This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8420294.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Burma blames bomb on Karen rebels Burma blames bomb on Karen rebels
(about 4 hours later)
Burma's military rulers have said ethnic Karen rebels are responsible for a bomb that killed at least seven people, state-run media have said.Burma's military rulers have said ethnic Karen rebels are responsible for a bomb that killed at least seven people, state-run media have said.
The bomb exploded on Wednesday in a market in Karen state, near the border with Thailand, where lunar Karen new year celebrations were taking place.The bomb exploded on Wednesday in a market in Karen state, near the border with Thailand, where lunar Karen new year celebrations were taking place.
State-controlled newspapers said rebels from the Karen National Union planted the bomb but gave no other details.State-controlled newspapers said rebels from the Karen National Union planted the bomb but gave no other details.
There has been no independent confirmation of the government's claim.
The government often blames ethnic minority groups or dissidents for bombings such as this - accusations which are denied by the groups concerned.
Failed ceasefire attempts?
The KNU has been fighting for greater autonomy for six decades.The KNU has been fighting for greater autonomy for six decades.
The bomb went off in the town of Phapun, about 200km (120 miles) north-east of Burma's main city, Rangoon.The bomb went off in the town of Phapun, about 200km (120 miles) north-east of Burma's main city, Rangoon.
The KNU is one of a number of minority groups which have been fighting the central government since Burma's independence from British colonial rule in 1948.The KNU is one of a number of minority groups which have been fighting the central government since Burma's independence from British colonial rule in 1948.
Many of these have reached ceasefire agreements with the government recently, but talks with the KNU have so far failed.Many of these have reached ceasefire agreements with the government recently, but talks with the KNU have so far failed.
Burma's junta is said to be putting pressure on the ethnic rebel groups to join the government's "border guard forces" ahead of next year's polls.Burma's junta is said to be putting pressure on the ethnic rebel groups to join the government's "border guard forces" ahead of next year's polls.
Burma is scheduled to hold elections in 2010, but critics say there is little chance they will be free and fair.Burma is scheduled to hold elections in 2010, but critics say there is little chance they will be free and fair.
There have been periodic bombings in the past which the government has blamed on dissidents or ethnic rebels.