One woman pro-democracy activist who took the Burma government’s invitation to return home seriously is Daw San Dar Win, a teacher, who works at Burma Migrant Education Department in the Thai border town of Mae Sot.
Saw San Dar Win said that she returned to Burma for family reasons and not because of political motivation.
“I contacted the Burma Embassy in Bangkok prior to my returning. The main reason of my returning is to be reunited with my family. At moment, I don’t want to comment on the political situation here or there. After I have returned to Burma, I will share my political feelings.”
Daw San Dar Win is the first Burma pro-democracy activist living and working in Mae Sot, to return home to Burma. She said she discussed with her colleagues before making the decision to return to her husband, U Myint Oo, who came to the border to collect her.
Daw San Dar Win worked in Mae Sot at a number of jobs - the officer-in-charge for the Committee for Protection and Promotion of Child Right (CPPCR), as secretary of the Burmese Migrant Teachers Association (BMTA) and as a teacher in Amay Eain and Hle Bee migrant schools.
Dr. Cynthia Maung, founder of Mae Tao Clinic, a close colleague of Daw San Dar Win, said that her friend went back to Burma because of the positive political changes in Burma.
“Before she went back, Daw San Dar Win told me that now that Daw Aung San Su Kyi is running in the election and because of the political developments in Burma - that’s why she went back.”
Daw San Dar Win before she left Burma in 2005 worked as the chairperson of the National League for Democracy’s (NLD) Women Affair in Magwe Division. When she got to the border she worked in education for seven years.
Since Burma’s President U Thein Sein’s invited Burmese exiles to return, 15 pro-democracy activists based along Thai-Burma border have contacted the Burma Embassy in Bangkok and have since left to live in their country of birth either on a temporary or permanent basis.
The Karen Women’s Organization released a statement today to say they had formed a peace committee, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Recommendation 1325, to ensure women are represented during the peace process with the Burma Government.
The Karen Women Organization statement was issued as a result of discussions held during its 5th congress that started on the 26th January and ended on 28th. The meeting was attended by 40 representatives from seven Karen State districts and held at a location on the Thai-Burma border. The KWO statement explained.
“The on-going peace process was discussed, analyzed and representatives decided to participate in the Karen peace process as KWO believes that women's participation is important. KWO formed a peace committee to represent the needs, concerns and suggestions of women and children and to ensure women's voices are heard and recognized during the peace process.”
The KWO delegates at the 5th congress meeting reviewed and improved the KWO's current constitution, policies on different issues, management structure and implementation of tasks at all levels.
“KWO also plans to raise awareness about the possible refugee repatriation process in the refugee community and to advocate for women and refugee participation in the process.”
The KWO was formed in 1949 and now has 49,000 members.
A KWO spokeswoman said.
“We mainly work on women's capacity building, the special needs of women and children, documenting human rights violations and advocating justice for women who have been sexually abused by the Burmese military along with other woman related issues.”
As Burma’s Parliament prepares for its next session, the London based pro-democracy advocates, ‘Burma Campaign UK’, called on the international community to scrutinize Burma’s upcoming annual budget as a sign of its commitment to implement reforms that benefit the people.
Last year’s, President Thein Sein’s government allocated just 1.3 percent of the government budget to health, and just over 4 percent on education. Almost 25 percent was allocated to the military a figure many international human rights groups dispute including Burma Campaign UK in a media statement released last week.
“There is believed to be additional military spending outside the official accounts.”
Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK said.
“Thein Sein has promised reform and to prioritize development. This budget will be a test of how serious he is - there needs to be substantial increases in spending on health, education and agriculture, and major cuts in military spending.”
The Burma Campaign UK statement stressed the importance of a shift in military spending in the country, which faces endemic poverty, a chronic lack of infrastructure and a series of wars in ethnic areas, such as Karen and Kachin State.
“Thein Sein’s government has asked for more international support to tackle poverty, promote development, and build the capacity of government departments.”
The Burma Campaign UK in their media statement said they had pushed Britain to give more international aid to impoverished country, but warned.
“Support for increased aid to Burma could be undermined if the government continues to spend almost 20 times more on the military than it does on health.”
Burma Campaign UK noted decades of military rule Burma had turned the country into an economic and social wasteland.
“Burma’s health, education and agriculture sectors have been neglected for decades. They need substantial upfront investment to build basic infrastructure and train professionals, in addition to a general long-term increase. Given the desperate state of health and education, the government should be laying out a plan for the next few years on how the balance of spending between health and education, and the military, will be reversed.”
Mr Farmaner said the coming budget will be a real test of the Burma’s military dominated government commitment to making education and health programs a budget priority at the expense of the armed forces.
“If we see increases in health and education budgets of just one or two percent, and no significant reduction in military spending, it will raise real concerns about how serious Thein Sein’s government is about turning promises of reforms into concrete change.”
The Burma Campaign UK come March this year will be keeping a close watch on parliamentary proceedings to make sure President Thein Sein honours his promises to reform the welfare sector.
“The ability of Parliament to make significant changes to any proposed budget should also be watched closely. Constitutionally, the Parliament has very little power, but does have to approve the budget.”
Following ceasefire talks with the Burma Government last week in Pa-an the Karen National Union issued a statement today to make clear their commitment to the peace process.
The KNU, 19-member delegation, met with Railways Minister, U Aung Min, and representatives of the Burmese government on Thursday last week. The KNU statement explained that the two parties had agreed in principle to a ceasefire.
“The KNU delegation reached an initial agreement with the Burmese government's representatives towards a ceasefire agreement. When the delegation returns to our headquarters, the KNU leadership will discuss about subsequent steps required in this dialogue with the Burmese government.
The KNU also presented at the meeting its 11 point proposal that the KNU says the Burma government delegation agreed in principle to.
“The KNU leadership will take further steps to continue concrete discussions on how the terms and conditions of the proposal will be materialized on the ground, in detail, before both sides can agree on the final ceasefire agreement.”
The full list of the Karen National Union 11-point proposal is printed below.
The Karen National Union's general secretary Naw Zipporah Sein and a member of the KNU’s Peace Committee said further talks would be needed with the Burma government representatives after yesterday’s meeting in Pa-an town, Karen State.
KNU general secretary Naw Zipporah Sein told Karen News.
"We signed an agreement with them [government] at the state level. This signed agreement is only that we agreed in principle. We need to have a lot more discussions about the politics involved in the detail."
A 19-member delegation, led by General Mutue Sae Poe and Padoh David Taw, under the supervision of the KNU Peace Committee, met with representatives of the Burma government led by Railways Minister Aung Min -according to government staff a State level ceasefire agreement paper was signed.
During the ceasefire meeting, the KNU demanded 11 key points be agreed to - the Burma government stop military operations in ethnic areas, start a nationwide ceasefire as soon as possible, to guarantee the human rights and safety of civilians, to build trust, to plan development projects that have the full participation and decision making of local villagers, to immediately stop forced labor and to stop excessive taxation and extortion of villagers.
The KNU are also stipulated that the Burma government release all political prisoners, provide solutions to settle land right issues, to set out principles for a genuine peace process, to open a liaison office for peace talks, to allow unrestricted unarmed travel and movement in Karen State and to draw clear lines of controlled territory.
It was agreed by both sides at the Pa-an meeting In the state that they will continue to discuss the details of the ceasefire, opening a liaison office, allowing unrestricted unarmed travel and movement in Karen State.
The KNU leaders at the meeting acknowledged to Karen News that their delegation didn't have a mandate to sign the ceasefire at this initial meeting and the KNU will release a media statement on the issue.
According to a KNU source at the Pa-an meeting, KNU delegates plan to continue their trip to Mon State, Pago (Pegu) Region and to the Burma capital Nay Pyi Daw.
A source told Karen News that the Burma representatives also signed a paper that agreed in principle to the KNU's 11-key points and both delegations will open discussion within 45 days.
Naw Zipporah Sein said "We are welcome to government signing our [KNU] 11-key points, even if it is agreed only in principle."
In 2011 the KNU held three preliminary ceasefire meetings with Burma government delegations in Thailand on October 9, November 19-20 and on December 21.Yesterday, a 19-member Karen National Union delegation held talks with Burma government representatives, led by Railways Minister, Aung Min, in Pa-an, Karen State to discuss a ceasefire agreement. A KNU spokesperson confirmed to Karen News what the talks had achieved.
“The KNU delegation reached an initial agreement with the Burma government's representatives towards a ceasefire agreement. When the delegation returns to our headquarters, the KNU will continue to discuss about subsequent steps in this negotiation with the Burmese government.”
The KNU spokesperson said the KNU welcomed the Burma delegation’s agreement-in-principle to the 11 key points they presented at the Pa-an talks.
“We welcome the report by our delegation that the Burma government's representatives agreed in principle to the eleven-point proposal that the KNU presented in the talks. We will take further steps to continue discussions about how to materialize these points when both sides finalize the ceasefire agreement.
The KNU’s 11 key points agreed in principle by the Burma government’s delegation include – a demand for the Burma government to stop military operations in ethnic areas, start a nationwide ceasefire as soon as possible, to guarantee the human rights and safety of civilians, to build trust, to plan development projects that have the full participation and decision making of local villagers, to immediately stop forced labor and to stop excessive taxation and extortion of villagers.
The KNU also demanded the Burma government release all political prisoners; provide solutions to settle land right issues, to set out principles for a genuine peace process, to open a liaison office for peace talks, to allow unrestricted unarmed travel and movement in Karen State and to draw clear lines of controlled territory.
KNU leader refutes today’s media stories that the Karen had signed a ceasefire with the Burma government.
Saw David Thrackbaw, the Karen National Union vice-chairmen told Karen News that no ceasefire agreement has yet been signed with the Burma government delegation despite numerous media stories.
Burma’s Railway Minister, U Aung Min is in charge of the government’s delegation while the Karen National Liberation Army chief of staff, General Mutue Sae Poe, leads the KNU delegation.
“It is disingenuous of the Railway Minister, Aung Ming, to say so. He does not have the mandate to sign anything. He is overstepping his authority and at this stage is talking too much - only Burma’s President Thein Sein can ratify a ceasefire agreement and for the KNU it is our Central Committee.”
Saw David Thrackbaw questioned the rational and the timing behind the Railway Minister’s statement to the media claiming the ceasefire is a done deal.
“It’s easy to promise everything, I question why he’s {Railway minister] is such a hurry to get a ceasefire with the Karen. We are now entering the dry season and with a ceasefire in place, I imagine the Burma Army will be in hurry to resupply their 200 army camps in Karen State.”
A position statement from the Karen National Union strongly stressed that today’s peace talks in Pa-an Town with the Burma government are just a first step. The KNU statement said.
“These talks are being initiated as preliminary discussions towards a ceasefire agreement, which would be a first step towards solving the longstanding political conflict between the ethnic nationalities and the Burmese government.”
The KNU, vice chairman, Saw David Tharc Kabaw, explained to Karen News his concerns about the talks.
“I’m cautious, very cautious, there is no certainty, we’re still not sure of the real agenda. We hear the [Burma] President has good intentions towards moving the country to democracy, but the indicators we have say something different, especially the military offensive against Kachin civilians.”
Saw David Thrac Kabaw warned that the reforms in Burma have delivered little for ethnic people or the government’s political opposition.
“The changes so far have been only cosmetic; they failed to deliver on their promise to release all political prisoners. By keeping political prisoners locked up, they are removing key political opponents who have for years struggled for democracy. There is no rule of law.”
The KNU position statement said that a 19-member delegation, led by General Mutu Sae Poe and Padoh David Taw under the supervision of the KNU Committee for Emergence of Peace, would begin talks in Pa-an Town with representatives of the Burmese government.
Saw David Thrac Kabaw told Karen News that knowing what the Burma government’s ‘real agenda’ was is difficult to understand.
“Our past experience has been that the real power always lies in the hands of the ‘military hardliners’ and the in the past they have not hesitated to use guns against ethnic people. The [Burma Army] offensive against the Kachin is very brutal. The Burma Army has moved almost two thirds of its soldiers there.”
The KNU’s Saw David Thrac Kabaw said the fact the Burma Army is attacking the Kachin now and talking peace to the other ethnic groups such as the Karen have made him suspicious of what the Burma government’s real objective is.
“It could be a strategy of ‘good cop bad cop’, we witness this before in 2004 when General Khin Nyunt made all sorts of promises to ethnic groups only to find himself locked up and under a lifetime of house arrest.”
Saw David Thrac Kabaw said the KNU stood strong behind the Kachin people.
“We regard all [Burmese] ethnic people as our allies; they have suffered just as the Karen has. The ethnic alliance is still strong despite the rumors being spread by the government, mischief makers and black propaganda – we still believe ethnic unity is strength.”
The KNU position statement reinforced the organizations commitment to a genuine peace process.
“The KNU believes that in order to achieve genuine peace and an end to the civil war in Burma, the underlying political conflict must be solved by political means, beginning with earnest dialogue. The KNU is committed to this process for the wellbeing of the Karen people and the people of all of Burma.
To coincide with ceasefire talks between the Burma’s government and the Karen National Union (KNU), Karen communities around the world are holding traditional peace ceremonies in front of Burmese Embassies.
In a media statement issued today an alliance calling itself the Karen Communities Worldwide said.
“The traditional peace ceremonies are being held to call on the military-backed government to not only to agree a ceasefire, but also engage in dialogue to solve the political problems behind the conflict.”
The media statement noted tomorrow’s ceasefire talks will be the sixth time in the past 63-years that official talks have been held.
“Past negotiations have failed because the Burma government has always effectively demanded surrender, and has refused to seriously discuss the political problems which are the cause of the conflict.”
Karen Communities Worldwide said that as refugees it is not secure for them to return to their homeland.
“We know it is not safe to return to our homeland without a political solution that ensures there will be peace and where our rights and culture will be protected. We have seen how human rights abuses have continued in other areas of Burma where there are ceasefires. A ceasefire alone tackles the symptoms, not the causes. There must also be political dialogue for a permanent political solution.”
Karen Communities Worldwide in their media statement said, “the military backed government says it wants to talk peace but it is still attacking Karen villages, still executing unarmed villagers, and has recently jailed Mahn Nyein Maung, a senior KNU leader.”
Karen Communities Worldwide alliance called for tomorrow’s peace talks to include - “a nationwide ceasefire, dialogue for a political solution that guarantees ethnic rights and culture, stop attacking Karen and all ethnic people, stop military actions in ethnic areas, stop human rights violations and to free all political prisoners, including Mahn Nyein Maung.”
Karen Communities Worldwide acknowledges that “all Karen want peace, but not peace at the price of surrender that leaves us defenseless against human rights abuses and oppression. There must be a political solution that guarantees ethnic rights and protects ethnic culture. There must be a political solution where the people of Burma can live peacefully side-by-side - different but equal.”
A network of Karen community–based-organisations on the Thai Burma border on the eve of official ceasefire talks between the Karen National Union and the Burma government have issued a media statement calling for third party observers to be involved.
The group calling itself the Karen Community Based Organisations (KCBO) issued a media statement today that said.
“There must be third-party international community observers to monitor the peace talk process.”
A KCBO spokesperson, Saw Eh Htoo Soe, told Karen News.
“We issued this media statement to support our Karen leaders at tomorrow’s ‘peace-talks’. We hope the peace is not only for the Karen, but all people in Burma.”
KCBO spokesperson, Saw Eh Htoo Soe explained to Karen News why his organization wants independent international observers at the ‘peace talks’.
“In the past there were [ceasefire] agreements that were easily broken this time we want to see credible and independent witnesses to ensure the agreements are binding. With independent witnesses at the talks we will know who has not honored the agreements. It is normal practice between warring sides to have independent third parties to keep everyone honest.”
The KCBO media statement welcomed Thursday’s official ‘peace talks’ between the KNU and Burma government representatives, but urged in a number of bullet points that the outcome of the talks must be for all Karen.
“The peace talk must benefit the overall Karen population and other ethnic nationalities of Burma, both parties must recognized and mutually respect the agreements which result from the peace talks and, in addition to a ceasefire, the overall goal of the peace talk is for a long-term and genuine political dialogue so that there will be sustainable peace in Burma.”
The Karen National Union’s 19-member ‘peace talk’ delegation left the border town of Myawaddy this morning for official ceasefire talks in Pa-an Town, Karen State, with Burma government representatives on Thursday, January12.
The KNU delegation is led by the Karen National Liberation Army chief of staff, General Mutue Sae Poe - Karen News understands that the KNU delegation have prepared 11 key points for discussion with their Burmese counterparts.
The KNU 11 key points include – a demand for the Burma government to stop military operations in ethnic areas, start a nationwide ceasefire as soon as possible, to guarantee the human rights and safety of civilians, to build trust, to plan development projects that have the full participation and decision making of local villagers, to immediately stop forced labor and to stop excessive taxation and extortion of villagers.
The KNU are also demanding the Burma government release all political prisoners, provide solutions to settle land right issues, to set out principles for a genuine peace process, to open a liaison office for peace talks, to allow unrestricted unarmed travel and movement in Karen State and to draw clear lines of controlled territory. The KNU have prepared a six-page document detailing their demands that are to be discussed at tomorrow’s Pa-an meeting.
Padoh Saw David Taw, secretary of the KNU Peace Committee and also a member of the delegation spoke to Karen News and said that the mood of the delegation is positive.
“I don’t think there will be any big problems arising at the meeting since we are only discussing with the government about what we have set out. To get a ceasefire agreement this is the first step and we know both sides want to have ceasefire agreement.”
The KNU main delegates are General Mutue Sae Poe, Padoh Saw David Taw, Padoh Saw Ah Toe, Brigadier General Johnny, Lieutenant Colonel Roger Khin, Major Shisho, Major Ei Tha, Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Padoh Saw Lay Law Hsaw, Padoh Saw Aung Maw Aye, Padoh Saw Shwe Maunn and Padoh Saw Eh Wah. The delegation team will start their talk on January 12 with representatives from Burma government in Pa-an Town.
The other seven members of the delegation led by Padoh Saw Thawthi Bwe includes a medic, two officers from the KNLA and three security personnel responsible for the safety of the delegation team.
The Burma government representatives led by General Chit Than (retired) and U Ko Ko Maung from Myawaddy collected the KNU delegation team at 8:00 am this morning to drive them to Pa-an.
The KNU delegation is also scheduled to meet with the Pa-an based Karen Peace Committee leader Abbot Ashin Pyinyarthami from Taungalay Temple and visit the Burma Army’s South Eastern Command Headquarters in Mon State.
The Burma government peace emergence group led by Minister U Aung Min had met with Chin National Front on January 3 at Hakka Town and they signed ceasefire agreement on January 4. Burma’s media are predicting that the ‘peacetalks’ with the Karen on January 12 and with the New Mon State Party on January 20 will reach the first objective - ceasefire agreements.
The KNU has been struggling for equal right and self-determination since January 31, 1949 and has been fighting against the Burma military regime’s for more than 60 years.
Saw San Dar Win said that she returned to Burma for family reasons and not because of political motivation.
“I contacted the Burma Embassy in Bangkok prior to my returning. The main reason of my returning is to be reunited with my family. At moment, I don’t want to comment on the political situation here or there. After I have returned to Burma, I will share my political feelings.”
Daw San Dar Win is the first Burma pro-democracy activist living and working in Mae Sot, to return home to Burma. She said she discussed with her colleagues before making the decision to return to her husband, U Myint Oo, who came to the border to collect her.
Daw San Dar Win worked in Mae Sot at a number of jobs - the officer-in-charge for the Committee for Protection and Promotion of Child Right (CPPCR), as secretary of the Burmese Migrant Teachers Association (BMTA) and as a teacher in Amay Eain and Hle Bee migrant schools.
Dr. Cynthia Maung, founder of Mae Tao Clinic, a close colleague of Daw San Dar Win, said that her friend went back to Burma because of the positive political changes in Burma.
“Before she went back, Daw San Dar Win told me that now that Daw Aung San Su Kyi is running in the election and because of the political developments in Burma - that’s why she went back.”
Daw San Dar Win before she left Burma in 2005 worked as the chairperson of the National League for Democracy’s (NLD) Women Affair in Magwe Division. When she got to the border she worked in education for seven years.
Since Burma’s President U Thein Sein’s invited Burmese exiles to return, 15 pro-democracy activists based along Thai-Burma border have contacted the Burma Embassy in Bangkok and have since left to live in their country of birth either on a temporary or permanent basis.
The Karen Women’s Organization released a statement today to say they had formed a peace committee, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Recommendation 1325, to ensure women are represented during the peace process with the Burma Government.
The Karen Women Organization statement was issued as a result of discussions held during its 5th congress that started on the 26th January and ended on 28th. The meeting was attended by 40 representatives from seven Karen State districts and held at a location on the Thai-Burma border. The KWO statement explained.
“The on-going peace process was discussed, analyzed and representatives decided to participate in the Karen peace process as KWO believes that women's participation is important. KWO formed a peace committee to represent the needs, concerns and suggestions of women and children and to ensure women's voices are heard and recognized during the peace process.”
The KWO delegates at the 5th congress meeting reviewed and improved the KWO's current constitution, policies on different issues, management structure and implementation of tasks at all levels.
“KWO also plans to raise awareness about the possible refugee repatriation process in the refugee community and to advocate for women and refugee participation in the process.”
The KWO was formed in 1949 and now has 49,000 members.
A KWO spokeswoman said.
“We mainly work on women's capacity building, the special needs of women and children, documenting human rights violations and advocating justice for women who have been sexually abused by the Burmese military along with other woman related issues.”
As Burma’s Parliament prepares for its next session, the London based pro-democracy advocates, ‘Burma Campaign UK’, called on the international community to scrutinize Burma’s upcoming annual budget as a sign of its commitment to implement reforms that benefit the people.
Last year’s, President Thein Sein’s government allocated just 1.3 percent of the government budget to health, and just over 4 percent on education. Almost 25 percent was allocated to the military a figure many international human rights groups dispute including Burma Campaign UK in a media statement released last week.
“There is believed to be additional military spending outside the official accounts.”
Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK said.
“Thein Sein has promised reform and to prioritize development. This budget will be a test of how serious he is - there needs to be substantial increases in spending on health, education and agriculture, and major cuts in military spending.”
The Burma Campaign UK statement stressed the importance of a shift in military spending in the country, which faces endemic poverty, a chronic lack of infrastructure and a series of wars in ethnic areas, such as Karen and Kachin State.
“Thein Sein’s government has asked for more international support to tackle poverty, promote development, and build the capacity of government departments.”
The Burma Campaign UK in their media statement said they had pushed Britain to give more international aid to impoverished country, but warned.
“Support for increased aid to Burma could be undermined if the government continues to spend almost 20 times more on the military than it does on health.”
Burma Campaign UK noted decades of military rule Burma had turned the country into an economic and social wasteland.
“Burma’s health, education and agriculture sectors have been neglected for decades. They need substantial upfront investment to build basic infrastructure and train professionals, in addition to a general long-term increase. Given the desperate state of health and education, the government should be laying out a plan for the next few years on how the balance of spending between health and education, and the military, will be reversed.”
Mr Farmaner said the coming budget will be a real test of the Burma’s military dominated government commitment to making education and health programs a budget priority at the expense of the armed forces.
“If we see increases in health and education budgets of just one or two percent, and no significant reduction in military spending, it will raise real concerns about how serious Thein Sein’s government is about turning promises of reforms into concrete change.”
The Burma Campaign UK come March this year will be keeping a close watch on parliamentary proceedings to make sure President Thein Sein honours his promises to reform the welfare sector.
“The ability of Parliament to make significant changes to any proposed budget should also be watched closely. Constitutionally, the Parliament has very little power, but does have to approve the budget.”
Following ceasefire talks with the Burma Government last week in Pa-an the Karen National Union issued a statement today to make clear their commitment to the peace process.
The KNU, 19-member delegation, met with Railways Minister, U Aung Min, and representatives of the Burmese government on Thursday last week. The KNU statement explained that the two parties had agreed in principle to a ceasefire.
“The KNU delegation reached an initial agreement with the Burmese government's representatives towards a ceasefire agreement. When the delegation returns to our headquarters, the KNU leadership will discuss about subsequent steps required in this dialogue with the Burmese government.
The KNU also presented at the meeting its 11 point proposal that the KNU says the Burma government delegation agreed in principle to.
“The KNU leadership will take further steps to continue concrete discussions on how the terms and conditions of the proposal will be materialized on the ground, in detail, before both sides can agree on the final ceasefire agreement.”
The full list of the Karen National Union 11-point proposal is printed below.
1. Establish a nationwide ceasefire and immediately cease military operations in ethnic areas.
2. Guarantee the human rights and safety of all civilians.
3. Build trust among the people.
4. Support the basic needs of the people and ensure that development projects have the full participation and support of local villagers.
5. Allow national media outlets to participate in the peace processes, in order to provide accurate information about developments.
6. Immediately stop forced labor, arbitrary taxation and extortion of villagers.
7. Release all political prisoners and provide solutions to settle land rights issue.
8. Set out principles for all parties to ensure a genuine peace process.
9. Ensure the legitimacy of representatives involved in negotiations, provide adequate time for their consultation with respective constituencies and establish a clear role for third parties.
10. Initiate a plan for monitoring and ensuring the transparency of the peace process.
11. Establish a flexible process that guarantees progress towards sustainable peace, and in which all parties speak straightforwardly and avoid using words that may be misinterpreted.
2. Guarantee the human rights and safety of all civilians.
3. Build trust among the people.
4. Support the basic needs of the people and ensure that development projects have the full participation and support of local villagers.
5. Allow national media outlets to participate in the peace processes, in order to provide accurate information about developments.
6. Immediately stop forced labor, arbitrary taxation and extortion of villagers.
7. Release all political prisoners and provide solutions to settle land rights issue.
8. Set out principles for all parties to ensure a genuine peace process.
9. Ensure the legitimacy of representatives involved in negotiations, provide adequate time for their consultation with respective constituencies and establish a clear role for third parties.
10. Initiate a plan for monitoring and ensuring the transparency of the peace process.
11. Establish a flexible process that guarantees progress towards sustainable peace, and in which all parties speak straightforwardly and avoid using words that may be misinterpreted.
Naw Zipporah Sein
KNU general secretary Naw Zipporah Sein told Karen News.
"We signed an agreement with them [government] at the state level. This signed agreement is only that we agreed in principle. We need to have a lot more discussions about the politics involved in the detail."
A 19-member delegation, led by General Mutue Sae Poe and Padoh David Taw, under the supervision of the KNU Peace Committee, met with representatives of the Burma government led by Railways Minister Aung Min -according to government staff a State level ceasefire agreement paper was signed.
During the ceasefire meeting, the KNU demanded 11 key points be agreed to - the Burma government stop military operations in ethnic areas, start a nationwide ceasefire as soon as possible, to guarantee the human rights and safety of civilians, to build trust, to plan development projects that have the full participation and decision making of local villagers, to immediately stop forced labor and to stop excessive taxation and extortion of villagers.
The KNU are also stipulated that the Burma government release all political prisoners, provide solutions to settle land right issues, to set out principles for a genuine peace process, to open a liaison office for peace talks, to allow unrestricted unarmed travel and movement in Karen State and to draw clear lines of controlled territory.
It was agreed by both sides at the Pa-an meeting In the state that they will continue to discuss the details of the ceasefire, opening a liaison office, allowing unrestricted unarmed travel and movement in Karen State.
The KNU leaders at the meeting acknowledged to Karen News that their delegation didn't have a mandate to sign the ceasefire at this initial meeting and the KNU will release a media statement on the issue.
According to a KNU source at the Pa-an meeting, KNU delegates plan to continue their trip to Mon State, Pago (Pegu) Region and to the Burma capital Nay Pyi Daw.
A source told Karen News that the Burma representatives also signed a paper that agreed in principle to the KNU's 11-key points and both delegations will open discussion within 45 days.
Naw Zipporah Sein said "We are welcome to government signing our [KNU] 11-key points, even if it is agreed only in principle."
In 2011 the KNU held three preliminary ceasefire meetings with Burma government delegations in Thailand on October 9, November 19-20 and on December 21.
U Aung Min and Saw Mutu Sae Poe
“The KNU delegation reached an initial agreement with the Burma government's representatives towards a ceasefire agreement. When the delegation returns to our headquarters, the KNU will continue to discuss about subsequent steps in this negotiation with the Burmese government.”
The KNU spokesperson said the KNU welcomed the Burma delegation’s agreement-in-principle to the 11 key points they presented at the Pa-an talks.
“We welcome the report by our delegation that the Burma government's representatives agreed in principle to the eleven-point proposal that the KNU presented in the talks. We will take further steps to continue discussions about how to materialize these points when both sides finalize the ceasefire agreement.
The KNU’s 11 key points agreed in principle by the Burma government’s delegation include – a demand for the Burma government to stop military operations in ethnic areas, start a nationwide ceasefire as soon as possible, to guarantee the human rights and safety of civilians, to build trust, to plan development projects that have the full participation and decision making of local villagers, to immediately stop forced labor and to stop excessive taxation and extortion of villagers.
The KNU also demanded the Burma government release all political prisoners; provide solutions to settle land right issues, to set out principles for a genuine peace process, to open a liaison office for peace talks, to allow unrestricted unarmed travel and movement in Karen State and to draw clear lines of controlled territory.
KNU leader refutes today’s media stories that the Karen had signed a ceasefire with the Burma government.
U Aung Min and Saw Mutu Sae Poe
Saw David Thrackbaw, the Karen National Union vice-chairmen told Karen News that no ceasefire agreement has yet been signed with the Burma government delegation despite numerous media stories.
Burma’s Railway Minister, U Aung Min is in charge of the government’s delegation while the Karen National Liberation Army chief of staff, General Mutue Sae Poe, leads the KNU delegation.
“It is disingenuous of the Railway Minister, Aung Ming, to say so. He does not have the mandate to sign anything. He is overstepping his authority and at this stage is talking too much - only Burma’s President Thein Sein can ratify a ceasefire agreement and for the KNU it is our Central Committee.”
Saw David Thrackbaw questioned the rational and the timing behind the Railway Minister’s statement to the media claiming the ceasefire is a done deal.
“It’s easy to promise everything, I question why he’s {Railway minister] is such a hurry to get a ceasefire with the Karen. We are now entering the dry season and with a ceasefire in place, I imagine the Burma Army will be in hurry to resupply their 200 army camps in Karen State.”
A position statement from the Karen National Union strongly stressed that today’s peace talks in Pa-an Town with the Burma government are just a first step. The KNU statement said.
KNU vice president Pado Saw David Tharc Kabaw - Photo: KIC
“These talks are being initiated as preliminary discussions towards a ceasefire agreement, which would be a first step towards solving the longstanding political conflict between the ethnic nationalities and the Burmese government.”
The KNU, vice chairman, Saw David Tharc Kabaw, explained to Karen News his concerns about the talks.
“I’m cautious, very cautious, there is no certainty, we’re still not sure of the real agenda. We hear the [Burma] President has good intentions towards moving the country to democracy, but the indicators we have say something different, especially the military offensive against Kachin civilians.”
Saw David Thrac Kabaw warned that the reforms in Burma have delivered little for ethnic people or the government’s political opposition.
“The changes so far have been only cosmetic; they failed to deliver on their promise to release all political prisoners. By keeping political prisoners locked up, they are removing key political opponents who have for years struggled for democracy. There is no rule of law.”
The KNU position statement said that a 19-member delegation, led by General Mutu Sae Poe and Padoh David Taw under the supervision of the KNU Committee for Emergence of Peace, would begin talks in Pa-an Town with representatives of the Burmese government.
Saw David Thrac Kabaw told Karen News that knowing what the Burma government’s ‘real agenda’ was is difficult to understand.
“Our past experience has been that the real power always lies in the hands of the ‘military hardliners’ and the in the past they have not hesitated to use guns against ethnic people. The [Burma Army] offensive against the Kachin is very brutal. The Burma Army has moved almost two thirds of its soldiers there.”
The KNU’s Saw David Thrac Kabaw said the fact the Burma Army is attacking the Kachin now and talking peace to the other ethnic groups such as the Karen have made him suspicious of what the Burma government’s real objective is.
“It could be a strategy of ‘good cop bad cop’, we witness this before in 2004 when General Khin Nyunt made all sorts of promises to ethnic groups only to find himself locked up and under a lifetime of house arrest.”
Saw David Thrac Kabaw said the KNU stood strong behind the Kachin people.
“We regard all [Burmese] ethnic people as our allies; they have suffered just as the Karen has. The ethnic alliance is still strong despite the rumors being spread by the government, mischief makers and black propaganda – we still believe ethnic unity is strength.”
The KNU position statement reinforced the organizations commitment to a genuine peace process.
“The KNU believes that in order to achieve genuine peace and an end to the civil war in Burma, the underlying political conflict must be solved by political means, beginning with earnest dialogue. The KNU is committed to this process for the wellbeing of the Karen people and the people of all of Burma.
To coincide with ceasefire talks between the Burma’s government and the Karen National Union (KNU), Karen communities around the world are holding traditional peace ceremonies in front of Burmese Embassies.
In a media statement issued today an alliance calling itself the Karen Communities Worldwide said.
“The traditional peace ceremonies are being held to call on the military-backed government to not only to agree a ceasefire, but also engage in dialogue to solve the political problems behind the conflict.”
The media statement noted tomorrow’s ceasefire talks will be the sixth time in the past 63-years that official talks have been held.
“Past negotiations have failed because the Burma government has always effectively demanded surrender, and has refused to seriously discuss the political problems which are the cause of the conflict.”
Karen Communities Worldwide said that as refugees it is not secure for them to return to their homeland.
“We know it is not safe to return to our homeland without a political solution that ensures there will be peace and where our rights and culture will be protected. We have seen how human rights abuses have continued in other areas of Burma where there are ceasefires. A ceasefire alone tackles the symptoms, not the causes. There must also be political dialogue for a permanent political solution.”
Karen Communities Worldwide in their media statement said, “the military backed government says it wants to talk peace but it is still attacking Karen villages, still executing unarmed villagers, and has recently jailed Mahn Nyein Maung, a senior KNU leader.”
Karen Communities Worldwide alliance called for tomorrow’s peace talks to include - “a nationwide ceasefire, dialogue for a political solution that guarantees ethnic rights and culture, stop attacking Karen and all ethnic people, stop military actions in ethnic areas, stop human rights violations and to free all political prisoners, including Mahn Nyein Maung.”
Karen Communities Worldwide acknowledges that “all Karen want peace, but not peace at the price of surrender that leaves us defenseless against human rights abuses and oppression. There must be a political solution that guarantees ethnic rights and protects ethnic culture. There must be a political solution where the people of Burma can live peacefully side-by-side - different but equal.”
A network of Karen community–based-organisations on the Thai Burma border on the eve of official ceasefire talks between the Karen National Union and the Burma government have issued a media statement calling for third party observers to be involved.
Saw Eh Htoo Soe
“There must be third-party international community observers to monitor the peace talk process.”
A KCBO spokesperson, Saw Eh Htoo Soe, told Karen News.
“We issued this media statement to support our Karen leaders at tomorrow’s ‘peace-talks’. We hope the peace is not only for the Karen, but all people in Burma.”
KCBO spokesperson, Saw Eh Htoo Soe explained to Karen News why his organization wants independent international observers at the ‘peace talks’.
“In the past there were [ceasefire] agreements that were easily broken this time we want to see credible and independent witnesses to ensure the agreements are binding. With independent witnesses at the talks we will know who has not honored the agreements. It is normal practice between warring sides to have independent third parties to keep everyone honest.”
The KCBO media statement welcomed Thursday’s official ‘peace talks’ between the KNU and Burma government representatives, but urged in a number of bullet points that the outcome of the talks must be for all Karen.
“The peace talk must benefit the overall Karen population and other ethnic nationalities of Burma, both parties must recognized and mutually respect the agreements which result from the peace talks and, in addition to a ceasefire, the overall goal of the peace talk is for a long-term and genuine political dialogue so that there will be sustainable peace in Burma.”
The Karen National Union’s 19-member ‘peace talk’ delegation left the border town of Myawaddy this morning for official ceasefire talks in Pa-an Town, Karen State, with Burma government representatives on Thursday, January12.
The KNU delegation is led by the Karen National Liberation Army chief of staff, General Mutue Sae Poe - Karen News understands that the KNU delegation have prepared 11 key points for discussion with their Burmese counterparts.
The KNU 11 key points include – a demand for the Burma government to stop military operations in ethnic areas, start a nationwide ceasefire as soon as possible, to guarantee the human rights and safety of civilians, to build trust, to plan development projects that have the full participation and decision making of local villagers, to immediately stop forced labor and to stop excessive taxation and extortion of villagers.
The KNU are also demanding the Burma government release all political prisoners, provide solutions to settle land right issues, to set out principles for a genuine peace process, to open a liaison office for peace talks, to allow unrestricted unarmed travel and movement in Karen State and to draw clear lines of controlled territory. The KNU have prepared a six-page document detailing their demands that are to be discussed at tomorrow’s Pa-an meeting.
Padoh Saw David Taw, secretary of the KNU Peace Committee and also a member of the delegation spoke to Karen News and said that the mood of the delegation is positive.
“I don’t think there will be any big problems arising at the meeting since we are only discussing with the government about what we have set out. To get a ceasefire agreement this is the first step and we know both sides want to have ceasefire agreement.”
The KNU main delegates are General Mutue Sae Poe, Padoh Saw David Taw, Padoh Saw Ah Toe, Brigadier General Johnny, Lieutenant Colonel Roger Khin, Major Shisho, Major Ei Tha, Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Padoh Saw Lay Law Hsaw, Padoh Saw Aung Maw Aye, Padoh Saw Shwe Maunn and Padoh Saw Eh Wah. The delegation team will start their talk on January 12 with representatives from Burma government in Pa-an Town.
The other seven members of the delegation led by Padoh Saw Thawthi Bwe includes a medic, two officers from the KNLA and three security personnel responsible for the safety of the delegation team.
The Burma government representatives led by General Chit Than (retired) and U Ko Ko Maung from Myawaddy collected the KNU delegation team at 8:00 am this morning to drive them to Pa-an.
The KNU delegation is also scheduled to meet with the Pa-an based Karen Peace Committee leader Abbot Ashin Pyinyarthami from Taungalay Temple and visit the Burma Army’s South Eastern Command Headquarters in Mon State.
The Burma government peace emergence group led by Minister U Aung Min had met with Chin National Front on January 3 at Hakka Town and they signed ceasefire agreement on January 4. Burma’s media are predicting that the ‘peacetalks’ with the Karen on January 12 and with the New Mon State Party on January 20 will reach the first objective - ceasefire agreements.
The KNU has been struggling for equal right and self-determination since January 31, 1949 and has been fighting against the Burma military regime’s for more than 60 years.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น