KNU, RCSS Meet to Ready for ‘Second Panglong’ Summit
KNU, RCSS Meet to Ready for ‘Second Panglong’ Summit
The Irrawaddy, 02 May 2016
URL: http://www.irrawaddy.com/burma/knu-rcss-meet-to-ready-for-second-panglong-summit.html
CHIANG MAI, Thailand — The Karen National Union (KNU) and Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) held private talks here over the weekend about a second “Panglong-style” peace conference, an idea proposed by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi last week.
“As the state counselor focuses on federalism, we are discussing what this Panglong conference should include, as well as the country’s current political landscape,” KNU Maj-Gen Saw Issac Po told reporters in the northern Thai city.
Suu Kyi called for a “Panglong-style” summit to be held within two months, when she addressed the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee (JMC) in Naypyidaw on Wednesday, a meeting that included representatives from signatories to the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). That accord was signed on Oct. 15 under Burma’s previous quasi-civilian government.
KNU chairman Gen. Mutu Say Poe is the EAO-PPST leader, RCSS chairman Lt-Gen Yawd Serk serves as deputy leader, and other leaders of the NCA signatory groups are team members.
“As the state counselor focuses on federalism, we are discussing what this Panglong conference should include, as well as the country’s current political landscape,” KNU Maj-Gen Saw Issac Po told reporters in the northern Thai city.
Suu Kyi called for a “Panglong-style” summit to be held within two months, when she addressed the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee (JMC) in Naypyidaw on Wednesday, a meeting that included representatives from signatories to the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). That accord was signed on Oct. 15 under Burma’s previous quasi-civilian government.
KNU chairman Gen. Mutu Say Poe is the EAO-PPST leader, RCSS chairman Lt-Gen Yawd Serk serves as deputy leader, and other leaders of the NCA signatory groups are team members.