"...Bringing more women into Burma?s peace process and construction of a federal state is crucial, several of the country?s female leaders said during a training tour in Europe last month. The women have played various roles in Burma?s peace process and were invited to Switzerland and Norway to learn more about federalism, peace and security issues, and women?s empowerment. Both European countries are staunch supporters of conflict resolution in Burma. The participants reflected on how a political dialogue could be conducted in Burma and how federalism could enrich the country?s young democracy. Naw Zipporah Sein, the vice chair of the Karen National Union (KNU), an ethnic armed organization that signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement with the government last year, said: ?A federal system is best-suited to Burma to ensure equality and democratic rights.” ?Our public needs to understand how to share power, resources and tax revenue,” she said. ?Participation from the people in these core aspects of the federal state is essential.” Meanwhile, Burma?s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said last Wednesday that the government was planning to hold a 21st century ?Panglong-style” conference within the next two months, referring to a 1947 agreement Suu Kyi?s father, Gen. Aung San, forged with several major ethnic minorities..."