Burma News International (BNI) will launch the book Deciphering Myanmar's Peace Process: A Reference Guide which is an indispensable tool for media and other stakeholders who need the straight facts about the state of the conflicts and peace negotiations. The 184-page book can be used as a manual that presents key aspects of the conflict, including the roots causes, vested interests, the government's peace plan and structure; and key stakeholders—from the ethnic armed groups, to the peace brokers—and personalities.

BNI is a unique alliance of 11 independent media organizations, nine of which represent different ethnic groups from Myanmar. As such it is uniquely placed to present a comprehensive perspective of the various facets of the situation.

Context: After decades of protracted civil wars, the new nominally civilian government has made serious initiatives towards establishing ceasefires with all the ethnic armed groups. The conflicts in Myanmar are complicated not only by the large numbers of ethnic armed groups, each competing for their own regional and domestic interests, but also by the lack of transparency by all sides.

In addition, despite signing ceasefires, various groups are still engaged in sporadic fighting with the Myanmar military. For instance, two Shan armed groups with such agreements have been involved in over 120 clashes in 2012. In Kachin State, fighting continues unabated since June 2011 despite a ceasefire and 13 meetings for peace negotiations.

Speakers:

Free copies of the book will be given to to all attendees.

For more information please contact:
Mr Khin Maung Shwe, BNI Development Secretary, Mobile: +66 847225988, email: secretary.bni@gmail.com; www.mmpeacemonitor.org,ย  www.bnionline.net