Burma’s civil society groups have demanded the Burmese army to stop its offensives against ethnic armed groups before the 21st Century Panglong Conference begins on Wednesday in Naypyidaw, The Irrawaddy Online reported on Tuesday.

The groups from across Burma also called for equality to highlight negotiations at the conference towards a future democratic federal union.

In a joint statement, the groups said that the military operations initiated by the Burmese army have undermined mutual respect and trust between government forces and ethic armed groups which are fundamental to successful negotiations.

The groups also called for the government, the Burmese army and the ethnic armed groups to work out peaceful solution that will ensure safety for people living in the conflict zones.

They have demanded the scrapping of a colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act which criminalizes interaction with non-state armed groups in order to enable civil society groups to participate in the peace process and political dialogue.

U Aung Myo Min, executive director of Equality Myanmar organization, expressed his high expectations in the 21st Century Panglong Conference as the right path to put an end to armed conflicts and for the restoration of peace in Burma.

Burmese army told to halt military operations against ethnic groups - Thai PBS English News