The Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement on September 4 saying that it will continue its strong commitment and adherence to promoting federalism and democracy, and fighting against any forms of dictatorship.

The statement was issued in three languages of Myanmar, English and Karen under the title of the KNU principles on the current situation.

It said it would be working with any organization to fight against any dictatorship.

“We will support and assist anyone who seeks shelter and protection and we will continue to explore alternative approaches to address the root causes of civil war and bring genuine peace and stability to the country,” the statement said.

Moreover, the KNU will encourage the public to show support in any way they can to fight for freedom and justice, it added.

Since February 1 when the military took over the State power, there have been those who took shelter or received military training in the KNU-controlled area. Mainly after clashes have started between Brigade-5 of the Karen National Liberation Army, an armed wing of the KNU, and the Myanmar military, local people have fled to Thailand.

On May 10, KNU President General Saw Mutu Sae Poe issued his opinion statement saying that he was sadden to see the attempt to solve the political problem through armed struggle in Myanmar’s political change in 2021. He expressed his attitude towards political dialogue to solve the political problem.

The KNU is an organization that fought for many years for national cause and equality by holding arms. But later, its adoption of dialogues for regional peace and development paved the way for signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement, he added.

His opinion statement attracted both support and criticism.

In his message sent to the 71st Anniversary of Karen National Martyrs Day on August 12 also, General Saw Mutu Sae Poe said: “So long as there is no political will for dialogue to resolve the political problems, it is impossible to place our hope on political dialogue. For that reason, we have to act in defense of our land, he lives, homes and property of our people while keeping the door open for the political dialogue.”

In the successive eras, the national leaders have striven, by various means, for the fulfillment of Karen national aspirations and political goals. Inevitably, they have had to resort to armed resistance in defense of the lives and homes of the Karen people. At the same time, efforts have been made to resolve the political problems by political means. However, there has been a political setback since February 1, he commented.