The S&D Group in the European Parliament expressed its satisfaction for the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and eight Ethnic Armed Organizations which opens the way for peace ahead on the general elections planned for 8 November.

S&D Vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru said:

"We welcome the ceasefire as a crucial step in the peace process bringing an end to six decades of internal conflicts. This is a key starting point, which acquires particular importance as it comes just before the elections. We call on all sides to carefully respect the agreement, but at the same time we hope negotiations will continue in order to find a ceasefire agreement also with the remaining armed groups and give Myanmar the stability and security it needs.

S&D MEP Ana Gomes, who will be leading the European Parliament Delegation to observe the elections in Myanmar, said:

"We hope that this agreement will be followed by transparent and credible elections in November as an essential condition for a genuine transition from a military regime to a democratic process and thus enabling peace to succeed and last."