The Myanmar government and the rebel ethnic Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP) have vowed to push ahead with the nationwide ceasefire accord, a step toward holding political dialogue for translating into lasting peace in the country, state media reported Wednesday.

It was pledged during their third round of peace talks in Loikaw, Kayah state.

During Tuesday's talks between the government's central peace- making work committee, led by its Vice Chairman U Aung Min and KNPP peace making group, led by its Vice Chairman U Khu Yal, the two sides discussed formation of a joint monitoring group, opening of liaison office and measures for resettlement of internal displaced persons and resumption of their livelihood, said the New Light of Myanmar.

In June of this year, the two sides held their second round of talks in Loikaw, producing an eight-point agreement which called for continued efforts for all-inclusive political dialogue, continued discussions on military affairs and giving assurance not to harm, threat or take illegal action against monitoring individuals and organizations.

The agreement also included allowing the public and social organizations to observe the new major projects to be implemented in Kayah state, coordinating of measures on clearing landmines in places where internally displaced persons will be relocated and formation of a technical teams to undertake policy agreements and cooperate for regional development.

KNPP once had a ceasefire deal with the government in 1995 but the truce was broken three months after the signing.

Meanwhile, the Myanmar government and the rebel Kachin Independent Organization (KIO) agreed at their peace talks in Myitgyina, northernmost Kachin state, earlier this month to work together toward nationwide ceasefire and lay foundation for political dialogue. The peace talks reached a seven-point agreement.

Under President U Thein Sein's peace offer to internal armed groups in August 2011, peace making has been carried out in three phases.

The government claimed that so far, 14 out of 16 ethnic armed groups have signed preliminary peace pacts with the government at state or central levels since President U Thein Sein announced peace offer with ethnic armed groups in August 2011. Endi

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