Neither war nor peace
by Daniel Pedersen on Jul.28, 2009, under Frontline Reports
The future of the cease-fire agreements in Burma
Transnational Institute
Amsterdam, NetherlandsJuly 27, 2009
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the first ceasefire agreements in Burma, which put a stop to decades of fighting between the military government and a wide range of ethnic armed opposition groups. These groups had taken up arms against the government in search of more autonomy and ethnic rights. The military government has so far failed to address the main grievances and aspirations of the cease-fire groups. The regime now wants them to disarm or become border-guard forces. It also wants them to form new political parties which would participate in the controversial 2010 elections. They are unlikely to do so unless some of their basic demands are met. This raises many serious questions about the future of the cease-fires
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"Secret Genocide is a scholarly book on the plight of the Karen of Burma. Author Daniel Pedersen writes about the secret genocide of the Karen people at the hands of the Burmese junta, who use murder, rape, forced labour and torture to quell their enemies. Decades after the Karen took up arms against Rangoon; there is no telling when - or if - their struggle for a secure homeland will finally be accomplished"
Read and add comments at the book's blog
Secret Genocide by publisher Maverick House. >>> Read prologue.
July 28th, 2009 on 9:49 p
Dear Friends,
I find Tom Kramer’s report ‘Civil War and Ceasefire’ to be a well researched and written document. However, I have to point out the misconception in the report that ‘the Karen started insurrection to press their demand’.
Please see in the attachments the perspective of the Karen regarding the outbreak of hostilities between the Karen people and the Burmese government and the challenges the oppositions forces have to face currently.
With best wishes,
KNU Vice President David Thackrabaw