Myanmar President Thein Sein has attempted to ease conflicts with the country's minorities by signing a cease-fire with the Shan State Army, UPI quoted officials as saying. Myanmar is also called Burma. The cease-fire accompanied the signing of a bill allowing citizens the right to peacefully protest with permission, the Bangkok Post reported Sunday. Demonstrators can choose a place, time and topic, but signs, chants and the text of any speeches must be submitted before a license is given. "This is a good start," SSA leader Col. Yodsuek said. "We believe the Burmese government is being sincere and more open to the calls of people in Shan State." Meanwhile, the Myanmar government has agreed to open border checkpoints connecting the Shan State to Thailand. Thailand's Mae Sot district mayor Thoetkiat Chinsoranan said the closure of a nearby checkpoint has lost businesses $650 million in trade. The truce coincided with a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who said she welcomed the changes. She said the United States will consider sending aid to Myanmar and securing ties with Sein.
