The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army is still waiting for State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to reply to its formal request to join the Union Peace Conference (also called 21st Century Panglong Conference).
DKBA Col. Saw San Aung said: “The government said it will work for an-inclusiveness in the Panglong conference so we made a request (to join) as we want to take part in the peace process.”
When contacted by the KIC News, U Hla Maung Shwe, secretary of the Union Peace Conference Preparatory Committee, confirmed that the letter has been received.
The Karen armed group also submitted a letter to U Khin Zaw Oo, a retired lieutenant general and member of preparatory committee.
The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army—not to be confused with original group with the same name that was transformed into a Border Guard Force—split from mother organisation the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army.
Until now, the faction group hasn’t expressed interest in the peace process that is being led by the government.
Small clashes between the DKBA and Burma Army, and also with Karen Border Guard Front, are still breaking out in Karen State.
Reporting by S’Phan Shaung for KIC News
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff
