Sub-title:
The Role of the KNPP in the Union Peace Process
Description:
"Despite the fact that thus far ten groups have
signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement1
the
Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) still
maintains a number of reservations in relation to
the signing of the agreement. While a number of
other groups, primarily situated in Shan State and
along the border with China have also held out,2
the
fact that the KNPP, one of the remaining members
of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC)
has not yet signed is somewhat surprising.3
Given its geographical location between Karen
State and Shan State, it had been expected given
the signing of the NCA by KNPP allies and UNFC
members the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and
Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) that the KNPP would
also sign. However, the KNPP is still concerned
about signing the agreement and attending the
Union Peace Conferences that the government
initiated to further the peace process.
Although a number of doubts remained, the KNPP
met with the Government’s Peace Commission for
two days on April 26-27, 2018 in Loikaw and agreed
on the implementation of bilateral terms through
regular discussions at the state level.4 According to
a joint statement issued after the meeting,
The Karenni National Progressive PartyKNPP has committed to sign the
Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement-NCA and
has agreed to follow the following points
in the short term before signing the NCA.
(a) Issues concerning holding negotiations
at the state level for Local Monitoring
Team & JMC issue, movement of troops of
both sides and communications to hold
regular negotiations between Kayah State
Government and the KNPP as agreed by
both sides
(b) To reassign liaison officers at the state
level and Union level to carry it out
through the agreed communication
channels agreed by both sides at the state
level and Union level
(c) Progress was achieved in the military
sector, and both sides are to proceed with
the work as agreed.
3. As the above points were agreed at the
Peace Talks, the Karenni National
Progressive Party-KNPP hereby
announced that it had agreed at the talks
to keep on its efforts for signing the
Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement-NCA.5
The KNPPs Gen Bee Htoo said that while the two
sides have not yet been able to reach an
understanding on signing the NCA, “It is important
to keep peace in Karenni State.”6
One of the main issues of concern for the KNPP was
the killing of three of its soldiers and one civilian
who was allegedly murdered by Tatmadaw troops
at the regional operation command based in Loikaw
in December 2017. Although, the Tatmadaw has
said it is conducting an inquiry into the incident no
further progress has been made. The incident has
further weakened trust in relation to the Myanmar
military and its presence in Karenni State.
Shwe Myo Thant, Secretary of KNPP Central
Committee, was quoted as saying
The KNPP maintained the bilateral
agreement with the government since
2012 but we need to watch the condition
of the relationship between us and
Tatmadaw,7
To further negotiations, a meeting between the
Peace Commission had been planned in May but
the Commission cancelled the meeting after the
KNPP had asked for further clarification in relation
to the subjects to be discussed.8..."
Source/publisher:
Euro Burma Office
Date of Publication:
2018-11-00
Date of entry:
2021-04-11
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Countries:
Myanmar
Language:
English
Local URL:
Format:
pdf
Size:
174.97 KB
Resource Type:
text
Text quality:
- Good
Remote URL:
pdf (176.61 KB (Original version))