Ethnic groups must unite to amend 2008 constitution: KNU

Phado Saw Hla Tun, secretary of the KNU’s organising committee was addressing over 200 Karen nationals during a meeting in Yaytwin Yaykan village in Myaungmya.

“Our country is like a two-headed snake. Although the President gave a good speech, it was erased by the Defence Ministry. In the 2008 Constitution, it states that the army will sacrifice their lives to protect the country. At present, the army is just doing erasing work. Even the world famous leader Aung San Suu Kyi seemed to weaken her words for amending the constitution. Karen nationals must also unite to amend the constitution,” said Phado Saw Themain Tun.

Concerning the recent clashes, he said there were many that signed the agreement between the government and the ethnic forces and the KNU don’t want to be the cause of a civil war.

“Positively, we didn’t get a ceasefire. What we signed with the government, is that we will do our best for the ceasefire. Kachin has signed to reduce the war. With Palaung nationals, there is no deal. I say these words because I don’t want people to misunderstand. There are many steps in carrying out the peace deal. The KNU do not want to be the cause of a civil war,” he continued.

The vice-chairperson of the Karen National Association Naw Si Pora Sein also said that peace would not occur through meetings alone. It needs participation from the public and public understanding. 

“We are just holding meetings for a ceasefire. We have to go step by step,” he said.

Meanwhile, Karen National Union (KNU) General Secretary Zipporah Sein yesterday met with Khun Tun Oo, chairman of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy Party (SNLD) to share views and discuss the current peace process. 

"The reform process of Myanmar is of great importance not only for all ethnics but also for the whole country. We discussed about how to cooperate over the ceasefire deal," Zipporah Sein told the journalists after their discussion. 

"We want the peace similar to other ethnics. To achieve success in the peace is the most important," said Khun Tun Oo.

Joining the Karen Unity and Peace Committee (KUPC) on May 2, the KNU delegation will meet with Aung San Suu Kyi on May 9.