Francis Khoo Thwe

Yesterday, hundreds of people demonstrated against Time magazine for its cover story "The face of Buddhist terror", dedicated to the riots that rocked the country last month. Speaking to AsiaNews, Tint Swe slams the appalling attacks against Muslims. Tensions have led to unacceptable deaths and a negative view of Myanmar and Buddhism.

In Yangon, the U.S. ambassador brings together representatives of the major faiths. Catholics represented by the Archbishop, Msgr. Charles Bo. Respect and unity in diversity, the principles of coexistence. At a young nation needing "education, health and development," not wars and conflicts.

Archbishop Charles Bo talks to AsiaNews about the country's "tense situation". He does not exclude "new dangers" for Muslims, but if an Islamist group should emerge, it would sow chaos and terror. For the prelate, Catholics could act as a 'bridge', keeping channels of communication open. On Thursday, the country's religious leaders are scheduled to meet in Yangon.

The Bishops' Conference slams sectarian violence, calls for political action to solve the conflict. The country's differences is its "real wealth". For Yangon archbishop, ethnicity explains Buddhist-Muslim clashes. For the prelate, Thein Sein "does not have the military under control".

Yesterday the two sides signed seven-point deal in Mitkyina, the first step towards a permanent ceasefire. For AsiaNews sources, the presence of representatives of other minorities and a UN envoy was an "important" factor for clinching the deal. Myanmar's government and military have come to realise they cannot win militarily and are now open to real talks.

Burmese authorities arrest two Buddhist suspects over an attack against the commercial activities of Muslims in a state in northern Myanmar. Terror and suspicion prevail in the Muslim minority. Archbishop Bo reiterates Pope Francis's call for a "community of love" that can "put an end to decades of conflict and oppression."

A movement of monks fueling the "969"campaign, which calls for a boycott of businesses belonging to the Muslim minority. Leader of the group the "Bin Laden" of Myanmar. Behind the scenes the moves of the former military junta, which intends to undermine the democratic reforms of the current government.

The Burmese government has ordered the release of more than 50 political prisoners in response to the European Parliament's decision to lift economic and trade sanctions on Myanmar. The ban on arms sales remains. Kachin activist criticizes the move by Brussels, because "there is still no real desire for change."

For Archbishop Bo, "love and compassion" are central to the country's main faiths. He wants "joint action" to end clashes. Youth groups adopt his initiative. President Thein Sein does not exclude the use of force against "troublemakers." Political experts see the flare-up in violence as an attempt to put power back into the hands of the military.

In his message for the holidays, Msgr. Bo invites to the faithful to forget the " imperfect past " because "seeds of hope have been sown." Like the Israelites in the desert, the people of Burma have suffered but the risen Christ is the source of confidence. The population must overcome the self-destructing instinct, to reconstruct the golden land. Thoughts for the Burmese diaspora.

Talks between representatives of Burma's ethnic minorities and government officials are set to take place next week. Aung San Suu Kyi could play a role in the peace process. Democratic Voice of Burma editor Aye Chan Naing is cautiously optimistic about his changing nation. However, the lack of infrastructure and decades of military mismanagement are a drag on economic development.

Tens of thousands of Catholics attended the novena to Mary, with prayers, masses and solemn processions. Over 70 thousand faithful attend final day of prayers. In his homily, Msgr. Bo stresses the importance of "trust" and traced the country's recent history, marked by war and violence.