KNPP to discuss with the government for an all-inclusive ceasefire
The Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) will discuss with Burma's
government ways that all ethnic armed groups can be included in the nationwide
ceasefire and peace process, a senior official from the KNPP tells the Shan
Herald.
The KNPP, held a meeting at its headquarters with top-ranking leaders on
the subject of future peace talks with the new government. It was decided at
this meeting that the KNPP would continue to advocate for an all-inclusive
peace process, the KNPP’s Secretary (2) U Shwe Myo Thant said.
“The policy hasn’t changed. We will
continue to cooperate with the UNFC [United Nationalities Federal Council],
which is a coalition of ethnic armed groups. We have decided to sign the
nationwide ceasefire agreement only when everyone is included,” explained U
Shwe Myo Thant.
During the meeting held at the KNPP’s headquarters on the Thai-Burmese
border, Khu Oo Reh the KNPP's Vice Chairman and Commander-in-Chief Gen Bee Htoo
were selected to lead the negotiations with the government.
Under the leadership of the State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the
Burmese government is planning on holding a 21st Century
Panglong Conference. The government’s Peace Committee plans to meet with ethnic
armed groups that still have not signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement.
Only eight ethnic armed groups have signed the nationwide ceasefire
agreement with the previous Thein Sein administration. A number of other armed
groups have refused to sign it citing the government's failure to include other
groups.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Burma Forces Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing has said
the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army
(AA), and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army/ Palaung State Liberation Front
(TNLA/PSLF) need to disarm first before beginning peace talks.
Tags: News, Politics
