The KNU (Karen National Union) will actively participate in official peace meetings through the Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting (JICM) to be held in Nay Pyi Taw on January 8 and will continue efforts for the emergence of right and fair peace process, according to a statement issued by the KNU issued on January 7 (yesterday). 

In late 2018, the KNU announced that it would not attend official peace meetings temporarily.

Attending the JICM is regarded as the participation in suspended talks of the KNU. In building up a federal, democratic Union which can fully guarantee the rights for national equality and self-determination, the KNU will make constant efforts for producing sustainable results through the strengthening of the ceasefire and political dialogues, the statement says. 

The KNU believes that the implementation of the NCA can be carried out through the success of talks for the steps of building the democracy and federal system and strengthening the ceasefire. 

Since November 2018 till the current JICM, the KNU held a series of informal talks with the Tatmadaw, the government and stakeholders, on the NCA ceasefire process to be implemented beyond 2020 and building up a democracy, federal Union. 

The KNU’s General Secretary Phado Saw Tar Do Mu will attend the JICM in Nay Pyi Taw.