US EMBASSY YANGON Statement on Kachin Conflict BURMESE-ENGLISH

FBR REPORT: Ceasefire Talks and Ongoing Conflict Update from the Field-16.January 2012

FBR REPORT: Ceasefire Talks and Ongoing Conflict Update from the Field Karen State, Burma 16 January, 2012 Dear friends, We are relaying this update out from where we are on relief missions in Karen State, Burma. In spite of positive changes in Burma; such as release of many political prisoners, easing of restrictions on the press, and beginning of ceasefire talks with Shan, Chin, and Karen groups, the Burma Army continues its attacks in some ethnic areas and resupplying in all areas. Here in Karen State there is no ceasefire yet in spite of talks between the Burma Army and the pro-democracy Karen resistance- Karen National Union (KNU). In Northern Burma over 40,000 Kachin villagers have been displaced by ongoing attacks in an offensive by over 100 Burma Army battalions. Tonight, Karen, Karenni, Mon and Shan team members here all expressed concern that the attacks against the Kachin, while ceasefire talks were being held with other groups, was a continuation of the government’s divide and rule strategy. They asked, “While the army offers talks with us and then attacks the Kachin, how can we believe they are sincere?” Medics treat Karen burn victim. Relief team on the move in Karen State