LOOKING TO IT?S NEIGHBOURS: BURMA?S NEW PATH TO ACCEPTANCE "The US, Britain and the EU have recently issued renewed calls for Burma to show concerted efforts for political change or face increased sanctions; India, China and Thailand have welcomed with warm embraces an influx of state visits from the Burmese military leaders which has resulted in greater cooperation and economic agreements. It is little surprise then that the Burmese junta seem to be embracing closer economic and trade cooperation with their neighbours, opting to go without the wests support or acceptance, opting for international legitimacy through those that don?t impose the strict demands for resolving human rights abuses. Can it work? Is it a new tactic that shows foresight and cunning?..."...SURVIVAL WITHIN DIVISION "...Before 1997 the people here lived freely, Burmese troops occasionally arrived in their villages but the area was fully controlled by the KNU (Karen National Union). Some Karen villagers from northern Tavoy areas immigrated or fled to this area because of the Yadana gas pipeline project and the Ye-Tavoy railroad construction. Since the people were forced to stay in forced relocation sites, they have been facing difficulties with earning their living because of Burmese troops? restrictions. They became targets of torture and execution. Daily survival, to be safe from Burmese troops suspicion, is a daily challenge. Forced labour becomes a regular task for the people although the Burmese military government has pretended to stop forced labour due to ILO pressure. They also have to pay various kinds of extortion..."...RESOLVING CONFLICT THROUGH PEACE "...The roots of the conflict in Burma has not just started with the present militarisation, but has started since the period of colonialisation and entering into Burma?s first democratic era. Therefore it lies with attitudes and prejudices within the society. That?s why it is important for the society to look at the root causes of the long conflict and have the courage to carry out the significant social changes needed to rid the country of those deeplying roots..."...News Briefs: Panicked withdrawls from Rangoons banks; Hunger strike in Dhaka.