The aim of the talks was to move the stalled peace process forward, a participant said.

Delegations representing the Burmese government’s Peace Commission and the Karen National Union (KNU) met for informal talks on Saturday in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The Peace Commission’s representatives were led by retired Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo, while the KNU’s team was headed by General Secretary Padoh Saw Tadoh Moo. The meeting was the second of its kind between the government delegation and the KNU.

Also in attendance from the KNU’s side were Col Tu Tu Lay, Padoh Saw Taw Nee, Naw May Oo, Saw Baw Boh, and Saw Eh Doh Soe.

From the government were U Aung Soe, Director General of the President’s Office U Zaw Htay, Peace Commission advisor U Hla Maung Shwe, and U Kyaw Lin Oo.

Participants told NMG that there was no agenda agreed upon in advance for the meeting, but the aim was to seek a way to move Burma’s stalled peace process forward.

The last such informal meeting between the KNU and the Peace Commission was held in November of last year, also in Chiang Mai.

NMG also reportedthat similar informal meetings are scheduled to be held this week between the Peace Commission Delegation and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army, as well as the Karenni National Progressive Party.