The outcome of peace discussions should not be overlooked when considering constitutional changes, said President Thein Sein in a monthly radio address on Saturday.

He said details would be discussed to set a date for signing a nation-wide ceasefire agreement. The talks will be based on the results of a recent ethnic conference in Law Khee Lar in Kayin State.

Following the ceasefire, the president added, the country will be able to adopt a framework to hold political talks.

Thein Sein also stressed the need to take measures for constitutional amendments, as the main demand of ethnic groups is a federal state which embraces equality, autonomy, ethnic rights, cultures and languages.

The president urged parliament, political parties and other political forces to consider the demands made by the ethnic groups on the issue of constitutional change, which he said must be compatible with democratic norms and values.

In his address, Thein Sein praised the leaders of all the ethnic armed groups for their unanimous decision to sign nationwide ceasefire during the Law Khee Lar conference. They reached a common resolution despite different stances at the beginning.

The president especially applauded Karen National Union's chairman Saw Mutu Saw Poe for his remark: "Make history by courageously signing the agreement".

Thein Sein also said it is natural that a nation in the process of nascent changes will face difficulties and challenges to its political, economic and peace issues.

The government, however, is committed to making efforts to yield good results, he said.