<p>One of Myanmar's most prominent rebel groups today warned a ceasefire deal seen as a breakthrough in relations with the regime was "fragile", as ethnic unrest continues to cast a shadow over reforms.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The Karen National Union (KNU) signed a pact with a delegation of ministers from the new government on January 12 in a move that raised hopes of a permanent end to one of the world's longest-running civil conflicts.<br /><br />"We have to make the ceasefire durable. This is a tentative step and still very fragile," said Saw David Tharckabaw, vice-president of the KNU in charge of foreign affairs.<br /><br />He said charges against a senior rebel figure and continuing conflict in other ethnic areas was eroding trust in Myanmar's nominally-civilian government, which has launched a series of changes that have persuaded some Western powers to re-evaluate tough sanctions on the country.<br /><br />The KNU's Mahn Nyein Maung is facing trial for treason -- for which the maximum penalty is death -- despite assurances from the government's top negotiator that he would be freed, according to Saw David Tharckabaw.<br /><br />"Not much is changing so the government can't keep its promises... that is not good for us to continue trust building," he told AFP.<br /><br />"Some countries say there is a great change, real change, but we have to see proof on the ground, we cannot rely on promises."<br /><br />Civil war has gripped parts of Myanmar since its independence in 1948, and an end to the conflicts is a key demand of the international community.<br /><br />Tentative peace deals have been inked with several rebel groups, but fighting in Kachin has caused uncertainty about the progress of the reconciliation effort.<br /><br />Citing reforms, the United States announced plans to exchange ambassadors with Myanmar soon after the KNU ceasefire and a major release of political prisoners in January.</p>
<p>One of Myanmar's most prominent rebel groups today warned a ceasefire deal seen as a breakthrough in relations with the regime was "fragile", as ethnic unrest continues to cast a shadow over reforms.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The Karen National Union (KNU) signed a pact with a delegation of ministers from the new government on January 12 in a move that raised hopes of a permanent end to one of the world's longest-running civil conflicts.<br /><br />"We have to make the ceasefire durable. This is a tentative step and still very fragile," said Saw David Tharckabaw, vice-president of the KNU in charge of foreign affairs.<br /><br />He said charges against a senior rebel figure and continuing conflict in other ethnic areas was eroding trust in Myanmar's nominally-civilian government, which has launched a series of changes that have persuaded some Western powers to re-evaluate tough sanctions on the country.<br /><br />The KNU's Mahn Nyein Maung is facing trial for treason -- for which the maximum penalty is death -- despite assurances from the government's top negotiator that he would be freed, according to Saw David Tharckabaw.<br /><br />"Not much is changing so the government can't keep its promises... that is not good for us to continue trust building," he told AFP.<br /><br />"Some countries say there is a great change, real change, but we have to see proof on the ground, we cannot rely on promises."<br /><br />Civil war has gripped parts of Myanmar since its independence in 1948, and an end to the conflicts is a key demand of the international community.<br /><br />Tentative peace deals have been inked with several rebel groups, but fighting in Kachin has caused uncertainty about the progress of the reconciliation effort.<br /><br />Citing reforms, the United States announced plans to exchange ambassadors with Myanmar soon after the KNU ceasefire and a major release of political prisoners in January.</p>