Myanmar gov't to prioritize development in areas under ceasefire accord

Myanmar government will prioritize development projects in areas covered by ceasefire accord, an official report quoted Minister at the President's Office U Aug Min as reporting Friday.

Myanmar government and eight ethnic armed groups out of 15, involved in peace deal with the government, signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday, witnessed by local and international observers.

The government will extend funds for development with assistance from international donors as stipulated in the NCA, he said, adding that development projects will also be introduced in other areas where local armed groups failed to sign the NCA.

Promising that they will not be sidelined, U Aung Min said it is up to them to determine whether or not to accept development.

"Top priorities include providing food and shelters, creating jobs and providing assistance to those who wish to return home after fleeing earlier conflict," he said, highlighting the importance of creating industrial zones featuring garment factories and agro-based industries to improve livelihood.

The government vowed to continue to work for bringing back those remaining armed groups, who failed to timely sign the NCA along with the eight groups, to complete the peace process.

The eight groups, which signed the NCA with the government on Thursday, are Kayin National Union (KNU), Kayin National Liberation Army (KNLA)-Peace Council, Pa-O Nationalities Liberation Organization (PNLO), All Burma Students'Democratic Front (ABSDF), Chin National Front (CNF), Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), Democratic Kayin Buddhist Army (DKBA) and Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS)/Shan State Army-South (SSA-S). Enditem