" By most standards ? and against very low expectations ahead of the event ? Myanmar?s latest round of peace talks between May 24 and 29 made good progress. Following a deal brokered by China on the eve of the conference, many more armed groups came to Naypyitaw than had been expected. And on the final day, agreement was reached on 37 ?principles” that are to form part of a future peace agreement, including a key provision that the state will be a federal democracy. These are welcome developments and represent a step forward. But there remain fundamental questions about where the peace process is heading and how many armed groups are ready to participate. Without new momentum and broader participation, a negotiated end to the conflict will remain elusive..."