After meeting with the European Union (EU) on March 2 in Mae Hong Son for discussions on developmental projects in Kayah state, the Karenni Women’s Organization (K.N.W.O), said it will use its power as a local organization to demonstrate against any projects that does not have local participation.

"We urged them not to carry out development projects directly in Karenni state. We won't accept such actions. We are the locals. Without cooperation from us, they can't do it by themselves, and we also will not allow it," said Maw Htoe Myar, chairperson of K.N.W.O.

KNoW and other community-based organizations in Kayah state participated in a multi-sectorial assessment meeting with the EU in Loikaw on March 7. In the current uncertain, and unreliable political situation, the women’s group said it doesn't want development projects to have an effect on ceasefire agreements.

Maw Htoe Myar said, "We are on the way to step up the peace process. Development will have to come only after there is real peace. It will be more complicated for people if these two come together at the same time."

On February 13, the EU and partner organizations met with border-based civil society groups, Karenni refugees and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) to see how they can support development in Karenni state.

The Karenni Social Welfare and Development Center (KSWDC) Spokesperson Khu Nye Reh said it’s more important to “to develop knowledge among the public” than to “improve transportation, bridges and buildings, but that the region needs peace before anything else can begin. Only after this could the political situation be addressed, allowing real development to take root, said Khu Nye Reh.,