(VOVworld) – 2-day talks between Myanmar’s government peace negotiators led by President Office Minister Aung Min and representatives of 16 ethnic armed groups in Myitgyina, the capital of the northern Kachin state, concluded on Monday ahead of schedule. A joint statement released following the talks said the next round of negotiations would take place in southeastern Myanmar’s Kayin state capital Hpa-An in December. According to the statement, though no significant results were achieved, both sides reiterated their commitment to proceeding with the peace process by reaching a nationwide ceasefire, crafting a new framework for political dialogue, and the holding of political talks.

Myanmar's government peace negotiators and ethnic rebel leaders attend talks in Myitkyina, Nov. 5, 2013. (Photo: RFA)

At the meeting, participants confirmed it would be impossible to have a nationwide ceasefire agreement signed this month as the government had originally planned.

A deal signed with all ethnic armed groups is an important step towards the last phase of President U Thein Sein’s peace process. The last phase targets political talks to achieve a long-term peace agreement for Myanmar.