Over five decades, the KNU has conducted five historical peace talks with a series of Burmese governments. No major agreements have been reached. The distrust of the Burmese government among the KNU has been a major obstacle to successful negotiations. But, on February 1, the day after the commemoration of the 56th anniversary of Karen Revolutionary Day, the Karen National Union (KNU) announced that it is planning to resume peace talks with the ruling military government. Hope that Karen can find a political solution to their conflict with the ruling junta has been rekindled…
HIV/Aids infection has reached epidemic proportions in Burma today. Reports by
UN agencies as well as independent health professionals confirm this fact. Estimates suggest at least 5% of the population is infected, although the figures themselves are a matter of debate.The alarming situation has become a national emergency that affects all levels of society, especially non-Burman ethnic minorities and the military.
