Burma-Myanmar: Karen National Union (KNU) breakaway signs peace deal
A BREAKAWAY group of the Karen National Union last week signed a preliminary peace agreement in Nay Pyi Taw.
The KNU/KNLA Peace Council, led by General Saw Htay Maung, signed the deal with U Aung Thaung and the union-level peace negotiating team at Amara Hotel on February 7.
About 20 members of the breakaway group, including senior officials, a medical officer, security members and four journalists arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on February 6. They held a preliminary meeting with the government team that day before signing the six-point agreement on February 7.
Under the deal, members of KNU/KNLA Peace Council are allowed to maintain a presence at Mela and Tokawco; open liaison offices at Hpa-an, Myawaddy, Paya Thone Sue, Kawkareik, Mawtaung and Kawthoung; travel across borders with weapons after mutual pre-negotiations; provide accommodation to “region peace and development troops” and continue to negotiate until a permanent peace deal has been reached.