The deputy head of the government team negotiating a national ceasefire accord with armed ethnic groups is hopeful that Myanmar will achieve lasting peace before the end of President U Thein Sein's term in office late next year.

"We have negotiated with the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team seven times and I believe peace will be achieved within the term of this government," U Aung Min, the deputy chair of the government's Union-level Peace Work Committee, said in Nay Pyi Taw on June 30.

U Aung Min was responding to a resolution put forward in the Amyotha Hluttaw by U Khet Htein Nan (Kachin Unity and Democracy Party, Constituency 1) to express gratitude to those participating in the peace process.
U Aung Min said the UPWC and the NCCT were due to meet again this month to continue negotiations on a draft ceasefire agreement.

The negotiations were achieving success because both sides were determined to advance the peace process, said U Aung Min, who is also a Minister in the President's Office.

U Khet Htein Nan said the conflict in Kachin State had displaced more than 100,000 people and could have a huge impact on Myanmar in 10 years' time and he urged the government to make peace as soon as possible.