KNU: Holds Public Meeting To Talk-up Nationwide Ceasefire

A senior member of the Karen National Union (KNU) told a public meeting that the Burmese government and ethnic armed groups plan to sign nationwide ceasefire by November.

P’doh Mahn Nyein Maung, a central executive committee member, was speaking at a public meeting at its headquarter in Brigade 7 to update Karen people and KNU members of teh KNU’s on-going peace talks with the government.

“At the Tuang Gyi conference U Aung Min told ethnic armed representatives groups that the government will sign a nationwide cease-fire by November. The KNU’s position on a nation-wide ceasefire is that it needs to be signed. The KNU alone, without the inclusion of other ethnic groups is not enough. In our discussions and meetings we stressed that a nationwide ceasefire is important for the beginning of political dialogue. We can only start political dialogue if we reach a nationwide ceasefire.”

The KNU leader said that all armed ethnic groups have a choice to sign or not to sign, but regardless of their decision they will not be left out.

P’doh Mahn Nyein Maung told the meeting.

“U Aung Min informed the ethnic representatives that ethnic group who is not ready to sign nationwide cease-fire would not be left over. They can sign whenever they are ready.”

KNU said that during their recent meeting with the government delgates and the Burma Army commander-in-chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, that the Burma Army is considering removing some of its troops based in villages as a sign of trust

P’doh Mahn Nyein Maung confirmed General Min Aung Hlaing statement.

“General Min Aung Hlaing said he is considering removing some of his troops based in villages as requested by the KNU. He promised to implement it by next month.”

By the end of September the KNU’s delegation led by its Chairman, General Mutu Say Poe, meet with Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and with government ministers including, U Aung Min, to discuss a nation-wide cease fire, a ceasefire code-of-conduct and a framework for future political dialogue.

After six decades of fighting, the KNU agreed to a preliminary ceasefire with the Burma government in January 2012.