Burmese rebel leader says "prepare for the worst"

The KNU on January 12 signed two preliminary ceasefire agreements with the government in Pa-an, capital of the Karen State, to end their armed insurgency which on Tuesday marked its 63rd anniversary.
"These agreements were small initial steps in the march towards ceasefire, internal peace, national reconciliation, amendment of the 2008 constitution and establishment of a genuine union," Saw Tamla Baw said.
"We still have to take thousands of steps more," he said. "I would like to remind you all to maintain a critical mind and hope for the best without suspicion and desire for revenge, and at the same time be prepared for the worst."
More than 200 Karen fighters gathered at Oo Kray Kee village, in the Karen State, to mark the anniversary of their revolution.
The KNU chief said peace would depend on the "broadmindedness" of President Thein Sein, who came to power in March and has initiated numerous reforms in recent months including the talks with the KNU. //DPA