Myanmar's government has signed a cease-fire agreement with ethnic Karen rebels in an attempt 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 agreement includes 11 points and two broad agreements to stop hostilities between the military and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and to begin discussions for a political resolution to the 62-year conflict. This cease-fire could potentially lead to the lifting of sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the European Union and the United States, as peace with ethnic militias is a requirement for a review of the embargoes. Despite several peace talks since 1949, no lasting agreement has been reached. The deputy leader of the KNU delegation, Saw David Htaw, stated that the changing climate in Myanmar under its new reform-oriented government has made dialogue inevitable. He expressed great confidence in the ongoing talks, stating that given the current global situation, peace negotiations are now inevitable and cannot be avoided. He emphasized the importance of moving forward through these talks successfully, noting that the people have suffered from the consequences of war for a long time. He expressed optimism that the news of the peace talks would bring joy to the people and hoped that they would finally be able to experience the benefits of peace. 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 being "honest and sincere." In addition to the issue of sanctions, achieving peace with the KNU is crucial for Myanmar's economic interests. The possibility of renewed conflict poses a security threat that could disrupt the construction of the $50 billion Dawei Special Industrial Zone, which is set to become Southeast Asia's largest industrial estate and a significant source of income for the impoverished country. Previous government offensives have forced hundreds of thousands of Karens to flee their villages, with many seeking refuge in camps in neighboring Thailand, which has struggled to manage the influx of refugees. Myanmar's military has been accused of mistreating the Karens and other ethnic groups through various human rights violations such as rape, forced labor, torture, and murder. The West has responded by imposing 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 for communication. These discussions were part of ongoing dialogues between the government and rebel groups along Myanmar's borders with Thailand and China. An agreement has been made with Shan State Army (South), but talks with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have been disrupted by ongoing fighting, despite a recent order from President Thein Sein to halt military operations. U.S. officials believe that achieving peace may be the most difficult task for civilian leaders who are working to transition the nation after decades of military rule. The rebels remain wary of Thein Sein's government, which includes many from the old military regime, but they support Aung San Suu Kyi's vision of federalism in Myanmar, a concept endorsed by her father, Aung San.