The Arakan State government has invited international aid organisations -- including Médecins Sans Frontières, which was dramatically expelled from the state nearly five months ago -- to continue operations in the troubled state.

In a nine-point statement, the two countries agree to share information regarding border issues and establish a direct channel of communication between senior officials from both sides.

Bangladeshi commander says Burma refused a demand to withdraw its troops from positions close to the common border, and also rejected a proposal to conduct joint patrols.

The EU lays out a list of 21 “benchmarks” which it expects the Burmese authorities to fulfill, including: cooperation with the UN; the release of all political prisoners; the strengthening of rule of law; greater media freedom; and “effective measures to combat intolerance, communal violence and hate speech”.

The construction of a fence along Burma’s border with Bangladesh has resumed in Arakan State to stop people entering the country illegally.

Panellists on DVB Debate discuss whether the government is trying to remain in control of the press by invoking current laws that actually stop journalists from doing their jobs.