Francis Khoo Thwe

Heavy fighting is underway around the rebel stronghold of Laiza. President Thein Sein seeks peace talks but his call for a stop to the fighting falls on deaf ears. Sources tell AsiaNews about intense attacks. Young people and Buddhist monks promote a peace march in Yangon.

Exiled NLD leader Tint Swe tells AsiaNews that foreign powers are making it harder to reach reconciliation between the military and the Kachin ethnic minority. He defends Aung San Suu Kyi, who said that she is willing to help in solving the crisis, an offer never taken up by the government. China plays a crucial role, first of all in exploiting the state's resources and in trade.

For the first time, the military struck "the heart of Laiza," killing a 15-year-old boy. Two girls, 2 and 8, are among the wounded. As tens of thousands of people are displaced, the humanitarian crisis is getting worse. Sources told AsiaNews that the military is moving on four fronts, pounding enemy targets every day from the air.

Catholic activist denounces a humanitarian emergency involving tens of thousands of refugees. The government "does not want" peace with the ethnic group, criticism of Aung San Suu Kyi. Behind the war, China wants to protect its "business interests" in Myanmar. Appeal to the Pope and Christians throughout the world, for an end to violence.

The United Nations calls for a ceasefire. Military sources (and a video) confirm air strikes. A power struggle between the military leadership and Thein Sein's reformist administration underlies the crisis. Sources tell AsiaNews that communities could be isolated by the destruction of bridges and roads.

Archbishop Charles Bo speaks of lead up to the festivitives, which this year are taking place "without difficulty" a sign of a greater "religious freedom." In his motto he celebrates the "empty hands" of the child Jesus, who wins "billions of hearts" with the power of a love "without conditions." Invitations extended to Aung San Suu Kyi, the president and high government office

The population condemns the assault against religious police and farmers, the leaders of the protest against the Sino-Burmese mine in Monywa. Aung San Suu Kyi tries to mediate between the authorities and the local population. Among the unsolved problems, the lack of transparency and information regarding economic projects and energy investments.

Speaking at Yangon University, the US leader refers to ongoing changes in the country, giving his government's reassurance that it would back Myanmar's (economic) development. Kachin leader praises the speech but cannot hide concerns about a hasty legitimisation of the Burmese government. He also criticises Aung San Suu Kyi as fighting and dying continues in the North without much outside interest.

In all likelihood, they are common prisoners and dissidents. For experts it is a gesture of "good will" in view of the visit of the U.S. President. Former political prisoner describes the amnesty as a "bargaining chip" with the West. Aung San Suu Kyi: Myanmar "has not yet reached the goal of a full democracy."

The 6.8 quake hit central Myanmar yesterday morning. Rescue teams are hard-pressed to reach more remote and isolated areas. Four labourers die as a partially-built bridge collapses. At least 150 people are injured whilst scores of homes and many Buddhist temples are damaged. Youth and Catholic groups bring aid.

The Nobel Prize winner wants a greater military presence in order to restore peace in Rakhine state. However, both government and opposition have failed to find a political solution to the crisis. Business interests appear to be behind the sectarian violence. Another boat carrying refugees sinks.

Over the weekend thousands of monks marched in Mandalay with the people, to express solidarity with the head of state. He has proposed the expulsion of the Muslim minority, because "it is not part” of the nation of Burma. Expert tells AsiaNews: united front between people, monks and president against the Rohingya, for fear of a Muslim separatist struggle.