It is learned that about 25 armed-groups, political parties were invited to participate in the Shan-Kayah (Karenni) Trust-building for Peace forum. The Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) is among 13armed groups that have participated in the peace process at the state and union levels. Despite his tight schedule, the S.H.A.N was able to reach Khu Oo Reh, the first secretary of KNPP.

Q: What is your opinion about the conference for Shan-Kayah joint Peace conference in Lashio?

A: We have not received the detail agenda of the conference. But roughly we understand that all the armed groups and political parties from Shan and Kayah states will be invited to discuss as to how the peace process can be jointly implemented. However, as to what objectives and goals they want to achieve, it is not known.

We heard we are also invited through our liaison office in Loikaw. Nevertheless, we have yet to decide if we will be participating in the conference.

Q: The Arakan and Shan have been holding trust-building for peace forums separately; does the KNPP also have a plan to do so?

A: It depends on our planning and policy. In Kayah State there is no particular or a separate Kayah national political party except the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). However, the National League for Democracy (NLD) has opened its office. And there is, of course, a Kayan National Party, which is based in Shan State, that has opened its office in Kayah State. Among the armed groups, we have meetings, discussions and exchanging of opinions; but so far, we have never met with any political party. So far, we have signed cease-fire with the government, but this is just an initial stage; we still have many other work to do. We need to build trust and achieve more trust with the government. That’s why we are more focusing on established a more concrete ceasefire; then we will move on to talk with other political parties and organizations as the opportunity arises. Again, after all, it depends on the situation.

Q: Then, how do you think the Shan-Kayah Trust-building for peace in Lashio will represent the Kayah State as a whole?

A: It is hard to say definitely. We do not know as to which organizations and parties are being invited. And how many of the politicians can represent the Kayah is not known.

Q: This Trust-building for peace conference is organized with 12 political parties and 13 armed groups headed by Hkun Htun Oo. So, what is your view about building a long lasting and stable peace?

A: It is a good sign that such a process for peace is being collectively carried out. I think, such a gathering for peace should be organized at appropriate place (at the micro level); and we should also hope for a (macro level), in a larger scale conference.

On January 29 a preliminary preparation for the Shan-Kayah conference was held in Lashio. An organizing committee made up of 9 parties was established. The Shan-Kayah Trust-building for Peace Conference will be held on March 20 – 22, 2013 in Lashio, the second capital of Shan State.