KNPP meets refugees before coming ceasefire talk

Before entering the next meeting with government, Karenni National Progressive Party KNPP gathers public conference with refugees in Thai borders areas to clarify the previous ceasefire agreements and pointed whether the further signing would bring them the real change while military’s issues in the state are still controversial.

“have already signed three times during this initial ceasefire period but we haven’t got any agreement on Military issues. So, if coming meeting doesn’t reach our proposal, we will not sign for this time.” said Khu Oo Reh, vice-chairperson of KNPP.

KNPP is planning to hold another round meeting with the government in Karenni State to discuss about the military issues at the end of October.

KNPP only consider to sign nationwide ceasefire base on military issues in state level reach agreement.

Thousands of refugees attended KNPP public conference on 12 to 14 October in Ban Maesurin refugee camp and Ban Nai Soi refugee camp in Mae Hong Son areas.

“In my own perspective, I think I would agree to KNPP not to be signing as previous agreements resulted nothing” said representative of refugees, Rev.Yarrdoe.

The first ceasefire agreement between KNPP and Government was signed in May, 2012 along with another meetings in June which reach 14 points agreements without military issues and the latest meeting signing was June, 2013 which reach 8 points agreements which focusing only on development projects and refugee repatriation.

“We will only focus and prioritize on Military affairs this time and if it turns out nothing, we will not sign the agreement. So, if we do not sign this, how will they respond to us? Shooting like before? or some sort of buying times? There are so many possibilities to think of.” Said Khu Oo Reh.

KNPP has been fighting against Burmese military for over 60 years and has just ceasefire recently with Myanmar President U Thein Sein government. KNPP also mentioned once that they have no decision to sign nationwide ceasefire signing yet, which will be held within the last week of October in Naypyi Daw.

Cp-Ktime