Clinton: No conditions on Myanmar for better ties
By VIJAY JOSHI, Associated Press Writer – Wed Nov 11, 5:41 am ET
SINGAPORE (AP) – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that Washington will not impose new conditions on Myanmar's junta in exchange for better relations, but will not lift sanctions until it makes progress on democracy.
Clinton's comments reflect an easing of U.S. policy on Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962. The junta has been widely criticized for holding pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, under detention.
Clinton, who met Wednesday with the foreign ministers of Asia-Pacific countries ahead of a regional summit, said she "reiterated that U.S. sanctions will remain in place until we see meaningful progress in key areas."
She told reporters that China, India and the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations also must play a greater role in pushing Myanmar's junta toward democracy.
Asked if the United States has set any conditions, including the return of Suu Kyi to political life, for improving relations with Myanmar, Clinton made it clear that the U.S. is now committed to engaging the generals rather than ostracizing them.
"This has to be resolved within the Burmese people themselves. We are not setting or dictating any conditions," she said. Myanmar is also known as Burma.
But a senior U.S. official later said that Suu Kyi's release and return to politics would be "an essential precondition to move forward." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing internal administration thinking.
Last week, two senior U.S. diplomats went to Myanmar for talks with the junta and also had a private meeting with Suu Kyi. It was the highest-level U.S. visit to Myanmar in 14 years.
Clinton said although the visit was constructive, "there is a lot of work to do. We have no illusions that any of this would be easy or quick."
On Sunday, President Barack Obama will attend the first-ever meeting of U.S. and ASEAN leaders on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. He is to sit at the same table with Myanmar Prime Minister Gen. Thein Sein.
The Myanmar government has said it intends to hold elections next year but has not clarified whether Suu Kyi will be allowed to participate.
The junta refused to honor the result of the last elections in 1990 when Suu Kyi's party won by a landslide. Suu Kyi has spent 14 of the last 20 years in detention, and remains under house arrest.
Clinton said the U.S. wants to create the opportunity for the people of Myanmar to have "free and credible elections" next year.
"This is a very challenging situation as many of the countries can attest but the U.S. is committed to moving forward," she said.
After the U.S.-ASEAN meeting, the leaders are expected to issue a joint call urging Myanmar to hold "free, fair, inclusive and transparent" elections.
"The statement we're trying to make here is that we're not going to let the Burmese tail wag the ASEAN dog," Jeffrey Bader, a National Security Council official, told reporters in Washington, D.C.
By VIJAY JOSHI, Associated Press Writer – Wed Nov 11, 5:41 am ET
SINGAPORE (AP) – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that Washington will not impose new conditions on Myanmar's junta in exchange for better relations, but will not lift sanctions until it makes progress on democracy.
Clinton's comments reflect an easing of U.S. policy on Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962. The junta has been widely criticized for holding pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, under detention.
Clinton, who met Wednesday with the foreign ministers of Asia-Pacific countries ahead of a regional summit, said she "reiterated that U.S. sanctions will remain in place until we see meaningful progress in key areas."
She told reporters that China, India and the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations also must play a greater role in pushing Myanmar's junta toward democracy.
Asked if the United States has set any conditions, including the return of Suu Kyi to political life, for improving relations with Myanmar, Clinton made it clear that the U.S. is now committed to engaging the generals rather than ostracizing them.
"This has to be resolved within the Burmese people themselves. We are not setting or dictating any conditions," she said. Myanmar is also known as Burma.
But a senior U.S. official later said that Suu Kyi's release and return to politics would be "an essential precondition to move forward." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing internal administration thinking.
Last week, two senior U.S. diplomats went to Myanmar for talks with the junta and also had a private meeting with Suu Kyi. It was the highest-level U.S. visit to Myanmar in 14 years.
Clinton said although the visit was constructive, "there is a lot of work to do. We have no illusions that any of this would be easy or quick."
On Sunday, President Barack Obama will attend the first-ever meeting of U.S. and ASEAN leaders on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. He is to sit at the same table with Myanmar Prime Minister Gen. Thein Sein.
The Myanmar government has said it intends to hold elections next year but has not clarified whether Suu Kyi will be allowed to participate.
The junta refused to honor the result of the last elections in 1990 when Suu Kyi's party won by a landslide. Suu Kyi has spent 14 of the last 20 years in detention, and remains under house arrest.
Clinton said the U.S. wants to create the opportunity for the people of Myanmar to have "free and credible elections" next year.
"This is a very challenging situation as many of the countries can attest but the U.S. is committed to moving forward," she said.
After the U.S.-ASEAN meeting, the leaders are expected to issue a joint call urging Myanmar to hold "free, fair, inclusive and transparent" elections.
"The statement we're trying to make here is that we're not going to let the Burmese tail wag the ASEAN dog," Jeffrey Bader, a National Security Council official, told reporters in Washington, D.C.
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Clinton says China should play role in Myanmar
Wed Nov 11, 2:48 am ET
SINGAPORE (AP) – Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has urged China and India to push Myanmar toward democracy.
Clinton says "we need a broad response by the nations in the region" to the situation in Myanmar, which has been under military rule since 1962.
She is in Singapore to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings ahead of the group's summit this weekend.
She told reporters Wednesday that China has an opportunity to play an important role.
China is Myanmar's biggest ally, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has long been trying to persuade the Myanmar junta to allow democracy.
Clinton said countries must persuade the junta to have free fair elections by 2010.
Wed Nov 11, 2:48 am ET
SINGAPORE (AP) – Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has urged China and India to push Myanmar toward democracy.
Clinton says "we need a broad response by the nations in the region" to the situation in Myanmar, which has been under military rule since 1962.
She is in Singapore to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings ahead of the group's summit this weekend.
She told reporters Wednesday that China has an opportunity to play an important role.
China is Myanmar's biggest ally, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has long been trying to persuade the Myanmar junta to allow democracy.
Clinton said countries must persuade the junta to have free fair elections by 2010.
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APEC ministers agree economic crisis far from over
By ELAINE KURTENBACH, AP Business Writer – Wed Nov 11, 6:41 am ET
SINGAPORE (AP) – Asia-Pacific ministers warned Wednesday that signs of recovery in the global economy are merely a respite, and future growth hinges on freer trade and improved social safety nets in Asia.
Finance and foreign ministers meeting in Singapore for this week's annual APEC meeting are mulling ways to keep economic recovery going once lavish stimulus spending ebbs, while tackling other regional security and political issues.
The forum culminates in a weekend summit of heads of state from APEC's 21 economies, including President Barack Obama.
The economic crisis is "by no means over," warned Singapore's foreign minister, George Yeo, urging nations to persist in opening markets wider.
"There is creeping protectionism now; that is very dangerous. It is a slippery slope, and if we're not careful, before we know it, all of us will be in a much more dire situation," he told reporters after hosting a breakfast meeting with foreign ministers.
The ministers agreed the economic crisis is in a respite, Yeo said, but recovery remains fragile.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urged fellow leaders to forge ahead with plans to combat global warming and to help push Myanmar's military regime toward greater democracy.
She called for calm in the aftermath of a naval skirmish Tuesday between North and South Korea, but said it would not scupper plans to send envoy Stephen Bosworth to Pyongyang to persuade the regime to return to six-nation nuclear disarmament talks.
But the main focus for the regional dialogue remained the economy, and APEC nations are looking to the U.S. to add heft to efforts to push for a global trade pact and help dismantle trade barriers to help along the recovery.
APEC was founded 20 years ago to promote greater trade and integration around the Pacific Rim. Its scope has since expanded to encompass a wide range of issues, and ministers Wednesday stressed the need for action on climate change, energy security and ensuring food security for the millions of vulnerable poor in the region.
Boosting exports is the "best ticket" to creating jobs, ending the recession and bringing massive deficits under control, said Thomas J. Donohue, president of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce.
"Expanding free trade across the Pacific can drive the global economic recovery, create badly needed jobs and advance economic and social progress in developing and developed countries alike," he told business leaders on the sidelines of the APEC meeting.
While Asia has 168 free-trade agreements, work on U.S. pacts with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama languish in Washington.
The Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, an APEC-affiliated think tank, urged in a report issued Wednesday for fundamental reforms to shift growth away from a dependence on exports to the U.S.
"U.S. consumers are not likely to drive world demand in the medium term, and the slack will have to be taken up in part by Asian consumption and investment," Peter Petri, a Brandeis University professor who coordinated a regional task force on the economic crisis, said in the report.
The think tank's survey of 400 business, government and expert leaders in the region found many convinced that the engines of growth are changing — a trend long anticipated but accelerated by the relatively strong recent performances of developing Asian nations, especially China and India.
"They are very conscious that the U.S. is not going to be the growth engine for the foreseeable future, and they are thinking very hard of how to find other ways to generate growth," said Yuen Pau Woo, who coordinated the report.
Obama, visiting Asia for the first time since he took office in January, will be seeking to counter the perception of declining U.S. power.
The president wants "to send a message that the United States intends to deepen its engagement in this part of the world; that we intend to compete in this part of the world; and that we intend to be a leader in this part of the world," Jeffrey Bader, a National Security Council official, told reporters from Washington.
Still, with the U.S. economy growing at less than half the rate of China's 8.9 percent in the third-quarter, and consumer demand still languishing amid a so-far job-scarce recovery, Asia's pivotal role is evident.
"The engines of growth are shifting from the U.S. to Asia; from exports to domestic spending, especially on social priorities and from production of goods to production of services," Woo said.
Higher spending on social needs such as education, health care, services for the aging and welfare networks; freer trade in services, and policies to promote green technologies — all can contribute, he said.
Devoting more to those resources would help rebalance the wide gap in U.S.-China trade, among other distortions, that helped bring on the crisis.
By boosting social spending, China and other Asian nations could help reduce the need among their citizens to scrimp and save to cover such costs, freeing them to improve living standards and spend more.
The report estimates that $300 billion of the $28.8 trillion in regional economic activity represents trade and other imbalances that need to be redressed.
By ELAINE KURTENBACH, AP Business Writer – Wed Nov 11, 6:41 am ET
SINGAPORE (AP) – Asia-Pacific ministers warned Wednesday that signs of recovery in the global economy are merely a respite, and future growth hinges on freer trade and improved social safety nets in Asia.
Finance and foreign ministers meeting in Singapore for this week's annual APEC meeting are mulling ways to keep economic recovery going once lavish stimulus spending ebbs, while tackling other regional security and political issues.
The forum culminates in a weekend summit of heads of state from APEC's 21 economies, including President Barack Obama.
The economic crisis is "by no means over," warned Singapore's foreign minister, George Yeo, urging nations to persist in opening markets wider.
"There is creeping protectionism now; that is very dangerous. It is a slippery slope, and if we're not careful, before we know it, all of us will be in a much more dire situation," he told reporters after hosting a breakfast meeting with foreign ministers.
The ministers agreed the economic crisis is in a respite, Yeo said, but recovery remains fragile.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urged fellow leaders to forge ahead with plans to combat global warming and to help push Myanmar's military regime toward greater democracy.
She called for calm in the aftermath of a naval skirmish Tuesday between North and South Korea, but said it would not scupper plans to send envoy Stephen Bosworth to Pyongyang to persuade the regime to return to six-nation nuclear disarmament talks.
But the main focus for the regional dialogue remained the economy, and APEC nations are looking to the U.S. to add heft to efforts to push for a global trade pact and help dismantle trade barriers to help along the recovery.
APEC was founded 20 years ago to promote greater trade and integration around the Pacific Rim. Its scope has since expanded to encompass a wide range of issues, and ministers Wednesday stressed the need for action on climate change, energy security and ensuring food security for the millions of vulnerable poor in the region.
Boosting exports is the "best ticket" to creating jobs, ending the recession and bringing massive deficits under control, said Thomas J. Donohue, president of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce.
"Expanding free trade across the Pacific can drive the global economic recovery, create badly needed jobs and advance economic and social progress in developing and developed countries alike," he told business leaders on the sidelines of the APEC meeting.
While Asia has 168 free-trade agreements, work on U.S. pacts with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama languish in Washington.
The Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, an APEC-affiliated think tank, urged in a report issued Wednesday for fundamental reforms to shift growth away from a dependence on exports to the U.S.
"U.S. consumers are not likely to drive world demand in the medium term, and the slack will have to be taken up in part by Asian consumption and investment," Peter Petri, a Brandeis University professor who coordinated a regional task force on the economic crisis, said in the report.
The think tank's survey of 400 business, government and expert leaders in the region found many convinced that the engines of growth are changing — a trend long anticipated but accelerated by the relatively strong recent performances of developing Asian nations, especially China and India.
"They are very conscious that the U.S. is not going to be the growth engine for the foreseeable future, and they are thinking very hard of how to find other ways to generate growth," said Yuen Pau Woo, who coordinated the report.
Obama, visiting Asia for the first time since he took office in January, will be seeking to counter the perception of declining U.S. power.
The president wants "to send a message that the United States intends to deepen its engagement in this part of the world; that we intend to compete in this part of the world; and that we intend to be a leader in this part of the world," Jeffrey Bader, a National Security Council official, told reporters from Washington.
Still, with the U.S. economy growing at less than half the rate of China's 8.9 percent in the third-quarter, and consumer demand still languishing amid a so-far job-scarce recovery, Asia's pivotal role is evident.
"The engines of growth are shifting from the U.S. to Asia; from exports to domestic spending, especially on social priorities and from production of goods to production of services," Woo said.
Higher spending on social needs such as education, health care, services for the aging and welfare networks; freer trade in services, and policies to promote green technologies — all can contribute, he said.
Devoting more to those resources would help rebalance the wide gap in U.S.-China trade, among other distortions, that helped bring on the crisis.
By boosting social spending, China and other Asian nations could help reduce the need among their citizens to scrimp and save to cover such costs, freeing them to improve living standards and spend more.
The report estimates that $300 billion of the $28.8 trillion in regional economic activity represents trade and other imbalances that need to be redressed.
*************************************************************
Clinton urges Myanmar to begin planning 2010 vote
By David Alexander – Wed Nov 11, 8:00 am ET
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday urged Myanmar to begin planning for its 2010 elections and said Southeast Asian nations could play an important role in ensuring the vote is "free, fair and credible."
Clinton, speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of the APEC meetings in Singapore, said Washington would like to see the reclusive military-led government of the former Burma begin internal consultations soon about the country's political future.
"We're seeking ... a process inside Burma that would inspire a dialogue among all of the stakeholders so that there could be a growing consensus within Burma itself about the way forward," she said.
Clinton's remarks came a week after U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell traveled to Myanmar on Washington's highest-level visit to the country in 14 years.
The exploratory mission was aimed at explaining the results of a U.S. policy review toward Myanmar. The Obama administration decided in September to pursue deeper engagement with Myanmar to try to spur democratic reforms.
Clinton said U.S. economic sanctions on Myanmar would remain in place until Washington sees what it believes is "meaningful progress in key areas."
A U.S. State Department official said later that freeing Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained leader of the opposition National League for Democracy, was one necessary step.
"It would be an essential precondition for the United States to move forward with any ... fundamental engagement that would include sanctions lifting with the regime," the official said on condition of anonymity.
U.S. officials said they hoped Myanmar's leaders would begin a dialogue soon with internal groups that have an interest in the country's political future.
"That dialogue has to be an open dialogue that includes internal stakeholders," one State Department official said. "We would very much like to see ... not just the handpicked parties of the government, but also the ethnic groups, the NLD and the so-called third-way groups."
The official said the United States had begun consultations on Myanmar with India, China, Thailand and other neighboring nations with an interest in Myanmar's stability.
The official said Washington hoped China would encourage Myanmar to launch an internal dialogue. "China has a powerful interest in ensuring Burma remains a stable country," he said.
Clinton urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to "reach out to the Burmese leadership, persuade them that it is time to start planning for free, fair and credible elections in 2010, 2010 is nearly here, (and) that it would be useful to have validation of those elections."
Clinton emphasized that when Myanmar is left alone, it's problems spill over its borders and affect its neighbors.
"We see refugee flows out of Burma, people taking the boat, ending up in Malaysia, ending up in Indonesia, ending up in Australia, crossing the border into Thailand," she said. "That instability is not good for anyone."
"Any country that does business in Burma wants to be sure that their investments and their business are safe and the best way to ensure that is to move toward democracy and the kind of stability that democracy creates," Clinton said.
By David Alexander – Wed Nov 11, 8:00 am ET
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday urged Myanmar to begin planning for its 2010 elections and said Southeast Asian nations could play an important role in ensuring the vote is "free, fair and credible."
Clinton, speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of the APEC meetings in Singapore, said Washington would like to see the reclusive military-led government of the former Burma begin internal consultations soon about the country's political future.
"We're seeking ... a process inside Burma that would inspire a dialogue among all of the stakeholders so that there could be a growing consensus within Burma itself about the way forward," she said.
Clinton's remarks came a week after U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell traveled to Myanmar on Washington's highest-level visit to the country in 14 years.
The exploratory mission was aimed at explaining the results of a U.S. policy review toward Myanmar. The Obama administration decided in September to pursue deeper engagement with Myanmar to try to spur democratic reforms.
Clinton said U.S. economic sanctions on Myanmar would remain in place until Washington sees what it believes is "meaningful progress in key areas."
A U.S. State Department official said later that freeing Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained leader of the opposition National League for Democracy, was one necessary step.
"It would be an essential precondition for the United States to move forward with any ... fundamental engagement that would include sanctions lifting with the regime," the official said on condition of anonymity.
U.S. officials said they hoped Myanmar's leaders would begin a dialogue soon with internal groups that have an interest in the country's political future.
"That dialogue has to be an open dialogue that includes internal stakeholders," one State Department official said. "We would very much like to see ... not just the handpicked parties of the government, but also the ethnic groups, the NLD and the so-called third-way groups."
The official said the United States had begun consultations on Myanmar with India, China, Thailand and other neighboring nations with an interest in Myanmar's stability.
The official said Washington hoped China would encourage Myanmar to launch an internal dialogue. "China has a powerful interest in ensuring Burma remains a stable country," he said.
Clinton urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to "reach out to the Burmese leadership, persuade them that it is time to start planning for free, fair and credible elections in 2010, 2010 is nearly here, (and) that it would be useful to have validation of those elections."
Clinton emphasized that when Myanmar is left alone, it's problems spill over its borders and affect its neighbors.
"We see refugee flows out of Burma, people taking the boat, ending up in Malaysia, ending up in Indonesia, ending up in Australia, crossing the border into Thailand," she said. "That instability is not good for anyone."
"Any country that does business in Burma wants to be sure that their investments and their business are safe and the best way to ensure that is to move toward democracy and the kind of stability that democracy creates," Clinton said.
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Washington urges Asia to push Myanmar on elections
by Lachlan Carmichael – Wed Nov 11, 7:08 am ET
SINGAPORE (AFP) – The United States on Wednesday urged Asian nations to pressure Myanmar to hold free and fair elections next year, ahead of an historic summit involving President Barack Obama and the junta's premier.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for the help of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), whose leaders will hold their first ever collective talks with a US president in Singapore this weekend.
"We would like to see countries individually and through ASEAN reach out to the Burmese leadership, persuade them to start planning for free, fair and credible elections in 2010," Clinton said, using the country's former name.
"Certainly China has the opportunity to play a very positive role, as does Thailand, India and other ASEAN countries."
China and India are seen as among the few countries with any influence over reclusive Myanmar, because of their common borders as well as their status as important trading partners.
Myanmar's generals are preparing to hold elections next year but democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has called for a boycott, calling them a sham designed to legitimise the junta.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a 1990 election in a landslide but the results were never recognised, and she has spent most of the years since under house arrest.
Washington has recently changed its policy on Myanmar, saying it would push for engagement with the military regime because sanctions on their own had failed to bear fruit.
Myanmar is an ASEAN member and its prime minister, Thein Sein, is expected to join Sunday's talks with Obama in what would be the first meeting between a US president and a Myanmar leader in 43 years.
As part of the newly inclusive approach, Clinton said it was in the interests of Myanmar's neighbours to push for democratic reforms after four decades of military rule.
"It is also important to recognise that left alone, the international problems within Burma are not confined within Burma's border," she said, noting that refugees have flowed into Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.
"That instability isn't good for anyone."
The United States last week sent two senior officials to the isolated state to try to promote a new dialogue.
However, Clinton said that despite "thorough and constructive" meetings including with Suu Kyi, "there is a lot of work to do" and progress would not be "easy and quick".
"I reiterated that US sanctions will remain in place until we see meaningful progress in key areas," she said after talks with foreign ministers at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Singapore.
But she said the United States was "not setting or dictating any conditions" to the Myanmar regime.
"We think this has to be resolved within the Burmese people themselves," she said, arguing the United States could "help facilitate space and opportunities for the Burmese people to try to work out the challenges they face".
In a message published in the government press on Wednesday to mark the country's national day, junta chief Than Shwe rejected "neo-colonialist" interference in Myanmar's affairs.
"Nowadays, certain neo-colonialist countries are interfering in the internal affairs of their target countries with the intention of widening the scope of their domination in various fields," he said.
The National League for Democracy meanwhile urged "meaningful political dialogue to solve the political, economic, social, educational and health crises (and) for national reconciliation".
Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo Tuesday hailed as a "breakthrough" the summit between Obama and ASEAN leaders, which had been prevented in the past by Washington's refusal to sit down with Myanmar's junta.
The Obama administration has said it will no longer allow its long-standing differences with Myanmar -- condemned for rights abuses and suppressing the opposition -- to undermine its ties with the rest of Southeast Asia.
by Lachlan Carmichael – Wed Nov 11, 7:08 am ET
SINGAPORE (AFP) – The United States on Wednesday urged Asian nations to pressure Myanmar to hold free and fair elections next year, ahead of an historic summit involving President Barack Obama and the junta's premier.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for the help of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), whose leaders will hold their first ever collective talks with a US president in Singapore this weekend.
"We would like to see countries individually and through ASEAN reach out to the Burmese leadership, persuade them to start planning for free, fair and credible elections in 2010," Clinton said, using the country's former name.
"Certainly China has the opportunity to play a very positive role, as does Thailand, India and other ASEAN countries."
China and India are seen as among the few countries with any influence over reclusive Myanmar, because of their common borders as well as their status as important trading partners.
Myanmar's generals are preparing to hold elections next year but democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has called for a boycott, calling them a sham designed to legitimise the junta.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a 1990 election in a landslide but the results were never recognised, and she has spent most of the years since under house arrest.
Washington has recently changed its policy on Myanmar, saying it would push for engagement with the military regime because sanctions on their own had failed to bear fruit.
Myanmar is an ASEAN member and its prime minister, Thein Sein, is expected to join Sunday's talks with Obama in what would be the first meeting between a US president and a Myanmar leader in 43 years.
As part of the newly inclusive approach, Clinton said it was in the interests of Myanmar's neighbours to push for democratic reforms after four decades of military rule.
"It is also important to recognise that left alone, the international problems within Burma are not confined within Burma's border," she said, noting that refugees have flowed into Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.
"That instability isn't good for anyone."
The United States last week sent two senior officials to the isolated state to try to promote a new dialogue.
However, Clinton said that despite "thorough and constructive" meetings including with Suu Kyi, "there is a lot of work to do" and progress would not be "easy and quick".
"I reiterated that US sanctions will remain in place until we see meaningful progress in key areas," she said after talks with foreign ministers at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Singapore.
But she said the United States was "not setting or dictating any conditions" to the Myanmar regime.
"We think this has to be resolved within the Burmese people themselves," she said, arguing the United States could "help facilitate space and opportunities for the Burmese people to try to work out the challenges they face".
In a message published in the government press on Wednesday to mark the country's national day, junta chief Than Shwe rejected "neo-colonialist" interference in Myanmar's affairs.
"Nowadays, certain neo-colonialist countries are interfering in the internal affairs of their target countries with the intention of widening the scope of their domination in various fields," he said.
The National League for Democracy meanwhile urged "meaningful political dialogue to solve the political, economic, social, educational and health crises (and) for national reconciliation".
Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo Tuesday hailed as a "breakthrough" the summit between Obama and ASEAN leaders, which had been prevented in the past by Washington's refusal to sit down with Myanmar's junta.
The Obama administration has said it will no longer allow its long-standing differences with Myanmar -- condemned for rights abuses and suppressing the opposition -- to undermine its ties with the rest of Southeast Asia.
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EarthTimes - Aung San Suu Kyi to deliver 'positive' message next week
Posted : Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:04:15 GMT
Yangon - Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is due to issue an "important and positive" statement next week, her lawyer Nyan Win said Wednesday. Suu Kyi, who is still under house detention in her Yangon home, is expected to deliver the statement in the name of the National League for Democracy (NLD) opposition party on November 17, Nyan Win said, without divulging details on the contents of the pending message.
"She has agreed on a party statement which is considered important and positive," Nyan Win told the German Press Agency dpa.
Suu Kyi met her lawyer Nyan Win at her lakeside home-cum-prison on Wednesday which is Myanmar's National Day.
At the meeting, Suu Kyi passed her lawyer a letter to be sent to Senior General Than Shwe, the junta chief. The contents of the letter were not disclosed.
Suu Kyi, the 1990 Nobel peace prize laureate, was allowed to meet with US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and his deputy Scot Marciel during their landmark visit to Myanmar on November 2-3.
The US envoys called on Myanmar's ruling junta to allow Suu Kyi more access to her NLD party executives, who have yet to decide whether they intend to contest a general election planned next year.
Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myanmar independence hero Aung San, has spent 14 of the past 20 years under house detention in her family's compound.
In July, she was sentenced to another 18 months under house arrest, which would keep her out of the political picture while if the government stages an election some time next year.
The US and other Western democracies have stressed that Suu Kyi and other political prisoners should be freed before the polls, if the junta expects them to be deemed credible.
Suu Kyi's NLD party won the 1990 general election by a landslide margin, but was thereafter denied power by the military, which has ruled the country since 1962.
Posted : Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:04:15 GMT
Yangon - Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is due to issue an "important and positive" statement next week, her lawyer Nyan Win said Wednesday. Suu Kyi, who is still under house detention in her Yangon home, is expected to deliver the statement in the name of the National League for Democracy (NLD) opposition party on November 17, Nyan Win said, without divulging details on the contents of the pending message.
"She has agreed on a party statement which is considered important and positive," Nyan Win told the German Press Agency dpa.
Suu Kyi met her lawyer Nyan Win at her lakeside home-cum-prison on Wednesday which is Myanmar's National Day.
At the meeting, Suu Kyi passed her lawyer a letter to be sent to Senior General Than Shwe, the junta chief. The contents of the letter were not disclosed.
Suu Kyi, the 1990 Nobel peace prize laureate, was allowed to meet with US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and his deputy Scot Marciel during their landmark visit to Myanmar on November 2-3.
The US envoys called on Myanmar's ruling junta to allow Suu Kyi more access to her NLD party executives, who have yet to decide whether they intend to contest a general election planned next year.
Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myanmar independence hero Aung San, has spent 14 of the past 20 years under house detention in her family's compound.
In July, she was sentenced to another 18 months under house arrest, which would keep her out of the political picture while if the government stages an election some time next year.
The US and other Western democracies have stressed that Suu Kyi and other political prisoners should be freed before the polls, if the junta expects them to be deemed credible.
Suu Kyi's NLD party won the 1990 general election by a landslide margin, but was thereafter denied power by the military, which has ruled the country since 1962.
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EarthTimes - Myanmar transforms ethnic minority armies into border guard forces
Posted : Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:16:20 GMT
Yangon - Myanmar's military junta has persuaded two ethnic minority armies to transform themselves into "border guard forces," an important step toward holding a peaceful general election next year, state media claimed Wednesday. Ceremonies presided over by Myanmar generals were held Sunday to officially convert the armies for the Kachin ethnic minority in the northernmost state of Kachin and the Kayah ethnic group in the eastern state of Kayah, The New Light of Myanmar reported.
All the new border forces would receive salaries, uniforms and other benefits afforded to the Myanmar military, the government mouthpiece said.
They were the first of 37 semi-autonomous minority group militias to agree to turn themselves into border guard forces under the command of the regime instead of local leaders. It was not clear whether all members within these two groups had agreed to join the guards.
Under the 2008 constitution, all ethnic minority armies, which the junta calls "ceasefire groups," must be turned into border guard forces as part of preparations for a general election planned next year to usher in what the junta has called "discipline-flourishing democracy."
The ethnic minority groups are to also be encouraged to set up political parties to contest the polls, to be held on an unspecified date next year.
In August, the army occupied the Kokang region in Shan State in northern Myanmar after Kokang leaders opposed efforts to transform their 1,500-strong army into a "frontier force" under government control.
The attack on the Kokang was seen as a warning to other ethnic groups to heed the junta's demands.
The military junta signed ceasefire agreements with 37 ethnic minority insurgent groups two decades ago.
Those jungle forces were allowed a measure of autonomy in their traditional territories and permitted to keep their weapons.
There are fears that the largest ethnic groups, such as the Wa, would join with other forces that have never signed ceasefires with the government, such as the Karen and Shan, in openly opposing the junta's efforts to bring them to heel before the planned elections.
Posted : Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:16:20 GMT
Yangon - Myanmar's military junta has persuaded two ethnic minority armies to transform themselves into "border guard forces," an important step toward holding a peaceful general election next year, state media claimed Wednesday. Ceremonies presided over by Myanmar generals were held Sunday to officially convert the armies for the Kachin ethnic minority in the northernmost state of Kachin and the Kayah ethnic group in the eastern state of Kayah, The New Light of Myanmar reported.
All the new border forces would receive salaries, uniforms and other benefits afforded to the Myanmar military, the government mouthpiece said.
They were the first of 37 semi-autonomous minority group militias to agree to turn themselves into border guard forces under the command of the regime instead of local leaders. It was not clear whether all members within these two groups had agreed to join the guards.
Under the 2008 constitution, all ethnic minority armies, which the junta calls "ceasefire groups," must be turned into border guard forces as part of preparations for a general election planned next year to usher in what the junta has called "discipline-flourishing democracy."
The ethnic minority groups are to also be encouraged to set up political parties to contest the polls, to be held on an unspecified date next year.
In August, the army occupied the Kokang region in Shan State in northern Myanmar after Kokang leaders opposed efforts to transform their 1,500-strong army into a "frontier force" under government control.
The attack on the Kokang was seen as a warning to other ethnic groups to heed the junta's demands.
The military junta signed ceasefire agreements with 37 ethnic minority insurgent groups two decades ago.
Those jungle forces were allowed a measure of autonomy in their traditional territories and permitted to keep their weapons.
There are fears that the largest ethnic groups, such as the Wa, would join with other forces that have never signed ceasefires with the government, such as the Karen and Shan, in openly opposing the junta's efforts to bring them to heel before the planned elections.
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11 Nov, 2009 18:13:52
Lanka Business Online - Myanmar dissidents condemn S.Lanka over junta visit
November 11, 2009 (AFP) - Dissident Myanmar monks living in Colombo on Wednesday criticised the Sri Lankan government for inviting junta leader General Than Shwe for a state visit.
The monks said Sri Lanka's increasingly close relations with Myanmar's military regime would further raise international concern over the island's human rights record.
They said President Mahinda Rajapakse was "foolish" to become associated with Than Shwe, set to arrive on Thursday.
"The Sri Lankan government has been criticised for their human rights violations and restrictions on media freedoms," the monks said in statement referring to the conflict against Tamil separatists that ended in May.
"We dare say the situation in Sri Lanka is several times better than in Myanmar," they added.
Than Shwe is to fly to the central district of Kandy on Thursday for a two-day tour of Buddhist temples and meetings with senior Sri Lankan officials, including talks with Rajapakse.
The junta leader, who has not been to Sri Lanka before, is due to leave on Sunday after receiving blessings from Buddhist monks at a temple outside the capital Colombo.
Rajapakse visited Myanmar in June and thanked the junta for providing relief supplies for Sri Lankan civilians displaced during the final stages of fighting between troops and the Tamil rebels.
Lanka Business Online - Myanmar dissidents condemn S.Lanka over junta visit
November 11, 2009 (AFP) - Dissident Myanmar monks living in Colombo on Wednesday criticised the Sri Lankan government for inviting junta leader General Than Shwe for a state visit.
The monks said Sri Lanka's increasingly close relations with Myanmar's military regime would further raise international concern over the island's human rights record.
They said President Mahinda Rajapakse was "foolish" to become associated with Than Shwe, set to arrive on Thursday.
"The Sri Lankan government has been criticised for their human rights violations and restrictions on media freedoms," the monks said in statement referring to the conflict against Tamil separatists that ended in May.
"We dare say the situation in Sri Lanka is several times better than in Myanmar," they added.
Than Shwe is to fly to the central district of Kandy on Thursday for a two-day tour of Buddhist temples and meetings with senior Sri Lankan officials, including talks with Rajapakse.
The junta leader, who has not been to Sri Lanka before, is due to leave on Sunday after receiving blessings from Buddhist monks at a temple outside the capital Colombo.
Rajapakse visited Myanmar in June and thanked the junta for providing relief supplies for Sri Lankan civilians displaced during the final stages of fighting between troops and the Tamil rebels.
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November 11, 2009 11:57 AM
Myanmar Airline Reinforces International Flights
YANGON, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The Myanmar Airway International (MAI) has reinforced its international flights with three more new aircraft, to expand its flight services, sources with the airline said on Wednesday.
These aircraft will be added to its flight services to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bodh Gaya, a city in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar.
MAI is a joint venture between the state-run Myanmar Airways and the Region Air of Singapore set up in 1993 for sole international service covering three scheduled flight destinations of Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
There are 13 airlines including the MAI and 12 foreign airlines operating between Yangon and nine destinations, namely Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing via Kunming, Guangzhou, Calcutta, Chiang Mai, Taipei and Doha.
The 12 foreign airlines flying Yangon comprise Air China, China Southern Airline, Thai Airways International, Indian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Silk Air, Malaysian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Mandarin, Jetstar Asia, Phuket Airline and Thai Air Asia.
Myanmar Airline Reinforces International Flights
YANGON, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The Myanmar Airway International (MAI) has reinforced its international flights with three more new aircraft, to expand its flight services, sources with the airline said on Wednesday.
These aircraft will be added to its flight services to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bodh Gaya, a city in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar.
MAI is a joint venture between the state-run Myanmar Airways and the Region Air of Singapore set up in 1993 for sole international service covering three scheduled flight destinations of Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
There are 13 airlines including the MAI and 12 foreign airlines operating between Yangon and nine destinations, namely Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing via Kunming, Guangzhou, Calcutta, Chiang Mai, Taipei and Doha.
The 12 foreign airlines flying Yangon comprise Air China, China Southern Airline, Thai Airways International, Indian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Silk Air, Malaysian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Mandarin, Jetstar Asia, Phuket Airline and Thai Air Asia.
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Myanmar President Senior General Than Shwe to visit Sri Lanka from 12 – 15 November
Wed, 2009-11-11 20:24 — editor
Colombo, 11 November, (Asiantribune.com): The Head of State of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe and nd his wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing will be in Sri Lanka from 12 -15 November, on a State Visit.
The head of Myanmar is visiting Sri Lanka after a lapse of 43 years since 1963. Myanmar Prime Minister Unu was the last Head of State to visit Sri Lank. However, there has been frequent visits were made by Myanmar Acting Prime Minister and Ministers occasionally.
Earlier in June The President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa made a State Visit to Myanmar at the invitation of the Head of State of Myanmar to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
While the Sri Lankan President was in Myanmar he extended an official invitation to Senior General Than Shwe to visit Sri Lanka and the invitation was accepted by the Myanmar President.
The visit symbolizes the goodwill and unbroken friendly relations between the two countries. The most significant purpose of this visit for the President of Myanmar and his delegation is to pay homage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. He will offer a Buddha Pooja and an arms giving for 50 monks both from Malwatte and Asigiri Chapters on the 13th November 2009.
During the visit, an MoU is expected to be signed by the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Shwedagon Temple of Myanmar.
Dr. Hema Goonetilleke will present to both the Heads of State the first copies of her publication titled “Revisiting of Myanmar – Sri Lanka historical links”.
Visiting President will be accorded a State welcome at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on 12th November 2009. The visiting delegation thereafter will proceed to Kandy. The following day, the Myanmar Leader and his delegation will leave for Anuradhapura. In Anuradhapura, they will pay homage to Ruwanweliseya and Sri Maha Bodhi and return to Colombo on the same day.
On the last day of their visit, the Myanmar Leader and his delegation enroute to the Airport will visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya where a special ceremony will be held.
Wed, 2009-11-11 20:24 — editor
Colombo, 11 November, (Asiantribune.com): The Head of State of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe and nd his wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing will be in Sri Lanka from 12 -15 November, on a State Visit.
The head of Myanmar is visiting Sri Lanka after a lapse of 43 years since 1963. Myanmar Prime Minister Unu was the last Head of State to visit Sri Lank. However, there has been frequent visits were made by Myanmar Acting Prime Minister and Ministers occasionally.
Earlier in June The President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa made a State Visit to Myanmar at the invitation of the Head of State of Myanmar to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
While the Sri Lankan President was in Myanmar he extended an official invitation to Senior General Than Shwe to visit Sri Lanka and the invitation was accepted by the Myanmar President.
The visit symbolizes the goodwill and unbroken friendly relations between the two countries. The most significant purpose of this visit for the President of Myanmar and his delegation is to pay homage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. He will offer a Buddha Pooja and an arms giving for 50 monks both from Malwatte and Asigiri Chapters on the 13th November 2009.
During the visit, an MoU is expected to be signed by the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Shwedagon Temple of Myanmar.
Dr. Hema Goonetilleke will present to both the Heads of State the first copies of her publication titled “Revisiting of Myanmar – Sri Lanka historical links”.
Visiting President will be accorded a State welcome at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on 12th November 2009. The visiting delegation thereafter will proceed to Kandy. The following day, the Myanmar Leader and his delegation will leave for Anuradhapura. In Anuradhapura, they will pay homage to Ruwanweliseya and Sri Maha Bodhi and return to Colombo on the same day.
On the last day of their visit, the Myanmar Leader and his delegation enroute to the Airport will visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya where a special ceremony will be held.
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India for augmenting border trade with Myanmar
STAFF WRITER 16:43 HRS IST
Imphal, Nov 10 (PTI) India will explore ways to augment border trade with Myanmar, and delegates from the two countries would meet soon to deliberate on the issue, a senior government official has said.
A joint conference of delegates from both the countries would be organised soon to find ways and means to enhance border trade, V L Kantha Rao, Director of Commerce Department, Government of India, said.
The assurance was given at a meeting of official teams from both the countries at Tamu, border town of Myanmar, yesterday.
Rao said for smooth trade national highway 39 should be properly developed and maintained.
National highway 39 connects three north eastern states -- Assam, Nagaland and Manipur -- and terminates at Indo-Myanmar border.
STAFF WRITER 16:43 HRS IST
Imphal, Nov 10 (PTI) India will explore ways to augment border trade with Myanmar, and delegates from the two countries would meet soon to deliberate on the issue, a senior government official has said.
A joint conference of delegates from both the countries would be organised soon to find ways and means to enhance border trade, V L Kantha Rao, Director of Commerce Department, Government of India, said.
The assurance was given at a meeting of official teams from both the countries at Tamu, border town of Myanmar, yesterday.
Rao said for smooth trade national highway 39 should be properly developed and maintained.
National highway 39 connects three north eastern states -- Assam, Nagaland and Manipur -- and terminates at Indo-Myanmar border.
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The Irrawaddy - NLD to Discuss ‘Important’ Suu Kyi Proposals
By SAW YAN NAING - Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The executive committee of the National League for Democracy (NLD) will meet on Monday to discuss “important” issues raised by Aung San Suu Kyi in a meeting with Nyan Win, the NLD spokesperson, on Wednesday.
Nyan Win, who also met with Suu Kyi on Monday, said she discussed certain issues during their private meeting. He declined to elaborate.
The NLD central executive committee will discuss the issues and probably issue a statement on Tuesday, Nyan Win said.
“The suggestions proposed by Suu Kyi are important because they are positive and profitable for the country,” he said.
In other matters, he said Suu Kyi thanked veteran Burmese politicians, ethnic leaders, her NLD colleagues and her supporters who celebrated Burma’s National Day on Wednesday at NLD’s headquarters in Rangoon.
About 1,000 people attended the ceremony for the 89th National Day anniversary, which marks of the birth of Burma’s independence movement.
The NLD released a statement on Wednesday calling for the release of Suu Kyi and Tin Oo, the NLD’s deputy chairman, and ethnic leaders such as Khun Htun Oo and Sai Nyunt Lwin.
The statement also urged the Burmese regime to release imprisoned activist leaders, monks and democracy supporters and demanded the regime allow the party to reopen it closed offices, and to allow ethnic political parties to register and freely conduct political campaigns.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday after a ministerial meeting at a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) in Singapore that the US would not impose any conditions on the Burmese regime to force democratic change, but that its sanctions would remain in place until significant progress had been made.
“We would like to see countries individually and through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) reach out to the Burmese leadership, and to persuade them to start planning for free, fair and credible elections in 2010," Clinton said.
“Certainly, China has the opportunity to play a very positive role, as does Thailand, India and other Asean countries,” she said.
By SAW YAN NAING - Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The executive committee of the National League for Democracy (NLD) will meet on Monday to discuss “important” issues raised by Aung San Suu Kyi in a meeting with Nyan Win, the NLD spokesperson, on Wednesday.
Nyan Win, who also met with Suu Kyi on Monday, said she discussed certain issues during their private meeting. He declined to elaborate.
The NLD central executive committee will discuss the issues and probably issue a statement on Tuesday, Nyan Win said.
“The suggestions proposed by Suu Kyi are important because they are positive and profitable for the country,” he said.
In other matters, he said Suu Kyi thanked veteran Burmese politicians, ethnic leaders, her NLD colleagues and her supporters who celebrated Burma’s National Day on Wednesday at NLD’s headquarters in Rangoon.
About 1,000 people attended the ceremony for the 89th National Day anniversary, which marks of the birth of Burma’s independence movement.
The NLD released a statement on Wednesday calling for the release of Suu Kyi and Tin Oo, the NLD’s deputy chairman, and ethnic leaders such as Khun Htun Oo and Sai Nyunt Lwin.
The statement also urged the Burmese regime to release imprisoned activist leaders, monks and democracy supporters and demanded the regime allow the party to reopen it closed offices, and to allow ethnic political parties to register and freely conduct political campaigns.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday after a ministerial meeting at a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) in Singapore that the US would not impose any conditions on the Burmese regime to force democratic change, but that its sanctions would remain in place until significant progress had been made.
“We would like to see countries individually and through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) reach out to the Burmese leadership, and to persuade them to start planning for free, fair and credible elections in 2010," Clinton said.
“Certainly, China has the opportunity to play a very positive role, as does Thailand, India and other Asean countries,” she said.
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The Irrawaddy - COMMENTARY: The Next Big Step
By KYAW ZWA MOE - Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Just the faint hope that Aung San Suu Kyi may be released soon has caused a stir of excitement among Burmese people. If she really is freed, it will dramatically enliven Burma’s political scene. But don’t expect junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe to turn the jail key in its lock just yet.
“There is a plan to release her soon … so she can organize her party,” Min Lwin, a Burmese Foreign Ministry official, said recently. Responding to his remark, Nyan Win, a spokesperson for Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, told The Irrawaddy, “This is what many people wanted to hear.”
But most Burmese know better than to get their hopes up. In general, the more skeptical you are of the regime’s words, the closer you will be to understanding their true intentions. Past experience has shown repeatedly that if you expect deception from the junta, chances are you won’t be disappointed.
This is not to say that Suu Kyi won’t be freed. Certainly, her release is a top priority for the regime’s new dialogue partner, the US government. According to US officials, President Barack Obama will repeat his call for Suu Kyi’s release when he meets Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein and other regional leaders in Singapore next Sunday.
Ultimately, however, the matter rests with Than Shwe, who will make his decision based on a careful risk-benefit analysis. If he is confident that Suu Kyi will not derail his carefully laid plans for a military-led, quasi-civilian government after next year’s election, he may see fit to release her. Otherwise, it simply won’t happen.
The trouble is that Suu Kyi is still a potent force in Burmese politics. Merely by appearing in public, she is capable of unleashing a pent-up desire for genuine democracy—the very thing the regime fears most. Even if her movements are severely restricted, as they were when she was released in 1995 and 2002, people will gather around her as a beacon of hope.
This is the scenario that the generals dread more than any other, especially now that they are coming to the final stages of their exit strategy. After 20 years of denying the will of the Burmese people and committing untold atrocities to hold onto power, they know that next year’s election must go exactly as planned. This means installing a new regime that is loyal to the current leadership, allowing the top generals to retire without fear of reprisal.
As he approaches the finish line, Than Shwe is warier than ever of being tripped up by Suu Kyi’s immense popularity. This is why he extended her house arrest by 18 months earlier this year, on the ridiculous pretext that she violated the terms of her detention by allowing an American intruder to stay overnight on her property. She is now set to remain under house arrest until well after next year’s election.
However, since Suu Kyi was sentenced in August, several things have changed. The most important was the Obama administration’s announcement in September that it would begin to directly engage the regime, reversing Washington’s longstanding policy of isolating the generals. Although US sanctions remain in place, there is now at least a possibility they will be lifted, if Than Shwe plays his cards right.
Another significant change has come from Suu Kyi herself. In September, she expressed a willingness to help the junta remove sanctions, requesting permission to meet with foreign diplomats and members of her party to discuss the issue. This was granted, and more recently, she thanked the junta for allowing her to meet a US delegation led by US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell last week.
This new, more compromising tone comes as the regime in Naypyidaw continues to signal that it may relax Suu Kyi’s detention if, as Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein put it during a regional summit in October, she “maintains a good attitude.”
Actually, it was Thein Sein’s boss, Than Shwe, who first suggested that Suu Kyi might get time off for good behavior. Shortly after she was found guilty of the charges against her, a letter from the senior general was read out in court, reducing her original three-year sentence by half and holding out the possibility of a further reduction if she “behaved well.”
When she contacted Than Shwe by letter in September, she let him know that she understood what he meant by “good behavior.” She focused entirely on the issue of sanctions, and avoided mentioning the upcoming election and the controversial 2008 Constitution.
At this stage, it is difficult to tell how long this very tentative détente will last. According to sources close to the generals, Than Shwe’s reaction to Suu Kyi’s overtures has been “so far, so good.” But this could suddenly change, and the current situation could deteriorate rapidly, depending on the mood of the man who holds absolute power over Burma.
Knowing this, Suu Kyi has proceeded carefully.
But as the leader of Burma’s pro-democracy forces, sooner or later she will have to raise sensitive issues like the election and the Constitution.
For its part, the Obama administration has also moved forward cautiously in its talks with the regime. It said it would not push for a review of the Constitution, saying that this should be discussed as part of a “national dialogue.”
Although Than Shwe appears to have relaxed his guard somewhat, it is important not to underestimate his capacity for manipulation.
It seems fairly obvious what he wants—the removal of sanctions and acceptance of the outcome of next year’s election by the international community. But so far he has offered nothing of substance in return.
This suggests that his goals may not be as ambitious as they seem. Perhaps he is merely trying to reduce the pressure on his regime to tolerable levels so he can extend his hold on power a little longer. In other words, he may just be up to his old tricks, in which case, we can expect to see Suu Kyi remain under house arrest until after the election.
On the other hand, if he is genuinely interested in ensuring a safe exit for himself, he may take the risk of releasing Suu Kyi, although only after he has sufficient guarantees from her that she will not do anything to undermine his election plans. Indeed, if he really does want the election to be regarded as anything other than a sham, he will have no choice but to free Suu Kyi.
In any case, the situation is very delicate. Three key actors—Than Shwe, Suu Kyi and the US—realize this, and have played their hands very carefully. But at some point, someone will have to make a more daring move, and when this happens, it could be a game changer, or it could just force the situation back to square one.
By KYAW ZWA MOE - Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Just the faint hope that Aung San Suu Kyi may be released soon has caused a stir of excitement among Burmese people. If she really is freed, it will dramatically enliven Burma’s political scene. But don’t expect junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe to turn the jail key in its lock just yet.
“There is a plan to release her soon … so she can organize her party,” Min Lwin, a Burmese Foreign Ministry official, said recently. Responding to his remark, Nyan Win, a spokesperson for Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, told The Irrawaddy, “This is what many people wanted to hear.”
But most Burmese know better than to get their hopes up. In general, the more skeptical you are of the regime’s words, the closer you will be to understanding their true intentions. Past experience has shown repeatedly that if you expect deception from the junta, chances are you won’t be disappointed.
This is not to say that Suu Kyi won’t be freed. Certainly, her release is a top priority for the regime’s new dialogue partner, the US government. According to US officials, President Barack Obama will repeat his call for Suu Kyi’s release when he meets Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein and other regional leaders in Singapore next Sunday.
Ultimately, however, the matter rests with Than Shwe, who will make his decision based on a careful risk-benefit analysis. If he is confident that Suu Kyi will not derail his carefully laid plans for a military-led, quasi-civilian government after next year’s election, he may see fit to release her. Otherwise, it simply won’t happen.
The trouble is that Suu Kyi is still a potent force in Burmese politics. Merely by appearing in public, she is capable of unleashing a pent-up desire for genuine democracy—the very thing the regime fears most. Even if her movements are severely restricted, as they were when she was released in 1995 and 2002, people will gather around her as a beacon of hope.
This is the scenario that the generals dread more than any other, especially now that they are coming to the final stages of their exit strategy. After 20 years of denying the will of the Burmese people and committing untold atrocities to hold onto power, they know that next year’s election must go exactly as planned. This means installing a new regime that is loyal to the current leadership, allowing the top generals to retire without fear of reprisal.
As he approaches the finish line, Than Shwe is warier than ever of being tripped up by Suu Kyi’s immense popularity. This is why he extended her house arrest by 18 months earlier this year, on the ridiculous pretext that she violated the terms of her detention by allowing an American intruder to stay overnight on her property. She is now set to remain under house arrest until well after next year’s election.
However, since Suu Kyi was sentenced in August, several things have changed. The most important was the Obama administration’s announcement in September that it would begin to directly engage the regime, reversing Washington’s longstanding policy of isolating the generals. Although US sanctions remain in place, there is now at least a possibility they will be lifted, if Than Shwe plays his cards right.
Another significant change has come from Suu Kyi herself. In September, she expressed a willingness to help the junta remove sanctions, requesting permission to meet with foreign diplomats and members of her party to discuss the issue. This was granted, and more recently, she thanked the junta for allowing her to meet a US delegation led by US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell last week.
This new, more compromising tone comes as the regime in Naypyidaw continues to signal that it may relax Suu Kyi’s detention if, as Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein put it during a regional summit in October, she “maintains a good attitude.”
Actually, it was Thein Sein’s boss, Than Shwe, who first suggested that Suu Kyi might get time off for good behavior. Shortly after she was found guilty of the charges against her, a letter from the senior general was read out in court, reducing her original three-year sentence by half and holding out the possibility of a further reduction if she “behaved well.”
When she contacted Than Shwe by letter in September, she let him know that she understood what he meant by “good behavior.” She focused entirely on the issue of sanctions, and avoided mentioning the upcoming election and the controversial 2008 Constitution.
At this stage, it is difficult to tell how long this very tentative détente will last. According to sources close to the generals, Than Shwe’s reaction to Suu Kyi’s overtures has been “so far, so good.” But this could suddenly change, and the current situation could deteriorate rapidly, depending on the mood of the man who holds absolute power over Burma.
Knowing this, Suu Kyi has proceeded carefully.
But as the leader of Burma’s pro-democracy forces, sooner or later she will have to raise sensitive issues like the election and the Constitution.
For its part, the Obama administration has also moved forward cautiously in its talks with the regime. It said it would not push for a review of the Constitution, saying that this should be discussed as part of a “national dialogue.”
Although Than Shwe appears to have relaxed his guard somewhat, it is important not to underestimate his capacity for manipulation.
It seems fairly obvious what he wants—the removal of sanctions and acceptance of the outcome of next year’s election by the international community. But so far he has offered nothing of substance in return.
This suggests that his goals may not be as ambitious as they seem. Perhaps he is merely trying to reduce the pressure on his regime to tolerable levels so he can extend his hold on power a little longer. In other words, he may just be up to his old tricks, in which case, we can expect to see Suu Kyi remain under house arrest until after the election.
On the other hand, if he is genuinely interested in ensuring a safe exit for himself, he may take the risk of releasing Suu Kyi, although only after he has sufficient guarantees from her that she will not do anything to undermine his election plans. Indeed, if he really does want the election to be regarded as anything other than a sham, he will have no choice but to free Suu Kyi.
In any case, the situation is very delicate. Three key actors—Than Shwe, Suu Kyi and the US—realize this, and have played their hands very carefully. But at some point, someone will have to make a more daring move, and when this happens, it could be a game changer, or it could just force the situation back to square one.
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Xenophobia is not nationalism: Suu Kyi
by Phanida
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 20:32
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Xenophobia is not nationalism and patriotism, opposition leader Daw Aung Suu Kyi has said.
“She said nationalism is good with good intentions for the welfare of one’s own nationality and with Metta (love) and Cetana (benevolence). But it should not hate and hurt other nationalities,” the National League for Democracy (NLD) party spokesman Nyan Win quoted her as saying.
The detained leader spoke to her advocate and party spokesman this morning at her home on University Avenue, Rangoon.
Today is the 89th anniversary the ‘National Day’, which falls today on the Burmese lunar calendar Tazaungmung 10th Waning Day. This again marks the first boycott of university students of the University Act enacted and promulgated in 1920.
The National Day address delivered by junta supremo Senior Gen. Than Shwe was published in today’s state-run media the ‘New Light of Myanmar’.
In his address, the Senior General said that currently neo-colonialists countries were interfering in other countries’ affairs with the intention of manipulating them in all fields.
He also urged people to cooperate with the regime as it was preparing for the general elections in 2010.
After sending a letter to the junta chief in which Daw Aung San Suu Kyi offered to help ease diplomatic and economic sanctions imposed by the US, EU and Australia, she was seen in public and her voice heard again.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sent her message on the National Day ceremony held today at the NLD head office in Rangoon through Nyan Win. In a note she said that she thanked all the leaders attending the ceremony from the various States and Divisions.
The NLD reiterated its appeal to the junta for a dialogue and demanded the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) party Chairman Khun Tun Oo, party secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin and other ethnic leaders at the earliest.
In today’s statement, NLD demanded reopening of their sealed branch offices across the country, allowing them to canvass freely and permit official organizational works, re-registering banned political parties, which won in the 1990 general elections along with other political parties.
“I’d like to say it is significant to see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was allowed to send a message to the National Day ceremony and it is encouraging news for us. We hope positive developments will follow in resolving the crisis in Burma,” NLD Information Department member Ohn Kyaing said.
The National Day ceremony was attended by over 100 people including party members of Arakan League for Democracy, ‘Committee Representing People’s Parliament’ (CRPP) members, veteran politicians and delegates sent by NLD branch offices across the country.
Veteran politicians, who have worked many years for the country, also called for dialogue today.
by Phanida
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 20:32
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Xenophobia is not nationalism and patriotism, opposition leader Daw Aung Suu Kyi has said.
“She said nationalism is good with good intentions for the welfare of one’s own nationality and with Metta (love) and Cetana (benevolence). But it should not hate and hurt other nationalities,” the National League for Democracy (NLD) party spokesman Nyan Win quoted her as saying.
The detained leader spoke to her advocate and party spokesman this morning at her home on University Avenue, Rangoon.
Today is the 89th anniversary the ‘National Day’, which falls today on the Burmese lunar calendar Tazaungmung 10th Waning Day. This again marks the first boycott of university students of the University Act enacted and promulgated in 1920.
The National Day address delivered by junta supremo Senior Gen. Than Shwe was published in today’s state-run media the ‘New Light of Myanmar’.
In his address, the Senior General said that currently neo-colonialists countries were interfering in other countries’ affairs with the intention of manipulating them in all fields.
He also urged people to cooperate with the regime as it was preparing for the general elections in 2010.
After sending a letter to the junta chief in which Daw Aung San Suu Kyi offered to help ease diplomatic and economic sanctions imposed by the US, EU and Australia, she was seen in public and her voice heard again.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sent her message on the National Day ceremony held today at the NLD head office in Rangoon through Nyan Win. In a note she said that she thanked all the leaders attending the ceremony from the various States and Divisions.
The NLD reiterated its appeal to the junta for a dialogue and demanded the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) party Chairman Khun Tun Oo, party secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin and other ethnic leaders at the earliest.
In today’s statement, NLD demanded reopening of their sealed branch offices across the country, allowing them to canvass freely and permit official organizational works, re-registering banned political parties, which won in the 1990 general elections along with other political parties.
“I’d like to say it is significant to see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was allowed to send a message to the National Day ceremony and it is encouraging news for us. We hope positive developments will follow in resolving the crisis in Burma,” NLD Information Department member Ohn Kyaing said.
The National Day ceremony was attended by over 100 people including party members of Arakan League for Democracy, ‘Committee Representing People’s Parliament’ (CRPP) members, veteran politicians and delegates sent by NLD branch offices across the country.
Veteran politicians, who have worked many years for the country, also called for dialogue today.
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Case against funeral association withdrawn
by Kyaw Kha
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 19:45
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – The civic case filed against film actor Kyaw Thu-led Free Funeral Service Association, for occupying the premises without permission from the Rangoon Division North Dagon Township Development Committee (Municipal), has been withdrawn.
The residential permit was granted by the municipality after a fine was paid leading to the settlement of the case against the charity organisation.
“The case has been settled. We got the building completion certificate and residential permit yesterday but we have to pay a small fine for altering a window design. We have been allowed to stay in the building,” film actor Kyaw Thu, known for his outspoken nature and his criticism of the junta, said.
“It should have been done long ago. I am relieved. We have to apply for a building construction permit to the civic body again. I don’t know what will happen then,” he said.
The association defied the directives of the civic body to dig a 5’x5’ drain in front of the building. The North Dagon Township municipal committee then filed a case against the association in the township court on October 29 charging it with occupying the premises without permission.
Kyaw Thu also runs a free clinic which serves an average of 200 patients daily. Free funeral service is provided to an average of 50. The ‘Thukha’ free clinic in North Dagon Township faces shortage of water and electricity.
“The current problem is water and electricity. But the monastery in the adjacent plot has got both. We need water for the clinic and for cleaning our hearses. Supply of electricity is uncertain in the entire area,” he added. The normal voltage should be 220 but it is never so. It is sometimes only half.
The association was set up in January 2001 and they provide free service irrespective of race and creed. The free clinic was expanded later.
Earlier, the charity organization was based inside the Brahma Vihara monastery in Thingangyun Township but they had to move to the new building in North Dagon Township on 19 July (Martyr’s Day) this year.
After Kyaw Thu offered food as alms along with comedian Zargana to protesting monks in September 2007, he was banned from performing in films and other related arts. The monks staged a peaceful demonstration by chanting Metta Sutra.
by Kyaw Kha
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 19:45
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – The civic case filed against film actor Kyaw Thu-led Free Funeral Service Association, for occupying the premises without permission from the Rangoon Division North Dagon Township Development Committee (Municipal), has been withdrawn.
The residential permit was granted by the municipality after a fine was paid leading to the settlement of the case against the charity organisation.
“The case has been settled. We got the building completion certificate and residential permit yesterday but we have to pay a small fine for altering a window design. We have been allowed to stay in the building,” film actor Kyaw Thu, known for his outspoken nature and his criticism of the junta, said.
“It should have been done long ago. I am relieved. We have to apply for a building construction permit to the civic body again. I don’t know what will happen then,” he said.
The association defied the directives of the civic body to dig a 5’x5’ drain in front of the building. The North Dagon Township municipal committee then filed a case against the association in the township court on October 29 charging it with occupying the premises without permission.
Kyaw Thu also runs a free clinic which serves an average of 200 patients daily. Free funeral service is provided to an average of 50. The ‘Thukha’ free clinic in North Dagon Township faces shortage of water and electricity.
“The current problem is water and electricity. But the monastery in the adjacent plot has got both. We need water for the clinic and for cleaning our hearses. Supply of electricity is uncertain in the entire area,” he added. The normal voltage should be 220 but it is never so. It is sometimes only half.
The association was set up in January 2001 and they provide free service irrespective of race and creed. The free clinic was expanded later.
Earlier, the charity organization was based inside the Brahma Vihara monastery in Thingangyun Township but they had to move to the new building in North Dagon Township on 19 July (Martyr’s Day) this year.
After Kyaw Thu offered food as alms along with comedian Zargana to protesting monks in September 2007, he was banned from performing in films and other related arts. The monks staged a peaceful demonstration by chanting Metta Sutra.
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Junta blames ‘terrorist attack’ on Karen groupNov 11, 2009 (DVB)–The Burmese government has blamed the recent shooting of three men in eastern Burma on the armed opposition group, the Karen National Union, state media said today.
According to the New Light of Myanmar newspaper, troops from the Karen National Union (KNU) opened fire on a passenger boat on the Salween river in Karen state, killing three and injuring two.
“About 20 KNU terrorists fired small weapons at the boat from the bank at about 7.20 am after it left Tagaung Boe village. The security personnel on the boat returned fire,” the newspaper said.
It added that the two injured were being treated in a local hospital, and “local Tatmadaw [army] columns are in hot pursuit of the insurgents”.
Officials at the KNU have said they cannot confirm any details surrounding the incident, which is alleged to have taken place yesterday.
“People at the border said they hadn’t heard anything about the shooting in that region, only that the government had been doing some logging alongside the river,” said KNU spokesperson David Htaw. “In that area there are some KNU troops but I don’t think they have been fighting recently.”
Joint secretary of the KNU, Saw Hla Ngwe, said that government troops and soldiers from the junta-proxy Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) were active in that area.
Tension between the Burmese army and the KNU escalated in June this year, when troops backed by the DKBA launched an offensive against the KNU.
The government successfully captured two strategically important KNU bases, but the fighting forced around 5,000 Karen civilians into neighbouring Thailand.
The conflict between the KNU and the Burmese government has stretched over six decades, and is thought to be one of the world’s longest running.
While the majority of Burma’s armed ethnic groups have agreed to somewhat tenuous truces with the government, the KNU has consistently refused.
David Htaw said the accusation could be a “propaganda move by the government” in an attempt to futher undermine the group prior to elections next year, when international attention will be fixed on Burma.
“They want to put the KNU on a terrorist or threat list. Normally they use this to sell their stories to the outside world, and they don’t normally accuse the ceasefire groups of doing something like this,” he said.
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