Myanmar's government and ethnic Karen rebels signed a cease-fire on Thursday to end one of the longest-running insurgencies in the world. This is part of the government's efforts to resolve conflicts with separatist groups. The government and the 19-member Karen National Union (KNU) delegation agreed on 11 points and signed two agreements to end hostilities between the military and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). This is a step towards a political settlement to a 62-year conflict. The cease-fire could lead to the lifting of sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the European Union and the United States. Peace talks have been held six times since 1949, but no lasting agreement has been reached. Saw David Htaw, the deputy leader of the KNU delegation, mentioned that the changing climate in Myanmar under its new government made dialogue inevitable. He expressed a high level of confidence in the ongoing discussions, stating that peace talks are now a necessity due to the evolving circumstances. He emphasized the importance of moving forward with these talks, as people have suffered from the terrors of war for a significant period. He believes that the news of the peace talks will bring joy to the people and hopes that they will be able to savor the feeling of peace fully this time. Since 1949, the KNU has been fighting various governments for more autonomy through its military wing, the KNLA, just a year after Myanmar gained independence from Britain. Saw David Htaw commended the government's peace negotiators for their honesty and sincerity. In addition to the issue of sanctions, achieving peace with the KNU is crucial for Myanmar's economic interests. The resurgence of conflict poses a security threat that could disrupt the construction of the $50 billion Dawei Special Industrial Zone, which will be the largest industrial estate in Southeast Asia once completed and a significant source of income for the impoverished country. Previous offensives by government forces have forced hundreds of thousands of Karens to flee their villages, with many seeking refuge in camps in neighboring Thailand, which has struggled to accommodate the influx of refugees. Myanmar's military has been accused of committing human rights abuses against the Karens and other ethnic minorities, including rape, forced labor, torture, and murder. In response, the West has imposed strict sanctions. Agreements made in Pa-an in eastern Kayin State aim to resettle and rehabilitate displaced individuals, allow arms in specific areas, clear landmines, and establish liaison offices to facilitate communication. These discussions are part of a series of dialogues between the government and rebel groups along Myanmar's borders with Thailand and China. An agreement has been made with the Shan State Army (South), but initial discussions with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have been disrupted due to ongoing fighting, despite a recent directive from President Thein Sein to halt military operations. U.S. officials have noted that the peace process could be the biggest challenge for civilian leaders looking to improve relations after decades of military rule. The rebels have a strong distrust of Thein Sein's government, which includes individuals from the previous military regime, but they are generally supportive of Aung San Suu Kyi's vision of federalism in Myanmar, a concept advocated by her father, Aung San.