"Despite the fact that thus far ten groups have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement1 the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) still maintains a number of reservations in relation to the signing of the agreement. While a number of other groups, primarily situated in Shan State and along the border with China have also held out,2 the fact that the KNPP, one of the remaining members of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) has not yet signed is somewhat surprising.3 Given its geographical location between Karen State and Shan State, it had been expected given the signing of the NCA by KNPP allies and UNFC members the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) that the KNPP would also sign. However, the KNPP is still concerned about signing the agreement and attending the Union Peace Conferences that the government initiated to further the peace process. Although a number of doubts remained, the KNPP met with the Government’s Peace Commission for two days on April 26-27, 2018 in Loikaw and agreed on the implementation of bilateral terms through regular discussions at the state level.4 According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, The Karenni National Progressive PartyKNPP has committed to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement-NCA and has agreed to follow the following points in the short term before signing the NCA. (a) Issues concerning holding negotiations at the state level for Local Monitoring Team & JMC issue, movement of troops of both sides and communications to hold regular negotiations between Kayah State Government and the KNPP as agreed by both sides (b) To reassign liaison officers at the state level and Union level to carry it out through the agreed communication channels agreed by both sides at the state level and Union level (c) Progress was achieved in the military sector, and both sides are to proceed with the work as agreed. 3. As the above points were agreed at the Peace Talks, the Karenni National Progressive Party-KNPP hereby announced that it had agreed at the talks to keep on its efforts for signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement-NCA.5 The KNPPs Gen Bee Htoo said that while the two sides have not yet been able to reach an understanding on signing the NCA, “It is important to keep peace in Karenni State.”6 One of the main issues of concern for the KNPP was the killing of three of its soldiers and one civilian who was allegedly murdered by Tatmadaw troops at the regional operation command based in Loikaw in December 2017. Although, the Tatmadaw has said it is conducting an inquiry into the incident no further progress has been made. The incident has further weakened trust in relation to the Myanmar military and its presence in Karenni State. Shwe Myo Thant, Secretary of KNPP Central Committee, was quoted as saying The KNPP maintained the bilateral agreement with the government since 2012 but we need to watch the condition of the relationship between us and Tatmadaw,7 To further negotiations, a meeting between the Peace Commission had been planned in May but the Commission cancelled the meeting after the KNPP had asked for further clarification in relation to the subjects to be discussed.8..."