"...In summary, the return of the MNDAA to the Kokang region is a result of the failed policies of the past and set in motion a series of unprecedented events. These include a deterioration in relations with China which, as a result, has become more focal in Myanmar?s peace process, and a hastily- arranged ethnic summit at the headquarters of the UWSA, the country?s largest armed opposition group, which until now had shied away from becoming involved in alliance political affairs. The renewed hostilities have also negatively impacted on prospects for the signing of a nationwide ceasefire agreement. Excluding some groups from an NCA and future political dialogue is a high-risk strategy. It will continue divisive, and unsuccessful, practices from the past whereby some nationality forces have ceasefires with the government, while the Tatmadaw pursues military tactics against others. As Myanmar?s tragic experience since independence has frequently warned, conflict in any part of the country can quickly lead to national instability. Therefore, at a time of critical political transition in the country, failure to address the root causes of armed conflict and to create an inclusive political process to solve nationality grievances is only likely to have a very detrimental impact on the prospects for peace, democracy and development. If the government is serious and determined to bring peace to all Myanmar?s peoples, military solutions to ethnic conflict must no longer be pursued, and an inclusive political dialogue should start as soon as possible. Experiences from other countries entangled in decades of civil war around the world have long shown that ceasefires are not a necessary precondition to start political negotiations. Peace in Myanmar needs to move from arguments about process to agreements about delivery. In short, it is time to end military confrontation and to start political dialogue."