by Joshua Kurlantzick

A short piece by Agence France-Presse (AFP) run in the Straits Times yesterday, buried amidst the big international stories on Syria and the stand-off in the Philippines and others, caught my attention. The short piece, titled “Poor and Homeless in Costly Yangon” discussed how, because of Myanmar’s political and economic opening, and the lack of quality office and apartment and factory space in Yangon, rents for any decent property have soared through the roof. AFP estimates that land prices in Yangon have risen since 2010, the beginning of Myanmar’s opening, to as much as $700 per square foot now, far more than the price per square foot in Bangkok, which is vastly richer and has twenty-four hour electricity water, and all other modern conveniences. Other articles have suggested that some properties in central Yangon are renting for more than $1000 per square foot, more than rentals in Manhattan.

By RFA

Myanmar’s government is optimistic of forging a joint nationwide cease-fire accord with all armed rebel groups in the country by next month, a government adviser said Wednesday, keeping fingers crossed that crucial talks next week with Kachin rebels will lead to a breakthrough.

Hla Maung Shwe, adviser of the Myanmar Peace Center, said the long-proposed nationwide cease-fire could take place in the first week of October.

An announcement of an October launch of the peace initiative by Minister in the President’s office Aung Min at the weekend by met with skepticism by ethnic leaders.

Myanmar is a country undergoing rapid transformation. After 50 years of political and economic isolation, the country has opened up and re-entered the global community. Following elections in March 2011 that resulted in the election of President Thein Sein, Myanmar has experienced two years of growth and development. International sanctions have been lifted and there has been a sharp increase in foreign investments, much to the delight of Myanmar’s people. Today there is a buzz and an uncontainable sense of optimism throughout the country.

By Reuters Staff

A government-appointed body that oversees Myanmar’s Buddhist monkhood has issued a directive intended to check the influence of a monk-led movement accused of stoking violence against minority Muslims.

At least 237 people have died in sectarian violence since June last year and more than 150,000 have been displaced. The vast majority of the victims were Muslim.

BNI

About 100 Kachin war refugees remain trapped in the isolated jungles of Putao District in Burma’s northernmost Kachin state, according to sources from a local church.

The group – mainly women and children – have been in hiding since the middle of last week when fighting broke out between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) near Nhka Ga village, Machyangbaw Township. The refugees have been unable to evacuate to designated ‘safe places’ and are being denied all forms of aid by government forces, said the sources.