- Title: MYANMAR: Karen National Union soldiers mark Revolution Day
- Date: 31st January 2013
- Summary: DANCERS GENERAL KYAW JOHNNY SALUTING SOLDIERS SALUTING GENERAL KYAW JOHNNY SOLDIERS MARCHING
- Embargoed: 15th February 2013 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Myanmar
- City:
- Country: Myanmar
- Topics: Politics
- Reuters ID: LVAENFAU45VZSHJSFQEXSYVG1XY7
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- Story Text: More than a year after signing a ceasefire with the Burmese government to end one of the world's longest running insurgencies, Karen National Union (KNU) soldiers celebrate the 64th annual Revolution Day.
Dozens of soldiers of the Karen National Union (KNU) marched in full dress uniform to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Karen Revolution on Thursday (January 31) in Karen State, Myanmar near the Thai border.
The celebrations come more than a year after the KNU signed a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese government.
"What we want is to govern Karen State ourselves. There is still no stable ceasefire. It's been a year already. Both sides have stopped firing for a year already. But both sides have not spoken in detail on what we desire, but we want to prepare for political dialogue," said KNU General Kyaw Johnny.
With fighting still taking place in Kachin State near the Chinese border, the general called for the end of violence for the entire country.
"The ethnic minority groups in Myanmar have to stop fighting. Every group needs to come to the negotiation table," Kyaw Johnny said.
Led by newly elected Chairman Mutu Say Poe, little progress has been made in peace negotiations even though he met President Thein Sein in Naypyitaw earlier this month.
"We have spoken with the (Thein Sein) administration three times in regards to the ceasefire. But we need to talk more," Mutu Say Poe said.
Myanmar's army has been accused of oppressing the Karens and other ethnic minorities and committing human rights abuses ranging from rape and forced labor to torture and murder. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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