G8 to tackle Syria, NKorea, Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar
Source: Agence France-Presse
MYANMAR
The G8 aims to support further efforts toward democratic reform and national reconciliation in Myanmar. The G8 are considering easing sanctions to support reform and eventually end the country's international isolation.
They will likely keep pressing Myanmar to enact further reforms, release all remaining political prisoners, end all violence in ethnic minority areas, provide humanitarian access to conflict zones and cut military ties with North Korea.
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) on Peace in Kachinland
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) on Peace in Kachin land and Peace in Burma (RFA/Burmese 15 may 2012)
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for Burmese government, parliamentarians and all the people to work the utmost possible to achieve peace reality in Kachin land.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) call for Burmese military to stop offensive against Kachin troops who are fighting for equal rights for Kachin people.
Especially, we would like to press here that Burmese President U Thein Sein had called for halting offensive in Kachin state but we are very sad to learn that there are increase fighting between Burmese military and Kachin army even after his presidential order.
We are very much concerned that as the results civilians; especially children, women and elderly are paying the price dearly. These disadvantaged people fleeing from the fighting between two armies are facing very difficult hardships. We would like to call for international community to take every action possible helping these IDPs who desperately need food, shelter and medicine.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) is very sad to learn that there is no sign of reaching peace agreement yet between Kachin Independence Army and Burmese Army but, for the sake of the people and for the sake of the peace in Burma, we would like to call for all parties concerned to work finding peaceful solution by settling differences through dialogue.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) understands that KIO has requested the Burmese army to honour previous ceasefire agreement by repositioning troops i.e. to withdraw Burmese troops from areas close to Kachin administrative capital Laiza and Headquarter Pa Jau.
According to the Kachinland News http://ping.fm/J0HHV “Burmese Army prepares to launch a major offensive against Kachin’s administrative capital Laiza. Burmese soldiers from various Battalions took a stronghold in preparation of a major assault on Kachin headquarters including transporting heavy artilleries to front lines. Burmese Army transported food rations and military equipment to its post at Pajau hill by using helicopters as well as Burmese Army’s Bureau of Air Defence got 3 fighter jets ready at Nampong Air Force Base in Myitkyina for upcoming assault on KIA”.
These actions are contrary to the agreements of “Ruili’s meetings” which agreed to reduce the scale of hostilities leading towards attaining mutual understanding. But, the actions taken by Burmese army not only increase the hostility but also proofing that how Burmese generals are ignorant of suffering of the people of Kachin.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) wholeheartedly supports KIO’s legitimate demands and we would like to call for Burmese government to honour the KIO’s request in order to build confidence between two parties.
It is really contrary that President U Thein Sein is speaking reform and Burmese generals are waging war against KIA to eliminate their very existence.
Burmese Government must stop attacking Kachin people and if they are willing to do it -- then there will always be the ways to get there. We must take action in Kachin state now before too late.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) truly believes that dialogue is the only viable solution to achieve the peace in Kachinland, Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) would like to take this opportunity to express our position that we believe in dialogue and we believe in harmony in diversity. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) believes in respecting peaceful co-existing between people with different ideas, beliefs, language, religion and customs.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for Burmese government, parliamentarians and all the people to work the utmost possible to achieve peace reality in Kachin land and in the whole Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for the Burmese government and Burma Army to:
* stop reinforcing its troops and military hardware to conflict areas
* stop their offensive assault against KIA
* withdraw its troops from areas close to Kachin administrative capital Laiza and Headquarter Pa Jau
* withdraw its troops to the line agreed on in a 1994 ceasefire agreement to show that its peace initiatives are sincere and genuine
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) earnestly calls for Burmese government and Burma Army to honour above legitimate demands of the KIA/KNO.
We truly believe that Burmese government and Burma Army got more responsibility to show that they are committed to peace in Kachinland.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) truly believes that by honouring above demands, Burmese government can proof by action that they are truly committed to reform and to restore peace in Burma.
Honouring above demands are the must to build trust between two fighting armies leading towards ceasefire and eventually achieving peace reality in Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
http://ping.fm/GkFER
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) on Peace in Kachin land and Peace in Burma (RFA/Burmese 15 may 2012)
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for Burmese government, parliamentarians and all the people to work the utmost possible to achieve peace reality in Kachin land.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) call for Burmese military to stop offensive against Kachin troops who are fighting for equal rights for Kachin people.
Especially, we would like to press here that Burmese President U Thein Sein had called for halting offensive in Kachin state but we are very sad to learn that there are increase fighting between Burmese military and Kachin army even after his presidential order.
We are very much concerned that as the results civilians; especially children, women and elderly are paying the price dearly. These disadvantaged people fleeing from the fighting between two armies are facing very difficult hardships. We would like to call for international community to take every action possible helping these IDPs who desperately need food, shelter and medicine.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) is very sad to learn that there is no sign of reaching peace agreement yet between Kachin Independence Army and Burmese Army but, for the sake of the people and for the sake of the peace in Burma, we would like to call for all parties concerned to work finding peaceful solution by settling differences through dialogue.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) understands that KIO has requested the Burmese army to honour previous ceasefire agreement by repositioning troops i.e. to withdraw Burmese troops from areas close to Kachin administrative capital Laiza and Headquarter Pa Jau.
According to the Kachinland News http://ping.fm/J0HHV “Burmese Army prepares to launch a major offensive against Kachin’s administrative capital Laiza. Burmese soldiers from various Battalions took a stronghold in preparation of a major assault on Kachin headquarters including transporting heavy artilleries to front lines. Burmese Army transported food rations and military equipment to its post at Pajau hill by using helicopters as well as Burmese Army’s Bureau of Air Defence got 3 fighter jets ready at Nampong Air Force Base in Myitkyina for upcoming assault on KIA”.
These actions are contrary to the agreements of “Ruili’s meetings” which agreed to reduce the scale of hostilities leading towards attaining mutual understanding. But, the actions taken by Burmese army not only increase the hostility but also proofing that how Burmese generals are ignorant of suffering of the people of Kachin.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) wholeheartedly supports KIO’s legitimate demands and we would like to call for Burmese government to honour the KIO’s request in order to build confidence between two parties.
It is really contrary that President U Thein Sein is speaking reform and Burmese generals are waging war against KIA to eliminate their very existence.
Burmese Government must stop attacking Kachin people and if they are willing to do it -- then there will always be the ways to get there. We must take action in Kachin state now before too late.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) truly believes that dialogue is the only viable solution to achieve the peace in Kachinland, Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) would like to take this opportunity to express our position that we believe in dialogue and we believe in harmony in diversity. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) believes in respecting peaceful co-existing between people with different ideas, beliefs, language, religion and customs.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for Burmese government, parliamentarians and all the people to work the utmost possible to achieve peace reality in Kachin land and in the whole Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for the Burmese government and Burma Army to:
* stop reinforcing its troops and military hardware to conflict areas
* stop their offensive assault against KIA
* withdraw its troops from areas close to Kachin administrative capital Laiza and Headquarter Pa Jau
* withdraw its troops to the line agreed on in a 1994 ceasefire agreement to show that its peace initiatives are sincere and genuine
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) earnestly calls for Burmese government and Burma Army to honour above legitimate demands of the KIA/KNO.
We truly believe that Burmese government and Burma Army got more responsibility to show that they are committed to peace in Kachinland.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) truly believes that by honouring above demands, Burmese government can proof by action that they are truly committed to reform and to restore peace in Burma.
Honouring above demands are the must to build trust between two fighting armies leading towards ceasefire and eventually achieving peace reality in Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
http://ping.fm/GkFER
Attn;
NLD
Dear friends;
We would like to consult your NLD's current process on "All Burma's National People's Report" towards comming Hluttaw because Today! 1/4 Myanmar Junta Regime's changes become for only their profits & their comparados and so,All Burma's national peoples became more & more poverty as U Win Tin's Quatation-"Enrich until to place at anywhere & Poverty till to eat no foods" and so,we shall have to talk about it as The worst 1/4 Myanmar Junta Regime Era in Burma's long civil war" because Many tears & bloods of Peasants,workers,students,monks,P.P,general strata,women,children,adults,general refugees,general exiles & all Burma's national peoples are covering on global Burma's mountains,steams, rivers,seas,oceans,forests & lands and so,NLD should do & present "All Burma's National People's Reports to coming Hluttaw as your current process on under the followings;
Current process;
(1) To stop urgently Burma's long civil war!
(2) To release urgently all P.P & to do general amnesty!
(3) To solve urgently all Burma's national crisis!
(4) To solve urgently peasant's land-ownerships!
(5) To solve urgently worker's rights!
(6) To solve urgently general refugee's problems!
(7) To solve urgently force labor's problems!
(8) To solve urgently force moving's problems!
(9) To solve urgently discrimination problems!
(10)To save urgently parentless children & take careless adults!
(11)To solve urgently force-monk's problems!
Long term;
(1) To do democratic atmospheres on always peace!
(2) To revise constitution!
(3) To do always peace & National people's reconcilation!
(4) To do national people's democratic education,health,culture & civilization!
(5) To do national people's democratic opening marketing economy!
(6) To do global Burma's democratic diplomatcy!
(7) To construct Democratic Peaceful United Real Union of Burma with Multi-parties system!
(8) To participate in Global Burma's democratic families!
thanking you in anticipation;
best regards;
yours'
(GSC.KoThiHa8888)
Vice chairman-2,GSC,Rgn,Burma(8888),
GS.2,N.P.F(Reg;No.120,Rgn,Burma(88 to 89),
JGS.1,LDAB.Rgn,Burma(89),
Patron of B.D.C,U.S.A(08 to 12),
U.S.A.
Ph;(509)545-3066.
NLD
Dear friends;
We would like to consult your NLD's current process on "All Burma's National People's Report" towards comming Hluttaw because Today! 1/4 Myanmar Junta Regime's changes become for only their profits & their comparados and so,All Burma's national peoples became more & more poverty as U Win Tin's Quatation-"Enrich until to place at anywhere & Poverty till to eat no foods" and so,we shall have to talk about it as The worst 1/4 Myanmar Junta Regime Era in Burma's long civil war" because Many tears & bloods of Peasants,workers,students,monks,P.P,general strata,women,children,adults,general refugees,general exiles & all Burma's national peoples are covering on global Burma's mountains,steams, rivers,seas,oceans,forests & lands and so,NLD should do & present "All Burma's National People's Reports to coming Hluttaw as your current process on under the followings;
Current process;
(1) To stop urgently Burma's long civil war!
(2) To release urgently all P.P & to do general amnesty!
(3) To solve urgently all Burma's national crisis!
(4) To solve urgently peasant's land-ownerships!
(5) To solve urgently worker's rights!
(6) To solve urgently general refugee's problems!
(7) To solve urgently force labor's problems!
(8) To solve urgently force moving's problems!
(9) To solve urgently discrimination problems!
(10)To save urgently parentless children & take careless adults!
(11)To solve urgently force-monk's problems!
Long term;
(1) To do democratic atmospheres on always peace!
(2) To revise constitution!
(3) To do always peace & National people's reconcilation!
(4) To do national people's democratic education,health,culture & civilization!
(5) To do national people's democratic opening marketing economy!
(6) To do global Burma's democratic diplomatcy!
(7) To construct Democratic Peaceful United Real Union of Burma with Multi-parties system!
(8) To participate in Global Burma's democratic families!
thanking you in anticipation;
best regards;
yours'
(GSC.KoThiHa8888)
Vice chairman-2,GSC,Rgn,Burma(8888),
GS.2,N.P.F(Reg;No.120,Rgn,Burma(88 to 89),
JGS.1,LDAB.Rgn,Burma(89),
Patron of B.D.C,U.S.A(08 to 12),
U.S.A.
Ph;(509)545-3066.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for Burmese government, parliamentarians and all the people to work the utmost possible to achieve peace reality in Kachin land
14 May 2012
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) call for Burmese military to stop offensive against Kachin troops who are fighting for equal rights for Kachin people.
Especially, we would like to press here that Burmese President U Thein Sein had called for halting offensive in Kachin state but we are very sad to learn that there are increase fighting between Burmese military and Kachin army even after his presidential order.
We are very much concerned that as the results civilians; especially children, women and elderly are paying the price dearly. These disadvantaged people fleeing from the fighting between two armies are facing very difficult hardships. We would like to call for international community to take every action possible helping these IDPs who desperately need food, shelter and medicine.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) is very sad to learn that there is no sign of reaching peace agreement yet between Kachin Independence Army and Burmese Army but, for the sake of the people and for the sake of the peace in Burma, we would like to call for all parties concerned to work finding peaceful solution by settling differences through dialogue.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) understands that KIO has requested the Burmese army to honour previous ceasefire agreement by repositioning troops i.e. to withdraw Burmese troops from areas close to Kachin administrative capital Laiza and Headquarter Pa Jau.
According to the Kachinland News http://ping.fm/yp4Ly “Burmese Army prepares to launch a major offensive against Kachin’s administrative capital Laiza. Burmese soldiers from various Battalions took a stronghold in preparation of a major assault on Kachin headquarters including transporting heavy artilleries to front lines. Burmese Army transported food rations and military equipment to its post at Pajau hill by using helicopters as well as Burmese Army’s Bureau of Air Defence got 3 fighter jets ready at Nampong Air Force Base in Myitkyina for upcoming assault on KIA”.
These actions are contrary to the agreements of “Ruili’s meetings” which agreed to reduce the scale of hostilities leading towards attaining mutual understanding. But, the actions taken by Burmese army not only increase the hostility but also proofing that how Burmese generals are ignorant of suffering of the people of Kachin.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) wholeheartedly supports KIO’s legitimate demands and we would like to call for Burmese government to honour the KIO’s request in order to build confidence between two parties.
It is really contrary that President U Thein Sein is speaking reform and Burmese generals are waging war against KIA to eliminate their very existence.
Burmese Government must stop attacking Kachin people and if they are willing to do it -- then there will always be the ways to get there. We must take action in Kachin state now before too late.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) truly believes that dialogue is the only viable solution to achieve the peace in Kachinland, Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) would like to take this opportunity to express our position that we believe in dialogue and we believe in harmony in diversity. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) believes in respecting peaceful co-existing between people with different ideas, beliefs, language, religion and customs.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for Burmese government, parliamentarians and all the people to work the utmost possible to achieve peace reality in Kachin land and in the whole Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for the Burmese government and Burma Army to:
· stop reinforcing its troops and military hardware to conflict areas
· stop their offensive assault against KIA
· withdraw its troops from areas close to Kachin administrative capital Laiza and Headquarter Pa Jau
· withdraw its troops to the line agreed on in a 1994 ceasefire agreement to show that its peace initiatives are sincere and genuine
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) earnestly calls for Burmese government and Burma Army to honour above legitimate demands of the KIA/KNO.
We truly believe that Burmese government and Burma Army got more responsibility to show that they are committed to peace in Kachinland.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) truly believes that by honouring above demands, Burmese government can proof by action that they are truly committed to reform and to restore peace in Burma.
Honouring above demands are the must to build trust between two fighting armies leading towards ceasefire and eventually achieving peace reality in Burma.
For more information please contact Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) at
U Myo Thein [United Kingdom]
Director, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 00-44-208-493-9137, 00-44-787- 788-2386
U Khin Maung Win [United States]
Director, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001-941-961-2622
Daw Khin Aye Aye Mar [United States]
Patron, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001 509-783-7223
U Tint Swe Thiha [United States]
Patron, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001-509-582-3261, 001-509-591-8459
http://www.bdcburma.org
14 May 2012
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) call for Burmese military to stop offensive against Kachin troops who are fighting for equal rights for Kachin people.
Especially, we would like to press here that Burmese President U Thein Sein had called for halting offensive in Kachin state but we are very sad to learn that there are increase fighting between Burmese military and Kachin army even after his presidential order.
We are very much concerned that as the results civilians; especially children, women and elderly are paying the price dearly. These disadvantaged people fleeing from the fighting between two armies are facing very difficult hardships. We would like to call for international community to take every action possible helping these IDPs who desperately need food, shelter and medicine.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) is very sad to learn that there is no sign of reaching peace agreement yet between Kachin Independence Army and Burmese Army but, for the sake of the people and for the sake of the peace in Burma, we would like to call for all parties concerned to work finding peaceful solution by settling differences through dialogue.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) understands that KIO has requested the Burmese army to honour previous ceasefire agreement by repositioning troops i.e. to withdraw Burmese troops from areas close to Kachin administrative capital Laiza and Headquarter Pa Jau.
According to the Kachinland News http://ping.fm/yp4Ly “Burmese Army prepares to launch a major offensive against Kachin’s administrative capital Laiza. Burmese soldiers from various Battalions took a stronghold in preparation of a major assault on Kachin headquarters including transporting heavy artilleries to front lines. Burmese Army transported food rations and military equipment to its post at Pajau hill by using helicopters as well as Burmese Army’s Bureau of Air Defence got 3 fighter jets ready at Nampong Air Force Base in Myitkyina for upcoming assault on KIA”.
These actions are contrary to the agreements of “Ruili’s meetings” which agreed to reduce the scale of hostilities leading towards attaining mutual understanding. But, the actions taken by Burmese army not only increase the hostility but also proofing that how Burmese generals are ignorant of suffering of the people of Kachin.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) wholeheartedly supports KIO’s legitimate demands and we would like to call for Burmese government to honour the KIO’s request in order to build confidence between two parties.
It is really contrary that President U Thein Sein is speaking reform and Burmese generals are waging war against KIA to eliminate their very existence.
Burmese Government must stop attacking Kachin people and if they are willing to do it -- then there will always be the ways to get there. We must take action in Kachin state now before too late.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) truly believes that dialogue is the only viable solution to achieve the peace in Kachinland, Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) would like to take this opportunity to express our position that we believe in dialogue and we believe in harmony in diversity. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) believes in respecting peaceful co-existing between people with different ideas, beliefs, language, religion and customs.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for Burmese government, parliamentarians and all the people to work the utmost possible to achieve peace reality in Kachin land and in the whole Burma.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for the Burmese government and Burma Army to:
· stop reinforcing its troops and military hardware to conflict areas
· stop their offensive assault against KIA
· withdraw its troops from areas close to Kachin administrative capital Laiza and Headquarter Pa Jau
· withdraw its troops to the line agreed on in a 1994 ceasefire agreement to show that its peace initiatives are sincere and genuine
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) earnestly calls for Burmese government and Burma Army to honour above legitimate demands of the KIA/KNO.
We truly believe that Burmese government and Burma Army got more responsibility to show that they are committed to peace in Kachinland.
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) truly believes that by honouring above demands, Burmese government can proof by action that they are truly committed to reform and to restore peace in Burma.
Honouring above demands are the must to build trust between two fighting armies leading towards ceasefire and eventually achieving peace reality in Burma.
For more information please contact Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) at
U Myo Thein [United Kingdom]
Director, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 00-44-208-493-9137, 00-44-787- 788-2386
U Khin Maung Win [United States]
Director, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001-941-961-2622
Daw Khin Aye Aye Mar [United States]
Patron, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001 509-783-7223
U Tint Swe Thiha [United States]
Patron, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001-509-582-3261, 001-509-591-8459
http://www.bdcburma.org
Friday, 11 May 2012
U Myo Yan Naung Thein, director of the Bayda Institute, a political education training centre based in Yangon, said the restrictions on political activities in the current law should be removed.
“It is not fair that NGOs are unable to join political movements. This meant that during the Myitsone Dam affair some environmental NGOs did not participate,” he said. “If NGOs are able to operate freely it will improve the democratic reforms in Myanmar.
“I want to apply to register our organisation because I want to work according to the law but we cannot do so under these restrictions … I would like to suggest to the government that the 1988 registration law is too restrictive and the government should create a new law that is very free and fair.”
http://ping.fm/vKx0u
“It is not fair that NGOs are unable to join political movements. This meant that during the Myitsone Dam affair some environmental NGOs did not participate,” he said. “If NGOs are able to operate freely it will improve the democratic reforms in Myanmar.
“I want to apply to register our organisation because I want to work according to the law but we cannot do so under these restrictions … I would like to suggest to the government that the 1988 registration law is too restrictive and the government should create a new law that is very free and fair.”
http://ping.fm/vKx0u
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Urban population is expected to grow and Burma must work to embrace urbanization by expanding urban infrastructure, by creating jobs and improving bus and transportation services.
Responsible sustainable tourism is one of the most rewarding industries which can assist economic development in Burma. Burma must promote responsible sustainable tourism and at the same time Burma must encourage citizens to travel so as to promote understanding, knowledge and friendship between different societies residing at the different places.
http://ping.fm/1MsCB
Responsible sustainable tourism is one of the most rewarding industries which can assist economic development in Burma. Burma must promote responsible sustainable tourism and at the same time Burma must encourage citizens to travel so as to promote understanding, knowledge and friendship between different societies residing at the different places.
http://ping.fm/1MsCB
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Burma rebels killed in clashes with government troops
Dozens die in battles between Burmese soldiers and Kachin Independence Army, according to state media
Recent battles between Burmese government troops and Kachin ethnic rebels have killed 31 people, according to a state-run newspaper.
The New Light of Myanmar reported on Friday that there had been 11 clashes in the last week of April, including what it said was an attack by rebels of the Kachin Independence Army on border guards. It accused the rebel group of trying to seize the base "to save face for its declining military prestige".
The paper said 29 of the 31 dead were Kachin rebels, while government forces suffered two dead and 15 wounded. A separate report said rebels had blown up three bridges on Wednesday and Thursday.
Kachin spokesmen were not immediately available to comment on the reports, which also claimed the guerrillas had forced 345 villagers to serve as porters.
The 8,000-strong Kachin militia is one of several minority ethnic rebel armies in Burma who say they are fighting for greater autonomy from central government.
Since taking office last year as a military-backed but elected president, Thein Sein has sought to roll back many of the repressive actions of the military regimes that preceded him.
He has focused on democratisation, including reconciliation with the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and her pro-democracy movement, but has also tackled the long-running problem of ethnic rebellions.
Thein Sein's government has agreed ceasefires with several ethnic rebel groups, but peace talks with the Kachin have failed.
Fighting erupted in Kachin state in June last year for the first time since 1994, when an earlier peace deal had been struck.
The Kachin said the government launched an offensive to drive out its forces after they refused to abandon a strategic base near a hydropower plant that is a joint venture with a Chinese company. The rebels fought back, destroying bridges and power pylons in the area, and as many as 70,000 villagers fled from the fighting. http://ping.fm/vHsNu
Dozens die in battles between Burmese soldiers and Kachin Independence Army, according to state media
Recent battles between Burmese government troops and Kachin ethnic rebels have killed 31 people, according to a state-run newspaper.
The New Light of Myanmar reported on Friday that there had been 11 clashes in the last week of April, including what it said was an attack by rebels of the Kachin Independence Army on border guards. It accused the rebel group of trying to seize the base "to save face for its declining military prestige".
The paper said 29 of the 31 dead were Kachin rebels, while government forces suffered two dead and 15 wounded. A separate report said rebels had blown up three bridges on Wednesday and Thursday.
Kachin spokesmen were not immediately available to comment on the reports, which also claimed the guerrillas had forced 345 villagers to serve as porters.
The 8,000-strong Kachin militia is one of several minority ethnic rebel armies in Burma who say they are fighting for greater autonomy from central government.
Since taking office last year as a military-backed but elected president, Thein Sein has sought to roll back many of the repressive actions of the military regimes that preceded him.
He has focused on democratisation, including reconciliation with the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and her pro-democracy movement, but has also tackled the long-running problem of ethnic rebellions.
Thein Sein's government has agreed ceasefires with several ethnic rebel groups, but peace talks with the Kachin have failed.
Fighting erupted in Kachin state in June last year for the first time since 1994, when an earlier peace deal had been struck.
The Kachin said the government launched an offensive to drive out its forces after they refused to abandon a strategic base near a hydropower plant that is a joint venture with a Chinese company. The rebels fought back, destroying bridges and power pylons in the area, and as many as 70,000 villagers fled from the fighting. http://ping.fm/vHsNu
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) strongly condemns U Thein Sein regime attacking on Kachin ethnics people of Burma and we are calling for immediate cessation on attacking ethnic people in order to achieve peace through political dialogue. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) and justice loving all Burmese people will be with our Kachin brothers and sisters since the suffering of the Kachin people are tantamount to the suffering of the whole Burmese people. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) opposes war and we truly believe that guns and bullets won’t solve the problems but through dialogue, mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual respect.
http://ping.fm/Lmztg
http://ping.fm/Lmztg
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