A new report by ND-Burma has revealed more than 100 cases of human rights violations committed by the Burmese military in the second half of 2013 including torture, rape, extra-judicial killing, land grabs, unlawful arrests and detentions, arbitrary taxation and forced labour.

Armed groups say they need more time to prepare for talks whilst assuring commitment to achieving "genuine nationwide ceasefire". (PHOTO: Reuters)

The President’s Office has sought to mitigate a controversy over its delivery of hundreds of vehicle import permits to at least 14 ethnic groups, a measure some commentators are calling a “Cars for Peace” scandal.

Japan's approach to foreign investment, characterised by poor transparency and an indifference to human rights, is becoming a threat to Burma's fragile reform process.

Fifty-six political prisoners will be released on Tuesday, many of whom are Kachin and Shan detainees.

Shan, Karenni and Mon delegates have concluded a three-day meeting in Taunggyi by issuing a statement calling for a nationwide ceasefire and ethnic rights.