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