Myanmar diplomat: Junta may free Suu Kyi for poll
By JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer – Mon Nov 9, 8:53 am ET
SINGAPORE (AP) – Myanmar's military-ruled government may release pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi soon, so she can play a role in next year's general elections, according to a senior Myanmar diplomat.
The remarks by Min Lwin — rare for a Myanmar government official on an overseas visit — were in line with vague comments in recent years by the junta that it intends to free Suu Kyi soon. But officials have given no time frame and have made no real moves to release her.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years and not been able to speak publicly since she was last taken into detention in May 2003.
A court recently sentenced the 64-year-old to an additional 18 months of house arrest, which would prevent her from participating in the elections — the first in two decades — unless she is granted a special release.
"There is a plan to release her soon ... so she can organize her party," Min Lwin, a director-general in the Foreign Ministry, told The Associated Press in Manila. He refused to elaborate, and it was not clear if he meant that Suu Kyi would be allowed to campaign.
There is no indication that the government would allow Suu Kyi to run in the election. Myanmar's constitution includes provisions that bar Suu Kyi from holding office and ensure the military a controlling stake in government.
Min Lwin said the proposal to free Suu Kyi was not influenced by the recent change in U.S. policy under President Barack Obama, who is seeking to engage Myanmar, also known as Burma. The Bush administration had shunned any direct talks with the reclusive Southeast Asian nation.
Although Myanmar welcomes the new policy, Min Lwin said he did not expect any major changes in the near future, mainly because U.S. sanctions are still in force.
Min Lwin was in Manila to attend a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Marciel held separate talks last week with Myanmar's ruling generals and Suu Kyi — the highest-ranking visit by American officials to Myanmar in 14 years.
Suu Kyi is satisfied with her meeting with U.S. officials and believes they "have good intentions toward Myanmar and are making efforts to work for democratic reform for the country," her lawyer Nyan Win said Monday.
Obama will meet ASEAN leaders on Nov. 15, on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore, bringing him in rare contact with Myanmar's prime minister, Gen. Thein Sein.
Officials have not said if Obama will meet privately with Thein Sein. The last U.S. president to meet a Myanmar leader was Lyndon B. Johnson, who held talks with then-Prime Minister Ne Win in 1966.
Despite their new approach to Myanmar, U.S. officials have said that tough sanctions against the junta will remain in place until talks with its generals result in democratic reforms.
By JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer – Mon Nov 9, 8:53 am ET
SINGAPORE (AP) – Myanmar's military-ruled government may release pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi soon, so she can play a role in next year's general elections, according to a senior Myanmar diplomat.
The remarks by Min Lwin — rare for a Myanmar government official on an overseas visit — were in line with vague comments in recent years by the junta that it intends to free Suu Kyi soon. But officials have given no time frame and have made no real moves to release her.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years and not been able to speak publicly since she was last taken into detention in May 2003.
A court recently sentenced the 64-year-old to an additional 18 months of house arrest, which would prevent her from participating in the elections — the first in two decades — unless she is granted a special release.
"There is a plan to release her soon ... so she can organize her party," Min Lwin, a director-general in the Foreign Ministry, told The Associated Press in Manila. He refused to elaborate, and it was not clear if he meant that Suu Kyi would be allowed to campaign.
There is no indication that the government would allow Suu Kyi to run in the election. Myanmar's constitution includes provisions that bar Suu Kyi from holding office and ensure the military a controlling stake in government.
Min Lwin said the proposal to free Suu Kyi was not influenced by the recent change in U.S. policy under President Barack Obama, who is seeking to engage Myanmar, also known as Burma. The Bush administration had shunned any direct talks with the reclusive Southeast Asian nation.
Although Myanmar welcomes the new policy, Min Lwin said he did not expect any major changes in the near future, mainly because U.S. sanctions are still in force.
Min Lwin was in Manila to attend a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Marciel held separate talks last week with Myanmar's ruling generals and Suu Kyi — the highest-ranking visit by American officials to Myanmar in 14 years.
Suu Kyi is satisfied with her meeting with U.S. officials and believes they "have good intentions toward Myanmar and are making efforts to work for democratic reform for the country," her lawyer Nyan Win said Monday.
Obama will meet ASEAN leaders on Nov. 15, on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore, bringing him in rare contact with Myanmar's prime minister, Gen. Thein Sein.
Officials have not said if Obama will meet privately with Thein Sein. The last U.S. president to meet a Myanmar leader was Lyndon B. Johnson, who held talks with then-Prime Minister Ne Win in 1966.
Despite their new approach to Myanmar, U.S. officials have said that tough sanctions against the junta will remain in place until talks with its generals result in democratic reforms.
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Obama to meet Myanmar, other ASEAN leaders
By JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer – Sat Nov 7, 5:14 am ET
MANILA, Philippines (AP) – President Barack Obama will meet leaders of Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar, in a high-level affirmation of Washington's new policy of engaging the military-ruled country despite its dismal human rights record.
The Nov. 15 meeting between Obama and leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations will take place on the sidelines of an annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore, U.S. Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Marciel said Saturday.
Myanmar's prime minister, Thein Sein, will attend the meeting, which marks the 32nd anniversary of Washington's relations with ASEAN, senior Myanmar diplomat Min Lwin told The Associated Press in Manila.
The junta chief, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, typically shuns official meetings outside Myanmar.
The talks are to be the highest-level contact between Myanmar and the U.S. in decades.
Officials have not said if Obama will meet privately with Thein Sein. The last U.S. president to meet a Myanmar head of state was Lyndon B. Johnson, who held talks with then Prime Minister Ne Win in September 1966 during a state visit to Washington, according to Richard Mei, the U.S. Embassy spokesman in Myanmar.
Under Obama, Washington has reversed the Bush administration's policy of shunning Myanmar in favor of direct talks with the Southeast Asian country that has been ruled by the military since 1962.
Myanmar welcomes the shift in U.S. policy, Min Lwin said, describing the change as "positive."
Marciel and Min Lwin were in Manila along with other senior ASEAN diplomats to finalize the agenda for Obama's meeting with ASEAN leaders. The talks will focus on trade, energy, health, climate change, food security, disaster response and security issues, Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Enrique Manalo said.
"What we're trying to do is to step up and increase our engagement with ASEAN," Marciel said.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo has said ASEAN welcomes the Obama administration's new policy of engagement with Myanmar, adding that Southeast Asian governments have continued talking with the junta while constantly prodding it to move toward democracy.
"All of us talk with Myanmar," he said. "There is no harm in talking."
ASEAN has faced a barrage of criticism in past years over its failure to coax democratic reforms from the junta or to win freedom for detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and some 2,000 other political prisoners.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years, mostly under house arrest.
Despite their new approach to Myanmar, also known as Burma, U.S. officials have said that tough sanctions against the junta will remain until talks with its generals result in long-demanded democratic reforms.
Seven ASEAN member states — Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — belong to APEC, which includes the U.S. and other Western nations. The three ASEAN members not in APEC are Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
By JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer – Sat Nov 7, 5:14 am ET
MANILA, Philippines (AP) – President Barack Obama will meet leaders of Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar, in a high-level affirmation of Washington's new policy of engaging the military-ruled country despite its dismal human rights record.
The Nov. 15 meeting between Obama and leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations will take place on the sidelines of an annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore, U.S. Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Marciel said Saturday.
Myanmar's prime minister, Thein Sein, will attend the meeting, which marks the 32nd anniversary of Washington's relations with ASEAN, senior Myanmar diplomat Min Lwin told The Associated Press in Manila.
The junta chief, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, typically shuns official meetings outside Myanmar.
The talks are to be the highest-level contact between Myanmar and the U.S. in decades.
Officials have not said if Obama will meet privately with Thein Sein. The last U.S. president to meet a Myanmar head of state was Lyndon B. Johnson, who held talks with then Prime Minister Ne Win in September 1966 during a state visit to Washington, according to Richard Mei, the U.S. Embassy spokesman in Myanmar.
Under Obama, Washington has reversed the Bush administration's policy of shunning Myanmar in favor of direct talks with the Southeast Asian country that has been ruled by the military since 1962.
Myanmar welcomes the shift in U.S. policy, Min Lwin said, describing the change as "positive."
Marciel and Min Lwin were in Manila along with other senior ASEAN diplomats to finalize the agenda for Obama's meeting with ASEAN leaders. The talks will focus on trade, energy, health, climate change, food security, disaster response and security issues, Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Enrique Manalo said.
"What we're trying to do is to step up and increase our engagement with ASEAN," Marciel said.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo has said ASEAN welcomes the Obama administration's new policy of engagement with Myanmar, adding that Southeast Asian governments have continued talking with the junta while constantly prodding it to move toward democracy.
"All of us talk with Myanmar," he said. "There is no harm in talking."
ASEAN has faced a barrage of criticism in past years over its failure to coax democratic reforms from the junta or to win freedom for detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and some 2,000 other political prisoners.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years, mostly under house arrest.
Despite their new approach to Myanmar, also known as Burma, U.S. officials have said that tough sanctions against the junta will remain until talks with its generals result in long-demanded democratic reforms.
Seven ASEAN member states — Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — belong to APEC, which includes the U.S. and other Western nations. The three ASEAN members not in APEC are Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
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Obama confronts an Asia reshaped by China's rise
By CHARLES HUTZLER, Associated Press Writer – Mon Nov 9, 8:46 am ET
BEIJING (AP) – Days after coming to power in September, Japan's new prime minister broached forming a new East Asian trading bloc with rival China — one that would exclude the United States.
Some in Washington took it as a snub from the nation that has been America's rock in Asia for decades. Even more, Tokyo's new rhetoric underscored how China's rapid rise to power is challenging Washington's once-dominant sway in the region.
This is the reality President Barack Obama confronts as he departs Thursday for his first Asia trip, perhaps his most challenging overseas journey yet. He'll find a region outgrowing a half-century of U.S. supremacy and questioning America's relevance to its future. More so than Obama's previous foreign trips, this nine-day, four-country tour has the president on something like a salvage mission.
The trip also comes at a delicate time for Obama at home.
He is wrestling with one of the toughest decisions of his 10-month presidency, a war strategy for Afghanistan, and is urging Congress to approve his biggest domestic priority, health care.
Those pressing concerns make it notable that he is spending so much time away — a sign of Asia's importance to the U.S. and the need to tend to relationships there without delay — though he put off his original departure by a day over the weekend because of Thursday's deadly shooting spree at the Fort Hood military base in Texas. Obama will speak to U.S. troops in Alaska and South Korea, with his much-awaited decision on more troops for the Afghanistan war probably still pending.
Obama stops first in Japan, a traditional U.S. stalwart now looking toward closer engagement with China and the rest of Asia. He makes a two-city stop in China, where leaders proud of their country's one-generation leap to prosperity seek a bigger say in shaping the region's affairs.
The president also visits Singapore for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders, where his participation is being cut by a day, and wraps up his trip in South Korea. Those countries are having to accommodate a more muscular China while wondering whether a U.S. weakened by financial crisis is in decline.
"Asia is changing very fast. It's undergoing a fundamental transition," said Huang Jing, a Chinese politics expert at the National University of Singapore. "This is not the kind of Asia or Asia-Pacific of America's traditional understanding. That old understanding is that America is dominant but friendly to the developing nations and Japan, America's perpetual ally, is No. 1. Asia is now totally different and China is the No. 1, not Japan."
Throughout his travels, starting with a scene-setting speech in Japan, Obama is expected to deliver a message of staunch U.S. commitment to old friends and newer partners alike, promising to help keep what for decades has been one of the fastest growing regions of the world secure and thriving, according to U.S. officials.
In Tokyo, he's likely to call for a reinvigorated alliance with Japan while insisting that new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama live up to a pending agreement on reconfiguring U.S. military bases. He's scheduled to take part in Beijing in the kind of pomp that Chinese leaders crave as a sign of respect, but also plans an event with Chinese university students aimed at telegraphing U.S. values to a broader Chinese audience.
On the sidelines of the gathering of Asia-Pacific leaders, he'll hold a first-ever summit with Southeast Asia's 10-nation alliance, a grouping whose economies are increasingly tied to a growing China but still are anxious about Chinese power. Included in that meeting will be Myanmar's leader — the first such meeting between a U.S. president and the head of a repressive government formerly shunned by Washington, though now part of a new outreach by the Obama administration.
Throughout, issues like North Korea's and Iran's nuclear programs are likely to be raised repeatedly, though little concrete progress is expected.
While popular in some parts of the region, Obama does not have the rock-star appeal in Asia that he has in Europe and elsewhere. He will have to overcome strong suspicions among Asian leaders that he is more concerned about domestic battles over health care and the economy than about matters like freer trade that are so crucial to Asian nations and U.S. businesses.
Obama comes to Asia "bringing absolutely nothing to the table" on trade, said Michael Green, a White House Asia adviser during the Bush administration and now an analyst at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Without American leadership on trade, the fear is that the U.S. will be left behind while other nations roar ahead with their own agreements, Green said.
"There is a risk that he will come to Asia for just a star turn and photo opportunities while reserving his strength for other battles. But more is needed and should be expected of him," Simon Tay of the Singapore Institute for International Affairs said.
After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration gained a reputation in Asia for distraction and an overemphasis on security. Meanwhile, China has supplanted the U.S. as the top or leading trading partner of Japan, South Korea and the ASEAN nations. The Chinese economy, a decade ago only slightly larger than Italy's, is on track to next year surpass Japan's, the world's No. 2.
Chief among Obama's goals on the trip will be to make "vividly clear to the peoples of Asia that the U.S. is here to stay in Asia," Jeffrey Bader, Obama's top Asia adviser, said at a public event in Washington on Friday. "As Asia continues to grow and as new groupings and structures take shape, the U.S. will be a player and participant on the ground floor, not a distant spectator."
In Japan, where Obama and his election inspired the public, it looks like the president will have his most difficult stop.
Prime Minister Hatoyama won election on an Obama-like message of change. But he's begun rethinking the U.S.-Japan alliance in which Tokyo has often felt itself the junior partner. He proposed the East Asian community that initially excluded the U.S., though he has since sidestepped the issue.
His government plans to end Japan's Indian Ocean refueling mission that supports U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan. His review of the agreement on basing 47,000 U.S. troops in Japan has caused particular tension, chiefly over relocating Futenma Marine air field on Okinawa. The U.S. has agreed to a more remote location on the island while Hatoyama has suggested moving the forces off the island. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates last month demanded Tokyo not put off resolving the issue until next year as Hatoyama has hinted.
In China, sizable distrust over trade tensions, Tibet and other human rights issues and Beijing's robust military buildup are likely to be papered over.
The Obama administration has tried to set a more constructive, cooperative tone for relations, calling Beijing a needed partner in tackling global issues like the economic downturn and climate change. The governments have identified clean energy as ripe for cooperation.
Chief among Obama's tasks in Beijing will be to establish the kind of trust that President Hu Jintao had with George W. Bush, according to Chinese scholars. China reacted angrily to recent U.S. moves to impose punitive tariffs to stem surging imports of low-cost Chinese-made tires, seeing it as reneging on Obama's promise earlier this year not to resort to protectionism during the economic crisis.
By CHARLES HUTZLER, Associated Press Writer – Mon Nov 9, 8:46 am ET
BEIJING (AP) – Days after coming to power in September, Japan's new prime minister broached forming a new East Asian trading bloc with rival China — one that would exclude the United States.
Some in Washington took it as a snub from the nation that has been America's rock in Asia for decades. Even more, Tokyo's new rhetoric underscored how China's rapid rise to power is challenging Washington's once-dominant sway in the region.
This is the reality President Barack Obama confronts as he departs Thursday for his first Asia trip, perhaps his most challenging overseas journey yet. He'll find a region outgrowing a half-century of U.S. supremacy and questioning America's relevance to its future. More so than Obama's previous foreign trips, this nine-day, four-country tour has the president on something like a salvage mission.
The trip also comes at a delicate time for Obama at home.
He is wrestling with one of the toughest decisions of his 10-month presidency, a war strategy for Afghanistan, and is urging Congress to approve his biggest domestic priority, health care.
Those pressing concerns make it notable that he is spending so much time away — a sign of Asia's importance to the U.S. and the need to tend to relationships there without delay — though he put off his original departure by a day over the weekend because of Thursday's deadly shooting spree at the Fort Hood military base in Texas. Obama will speak to U.S. troops in Alaska and South Korea, with his much-awaited decision on more troops for the Afghanistan war probably still pending.
Obama stops first in Japan, a traditional U.S. stalwart now looking toward closer engagement with China and the rest of Asia. He makes a two-city stop in China, where leaders proud of their country's one-generation leap to prosperity seek a bigger say in shaping the region's affairs.
The president also visits Singapore for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders, where his participation is being cut by a day, and wraps up his trip in South Korea. Those countries are having to accommodate a more muscular China while wondering whether a U.S. weakened by financial crisis is in decline.
"Asia is changing very fast. It's undergoing a fundamental transition," said Huang Jing, a Chinese politics expert at the National University of Singapore. "This is not the kind of Asia or Asia-Pacific of America's traditional understanding. That old understanding is that America is dominant but friendly to the developing nations and Japan, America's perpetual ally, is No. 1. Asia is now totally different and China is the No. 1, not Japan."
Throughout his travels, starting with a scene-setting speech in Japan, Obama is expected to deliver a message of staunch U.S. commitment to old friends and newer partners alike, promising to help keep what for decades has been one of the fastest growing regions of the world secure and thriving, according to U.S. officials.
In Tokyo, he's likely to call for a reinvigorated alliance with Japan while insisting that new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama live up to a pending agreement on reconfiguring U.S. military bases. He's scheduled to take part in Beijing in the kind of pomp that Chinese leaders crave as a sign of respect, but also plans an event with Chinese university students aimed at telegraphing U.S. values to a broader Chinese audience.
On the sidelines of the gathering of Asia-Pacific leaders, he'll hold a first-ever summit with Southeast Asia's 10-nation alliance, a grouping whose economies are increasingly tied to a growing China but still are anxious about Chinese power. Included in that meeting will be Myanmar's leader — the first such meeting between a U.S. president and the head of a repressive government formerly shunned by Washington, though now part of a new outreach by the Obama administration.
Throughout, issues like North Korea's and Iran's nuclear programs are likely to be raised repeatedly, though little concrete progress is expected.
While popular in some parts of the region, Obama does not have the rock-star appeal in Asia that he has in Europe and elsewhere. He will have to overcome strong suspicions among Asian leaders that he is more concerned about domestic battles over health care and the economy than about matters like freer trade that are so crucial to Asian nations and U.S. businesses.
Obama comes to Asia "bringing absolutely nothing to the table" on trade, said Michael Green, a White House Asia adviser during the Bush administration and now an analyst at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Without American leadership on trade, the fear is that the U.S. will be left behind while other nations roar ahead with their own agreements, Green said.
"There is a risk that he will come to Asia for just a star turn and photo opportunities while reserving his strength for other battles. But more is needed and should be expected of him," Simon Tay of the Singapore Institute for International Affairs said.
After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration gained a reputation in Asia for distraction and an overemphasis on security. Meanwhile, China has supplanted the U.S. as the top or leading trading partner of Japan, South Korea and the ASEAN nations. The Chinese economy, a decade ago only slightly larger than Italy's, is on track to next year surpass Japan's, the world's No. 2.
Chief among Obama's goals on the trip will be to make "vividly clear to the peoples of Asia that the U.S. is here to stay in Asia," Jeffrey Bader, Obama's top Asia adviser, said at a public event in Washington on Friday. "As Asia continues to grow and as new groupings and structures take shape, the U.S. will be a player and participant on the ground floor, not a distant spectator."
In Japan, where Obama and his election inspired the public, it looks like the president will have his most difficult stop.
Prime Minister Hatoyama won election on an Obama-like message of change. But he's begun rethinking the U.S.-Japan alliance in which Tokyo has often felt itself the junior partner. He proposed the East Asian community that initially excluded the U.S., though he has since sidestepped the issue.
His government plans to end Japan's Indian Ocean refueling mission that supports U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan. His review of the agreement on basing 47,000 U.S. troops in Japan has caused particular tension, chiefly over relocating Futenma Marine air field on Okinawa. The U.S. has agreed to a more remote location on the island while Hatoyama has suggested moving the forces off the island. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates last month demanded Tokyo not put off resolving the issue until next year as Hatoyama has hinted.
In China, sizable distrust over trade tensions, Tibet and other human rights issues and Beijing's robust military buildup are likely to be papered over.
The Obama administration has tried to set a more constructive, cooperative tone for relations, calling Beijing a needed partner in tackling global issues like the economic downturn and climate change. The governments have identified clean energy as ripe for cooperation.
Chief among Obama's tasks in Beijing will be to establish the kind of trust that President Hu Jintao had with George W. Bush, according to Chinese scholars. China reacted angrily to recent U.S. moves to impose punitive tariffs to stem surging imports of low-cost Chinese-made tires, seeing it as reneging on Obama's promise earlier this year not to resort to protectionism during the economic crisis.
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Myanmar's Suu Kyi optimistic after U.S. visit
By Aung Hla Tun – Mon Nov 9, 6:10 am ET
YANGON (Reuters) – Myanmar's detained opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, expressed hope on Monday that U.S. engagement with the county's military rulers could spur democratic reforms, her lawyer said.
In rare praise for the regime that has kept her in detention for 14 of the last 20 years, Suu Kyi thanked the junta for allowing her to see Kurt Campbell, the top U.S. official for East Asia.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner was allowed to meet for almost three hours on Monday with her lawyers, who agreed to submit an appeal with the Supreme Court against her conviction in August for a security breach while under house arrest.
"She told us she was quite satisfied with Mr. Campbell's visit ... She said he's the sort of person we can work with," lawyer Nyan Win told reporters.
"She also expressed her thanks to the regime for their assistance during Campbell's visit."
The two-day visit by the U.S. delegation was the first of its kind in 14 years and came as part of Washington's new policy of direct engagement with the generals.
Campbell, deputy secretary of state, met Suu Kyi and senior government ministers during his two-day visit but was snubbed by Senior General Than Shwe, the junta supremo.
On his return from Myanmar on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel said the main aim of the visit had been to encourage dialogue within Myanmar, between the junta, ethnic groups and opposition parties.
He made few comments about next year's widely dismissed elections but said it would be "very hard" for the polls to be credible without the involvement of Suu Kyi.
Analysts said the policy shift was as much about U.S. fears over China's influence in the region as the democratic process in Myanmar.
Suu Kyi, who was sentenced to a further 18 months in detention for allowing an American intruder to stay at her Yangon home for two days, was allowed by the junta to meet Westerm envoys last month to discuss sanctions on the country.
Marciel said it was neither "appropriate nor wise" to lift sanctions at this point even though they had failed, but said the embargoes would be reviewed if the country showed progress in initiating democratic reform.
The former British colony has been ruled by various military juntas since a 1962 coup. The result of an election in 1990, won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party, was ignored by the generals, who jailed hundreds of opponents and tightened their grip on power.
Critics say the military has learned from the 1990 polls and has no plans to relinquish power. They say the junta wants to make the process appear legitimate and credible and has drafted a constitution that will ensure it still calls the shots.
By Aung Hla Tun – Mon Nov 9, 6:10 am ET
YANGON (Reuters) – Myanmar's detained opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, expressed hope on Monday that U.S. engagement with the county's military rulers could spur democratic reforms, her lawyer said.
In rare praise for the regime that has kept her in detention for 14 of the last 20 years, Suu Kyi thanked the junta for allowing her to see Kurt Campbell, the top U.S. official for East Asia.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner was allowed to meet for almost three hours on Monday with her lawyers, who agreed to submit an appeal with the Supreme Court against her conviction in August for a security breach while under house arrest.
"She told us she was quite satisfied with Mr. Campbell's visit ... She said he's the sort of person we can work with," lawyer Nyan Win told reporters.
"She also expressed her thanks to the regime for their assistance during Campbell's visit."
The two-day visit by the U.S. delegation was the first of its kind in 14 years and came as part of Washington's new policy of direct engagement with the generals.
Campbell, deputy secretary of state, met Suu Kyi and senior government ministers during his two-day visit but was snubbed by Senior General Than Shwe, the junta supremo.
On his return from Myanmar on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel said the main aim of the visit had been to encourage dialogue within Myanmar, between the junta, ethnic groups and opposition parties.
He made few comments about next year's widely dismissed elections but said it would be "very hard" for the polls to be credible without the involvement of Suu Kyi.
Analysts said the policy shift was as much about U.S. fears over China's influence in the region as the democratic process in Myanmar.
Suu Kyi, who was sentenced to a further 18 months in detention for allowing an American intruder to stay at her Yangon home for two days, was allowed by the junta to meet Westerm envoys last month to discuss sanctions on the country.
Marciel said it was neither "appropriate nor wise" to lift sanctions at this point even though they had failed, but said the embargoes would be reviewed if the country showed progress in initiating democratic reform.
The former British colony has been ruled by various military juntas since a 1962 coup. The result of an election in 1990, won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party, was ignored by the generals, who jailed hundreds of opponents and tightened their grip on power.
Critics say the military has learned from the 1990 polls and has no plans to relinquish power. They say the junta wants to make the process appear legitimate and credible and has drafted a constitution that will ensure it still calls the shots.
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Japan urges Myanmar to release Suu Kyi before poll
By Yoko Nishikawa – Sat Nov 7, 10:08 am ET
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan urged Myanmar Saturday to release detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi before next year's election, adding it was ready to provide more aid if democratization in the country advanced.
The comments came a few days after a U.S. delegation made a landmark visit to Myanmar as part of a new policy of engagement by the Obama administration.
"It is extremely important that Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners are all released before the general election to be held in 2010," Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told Myanmar's visiting prime minister, according to a Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Hatoyama also urged General Thein Sein to ensure all stakeholders could take part in the election.
Japan has distanced itself from the policy of Western powers, which have imposed tough sanctions on Myanmar, and from that of China, which has pumped billions of dollars into the country.
It has preferred engagement and dialogue to push for democratization of the authoritarian military-run state, and welcomed Washington's recent move, saying it was getting closer to Tokyo's approach.
The talk between Hatoyama and General Thein Sein took place on the sidelines of the Tokyo summit among Japan and five Mekong region countries -- Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
It was the first time since 2003 a Myanmar leader had visited Japan.
Hatoyama acknowledged signs of improvement in the democratization process in the country formerly known as Burma, and welcomed improving ties between Washington and Myanmar.
"Based on recent positive moves, Japan will gradually expand its assistance to Myanmar in areas of humanitarian assistance, including those through NGOs, and human development assistance," Hatoyama was quoted as telling General Thein Sein.
"If the general election in 2010 is conducted in a manner we expect, Japan will be in a position to strengthen its assistance to Myanmar," he added.
In the fiscal year that ended in March 2008, Japan provided 1.18 billion yen ($13.13 million) in grant aid and 1.64 billion yen in technical assistance to Myanmar.
By Yoko Nishikawa – Sat Nov 7, 10:08 am ET
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan urged Myanmar Saturday to release detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi before next year's election, adding it was ready to provide more aid if democratization in the country advanced.
The comments came a few days after a U.S. delegation made a landmark visit to Myanmar as part of a new policy of engagement by the Obama administration.
"It is extremely important that Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners are all released before the general election to be held in 2010," Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told Myanmar's visiting prime minister, according to a Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Hatoyama also urged General Thein Sein to ensure all stakeholders could take part in the election.
Japan has distanced itself from the policy of Western powers, which have imposed tough sanctions on Myanmar, and from that of China, which has pumped billions of dollars into the country.
It has preferred engagement and dialogue to push for democratization of the authoritarian military-run state, and welcomed Washington's recent move, saying it was getting closer to Tokyo's approach.
The talk between Hatoyama and General Thein Sein took place on the sidelines of the Tokyo summit among Japan and five Mekong region countries -- Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
It was the first time since 2003 a Myanmar leader had visited Japan.
Hatoyama acknowledged signs of improvement in the democratization process in the country formerly known as Burma, and welcomed improving ties between Washington and Myanmar.
"Based on recent positive moves, Japan will gradually expand its assistance to Myanmar in areas of humanitarian assistance, including those through NGOs, and human development assistance," Hatoyama was quoted as telling General Thein Sein.
"If the general election in 2010 is conducted in a manner we expect, Japan will be in a position to strengthen its assistance to Myanmar," he added.
In the fiscal year that ended in March 2008, Japan provided 1.18 billion yen ($13.13 million) in grant aid and 1.64 billion yen in technical assistance to Myanmar.
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Asia opens to Obama on debut tour
by Stephen Collinson – Sun Nov 8, 3:40 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – Barack Obama this week heads to Asia for the first time as president, seeking to show the region and a rising China the United States is not in decline nor distracted by multiple crises elsewhere.
In a flurry of summits and snatched sightseeing, Obama will leverage his personal popularity in a region where he spent childhood years, and which is now leading the world out of recession while the crippled US economy struggles.
Obama will begin his tour in Japan, attend the APEC summit in Singapore, have a rare encounter with a Myanmar leader at a historic US-ASEAN meeting, pay his first visit to China and go to South Korea.
The president's top Asia policy aide Jeffrey Bader said the previous Bush administration saw relations with Asia mostly through a prism of its global anti-terror campaign -- an approach Obama will seek to change.
As a newly confident China expanded its regional clout, Washington's prestige suffered from the unsustainable spending and borrowing binge that triggered the worst economic crisis since the 1930s.
"These phenomena has persuaded many Asians that the US is overextended and distracted," said Bader, director of Asian Affairs on the National Security Council.
"I believe reports of America's demise, as they say, are considerably exaggerated and will look rather foolish in a few years."
Douglas Paal, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Obama must begin to define the future US role in Asia.
"Are we a wounded giant? Is China the tiger in the woods that just keeps on getting fatter and stronger and the US is getting leaner and older?
"Or is the US reviving itself?" Paal said.
Obama, on his first foreign trip since winning the Nobel Peace Prize, will stress engagement, and hopes for cooperation on national security, climate and economic issues.
But tangible results may have to wait.
Many Asian nations want Obama to reignite global trade talks, and South Korea wants action on a bilateral trade pact.
But Obama neither has the inclination nor the political sway to dictate trade policy to Congress and with unemployment topping 10 percent, the threat from Asian economies looms large.
Obama is instead spending his political capital on health care reform, global warming legislation and new financial regulations.
He must also decide whether to deploy thousands more troops to Afghanistan -- and the uncertainty will shadow him throughout Asia.
While some might balk at Obama's dash through the region -- a visit to his childhood home Indonesia was put off until next year -- the week-long trip represents a substantial chunk of time for a first-year president.
Japan said Obama will arrive a day late on Friday, so he can attend a service in Texas for 13 people killed in a rampage allegedly carried out by a Muslim army psychiatrist.
Obama wants to cement ties with new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and draw similarities between their respective crusades for political change.
They will discuss a row over the relocation of a US military base on Okinawa and Obama may also make a policy speech.
He will debut at the Asia Pacific Cooperation forum summit on November 14 and 15 in Singapore, and attend the first-ever joint meeting of a US president and government chiefs of all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
After years of US attempts to isolate Myanmar over its suppression of democracy, Obama is now engaging the junta but a private meeting with Prime Minister Thein Sein is unlikely.
The first visit of any US president to China is a landmark, and it is a measure of China's rising influence that talks will range over global questions including North Korea, Iran's nuclear program and Afghanistan.
Obama is expected to meet President Hu Jintao on November 17 as hopes fade for a new deal to combat global warming ahead of UN climate talks in Copenhagen, at which Washington and Beijing are dominant players.
He also faces pressure to raise human rights, after declining to meet Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama before he had visited Beijing. China will likely raise niggling trade disputes.
Obama will travel to Shanghai before Beijing but his exact schedule is yet to be announced.
Finally, Obama will reach South Korea on November 18 for talks with President Lee Myung-Bak on North Korea, climate change and trade.
by Stephen Collinson – Sun Nov 8, 3:40 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – Barack Obama this week heads to Asia for the first time as president, seeking to show the region and a rising China the United States is not in decline nor distracted by multiple crises elsewhere.
In a flurry of summits and snatched sightseeing, Obama will leverage his personal popularity in a region where he spent childhood years, and which is now leading the world out of recession while the crippled US economy struggles.
Obama will begin his tour in Japan, attend the APEC summit in Singapore, have a rare encounter with a Myanmar leader at a historic US-ASEAN meeting, pay his first visit to China and go to South Korea.
The president's top Asia policy aide Jeffrey Bader said the previous Bush administration saw relations with Asia mostly through a prism of its global anti-terror campaign -- an approach Obama will seek to change.
As a newly confident China expanded its regional clout, Washington's prestige suffered from the unsustainable spending and borrowing binge that triggered the worst economic crisis since the 1930s.
"These phenomena has persuaded many Asians that the US is overextended and distracted," said Bader, director of Asian Affairs on the National Security Council.
"I believe reports of America's demise, as they say, are considerably exaggerated and will look rather foolish in a few years."
Douglas Paal, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Obama must begin to define the future US role in Asia.
"Are we a wounded giant? Is China the tiger in the woods that just keeps on getting fatter and stronger and the US is getting leaner and older?
"Or is the US reviving itself?" Paal said.
Obama, on his first foreign trip since winning the Nobel Peace Prize, will stress engagement, and hopes for cooperation on national security, climate and economic issues.
But tangible results may have to wait.
Many Asian nations want Obama to reignite global trade talks, and South Korea wants action on a bilateral trade pact.
But Obama neither has the inclination nor the political sway to dictate trade policy to Congress and with unemployment topping 10 percent, the threat from Asian economies looms large.
Obama is instead spending his political capital on health care reform, global warming legislation and new financial regulations.
He must also decide whether to deploy thousands more troops to Afghanistan -- and the uncertainty will shadow him throughout Asia.
While some might balk at Obama's dash through the region -- a visit to his childhood home Indonesia was put off until next year -- the week-long trip represents a substantial chunk of time for a first-year president.
Japan said Obama will arrive a day late on Friday, so he can attend a service in Texas for 13 people killed in a rampage allegedly carried out by a Muslim army psychiatrist.
Obama wants to cement ties with new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and draw similarities between their respective crusades for political change.
They will discuss a row over the relocation of a US military base on Okinawa and Obama may also make a policy speech.
He will debut at the Asia Pacific Cooperation forum summit on November 14 and 15 in Singapore, and attend the first-ever joint meeting of a US president and government chiefs of all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
After years of US attempts to isolate Myanmar over its suppression of democracy, Obama is now engaging the junta but a private meeting with Prime Minister Thein Sein is unlikely.
The first visit of any US president to China is a landmark, and it is a measure of China's rising influence that talks will range over global questions including North Korea, Iran's nuclear program and Afghanistan.
Obama is expected to meet President Hu Jintao on November 17 as hopes fade for a new deal to combat global warming ahead of UN climate talks in Copenhagen, at which Washington and Beijing are dominant players.
He also faces pressure to raise human rights, after declining to meet Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama before he had visited Beijing. China will likely raise niggling trade disputes.
Obama will travel to Shanghai before Beijing but his exact schedule is yet to be announced.
Finally, Obama will reach South Korea on November 18 for talks with President Lee Myung-Bak on North Korea, climate change and trade.
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Japan to increase aid to Myanmar: PM
Sat Nov 7, 8:59 am ET
TOKYO (AFP) – Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Saturday said Japan plans to increase aid to Myanmar gradually while hailing Washington's latest efforts to engage the military-ruled country.
"Japan plans to expand our humanitarian aid and assistance for human resources development gradually," a Japanese foreign ministry official quoted Hatoyama as saying at a meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Thein Sein.
Hatoyama did not mention a specific sum, according to the official who was in the bilateral meeting.
He said the decision on greater aid stemmed from the junta's recent release of political prisoners, signs of a resumed dialogue with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and improved ties with the United States, said the official.
Hatoyama also told Thein Sein that Japan would increase assistance further if Myanmar's planned general elections next year are held in a fair way, the official said, adding the premier did not elaborate on what this aid could be.
Hatoyama met Thein Sein, Myanmar's first premier to visit Japan since 2003, at Japan's first summit with five countries along the Mekong River, which also include Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Japan has given about two billion yen (22 million dollars) worth of aid to Myanmar annually over the past few years.
It is mostly disaster relief and humanitarian assistance as Tokyo has shunned loans and grants to the nation criticised for human rights abuses.
Thein Sein thanked Hatoyama for Tokyo's assistance and called for more investment from and trade with Japan, according to the Japanese official.
He also said the nation was preparing law for general elections so that any party can participate, the official said.
Speaking at a press conference after the Mekong-Japan summit, Hatoyama hailed the US government's dialogue with Myanmar.
"America's greater interest in Myanmar... will benefit the Mekong region as a whole," Hatoyama said. "America is gaining greater interest in the region and we welcome it."
The administration of US President Barack Obama 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.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and his deputy Scot Marciel held rare meetings with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and premier Thein Sein on a two-day visit ending Wednesday.
Japan has maintained trade and dialogue with Myanmar, warning a hard line on Myanmar would push the junta closer to neighbouring China, its main political supporter and commercial partner.
Sat Nov 7, 8:59 am ET
TOKYO (AFP) – Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Saturday said Japan plans to increase aid to Myanmar gradually while hailing Washington's latest efforts to engage the military-ruled country.
"Japan plans to expand our humanitarian aid and assistance for human resources development gradually," a Japanese foreign ministry official quoted Hatoyama as saying at a meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Thein Sein.
Hatoyama did not mention a specific sum, according to the official who was in the bilateral meeting.
He said the decision on greater aid stemmed from the junta's recent release of political prisoners, signs of a resumed dialogue with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and improved ties with the United States, said the official.
Hatoyama also told Thein Sein that Japan would increase assistance further if Myanmar's planned general elections next year are held in a fair way, the official said, adding the premier did not elaborate on what this aid could be.
Hatoyama met Thein Sein, Myanmar's first premier to visit Japan since 2003, at Japan's first summit with five countries along the Mekong River, which also include Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Japan has given about two billion yen (22 million dollars) worth of aid to Myanmar annually over the past few years.
It is mostly disaster relief and humanitarian assistance as Tokyo has shunned loans and grants to the nation criticised for human rights abuses.
Thein Sein thanked Hatoyama for Tokyo's assistance and called for more investment from and trade with Japan, according to the Japanese official.
He also said the nation was preparing law for general elections so that any party can participate, the official said.
Speaking at a press conference after the Mekong-Japan summit, Hatoyama hailed the US government's dialogue with Myanmar.
"America's greater interest in Myanmar... will benefit the Mekong region as a whole," Hatoyama said. "America is gaining greater interest in the region and we welcome it."
The administration of US President Barack Obama 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.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and his deputy Scot Marciel held rare meetings with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and premier Thein Sein on a two-day visit ending Wednesday.
Japan has maintained trade and dialogue with Myanmar, warning a hard line on Myanmar would push the junta closer to neighbouring China, its main political supporter and commercial partner.
*******************************************************************
Japan Pledges More Aid to Burma if Political Prisoners are Released
By VOA News
08 November 2009
Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has urged Burma to release detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi before next year's election, saying Tokyo is willing to provide more aid if democratic reforms in Burma are advanced.
In talks with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein in Tokyo Saturday, Mr. Hatoyama said it is extremely important that Burma release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners before the general election to be held in 2010.
The Japanese leader said that given recent progress being made, including dialogue between the military government and the Nobel Peace laureate, Japan would expand, in phases, humanitarian and human resources assistance to Burma.
Last week, a senior U.S. official was in Burma for talks with the country's ruling generals, putting in motion U.S. President Barack Obama's new policy of "pragmatic engagement" with the isolated Southeast Asian nation.
By VOA News
08 November 2009
Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has urged Burma to release detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi before next year's election, saying Tokyo is willing to provide more aid if democratic reforms in Burma are advanced.
In talks with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein in Tokyo Saturday, Mr. Hatoyama said it is extremely important that Burma release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners before the general election to be held in 2010.
The Japanese leader said that given recent progress being made, including dialogue between the military government and the Nobel Peace laureate, Japan would expand, in phases, humanitarian and human resources assistance to Burma.
Last week, a senior U.S. official was in Burma for talks with the country's ruling generals, putting in motion U.S. President Barack Obama's new policy of "pragmatic engagement" with the isolated Southeast Asian nation.
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ASEAN, US to discuss Myanmar's Suu Kyi in its first meeting
Lilian Budianto , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 11/09/2009 3:09 PM | World
The plight of Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi will be among the issues discussed during the first meeting between ASEAN and the United States leaders on Nov. 15 in Singapore.
The meeting between US and ten ASEAN members is being held to follow up the signing of the group's security treaty by Washington in July, the foreign ministry said Monday.
The United States signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which pledged peaceful settlement of disputes and noninterference in domestic affairs.
The foreign ministry said the meeting would also discuss implementation of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between ASEAN and the United States.
Lilian Budianto , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 11/09/2009 3:09 PM | World
The plight of Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi will be among the issues discussed during the first meeting between ASEAN and the United States leaders on Nov. 15 in Singapore.
The meeting between US and ten ASEAN members is being held to follow up the signing of the group's security treaty by Washington in July, the foreign ministry said Monday.
The United States signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which pledged peaceful settlement of disputes and noninterference in domestic affairs.
The foreign ministry said the meeting would also discuss implementation of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between ASEAN and the United States.
*******************************************************************
EarthTimes - Myanmar expects to export 1 million tons of rice this fiscal year
Posted : Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:16:26 GMT
Yangon - Myanmar exported 670,000 tons of rice in the fiscal year that ended March 31 despite the devastation wrought by Cyclone Nargis and expected to export up to 1 million tons this fiscal year, media reports said Sunday. "The export volume of rice is expected to increase this year, maybe reaching a million metric tons by the end of the 2009-2010 financial year," an official from the Myanmar Rice and Paddy Association told the English-language Myanmar Times.
As of the end of September, rice exports amounted to more than 500,000 metric tons.
In the past fiscal year, rice exports earned the country 200.6 million dollars, almost double the 102.55 million earned off rice exports the year before, the Times reported.
Cyclone Nargis hit the Irrawaddy Delta, the country's traditional rice bowl, in May 2008, destroying much of the rice paddy under cultivation and leaving more than 40,000 people dead or missing. Despite the storm, Myanmar exported 670,000 metric tons of rice that fiscal year, according to Commerce Ministry statistics,
While Myanmar's rice exports are on the rise this year, prices are down.
Myanmar rice was selling at 310 dollars a ton on the export market last month, compared with 380 dollars per ton in October 2008, according to a survey conducted by the Economic Studies and Research Institute.
The price fall is in tandem with declining world prices for the commodity, institute researcher Maung Aung said.
Myanmar was the world's largest rice exporter before the country opted for socialism in 1962 after strongman General Ne Win overthrew the elected civilian government of Prime Minister U Nu.
Thailand has thereafter claimed the top slot. This year, Thailand expects to export about 10 million tons of rice, followed by Vietnam with 6 million.
Myanmar rice is deemed poor quality compared with Thailand's and fetches considerably lower prices on the world market.
Of Myanmar's rice exports in the past fiscal year, about 85 per cent went to Bangladesh, South Africa and Ivory Coast.
"Africa has become a major market for Myanmar rice exporters during recent years," Maung Aung said.
According to statistics provided by the Myanmar Rice and Paddy Traders' Association, Myanmar enjoyed a rice surplus of 3.24 million tons out of 15 million tons of rice produced in the past fiscal year.
Domestic rice consumption among its 56 million people is about 12 million tons a year.
Posted : Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:16:26 GMT
Yangon - Myanmar exported 670,000 tons of rice in the fiscal year that ended March 31 despite the devastation wrought by Cyclone Nargis and expected to export up to 1 million tons this fiscal year, media reports said Sunday. "The export volume of rice is expected to increase this year, maybe reaching a million metric tons by the end of the 2009-2010 financial year," an official from the Myanmar Rice and Paddy Association told the English-language Myanmar Times.
As of the end of September, rice exports amounted to more than 500,000 metric tons.
In the past fiscal year, rice exports earned the country 200.6 million dollars, almost double the 102.55 million earned off rice exports the year before, the Times reported.
Cyclone Nargis hit the Irrawaddy Delta, the country's traditional rice bowl, in May 2008, destroying much of the rice paddy under cultivation and leaving more than 40,000 people dead or missing. Despite the storm, Myanmar exported 670,000 metric tons of rice that fiscal year, according to Commerce Ministry statistics,
While Myanmar's rice exports are on the rise this year, prices are down.
Myanmar rice was selling at 310 dollars a ton on the export market last month, compared with 380 dollars per ton in October 2008, according to a survey conducted by the Economic Studies and Research Institute.
The price fall is in tandem with declining world prices for the commodity, institute researcher Maung Aung said.
Myanmar was the world's largest rice exporter before the country opted for socialism in 1962 after strongman General Ne Win overthrew the elected civilian government of Prime Minister U Nu.
Thailand has thereafter claimed the top slot. This year, Thailand expects to export about 10 million tons of rice, followed by Vietnam with 6 million.
Myanmar rice is deemed poor quality compared with Thailand's and fetches considerably lower prices on the world market.
Of Myanmar's rice exports in the past fiscal year, about 85 per cent went to Bangladesh, South Africa and Ivory Coast.
"Africa has become a major market for Myanmar rice exporters during recent years," Maung Aung said.
According to statistics provided by the Myanmar Rice and Paddy Traders' Association, Myanmar enjoyed a rice surplus of 3.24 million tons out of 15 million tons of rice produced in the past fiscal year.
Domestic rice consumption among its 56 million people is about 12 million tons a year.
*******************************************************************
Myanmar to establish world first int'l servoy development center
www.chinaview.cn 2009-11-09 20:48:27
YANGON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Myanmar Computer Company (MCC) and a Netherland servoy company will jointly establish an international servoy development center, claimed to be the world's first, in the country's largest ICT park in Yadanarbon cyber city in Pyin Oo Lwin, northern Mandalay division, sources with the MCC said on Monday.
Servoy is the 4th generation language rapid development tool, invented by the Netherlands company, to produce computer programs promptly and has been in use worldwide nowadays, the sources said, adding that the center, after completion, will invent softwares and computer programs not only for domestic use but also for sale in the global market.
Experts from the MCC and the Netherlands company will train and nurture more local computer professionals to be able to invent softwares and computer programs with Servoy system, it said.
The MCC Group company has taken the market in Asia regions to distribute softwares and promotion programs have been launched in Thailand, Myanmar and Singapore, it added.
Meanwhile, Myanmar will introduce its first largest ever national web portal in Myanmar language next January in an effort to develop its information and communication technology (ICT) industry.
With the website address of http://www.yadanarpon.net, the web portal, like other search engines of Google, Yahoo and MSN, is to provide the users with e-mail, education, entertainment, health, economic and communication services.
In addition, it will also provide search engine, e-mail, social network website, instant messaging system, songs and video stores, free advertisements, job vacancy announcements, online education system, television guide in both English and Myanmar.
In cooperation with local and foreign news media, the company’s website will also carry local and international news.
www.chinaview.cn 2009-11-09 20:48:27
YANGON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Myanmar Computer Company (MCC) and a Netherland servoy company will jointly establish an international servoy development center, claimed to be the world's first, in the country's largest ICT park in Yadanarbon cyber city in Pyin Oo Lwin, northern Mandalay division, sources with the MCC said on Monday.
Servoy is the 4th generation language rapid development tool, invented by the Netherlands company, to produce computer programs promptly and has been in use worldwide nowadays, the sources said, adding that the center, after completion, will invent softwares and computer programs not only for domestic use but also for sale in the global market.
Experts from the MCC and the Netherlands company will train and nurture more local computer professionals to be able to invent softwares and computer programs with Servoy system, it said.
The MCC Group company has taken the market in Asia regions to distribute softwares and promotion programs have been launched in Thailand, Myanmar and Singapore, it added.
Meanwhile, Myanmar will introduce its first largest ever national web portal in Myanmar language next January in an effort to develop its information and communication technology (ICT) industry.
With the website address of http://www.yadanarpon.net, the web portal, like other search engines of Google, Yahoo and MSN, is to provide the users with e-mail, education, entertainment, health, economic and communication services.
In addition, it will also provide search engine, e-mail, social network website, instant messaging system, songs and video stores, free advertisements, job vacancy announcements, online education system, television guide in both English and Myanmar.
In cooperation with local and foreign news media, the company’s website will also carry local and international news.
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Traditional medicine practitioners in Myanmar urged to take part in heath promotion plan
www.chinaview.cn 2009-11-08 22:22:27
YANGON, Nov. 9, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- Myanmar official media Monday urged traditional medicine practitioners in the country to take part in the national health promotion plan, designed to give better healthcare to the people with traditional medicine.
The New Light of Myanmar also urged in its editorial the medicine practitioners to work hard in the drive for Myanmar traditional medicine to earn good reputation at the global level as a perfect traditional medicine by reviving and improving Myanmar traditional medicine with advance methods.
Myanmar's national health policy -- "To encourage improving Myanmar traditional medicine and doing medical research at the international level and to participate in community, healthcare" is in the process of execution, the editorial said.
Myanmar people had a long life span due to potent traditional medicine compounded of herbal plants from tubers and bulbs, animal products and marine and land resources that are abundant in the nation, the editorial noted, saying that Myanmars were globally recognized as a people with high physical and mental prowess.
Myanmar traditional medicine is part of the national integrity because it is a well-established medicine reflecting Myanmar's geographical features, climate patterns, cultural heritage, customs and traditions, the editorial added.
Meanwhile, the 10th Annual Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference was held in Nay Pyi Taw last weekend, attended by First Secretary of the State Peace and Development Council General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.
The conference of its kind has been held yearly since 2000 with the objectives of improving Myanmar traditional medicine and raising the role of the medicine practitioners.
www.chinaview.cn 2009-11-08 22:22:27
YANGON, Nov. 9, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- Myanmar official media Monday urged traditional medicine practitioners in the country to take part in the national health promotion plan, designed to give better healthcare to the people with traditional medicine.
The New Light of Myanmar also urged in its editorial the medicine practitioners to work hard in the drive for Myanmar traditional medicine to earn good reputation at the global level as a perfect traditional medicine by reviving and improving Myanmar traditional medicine with advance methods.
Myanmar's national health policy -- "To encourage improving Myanmar traditional medicine and doing medical research at the international level and to participate in community, healthcare" is in the process of execution, the editorial said.
Myanmar people had a long life span due to potent traditional medicine compounded of herbal plants from tubers and bulbs, animal products and marine and land resources that are abundant in the nation, the editorial noted, saying that Myanmars were globally recognized as a people with high physical and mental prowess.
Myanmar traditional medicine is part of the national integrity because it is a well-established medicine reflecting Myanmar's geographical features, climate patterns, cultural heritage, customs and traditions, the editorial added.
Meanwhile, the 10th Annual Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference was held in Nay Pyi Taw last weekend, attended by First Secretary of the State Peace and Development Council General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.
The conference of its kind has been held yearly since 2000 with the objectives of improving Myanmar traditional medicine and raising the role of the medicine practitioners.
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Myanmar top leader to visit Sri Lanka
www.chinaview.cn 2009-11-09 10:36:53
YANGON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar top leader Senior-General Than Shwe will pay an official visit to Sri Lanka soon, an official announcement from Nay Pyi Taw said on Monday, without giving the specific date of his visit.
According to the Sri Lankan sources earlier, Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, will pay the visit near this weekend and the trip will last for three days.
Than Shwe's Colombo visit is a reciprocal one to Nay Pyi Taw by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in June this year. Both visits mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
During his June Myanmar visit, Rajapaksa met with Than Shwe and had talks with Prime Minister General Thein Sein on promotion of cooperation in the two countries' bilateral ties, religious affairs, trade, economy, education, agriculture, forestry, hotels and tourism and transport as well as regional cooperation and mutual cooperation in international arena.
On that occasion, Myanmar and Sri Lanka signed an agreement on mutual exemption of visas for diplomatic passport and service passport holders of the two countries and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in tourism.
The Sri Lankan president also visited Yangon and inaugurated the Mitta Village in cyclone-hit Kungyangon Township, built with the help of Sri Lanka.
Myanmar and Sri Lanka, which established diplomatic relations on June 7, 1949, have enjoyed cultural and religious ties since the 11th century.
Both Myanmar and Sri Lanka are members of the sub-regional grouping of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) which also comprises Bangladesh, India and Thailand.
www.chinaview.cn 2009-11-09 10:36:53
YANGON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar top leader Senior-General Than Shwe will pay an official visit to Sri Lanka soon, an official announcement from Nay Pyi Taw said on Monday, without giving the specific date of his visit.
According to the Sri Lankan sources earlier, Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, will pay the visit near this weekend and the trip will last for three days.
Than Shwe's Colombo visit is a reciprocal one to Nay Pyi Taw by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in June this year. Both visits mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
During his June Myanmar visit, Rajapaksa met with Than Shwe and had talks with Prime Minister General Thein Sein on promotion of cooperation in the two countries' bilateral ties, religious affairs, trade, economy, education, agriculture, forestry, hotels and tourism and transport as well as regional cooperation and mutual cooperation in international arena.
On that occasion, Myanmar and Sri Lanka signed an agreement on mutual exemption of visas for diplomatic passport and service passport holders of the two countries and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in tourism.
The Sri Lankan president also visited Yangon and inaugurated the Mitta Village in cyclone-hit Kungyangon Township, built with the help of Sri Lanka.
Myanmar and Sri Lanka, which established diplomatic relations on June 7, 1949, have enjoyed cultural and religious ties since the 11th century.
Both Myanmar and Sri Lanka are members of the sub-regional grouping of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) which also comprises Bangladesh, India and Thailand.
*******************************************************************
11-08-2009 15:49
The Korea Times - Opinion: US, Myanmar Moving to Thaw Ties
By David I. Steinberg, YaleGlobal
WASHINGTON ― With the trip this week by the first senior US executive branch official to Burma in about fifteen years, Washington has taken an important step. The policy gap between the US and Burma/Myanmar governments is acute, as it has hurt the interest of both sides. It has resulted in intensified Chinese penetration in Burma, affecting regional security and Sino-Indian relations. It solidified both Burmese fear and suspicion of US actions and objectives, and disdain and vituperation toward the country by both the US administration and Congress The current trip might help to explore whether the policy gap might be narrowed, and if so, how and when.
The trip this week by Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs and Scot Marciel, Ambassador to ASEAN, is in a sense a reconnaissance mission on narrowing the gap of hostility of two decades since the imposition of martial law in 1988. It follows the trip there of Senator Jim Webb (d. Virginia) in August. Both visits are products of serious and extensive US reviews of policy toward Burma/Myanmar. Both trips are welcome.
The United States isolated the Burmese junta: first, by refusing dialogue unless there was "regime change" by turning power over to the civilian opposition, whose most influential and noted participant is Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi; and secondly, by invoking a series of sanctions effectively limiting US private and public economic activities, official Burmese travel to the US, financial transactions, and other relations.
Even ASEAN, which admitted Myanmar to membership in 1997 over vociferous US objections, and whose hallmark is non-interference into the internal affairs of any member, has grown increasingly frustrated by the embarrassing actions of its most notorious member, and has sought the relaxation of the taut restrictive internal measures imposed on the population. Both efforts have failed to achieve even modest alleviation of the Burmese political, economic, and social problems.
During the 2008 US presidential campaign, Barack Obama called for dialogue with states negatively viewed by the US, and following his inauguration, the government began an extensive review of its policy toward Burma/Myanmar. For the first time in many years there was public dialogue and debate on Burma policy issues within Washington. But Burma was a "boutique issue," as one democrat phrased it, and thus only a limited amount of political capital could be expended on altering policy by any administration, even one with a mandate for change. Feelers, however, were exchanged. Nuanced signals were sent by both the Burmese and the US that bridging the gap should be explored.
In March 2008, the Burmese foreign minister met with a mid-level US State Department official, an unprecedented modification of diplomatic protocol, and the US, through the Secretary of State, indicated that it was considering signing the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation that since 1997 the US had largely refused to consider because of Burma's presence. It later did sign in July 2009.
The trial of Aung San Suu Kyi in the summer of 2009 for supposedly violating the rules of her house arrest by harboring the strange American John Yettaw who swam to her compound, slowed progress, and the guilty verdict caused international outrage. Senior General Than Shwe's decision to halve her sentence was clearly designed to mitigate foreign criticism and to keep her under wraps through the elections scheduled for sometime in 2010.
Senator Jim Webb, chair of the Asian Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, traveled to Myanmar in August. He sought and achieved the release of the inscrutable John Yettaw; more importantly, he met both with General Than Shwe, head of state, and Aung San Suu Kyi, a feat which UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was not able to accomplish.
Toward the end of September 2009, Secretary Campbell met in New York with U Thaung, the Burmese Minister of Science and Technology and former ambassador to the US, and soon thereafter issued the administration's results of the policy study. It called for continued sanctions while at the same time fostering dialogue. Proponents of a new policy were disappointed that sanctions were not unilaterally lifted, while others wanted sanctions hardened. Two factors dictated policy. First, internal US political realities prevented too sudden a policy shift because Burma is a "boutique issue," meaning that other, more important foreign and domestic crises require expenditure of greater administration political capital. Second, a major swing in US policies must be prompted by some significant amelioration of harsh junta rule in Burma. The US president can justify a policy shift, but only in response to significant Burmese reforms. The Burmese have been so informed by many unofficial foreign visitors for years.
Secretary Campbell said that negotiations would be a gradual and slow process - the goals of US policy remain constant; the tactics have changed. The policy requires the support of significant bipartisan support in the Congress. The Burmese also need publicly to justify changes autonomously and not as a result of US pressures.
The Burmese administration may say that the 2010 elections and the inauguration of the new constitution will institutionalize reforms, even as it entrusts the military with effective control over critical national issues. It will, as General Than Shwe said, bring about "discipline-flourishing democracy." Democracy, he said, is like a newly dug well; it doesn't quickly yield clear water. The military feel they will be the democracy filter. Whether this will internally or externally satisfy those advocating reform are open questions.
Much will depend on the administration of the elections. Their international credibility is contingent on whether the National League for Democracy (NLD) is invited or allowed to run, whether campaigning is deemed open (involving easing of the censorship laws), and on the extent of regulations on party registration. There is little doubt that opposition parties will run and win seats, but the fairness of the process will be closely watched. What credibility the elections would have if the NLD were allowed to participate but refused, is a major issue; they might refuse if Aung San Suu Kyi continues to remain under house arrest. Many on the outside will look to the release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, whom some will call to run, though that is highly doubtful.
What the US delegation to Naypyidaw will be able to accomplish is likely to be very limited. Observers should not look for a product; they should instead analyze the process, and then monitor those changes over time. But if changes occur, the US must be prepared to respond clearly, quickly, and forthrightly, also in stages, through modifications of its policies. The vested interests in the status quo in the US will complain, but in the interests of the Burmese people and the region, the gap should be closed. These two trips could significantly contribute to this possibility.
David I. Steinberg is Distinguished Professor of Asian Studies, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. His latest book is Burma/Myanmar: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford University Press). You can also see this article at http://www.yaleglobal.yale.edu.
The Korea Times - Opinion: US, Myanmar Moving to Thaw Ties
By David I. Steinberg, YaleGlobal
WASHINGTON ― With the trip this week by the first senior US executive branch official to Burma in about fifteen years, Washington has taken an important step. The policy gap between the US and Burma/Myanmar governments is acute, as it has hurt the interest of both sides. It has resulted in intensified Chinese penetration in Burma, affecting regional security and Sino-Indian relations. It solidified both Burmese fear and suspicion of US actions and objectives, and disdain and vituperation toward the country by both the US administration and Congress The current trip might help to explore whether the policy gap might be narrowed, and if so, how and when.
The trip this week by Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs and Scot Marciel, Ambassador to ASEAN, is in a sense a reconnaissance mission on narrowing the gap of hostility of two decades since the imposition of martial law in 1988. It follows the trip there of Senator Jim Webb (d. Virginia) in August. Both visits are products of serious and extensive US reviews of policy toward Burma/Myanmar. Both trips are welcome.
The United States isolated the Burmese junta: first, by refusing dialogue unless there was "regime change" by turning power over to the civilian opposition, whose most influential and noted participant is Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi; and secondly, by invoking a series of sanctions effectively limiting US private and public economic activities, official Burmese travel to the US, financial transactions, and other relations.
Even ASEAN, which admitted Myanmar to membership in 1997 over vociferous US objections, and whose hallmark is non-interference into the internal affairs of any member, has grown increasingly frustrated by the embarrassing actions of its most notorious member, and has sought the relaxation of the taut restrictive internal measures imposed on the population. Both efforts have failed to achieve even modest alleviation of the Burmese political, economic, and social problems.
During the 2008 US presidential campaign, Barack Obama called for dialogue with states negatively viewed by the US, and following his inauguration, the government began an extensive review of its policy toward Burma/Myanmar. For the first time in many years there was public dialogue and debate on Burma policy issues within Washington. But Burma was a "boutique issue," as one democrat phrased it, and thus only a limited amount of political capital could be expended on altering policy by any administration, even one with a mandate for change. Feelers, however, were exchanged. Nuanced signals were sent by both the Burmese and the US that bridging the gap should be explored.
In March 2008, the Burmese foreign minister met with a mid-level US State Department official, an unprecedented modification of diplomatic protocol, and the US, through the Secretary of State, indicated that it was considering signing the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation that since 1997 the US had largely refused to consider because of Burma's presence. It later did sign in July 2009.
The trial of Aung San Suu Kyi in the summer of 2009 for supposedly violating the rules of her house arrest by harboring the strange American John Yettaw who swam to her compound, slowed progress, and the guilty verdict caused international outrage. Senior General Than Shwe's decision to halve her sentence was clearly designed to mitigate foreign criticism and to keep her under wraps through the elections scheduled for sometime in 2010.
Senator Jim Webb, chair of the Asian Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, traveled to Myanmar in August. He sought and achieved the release of the inscrutable John Yettaw; more importantly, he met both with General Than Shwe, head of state, and Aung San Suu Kyi, a feat which UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was not able to accomplish.
Toward the end of September 2009, Secretary Campbell met in New York with U Thaung, the Burmese Minister of Science and Technology and former ambassador to the US, and soon thereafter issued the administration's results of the policy study. It called for continued sanctions while at the same time fostering dialogue. Proponents of a new policy were disappointed that sanctions were not unilaterally lifted, while others wanted sanctions hardened. Two factors dictated policy. First, internal US political realities prevented too sudden a policy shift because Burma is a "boutique issue," meaning that other, more important foreign and domestic crises require expenditure of greater administration political capital. Second, a major swing in US policies must be prompted by some significant amelioration of harsh junta rule in Burma. The US president can justify a policy shift, but only in response to significant Burmese reforms. The Burmese have been so informed by many unofficial foreign visitors for years.
Secretary Campbell said that negotiations would be a gradual and slow process - the goals of US policy remain constant; the tactics have changed. The policy requires the support of significant bipartisan support in the Congress. The Burmese also need publicly to justify changes autonomously and not as a result of US pressures.
The Burmese administration may say that the 2010 elections and the inauguration of the new constitution will institutionalize reforms, even as it entrusts the military with effective control over critical national issues. It will, as General Than Shwe said, bring about "discipline-flourishing democracy." Democracy, he said, is like a newly dug well; it doesn't quickly yield clear water. The military feel they will be the democracy filter. Whether this will internally or externally satisfy those advocating reform are open questions.
Much will depend on the administration of the elections. Their international credibility is contingent on whether the National League for Democracy (NLD) is invited or allowed to run, whether campaigning is deemed open (involving easing of the censorship laws), and on the extent of regulations on party registration. There is little doubt that opposition parties will run and win seats, but the fairness of the process will be closely watched. What credibility the elections would have if the NLD were allowed to participate but refused, is a major issue; they might refuse if Aung San Suu Kyi continues to remain under house arrest. Many on the outside will look to the release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, whom some will call to run, though that is highly doubtful.
What the US delegation to Naypyidaw will be able to accomplish is likely to be very limited. Observers should not look for a product; they should instead analyze the process, and then monitor those changes over time. But if changes occur, the US must be prepared to respond clearly, quickly, and forthrightly, also in stages, through modifications of its policies. The vested interests in the status quo in the US will complain, but in the interests of the Burmese people and the region, the gap should be closed. These two trips could significantly contribute to this possibility.
David I. Steinberg is Distinguished Professor of Asian Studies, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. His latest book is Burma/Myanmar: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford University Press). You can also see this article at http://www.yaleglobal.yale.edu.
*******************************************************************
11/07/2009 11:01
INDIA - MYANMAR
AsiaNews.it - Burmese Dissident: little hope from United States - Myanmar summit
by Tint Swe
Tint Swe, a member of the government in exile, denies that the recent visit of two U.S. diplomats can about bring change. The Constitution will not be amended, Aung San Suu Kyi will remain excluded from the elections and the military dictatorship will only seek to reinforce its power. A common international policy towards the hmanca regime.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) - In the past few days Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese opposition leader, met with Kurt Campbell, deputy U.S. Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, and his deputy Scot Marciel, U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN. For the first time the Nobel Peace Prize was escorted from the house where she is held under arrest and journalists received permission from the military dictatorship to take some photos.
On the U.S. diplomats visit - who also met with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein, but not the chief general Than Swe – we publish below the reflections of Tint Swe, a member of the Council of Ministers of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) formed by refugees from Myanmar in the wake of the 1990 elections won by the National League for Democracy and never acknowledged by the junta. Having fled to India in 1990, since 21 December 1991, he has been living in New Delhi. A member of the NCGUB from the outset he holds the post of information officer for South Asia and East Timor
Expectations are always expectations. These days everybody is talking about Aung San Suu Kyi and America-Burma relationship with high and low hopes. Some of them are favorably optimistic thinking that America will bring about miracle in Burma.
But it should remember the days when Aung San Suu Kyi was treated as a VIP by allowing her to inspect the development projects and shown on the state-run newspapers and television. Because it has been over a decade and as nothing positive comes out, it turned out to be propaganda exploit for international consumption. Don’t forget that the senior general is trained as psychological warfare expert.
The American diplomats who personally had two-hour dialogue session with Aung San Suu Kyi seem to be realistic as they do not expect much. The Americans spoke correctly that 2010 election must be inclusive and credible. They said America wanted not superficial but the real progress. It was said that the elections could be an opportunity. The opportunity which Ban Ki-moon termed during his visit to Burma May 2008 was not utilized by the junta. For the junta opportunity means how to exploit for staying in power.
The debate on whether pressure or engagement is the right approach to deal with the junta has been widely talked about. Each side defends and advocates on its own. So far American new approach seems rational. In the eyes of Burmese people the countries of engagement side are craving only for own interest without honest desire for democratic change in Burma.
Only sanctions and outside as well as domestic pressure brought about regime change in South Africa, Philippines and Nepal. Use of sanctions as an effective tool is definitely wise.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Scot Marciel Marciel who is also the US ambassador to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) said the new administration is not lifting sanctions. Accordingly the junta supreme leader Than Shwe did not give audience to them.
As the election is basic element in a democracy and the promise of holding an election can woo many countries. "The elections may not be free and fair, but we need to be there anyway," the Rangoon-based diplomats said. NLD will not contest that election as it is. Those who are talking critical of an election are seen odd. But many tried to ignore the fate of election of 1990 and how freely and fairly elected parties and representatives have to suffer. All truthful ethnic parties are forced to dissolve. All intolerant elected members are detained, jailed, killed and forced to run away from country.
Now including the US, many countries are telling the election of 2010 to be credible and inclusive.
Remember Aung San Suu Kyi’s application as a candidate was rejected in 1990 election. The regime knows that by being kept her under house arrest the National League for Democracy (NLD) has won landslide. This time they won’t let it happens again. So Aung San Suu Kyi won’t be allowed to participate in the election and the voting will not be conducted free and fair.
The Burmese people are not contented with the expectation of many foreign nations which aim to undergo a gradual transition of power to a civilian government. Hoping for the emergence of splinter groups or factions within the military is the most unlikely expectation.
It is also likely that following the US example the EU will soon open up its own dialogue with the junta. But it is long way to go for lifting of different sanctions from the US, the EU, Canada and Australia including accessibility to international financial institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank.
Anyhow the US-Burma dialogue will continue. EU may follow. But in the ASEAN, Thailand and Cambodia are having a diplomatic crisis. China and India maintain wait and see practice.
This time, the generals did not speak out much because the sole dictator was absent and wanted to learn from American tone. Burmese ambassadors around the world will shut their mouth as a former foreign minister Win Aung died in prison a day after American diplomats left Burma.
The TV report on the latest development on US-Burma relation tried to blame at Aung San Suu Kyi who denied meeting of her deputies as the Vice Chair U Tin Oo was excluded. The regime wanted to tell that they were flexible she was unyielding. They again come to know that Aung San Suu Kyi is not an easy challenger.
The NLD and ethnic parties which won the 1990 election are calling for review of the constitution of 2008. According to that constitution, the election will mean just voting for collaborators who will have no chance for debate. There will be no ruling or opposition partied in the parliament. All elected Parliamentarians have to work under the Commander in Chief. It will be something like the in-cage wrestling match.”
INDIA - MYANMAR
AsiaNews.it - Burmese Dissident: little hope from United States - Myanmar summit
by Tint Swe
Tint Swe, a member of the government in exile, denies that the recent visit of two U.S. diplomats can about bring change. The Constitution will not be amended, Aung San Suu Kyi will remain excluded from the elections and the military dictatorship will only seek to reinforce its power. A common international policy towards the hmanca regime.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) - In the past few days Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese opposition leader, met with Kurt Campbell, deputy U.S. Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, and his deputy Scot Marciel, U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN. For the first time the Nobel Peace Prize was escorted from the house where she is held under arrest and journalists received permission from the military dictatorship to take some photos.
On the U.S. diplomats visit - who also met with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein, but not the chief general Than Swe – we publish below the reflections of Tint Swe, a member of the Council of Ministers of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) formed by refugees from Myanmar in the wake of the 1990 elections won by the National League for Democracy and never acknowledged by the junta. Having fled to India in 1990, since 21 December 1991, he has been living in New Delhi. A member of the NCGUB from the outset he holds the post of information officer for South Asia and East Timor
Expectations are always expectations. These days everybody is talking about Aung San Suu Kyi and America-Burma relationship with high and low hopes. Some of them are favorably optimistic thinking that America will bring about miracle in Burma.
But it should remember the days when Aung San Suu Kyi was treated as a VIP by allowing her to inspect the development projects and shown on the state-run newspapers and television. Because it has been over a decade and as nothing positive comes out, it turned out to be propaganda exploit for international consumption. Don’t forget that the senior general is trained as psychological warfare expert.
The American diplomats who personally had two-hour dialogue session with Aung San Suu Kyi seem to be realistic as they do not expect much. The Americans spoke correctly that 2010 election must be inclusive and credible. They said America wanted not superficial but the real progress. It was said that the elections could be an opportunity. The opportunity which Ban Ki-moon termed during his visit to Burma May 2008 was not utilized by the junta. For the junta opportunity means how to exploit for staying in power.
The debate on whether pressure or engagement is the right approach to deal with the junta has been widely talked about. Each side defends and advocates on its own. So far American new approach seems rational. In the eyes of Burmese people the countries of engagement side are craving only for own interest without honest desire for democratic change in Burma.
Only sanctions and outside as well as domestic pressure brought about regime change in South Africa, Philippines and Nepal. Use of sanctions as an effective tool is definitely wise.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Scot Marciel Marciel who is also the US ambassador to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) said the new administration is not lifting sanctions. Accordingly the junta supreme leader Than Shwe did not give audience to them.
As the election is basic element in a democracy and the promise of holding an election can woo many countries. "The elections may not be free and fair, but we need to be there anyway," the Rangoon-based diplomats said. NLD will not contest that election as it is. Those who are talking critical of an election are seen odd. But many tried to ignore the fate of election of 1990 and how freely and fairly elected parties and representatives have to suffer. All truthful ethnic parties are forced to dissolve. All intolerant elected members are detained, jailed, killed and forced to run away from country.
Now including the US, many countries are telling the election of 2010 to be credible and inclusive.
Remember Aung San Suu Kyi’s application as a candidate was rejected in 1990 election. The regime knows that by being kept her under house arrest the National League for Democracy (NLD) has won landslide. This time they won’t let it happens again. So Aung San Suu Kyi won’t be allowed to participate in the election and the voting will not be conducted free and fair.
The Burmese people are not contented with the expectation of many foreign nations which aim to undergo a gradual transition of power to a civilian government. Hoping for the emergence of splinter groups or factions within the military is the most unlikely expectation.
It is also likely that following the US example the EU will soon open up its own dialogue with the junta. But it is long way to go for lifting of different sanctions from the US, the EU, Canada and Australia including accessibility to international financial institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank.
Anyhow the US-Burma dialogue will continue. EU may follow. But in the ASEAN, Thailand and Cambodia are having a diplomatic crisis. China and India maintain wait and see practice.
This time, the generals did not speak out much because the sole dictator was absent and wanted to learn from American tone. Burmese ambassadors around the world will shut their mouth as a former foreign minister Win Aung died in prison a day after American diplomats left Burma.
The TV report on the latest development on US-Burma relation tried to blame at Aung San Suu Kyi who denied meeting of her deputies as the Vice Chair U Tin Oo was excluded. The regime wanted to tell that they were flexible she was unyielding. They again come to know that Aung San Suu Kyi is not an easy challenger.
The NLD and ethnic parties which won the 1990 election are calling for review of the constitution of 2008. According to that constitution, the election will mean just voting for collaborators who will have no chance for debate. There will be no ruling or opposition partied in the parliament. All elected Parliamentarians have to work under the Commander in Chief. It will be something like the in-cage wrestling match.”
*******************************************************************
eTaiwan News - Myanmar-born American faces new charge
Associated Press
2009-11-07 02:11 PM
A Myanmar-born American initially jailed for allegedly plotting unrest but charged with fraud now faces a new offense that could bring his total prison sentence to 17 years, his lawyer said Saturday.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin was charged Friday during his trial inside Myanmar's notorious Insein Prison with violating the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, which carries a three-year prison sentence, lawyer Nyan Win said.
Lawyers were not told why the new charge was added or given details of how their client allegedly violated the act, which bars Myanmar nationals from holding foreign currency without a license. It also limits the amount of money that can be brought in and out of the country.
"It is not clear yet why he was charged under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act," Nyan Win said.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin was arrested on arrival at Yangon airport on Sept. 3. He was accused of plotting to incite unrest in the military-ruled country but was then charged Oct. 14 with forgery for allegedly making a national identity card. He was also charged with fraud. Each charge carries a prison term of seven years.
The trial is scheduled to resume Friday, Nyan Win said.
Myanmar authorities accused Kyaw Zaw Lwin of entering Myanmar to stir up protests by Buddhist monks, who led pro-democracy demonstrations in 2007 that were brutally suppressed by the junta. Authorities said he confessed to plotting with dissident groups outside the country, and accused him of links to several activists inside Myanmar who planned to set off bombs.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin denied allegations that he was plotting to incite unrest.
His mother is serving a five-year prison term for political activities and his sister was sentenced to 65 years in prison for her role in the 2007 pro-democracy protests, activist groups and family members said.
Associated Press
2009-11-07 02:11 PM
A Myanmar-born American initially jailed for allegedly plotting unrest but charged with fraud now faces a new offense that could bring his total prison sentence to 17 years, his lawyer said Saturday.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin was charged Friday during his trial inside Myanmar's notorious Insein Prison with violating the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, which carries a three-year prison sentence, lawyer Nyan Win said.
Lawyers were not told why the new charge was added or given details of how their client allegedly violated the act, which bars Myanmar nationals from holding foreign currency without a license. It also limits the amount of money that can be brought in and out of the country.
"It is not clear yet why he was charged under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act," Nyan Win said.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin was arrested on arrival at Yangon airport on Sept. 3. He was accused of plotting to incite unrest in the military-ruled country but was then charged Oct. 14 with forgery for allegedly making a national identity card. He was also charged with fraud. Each charge carries a prison term of seven years.
The trial is scheduled to resume Friday, Nyan Win said.
Myanmar authorities accused Kyaw Zaw Lwin of entering Myanmar to stir up protests by Buddhist monks, who led pro-democracy demonstrations in 2007 that were brutally suppressed by the junta. Authorities said he confessed to plotting with dissident groups outside the country, and accused him of links to several activists inside Myanmar who planned to set off bombs.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin denied allegations that he was plotting to incite unrest.
His mother is serving a five-year prison term for political activities and his sister was sentenced to 65 years in prison for her role in the 2007 pro-democracy protests, activist groups and family members said.
*******************************************************************
Bangkok Post - EDITORIAL: Election is the key to reconciliation in Burma
Published: 8/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
After many years of what seemed an intractable situation in Burma, the events of recent weeks have given some reason for hope, thanks mostly to the United State's new policy of engagement with the isolated regime.
Yesterday it was reported that US President Barack Obama ''expects'' the leaders of all Asean nations _including Burma _ to attend the Asean-US Enhanced Partnership meeting next Sunday, Nov 15, a meeting Mr Obama is also expected to attend. Speculation is rampant that there will be a face-to-face meeting between the US president and senior Burmese general(s), something that would have seemed the stuff of fiction not long ago.
This comes on the heels of a visit to Burma by two high-level US officials last week _ US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot Marciel.
In what was called an ''exploratory mission'', the two met with Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein in the capital of Naypyidaw, and also leader of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi, who was allowed a brief respite from house arrest.
It is also hopeful that the US officials were able to meet with representatives of ethnic minority groups in Rangoon.
No one expects an easy or clear resolution to the troubles in Burma, they have fermented too long. One of the trickiest issues will be to determine how past grievances and human rights abuses can be addressed to everyone's satisfaction. But that is far down the road and can be dealt with if and when the reconciliation ever comes to such a point.
More immediately there is the issue of the general election scheduled for some time in 2010. A semblance of transparency is an absolute necessity in order for most of the rest of the world to seriously pursue normalisation of relations with Burma.
In this regard there are some important parallels between Burma and Iran, a country which during the US presidential elections Barack Obama said he would conduct talks with. After winning the election he did begin a policy of engagement with Iran. It seems clear that this was the correct policy, as his predecessor George Bush's policy of hostile non-engagement had done nothing to dissuade Iran from giving up its nuclear programme and caused unnecessary global tensions. The new policy did help to create a better atmosphere _ a military conflict began to look less likely and a negotiated agreement on Iran's nuclear programme was also looking more hopeful.
Rapprochement between the US and Iran was dealt a hard blow with the highly disputed election in June this year, however, with the widespread charges of electoral fraud in incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory. It became even more difficult when very harsh measures were used to break up the large protests in support of opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi, although Mr Obama has said he is still willing to engage in negotiations.
So again, the election in Burma is the key to the country's future and its emergence from isolation. As things stand now the junta has given little assurance that the election process will be transparent, or that it will allow the participation of the NLD.
''I think an election without Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD, it would be very hard to see that as credible,'' said Mr Marciel on Thursday during a meeting with diplomats, academics and journalists at Chulalongkorn University.
He also said that the representatives from ethnic groups the officials met with ''expressed their concerns about [the] elections and how the government will treat them militarily''.
Clearly it is up to the leaders of the US and other concerned countries to use whatever leverage and powers of persuasion at their disposal to influence the election. An obvious possibility would be a promise to overturn sanctions in return for reasonably free and fair elections. The removal of sanctions by the US Congress is a long shot, but it has become more plausible after reports that Ms Suu Kyi has concluded they are adversely affecting the lives of ordinary Burmese.
Unfortunately, the possibility of free and fair elections still seems more of a long shot.
Published: 8/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
After many years of what seemed an intractable situation in Burma, the events of recent weeks have given some reason for hope, thanks mostly to the United State's new policy of engagement with the isolated regime.
Yesterday it was reported that US President Barack Obama ''expects'' the leaders of all Asean nations _including Burma _ to attend the Asean-US Enhanced Partnership meeting next Sunday, Nov 15, a meeting Mr Obama is also expected to attend. Speculation is rampant that there will be a face-to-face meeting between the US president and senior Burmese general(s), something that would have seemed the stuff of fiction not long ago.
This comes on the heels of a visit to Burma by two high-level US officials last week _ US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot Marciel.
In what was called an ''exploratory mission'', the two met with Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein in the capital of Naypyidaw, and also leader of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi, who was allowed a brief respite from house arrest.
It is also hopeful that the US officials were able to meet with representatives of ethnic minority groups in Rangoon.
No one expects an easy or clear resolution to the troubles in Burma, they have fermented too long. One of the trickiest issues will be to determine how past grievances and human rights abuses can be addressed to everyone's satisfaction. But that is far down the road and can be dealt with if and when the reconciliation ever comes to such a point.
More immediately there is the issue of the general election scheduled for some time in 2010. A semblance of transparency is an absolute necessity in order for most of the rest of the world to seriously pursue normalisation of relations with Burma.
In this regard there are some important parallels between Burma and Iran, a country which during the US presidential elections Barack Obama said he would conduct talks with. After winning the election he did begin a policy of engagement with Iran. It seems clear that this was the correct policy, as his predecessor George Bush's policy of hostile non-engagement had done nothing to dissuade Iran from giving up its nuclear programme and caused unnecessary global tensions. The new policy did help to create a better atmosphere _ a military conflict began to look less likely and a negotiated agreement on Iran's nuclear programme was also looking more hopeful.
Rapprochement between the US and Iran was dealt a hard blow with the highly disputed election in June this year, however, with the widespread charges of electoral fraud in incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory. It became even more difficult when very harsh measures were used to break up the large protests in support of opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi, although Mr Obama has said he is still willing to engage in negotiations.
So again, the election in Burma is the key to the country's future and its emergence from isolation. As things stand now the junta has given little assurance that the election process will be transparent, or that it will allow the participation of the NLD.
''I think an election without Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD, it would be very hard to see that as credible,'' said Mr Marciel on Thursday during a meeting with diplomats, academics and journalists at Chulalongkorn University.
He also said that the representatives from ethnic groups the officials met with ''expressed their concerns about [the] elections and how the government will treat them militarily''.
Clearly it is up to the leaders of the US and other concerned countries to use whatever leverage and powers of persuasion at their disposal to influence the election. An obvious possibility would be a promise to overturn sanctions in return for reasonably free and fair elections. The removal of sanctions by the US Congress is a long shot, but it has become more plausible after reports that Ms Suu Kyi has concluded they are adversely affecting the lives of ordinary Burmese.
Unfortunately, the possibility of free and fair elections still seems more of a long shot.
*******************************************************************
Land confiscation begins with pipeline project
by Mizzima News
Monday, 09 November 2009 21:06
New Delhi (Mizzima) - Local residents in Kyuakphyu Township of Arakan State in Western Burma have alleged that authorities have not paid compensation, despite assurances, for the 150 acres of farmland that have been seized in May.
A local resident of Malakyun village in Kyuakphyu Township told Mizzima that their farm lands were seized by authorities on the pretext of setting up Gas Turbines. They were promised handsome compensation for their land.
“They [authorities] made us sign an agreement paper. The paper mentioned details of the compensation that we would receive but so far there is no sign of any compensation,” a local villager of Malakyun told Mizzima.
According to the resident of Kyaukphyu town, authorities have begun laying the foundation for a gas turbine in the farmlands, where local villagers have been using them for coconut plantation.
“For some villagers, the land means everything, as they have no other land to cultivate,” said the local, adding that so far there are no signs of any compensation.
While the villagers and local townsfolk might see the confiscation of the land as another normal practice of Burma’s ruling military junta, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) on November 3 announced that it has begun work on constructing dual gas and petroleum pipelines in the area.
According to the Thailand-based Arakan Oil Watch, an activists group monitoring the junta’s gas exploration and oil drilling in Arakan state, the CNPC is to construct a gas terminal and an oil terminal in Kyuakphyu Township.
The proposed dual pipeline will be connected to the terminals. While the gas pipeline will transport gas from the Shwe Gas field, located in offshore gas fields in Arakan state, the oil pipeline will transport oil brought from Middle East and African countries to China’s Southwestern Yunnan province.
“Many people are desperate about their land being confiscated but some are hoping that the gas turbines could provide us some electricity once completed,” a government employee told Mizzima.
However, the Shwe Gas Campaign group, another activists group monitoring the gas exploration and sales, said CNPC has obtained the sole right to purchase the gas produced from the Shwe Gas Fields, belying the hopes of villagers.
Stakes in the Shwe Gas fields is held by Korea’s Daewoo, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and India’s Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
Currently, Kyaukphyu Township receives electricity only from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. for six consecutive days. On the seventh day there is no supply.
Campaigners said the gas terminals and pipeline constructions are not going to help the villagers, as the Burmese government had agreed to sell the gas to China for 30 years that will provide up to US $ 30 billion to the ruling junta.
Won Aung, a member of the Arakan Oil Watch, said, “This project is not going to benefit the locals as it will not even create proper employment. Despite various abuses, other companies such as garment factories can provide employment but this gas pipeline project will not provide any such opportunity.”
He added that the proposed pipeline, which is estimated to be about 900 kilometers within Burma, will further create severe human rights violations along its route.
“There will be more land confiscations, forced labour, and many other severe human rights violations as the junta clears the path for the pipeline,” Won Aung said.
Envisaging such terrible rights violations, Won Aung’s group along with several other environmental organizations including the Shwe Gas Movement last month submitted an appeal to Chinese President Hu Jintao to halt the project.
by Mizzima News
Monday, 09 November 2009 21:06
New Delhi (Mizzima) - Local residents in Kyuakphyu Township of Arakan State in Western Burma have alleged that authorities have not paid compensation, despite assurances, for the 150 acres of farmland that have been seized in May.
A local resident of Malakyun village in Kyuakphyu Township told Mizzima that their farm lands were seized by authorities on the pretext of setting up Gas Turbines. They were promised handsome compensation for their land.
“They [authorities] made us sign an agreement paper. The paper mentioned details of the compensation that we would receive but so far there is no sign of any compensation,” a local villager of Malakyun told Mizzima.
According to the resident of Kyaukphyu town, authorities have begun laying the foundation for a gas turbine in the farmlands, where local villagers have been using them for coconut plantation.
“For some villagers, the land means everything, as they have no other land to cultivate,” said the local, adding that so far there are no signs of any compensation.
While the villagers and local townsfolk might see the confiscation of the land as another normal practice of Burma’s ruling military junta, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) on November 3 announced that it has begun work on constructing dual gas and petroleum pipelines in the area.
According to the Thailand-based Arakan Oil Watch, an activists group monitoring the junta’s gas exploration and oil drilling in Arakan state, the CNPC is to construct a gas terminal and an oil terminal in Kyuakphyu Township.
The proposed dual pipeline will be connected to the terminals. While the gas pipeline will transport gas from the Shwe Gas field, located in offshore gas fields in Arakan state, the oil pipeline will transport oil brought from Middle East and African countries to China’s Southwestern Yunnan province.
“Many people are desperate about their land being confiscated but some are hoping that the gas turbines could provide us some electricity once completed,” a government employee told Mizzima.
However, the Shwe Gas Campaign group, another activists group monitoring the gas exploration and sales, said CNPC has obtained the sole right to purchase the gas produced from the Shwe Gas Fields, belying the hopes of villagers.
Stakes in the Shwe Gas fields is held by Korea’s Daewoo, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and India’s Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
Currently, Kyaukphyu Township receives electricity only from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. for six consecutive days. On the seventh day there is no supply.
Campaigners said the gas terminals and pipeline constructions are not going to help the villagers, as the Burmese government had agreed to sell the gas to China for 30 years that will provide up to US $ 30 billion to the ruling junta.
Won Aung, a member of the Arakan Oil Watch, said, “This project is not going to benefit the locals as it will not even create proper employment. Despite various abuses, other companies such as garment factories can provide employment but this gas pipeline project will not provide any such opportunity.”
He added that the proposed pipeline, which is estimated to be about 900 kilometers within Burma, will further create severe human rights violations along its route.
“There will be more land confiscations, forced labour, and many other severe human rights violations as the junta clears the path for the pipeline,” Won Aung said.
Envisaging such terrible rights violations, Won Aung’s group along with several other environmental organizations including the Shwe Gas Movement last month submitted an appeal to Chinese President Hu Jintao to halt the project.
Reporting Khaing Suu, Writing and editing Mungpi
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The Irrawaddy - Jail Unites Ex-MIS Officers and their Victims
By WAI MOE - Monday, November 9, 2009
Former Burmese military intelligence officials jailed after the fall of their boss, Gen Khin Nyunt, in October 2004 are reportedly nurturing contacts, and even making friends, with political prisoners.
The imprisoned former military intelligence officials include men responsible for arresting and prosecuting dissidents, When two top military intelligence officers, Brig-Gen
Thein Swe and Col Khin Aung, were admitted to Myingyun Prison, dissident prisoners debated how they should behave towards the representatives of the repressive regime.
“When the MIS [Military Intelligence Service] officers were put into the separated cell block where political prisoners are detained, we discussed whether we should not talk with them by sanctioning them or whether we should be friendly to them by helping each other in prison,” said a former political prisoner at Myingyun Prison.
“Finally, political prisoners decided to be friendly toward the MIS officers,” he said. “We are human, so we cannot take revenge against them when they are in trouble.”
Thein Swe, who was the head of the MIS international relations department, was also known for permitting the publication of the semi-official Myanmar Times weekly.
After the MIS was abolished in 2004, he was arrested along with several brigadier colleagues: Myint Aung Zaw, Hla Aung, Kyaw Han, Than Tun, Myint Zaw and Kyaw Thein. Khin Aung was a deputy with the MIS administration department.
Thein Swe and Khin Aung were among 38 Burmese military intelligence officers sentenced in April 2005 to terms of imprisonment ranging from 20 years to more than 100 years on charges including bribery and corruption.
Like political prisoners, many intelligence officers were sent to serve their sentences in remote prisons scattered far from Rangoon. Thein Shwe and Khin Aung were sent to Myingyun Prison in middle Burma, notorious for ill-treating political dissidents.
Two Aung San Suu Kyi aides—Win Htain and Khin Maung Swe—and Karen rebel leader Mann Yin Sein were jailed in Myingyun Prison.
According to family members of political prisoners held at Myingyun, two intelligence officers are now learning about meditation methods from student activists who were victims of the MIS. In exchange, the former MIS men are teaching English to the imprisoned activists.
“I thought this is quite a human story when I heard from my son about their relationship with former intelligence officers,” said a member of the family of a political prisoner in Myingyun Prison. “Those who put my son in prison were cruel. But now they are my son’s friends.”
The former spy chief Khin Nyunt is now serving a 44-year suspended sentence under house arrest.
One of his former aides, ex-Foreign Minister Win Aung, died last week in prison, where he was serving a seven-year sentence. No government officials attended his funeral on Sunday.
By WAI MOE - Monday, November 9, 2009
Former Burmese military intelligence officials jailed after the fall of their boss, Gen Khin Nyunt, in October 2004 are reportedly nurturing contacts, and even making friends, with political prisoners.
The imprisoned former military intelligence officials include men responsible for arresting and prosecuting dissidents, When two top military intelligence officers, Brig-Gen
Thein Swe and Col Khin Aung, were admitted to Myingyun Prison, dissident prisoners debated how they should behave towards the representatives of the repressive regime.
“When the MIS [Military Intelligence Service] officers were put into the separated cell block where political prisoners are detained, we discussed whether we should not talk with them by sanctioning them or whether we should be friendly to them by helping each other in prison,” said a former political prisoner at Myingyun Prison.
“Finally, political prisoners decided to be friendly toward the MIS officers,” he said. “We are human, so we cannot take revenge against them when they are in trouble.”
Thein Swe, who was the head of the MIS international relations department, was also known for permitting the publication of the semi-official Myanmar Times weekly.
After the MIS was abolished in 2004, he was arrested along with several brigadier colleagues: Myint Aung Zaw, Hla Aung, Kyaw Han, Than Tun, Myint Zaw and Kyaw Thein. Khin Aung was a deputy with the MIS administration department.
Thein Swe and Khin Aung were among 38 Burmese military intelligence officers sentenced in April 2005 to terms of imprisonment ranging from 20 years to more than 100 years on charges including bribery and corruption.
Like political prisoners, many intelligence officers were sent to serve their sentences in remote prisons scattered far from Rangoon. Thein Shwe and Khin Aung were sent to Myingyun Prison in middle Burma, notorious for ill-treating political dissidents.
Two Aung San Suu Kyi aides—Win Htain and Khin Maung Swe—and Karen rebel leader Mann Yin Sein were jailed in Myingyun Prison.
According to family members of political prisoners held at Myingyun, two intelligence officers are now learning about meditation methods from student activists who were victims of the MIS. In exchange, the former MIS men are teaching English to the imprisoned activists.
“I thought this is quite a human story when I heard from my son about their relationship with former intelligence officers,” said a member of the family of a political prisoner in Myingyun Prison. “Those who put my son in prison were cruel. But now they are my son’s friends.”
The former spy chief Khin Nyunt is now serving a 44-year suspended sentence under house arrest.
One of his former aides, ex-Foreign Minister Win Aung, died last week in prison, where he was serving a seven-year sentence. No government officials attended his funeral on Sunday.
*******************************************************************
The Irrawaddy - Karen Military Leader Captured by Junta Troops
By LAWI WENG - Monday, November 9, 2009
The leader of the Karen Peace Front (KPF) was detained on Monday by the Burmese military in Three Pagodas Pass on the Thai-Burmese border, according to local sources.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Monday, a former member of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) in Three Pagodas Pass said that Burmese government forces Light Infantry Battalion 283, which is based in Three Pagodas Pass, arrested Lt-Col Lay Wah at his headquarters.
“His men threatened to shoot the Burmese troops when they arrived at the KPF base, but they came in three cars full of weapons. Lay Wah had to surrender,” he said.
It is first time Burmese junta troops have arrested the leader of the KPF, which signed a cease-fire agreement with the military government in 1997.
However, Lay Wah recently expressed his disagreement with the Burmese authorities’ plan to transform his troops into border guard forces in Three Pagodas Pass. The KPF has about 100 armed soldiers.
The junta’s southeast command ordered that Col Saw Wah Chai replace Lay Wah but the Lt-Col refused, according to a source close to the NMSP. The southeast command in Moulmein then ordered his arrest.
KPF troops have since been on alert at their base, sources say. Local people in Three Pagodas Pass are worried that matters will escalate into a clash between the armed forces if the Burmese troops don’t release Lay Wah by Monday night.
Lay Wah was captured by the Karen National Union (KNU) in July. Burmese military leaders allegedly suspect Lay Wah is aligned with the KNU since he was released.
In recent months, there have been several bomb explosions in Three Pagodas Pass, but no group has claimed responsibility for the blasts. Among the cease-fire groups in the area are the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, the KPF and the NMSP.
The KPF, led by Col Thuh Muh Heh, split from the KNU in 1997. The group controls some administrative areas in Three Pagodas Pass and operates a number of road and river checkpoints in the area.
By LAWI WENG - Monday, November 9, 2009
The leader of the Karen Peace Front (KPF) was detained on Monday by the Burmese military in Three Pagodas Pass on the Thai-Burmese border, according to local sources.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Monday, a former member of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) in Three Pagodas Pass said that Burmese government forces Light Infantry Battalion 283, which is based in Three Pagodas Pass, arrested Lt-Col Lay Wah at his headquarters.
“His men threatened to shoot the Burmese troops when they arrived at the KPF base, but they came in three cars full of weapons. Lay Wah had to surrender,” he said.
It is first time Burmese junta troops have arrested the leader of the KPF, which signed a cease-fire agreement with the military government in 1997.
However, Lay Wah recently expressed his disagreement with the Burmese authorities’ plan to transform his troops into border guard forces in Three Pagodas Pass. The KPF has about 100 armed soldiers.
The junta’s southeast command ordered that Col Saw Wah Chai replace Lay Wah but the Lt-Col refused, according to a source close to the NMSP. The southeast command in Moulmein then ordered his arrest.
KPF troops have since been on alert at their base, sources say. Local people in Three Pagodas Pass are worried that matters will escalate into a clash between the armed forces if the Burmese troops don’t release Lay Wah by Monday night.
Lay Wah was captured by the Karen National Union (KNU) in July. Burmese military leaders allegedly suspect Lay Wah is aligned with the KNU since he was released.
In recent months, there have been several bomb explosions in Three Pagodas Pass, but no group has claimed responsibility for the blasts. Among the cease-fire groups in the area are the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, the KPF and the NMSP.
The KPF, led by Col Thuh Muh Heh, split from the KNU in 1997. The group controls some administrative areas in Three Pagodas Pass and operates a number of road and river checkpoints in the area.
*******************************************************************
Man dies during police interrogation
Nov 9, 2009 (DVB)–A man accused of stealing a vacuum flask has died after being beaten by police during interrogation in central Burma, according to locals.
Police in Bago division’s Latpadan township have reportedly barred local residents from seeing the body of 40-year-old Win Maung, who died on Saturday.
“He was already dying when he came home after being carried by people who worked at the police custody,” an eye-witness said. “He died the next hour.”
He had been detained overnight in nearby Hmaw Inn village, and was unconscious by the time he was sent home on Saturday morning.
A policeman at Latpadan police station confirmed Win Maung’s death and said that a team of officials had been sent to Yaynaut village, where he lived, to investigate the incident.
Police brutality in Burma is common, particularly during the interrogation stages of an arrest. The Burmese government has long been criticized for providing impunity to law-enforcement officials.
Last month 11 political activists, including one monk, were reportedly tortured by police during an interrogation over their role in the September 2007 monk-led uprising.
The lawyer of the monk, U Sandimar, said that the judge neglected to address complaints of torture when he passed the guilty verdict on the activists.
The Asia Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said last month that torture, often thought to be reserved for political prisoners, was being used on “ordinary criminals” in Burma.
A report released by the commission said that it had documented cases of torture being used on a range of people, from the elderly to teenage girls.
According to AHRC, Burma’s 2008 constitution does not prohibit the use of torture. Furthermore, the country has never been a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which provides for consideration of torture as a crime against humanity.
Reporting by Min Lwin
Nov 9, 2009 (DVB)–A man accused of stealing a vacuum flask has died after being beaten by police during interrogation in central Burma, according to locals.
Police in Bago division’s Latpadan township have reportedly barred local residents from seeing the body of 40-year-old Win Maung, who died on Saturday.
“He was already dying when he came home after being carried by people who worked at the police custody,” an eye-witness said. “He died the next hour.”
He had been detained overnight in nearby Hmaw Inn village, and was unconscious by the time he was sent home on Saturday morning.
A policeman at Latpadan police station confirmed Win Maung’s death and said that a team of officials had been sent to Yaynaut village, where he lived, to investigate the incident.
Police brutality in Burma is common, particularly during the interrogation stages of an arrest. The Burmese government has long been criticized for providing impunity to law-enforcement officials.
Last month 11 political activists, including one monk, were reportedly tortured by police during an interrogation over their role in the September 2007 monk-led uprising.
The lawyer of the monk, U Sandimar, said that the judge neglected to address complaints of torture when he passed the guilty verdict on the activists.
The Asia Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said last month that torture, often thought to be reserved for political prisoners, was being used on “ordinary criminals” in Burma.
A report released by the commission said that it had documented cases of torture being used on a range of people, from the elderly to teenage girls.
According to AHRC, Burma’s 2008 constitution does not prohibit the use of torture. Furthermore, the country has never been a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which provides for consideration of torture as a crime against humanity.
Reporting by Min Lwin
*******************************************************************
Is ASEAN guilty of ‘selective interference’?
Francis Wade
Nov 9, 2009 (DVB)–With the ASEAN chief last week wading into the Thailand-Cambodia diplomatic spat, it would appear that the bloc’s policy of non-interference has been swapped for ‘selective interference’.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have plummeted in the past week, with both countries on Thursday recalling their respective ambassadors. At the centre of the dispute is the fugitive former Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been given a new home within the administrative walls of Phnom Penh as economic advisor to the Cambodian government.
It is by all accounts a cheeky blow to Thai-Cambodian relations, which have steadily soured since border clashes over disputed territory broke out last year. The timing is also ugly, with US president Barrack Obama due to arrive in Singapore later this week for his first meeting with heads of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Desperate to clean up before the summit, the ASEAN secretary general, Surin Pitsuwan, on Saturday publicly urged regional foreign ministers to “assist [Thailand and Cambodia] to settle their bilateral dispute amicably and as soon as possible”.
Observers familiar with the workings of ASEAN will have raised an eyebrow at the comment. The 10-member bloc, which was formed in the late 1960’s, has come under heavy scrutiny for doing exactly the opposite: remaining silent in the face of internal unrest. Its policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member countries has led critics to label it ‘toothless’, an accusation which stems largely from its reluctance to intervene in Burma’s domestic quagmire. Indeed the only time that Thailand, which holds the current ASEAN chair, has ‘interfered’ in Burma was in May when Pitsuwan feared the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi was “affecting ASEAN’s image”.
It didn’t matter that the trial was just the apex of a wider situation that has plagued Burma for decades, and for which regional efforts to address have been alarmingly absent.
Back in May, there was no request from Pitsuwan for regional leaders to pressure the junta; it was merely a repeat of the soft rhetorical condemnation that has acquired ASEAN the nickname of the ‘talking shop’ - big on words, small on action.
On the flipside, the Thai-Cambodia spat is something that could considerably unsettle the Thai government, which is still cleaning up from the nose dive its reputation took during and after Thaksin’s reign. Pitsuwan, as a former Thai foreign minister and the man who headed ASEAN during the embarrassing cancelation of its Pattaya summit in April, will have the interests of the Thai government close to heart. Further public disquiet within the bloc will be most unwelcome during Obama’s appearance.
It may also be this self-interest issue that provides for interference when it is deemed necessary, by Thailand. Burma, as the source of the vast majority of Thailand’s energy, holds some leverage on Thai domestic affairs, and as long as this remains intact, so will ASEAN’s non-interference policy to Burma. Cambodia on the other hand will be viewed by Bangkok as a growing nemesis that has raised a middle finger at the current Abhisit administration, which has said it would arrest Thaksin if he stepped on Thai soil.
But, whatever is going on between Thailand and Cambodia is a bilateral dispute, not a regional one. If that warrants action from ASEAN, then so did the influx of 5,000 Burmese refugees into Thailand in June; so must the killing last year on Thai soil of the Karen National Union leader by a junta-backed militia, who make frequent, sometimes deadly, cross-border incursions into northern Thailand. ASEAN risks a public airing of its hypocrisy if it fails to set a concrete standard for its regional policy, particularly this week when it is set to share the podium with Obama’s new dawn of global diplomacy.
Francis Wade
Nov 9, 2009 (DVB)–With the ASEAN chief last week wading into the Thailand-Cambodia diplomatic spat, it would appear that the bloc’s policy of non-interference has been swapped for ‘selective interference’.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have plummeted in the past week, with both countries on Thursday recalling their respective ambassadors. At the centre of the dispute is the fugitive former Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been given a new home within the administrative walls of Phnom Penh as economic advisor to the Cambodian government.
It is by all accounts a cheeky blow to Thai-Cambodian relations, which have steadily soured since border clashes over disputed territory broke out last year. The timing is also ugly, with US president Barrack Obama due to arrive in Singapore later this week for his first meeting with heads of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Desperate to clean up before the summit, the ASEAN secretary general, Surin Pitsuwan, on Saturday publicly urged regional foreign ministers to “assist [Thailand and Cambodia] to settle their bilateral dispute amicably and as soon as possible”.
Observers familiar with the workings of ASEAN will have raised an eyebrow at the comment. The 10-member bloc, which was formed in the late 1960’s, has come under heavy scrutiny for doing exactly the opposite: remaining silent in the face of internal unrest. Its policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member countries has led critics to label it ‘toothless’, an accusation which stems largely from its reluctance to intervene in Burma’s domestic quagmire. Indeed the only time that Thailand, which holds the current ASEAN chair, has ‘interfered’ in Burma was in May when Pitsuwan feared the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi was “affecting ASEAN’s image”.
It didn’t matter that the trial was just the apex of a wider situation that has plagued Burma for decades, and for which regional efforts to address have been alarmingly absent.
Back in May, there was no request from Pitsuwan for regional leaders to pressure the junta; it was merely a repeat of the soft rhetorical condemnation that has acquired ASEAN the nickname of the ‘talking shop’ - big on words, small on action.
On the flipside, the Thai-Cambodia spat is something that could considerably unsettle the Thai government, which is still cleaning up from the nose dive its reputation took during and after Thaksin’s reign. Pitsuwan, as a former Thai foreign minister and the man who headed ASEAN during the embarrassing cancelation of its Pattaya summit in April, will have the interests of the Thai government close to heart. Further public disquiet within the bloc will be most unwelcome during Obama’s appearance.
It may also be this self-interest issue that provides for interference when it is deemed necessary, by Thailand. Burma, as the source of the vast majority of Thailand’s energy, holds some leverage on Thai domestic affairs, and as long as this remains intact, so will ASEAN’s non-interference policy to Burma. Cambodia on the other hand will be viewed by Bangkok as a growing nemesis that has raised a middle finger at the current Abhisit administration, which has said it would arrest Thaksin if he stepped on Thai soil.
But, whatever is going on between Thailand and Cambodia is a bilateral dispute, not a regional one. If that warrants action from ASEAN, then so did the influx of 5,000 Burmese refugees into Thailand in June; so must the killing last year on Thai soil of the Karen National Union leader by a junta-backed militia, who make frequent, sometimes deadly, cross-border incursions into northern Thailand. ASEAN risks a public airing of its hypocrisy if it fails to set a concrete standard for its regional policy, particularly this week when it is set to share the podium with Obama’s new dawn of global diplomacy.
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