"Like many peace process around the world, the peace process in Myanmar is not exempt from challenges and obstacles, unforeseen as well as expected. Despite facing challenges, both negotiating teams ? the government of Myanmar and ethnic armed opposition organizations ? are making a concerted and cooperative effort. They persistently pursue the objectives of finding a mutually acceptable solution to the remaining points of contentions in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Securing the NCA is the first step along their seven-step road map towards attaining a durable solution to end over 60 years of political conflict. With the general election coming up in November, it is fair to say that they are now entering into the final rounds of negotiation to reach the NCA at least before election. The government side even hinted that there might not be any further rounds of negotiation. The stakes are too high..."