The Karen National Union says recent clashes in Tanintharyi Region between its armed wing and Tatmadaw units will not affect the peace talks between armed ethnic groups and the government on a national ceasefire agreement.
A Karen National Liberation Army fighter was killed and another injured in the clashes on the border of Myeik and Dawei districts, KNU general secretary Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win said on June 17.
Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win said the KNU did not know which side fired first in the "small" encounters on June 13 and 14 between the KNLA's 4th Brigade and Tatmadaw forces, which occurred despite a ceasefire agreement between the two sides since January 12, 2012.
"We have sent letters of objection to the Tanintharyi regional government and we will investigate ourselves but this will not affect the peace process," he said.
Karen National Union central executive committee member Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung told Mizzima on June 4 that the KNU would sign a new ceasefire agreement with the Tatmadaw within three months.
He was speaking in Nay Pyi Taw after a KNU delegation held talks with President U Thein Sein and Defence Services Commander-in-Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
