The potential for further talks was explored in an informal meeting with the Burmese government’s Peace Commission.
Representatives of the Karen National Union (KNU) told the Burmese government’s Peace Commission in a March 8 meeting that they would like to engage in discussions with other government institutions in order to move the peace process forward.
This includes talks with the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) and the military’s negotiation team, according to the KNU’s general secretary Padoh Saw Tadoh Moo.
“We are going to meet the next top-level leaders, like the NRPC and the Burma Army’s negotiation team, led by Gen Yar Pyae,” he said, emphasizing that Friday’s meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with the Peace Commission was informal in nature and that this allowed for more open discussions.
Peace Commission member U Zaw Htay told NMG that the talks were frank and intended to promote better dialogue.
“Not to deviate from the NCA [Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement] path, we discussed seeking ways for building mutual trust and understanding among ourselves,” he said.
The results of the informal meeting will be reported to the respective leaders of the organizations involved, and further meeting will be scheduled.
“The KNU must discuss [these issues] within their organization. We also have to report back to our leaders. We have to re-negotiate to schedule a meeting date. After that, we will try our best to have meeting between both parties as soon as possible,” U Zaw Htay said.
The Peace Commission delegation in the meeting was led by the retired Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo and members including U Zaw Htay, U Hla Maung Shwe, U Aung Soe, and U Kyaw Lin Oo.
The KNU’s delegation was led by vice chairperson Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win and included Col Saw Tu Tu Lay, Maj Tar Moo Ler, Padoh Saw Tadoh Moo, Padoh Saw Taw Nee and Naw May Oo.
The KNU announced in November of last year that it would temporarily halt its participation in official peace meetings with the government due to political deadlock in the peace process.
