Before 2020, an agreement must be achieved to guarantee the ceasefire and to uphold the implementation of the peace process with the next government of 2020, expressed Padoh Saw Ta Doh Moo, General Secretary of the Karen National Union.

He further explained the KNU is holding discussions to secure the ceasefire process in advance of the 2020 elections so that “…implementation of the peace process (can exist) beyond 2020. Once the peace process is on (track), we must (be) keen on organizing an official meeting with a new government to discuss further implementation ….based on the three-phases of establishing a federal union.”

Representatives from KNU and the National Reconciliation and Peace Centre (NRPC) organized an informal meeting in Chaing Mai, Thailand on August 20th where Padoh Saw Ta Doh Moo hosted a ‘question and answer’ session, according to the KNU headquarter’s Facebook web page.

“Regarding our four-point proposal, the 1st phase is to have both groups draw a plan …to achieve a secured ceasefire and to set up a meeting schedule.” Padoh Saw Ta Doh Moo explained there had been previous failures regarding timelines. He noted, “For example, although the leaders from both groups agreed to meet within 14 days after signing the NCA summit as stated in NCA accord’s Chapter 3, it has been almost four years since signing the NCA but no meeting has been organized.”

General Yawd Serk in his opening remarks at the 4th PPST meeting held on August 21st, noted the peace process has challenges ahead, including reaching a basic agreement to establish a federal union.

“…the peace process has been stalled for more than a year, both sides need to prioritize the benefits for the people and the nation by …finding the direction towards peace … with mutual respect” said General Yawd Serk.

The government’s four-point proposal endorsing the peace process will be adapted and further reviewed for compatibility. Also, there should be a specific plan for the peace process in the context of before and beyond 2020, he added.

The four-point proposal of the government includes 1) Implementation of NCA 2) implementation of the peace process in the context of before and beyond 2020 election 3) the basic principles of democracy within a federal union 4) other mediatory important issues, explained U Zaw Htay, spokesperson for the State Counsellor’s Office.