KNU/KNLA PEACE COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS

TOKAWKO, KAREN STATE

STATEMENT No: 004/2010

1st September, 2010

REASONS FOR REFUSAL OF BORDER GUARD FORCE (BGF) PLAN

Constant pressure from the military regime for all Karen and other Ethnics groups to join their
Border Guard Force (BGF) program is threatening the stability, peace and future development
of the 7 Major Ethnic States within Burma today. The BGF must match up with these following
high moral standards and requirements of what the majority in the Karen and other Ethnic
States want for equality. If the BGF is not matching up with these requirements, the plan will be
refused. If our refusal is met by any military force using a hostile warlord mentality and outlaw
criminal acts in violation of the peace and stability of the people within the Ethnic States, and
labeling us as ‘illegal’ or ‘rebels’ according to their military total authoritarian constitution, then
the Karen and other Ethnic State forces have no choice but to respond in a massive defense for
the peace and stability of our own people, State, and entire country. The world will then know
who carries the true colors of peace and democracy and who are the real rebels that carry out
all kinds of atrocities and human rights abuse against the Indigenous Ethnic Body and innocent
civilians which are in direct violation of the choice of the people.

The policy-makers and military authorities in Burma who are responsible for ethnic issues who
have proposed and are forcing the Border Guard plan to absorb long standing historic ethnic
identities must answer very carefully to the following requirements:
1. BREACH OF THE PEACE AGREEMENT WITH THE KNU/KNLA PEACE COUNCIL

The Peace Agreement made on February 11th, 2007 which states that the KNU/KNLA Peace
Council has the right to maintain ongoing Peace and develop of the Karen State, has not been
honored or shown sincerity by the Burmese military leaders, according to their promise to give
us the right to develop the Karen State for the benefit of the people residing in Karen State,
regardless of race or creed. Today, the nation needs Peace and Development and a Peaceful
transition to Democracy. Long term peace cannot be established without economic
development and social stability.

2. THE PRESENT TATMADAW DOES NOT REPRESENT THE PEOPLE.

The present Military Tatmadaw has proven not to be the true representative of the people but
has only protected the self-interests and power of a few. It is not representing the people as it
has not maintained the will of the people. The KNU/KNLA Peace Council and other Ethnics do
not wish to become ‘like one of them’ as instruments under their command that will crush the
will of the people.

3. WE SUPPORT ELECTION BUT NOT ‘SELECTION’

The 1990 election result is a true election by majority vote with the landslide victory and the
win of the NLD party and their leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. This 2010 election is just a military
selection and is not by true democratic process. If the present Burmese military rulers want to
promote true democracy in Burma, they should allow free and fair elections like those held in
1990, which represents the desire of the majority of the people. The BGF should also be under
a true democratic government by the majority vote of the people, which includes votes in the
Ethnic areas and States.

4. FEDERAL UNION ARMED FORCES OF BURMA

The BGF should be under a Federal Union of Armed Forces based on equality in rank and an
equal allotment of soldiers under the command of their own Ethnic leaders. This includes the
assurance that Karen and other ethnic high ranking military officers are promoted to Chief of
Staff and other high ranking military positions based on performance and equality as per past
practices after WWII.

5. ETHNIC REPRESENTATION FOR ALL RESPECTIVE STATE ADMINISTRATIONS

Within the Ethnic States, there must be true Ethnic representation in all State administrations
by a true democratic process, and not a show as in the past which was dominated by
Myanmarization ideology.
6. BURMA CANNOT MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT AGREEMENT OF ETHNICS

When Aung San approached the British for Independence in 1948, the British said it would not
be possible without the agreement of all the Ethnics. Hence, the Panlong Agreement was
formed. Throughout history, it shows that without the agreement of the Ethnic Body, the future
of the country cannot move forward peacefully and with economic prosperity. Attempts to
force and manipulate the historical rights of the ethnic groups within Union have failed. Only
through inclusion and equality of all of the ethnic groups can the Union move forward to future
stability of the nation.

7. GOVERNMENT IS NOT OWNERSHIP BUT MANAGEMENT

True government is not ownership but true government is management on behalf of the
people to keep the peace and harmony of all citizens of the country. A good government is
determined by its good management, not as an authoritarian but as a servant hood for the
people that makes sure the needs of everyday citizens of the country are met. The KNU/KNLA
Peace Council cannot compromise against the nature of the people and the countries’ future.
The proposed current BGF plan is a threat to the security and stability of not only the ethnic
groups but all the people of Burma as well.

ALL the above requirements must be met and the Burmese military must show good faith and
sincerity in meeting these requirements for peace and development and putting priority on
the will of the people. If these requirements are agreed upon, there must be substantial proof
that the requirements will be carried out and upheld for at least one (1) year before any of
the Karen State forces and other Ethnic State forces will consider joining the Border Guard
Force.

If not, and the Burmese military authoritarians decide they want to continue with their
warlord mentality and launch an offensive against us, whether now or after the military
selection ‘election’ on Nov 7th, then it is up to them; but the KNU/KNLA Peace Council and
Karen State forces, together with other Ethnic State forces are prepared to defend for peace
and development and will do whatever it takes to protect the will of the majority of the
people within the Ethnic States and the entire nation of Burma.

KNU/KNLA PEACE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE