; and (2) should fully implement all of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. 8. Military cooperation (a) Prohibition Except as provided under subsection (b), the United States Government may not supply any security assistance or engage in any military-to-military programs with the armed forces of Burma, including training or observation or participation in regional exercises, until the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, can certify to the appropriate congressional committees that the Burmese military has demonstrated significant progress in abiding by international human rights standards and is undertaking meaningful and significant security sector reform, including transparency and accountability to prevent future abuses, as determined by applying the following criteria: (1) The military adheres to international human rights standards and pledges to stop future human rights abuses. (2) The military supports efforts to carry out meaningful and comprehensive investigations of recent abuses and is taking steps to hold accountable those in the Burmese military responsible for human rights violations. (3) The Government of Burma, including the military, allows immediate and unfettered humanitarian access to communities in areas affected by conflict, including Rohingya communities in Rakhine State. (4) The Government of Burma, including the military, cooperates with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other relevant United Nations agencies to ensure the protection of displaced persons and the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. (5) The Government of Burma, including the military, takes steps toward the implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. (b) Exceptions (1) Certain existing authorities The Department of Defense may continue to conduct consultations based on the authorities under section 1253 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck McKeon National Defense