LFM News Service 3-22-19

Naypyidaw, peace talks. The most hostile rebels are also invited
They will take place this week and are the result of a series of informal meetings. The government asked each of the eight organizations to form a delegation. Groups opposed to the ceasefire also participate. Aung San Suu Kyi intends to end decades of conflicts that have hampered the transition to a democratic federal union.  Read More

Can the NLD Overcome the Military’s Last Line of Defense?
The ruling party may be able to chip away at the military’s proxies and business interests. But tinkering with its constitutional privileges may prove a step too far.  Read More

Tatmadaw’s outsized role in the economy is obstructing peace and democracy
ON MONDAY, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar Ms Yanghee Lee presented her latest report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Her findings reinforce the crucial importance of transitioning to civilian control of political and economic life if Myanmar is to move beyond the scourge of civil conflict and associated human rights abuses to achieve lasting peace and a successful democratic transition.  Read More

Report: Myanmar, China Failing to Stop ‘Bride’ Trafficking
Authorities in China and Myanmar are failing to stop the brutal trafficking of young women, often teenagers, from the conflict-ridden Kachin region for sexual slavery, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.  Read More

Water supplies still an issue in Myanmar
Despite having plenty of water, Myanmar faces a problem of not having enough water for its people, Vice President U Henry Van Thio said.  Read More