Rebel Karen National Union leaders say they will soon lead a delegation to Rangoon to meet with Burmese military leaders in a bid to revive stalled peace talks.
A rebel official, Padoh David Htaw, says the group is looking forward to finding a solution through dialogue. Htaw said the ongoing military offensive in eastern Karen State is having a serious impact on civilians there.
Peace talks between the two sides have been held off and on for years. In 2004, the KNU and Burmese military reached what was described as a "gentlemen's agreement." But that failed to put an end to the fighting.
A third party from Thailand will mediate at the upcoming meeting.
The KNU has been fighting for autonomy in eastern Burma for decades. It is the only major ethnic rebel group that has not signed a formal ceasefire with the Burmese government.
