KNU Statement on British Government Call for SPDC to Enter Into Dialogue With Ethnic Groups

OFFICE OF THE SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
KAREN NATIONAL UNION
KAWTHOOLEI
June 10, 2009

1. The Karen National Union warmly welcomes a statement by Ivan Lewis, British Foreign Office Minister responsible for Burma, that the participation of all ethnic groups is “crucial” for national reconciliation in Burma. The Minister also stated that: “The full and equitable participation of Burma’s ethnic groups in the political process has to be the key to a durable, sustainable solution to its problems.” The statements took place in a Parliamentary debate on Burma held in the British Parliament on 9th June.

2. The KNU also welcomes a statement also made on 9th June by the British aid Minister Mike Foster, at a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Democracy in Burma, that the British government stands ready to provide assistance to the thousands of Karen people forced to flee a new military offensive by the Burmese Army and its allies.

3. The KNU notes, however, that as long ago as February 1949, the British government was calling on the Burmese government to enter into dialogue with the KNU, and that 60 years later there have still not been genuine negotiations, despite the constant willingness of the KNU to enter into such talks.

4. It is clear that the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) is not willing to consider dialogue and political solutions to the problems our country faces.

5. We call, therefore, on the British government to ensure that the United Nations Security Council passes a binding resolution requiring the SPDC to end military attacks, withdraw troops from Karen State, stop the obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and enter into genuine talks with the KNU.

Central Executive Committee
Karen National Union