Myanmar leader: Government must win minorities’ trust

The state-run new Light of Myanmar newspaper reported on Sunday that President Thein Sein said the government must convince minority groups living in border areas of its goodwill so they will cooperate in development efforts and loosen ties with neighboring countries.
Myanmar’s sizable ethnic minorities have struggled for decades to win more autonomy but their efforts have been met by military suppression. The groups, such as the Karen and the Shan, have support networks in neighboring countries, especially Thailand.
Although Thein Sein’s words appeared conciliatory, Myanmar’s army continues to carry out operations against ethnic rebels.