9\/29\/2012<\/p>\n
Dear friends, we thank God for all the recent good changes in Burma and congratulate all those who have been recognized for their efforts towards a free, just and reconciled Burma. At the same time oppression continues. Here is an update on current events in Burma and especially\u00a0how we experience the situation on the ground where the FBR relief teams operate.<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Aung San Suu Kyi holds a position in parliament and she along with others has received honors on behalf of the International Community for their dedication to freedom for the people of Burma.<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Many political prisoners have been released.<\/p>\n
3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Censorship has been eased and travel restrictions also eased.<\/p>\n
4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There are now ceasefire negotiations ongoing with many of the ethnic groups with an overall reduction in fighting.<\/p>\n
5) \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Burma Army leaders have signed an agreement to end forced labor and there has been a reduction in some areas.<\/p>\n
6)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The FBR had the opportunity to meet leaders of the new government and this is a positive step.<\/p>\n
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1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Burma Army attacks against the Kachin continue with over 70,000 Kachin people displaced by over 100 Burma Army battalions in northern Burma.<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the Shan State fighting and displacement continues and in the southern Shan State there have been over 30 clashes between the Burma Army and Shan resistance this year. FBR medics have given medical treatment to many of those wounded in these attacks by the Burma Army.<\/p>\n
3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the Karen State the Burma Army has used the ceasefires to supply their camps beyond the normal supply rate and continue to use forced labor. They have also built three new camps in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Border Guard Forces under the authority of the Burma Army have continued attacks in Karen State.<\/p>\n
4) \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0As of this report, at least 311 political prisoners remain under arrest.* Censorship laws such as the Electronic Transactions Act remain in effect as does the threat of arbitrary arrest. *AAPP report.<\/p>\n
5) \u00a0 \u00a0 In Arakan State 80,000 people have been displaced by inter-ethnic violence between the Rohingya and Arakan. This has been partially fueled by repressive Burma Government policies.<\/p>\n
6) \u00a0 \u00a0 Humanitarian access is still blocked in many areas of Burma.<\/p>\n
In\u00a0our view, we see two things happening at once, positive change and ongoing repression. The FBR will continue giving help, hope and love to those under attack, to get the news out and to stand with the oppressed. We pray for changes and will continue to develop the beginning of a relationship we have with some in the new government, as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and others,\u00a0for the purpose of reconciliation, justice and freedom for all.<\/p>\n
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Thank you for your prayers and support.<\/p>\n
God bless you,<\/p>\n
David Eubank<\/p>\n
Free Burma Rangers<\/p>\n
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