CNI News
5 August, 2022
Democratic Karen Army (DKB A) and Karen National Union (KNU) leaders deliberated and reached an agreement to handle the case of the Kow Thuy Air Army (KTLA), which was formed by General Saw Nadal Mya after breaking away from KNDO and to reunify the two Karen armed groups (DKBA – KNU).
After the meeting of DKBA and KNU leaders on August 3, 2022 emerged 5 consensus points.
A person in close acquaintance with DKBA and KNU said, “Those 5 agreements are true. The regional stability and finding a way to prevent wars are our main concerns. This is our preparation to build the one and only federal army in the future federal era. That (the case of the formation of the Koru Army) will be discussed and negotiated in their in-person meeting.”
The five points that DKBA and KNU leaders met and agreed upon are:
1. DKBA Chief of Staff General Steele and KNU Lt. Col. Nel Dar Htoo are to shoulder the responsibility regarding the KTLA issue.
2. DKBA and KNU have verbally agreed to reunification. In the meantime, a temporary brand that symbolizes the union of the grassroots forces will be coordinated and installed.
3. Then, as number three, the two sides have agreed and decided to meet once a month if possible.
4. It is agreed to cancel the 1/94 statement issued by the KNU center for the DKBA.
5. In order to put an end to the ongoing enemy strike, the DKBA Chief of Staff General Steele is to take charge and enter into negotiation with SAC. If they do not agree to a negotiation and put up an attack with a large force, it is agreed to join forces altogether to proceed with the matter.
Statement of DKBA
“It (1/94) was proposed by DKBA and 1/94 was the organization that KNU broke away from, a motion to withdraw the letter designated as an enemy organization. If it is not withdrawn, there will be inevitable friction between DKBA and KNU. That’s why they agreed,” said a person familiar with DKBA and KNU.
Among the five points agreed upon by DKBA and KNU leaders during the meeting, the last decision number 5 is absolutely inconsistent with the attitude of our Democratic Karen Army (DKBA), stated with DKBA’s Chief of Staff, General Saw Steele’s signature today (August 4th).
To the DKBA and KNU meeting on August 3rd, the DKBA Chief of Staff, General Steel (Saw Steel), Operation Commander Colonel San Aung, Headquarters Commander Brigadier General Shwewa, Chief of Staff, Colonel Vernyu, Command: 1 Brigadier General Sai Kyaw Hla; Headquarters G2 Major Samin, and Commander-in-Chief Colonel Sein Win attended.
Then, on the KNU side, Colonel Ro Yae Khin, in charge of the Defense Department, General Secretary Captain Padotado General Johnny, Chief of Staff So Bo Boe village head, Captain Thopa, Commander of the 7th Brigade
Brigadier General Ford Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Nadal Htoo, and Captain Mugay, the company commander, reportedly attended.
