Oct 8, 2008 (DVB), The Karenni National Progressive Party has denied rumours that it is negotiating an agreement with the State Peace and Development Council to put down its arms.

The KNPP responded to the widespread rumours in a statement issued yesterday.

KNPP secretary Khu Oo Reh said the Burmese regime had been spreading false information among the Karenni people and ceasefire groups.

"We have no plan to 'exchange arms for peace', as there has been no discussion or consideration," Khu Oo Reh said.

"I want to say that it is pure propaganda by the SPDC , they are systematically spreading false news to cause misunderstandings among ceasefire groups and the public about the KNPP."

The KNPP reached a ceasefire agreement with the SPDC in 1995 but the Burmese military violated the pact and hostilities resumed.

Peace talks between the KNPP and the Burmese military were held in Tachilek on the Thai-Burma border in March 2007 but did not result in any formal agreement between the two sides.

"After last year’s latest negotiations on the border, I can say that there is no prospect for dialogue," Khu Oo Reh said.

"The plan to make an agreement with the SPDC and resettle in our homes is not feasible anymore," he said.

"We are not trying to meet and negotiate because we do not believe that a ceasefire would benefit the whole Karenni population."

Reporting by Aye Nai