Myanmar govt to meet armed ethnic groups
YANGON • Myanmar will begin long-planned talks with armed ethnic groups at the end of the month, as the government's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi targets peace as a prelude to rebooting the economy.
"The first meeting of the '21st century Panglong' conference will be held on Aug 31," said a statement on Monday.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Humanitarian crisis in Helmand
KABUL • Afghan officials yesterday warned of a humanitarian crisis in Helmand as fierce fighting sent refugees fleeing to the capital of the southern province, with Taleban insurgents tightening their grip despite intensified US air strikes.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Maldives passes defamation Bill
MALE • The Maldives' Parliament passed a new defamation Bill yesterday despite US-led international concern that it risked undermining basic freedoms in the troubled resort destination.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE