KNPP ready for talk with SPDC

DVB ( 22 December 2003 )

One of the armed rebel groups of Burma, Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) which has been fighting against the government of Burma since the late 40s stated recently that it is ready to talk to the current military regime, the SPDC.

The decision was taken at a two-day long central committee meeting of the KNPP. The president of the KNPP Saw Aung Than Lay insisted that it is the long standing policy of the organisation to solve political problems by means of dialogue.

Secretary 2 of KNPP, Khu Oo Reh said that there has been no official offer of talk from the junta but the dialogue policy is a way of preparation for and precaution against unseen political developments, not because of the possible talk of its ally KNU (Karen National Union) with the junta.

He also added that the SPDC is trying to legitimise its role and position in future governments of Burma with the ‘road map’ plan as the first step.

Observers believe that the proposed talk would not materialise because the SPDC troops have already started military offensives in the KNPP territory.