The Burmese military government has sent the Karen National Union, or KNU, a message stating that they are now prepared to resume ceasefire talks, said a top KNU leader today.

Foreign secretary of the Karen National Union, or KNU, David Taw said that they received the letter on January 15. The letter, dated January 11, was carried by ceasefire broker Hkun Myat, a Kachin.

According to David Taw, the letter also asked that a date be set for the talks, and requested the names of potential delegates from the Karen side.

The KNU has replied to the Rangoon government, saying that they will let them know the requested information after the group’s top leaders meet in the next two or three days.

KNU President Saw Ba Thin Sein did not mention the cease-fire talks during today’s address, which marked the 56th anniversary of Karen Revolution Day.

During the second round of talks in January 2004, the KNU and Burma Army agreed to a “gentleman’s ceasefire.” At the time, the KNU delegation was led by prominent leader Gen Bo Mya, now in poor health.

Despite the cease-fire, clashes between the KNU and the Burma Army have continued. On January 10 of this year, fighting between the Burma Army and KNU Battalion 201 broke out in Kalaw Waw camp during celebrations for the Karen New Year. Col Ner Dah Mya, a son of Gen Bo Mya, commands battalion 201.