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Karen National Union (KNU) (2022 – 2023)

Government Name: Kayin National Union (KNU)

Armed Wing: Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)

knu logo

 knu flag


SUMMARY

Founded: February 5th , 1947

Headquarters: Kaloyawlay, Hpa-An District, Karen State.

Active Territories: Across Karen State, Thaton, Bilin and Kyaikto Township in Mon State, Kyaukkyi, Shwegyin and Mone Township in Bago Region, Myeik and Dawei Township in Tanintharyi Region.

Strength: More than 10,000

Chair – Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win

Vice Chair – Padoh Saw Hsel Gay

General Secretary – Padoh Saw Tah Doh Moo

Military Chief of KNU/KNLA – General Saw Jaw Ni

Debuty Military Chief of KNU/KNLA – Lt – Gen Baw Kyaw Heh

KNDO’s Military Chief – Brig – Gen Saw Shee Lay

Saw Ba U Gyi’s four principles—For us, surrender is out of the question, we shall retain our arms, the recognition of the Karen country must be complete and we shall decide our own political destiny—are still held as the guiding principles of the Karen National Union. For the fight against the dominance of military dictator and democratic affairs and peace affairs and building a genuine federal democratic union, the Democratic Alliance of Burma, led by the KNU, signed five-points on the establishment of the Federal Union of Myanmar – Manerplaw Agreement with the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), the National League for Democracy (Liberated Areas) and the National Democratic Front, which had been revolutionizing the military since 31 July 1992 in the era of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. 79

During the peace process under the President U Thein Sein administration, the KNU played a leading role in the peace process and signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) together with seven Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs). During the tenure of the government led by the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, the KNU took a leading role in the peace activities established under the NCA. However, on 26 January 2019, the KNU issued a statement calling for a common ground between either the Tatmadaw and the government to discuss the challenges faced in the peace process and the misinterpretation of the NCA. During the peace process under the NCA, there were repeated clashes with the Tatmadaw over the KNU’s activities, and over the Tatmadaw’s construction of roads under the pretext of regional development. The KNU helped support civil servants who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and stood with the Spring Revolution forces to oppose the military coup. It also cooperates with the EROs group under the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC). In September 2021, the KNU/KNLA cooperated in the Central Command and Coordination Committee (C3C) formed with the Ministry of Defense and the Home Affairs Ministry under the National Unity Government (NUG) and four allied Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs). In cooperation with the Karenni National Progressive Party/Karenni Army (KNPP/KA) and the National Unity Government (NUG), it formed the Joint Coordination Committee (J2C) and Joint Operation Command (JOC) in the southern Myanmar such as Karen (Kayin) State, Karenni (Kayah) State, Mon State, Tanintharyi Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Yangon Region and Bago Region and the southern military region which covers the central Myanmar areas such as Nay Pyi Taw. It is cooperating with member organizations and the persons who are mainlyn responsible for political and military affairs. Political and military strategies and policies are coordinated and adopted by the J2C while the joint ground military commands and operations are carried out by the JOC. 80

At the 17th KNU Congress held from 24 April to 4 May 2023, the new Central Executive Committee led by Padoh Saw Kwel Htoo Win was elected. 81 At the press conference titled “First 100 Days: KNU in a New Era” on 10 August, Padoh Saw Ta Doh Moo, the General Secretary of the KNU announced four political goals—build the military, which has absolutely no right to participate in Myanmar’s politics, draft a new federal democratic constitution, agree and implement transitional justice processes and agree to the international’s participatory role at all stages of building a new nation. The KNU declared the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) null and void due to the military coup. He said the KNU continues to hold on to the principle of ensuring justice, equality, self-determination and the emergence of a federal democratic union. He added that the KNU will work towards forming a Kawthoolei federal unit that embodies the principles of self-determination, following the removal of the military council.

Battles with the military council troopsThree battles in 2019, seven in 2020, 85 in 2021, 167 in 2022 and 53 in 2023 (up to March). In the battles in 2022 and 2023, the KNU/KNLA is most often found to have attacked the military council in collaboration with the local PDFs.
Battles with the EROsOne battle with the New Mon State Party (NMSP) in 2019 and two with the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA) led by Major General Saw Nerdah Mya in 2023.

 

Ceasefire & Peace Process

6th ceasefire agreement signing group
Stage 1: State level ceasefire 12 Jan 2012
Stage 2: Union level ceasefire 7 Apr 2012
Stage 3: NCA signed 15 Oct 2015

Official Representatives

Rotating

Fighting with Tatmadaw
2019 – 3
2019 – 8
2021 – 82
2022 (March) – 23


Karen Peace Support Team

8 April 2012
Address: No.410, 3rd Street (South), East Gyo Gone, Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Telephone Number: +95-9-8575 225
Contact Persons:

  1. Rev. Mathew Aye, coordinator of the Karen Peace Support Team
  2. Susanna Hla Hla Soe, Co-Coordinator of Karen Peace Support Team

For full details see a statement document

KPST’s Role in Peace Negotiation

  1. organizing media (domestic and international)
  2. observers
  3. facilitating meetings
  4. community participation

Members:

  1. Honorary Moderator: Prof. Saw Tun Aung Chain-Individual
  2. Coordinator: Rev. Matthew Aye- Karen Development Network
  3. Co-coordinator: Nant Khin Aye Oo (Cum treasurer) – Karen Development Committee
  4. Co-coordinator: Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe – Karen Women’s Action Group
  5. Member: Saw True Blood – Individual
  6. Member: Saw Kenneth Wai Thaw – Individual
  7. Member: Saw Alan Saw U – Individual
  8. Member: Mahn Kyaw Nyunt – Individual
  9. Member: Saw Kyaw Swar – Karen Affairs Committee
  10. Member: Nan Myint Tin – Karen Affairs Committee
  11. Information Disseminator: Nyaw Nyaw (secretarial support) – Individual

Liaison Offices
1. Hpa-an September 29, 2012
2. Phayatonesu, May 15, 2012
3. Hte We April 12, 2012
4. Kyaukkyi – April 9, 2012
5. Thaton – March 5, 2012

Business Liaison Offices
1. Mawlamyaine November 22, 2013
2. Hpa-An
3. Yangon

Alliances
Other Karen EAOs

Contact
Website: http:// www.knuhq.org
Email: [email protected]


Official delegation team

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Meetings

 # Date Location Armed Group Rep Govt Rep Details
130/09/11Mae Sot, ThailandCol AungPreliminary meeting: KNU leaders told the government delegation that they didn’t want to hold peace talks with state-level officials because they lacked the authority to reach a binding agreement. The meeting was attended by Christian community leaders, Buddhist monks and MP Saw Boe Ni.
219/11/11Mae Sai, ThailandAung MinInformal ceasefire agreement: Mediators included: Nay Win Maung, Dr. Kyaw Yin Hlaing and Tin Maung Than, Harn Yawngwe.
321/12/11Mae Sot, ThailandDavid ThakapawAung MinPreliminary meeting: Talks centered on rules and agreements that affect armed troops.
Other Karen delegates included: KNU military chief General Mutu Saypo, Pado David Htaw, Pado Ah toe, Hpaan District chairman Saw Aung Maw Aye, Saw Roger Khin of the KNU health department and KNU central committee member Saw Thawthikho. Mediators included: Dr. Nay Win Maung and Hla Maung Shwe.
412/01/12Hpa-an, KayinMutu Say PoeAung MinState-level 11 point ceasefire
505/04/12Hpa-an, KayinZipporah SeinAung MinCease-fire monitoring rules and liaison offices were discussed.
607/04/12YangonZipporah SeinAung MinUnion level 13 point ceasefire
709/04/12NaypyitawZipporah SeinPresident Thein SeinGoodwill visit
810/04/12Hpa-an, KayinZipporah SeinAung MinDiscussions on maintaining the ceasefire and the opening of liaison offices took place. There was a ceremony for the presentation of two vehicles for use at KNU liaison offices in Hpa-an and Dawei.
KNU delegates included: Chief of General Staff General Saw Mutu Say Poe.
Govt delegates included: U Khin Yi from the Union level Peace-making group, Kayin State Chief Minister U Zaw Min, state ministers and other officials.
926/06/12Mae Sot, ThailandZipporah SeinAung MinDiscussions centered on liaison offices that could serve for improving communication and negotiations between the KNU and govt. The KNU believed this could help maintain the ceasefire and work out problems resulting from ongoing land confiscation by the Myanmar military.
1006/08/12Myawaddy, ThailandZipporah SeinAung MinAgreement to hold a 3-day meeting on Aug. 27 in Hpa-an to discuss the “ceasefire code of conduct” and the withdrawal of government troops.
Karen reps. included: Padoh Saw Thawthi Bwe, Naw May Oo and Saw Aung Win Shwe.
Govt reps included.: Immigration Minister Khin Ye, Soe Thein and the Karen State Minister Zaw Min.
Mediators: Dr. Kyaw Yin Hlaing, Hla Maung Shwe, Tin Maung Than from Myanmar Egress Company, Ngwe Soe, Ko Ko Maung and spouse Ma Su from the Dawei Princess Company.
1103/09/12Hpa-an, KayinZipporah SeinAung Min34 point Code of Conduct agreement (in principle).
Govt reps included.: Immigration Minister Khin Ye, Soe Thein and Karen state Minister Zaw Min
Mediators included: Four domestic and three foreign, Hla Maung Shwe.
1205-06/01/13NaypyidawMutu Say PoeThein Sein, Aung Min, VP Sai Mauk Kham, C-in-C Min Aung HlaingUnion Level Peace talks: Ongoing discussions and the implementation of peace agreements.
1315/06/2013YangonPadoh Saw Tar Doh MooMPC officialsthe Karen National Union and MPC officials representing the Myanmar govt met at the Myanmar Peace Center (MPC) in Rangoon on 15 June 2013 and talked about a ceasefire “Code of Conduct” both delegations plan to meet again in July.
1423/08/2013YangonRCSS + KNUMPCEthnics’ technical team led by KNU and RCSS discusses on Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with MPC technical team.
1531/08/2013Nay Pyi TawRCSS + KNU+ CNF (Gen. Mu Tuu Say Phoe, Maj. Tu Tu Lay from KNU, Maj. Sai La and Maj. Sai Mein from RCSS)“Vice president Sai Mauk Kham – Vice Senior General Soe Win, U Aung Min, U Thein Zaw”UPWC president Sai Mauk Kham expected to get a nationwide ceasefire in October. (1) commitment of ceasefire (2) framework from both sides negotiation for political dialogue (3) all-inclusiveness in Conference (4) midterm working process negotiations is proposed by KNU- RCSS. It’s an informal meeting.
1628/09/2013NaypyitawKNU leaders total 9 including mutu say poeUPWC/ Commander in Chiefinformal meeting
KNU leaders (9) meet government and commander in chief also for second time in Nay pyi taw according to The voice daily.
1719/10/2013NaypyitawKNU Pado Mann Nyein MgSoe Thein, Aung Min, Khin Yee and Gen Thet Naing Wininformal meeting
for bomb cases, Pado Mann Nyein Mg meet in Naypyitaw.
1808/11/2013TavoyKNU- 4 Bridgade – 6 representativesThanintari Govt, State minister Myat Ko- 15 representativesKNU meets taninthari government for 4 points
1. To return the KNU hold villages during the war in 1997
2. Military liaison office to regulate the military action in the region under bridgate (4)
3. Karen language teaching in schools and
4. to cooperate in development for regions.
1918/12/2013TaungooKNUPolice force . border affair ministryinformal meeting
2001/01/2014Myawaddy, Karen StateKaren Arms Groups 4UPWCinformal meeting
Karen New Year Ceremony held in myawaddy, 4 arms group together. Aung Min and MPC attend the ceremony.
2105/01/2014NaypyitawKNU- Mutusaypoe/ Mann Nyein Maung/ Saw Kywe Htoo WinUPWC- PresidentThey discuss about nationwide ceasefire
2205/01/2014NaypyitawKNU- Mutusaypoe/ Mann Nyein Maung/ Saw Kywe Htoo WinCommander in Chief and Military GeneralsThey discuss about nationwide ceasefire
2304/06/2014NaypyitawKNU Chairman, Saw Mutu Say Poe, CEC members- Saw Jar Yar Khin, Pado Mann Nyein Mg, Commander in Chief of KNLA, Gen Saw Jaor Ni, Advisor Saw Tu TuPresident Thein Sein, Aung MinInformal Meeting
As well, Gen. Mutu Say Poe also met president Thein Sein at his Leltaw house (farm house) in Naypyitaw today at 5 p.m. It’s fifth times meeting the KNU leader and the president. They discuss about peace.
2404/06/2014NaypyitawKNU Chairman, Saw Mutu Say Poe, CEC members- Saw Jar Yar Khin, Pado Mann Nyein Mg, Commander in Chief of KNLA, Gen Saw Jaor Ni, Advisor Saw Tu TuCommander in Chief, Gen MinAungHlaing, Deputy Commander in Chief Gen Soe WinInformal Meeting
Gen. Mutu Say Poe met Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on 4 June 2014. The meeting took place at 10:00 a.m to 12:00 a.m. It’s a six time meeting between them. Gen Min Aung Hlaing mentioned three points
2505/06/2014NaypyitawKNU Chairman, Saw Mutu Say Poe, CEC members- Saw Jar Yar Khin, Pado Mann Nyein Mg, Commander in Chief of KNLA, Gen Saw Jaor Ni, Advisor Saw Tu TuParliament Speaker – Shwe MannInformal Meeting
Parliament speaker Shwe Mann meet the Chairman of KNU for the first time – introducing the new relationship between the ethnic arms and parliament.
2614/07/2014Law Khee LarMutu Saypoe, Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Pado Mann Nyein Mg, Pado Saw Tardo Hmu, Gen Saw IzackNAIntormal Meeting
KNU held an emergency meeting in Law Khee Lar, the HQ of KNU, on July 14. They discussed about the NC and chose the representatives who are going to attend EAOs meeting in Laiza.
2705/08/2014MPC in YangonKNU brigade 1, 4, 6, and 7Col Aung Lwin (Karen border affairs minister) and MPC teamIntormal Meeting
They discussed about regional development in Karen such as how to cooperate for the development project. JICA, Japan Plattform, Nippon Foundation and staff from Japanese Embassy attended the meeting.

Developments

Agreed points:

Pan-ethnic dialogue

  • to establish nationwide ceasefire – establishing a ceasefire especially in the ethnic nationality regions Monitoring
  • to start the necessary arrangements for monitoring, analyzing and rectifying the peace process
    The Karen Baptist Convention (Burma) has invited officials from the KNU and community based organizations from the Thai-Myanmar border to attend a meeting to explain the ongoing ‘peace talks’ with the government (17/11/2012)

Political:

  • to guarantee life, security and freedom from fear
  • to develop the state to build confidence amongst the Karen
  • to stop forced labour, arbitrary taxation and extortion of villagers
  • to release political prisoners and resolve rehabilitation and land problems for civilians
    19/03/2012 Myanmar pardoned Nyein Maung, a member of the Karen National Union (KNU) central committee

Resettlement:

  • national registration cards
    started

Military

  • ceasefire Code of conduct – 34 points

Ongoing issues:

  • relocation of government troops
    07/09/2012 KNU requested for the government to move 90 of their 300 military bases areas from KNU-controlled territories
  • allow national media outlets to participate in the peace process to provide accurate information about developments
  • support the basic needs of the people and ensure that development projects have the full participation and support of residents
  • set out clear principles for all parties to ensure a genuine peace process
  • legitimate representatives involved in negotiations, provide adequate time for their consultation with respective constituencies and establish a clear roles for third parties
  • implement a flexible process that guarantees progress will lead towards sustainable peace, all parties speak frankly, avoid using words that are easily misunderstood or misconstrued

Repercussions

Internal conflict: KNLA Commander-in-Chief Gen. Mutu Say Poe and Central Committee members David Taw and Roger Khin were dismissed by the KNU for violating protocol by visiting Pa-an the previous week to set up a liaison office. (02/10/2012). However the KNU executive committee managed to iron out differences resulting from divisions over the peace talks with the government during the Central Standing Committee (CSC) (27/11/2012). Both Mutu Say Poe and Roger Khin were reinstated. Mutu Say Poe was eventually elected as the new chairman in December, 2012. (21/12/2012) David Taw died shortly after his dismissal resulting from deteriorating health conditions.


Clashes

Skirmishes have decreased significantly as a result of the new ceasefire and ongoing peace talks with the government. However Karen state remains heavily militarised resulting in some clashes between the KNLA and Myanmar army.

KNU (5) clashes Papun, Hlaing Bwe, Beelin Townships 8 soldiers killed, 2 soldiers injured

Reports are circulating that government troops are preparing for an offensive against the KNLA’s Brigade 5 in northern Karen state after the brigade barred them from conducting gold mining and other businesses in rebel-held territory. (03/01/2013)

The KNU claim the government army’s is forcing Karen civilians to attend militia training, jeopardizing ongoing ‘peacetalks’. (21/11/2012)


Partnership

KNU leader Zipporah Sein met with NLD opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon. (08/04/2012)
Karen community based organisations (CBOs)


Facilitators

The Dawei Princess Company is involved in facilitating the peace process between the KNU and Myanmar government. Company boss U Ko Ko Maung and Managing Director U Ngwe Soe have attended all the peace meetings between the KNU and government. Dawei Princess Company finances and arranges the meetings and travel for the government peace delegation. Karen News also reported that they paid for the setup and the running cost of the KNU liaison office in Dawei (Tavoy) town. The Dawei Princess company, also known as Hein Yadana Moe, is a sub-contractor in the $60B Dawei Special Economic Zone, which includes part of the KNU’s controlled area.


International Partnerships

MPSI

Kyauk Kyi Project Pilot project:​ 2010 – present

A $5M (US) pilot project has been initiated in Kyauk Kyi Township, Bago Region. The project will focus primarily on resettling the estimated 1.5M Karen internally displaced people (IDPs). But it will also be used to provide food, farming equipment, clearing land mines and establishing liaison offices. The project that’s receiving funding through the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) is based on a needs assessment undertaken by the KNU-related IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) assistance group, CIDKP (Committee of Internally Displaced Karen People), and also involves an initial non-technical survey of landmines in target areas. Current status: Monitoring and Evaluation (Jan.15, 2013), As of September, 2012 the CIDKP distributed 517 bags of rice to villagers. Over the next few months, it’s expected that other items such as different food products, mosquito nets and cooking utensils will also be delivered.

http://www.emb-norway.or.th/News_and_events/MPSI/Monitoring-report-Kyauk-Kyi/

http://www.emb-norway.or.th/News_and_events/MPSI/The-Kyauk-Kyi-Pilot-Project-in-Bago-Region/

KNU leaders met with US Ambassador Derek Mitchell on Jan.11, 2013 in Pa-an (Hpa-an), Karen state to discuss the country’s current political landscape and ongoing ceasefires.

Norwegian Peace Association: donations for food, clothes and education supplies; partner with MPSI

Nippon Foundation – agreed to supply food donations for IDPs

Statements

  • The KNU reaffirms deeply its appreciation of effort by current Burma (Myanmar) government and its processes for securing ceasefire and peace with the armed ethnic organizations. 04/12/2012
  • Position Statement of KNU on Current Situation in the Country, 04/12/2012 http://www.burmapartnership.org/2012/12/position-statement-of-knu-on-current-situation-in-the-country/
  • The KNU released a statement calling for tri-partite dialogue so that all ethnic and political groups can be represented and a consensus can be reached and provide a stable foundation for genuine peace and democracy in our country. 21/09/2012
  • Call to immediately end all Myanmar military operations in Kachin state. 21/09/2012
  • KNU Chairman Tamla Baw: “Though the government claims to be building peace with armed ethnic nationality forces, it is my analysis that, in practice, it is working with an emphasis only on business matters, rather than dialogue for peace with a political essence,” he said. 09/08/2012
  • KNU Vice President David Takapaw: says INGOs are pressuring the KNU to talk with the government. 02/07/2012
  • KNU chief calls for close scrutiny of Myanmar. 14/05/2012
  • The KNU expressed hope that the peace negotiations would be more effective with the inclusion of the president, vice president and top military officers of the peace committee. 10/05/2012
  • KNU said the government and President Thein Sein appear to be sincere about implementing peace. (03/05/2012, 08/04/2012)
  • Ceasefires Are Not Peace: KNU lays out crucial steps to achieve lasting peace in Burma. 22/02/2012
  • Four-point statement calling for the withdrawal of all government troops from its controlled areas: a first-stage ceasefire, consolidating the ceasefire, political talks, political cooperation. 22/02/2012
  • KNU President Tamla Baw said that recent agreements reached with the Myanmar government were just “small initial steps” on the road to peace, and urged the Karen people to continue working for greater autonomy. 31/01/2012
  • KNU Statement on Peace Talks. 24/11/2011

October 14, 2015 – KNLA released a statement on the NCA signing (Eng & Bur)

Sept 21, 2015 – KNU released a statement on the World Peace Day

Aug 17, 2015 – KNU, DKBA, KNU/KNLA Peace Council, and RCSS released a joint statement on signing the NCA

July 15, 2015 – KNU released a statement on the conflicts between DKBA and government forces

Mar 05, 2015 – Statement of KNU on Peaceful March to Yangon of Campaigners for Democratic Education (Eng)

Mar 05, 2015 – Statement of KNU on Peaceful March to Yangon of Campaigners for Democratic Education (Bur)

Nov 20, 2014 – KNU released a statement on Myanmar army attacks on KIO

Oct 30, 2014 – KAF formation statement released after the meeting

Oct 29, 2014 –  KNU released a statement after the emergency meeting (Bur)

Oct 14, 2014 – KNU’s Defence Department released a statement on KAF formation (bur)

Oct 14, 2014 – KNU’s Defence Department released a statement on KAF formation (eng)

Oct 14, 2014 – KNU Defense minister press release

Oct 13, 2014 – KAF Agreement in Burmese

Oct 13, 2014 – KAF Statement in Burmese

Oct 13, 2014 – KAF Statement in English

Sept 1, 2014 – KNU suspension letter

Aug 31, 2014 – KNU suspension letter

June 05, 2014 – KNU wants president Thein Sein to remain in 2015 presidency (June 05)

May 31, 2014 – 10th Karen Unity Seminar statement held in Lawkhelar, KNU controlled region.

Mar 27, 2014 – Statement of the Central Standing Committee Emergency Meeting

Nov 21, 2013 – KNU’s brigade 6 released a statement (Burmese Version)

Oct 26, 2013 – KNU and RCSS joint Statement (Burmese Version)

Oct 26, 2013 – KNU and RCSS joint Statement (English Version)

Oct 25, 2013 – Statement of Emergency KNU Leadership Meeting on Recent Bomb Plots (Burmese Version)

Oct 25, 2013 – Statement of Emergency KNU Leadership Meeting on Recent Bomb Plots (English Version)

Sep 26, 2013 – KNU Information Release (Burmese Version)

Sep 26, 2013 – KNU Information Release (English Version)

Jul 21, 2013 – KNU Geneva call statement (English Version)

Jul 21, 2013 – KNU Geneva call statement (Burmese Version)

Jul 21, 2013 – KNU Geneva call statement (Karen Version)

Jul 17, 2013 – KNU & RCSS Joint Statement

Jan 09, 2013 – The Communique of Karen National Union on meeting with President U Thein Sein

Jan 03, 2013 – KNU-Statement on President Thein Sein invited

Dec 27, 2012 – Statement of Karen National Union 15th Congress

Dec 04, 2012 – Position Statement of KNU on Current Situation in the Country

Nov 21, 2012 – Statement of 4 th Meeting of Central Standing Committee of 14th Congress

Dec 04, 2012 – Position Statement of KNU on Current Situation in the Country

Oct 27, 2012 – Position Statement of the KNU Central Standing Committee Special Emergency Meeting

Sep 27, 2012 – Statement of KNU Supreme Headquarters on Opening of Central Level Liaison Office in Pa-an

Sep 21, 2012 – KNU Statement on International Day of Peace

Sep 01, 2012 – KNU Delegations Departs for the Third Round Negotiation of Ceasefire with the Burmese Government

Aug 31, 2012 – Letter of Felicitation by KNU to the Wrist-Tying Ceremony

Aug 28, 2012 – Karen National Union (KNU) and the Burmese Government Set the New Dates for Third Round Negotiations

Aug 25, 2012 – Statement on the Burmese Government’s Postponement of the Third Round of Negotiations with the

Aug 08, 2012 – KNU President Saw Tamla Baw’s Address on 62nd Anniversary of Martyrs’ Day

Jun 08, 2012 – Statement of KNU Central Committee Third Emergency Meeting

Apr 08, 2012 – KNU press release on meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Apr 07, 2012 – The KNU Press Release on 1st Meeting between KNU Delegation and Union- Level Peace Delegation

Apr 07, 2012 – Karen National Union (KNU) and Myanmar President U Thein Sein Meeting

Apr 04, 2012 – KNU and the Burmese Government Continued State-level Ceasefire Talks

Apr 04, 2012 – KNU Leaves to Continue Talks on Ceasefires with the Burmese Government

Mar 26, 2012 – KNU Statement on the Release of Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung

Feb 18, 2012 – Statement of Seminar of Religious Organizations Organized by KNU Home and Religious Affairs Department

Feb 11, 2012 – KNU President General Saw Tamlabaw’s Address on 64th Anniversary of Karen National Day

Feb 05, 2012 – Address of KNU President Gen. Tamlabaw on 65th Anniversary of KNU Day

Jan 31, 2012 – Address of KNU President Saw Tamla Baw on 63rd Anniversary of Karen National Revolution

Jan 26, 2012 – Statement of KNU Central Committee 2nd Emergency Meeting

Jan 13, 2012 – Statement on Initial Agreement between KNU and Burmese Government

Jan 11, 2012 – Position Statement on Peace Talks Between the KNU and the Burmese Government

Dec 22, 2011 – Address of KNU President, Gen Saw Tamla Baw, on Karen New Year Day

Nov 24, 2011 – KNU Statement on Peace Talks

Nov 02, 2011 – KNU Statement Appealing UN and Democratic Countries

Sep 15, 2011 – KNU to Observe One-Day Ceasefire on International Day of Peace

Aug 25, 2011 – KNU Letter of Felicitation to Karen Traditional Wrist-Tying Ceremony

Aug 09, 2011 – Address of KNU President Saw Tamla Baw on 61st Anniversary of Martyrs’ Day

May 29, 2011 – Statement of 8th Karen Unity Seminar

May 26, 2011 – Statement on the Use of Karen Civilians for Forced Labor and as Human Shield by Burma Army

May 19, 2011 – KNU Statement on Bombing near Capital of Burma’s Dictators

May 14, 2011 – Statement of Expanded Meeting of the Political Leading Board and Central Executive Committee of UNFC

Apr 04, 2011 – Statement on New Military Government & Concerns of Ethnic Nationalities

Feb 28, 2011 – 84,000 Karen Civilians Call on Ban Ki-moon to Help Stop Attacks in Burma

Feb 24, 2011 – KNU Statement on Baseless Accusation by SPDC and Call for Nationwide Ceasefire

Feb 20, 2011 – Statement of Ethnic Nationalities Conference

Feb 10, 2011 – KNU President Saw Tamla Baw’s Message on 63rd Anniversary of Karen National Day

Feb 08, 2011 – KNU Statement on SPDC Parliament & Government

Feb 07, 2011 – KNU Update on Impacts Resulting from Hatgyi Dam Construction

Feb 05, 2011 – KNU President Gen. Saw Tamla Baw’s Address on 64th Anniversary of KNU Day

Jan 27, 2011 – President’s Address on 62nd Anniversary of Karen Revolutionary Resistance Day Dear Karen

Jan 10, 2011 – State of Freedom Struggle

Dec 10, 2010 – Address of KNU President Saw Tamlabaw on Karen New Year Day of 2750

Dec 21, 2010 – Fourteenth KNU Congress, 3rd CSC Meeting Statement

Nov 17, 2010 – KNU Statement concerning Release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Nov 10, 2010 – KNU Statement Condemning Election-Related Violence in Burma’s Border Areas

Nov 07, 2010 – Statement on SPDC’s 2010 Election Designed to Perpetuate Military Dictatorship Rule

Oct 21, 2010 – Monthly KNU Report on Human Rights Violations in Karen State, Burma (August 2010)

Sep 15, 2010 – KNU to Observe One-Day Ceasefire on International Day of Peace

Sep 03, 2010 – Monthly KNU Report on Human Rights Violations in Karen State, Burma (July 2010)

Aug 11, 2010 – Address of KNU President Saw Tamlabaw on 60th Anniversary of Martyrs Day

Jul 27,2010 – Pre-Election Military Operations by SPDC

Jul 27, 2010 – Monthly KNU Report on Human Rights Violations in Karen State, Burma (June 2010)

Jul 07, 2010 – Monthly KNU Report on Human Rights Violations in Karen State, Burma (April 2010)

Jun 26, 2010 – Monthly KNU Report on Human Rights Violations in Karen State, Burma (May 2010)

Jun 26, 2010 – Monthly KNU Report on Human Rights Violations in Karen State, Burma (March 2010)

Jun 26, 2010 – Monthly KNU Report on Human Rights Violations in Karen State, Burma (February 2010)

Jun 26, 2010 – Monthly KNU Report on Human Rights Violations in Karen State, Burma (January 2010)

Mar 31, 2010 – KNU Statement affirming Full Support for Decision of NLD

Mar 16, 2010 – KNU Statement on SPDC’s 2010 Election Law

Mar 14, 2010 – KNU Press Release on Recommendation of UN Special Rapporteur

Mar 13, 2010 – NDF Statement on Military Clique’s Election Laws

Mar 04, 2010 – KNU Statement Requesting UN SG to Call on SPDC to Stop Attacks against Karen Civilians

Feb 16, 2010 – New Attacks on Karen Require International Response

Feb 11, 2010 – KNU President Saw Tamla Baw’s Address on 62nd Anniversary of Karen National Day

Feb 05, 2010 – President Gen. Saw Tamla Baw’s Address on 63 Anniversary of KNU Day

Feb 04, 2010 – KNU position on Refugees

Jan 31, 2010 – Address by KNU President Saw Tamlabaw on 61st Anniversary of Karen Revolutionary Day

Jan 28, 2010 – NDF Statement on Assassination of Mongla Leader

Jan 28, 2010 – Bomb Blast in Kyaukkyi, Bago Division, and Blame against KNU

Jan 15, 2010 – KNU Statement on Systematic Distribution of Narcotic Drugs by SPDC & Advice To The People

Jan 07, 2010 – New Year Greetings & Call for National Unity by KNU


Reference: Deciphering Myanmar’s Peace Process – A Reference Guide (2022 – 2023)


Karen National Union (KNU)

Arakan National Council (ANC/AA)

All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF)

Chin National Front (CNF/CNA)

Karen National Union (KNU)

Arakan National Council (ANC/AA)

All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF)

Chin National Front (CNF/CNA)

Arakan Liberation Party/Army (ALP/ALA)

Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA)

Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA)

Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP/KA)

Kuki National Organization (Burma)

Lahu Democratic Union (LDU)

Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA)

National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS)

New Mon State Party (NMSP)

National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K)

Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization (PNLO)

The Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA)

The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA – South)

Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA – North)

United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA)

UWSP/UWSA