U.N. chief told Myanmar supremo of worries about vote
By Louis Charbonneau – 16 mins ago
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday he sent a letter to Myanmar's junta chief to voice concern about the credibility of this year's nationwide election, the country's first in 20 years.
Ban said he wrote to Senior General Than Shwe 10 days ago "expressing my concern about this lack of progress" on democratic reforms and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that this year's vote is "most credible, inclusive and transparent."
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has long been the focus of global pressure for detaining pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Human rights groups say there are more than 2,000 political prisoners in Myanmar, but the military junta says those held are common criminals.
Myanmar's rulers have also been accused of persecuting the country's ethnic minorities, sparking a continuing exodus. Some 140,000 refugees live in camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, according to a U.N. refugee agency.
Ban urged the junta to empty the country's jails of political dissidents so they can take part in a nationwide election planned for this year.
"All the political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, (should be) released as soon as possible, so that all of them can participate," he told reporters in New York. "That will make the election an inclusive and credible one."
DOUBTS ABOUT ELECTION
The election, a date for which has yet to be revealed, has been widely derided as an attempt by the junta to make the country appear democratic, with the military pulling the strings behind a civilian-fronted government.
The secretary-general was asked about official Myanmar news reports that the southeast Asia country had finally adopted a long-awaited election law. Ban said only that he "took note" of the announcement and was seeking details.
"Without participation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all key political prisoners this election will not be an inclusive one," Ban said.
Myanmar's Supreme Court last month rejected an appeal by pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi against her house arrest, a ruling that U.N. officials said privately only cast further doubt on the legitimacy of the planned election.
Suu Kyi, detained for 15 of the past 21 years, was sentenced to a further 18 months of house arrest in August 2009 for allowing an uninvited American to stay in her lakeside home after he swam over to see her.
Ban said at the time that he was "disappointed" that the appeal of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate had been rejected.
Suu Kyi won the country's last election in 1990, but the junta leaders ignored the results.
Last week a group of Nobel Peace Prize winners and rights campaigners said they were urging the U.N. chief to push for Myanmar's leaders to be referred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for crimes against humanity.
Ban cannot make such a referral himself. That would have to be done by the U.N. Security Council, a body that diplomats say has been unable to take a strong stance on Myanmar because China, a veto-wielding permanent member, is determined to avoid damaging its lucrative commercial ties with its neighbor.
By Louis Charbonneau – 16 mins ago
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday he sent a letter to Myanmar's junta chief to voice concern about the credibility of this year's nationwide election, the country's first in 20 years.
Ban said he wrote to Senior General Than Shwe 10 days ago "expressing my concern about this lack of progress" on democratic reforms and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that this year's vote is "most credible, inclusive and transparent."
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has long been the focus of global pressure for detaining pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Human rights groups say there are more than 2,000 political prisoners in Myanmar, but the military junta says those held are common criminals.
Myanmar's rulers have also been accused of persecuting the country's ethnic minorities, sparking a continuing exodus. Some 140,000 refugees live in camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, according to a U.N. refugee agency.
Ban urged the junta to empty the country's jails of political dissidents so they can take part in a nationwide election planned for this year.
"All the political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, (should be) released as soon as possible, so that all of them can participate," he told reporters in New York. "That will make the election an inclusive and credible one."
DOUBTS ABOUT ELECTION
The election, a date for which has yet to be revealed, has been widely derided as an attempt by the junta to make the country appear democratic, with the military pulling the strings behind a civilian-fronted government.
The secretary-general was asked about official Myanmar news reports that the southeast Asia country had finally adopted a long-awaited election law. Ban said only that he "took note" of the announcement and was seeking details.
"Without participation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all key political prisoners this election will not be an inclusive one," Ban said.
Myanmar's Supreme Court last month rejected an appeal by pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi against her house arrest, a ruling that U.N. officials said privately only cast further doubt on the legitimacy of the planned election.
Suu Kyi, detained for 15 of the past 21 years, was sentenced to a further 18 months of house arrest in August 2009 for allowing an uninvited American to stay in her lakeside home after he swam over to see her.
Ban said at the time that he was "disappointed" that the appeal of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate had been rejected.
Suu Kyi won the country's last election in 1990, but the junta leaders ignored the results.
Last week a group of Nobel Peace Prize winners and rights campaigners said they were urging the U.N. chief to push for Myanmar's leaders to be referred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for crimes against humanity.
Ban cannot make such a referral himself. That would have to be done by the U.N. Security Council, a body that diplomats say has been unable to take a strong stance on Myanmar because China, a veto-wielding permanent member, is determined to avoid damaging its lucrative commercial ties with its neighbor.
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Myanmar junta unveils election laws but no date
by Hla Hla Htay – 1 hr 11 mins ago
YANGON (AFP) – Myanmar's military government on Monday unveiled long-awaited laws for elections later this year but gave no immediate date for the country's first polls in two decades, state media said.
Junta supremo Than Shwe promised the elections in 2008 as part of his so-called "roadmap to democracy" but critics say the vote will be a sham if pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest.
"The laws were enacted by the State Peace and Development Council and the details of the laws will be published in tomorrow's newspaper and also will be published as a book," state television and radio said, referring to the junta by its formal title.
It was unclear if a date for the election would be included in the five new laws. Analysts have predicted the polls will take place in October or November. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) said the junta had not given parties enough time to prepare for the elections, but it would reserve its decision on whether to take part until after it had seen the laws.
The NLD won Myanmar's last national polls by a landslide in 1990 but the military regime refused to let it take office. Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyi has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since then.
"It cannot be fair by announcing the laws at this time for an election to be held in 2010. There is not enough time, the parties are not ready, they cannot lobby or campaign," NLD spokesman Nyan Win told reporters.
He said senior party members hoped to meet Suu Kyi later this week.
The five laws enacted were the political parties registration law and four separate laws for the national election commission, the election commissions of the two houses of parliament and all regional parliaments.
They are expected to contain rules on the length and type of campaigning and on which candidates are eligible to stand.
The elections are being held under a new constitution agreed in a May 2008 referendum just days after a devastating cyclone that killed up to 138,000 people in Myanmar.
The constitution effectively bars Suu Kyi from standing even if she were released from her house arrest, which was extended by 18 months in August due to an incident in which an American man swam to her lakeside home.
It also reserves around a quarter of all parliamentary seats for serving members of the military.
The UN rights envoy to Myanmar said after visiting in February that the polls would be neither fair nor free if Suu Kyi and another 2,100 political prisoners were kept in detention.
But analysts said the elections could still be a catalyst for partial change.
"I see the elections themselves as being totally rigged and closed," Sean Turnell, a Myanmar expert at Macquarie University in Australia, told AFP.
"But we are in an interesting period in the lead-up because there is a lot more uncertainty than anyone really expected. There do seem to be some people (in the regime) jockeying around," he added.
Analysts have suggested the elections could herald at least a formal change in the hierarchy at the top of the junta, even if real power remains in the hands of 76-year-old Than Shwe and his allies.
The government has increased contacts with Suu Kyi since September. Media reports quoted Home Affairs Minister Maung Oo as saying in January that the democracy leader's release would come in November, though there has been no official confirmation.
In recent months the United States, followed by the European Union, has shifted towards a policy of greater engagement with Myanmar, as sanctions have failed to bear fruit.
by Hla Hla Htay – 1 hr 11 mins ago
YANGON (AFP) – Myanmar's military government on Monday unveiled long-awaited laws for elections later this year but gave no immediate date for the country's first polls in two decades, state media said.
Junta supremo Than Shwe promised the elections in 2008 as part of his so-called "roadmap to democracy" but critics say the vote will be a sham if pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest.
"The laws were enacted by the State Peace and Development Council and the details of the laws will be published in tomorrow's newspaper and also will be published as a book," state television and radio said, referring to the junta by its formal title.
It was unclear if a date for the election would be included in the five new laws. Analysts have predicted the polls will take place in October or November. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) said the junta had not given parties enough time to prepare for the elections, but it would reserve its decision on whether to take part until after it had seen the laws.
The NLD won Myanmar's last national polls by a landslide in 1990 but the military regime refused to let it take office. Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyi has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since then.
"It cannot be fair by announcing the laws at this time for an election to be held in 2010. There is not enough time, the parties are not ready, they cannot lobby or campaign," NLD spokesman Nyan Win told reporters.
He said senior party members hoped to meet Suu Kyi later this week.
The five laws enacted were the political parties registration law and four separate laws for the national election commission, the election commissions of the two houses of parliament and all regional parliaments.
They are expected to contain rules on the length and type of campaigning and on which candidates are eligible to stand.
The elections are being held under a new constitution agreed in a May 2008 referendum just days after a devastating cyclone that killed up to 138,000 people in Myanmar.
The constitution effectively bars Suu Kyi from standing even if she were released from her house arrest, which was extended by 18 months in August due to an incident in which an American man swam to her lakeside home.
It also reserves around a quarter of all parliamentary seats for serving members of the military.
The UN rights envoy to Myanmar said after visiting in February that the polls would be neither fair nor free if Suu Kyi and another 2,100 political prisoners were kept in detention.
But analysts said the elections could still be a catalyst for partial change.
"I see the elections themselves as being totally rigged and closed," Sean Turnell, a Myanmar expert at Macquarie University in Australia, told AFP.
"But we are in an interesting period in the lead-up because there is a lot more uncertainty than anyone really expected. There do seem to be some people (in the regime) jockeying around," he added.
Analysts have suggested the elections could herald at least a formal change in the hierarchy at the top of the junta, even if real power remains in the hands of 76-year-old Than Shwe and his allies.
The government has increased contacts with Suu Kyi since September. Media reports quoted Home Affairs Minister Maung Oo as saying in January that the democracy leader's release would come in November, though there has been no official confirmation.
In recent months the United States, followed by the European Union, has shifted towards a policy of greater engagement with Myanmar, as sanctions have failed to bear fruit.
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Norwegian tanker hijacked off Madagascar: EU
Sat Mar 6, 8:29 am ET
BRUSSELS (AFP) – The EU's anti-piracy naval mission confirmed Saturday the hijacking of a Norwegian-owned chemical tanker off east Africa and said the 21 crew were all from Myanmar.
Norwegian shipowner Broevigtank announced the hijacking of the tanker UBT Ocean off Madagascar on Friday and said the vessel appeared to have been turned around to head north towards Somalia, where pirates have hideouts.
"UBT Ocean has a crew of 21 and they are all from Myanmar/Burma," the EU NAVFOR mission said in a statement confirming the hijacking.
"EU NAVFOR is monitoring the situation," it said.
The Marshall Island-flagged chemical tanker had been travelling from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates to the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam.
It had taken a route well south of the zone where pirates operate, Broevigtank director Svenn Pedersen said Friday.
The Singapore-based operator of the hijacked tanker said Saturday it was trying to make contact with the ship but had received no word since it was boarded by pirates.
"We are doing everything we can to establish contact and our sole concern right now is the safety of our crew," said a spokesman for Singaporean operator, Nautictank Pte Ltd.
"We have no contact whatsoever with the vessel, or the master, or the pirates," spokesman Edward Ion said.
Somalia's marauding sea bandits hijacked 68 ships in 2009 and raked in an estimated 60 million dollars (44 million euros) in ransom money.
Sat Mar 6, 8:29 am ET
BRUSSELS (AFP) – The EU's anti-piracy naval mission confirmed Saturday the hijacking of a Norwegian-owned chemical tanker off east Africa and said the 21 crew were all from Myanmar.
Norwegian shipowner Broevigtank announced the hijacking of the tanker UBT Ocean off Madagascar on Friday and said the vessel appeared to have been turned around to head north towards Somalia, where pirates have hideouts.
"UBT Ocean has a crew of 21 and they are all from Myanmar/Burma," the EU NAVFOR mission said in a statement confirming the hijacking.
"EU NAVFOR is monitoring the situation," it said.
The Marshall Island-flagged chemical tanker had been travelling from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates to the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam.
It had taken a route well south of the zone where pirates operate, Broevigtank director Svenn Pedersen said Friday.
The Singapore-based operator of the hijacked tanker said Saturday it was trying to make contact with the ship but had received no word since it was boarded by pirates.
"We are doing everything we can to establish contact and our sole concern right now is the safety of our crew," said a spokesman for Singaporean operator, Nautictank Pte Ltd.
"We have no contact whatsoever with the vessel, or the master, or the pirates," spokesman Edward Ion said.
Somalia's marauding sea bandits hijacked 68 ships in 2009 and raked in an estimated 60 million dollars (44 million euros) in ransom money.
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Cameroon footballer sentenced to 9 years in prison for currency forgery in Myanmar
On Monday March 8, 2010, 11:16 am EST
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) -- A Cameroon football player who sought refuge at the French Embassy in Myanmar's main city has been sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of forging U.S. currency, a newspaper said Monday.
A court in Yangon also sentenced another Cameroon man to seven years last Thursday, also on charges of counterfeiting U.S. dollar notes, the privately owned Weekly News Journal said. The journal did not give the names of the two African men.
The two men had come to Myanmar to play with local football clubs. After failing to secure contracts, they lived in a downtown hotel where they were allegedly counterfeiting U.S. currency, the report said. They were arrested after the hotel manager informed local authorities.
One of the men fled to the French Embassy in Yangon on Feb. 23 when he was being taken to court by police. He surrendered to authorities after a brief stay at the embassy.
On Monday March 8, 2010, 11:16 am EST
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) -- A Cameroon football player who sought refuge at the French Embassy in Myanmar's main city has been sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of forging U.S. currency, a newspaper said Monday.
A court in Yangon also sentenced another Cameroon man to seven years last Thursday, also on charges of counterfeiting U.S. dollar notes, the privately owned Weekly News Journal said. The journal did not give the names of the two African men.
The two men had come to Myanmar to play with local football clubs. After failing to secure contracts, they lived in a downtown hotel where they were allegedly counterfeiting U.S. currency, the report said. They were arrested after the hotel manager informed local authorities.
One of the men fled to the French Embassy in Yangon on Feb. 23 when he was being taken to court by police. He surrendered to authorities after a brief stay at the embassy.
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8 Myanmar police killed on drug patrol
AP - Sunday, March 7
YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar troops confiscated grenades and other weapons from a border hide-out used by suspected drug traffickers after an earlier shootout killed 13 policemen and members of their patrol, state media reported Saturday.
The gunbattle took place Feb. 20 near the northeastern town of Tachileik, which borders Thailand, but was only reported Saturday by Myanmar's tightly controlled media.
An anti-drug police squad was patrolling the Mekong River near Tachileik when a skirmish erupted with drug traffickers who killed eight policemen, two locally trained militia who were on the patrol and three drivers of the police motorboats, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported.
The report gave no additional details of the clash and did not mention if any alleged traffickers were killed.
Myanmar troops searched for the smugglers for several days and, acting on a tip, raided what appeared to be their camp Feb. 25 on an island in the Mekong River near Tachileik, the newspaper said.
Troops found 15 tents on the island and seized 878 grenades, M-79 grenade launchers and 1,500 rounds of ammunition for M-16 rifles, the newspaper said. They also seized 365 blocks of caffeine and 38 packets of caffeine powder _ a common ingredient in methamphetamine tablets.
Thailand and Myanmar have intensified crackdowns on cross-border drug smuggling, with numerous busts in recent months near Tachileik that have led to seizures of large quantities of methamphetamines.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, produced an estimated 410 tons of opium in 2008, enough to make around 40 tons of heroin, according to United Nations figures. The country is the world's second-largest producer of both opium and heroin after Afghanistan.
AP - Sunday, March 7
YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar troops confiscated grenades and other weapons from a border hide-out used by suspected drug traffickers after an earlier shootout killed 13 policemen and members of their patrol, state media reported Saturday.
The gunbattle took place Feb. 20 near the northeastern town of Tachileik, which borders Thailand, but was only reported Saturday by Myanmar's tightly controlled media.
An anti-drug police squad was patrolling the Mekong River near Tachileik when a skirmish erupted with drug traffickers who killed eight policemen, two locally trained militia who were on the patrol and three drivers of the police motorboats, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported.
The report gave no additional details of the clash and did not mention if any alleged traffickers were killed.
Myanmar troops searched for the smugglers for several days and, acting on a tip, raided what appeared to be their camp Feb. 25 on an island in the Mekong River near Tachileik, the newspaper said.
Troops found 15 tents on the island and seized 878 grenades, M-79 grenade launchers and 1,500 rounds of ammunition for M-16 rifles, the newspaper said. They also seized 365 blocks of caffeine and 38 packets of caffeine powder _ a common ingredient in methamphetamine tablets.
Thailand and Myanmar have intensified crackdowns on cross-border drug smuggling, with numerous busts in recent months near Tachileik that have led to seizures of large quantities of methamphetamines.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, produced an estimated 410 tons of opium in 2008, enough to make around 40 tons of heroin, according to United Nations figures. The country is the world's second-largest producer of both opium and heroin after Afghanistan.
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Mar 8, 2010
The Straits Times - Myanmar selling state assets
YANGON (Myanmar)- MYANMAR'S military government has quietly begun the largest sell-off of state assets in the country's history, including more than 100 government buildings, port facilities and a large stake in the national airline, diplomats and businessmen here say.
The sell-off, analysts say, appears to be part of a political transition as the government introduces elections for the first time in 20 years and a new constitution under which the military seems likely to perpetuate its rule, though more from behind the scenes.
Diplomats and businessmen say that the sales may allow ruling generals to build up cash for election campaigns to the new parliament, where they will hold 25 percent of seats, or to pay for salary increases for civil servants and other populist measures. Many of the assets are being sold to businessmen allied with the military, reinforcing the strength of a class of oligarchs and military cronies.
But the privatisations could also have the effect of injecting some competition into what is an almost Soviet-style economic system, and some analysts here say they may herald a shift in direction. Reformers in the government, they say, may be hoping to follow a path similar to that of China or Vietnam, where the economies have been liberalised but the ruling party has remained firmly in charge and has tolerated little dissent.
Myanmar's military junta nationalised most industries when it took power in a 1962 coup and has controlled the lion's share of the economy since. For years, Myanmar shunned the path of its thriving neighbors. Most major industries, like the telecommunications business, power plants, fuel distribution and health care, remained in the hands of the state.
But today the sell-off of assets is so sweeping that some analysts compare it to the massive privatisations in Russia after the Communist era. 'There's something of a grab going on,' said one diplomat who declined to be identified because he wanted to avoid publicly criticising the junta. 'There's a sense that it may not be done for the right reasons, but it could have a beneficial effect.'
The assets being sold include the country's fuel import and distribution network, gem and tin mines, farmland and factories, according to businessmen who have seen announcements of the sales.
The Straits Times - Myanmar selling state assets
YANGON (Myanmar)- MYANMAR'S military government has quietly begun the largest sell-off of state assets in the country's history, including more than 100 government buildings, port facilities and a large stake in the national airline, diplomats and businessmen here say.
The sell-off, analysts say, appears to be part of a political transition as the government introduces elections for the first time in 20 years and a new constitution under which the military seems likely to perpetuate its rule, though more from behind the scenes.
Diplomats and businessmen say that the sales may allow ruling generals to build up cash for election campaigns to the new parliament, where they will hold 25 percent of seats, or to pay for salary increases for civil servants and other populist measures. Many of the assets are being sold to businessmen allied with the military, reinforcing the strength of a class of oligarchs and military cronies.
But the privatisations could also have the effect of injecting some competition into what is an almost Soviet-style economic system, and some analysts here say they may herald a shift in direction. Reformers in the government, they say, may be hoping to follow a path similar to that of China or Vietnam, where the economies have been liberalised but the ruling party has remained firmly in charge and has tolerated little dissent.
Myanmar's military junta nationalised most industries when it took power in a 1962 coup and has controlled the lion's share of the economy since. For years, Myanmar shunned the path of its thriving neighbors. Most major industries, like the telecommunications business, power plants, fuel distribution and health care, remained in the hands of the state.
But today the sell-off of assets is so sweeping that some analysts compare it to the massive privatisations in Russia after the Communist era. 'There's something of a grab going on,' said one diplomat who declined to be identified because he wanted to avoid publicly criticising the junta. 'There's a sense that it may not be done for the right reasons, but it could have a beneficial effect.'
The assets being sold include the country's fuel import and distribution network, gem and tin mines, farmland and factories, according to businessmen who have seen announcements of the sales.
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The Straits Times - Singapore backs Asean on Suu Kyi's release
Sat, Mar 06, 2010
RELEASE pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and let her participate in free and fair elections.
This has been Asean's repeated message to Myanmar and one that Singapore supports, Foreign Minister George Yeo re-emphasised yesterday.
'We know there are ongoing discussions between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the generals, and hope that both sides will show flexibility and compromise,' Mr Yeo said.
Sat, Mar 06, 2010
RELEASE pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and let her participate in free and fair elections.
This has been Asean's repeated message to Myanmar and one that Singapore supports, Foreign Minister George Yeo re-emphasised yesterday.
'We know there are ongoing discussions between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the generals, and hope that both sides will show flexibility and compromise,' Mr Yeo said.
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Interconnectionworld - Bangladesh FM urges UN agency to move on Burmese refugee return
Text of report by Bangladeshi privately-owned newspaper New Age website
Originally published by New Age website, Dhaka, in English 08 Mar 10.
Text of report by diplomatic correspondent headlined "FM asks UNHCR to work for early return of Rohingyas" published by Bangladeshi newspaper New Age website on 08 March
Foreign minister Dipu Moni has urged the UN agency for refugees (UNHCR) to work more intensely inside Myanmar [Burma] to create conditions conducive to return of the refugees and people of that country living illegally in Bangladesh.
"Work more intensely inside Myanmar to create conditions so that the Myanmar refugees and its undocumented nationals, who are living here, can return to their home, " Dipu Moni told the newly appointed UNHCR representative, Steven Craig Sanders, who presented his letter of credence to the minister Sunday [7 March], according to an official release of the ministry.
She said that accelerated socio-economic development of the Rakhine state of Myanmar as well as building institutions such as schools and hospitals could help create such conditions.
She put emphasis on resuming the repatriation process of the refugees at the earliest.
The minister said that full repatriation of the refugees, now living in two camps in Nayapara and Kutupalong, and the undocumented Myanmar citizens was the only viable solution to the protracted problem. She ruled out any other option in this regard.
She mentioned that Myanmar had agreed to take back the refugees from the list cleared by them.
As many as 28,000 refugees are staying in two camps and about 2,50,000 undocumented Myanmar nationals have crossed into Bangladesh, according to foreign ministry officials.
The foreign minister said that some recent reports in a section of international media regarding undocumented Myanmar nationals living in Bangladesh had proved to be baseless and malicious. "Such unhelpful activities must be stopped in the interest of all", she added.
Steven Craig Sanders agreed with the minister's assessment of the situation, and said that it was also the objective of the UNHCR to ensure repatriation of all Myanmar refugees in Bangladesh to that country as soon as possible.
He referred to the enhanced UNHCR activities inside Myanmar for socio-economic development of the Rakhine state with a view to encouraging Myanmar refugees return to their home.
The minister welcomed the new UNHCR Representative and assured him of all cooperation of the Government of Bangladesh in the discharge of his mandated tasks in Bangladesh.
Text of report by Bangladeshi privately-owned newspaper New Age website
Originally published by New Age website, Dhaka, in English 08 Mar 10.
Text of report by diplomatic correspondent headlined "FM asks UNHCR to work for early return of Rohingyas" published by Bangladeshi newspaper New Age website on 08 March
Foreign minister Dipu Moni has urged the UN agency for refugees (UNHCR) to work more intensely inside Myanmar [Burma] to create conditions conducive to return of the refugees and people of that country living illegally in Bangladesh.
"Work more intensely inside Myanmar to create conditions so that the Myanmar refugees and its undocumented nationals, who are living here, can return to their home, " Dipu Moni told the newly appointed UNHCR representative, Steven Craig Sanders, who presented his letter of credence to the minister Sunday [7 March], according to an official release of the ministry.
She said that accelerated socio-economic development of the Rakhine state of Myanmar as well as building institutions such as schools and hospitals could help create such conditions.
She put emphasis on resuming the repatriation process of the refugees at the earliest.
The minister said that full repatriation of the refugees, now living in two camps in Nayapara and Kutupalong, and the undocumented Myanmar citizens was the only viable solution to the protracted problem. She ruled out any other option in this regard.
She mentioned that Myanmar had agreed to take back the refugees from the list cleared by them.
As many as 28,000 refugees are staying in two camps and about 2,50,000 undocumented Myanmar nationals have crossed into Bangladesh, according to foreign ministry officials.
The foreign minister said that some recent reports in a section of international media regarding undocumented Myanmar nationals living in Bangladesh had proved to be baseless and malicious. "Such unhelpful activities must be stopped in the interest of all", she added.
Steven Craig Sanders agreed with the minister's assessment of the situation, and said that it was also the objective of the UNHCR to ensure repatriation of all Myanmar refugees in Bangladesh to that country as soon as possible.
He referred to the enhanced UNHCR activities inside Myanmar for socio-economic development of the Rakhine state with a view to encouraging Myanmar refugees return to their home.
The minister welcomed the new UNHCR Representative and assured him of all cooperation of the Government of Bangladesh in the discharge of his mandated tasks in Bangladesh.
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March 08, 2010 15:21 PM
Myanmar Eyes Introducing E-Gov't System At All Ministry Offices
YANGON, March 8 (Bernama) -- Myanmar software companies are striving for introducing e-government system at all ministry offices and so far the implementation of such system has been in progress with 9 ministries out of the total 32, sources with the Myanmar Computer Association said on Monday.
These ministries are those of commerce, agriculture and irrigation, labor, home affairs, culture, transport, industry, electric power and communications, posts and telegraphs, reports Xinhua news agency.
The software used in these ministries are known as Internal Information System, Employee Bio Data Information System, Document Exchange and Management System, Industry Reporting System and Tender Reporting System, it said.
Meanwhile, in the bank sector, Myanmar has also introduced banking network system in some six banks in the country to interlink state and private banks to facilitate traders for banking transactions.
The system, being practiced with Yoma bank, Myanmar Citizens Bank, Tun Foundation Bank, Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, Myawaddy Bank and Myanmar Industrial Development Bank, is carried out by local information technology companies of MIT and Global Net.
Myanmar IT experts said the country is in a position to launch e-commerce and mobile- (m-) commerce although e-payment system has not fully come into existence.
Myanmar Eyes Introducing E-Gov't System At All Ministry Offices
YANGON, March 8 (Bernama) -- Myanmar software companies are striving for introducing e-government system at all ministry offices and so far the implementation of such system has been in progress with 9 ministries out of the total 32, sources with the Myanmar Computer Association said on Monday.
These ministries are those of commerce, agriculture and irrigation, labor, home affairs, culture, transport, industry, electric power and communications, posts and telegraphs, reports Xinhua news agency.
The software used in these ministries are known as Internal Information System, Employee Bio Data Information System, Document Exchange and Management System, Industry Reporting System and Tender Reporting System, it said.
Meanwhile, in the bank sector, Myanmar has also introduced banking network system in some six banks in the country to interlink state and private banks to facilitate traders for banking transactions.
The system, being practiced with Yoma bank, Myanmar Citizens Bank, Tun Foundation Bank, Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, Myawaddy Bank and Myanmar Industrial Development Bank, is carried out by local information technology companies of MIT and Global Net.
Myanmar IT experts said the country is in a position to launch e-commerce and mobile- (m-) commerce although e-payment system has not fully come into existence.
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Monsters and Critics.com - Myanmar hopes to host South-East Asian Games in 2013
Mar 8, 2010, 2:48 GMT
Yangon - Myanmar has put in a bid to host the South-East Asian Games (SEA Games) of 2013 at the military's new capital of Naypyitaw, media reports said Monday.
'The Sports Minister has confirmed that the government has decided to host the 2013 SEA Games,' Sai San Tun, a member of SEA Games preparation committee, told local journalists over the weekend.
'We have started discussions with other sports federations here in preparation for the games,' he said.
The SEA Games are held every two years. Laos hosted the regional event in 2009, and Indonesia is slated to host the games in 2011.
According to official sources, Myanmar's ruling junta wants the SEA Games to be held in Naypyitaw, the country's capital since late 2005. Naypyitaw is situated about 350 kilometres north of Yangon.
Myanmar, which has been under military dictatorships since 1962, was one of the founding countries of the SEA Games.
The country first hosted the regional sports event, then called the South-East Asian Peninsular Games, in 1961, and was again host in 1969. It has not hosted the event since.
Mar 8, 2010, 2:48 GMT
Yangon - Myanmar has put in a bid to host the South-East Asian Games (SEA Games) of 2013 at the military's new capital of Naypyitaw, media reports said Monday.
'The Sports Minister has confirmed that the government has decided to host the 2013 SEA Games,' Sai San Tun, a member of SEA Games preparation committee, told local journalists over the weekend.
'We have started discussions with other sports federations here in preparation for the games,' he said.
The SEA Games are held every two years. Laos hosted the regional event in 2009, and Indonesia is slated to host the games in 2011.
According to official sources, Myanmar's ruling junta wants the SEA Games to be held in Naypyitaw, the country's capital since late 2005. Naypyitaw is situated about 350 kilometres north of Yangon.
Myanmar, which has been under military dictatorships since 1962, was one of the founding countries of the SEA Games.
The country first hosted the regional sports event, then called the South-East Asian Peninsular Games, in 1961, and was again host in 1969. It has not hosted the event since.
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People's Daily Online - China, Myanmar to enhance bilateral trade and cooperation through CAFTA
08:27, March 08, 2010
China and Myanmar will enhance bilateral trade and cooperation through the mechanism of China- ASEAN free trade area (CAFTA) which took effect this year, Chinese economic counselor to Myanmar Jin Honggeng told a media party Sunday.
Jin said the establishment of the CAFTA would create good opportunities for facilitation of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to the Chinese official statistics, the bilateral trade between China and Myanmar hit 2.907 billion U.S. dollars in 2009, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year. Of the total, China's export to Myanmar hit 2.26 billion U.S. dollars and its import from Myanmar reached 646 million dollars.
At the end of 2008, China's contracted investment in Myanmar reached 1.331 billion U.S. dollars, mainly in mining, electric power and oil and gas sectors.
China now stands Myanmar's third biggest trading partner and fourth in Myanmar's foreign investment line-up. (Source:Xinhua)
08:27, March 08, 2010
China and Myanmar will enhance bilateral trade and cooperation through the mechanism of China- ASEAN free trade area (CAFTA) which took effect this year, Chinese economic counselor to Myanmar Jin Honggeng told a media party Sunday.
Jin said the establishment of the CAFTA would create good opportunities for facilitation of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to the Chinese official statistics, the bilateral trade between China and Myanmar hit 2.907 billion U.S. dollars in 2009, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year. Of the total, China's export to Myanmar hit 2.26 billion U.S. dollars and its import from Myanmar reached 646 million dollars.
At the end of 2008, China's contracted investment in Myanmar reached 1.331 billion U.S. dollars, mainly in mining, electric power and oil and gas sectors.
China now stands Myanmar's third biggest trading partner and fourth in Myanmar's foreign investment line-up. (Source:Xinhua)
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AHN | All Headline News
Bangladesh To Import 25,000 Tons Of Rice From Myanmar
March 7, 2010 8:05 p.m. EST
Siddique Islam - AHN Correspondent
Dhaka, Bangladesh (AHN) - Bangladesh is going to import 25,000 metric tons of sunned rice from Myanmar to meet the growing demand for the essential item in the local markets, officials said on Sunday.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the cabinet committee on public purchase held in the capital, Dhaka with Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair.
The government wants to ensure sufficient rice supply in the market, Food Minister Abdur Razzak told reporters after the meeting, adding that the government is also considering a proposal to soon import 5 million metric tons of rice.
Singapore-based Indo-Sino Trade Limited was awarded the contract to supply the bulk rice from Myanmar at the low bid rate of US$395 a ton.
The country's total production target of food grains during fiscal year 2009-10 (FY10) has been primarily fixed at 35.051 million metric tons. The actual production of food grains during FY 09 stood at 32.166 million metric tons.
Imports of food grains between July 2009 and January period ostood higher at 2.135 million metric tons, compared to 1.459 million metric tons in the same period the previous year, according to the central bank statistics.
However, stock of food grains including transit stock with the government stood lower at 1.051 million metric tons at the end of January compared to 1.308 million metric tons at the end of January 2009.
March 7, 2010 8:05 p.m. EST
Siddique Islam - AHN Correspondent
Dhaka, Bangladesh (AHN) - Bangladesh is going to import 25,000 metric tons of sunned rice from Myanmar to meet the growing demand for the essential item in the local markets, officials said on Sunday.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the cabinet committee on public purchase held in the capital, Dhaka with Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair.
The government wants to ensure sufficient rice supply in the market, Food Minister Abdur Razzak told reporters after the meeting, adding that the government is also considering a proposal to soon import 5 million metric tons of rice.
Singapore-based Indo-Sino Trade Limited was awarded the contract to supply the bulk rice from Myanmar at the low bid rate of US$395 a ton.
The country's total production target of food grains during fiscal year 2009-10 (FY10) has been primarily fixed at 35.051 million metric tons. The actual production of food grains during FY 09 stood at 32.166 million metric tons.
Imports of food grains between July 2009 and January period ostood higher at 2.135 million metric tons, compared to 1.459 million metric tons in the same period the previous year, according to the central bank statistics.
However, stock of food grains including transit stock with the government stood lower at 1.051 million metric tons at the end of January compared to 1.308 million metric tons at the end of January 2009.
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AHN | All Headline News
Burmese Officials Find Drug Smuggling Village After Officers Killed In Shoot-Out
March 6, 2010 7:58 p.m. EST
Siddique Islam - AHN Correspondent
Yangon, Myanmar (AHN) - Grenades and other weapons were discovered by Burmese troops in a tent village believed to have been set up by drug smugglers several days after more than a dozen policemen were killed in a gun battle.
Troops, acting on a tip, found the weapons along with 15 tents on an island in the Mekong River near Tachilek township in Shan State, according to a report Saturday in the New Light of Myanmar, a state-controlled newspaper.
The settlement was found during a patrol between Feb. 23 and 25.
At least 13 policemen were killed and two others wounded in the same area on Feb. 20 when they encountered drug traffickers and a skirmish broke out, the newspaper reported. The police were part of an anti-drug squad patrolling the river.
"Eight police force members and two militiamen were fallen and two police force members wounded. Moreover, three motorboat operators were killed," the newspaper reported without noting any sources
Police and military officials are cracking down on drug smuggling, gunrunning and human trafficking along the border where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet, the newspaper added.
The government also is cooperating with neighboring nations in dealing with such incidents and transnational crimes, according to the report.
Burmese Officials Find Drug Smuggling Village After Officers Killed In Shoot-Out
March 6, 2010 7:58 p.m. EST
Siddique Islam - AHN Correspondent
Yangon, Myanmar (AHN) - Grenades and other weapons were discovered by Burmese troops in a tent village believed to have been set up by drug smugglers several days after more than a dozen policemen were killed in a gun battle.
Troops, acting on a tip, found the weapons along with 15 tents on an island in the Mekong River near Tachilek township in Shan State, according to a report Saturday in the New Light of Myanmar, a state-controlled newspaper.
The settlement was found during a patrol between Feb. 23 and 25.
At least 13 policemen were killed and two others wounded in the same area on Feb. 20 when they encountered drug traffickers and a skirmish broke out, the newspaper reported. The police were part of an anti-drug squad patrolling the river.
"Eight police force members and two militiamen were fallen and two police force members wounded. Moreover, three motorboat operators were killed," the newspaper reported without noting any sources
Police and military officials are cracking down on drug smuggling, gunrunning and human trafficking along the border where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet, the newspaper added.
The government also is cooperating with neighboring nations in dealing with such incidents and transnational crimes, according to the report.
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GroundReport - Director of International School, Yangon be taken action by Myanmar Police Force...
by Dr. Khin Myint Oo March 07, 2010
Mr.David A. Schaffer , Director of International School, Yangon made a mistake during driving his Daewoo saloon car and his carhas got fire-break near Bahan3rd street, Bahan township, Yangon at 10:10 pm,Feb.27( Myanmar lunar month, Taboung full moon day).
This accident is due to loose battery heads and The director lost 4 tyres,wind-proof glass, and wires, cost about K.1200,000($ 1200). But an eye-wittness said there has been fired the whole car.
The director currently stasy at Micasa Hotel, Yangon.
by Dr. Khin Myint Oo March 07, 2010
Mr.David A. Schaffer , Director of International School, Yangon made a mistake during driving his Daewoo saloon car and his carhas got fire-break near Bahan3rd street, Bahan township, Yangon at 10:10 pm,Feb.27( Myanmar lunar month, Taboung full moon day).
This accident is due to loose battery heads and The director lost 4 tyres,wind-proof glass, and wires, cost about K.1200,000($ 1200). But an eye-wittness said there has been fired the whole car.
The director currently stasy at Micasa Hotel, Yangon.
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GroundReport - About 500,000 Myanmar, Lao & Cambodia Migrant Workers will be Sent Back
by Dr. Khin Myint Oo March 07, 2010
Thai government will send back illegal migrants from Myanmar, Lao and Cambodia. Its about 500,000 workers all three countries. Mr. Supat Gukun,Dy. Director of Labour Inspection, Thailand said that Thailand cannot accept them more. Workers have failed to make Bank ticket, i.e.temporary passport.
A female Myanmar labour told that she has to spend about Batt 20,000 to get bank ticket and she could not offered such amount.
Myanmar megrants have to do identity card first from Kaw Thaung, boarder town at Thai-Myanmar area. Then they have to apply for bank ticket to work at Thailand.
Thailand is the country that compete India and China at market concerned garment sector and agricultural sector and so Thailand has to heir cheap workers.
by Dr. Khin Myint Oo March 07, 2010
Thai government will send back illegal migrants from Myanmar, Lao and Cambodia. Its about 500,000 workers all three countries. Mr. Supat Gukun,Dy. Director of Labour Inspection, Thailand said that Thailand cannot accept them more. Workers have failed to make Bank ticket, i.e.temporary passport.
A female Myanmar labour told that she has to spend about Batt 20,000 to get bank ticket and she could not offered such amount.
Myanmar megrants have to do identity card first from Kaw Thaung, boarder town at Thai-Myanmar area. Then they have to apply for bank ticket to work at Thailand.
Thailand is the country that compete India and China at market concerned garment sector and agricultural sector and so Thailand has to heir cheap workers.
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03-07-2010 15:36
Korea Times - Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi
By Nehginpao Kipgen
The politics of a nation is strengthened by the participation of the people who run the government and the opposition who checks the balance of power. A government earns credibility when it can tolerate the varied views of its citizens.
It is fortunate that there have been no major global conflicts since the end of World War II in 1945. However, it is disheartening to see that there are nations who still will not tolerate the dissenting views of its own people, especially individuals who are admired by the international community.
The struggles of the Dalai Lama of Tibet (now under China) and Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar (Burma) are an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet, the very same individuals are treated as if they are threats to peace and security by governments in their respective native lands.
Tenzin Gyatso, popularly known as the 14th Dalai Lama, has been in exile since the failed Tibetan uprising in 1959. Born on July 6, 1935, the 74-year-old Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and head of the Tibetan government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, India.
Aung San Suu Kyi, born on June 19, 1945, is the only daughter of Aung San, who negotiated the independence of Myanmar from British rule. The 64-year-old Suu Kyi, after having lived years abroad, returned to her native country in 1988.
There are a number of similarities the two individuals share in common that have earned them international respect.
First, both are recipients of the much coveted Nobel Peace Prize. The Dalai Lama was awarded the prize in 1989, and Suu Kyi in 1991.
Second, both are recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the United States of America. The Dalai Lama received the award in 2007, while Suu Kyi was bestowed in absentia in 2008.
Third, both individuals are denied the chance of political leadership in their own countries. The two enjoy significant support internationally, mostly from the Western world.
Despite their popularity at home and abroad, one has spent his life in exile for over 40 years, while the other has spent 14 years of her life under house arrest.
Though the Dalai Lama openly claims that his movement is for genuine autonomy and not complete independence, the Chinese government accuses him as a dangerous separatist. His recent visit to the White House on Feb. 18 was strongly protested by Beijing.
In his Cable News Network (CNN) interview aired on the evening of Feb. 22, the Dalai Lama was asked what he wants from President Barack Obama and America.
The Dalai Lama stated his three commitments, including the ``promotion of human value in order to create a better world, a more compassionate world, a peaceful world."
Washington's welcoming of the Tibetan leader heightened the strained Sino-U.S. ties, which happened in the face of tensions over U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, China's currency practices and internet censorship.
With China's rising economic power and its critical role in international politics as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, Washington needs Beijing's partnership, especially on issues such as imposing tougher sanctions on Iran, preventing nuclear proliferation on the Korean Peninsula and forging a new global accord on climate change.
The United States also wants to prove to the free world that it is a champion of human rights. The 70-minute meeting between President Obama and the Dalai Lama perhaps pacified many who say that Obama has focused on global issues with Beijing at the expense of human rights.
On the other hand, Aung San Suu Kyi is serving her latest 18 months of house arrest. In its ruling on Feb. 26, the country's Supreme Court rejected her appeal for freedom. A reason was not given for the decision.
Suu Kyi is the one individual probably feared most by the military junta. For many Myanmar observers, the court's ruling was not surprising.
Even if the junta considers releasing her before the proposed general election this year, it is likely to come with conditions. The more likely scenario is that she will be freed after the election.
One reason of Suu Kyi's unlikely release before election is that the military learnt a lesson from the 1990 general election, in which the military-backed National Unity Party secured only 10 seats, while the National League for Democracy, Suu Kyi's party, won 392 seats in the 492-member assembly.
The military would not want history to repeat itself. Aung San Suu Kyi apparently enjoys strong support from the people of Myanmar's diverse ethnic nationalities.
Despite the reservation of 25 percent of parliament seats for the military, the opposition still has a greater chance of winning more seats provided that there is a free and fair election.
Despite the troubles the two Nobel Peace laureates have faced, their spirits for the freedom of their own people are unrelenting. Similarly, the support from the international community does not seem to dwindle either.
It is still, however, precarious if and when they will be given a chance to head governments in their respective countries. Recent developments pertaining to the two democratic icons have once again caught the attention of the international community.
Nehginpao Kipgen is a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Myanmar (1947-2004) and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum.com). He has written numerous analytical articles on the politics of Myanmar and Asia that have been widely published in five continents (Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America).
Korea Times - Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi
By Nehginpao Kipgen
The politics of a nation is strengthened by the participation of the people who run the government and the opposition who checks the balance of power. A government earns credibility when it can tolerate the varied views of its citizens.
It is fortunate that there have been no major global conflicts since the end of World War II in 1945. However, it is disheartening to see that there are nations who still will not tolerate the dissenting views of its own people, especially individuals who are admired by the international community.
The struggles of the Dalai Lama of Tibet (now under China) and Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar (Burma) are an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet, the very same individuals are treated as if they are threats to peace and security by governments in their respective native lands.
Tenzin Gyatso, popularly known as the 14th Dalai Lama, has been in exile since the failed Tibetan uprising in 1959. Born on July 6, 1935, the 74-year-old Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and head of the Tibetan government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, India.
Aung San Suu Kyi, born on June 19, 1945, is the only daughter of Aung San, who negotiated the independence of Myanmar from British rule. The 64-year-old Suu Kyi, after having lived years abroad, returned to her native country in 1988.
There are a number of similarities the two individuals share in common that have earned them international respect.
First, both are recipients of the much coveted Nobel Peace Prize. The Dalai Lama was awarded the prize in 1989, and Suu Kyi in 1991.
Second, both are recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the United States of America. The Dalai Lama received the award in 2007, while Suu Kyi was bestowed in absentia in 2008.
Third, both individuals are denied the chance of political leadership in their own countries. The two enjoy significant support internationally, mostly from the Western world.
Despite their popularity at home and abroad, one has spent his life in exile for over 40 years, while the other has spent 14 years of her life under house arrest.
Though the Dalai Lama openly claims that his movement is for genuine autonomy and not complete independence, the Chinese government accuses him as a dangerous separatist. His recent visit to the White House on Feb. 18 was strongly protested by Beijing.
In his Cable News Network (CNN) interview aired on the evening of Feb. 22, the Dalai Lama was asked what he wants from President Barack Obama and America.
The Dalai Lama stated his three commitments, including the ``promotion of human value in order to create a better world, a more compassionate world, a peaceful world."
Washington's welcoming of the Tibetan leader heightened the strained Sino-U.S. ties, which happened in the face of tensions over U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, China's currency practices and internet censorship.
With China's rising economic power and its critical role in international politics as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, Washington needs Beijing's partnership, especially on issues such as imposing tougher sanctions on Iran, preventing nuclear proliferation on the Korean Peninsula and forging a new global accord on climate change.
The United States also wants to prove to the free world that it is a champion of human rights. The 70-minute meeting between President Obama and the Dalai Lama perhaps pacified many who say that Obama has focused on global issues with Beijing at the expense of human rights.
On the other hand, Aung San Suu Kyi is serving her latest 18 months of house arrest. In its ruling on Feb. 26, the country's Supreme Court rejected her appeal for freedom. A reason was not given for the decision.
Suu Kyi is the one individual probably feared most by the military junta. For many Myanmar observers, the court's ruling was not surprising.
Even if the junta considers releasing her before the proposed general election this year, it is likely to come with conditions. The more likely scenario is that she will be freed after the election.
One reason of Suu Kyi's unlikely release before election is that the military learnt a lesson from the 1990 general election, in which the military-backed National Unity Party secured only 10 seats, while the National League for Democracy, Suu Kyi's party, won 392 seats in the 492-member assembly.
The military would not want history to repeat itself. Aung San Suu Kyi apparently enjoys strong support from the people of Myanmar's diverse ethnic nationalities.
Despite the reservation of 25 percent of parliament seats for the military, the opposition still has a greater chance of winning more seats provided that there is a free and fair election.
Despite the troubles the two Nobel Peace laureates have faced, their spirits for the freedom of their own people are unrelenting. Similarly, the support from the international community does not seem to dwindle either.
It is still, however, precarious if and when they will be given a chance to head governments in their respective countries. Recent developments pertaining to the two democratic icons have once again caught the attention of the international community.
Nehginpao Kipgen is a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Myanmar (1947-2004) and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum.com). He has written numerous analytical articles on the politics of Myanmar and Asia that have been widely published in five continents (Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America).
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Monday March 8, 2010
The Star Online - Children get an insight into pewter-making
A TOTAL of 44 refugee children from Myanmar were given a rare treat on a sunny Friday morning recently and were taken to the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre by volunteers.
Ranging in age from eight to 16 years, most of them come from the northern Kachin state in Myanmar and attend school run by the part-time volunteers, once a week.
The curious and energetic children were taken on a tour of the visitor centre with its interactive exhibits designed to educate and enlighten visitors on the properties of tin and pewter as well as the history of the company.
The children were shown the artefacts at the Pewter Museum and also had fun going through the Science of Pewter as well as the Chamber of Chimes which enabled them to appreciate the properties of the metal.
After visiting the pewter factory to see how pewter is crafted, the children took part in Royal Selangor’s School of Hard Knocks pewtersmithing workshop where they were able to make their own pewter bowls.
Under the guidance of Royal Selangor instructor, the children had a lot of fun banging out their own handmade bowls which they took home with them – a cherished souvenir for a memorable excursion.
The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre is located in Setapak Jaya.
The centre receives more than a 100,000 visitors every year.
Royal Selangor celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
The Star Online - Children get an insight into pewter-making
A TOTAL of 44 refugee children from Myanmar were given a rare treat on a sunny Friday morning recently and were taken to the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre by volunteers.
Ranging in age from eight to 16 years, most of them come from the northern Kachin state in Myanmar and attend school run by the part-time volunteers, once a week.
The curious and energetic children were taken on a tour of the visitor centre with its interactive exhibits designed to educate and enlighten visitors on the properties of tin and pewter as well as the history of the company.
The children were shown the artefacts at the Pewter Museum and also had fun going through the Science of Pewter as well as the Chamber of Chimes which enabled them to appreciate the properties of the metal.
After visiting the pewter factory to see how pewter is crafted, the children took part in Royal Selangor’s School of Hard Knocks pewtersmithing workshop where they were able to make their own pewter bowls.
Under the guidance of Royal Selangor instructor, the children had a lot of fun banging out their own handmade bowls which they took home with them – a cherished souvenir for a memorable excursion.
The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre is located in Setapak Jaya.
The centre receives more than a 100,000 visitors every year.
Royal Selangor celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
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iStockAnalyst - More bird flu H5N1 cases reported in Myanmar northwestern division
Friday, March 05, 2010 11:38 PM
YANGON, Mar. 6, 2010 (Xinhua News Agency) -- More bird flu H5N1 cases have been found in northwestern Myanmar's Sagaing division with some chickens suspected of dying of virulent avian influenza in a poultry farm in Yinmapin township of the division early this week, an official daily reported Saturday.
The unusual death of chickens were proved to have been caused by highly pathogenic avian Influenza (HPAI) after laboratory tests conducted in Yangon and Mandalay, said the New Light of Myanmar.
The findings have been further reported to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Animal Health Organization (OIE), the report said.
According to the report, the authorities have culled chickens and destroyed eggs bred in the farm as its control measures.
It was the third bird flu H5N1 case since the disease re-struck Myanmar in February, nearly two years after the country was free from the disease.
According to the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department ( LBVD), in the first case taking place in Mayangong township, unusual deaths of some chickens were found in a farm where 2,500 chickens were bred and the suspected deaths were proved to have been caused by the HPAI after experiment.
In the second case in Mingaladon township, two domestically- bred chickens died of virulent avian influenza in a poultry farm and were later confirmed with carrying the virus after laboratory test.
The authorities took control measures by culling hundreds of similar chickens, some ducks and eggs, banning sale of chickens and eggs in six bazaars, 7 kilometers around the poultry farm where bird flu recurred, to prevent the spread of the disease.
People have also been being urged to step up bio-security measures, change of livestock breeding system, avoidance of illegal import, transport and trading of chickens and its products, and prompt report of suspected bird flu case.
Friday, March 05, 2010 11:38 PM
YANGON, Mar. 6, 2010 (Xinhua News Agency) -- More bird flu H5N1 cases have been found in northwestern Myanmar's Sagaing division with some chickens suspected of dying of virulent avian influenza in a poultry farm in Yinmapin township of the division early this week, an official daily reported Saturday.
The unusual death of chickens were proved to have been caused by highly pathogenic avian Influenza (HPAI) after laboratory tests conducted in Yangon and Mandalay, said the New Light of Myanmar.
The findings have been further reported to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Animal Health Organization (OIE), the report said.
According to the report, the authorities have culled chickens and destroyed eggs bred in the farm as its control measures.
It was the third bird flu H5N1 case since the disease re-struck Myanmar in February, nearly two years after the country was free from the disease.
According to the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department ( LBVD), in the first case taking place in Mayangong township, unusual deaths of some chickens were found in a farm where 2,500 chickens were bred and the suspected deaths were proved to have been caused by the HPAI after experiment.
In the second case in Mingaladon township, two domestically- bred chickens died of virulent avian influenza in a poultry farm and were later confirmed with carrying the virus after laboratory test.
The authorities took control measures by culling hundreds of similar chickens, some ducks and eggs, banning sale of chickens and eggs in six bazaars, 7 kilometers around the poultry farm where bird flu recurred, to prevent the spread of the disease.
People have also been being urged to step up bio-security measures, change of livestock breeding system, avoidance of illegal import, transport and trading of chickens and its products, and prompt report of suspected bird flu case.
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Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)
International Women’s Day: Women Fighting For Democracy In Burma
Monday, 08 March 2010
“The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity.” Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ang San Suu Kyi is the internationally recognized face of the women of Burma – but there are many more women fighting the same fight as her for human rights and democracy. These women are victims of systematic cruelty such as torture, rape and displacement by the Burmese military regime. Women from ethnic minority communities are often especially abused.
The number of political prisoners in Burma doubled from 2004 to 2008, now numbering 2200. Of these nearly 190 are women, including Buddhists nuns, journalists, labor rights activists and members and sympathizers of the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party that Suu Kyi heads.
In the middle of February a group of politically active women were put in jail with a two year term including hard labor. There crime was giving religious literature to a Buddhist monastery. According to the military regime they were “disturbing the peace”. The women had earlier, despite the risk but with strong political conviction, regularly prayed for the release of Suu Kyi. Jailing these women will not silence them.
Among the imprisoned women is Nilar Thein, a former university student leader, sentenced to a 65-year prison sentence for her prominent role in a peaceful protest movement in September 2007 that saw thousands of Buddhist monks come on the side of the oppressed and launch street protests.
Hla Hla Win was given a 20-year-prison sentence for her work as an "undercover journalist" distributing information from inside to the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), an Oslo-based news organization of exiled Burmese journalists.
54-year-old Cho Mar Htwe, was released in 2009 after serving a 11 year long sentence for brining a fax to the NLD office demanding the release of Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. Now in freedom in Thailand, she still wants to be politically active.
Women in the ethnic minority communities of Burma have shown convicted spirit to fight oppression, but they have had to pay a heavy price for this. According to an Amnesty International Report ‘The Repression of Ethnic Minority Activists in Myanmar’, victims of repression include Buddhist nuns, a Karenni female activist protesting the flawed 2008 referendum and girls from the Kachin State accused of informing international media about being raped by Burmese soldiers.
Amnesty International documented that women in ethnic areas often take a leading role in political activity, but they also get repressed because of their actions. A representative from Amnesty International is quoted to have said "They (the junta) are not soft on women."
According to a report by the Karen Women’s Organization, 'Walking among Sharp Knifes', the brutality directed at women in the Karenni State is unimaginable and shows the challenge women face when assuming leadership in a patriarchal and militarized society. In the Karen State, many women have been elected village chiefs, a traditionally male role, as the men have been tortured and killed by the Burmese Army. Among the abuse of Karen women are crucifixion, burning people alive, rape and gang rape, including of girl children, torture, beatings, water torture, burying people up to their heads and beating them to death, arbitrary executions, beheadings, slave labor, and forcing them to provide so called comfort women to the Burmese Army.
The public political activity and leadership of women in Burma is on the rise in connection to the upcoming elections. These activists know that they can be sentenced to unreasonably long prison terms and that women are victims of certain forms of abuse in jail – such as verbal and mental torture, and refusal of access to medical supplies, but still they are not ceasing their activity.
The Burmese opposition is expected to boycott the upcoming elections, as they are anticipated to be everything else but free and fair and since the new Burmese constitution has taken oppression to a new level. According to the new constitution the military rule is cemented: the commander in chief (male), not the president, will be the center of power and a large part of the parliament seats will be taken by military officials (male).
In doing so, the military rule further condones criminal actions by the military – such as torture and rape – and perpetrators are give amnesty. The constitution effectively discriminates against women: in order to become president, military experience is a precondition – excluding women from running.
There is an acute need for immediate action by the international community with regards to Burma. The Nobel laureates Shirin Ebadi and Jody Williams last week called for last week called for the Security Council to refer the situation in Burma to the International Criminal Court. While waiting for the UN to take action we must, quoting the International Tribunal on Crimes against Women of Burma, "actively engage with the peoples of Burma inside and outside the country and [...] mobilize public pressure at all levels to raise consciousness of the crimes and violations being committed by the Burmese military regime against the peoples of Burma, especially women and children".
Monday, 08 March 2010
“The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity.” Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ang San Suu Kyi is the internationally recognized face of the women of Burma – but there are many more women fighting the same fight as her for human rights and democracy. These women are victims of systematic cruelty such as torture, rape and displacement by the Burmese military regime. Women from ethnic minority communities are often especially abused.
The number of political prisoners in Burma doubled from 2004 to 2008, now numbering 2200. Of these nearly 190 are women, including Buddhists nuns, journalists, labor rights activists and members and sympathizers of the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party that Suu Kyi heads.
In the middle of February a group of politically active women were put in jail with a two year term including hard labor. There crime was giving religious literature to a Buddhist monastery. According to the military regime they were “disturbing the peace”. The women had earlier, despite the risk but with strong political conviction, regularly prayed for the release of Suu Kyi. Jailing these women will not silence them.
Among the imprisoned women is Nilar Thein, a former university student leader, sentenced to a 65-year prison sentence for her prominent role in a peaceful protest movement in September 2007 that saw thousands of Buddhist monks come on the side of the oppressed and launch street protests.
Hla Hla Win was given a 20-year-prison sentence for her work as an "undercover journalist" distributing information from inside to the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), an Oslo-based news organization of exiled Burmese journalists.
54-year-old Cho Mar Htwe, was released in 2009 after serving a 11 year long sentence for brining a fax to the NLD office demanding the release of Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. Now in freedom in Thailand, she still wants to be politically active.
Women in the ethnic minority communities of Burma have shown convicted spirit to fight oppression, but they have had to pay a heavy price for this. According to an Amnesty International Report ‘The Repression of Ethnic Minority Activists in Myanmar’, victims of repression include Buddhist nuns, a Karenni female activist protesting the flawed 2008 referendum and girls from the Kachin State accused of informing international media about being raped by Burmese soldiers.
Amnesty International documented that women in ethnic areas often take a leading role in political activity, but they also get repressed because of their actions. A representative from Amnesty International is quoted to have said "They (the junta) are not soft on women."
According to a report by the Karen Women’s Organization, 'Walking among Sharp Knifes', the brutality directed at women in the Karenni State is unimaginable and shows the challenge women face when assuming leadership in a patriarchal and militarized society. In the Karen State, many women have been elected village chiefs, a traditionally male role, as the men have been tortured and killed by the Burmese Army. Among the abuse of Karen women are crucifixion, burning people alive, rape and gang rape, including of girl children, torture, beatings, water torture, burying people up to their heads and beating them to death, arbitrary executions, beheadings, slave labor, and forcing them to provide so called comfort women to the Burmese Army.
The public political activity and leadership of women in Burma is on the rise in connection to the upcoming elections. These activists know that they can be sentenced to unreasonably long prison terms and that women are victims of certain forms of abuse in jail – such as verbal and mental torture, and refusal of access to medical supplies, but still they are not ceasing their activity.
The Burmese opposition is expected to boycott the upcoming elections, as they are anticipated to be everything else but free and fair and since the new Burmese constitution has taken oppression to a new level. According to the new constitution the military rule is cemented: the commander in chief (male), not the president, will be the center of power and a large part of the parliament seats will be taken by military officials (male).
In doing so, the military rule further condones criminal actions by the military – such as torture and rape – and perpetrators are give amnesty. The constitution effectively discriminates against women: in order to become president, military experience is a precondition – excluding women from running.
There is an acute need for immediate action by the international community with regards to Burma. The Nobel laureates Shirin Ebadi and Jody Williams last week called for last week called for the Security Council to refer the situation in Burma to the International Criminal Court. While waiting for the UN to take action we must, quoting the International Tribunal on Crimes against Women of Burma, "actively engage with the peoples of Burma inside and outside the country and [...] mobilize public pressure at all levels to raise consciousness of the crimes and violations being committed by the Burmese military regime against the peoples of Burma, especially women and children".
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Sydney Morning Herald - UN must step up for the women of Burma
LUCY TURNBULL
March 8, 2010
Australian women should never settle for anything less than full equality and equal pay for equal work.
On International Women's Day, we should also cast our minds to the unsatisfactory fact that there are not nearly enough senior women managers, chief executives or directors of our large corporations.
But we should also look beyond our shores. All Australians should reflect on the lives of women who are permanently marked by deep and deepening tragedy and injustice — women such as Aung San Suu Kyi and countless thousands of Burmese women.
For decades Suu Kyi, her Burmese sisters and ethnic minorities have undergone systematic cruelty — political persecution and imprisonment in her case, and in the case of her Burmese sisters, acts of criminal brutality: torture, rape, and displacement at the hands of the military dictatorship.
There will be ''elections'' in Burma this year. But we should not be fooled into believing they will be free or fair. They will be a sham and will further entrench the military at the heart of power. The new constitution is harsh and one of the most unfair anywhere. For this reason the elections will be boycotted by those who oppose the military regime.
The constitution entrenches permanent military (male) rule, putting the (male) commander-in-chief of Defence Services at the centre of power — not the president, who will serve at the pleasure of the military. A significant proportion of Burma's elected parliament will be (male) military officers.
It wipes the the slate clean for the military; those behind criminal acts including rape, violence and torture are given amnesty. But there is no amnesty for their opponents.
This will put beyond sanction the military's ''four cuts'' policy, first introduced in the 1960s, to deprive political opponents and ethnic minorities of food, resources and capacity to operate through the destruction and appropriation of property and dispersal of the population.
Military experience is a prerequisite for eligibility to become president. Women are, in effect, excluded. In case the message for Suu Kyi was not clear enough, anyone who has a spouse or children who are not Burmese citizens is ineligible: her late husband was British, as are their children.
Whoever is appointed president will be a military puppet.
What can we do? We can do what diplomats always do: urge parties in dispute to have further dialogue. That is good but it has not worked to date. What else? We can seek action from the United Nations Security Council. It can refer the situation in Burma to the International Criminal Court, as the Nobel laureates Shirin Ebadi from Iran and Jody Williams from the US called for last week.
Or there can be the intermediate step of seeking the Security Council to establish a commission of inquiry to determine whether the crimes reported to the UN constitute a breach of international law and pose a threat to the peace and justify referral to the ICC. The Security Council took similar steps in Sudan and the former Yugoslavia.
The rhetoric about Burma has slowly ramped up in the General Assembly. In 2004 a resolution ''strongly urged'' Burmese authorities to take steps to prevent further human rights violations. In 2005 it ''called upon'' the authorities to take action. In 2006 it ''strongly called upon them''. That year the situation in Burma was placed on the Security Council's permanent agenda.
All these steps have been to little avail. From June 2004 to the end of 2008 the number of political prisoners in Burma doubled to 2100, including Buddhist monks who took part in the so called Saffron Revolution of 2007.
Since 2008 UN rapporteurs have noted an escalation of the level of human displacement through the destruction of villages and relocation of the population, mostly in the east.
What usually follows displacement is violence. It is estimated that more villages have been displaced in Burma than during the Darfur conflict.
Not to refer the conduct of the Burmese dictatorship to a higher authority will amount to the world standing by and wringing its hands, even as the regime continues on its dictatorial and brutal way. There is nothing to say that that brutality will not continue for decades to come.
Lucy Turnbull, as lord mayor of Sydney, awarded Aung San Suu Kyi the keys to the city in 2003.
LUCY TURNBULL
March 8, 2010
Australian women should never settle for anything less than full equality and equal pay for equal work.
On International Women's Day, we should also cast our minds to the unsatisfactory fact that there are not nearly enough senior women managers, chief executives or directors of our large corporations.
But we should also look beyond our shores. All Australians should reflect on the lives of women who are permanently marked by deep and deepening tragedy and injustice — women such as Aung San Suu Kyi and countless thousands of Burmese women.
For decades Suu Kyi, her Burmese sisters and ethnic minorities have undergone systematic cruelty — political persecution and imprisonment in her case, and in the case of her Burmese sisters, acts of criminal brutality: torture, rape, and displacement at the hands of the military dictatorship.
There will be ''elections'' in Burma this year. But we should not be fooled into believing they will be free or fair. They will be a sham and will further entrench the military at the heart of power. The new constitution is harsh and one of the most unfair anywhere. For this reason the elections will be boycotted by those who oppose the military regime.
The constitution entrenches permanent military (male) rule, putting the (male) commander-in-chief of Defence Services at the centre of power — not the president, who will serve at the pleasure of the military. A significant proportion of Burma's elected parliament will be (male) military officers.
It wipes the the slate clean for the military; those behind criminal acts including rape, violence and torture are given amnesty. But there is no amnesty for their opponents.
This will put beyond sanction the military's ''four cuts'' policy, first introduced in the 1960s, to deprive political opponents and ethnic minorities of food, resources and capacity to operate through the destruction and appropriation of property and dispersal of the population.
Military experience is a prerequisite for eligibility to become president. Women are, in effect, excluded. In case the message for Suu Kyi was not clear enough, anyone who has a spouse or children who are not Burmese citizens is ineligible: her late husband was British, as are their children.
Whoever is appointed president will be a military puppet.
What can we do? We can do what diplomats always do: urge parties in dispute to have further dialogue. That is good but it has not worked to date. What else? We can seek action from the United Nations Security Council. It can refer the situation in Burma to the International Criminal Court, as the Nobel laureates Shirin Ebadi from Iran and Jody Williams from the US called for last week.
Or there can be the intermediate step of seeking the Security Council to establish a commission of inquiry to determine whether the crimes reported to the UN constitute a breach of international law and pose a threat to the peace and justify referral to the ICC. The Security Council took similar steps in Sudan and the former Yugoslavia.
The rhetoric about Burma has slowly ramped up in the General Assembly. In 2004 a resolution ''strongly urged'' Burmese authorities to take steps to prevent further human rights violations. In 2005 it ''called upon'' the authorities to take action. In 2006 it ''strongly called upon them''. That year the situation in Burma was placed on the Security Council's permanent agenda.
All these steps have been to little avail. From June 2004 to the end of 2008 the number of political prisoners in Burma doubled to 2100, including Buddhist monks who took part in the so called Saffron Revolution of 2007.
Since 2008 UN rapporteurs have noted an escalation of the level of human displacement through the destruction of villages and relocation of the population, mostly in the east.
What usually follows displacement is violence. It is estimated that more villages have been displaced in Burma than during the Darfur conflict.
Not to refer the conduct of the Burmese dictatorship to a higher authority will amount to the world standing by and wringing its hands, even as the regime continues on its dictatorial and brutal way. There is nothing to say that that brutality will not continue for decades to come.
Lucy Turnbull, as lord mayor of Sydney, awarded Aung San Suu Kyi the keys to the city in 2003.
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The Taipei Times - Activists campaign for Myanmar
MALL PROTEST: The rally, which included postcards with lip prints to be sent to Myanmar’s military junta leaders, was held in the heart of Taipei’s shopping area
By Loa Iok-sin, STAFF REPORTER
Monday, Mar 08, 2010, Page 3
Supporters of the democracy movement in Myanmar organized a campaign in Taipei yesterday to voice their support for five female political prisoners, each of whom have been sentenced to 65 years in prison.
The campaign took place at the heart of the busy shopping district outside Zhongxiao Fuxing (忠孝復興) Mass Rapid Transit station.
“The area around Zhongxiao Fuxing station is a shopping paradise for a lot of women. But have we thought that, while many women in Taiwan are happily shopping here, there are other women out there living is horrible conditions, or put in jail by totalitarian regimes on groundless charges?” Amnesty International Taiwan director Wang Hsing-chung (王興中) said as he explained why the location was chosen for the event.
The campaign was staged one day before International Women’s Day today because many women in Myanmar live in dreadful conditions, are forced to part with their loved ones and are tortured in dark prison cells, like the five female political prisoners who were arrested after taking part in a protest against the Myanmar military junta over skyrocketing oil prices in 2007, he said.
Five women who were in leadership positions during the anti-government demonstration — Mar Mar Oo, Nilar Thein, Sandar Min, Thet Thet Aung and Thin Thin Aye — were arrested in 2007 and 2008, and each was sentenced to 65 years in prison.
Unlike other campaign gatherings that involve slogans or marching, yesterday’s campaign featured music performances and postcards with lip prints that were sent to the military regime. The audience and passers-by were asked to sign their names on a pre-written postcard asking for the release of the political prisoners, and to either leave their own lip prints or stamp the postcards with a lip print stamp.
“We usually associate lip prints with women, and the lip print on a postcard with a powerful message to the military junta symbolizes the women’s power,” Taiwan Free Burma Network spokesman Yang Tsung-li (楊宗澧) said. “We want the dictator to feel the power of women.”
A man surnamed Yang (楊), who was meeting his friend at the MRT station, agreed to sign a postcard after an activist explained to him what had happened to the five women. “I don’t know who these five women are, but I know they’ve done something right and I’d always support people who represent justice,” he said.
Khim Ohmar, one of the student leaders in a massive anti-Myanmar-government demonstration in 1988 and now still working to promote democracy in Myanmar from exile in Mae Sot, Thailand, also appeared at yesterday’s event.
She said that seeing so many people in Taiwan working to raise public awareness on the situation in Myanmar gave her more energy and hope.
She also expressed her hope that the Taiwanese government could give the freedom movement in Myanmar a hand.
“Tell your [Taiwan’s] government to send the message to China: Stop supporting the military regime and stop sending firearms to the military government,” Khim Ohmar said.
MALL PROTEST: The rally, which included postcards with lip prints to be sent to Myanmar’s military junta leaders, was held in the heart of Taipei’s shopping area
By Loa Iok-sin, STAFF REPORTER
Monday, Mar 08, 2010, Page 3
Supporters of the democracy movement in Myanmar organized a campaign in Taipei yesterday to voice their support for five female political prisoners, each of whom have been sentenced to 65 years in prison.
The campaign took place at the heart of the busy shopping district outside Zhongxiao Fuxing (忠孝復興) Mass Rapid Transit station.
“The area around Zhongxiao Fuxing station is a shopping paradise for a lot of women. But have we thought that, while many women in Taiwan are happily shopping here, there are other women out there living is horrible conditions, or put in jail by totalitarian regimes on groundless charges?” Amnesty International Taiwan director Wang Hsing-chung (王興中) said as he explained why the location was chosen for the event.
The campaign was staged one day before International Women’s Day today because many women in Myanmar live in dreadful conditions, are forced to part with their loved ones and are tortured in dark prison cells, like the five female political prisoners who were arrested after taking part in a protest against the Myanmar military junta over skyrocketing oil prices in 2007, he said.
Five women who were in leadership positions during the anti-government demonstration — Mar Mar Oo, Nilar Thein, Sandar Min, Thet Thet Aung and Thin Thin Aye — were arrested in 2007 and 2008, and each was sentenced to 65 years in prison.
Unlike other campaign gatherings that involve slogans or marching, yesterday’s campaign featured music performances and postcards with lip prints that were sent to the military regime. The audience and passers-by were asked to sign their names on a pre-written postcard asking for the release of the political prisoners, and to either leave their own lip prints or stamp the postcards with a lip print stamp.
“We usually associate lip prints with women, and the lip print on a postcard with a powerful message to the military junta symbolizes the women’s power,” Taiwan Free Burma Network spokesman Yang Tsung-li (楊宗澧) said. “We want the dictator to feel the power of women.”
A man surnamed Yang (楊), who was meeting his friend at the MRT station, agreed to sign a postcard after an activist explained to him what had happened to the five women. “I don’t know who these five women are, but I know they’ve done something right and I’d always support people who represent justice,” he said.
Khim Ohmar, one of the student leaders in a massive anti-Myanmar-government demonstration in 1988 and now still working to promote democracy in Myanmar from exile in Mae Sot, Thailand, also appeared at yesterday’s event.
She said that seeing so many people in Taiwan working to raise public awareness on the situation in Myanmar gave her more energy and hope.
She also expressed her hope that the Taiwanese government could give the freedom movement in Myanmar a hand.
“Tell your [Taiwan’s] government to send the message to China: Stop supporting the military regime and stop sending firearms to the military government,” Khim Ohmar said.
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The Irrawaddy - Asean to End Nargis Aid
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) announced at the seventh meeting of the Asean Humanitarian Task Force (AHTF) in Hanoi on Monday that it will end its recovery assistance in Cyclone Nargis-affected regions in Burma by July.
However, relief groups including some nongovernmental organizations inside Burma said more than 500,000 Cyclone survivors in affected Irrawaddy and Rangoon Division still lacked shelter and work.
In preparing for ending its humanitarians operation in July, Asean will accelerate aid delivery to affected people and transfer the coordination role of assistance for post-Nargis recovery efforts to the Burmese government, according to the Asean statement.
Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general of Asean, said: “While the AHTF will end its operations in Myanmar [Burma] in July 2010, the recovery process for many survivors of Cyclone Nargis will take many years.
“The newly-launched Periodic Review III observes that many gaps are still not met, in sectors such as shelter, livelihoods, and water and sanitation. It is, therefore, critical that Asean accelerates the delivery of assistance to quickly address the pressing needs of the people.”
Cyclone Nargis struck the Irrawaddy Delta and Rangoon Division on May 2-3 in 2008, leaving more than 140,000 dead or missing and affecting more than 2 million people.
Surin also addressed the need to document the lessons learnt from its humanitarian operation in Burma and to continue its coordination role until July 2010 to alleviate the suffering of Nargis-affected communities and ensure a smooth handing over to Burma.
Observers say many survivors will be left out of the recovery process after July even if Asean vows to complete its recovery plan. The aim to accelerate the recovery process is probably a part of election preparations aimed at making sure foreign workers have to leave the country, they suggest.
Together with the humanitarian community, Asean appealed for an additional US $103 million to address the pressing needs faced by Cyclone Nargis survivors in November 2009.
As of 28 Feb 2010, total pledges had increased to US $91.3 million, and a total of US $38.57 million had been received by either trust fund or implementing partners, according to the statement.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) announced at the seventh meeting of the Asean Humanitarian Task Force (AHTF) in Hanoi on Monday that it will end its recovery assistance in Cyclone Nargis-affected regions in Burma by July.
However, relief groups including some nongovernmental organizations inside Burma said more than 500,000 Cyclone survivors in affected Irrawaddy and Rangoon Division still lacked shelter and work.
In preparing for ending its humanitarians operation in July, Asean will accelerate aid delivery to affected people and transfer the coordination role of assistance for post-Nargis recovery efforts to the Burmese government, according to the Asean statement.
Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general of Asean, said: “While the AHTF will end its operations in Myanmar [Burma] in July 2010, the recovery process for many survivors of Cyclone Nargis will take many years.
“The newly-launched Periodic Review III observes that many gaps are still not met, in sectors such as shelter, livelihoods, and water and sanitation. It is, therefore, critical that Asean accelerates the delivery of assistance to quickly address the pressing needs of the people.”
Cyclone Nargis struck the Irrawaddy Delta and Rangoon Division on May 2-3 in 2008, leaving more than 140,000 dead or missing and affecting more than 2 million people.
Surin also addressed the need to document the lessons learnt from its humanitarian operation in Burma and to continue its coordination role until July 2010 to alleviate the suffering of Nargis-affected communities and ensure a smooth handing over to Burma.
Observers say many survivors will be left out of the recovery process after July even if Asean vows to complete its recovery plan. The aim to accelerate the recovery process is probably a part of election preparations aimed at making sure foreign workers have to leave the country, they suggest.
Together with the humanitarian community, Asean appealed for an additional US $103 million to address the pressing needs faced by Cyclone Nargis survivors in November 2009.
As of 28 Feb 2010, total pledges had increased to US $91.3 million, and a total of US $38.57 million had been received by either trust fund or implementing partners, according to the statement.
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The Irrawaddy - Army Accused of Killing Elephants, Selling Ivory
By BA SAW TIN - Monday, March 8, 2010
Burmese army units from Butheetaung and Maungdaw townships in Arakan State are reportedly capturing and killing wild elephants and illegally exporting ivory to China, according to an Arakan environmental and human rights organization.
The rounding up of wild elephants is occurring in conjunction with a search for a white elephant, say environmentalists.
Khaing Htun Lin of the Bangladesh-based Arakan Environment Preservation and Human Rights Watch told The Irrawaddy that Capt Aung Thura Heing of Light Infantry Battalion (354), Captain Hein Khant of Infantry Battalion (263) and Pe Than of the Butheetaung 5 Mile Elephant Camp have worked on the project, which began in January.
“As far as we know, more than 10 wild elephants have been captured since the beginning of this year,” said Khaing Htun Lin. “We estimate that at least 500 elephants has been caught this decade. The army cuts ivory from some elephants and, together with businessmen, it is exported to China.”
Sonny, a trader in the Arakan border area, said a kilogram of elephant ivory is worth 1,500,000 kyat (US $1,538) in market price.
“Elephant ivory is very expensive,” Sonny said. “The older the elephant the more expensive the ivory will be.”
This is the second white elephant search project. The first was in 2001.
Aung Marm Oo, the director of the Thailand-based Arakan Rivers Network (ARN), said: “The military regime has been catching elephants in Arakan State for long time, especially in the Butheetaung, Maungtaw and Yathetaung regions. It is worse now because the regime asked the army to catch elephants under the name of this white elephant search project. We don't believe the army has found any white elephants, but we are certain that it has captured wild elephants, slaughtered them and sold ivory.”
In 2004, the regime captured a white elephant from Mayu mountain in Yathetaung Township and then Prime Minister Gen. Khin Nyunt, who is now under house arrest, built a garden on Min Dhamma hill in Insein Township in Rangoon where it was kept in a compound.
According to tradition, ancient Burmese kings believed they would become more powerful if they possessed a white elephant.
Khin Maung Kyi, an NGO worker based in Maungtaw, said two soldiers, a sergeant and a private, died after an elephant ran over them. A guide also died last week after he stepped on a land mine, he said.
“The news of the death of the sergeant and private is well-known in our area. People whispered the news,” said Khin Maung Kyi.
Environmentalists are concerned that elephants in Arakan State are in danger of extinction from hunting and also an exodus of elephants from Arakan to Bangladesh.
Khaing Duwon, the director of Thailand's Chiang Mai-based Network for Environment and Economic Development (NEED), said the capture and slaughter of wild animals could eventually damage the environment.
“Elephants particularly graze in Mayu mountain in Yathetaung,” he said. “They don't like heat so they often look for thick forests and places where they can breath air from the sea. Hunting elephants for personal interest has become a business so there is a risk of elephants in Arakan State disappearing. Forests there are also becoming drier after being cut continuously by the army.
“People know that every year catastrophes occur in the world just because they don't pay attention to and preserve the environment. The same situation happens in Burma, where we are faced with Cyclone Nargis and other natural disasters every year. We must be more careful about the environment.”
By BA SAW TIN - Monday, March 8, 2010
Burmese army units from Butheetaung and Maungdaw townships in Arakan State are reportedly capturing and killing wild elephants and illegally exporting ivory to China, according to an Arakan environmental and human rights organization.
The rounding up of wild elephants is occurring in conjunction with a search for a white elephant, say environmentalists.
Khaing Htun Lin of the Bangladesh-based Arakan Environment Preservation and Human Rights Watch told The Irrawaddy that Capt Aung Thura Heing of Light Infantry Battalion (354), Captain Hein Khant of Infantry Battalion (263) and Pe Than of the Butheetaung 5 Mile Elephant Camp have worked on the project, which began in January.
“As far as we know, more than 10 wild elephants have been captured since the beginning of this year,” said Khaing Htun Lin. “We estimate that at least 500 elephants has been caught this decade. The army cuts ivory from some elephants and, together with businessmen, it is exported to China.”
Sonny, a trader in the Arakan border area, said a kilogram of elephant ivory is worth 1,500,000 kyat (US $1,538) in market price.
“Elephant ivory is very expensive,” Sonny said. “The older the elephant the more expensive the ivory will be.”
This is the second white elephant search project. The first was in 2001.
Aung Marm Oo, the director of the Thailand-based Arakan Rivers Network (ARN), said: “The military regime has been catching elephants in Arakan State for long time, especially in the Butheetaung, Maungtaw and Yathetaung regions. It is worse now because the regime asked the army to catch elephants under the name of this white elephant search project. We don't believe the army has found any white elephants, but we are certain that it has captured wild elephants, slaughtered them and sold ivory.”
In 2004, the regime captured a white elephant from Mayu mountain in Yathetaung Township and then Prime Minister Gen. Khin Nyunt, who is now under house arrest, built a garden on Min Dhamma hill in Insein Township in Rangoon where it was kept in a compound.
According to tradition, ancient Burmese kings believed they would become more powerful if they possessed a white elephant.
Khin Maung Kyi, an NGO worker based in Maungtaw, said two soldiers, a sergeant and a private, died after an elephant ran over them. A guide also died last week after he stepped on a land mine, he said.
“The news of the death of the sergeant and private is well-known in our area. People whispered the news,” said Khin Maung Kyi.
Environmentalists are concerned that elephants in Arakan State are in danger of extinction from hunting and also an exodus of elephants from Arakan to Bangladesh.
Khaing Duwon, the director of Thailand's Chiang Mai-based Network for Environment and Economic Development (NEED), said the capture and slaughter of wild animals could eventually damage the environment.
“Elephants particularly graze in Mayu mountain in Yathetaung,” he said. “They don't like heat so they often look for thick forests and places where they can breath air from the sea. Hunting elephants for personal interest has become a business so there is a risk of elephants in Arakan State disappearing. Forests there are also becoming drier after being cut continuously by the army.
“People know that every year catastrophes occur in the world just because they don't pay attention to and preserve the environment. The same situation happens in Burma, where we are faced with Cyclone Nargis and other natural disasters every year. We must be more careful about the environment.”
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Chair of ASEAN Burma Caucus visits Mae Tao clinic and Karen camps
by Usa Pichai
Monday, 08 March 2010 20:37
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Kraisak Choonhavan, deputy chairman of Thailand's ruling Democrat Party and chairman of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) said on Monday the caucus is looking for money to support the Mae Tao Clinic. The clinic run by Dr. Cynthia Maung provides medical and education services for refugees, migrant workers and their children in the Thai border town of Mae Sot.
Last December Dr Cynthia Maung told Mizzima that her clinic was in need of emergency funding as an increasing number of migrants and refugees sought medical services at her clinic.
"The number of people who use our services is increasing. Similarly in the education and child care sectors, we need more funds as the number of child patients is also mounting. All organizations providing education and health care services are facing difficulties due to a shortage in funds," Dr. Cynthia Maung told Mizzima.
Kraisak Choonhavan together with several other members of AIPMC also visited temporary Karen refugee camps at Nong Bua and Mae Usu villages in Thasongyang district. These camps house refugees who came to Thailand last year to escape an offensive by the Burmese military.
Earlier this year the Thai army announced plans to repatriate these newly arrived refugees. The Thai army's plans drew outrage from numerous human rights groups who worry that the lives of the refugees will be in danger if they are sent home.
Kraisak Choonhavan told Thai reporters today “it would be a tragedy if the Karen refugees were forced to undergo repatriation . . . AIPMC will work with related organizations to support the public health, education and rights of these ethnic people,”.
The outspoken veteran politician and former university professor also voiced concerns that Burma's upcoming national election would be manipulated by Burma's junta to gain legitimacy for their regime.
Choonhavan added that after an unfair election "fighting between the Burmese army and ethnic armed groups would continue because the Burmese junta would increase the pressure against ethnic groups. Previously, ethnic groups had no voice in drafting the constitution; only the old power [junta] operated it.”
Many Burma activists hope that Choonhavan's visit will raise awareness amongst members of the Thai ruling coalition about the plight of Burmese migrants and refugees in Thailand. The Thai government's policy regarding nationality verification for migrant workers has many Burmese workers scared they will be forcibly deported to Burma. Many refugee advocates who are concerned about the fate of the temporary Karen refugee camps in Nong Bua and Tambon Mae Usu villages were also pleased to see Choonhavan take a keen interest in the camps.
On January 27, Colonel Nopphadol Wathcharajitboworn, Commander- in-Chief of the Scout Department Special Force 35 held a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR), the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) and leaders of the Karen refugees living at the Nong Bua and Tambon Mae Usu camps. During the meeting the military sought ways to push back the remaining refugees safely. Something many refugee advocates say would be illegal under international law.
Human Rights groups and US lawmakers have appealed to the Thai government to halt repatriation of ethnic Karen refugees, pointing out that refugees who have already gone back to Burma have been killed or injured by land mines and subjected to severe human rights abuses.
At the end of February Thailand’s Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya informed the Thai Human Rights Commission that his government would seek a solution for the camps. The minister also reaffirmed the Thai government's commitment to assist migrants and refugees.
by Usa Pichai
Monday, 08 March 2010 20:37
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Kraisak Choonhavan, deputy chairman of Thailand's ruling Democrat Party and chairman of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) said on Monday the caucus is looking for money to support the Mae Tao Clinic. The clinic run by Dr. Cynthia Maung provides medical and education services for refugees, migrant workers and their children in the Thai border town of Mae Sot.
Last December Dr Cynthia Maung told Mizzima that her clinic was in need of emergency funding as an increasing number of migrants and refugees sought medical services at her clinic.
"The number of people who use our services is increasing. Similarly in the education and child care sectors, we need more funds as the number of child patients is also mounting. All organizations providing education and health care services are facing difficulties due to a shortage in funds," Dr. Cynthia Maung told Mizzima.
Kraisak Choonhavan together with several other members of AIPMC also visited temporary Karen refugee camps at Nong Bua and Mae Usu villages in Thasongyang district. These camps house refugees who came to Thailand last year to escape an offensive by the Burmese military.
Earlier this year the Thai army announced plans to repatriate these newly arrived refugees. The Thai army's plans drew outrage from numerous human rights groups who worry that the lives of the refugees will be in danger if they are sent home.
Kraisak Choonhavan told Thai reporters today “it would be a tragedy if the Karen refugees were forced to undergo repatriation . . . AIPMC will work with related organizations to support the public health, education and rights of these ethnic people,”.
The outspoken veteran politician and former university professor also voiced concerns that Burma's upcoming national election would be manipulated by Burma's junta to gain legitimacy for their regime.
Choonhavan added that after an unfair election "fighting between the Burmese army and ethnic armed groups would continue because the Burmese junta would increase the pressure against ethnic groups. Previously, ethnic groups had no voice in drafting the constitution; only the old power [junta] operated it.”
Many Burma activists hope that Choonhavan's visit will raise awareness amongst members of the Thai ruling coalition about the plight of Burmese migrants and refugees in Thailand. The Thai government's policy regarding nationality verification for migrant workers has many Burmese workers scared they will be forcibly deported to Burma. Many refugee advocates who are concerned about the fate of the temporary Karen refugee camps in Nong Bua and Tambon Mae Usu villages were also pleased to see Choonhavan take a keen interest in the camps.
On January 27, Colonel Nopphadol Wathcharajitboworn, Commander- in-Chief of the Scout Department Special Force 35 held a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR), the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) and leaders of the Karen refugees living at the Nong Bua and Tambon Mae Usu camps. During the meeting the military sought ways to push back the remaining refugees safely. Something many refugee advocates say would be illegal under international law.
Human Rights groups and US lawmakers have appealed to the Thai government to halt repatriation of ethnic Karen refugees, pointing out that refugees who have already gone back to Burma have been killed or injured by land mines and subjected to severe human rights abuses.
At the end of February Thailand’s Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya informed the Thai Human Rights Commission that his government would seek a solution for the camps. The minister also reaffirmed the Thai government's commitment to assist migrants and refugees.
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DVB News - Electricity prices ‘could rise ten-fold’
By AHUNT PHONE MYAT
Published: 8 March 2010
Recent widespread privatisation of Burmese industry could see electricity prices soar by ten times, according to sources close to the electricity ministry.
The rumours carry particular resonance in impoverished Burma, where electricity price hikes sparked the September 2007 monk-led uprising.
Burma’s ruling junta has in recent months embarked on a widespread privatisation drive for much of the country’s industry. Much of the Rangoon electricity sector has now been sold to the Htoo Trading Company, which is owned by junta crony and business tycoon, Tay Za.
Information apparently leaked from Burma’s electricity ministry said that electricity rates in Rangoon could leap from 25 kyat (US$0.025) per unit to 250 kyat ($US0.25).
“The Htoo Trading company is to start collecting electricity charges in Rangoon and the rate is believed to be rising to about 250 kyat, which is ten times the usual rate,” said the source. “Apparently it is guaranteed that there will no longer be power shortages.”
Other sources have said however that it could be a four-fold increase; the same hike that triggered the 2007 uprising. No official announcement has been made by the electricity ministry.
Burma is plagued by power cuts in many of its urban areas, despite the ruling junta aggressively developing its energy sector, much of which is sold to neighbouring countries.
A Rangoon housewife told DVB that the price hike would be beyond the reach of many in the country. The average monthly wage in Burma is less than $US20.
“At the rate of 25 kyat per unit, our household is paying around 4000 kyat [$US4] per month. If the rate goes up four times, we will have to pay around 16,000 kyat [$US16],” she said.
She added that even the recent 20,000 kyat salary increase for civil servants would not adequately cover the costs of a hike.
News journals last month reported the sale to Htoo Trading of the electricity sector in Mandalay, Burma’s second city, although no mention was made of his Rangoon ventures.
By AHUNT PHONE MYAT
Published: 8 March 2010
Recent widespread privatisation of Burmese industry could see electricity prices soar by ten times, according to sources close to the electricity ministry.
The rumours carry particular resonance in impoverished Burma, where electricity price hikes sparked the September 2007 monk-led uprising.
Burma’s ruling junta has in recent months embarked on a widespread privatisation drive for much of the country’s industry. Much of the Rangoon electricity sector has now been sold to the Htoo Trading Company, which is owned by junta crony and business tycoon, Tay Za.
Information apparently leaked from Burma’s electricity ministry said that electricity rates in Rangoon could leap from 25 kyat (US$0.025) per unit to 250 kyat ($US0.25).
“The Htoo Trading company is to start collecting electricity charges in Rangoon and the rate is believed to be rising to about 250 kyat, which is ten times the usual rate,” said the source. “Apparently it is guaranteed that there will no longer be power shortages.”
Other sources have said however that it could be a four-fold increase; the same hike that triggered the 2007 uprising. No official announcement has been made by the electricity ministry.
Burma is plagued by power cuts in many of its urban areas, despite the ruling junta aggressively developing its energy sector, much of which is sold to neighbouring countries.
A Rangoon housewife told DVB that the price hike would be beyond the reach of many in the country. The average monthly wage in Burma is less than $US20.
“At the rate of 25 kyat per unit, our household is paying around 4000 kyat [$US4] per month. If the rate goes up four times, we will have to pay around 16,000 kyat [$US16],” she said.
She added that even the recent 20,000 kyat salary increase for civil servants would not adequately cover the costs of a hike.
News journals last month reported the sale to Htoo Trading of the electricity sector in Mandalay, Burma’s second city, although no mention was made of his Rangoon ventures.
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DVB News - Dam floods 20 villages in central Burma
By NAW NOREEN
Published: 8 March 2010
Around 20 villages in central Burma vacated to make way for a hydropower dam have now been submerged, locals have reported.
But no compensation has been paid to those who lost their homes, a resident of Shwe Kyin township in Bago division said, while crops had also been destroyed by Burmese troops.
“Along with the villages, thousands of acres of farmlands and fruit gardens were also flooded,” he said. “There may be a rise of water level from three to five feet whenever the dam releases one foot of water [from the reservoir]. It is causing a great deal of damage to local businesses.”
Building of the 185-foot high dam began in 2000 and is expected to open next month. It will have a 75 megawatt electricity output, relatively small in comparison to Burma’s other hydropower projects, and covers a 44-square mile area, populated mainly by small Karen villages.
Secretary of the Karen Environment Committee, Naw Paw Gay, reaffirmed that no compensation was paid to the villagers, the majority of whom are ethnic Karen who lost their farms.
“Some villagers have now been displaced to mountain areas while some moved into towns. They only had those farms to rely on for making a living,” she said.
The area has also seen an increase in army troops who were deployed in the region to secure the dam site and intensify offensives against Karen villagers. Recent fighting has forced the closure of a number of schools in eastern Burma.
The complaints echo the recent furore of the Myitsone dam project in Burma’s northern Kachin state, which is being bankrolled by China.
A spokesperson for the Kachin Development Networking Group (KDNG), Ahnan, said that both the Burmese and Chinese governments failed to publicly announce the forced relocation of around 15,000 people from 60 villages near to the dam site.
The Burmese government has embarked on an aggressive expansion of its energy sectors, with the tally of major hydropower dams in the country expected to reach more than 50 in the near future.
Despite Burma’s major urban areas suffering from frequent blackouts, observers have alleged that the majority of electricty produced by the ventures is siphoned off to neighbouring China and Thailand.
By NAW NOREEN
Published: 8 March 2010
Around 20 villages in central Burma vacated to make way for a hydropower dam have now been submerged, locals have reported.
But no compensation has been paid to those who lost their homes, a resident of Shwe Kyin township in Bago division said, while crops had also been destroyed by Burmese troops.
“Along with the villages, thousands of acres of farmlands and fruit gardens were also flooded,” he said. “There may be a rise of water level from three to five feet whenever the dam releases one foot of water [from the reservoir]. It is causing a great deal of damage to local businesses.”
Building of the 185-foot high dam began in 2000 and is expected to open next month. It will have a 75 megawatt electricity output, relatively small in comparison to Burma’s other hydropower projects, and covers a 44-square mile area, populated mainly by small Karen villages.
Secretary of the Karen Environment Committee, Naw Paw Gay, reaffirmed that no compensation was paid to the villagers, the majority of whom are ethnic Karen who lost their farms.
“Some villagers have now been displaced to mountain areas while some moved into towns. They only had those farms to rely on for making a living,” she said.
The area has also seen an increase in army troops who were deployed in the region to secure the dam site and intensify offensives against Karen villagers. Recent fighting has forced the closure of a number of schools in eastern Burma.
The complaints echo the recent furore of the Myitsone dam project in Burma’s northern Kachin state, which is being bankrolled by China.
A spokesperson for the Kachin Development Networking Group (KDNG), Ahnan, said that both the Burmese and Chinese governments failed to publicly announce the forced relocation of around 15,000 people from 60 villages near to the dam site.
The Burmese government has embarked on an aggressive expansion of its energy sectors, with the tally of major hydropower dams in the country expected to reach more than 50 in the near future.
Despite Burma’s major urban areas suffering from frequent blackouts, observers have alleged that the majority of electricty produced by the ventures is siphoned off to neighbouring China and Thailand.
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