Prior to the press conference to be held on the border today by leaders of the faction from the Shan State Nationalities People's Organization (SNPLO), anti-Rangoon Shan State Army (SSA) leader Col Yawdserk has assured his warm welcome to the group.

The 100-plus strong group led by Ti Hsawng and majors Thurein and Aung Kyaw, who broke away from the Hkun Chit Maung led faction that has chosen to remain within "the legal fold" of Burma's military regime, has taken refuge with the Karenni National Progressive Party(KNPP), one of SSA's closest allies. "The SNPLO's operational area is closer to the KNPP's than ours," Yawdserk explained. "We are deeply appreciative of the warm reception given to the group."

The SSA chief also expressed his desire to meet with the ex-ceasefire leaders. "We are from the same country (state)," he said. "It is our duty to meet and talk about our country's future."

Another ex-ceasefire group, Shan State National Army (SSNA), joined the SSA, commonly known as SSA'South', in 2005.

The SNPLO, founded in 1968, made peace with Burma's military rulers in 1994. The group split into two factions, following the emergence of Hkun Chit Maung as its new leader in place of the ageing Takley.

According to a copy of the SNPLO document received by S.H.A.N., Ti Hsawng, Thurein and Aung Kyaw were elected respectively as Vice Chairman, General Secretary and Member of the group's Central Executive Committee in 2005.