The Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the Myanmar government agreed an eight-point plan last week to push ahead with a nationwide ceasefire accord, to coordinate landmine clearance and refugee return, and to continue political dialogue.
According to a report on Friday by state-run The New Light of Myanmar, both sides also agreed to form a 10-member joint monitoring committee at talks in Karenni State [Kayah] capital Loikaw which ended on Thursday.
Minister Aung Min reportedly represented the government’s Peace-making Committee, while KNPP Deputy Chairman Khun Oo Reh headed the Karenni delegation accompanied by military chief Gen. Bee Htoo. It was the third round of talks between the two sides aimed at strengthening the ceasefire deal.
According to the New Light of Myanmar, the eight-point agreement was as follows:
“(1) To push ahead with nationwide ceasefire accord and continue efforts for all-inclusive political dialogue;
(2) The delegates of the two parties have discussed military affairs and have reached more constructive and progressive results, and the two sides agreed to continue talks about military matters in next rounds of negotiations;
(3) The two parties agreed to shape a joint-monitoring committee as follows:
(a) Two committee members nominated by Kayah State government, two by KNPP and six righteous community elders, adding together ten-member team.
(b) Personnel of the two sides bring together adopting the terms of reference (TOR) to be capable of working together with civil society organizations (CSOs), individuals and local NGOs.
(c) The two parties must not harm, threat or take unlawful measures against monitoring individuals and organizations.
(4) The local people and social organizations will be allowed to observe the new major projects which have been planned to implement in Kayah State including New Village Project; the completion process must be transparent with responsibility and accountability, furthermore the government and persons related to the project must guarantee safety precaution of the local inhabitants.
(5) The two parties call for coordinated actions to clear landmines covered areas with the aim of relocating internally displaced persons (IDPs).
(6) The two parties agree to coordinate a pilot project in Daw-ta-khe in Sha-daw Township for resettlement of IDPs.
(7) The two parties agree to form technical teams to undertake policy agreements.
(8) The government and KNPP also agree to cooperate for regional development.”
KNPP joint-secretary Shwe Myo Thant was quoted by Radio Free Asia as saying that the latest round of talks had yielded some positive results.
