your stand on resolution of ethnic issues through political dialogue are all in line with the position of the ‘Wa State’,” the 66-year old chairman said.

The 12 point joint demands/ resolutions include:

1. Resolution of the civil war through political means
2. Inclusion of EAOs yet to conclude ceasefire with the government in the signing of the NCA
3. Cessation of government offensives in Kachin, Palaung, Kokang and Arakan areas
4. Curbs on further human rights abuse
5. Amendment of 2008 constitution to build up a federal union based on democracy, racial equality and right of self determination
6. There will be no secession from the union
7. Welcomes UN and China’s efforts to bring about cessation of hostilities in northern Burma and the signing of the NCA
8. Nationwide political dialogue must include representatives from government, parliament, Tatmadaw (Burmese military), political parties, the people and the EAOs
9. Need to cultivate the spirit of peaceful co-existence among different nationalities
10. EAOs will form a representative body to hold talks with the government
11. The majority EAOs attending the summit have shown understanding and support for the Wa call for a state level status
12. More meetings will be held in order to further discuss and implement the points agreed at the summit

Update
12:oo
The “joint statement”, latest reports say, is still a draft for discussion. “The     conference is still haggling over the 12 points,” said the source.