Myanmar's government signed a cease-fire with ethnic Karen rebels on Thursday in an effort to put an end to one of the world's longest-running insurgencies. The government and the 19-member Karen National Union (KNU) delegation agreed to 11 points and signed two agreements to stop hostilities between the military and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and initiate discussions for a political resolution to the 62-year conflict. This cease-fire could be a small step toward the removal of sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the European Union and the United States, which require peace with ethnic militias as a condition for reconsideration of the embargoes. Despite six previous attempts at peace talks since 1949, no lasting agreement has been achieved. Saw David Htaw, the deputy leader of the KNU delegation, stated that the changing climate in Myanmar under its new reform-minded government has made dialogue inevitable. He expressed strong confidence in the ongoing talks, stating that peace negotiations are now necessary given the current global situation. He emphasized the importance of moving forward with these talks and expressed hope that the people, who have endured the horrors of war for a long time, will receive the news with joy and be able to savor the peace that follows. Since 1949, the KNU has been fighting for greater autonomy through its military wing, the KNLA, against successive governments in Myanmar. Saw David Htaw commended the government's peace negotiators for their honesty and sincerity. In addition to the issue of sanctions, 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 is set to be Southeast Asia's largest industrial estate and a significant source of income for the country. Previous government offensives have displaced hundreds of thousands of Karens, many of whom sought refuge in camps in Thailand, creating challenges for the neighboring country. Myanmar's military has been charged with suppressing the Karens and other ethnic groups through various human rights violations, such as rape, forced labor, torture, and murder. In response, the West has imposed strict sanctions. An agreement was made in Pa-an, eastern Kayin State, to relocate and support those who have been displaced. Certain areas will allow arms, landmines will be removed, and liaison offices will be established to encourage communication. These discussions are part of ongoing talks between the government and rebel factions 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 by ongoing conflict, despite a recent directive from President Thein Sein for the military to cease its operations. U.S. officials have expressed that the peace process may be the most challenging task for civilian leaders seeking to integrate the nation after fifty years of military rule. The rebels have significant distrust towards Thein Sein's government, which includes individuals from the former military regime, but they generally support Aung San Suu Kyi's vision of federalism within Myanmar's republic, a concept that was endorsed by her father, Aung San.