Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                Japanese Philanthropy Group to Send Aid to Burma

   by VOA News

   A Japanese philanthropic organization says it is sending $3 million in
   aid to ethnic groups in Burma, some of which are still engaged in armed
   conflict with the Burmese government.

   The Nippon Foundation made the announcement Thursday in Tokyo after
   meeting with representatives from the United Nationalities Federal
   Council (UNFC), a coalition of Burmese ethnic groups who are seeking
   peace talks with the government. Foundation officials say the first
   shipments of food and medicine will be sent in the coming months.

   The Burmese government does not recognize the UNFC but the Nippon
   Foundation says the aid deal has the support of Burma's leadership.

   Officials in Tokyo say the Burmese government sees the aid as a way of
   speeding up the peace process as it negotiates with the individual
   groups.

   The UNFC includes the Karen National Union and the Kachin Independence
   Organization.

   Fighting between the Burmese army and Kachin rebels broke out last year
   near some China-backed hydropower and oil-pipeline projects.

   The exile Kachin News Group reports fighting has intensified since
   August near Hpakant, where the world's best quality jadeite is mined.

   Some Burma activists have criticized other similar efforts, saying
   so-called "peace funds" undermine peace by prioritizing development
   instead of lasting political solutions.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/japanese-philanthropy-group-to-send-a
   id-to-burma/1529721.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/japanese-philanthropy-group-to-send-aid-to-burma/1529721.html