Myanmar’s peace process will get speedier as there is greater trust between the government and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) thanks to a virtual meeting on the peace issue held on December 7, said Peace Commission member Hla Maung Shwe. 

The meeting took place at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Nay Pyi Taw through video conferencing. 

“At the meeting there was no pressure on both sides. Both the two regional development tasks are a helping hand to us. We discussed how we can work together in the peace process. The process will get speedier if we have greater trust. I am sure the process is quicker now. This is thanks to the more trust between us and KNPP. But the deadline is too early to say now,” Hla Maung Shwe said. 

The KNPP signed a bilateral agreement in March 2012, attended the Union level talks and built trust, he added.  

“There is hardly any conflict with the KNPP. We also have trust to a certain degree. But it has yet to sign the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement). When we had talks in Chiang Mai in 2019, the KNPP proposed to sign the agreement. It was a deep commitment. To be able to achieve success in the current political setting, we held discussion on December 7. Through talks, we have better understanding and greater trust paving the way for a speedier peace process,” Hla Maung Shwe commented.  

 He said both sides will meet again in January. If the Covid-19 outbreak decreases, talks will be held in person. If not, an online meeting will take place, he said.