BGF Issue Remains Major Challenge in 2011

- - - those concerned nationally and internationally with peace and democracy in Burma should actively engage with the ethnic armed groups and involve them in discussions about political change.
- - - the world has focused on the struggle of the democratic opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who has become an international icon, but almost completely ignored ethnic minority issues and the relevance of the cease-fire agreements.

Read more

Burma ethnic groups seek talks with junta - World Net Daily

Leaders of the ethnic Karen in eastern Burma, who have been fighting for autonomy from the country's military dictatorship since 1949, say the recent election results and government policies put the regime on a collision course with failure.


The statement was issued after the KNU's 14th annual congress.

The KNU said that while it's thankful for the release from house arrest of pro-democracy advocate and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the fraudulent November elections show that the military regime – which calls itself the State Peace and Development Council, the SPDC – has no intention of moving towards a democratic Burma.

Read more (Note three embedded audio links)

Inside KNLA Brigade 5 with the Free Burma Rangers

Inside KNLA Brigade 5 with the Free Burma Rangers