Myanmar holds talks on domestic political issues

Myanmar authorities on Friday began high-level six-party talks in capital Nay Pyi Taw to discuss domestic political issues including constitutional amendment, the general election and the peace process.

The six parties involve President U Thein Sein, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, commander-in-chief of the Defence Services Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing, Speaker of the House of Representatives (Lower House) U Shwe Mann, Speaker of the House of Nationalities (Upper House) U Khin Aung Myint and parliament member of the Upper House Aye Maung, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Myanmarese parliament's motion calling for the talks was first put forward on November 25 last year by a parliament member of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the proposal was revised by parliament in January this year.

The 44-person meeting, the second of its kind after January's 48-person talks, focused on three key points, namely the peace process, successful holding of the 2015 general elections and political stability in the interim period before and after the elections.

Myanmar has planned for general elections in November and before it, the draft constitution amendment law is expected to be approved by a nationwide referendum which has been set for May.

The draft nationwide referendum law was adopted during the last parliament session.

Myanmar's 12th parliament session has been underway in Nay Pyi Taw since January 19.