ASEAN summit tackles Myanmar polls
by Sarah Stewart – Fri Apr 9, 6:42 am ET
HANOI (AFP) – Southeast Asian leaders on Friday pressed troublesome member Myanmar to ensure its elections this year are fair and inclusive, at a summit focused on binding together the sprawling region.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Vietnam's capital Hanoi has been overshadowed by the Myanmar issue, as well as political drama in Thailand which forced its premier to stay at home.
"The main message that's coming out from the summit is the importance of the elections that are coming up in 2010, and not any type of elections," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa
"But instead an election that is free, that is fair, that is democratic, that is credible. These are qualities that Myanmar itself has said they want to fulfil. So I think the clarion call... is the importance for Myanmar to live up to the commitments."
The United States has led international condemnation of laws Myanmar has enacted for the ballot, the first in the military-run country in two decades, which effectively bar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from participating.
ASEAN members are divided on how to handle Myanmar, which has always escaped formal censure from the 10-nation group as it adheres to a principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
But as Myanmar's poor record -- including allegations of massive human rights abuses as well as a failure to shift to democracy -- again threatens to discredit the region, its neighbours reminded it of its obligations.
"The elections should be fair, democratic, with the participation of all parties," the summit's host, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, said in unusually candid terms at a closing news conference.
"This will help... stabilise the country and focus resources on development," he said, adding that he had "forwarded ASEAN's message" to the ruling generals during his visit to Myanmar last week.
The main order of business for the two-day summit was efforts to propel ASEAN towards a 2015 goal to establish a community of nations encompassing 600 million people with economic, security and social ties.
"While important progress has been made... much remains to be done," Dung said as he opened the talks.
Although the meeting's slogan is "from vision to action", analysts say ASEAN is hampered by wide development gaps within the region, entrenched domestic interests and the shortcomings and instability of some members.
Its diverse membership ranges from Laos, one of Asia's poorest nations, to the Westernised city-state of Singapore, the absolute monarchy of Brunei and the vibrant democracy of Indonesia.
The group this week took another step towards tackling long-neglected human rights concerns with the inauguration of a commission to address the rights of women and children.
Ministers also fleshed out their vision of a rules-based regional community by signing a protocol to help member nations resolve conflicts.
In a joint statement, the leaders called on regional governments to prepare to wind down economic stimulus measures brought in during the global financial crisis.
They also said they want vital road, sea and air links completed more quickly to complement efforts to integrate regional economies.
And in a separate document, the leaders called for a legally binding global pact on climate change and urged richer nations to provide them with "scaled-up" financial help to combat its effects.
ASEAN also discussed expanding relations with Russia and the United States. The 43-year-old bloc is trying to ensure it is not pushed aside by proposals for new regional groupings.
"It's very important that we stay in the driver's seat," Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo said.
The group invited US President Barack Obama to attend its next summit in Vietnam later this year, to deepen ties with the region on which he has placed a renewed focus.
Indonesia said it would chair ASEAN in 2011, swapping with Brunei as the venue of the group's summits and meetings, because of a scheduling clash with its APEC host duties in 2013.
by Sarah Stewart – Fri Apr 9, 6:42 am ET
HANOI (AFP) – Southeast Asian leaders on Friday pressed troublesome member Myanmar to ensure its elections this year are fair and inclusive, at a summit focused on binding together the sprawling region.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Vietnam's capital Hanoi has been overshadowed by the Myanmar issue, as well as political drama in Thailand which forced its premier to stay at home.
"The main message that's coming out from the summit is the importance of the elections that are coming up in 2010, and not any type of elections," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa
"But instead an election that is free, that is fair, that is democratic, that is credible. These are qualities that Myanmar itself has said they want to fulfil. So I think the clarion call... is the importance for Myanmar to live up to the commitments."
The United States has led international condemnation of laws Myanmar has enacted for the ballot, the first in the military-run country in two decades, which effectively bar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from participating.
ASEAN members are divided on how to handle Myanmar, which has always escaped formal censure from the 10-nation group as it adheres to a principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
But as Myanmar's poor record -- including allegations of massive human rights abuses as well as a failure to shift to democracy -- again threatens to discredit the region, its neighbours reminded it of its obligations.
"The elections should be fair, democratic, with the participation of all parties," the summit's host, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, said in unusually candid terms at a closing news conference.
"This will help... stabilise the country and focus resources on development," he said, adding that he had "forwarded ASEAN's message" to the ruling generals during his visit to Myanmar last week.
The main order of business for the two-day summit was efforts to propel ASEAN towards a 2015 goal to establish a community of nations encompassing 600 million people with economic, security and social ties.
"While important progress has been made... much remains to be done," Dung said as he opened the talks.
Although the meeting's slogan is "from vision to action", analysts say ASEAN is hampered by wide development gaps within the region, entrenched domestic interests and the shortcomings and instability of some members.
Its diverse membership ranges from Laos, one of Asia's poorest nations, to the Westernised city-state of Singapore, the absolute monarchy of Brunei and the vibrant democracy of Indonesia.
The group this week took another step towards tackling long-neglected human rights concerns with the inauguration of a commission to address the rights of women and children.
Ministers also fleshed out their vision of a rules-based regional community by signing a protocol to help member nations resolve conflicts.
In a joint statement, the leaders called on regional governments to prepare to wind down economic stimulus measures brought in during the global financial crisis.
They also said they want vital road, sea and air links completed more quickly to complement efforts to integrate regional economies.
And in a separate document, the leaders called for a legally binding global pact on climate change and urged richer nations to provide them with "scaled-up" financial help to combat its effects.
ASEAN also discussed expanding relations with Russia and the United States. The 43-year-old bloc is trying to ensure it is not pushed aside by proposals for new regional groupings.
"It's very important that we stay in the driver's seat," Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo said.
The group invited US President Barack Obama to attend its next summit in Vietnam later this year, to deepen ties with the region on which he has placed a renewed focus.
Indonesia said it would chair ASEAN in 2011, swapping with Brunei as the venue of the group's summits and meetings, because of a scheduling clash with its APEC host duties in 2013.
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ASEAN tells Myanmar to make polls fair, inclusive
by Claire Truscott – Fri Apr 9, 5:35 am ET
HANOI (AFP) – Southeast Asian leaders on Friday urged Myanmar's ruling junta to ensure that this year's elections, which have been boycotted by the opposition, are fair and include all parties.
The polls in military-ruled Myanmar, expected to be held by early November, have been widely criticised as lacking credibility because of laws that effectively bar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from taking part.
Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit that he had delivered the region's message directly to Myanmar's generals during a visit last week.
"We hope to see Myanmar implementing effectively the roadmap for peace... and that the elections should be fair, democratic, with the participation of all parties," said Dung, the current ASEAN chair.
"This will help... stabilise the country and focus resources on development," he told a press conference, in comments that were unusually candid for a bloc that avoids commenting on members' affairs.
Myanmar's elections will be the first in the military-run state for two decades, but Suu Kyi's political party has called a boycott over rules that would have forced it to expel its leader if it wanted to participate.
The United States has led international condemnation of the new laws, saying they make a "mockery" of Myanmar's claims to be shifting towards democracy after nearly half a century of military rule.
David Mathieson from Human Rights Watch welcomed the comments from Myanmar's neighbours but said it would amount to no more than "toothless posturing" because the regime had no intention of acting on the advice.
"In some ways I'm glad they are actually being stronger and saying things like this but I'm just not confident it will transfer into the real pressure they have to put on the regime," he said.
ASEAN members are divided on how to handle Myanmar, which has always escaped formal censure from the 10-nation group as it adheres to a principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
But as Myanmar's poor record -- including allegations of massive human rights abuses as well as a failure to embrace reforms -- again threatens to discredit the region, its neighbours have reminded it of its obligations.
"I think they realise that the whole world is watching them," Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday.
"But for them to decide to take the path or the roadmap towards democracy is a gargantuan step, and we're glad that they've taken that, so we must encourage them along the way."
Indonesia has mooted the idea of foreigners observing Myanmar's polls -- the first since 1990 when Suu Kyi's party won by a landslide but was not allowed to take power.
ASEAN wants to "ensure that the elections become part of the solution, an important footstep towards democratisation, but not a new source of problems in the future," said Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.
by Claire Truscott – Fri Apr 9, 5:35 am ET
HANOI (AFP) – Southeast Asian leaders on Friday urged Myanmar's ruling junta to ensure that this year's elections, which have been boycotted by the opposition, are fair and include all parties.
The polls in military-ruled Myanmar, expected to be held by early November, have been widely criticised as lacking credibility because of laws that effectively bar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from taking part.
Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit that he had delivered the region's message directly to Myanmar's generals during a visit last week.
"We hope to see Myanmar implementing effectively the roadmap for peace... and that the elections should be fair, democratic, with the participation of all parties," said Dung, the current ASEAN chair.
"This will help... stabilise the country and focus resources on development," he told a press conference, in comments that were unusually candid for a bloc that avoids commenting on members' affairs.
Myanmar's elections will be the first in the military-run state for two decades, but Suu Kyi's political party has called a boycott over rules that would have forced it to expel its leader if it wanted to participate.
The United States has led international condemnation of the new laws, saying they make a "mockery" of Myanmar's claims to be shifting towards democracy after nearly half a century of military rule.
David Mathieson from Human Rights Watch welcomed the comments from Myanmar's neighbours but said it would amount to no more than "toothless posturing" because the regime had no intention of acting on the advice.
"In some ways I'm glad they are actually being stronger and saying things like this but I'm just not confident it will transfer into the real pressure they have to put on the regime," he said.
ASEAN members are divided on how to handle Myanmar, which has always escaped formal censure from the 10-nation group as it adheres to a principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
But as Myanmar's poor record -- including allegations of massive human rights abuses as well as a failure to embrace reforms -- again threatens to discredit the region, its neighbours have reminded it of its obligations.
"I think they realise that the whole world is watching them," Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday.
"But for them to decide to take the path or the roadmap towards democracy is a gargantuan step, and we're glad that they've taken that, so we must encourage them along the way."
Indonesia has mooted the idea of foreigners observing Myanmar's polls -- the first since 1990 when Suu Kyi's party won by a landslide but was not allowed to take power.
ASEAN wants to "ensure that the elections become part of the solution, an important footstep towards democratisation, but not a new source of problems in the future," said Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.
******************************************************
SE Asian leaders urge open elections in Myanmar
By BEN STOCKING, Associated Press Writer – Fri Apr 9, 2:53 am ET
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) – Southeast Asian leaders urged Myanmar's isolated military government to hold free and fair elections later this year and pledged Friday to enhance economic cooperation among themselves as they ended a regional summit.
"The elections should be free and democratic with the participation of all parties," said Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who chaired the 16th annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
ASEAN leaders did not issue a formal statement about Myanmar, but Dung stated the organization's position during a news conference after the summit.
Myanmar's military junta plans to call elections sometime this year, but under the election laws, detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is forbidden from participating. Her party, the National League for Democracy, is boycotting the polls — the first in two decades, potentially undermining the credibility of the outcome.
The opposition won the 1990 elections, but the military refused to allow it to take power and has since tightly controlled political expression, jailing political activists — including Suu Kyi for 14 of the last 20 years — and quelling mass protests.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit Friday morning, Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa said it was important for Myanmar to make the transition to democracy.
"We want very much to see an election that is going to obtain international recognition and credibility," he said.
Leaders from the 10 ASEAN nations represent widely diverging political systems — ranging from democracies to communism to a military junta — and generally refrain from commenting on one another's political affairs.
Representing his single-party communist state, Dung recently visited Myanmar to promote Vietnamese trade and investment there. He said he conveyed ASEAN's position on the elections to Prime Minister Thein Sein at that time.
"ASEAN countries reaffirm their continued support to Myanmar in its active regional and international integration," Dung said Friday, when asked about Myanmar's election plans. "We are ready to support Myanmar if requested, under the spirit of the ASEAN charter."
Other leaders at the summit said that they needed to engage Myanmar, not isolate it.
"We are not in a position to punish Myanmar," said Indonesian Prime Minister George Yeo. "If China and India remain engaged with Myanmar, then we have to."
The summit took place amid an escalating political crisis in Thailand that forced Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to declare a state of emergency and cancel his trip to Hanoi.
Thailand's "Red Shirt" protesters, who briefly occupied parliament this week, are generally supporters of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted in a 2006 coup, and want Abhisit to resign and call new elections.
Dung made no reference to Thailand's troubles during his post-summit news conference.
Dung said the ASEAN leaders had agreed to intensify their economic cooperation, with the goal of establishing a European-style economic community by 2015 and promoting development across the region.
They also agreed on a system for resolving disputes among member states and agreed to work together to address climate change.
ASEAN's foreign ministers predict that economic growth across the region could reach 5.5 percent this year and they said they would take steps to ensure financial stability.
The leaders issued a statement saying the global economy shows signs of recovery, although it would be slow.
"We believe ASEAN's inherent dynamism will help the region sustain its recovery and attain higher economic growth," the statement said.
By BEN STOCKING, Associated Press Writer – Fri Apr 9, 2:53 am ET
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) – Southeast Asian leaders urged Myanmar's isolated military government to hold free and fair elections later this year and pledged Friday to enhance economic cooperation among themselves as they ended a regional summit.
"The elections should be free and democratic with the participation of all parties," said Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who chaired the 16th annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
ASEAN leaders did not issue a formal statement about Myanmar, but Dung stated the organization's position during a news conference after the summit.
Myanmar's military junta plans to call elections sometime this year, but under the election laws, detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is forbidden from participating. Her party, the National League for Democracy, is boycotting the polls — the first in two decades, potentially undermining the credibility of the outcome.
The opposition won the 1990 elections, but the military refused to allow it to take power and has since tightly controlled political expression, jailing political activists — including Suu Kyi for 14 of the last 20 years — and quelling mass protests.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit Friday morning, Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa said it was important for Myanmar to make the transition to democracy.
"We want very much to see an election that is going to obtain international recognition and credibility," he said.
Leaders from the 10 ASEAN nations represent widely diverging political systems — ranging from democracies to communism to a military junta — and generally refrain from commenting on one another's political affairs.
Representing his single-party communist state, Dung recently visited Myanmar to promote Vietnamese trade and investment there. He said he conveyed ASEAN's position on the elections to Prime Minister Thein Sein at that time.
"ASEAN countries reaffirm their continued support to Myanmar in its active regional and international integration," Dung said Friday, when asked about Myanmar's election plans. "We are ready to support Myanmar if requested, under the spirit of the ASEAN charter."
Other leaders at the summit said that they needed to engage Myanmar, not isolate it.
"We are not in a position to punish Myanmar," said Indonesian Prime Minister George Yeo. "If China and India remain engaged with Myanmar, then we have to."
The summit took place amid an escalating political crisis in Thailand that forced Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to declare a state of emergency and cancel his trip to Hanoi.
Thailand's "Red Shirt" protesters, who briefly occupied parliament this week, are generally supporters of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted in a 2006 coup, and want Abhisit to resign and call new elections.
Dung made no reference to Thailand's troubles during his post-summit news conference.
Dung said the ASEAN leaders had agreed to intensify their economic cooperation, with the goal of establishing a European-style economic community by 2015 and promoting development across the region.
They also agreed on a system for resolving disputes among member states and agreed to work together to address climate change.
ASEAN's foreign ministers predict that economic growth across the region could reach 5.5 percent this year and they said they would take steps to ensure financial stability.
The leaders issued a statement saying the global economy shows signs of recovery, although it would be slow.
"We believe ASEAN's inherent dynamism will help the region sustain its recovery and attain higher economic growth," the statement said.
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EarthTimes - Vietnam: Myanmar elections should include 'all parties'
Posted : Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:49:12 GMT
Hanoi - Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung called Friday on Myanmar to ensure all parties can take part in its upcoming elections.
Dung was speaking as chair of the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), scheduled to close Friday in Hanoi.
The Myanmar elections "should be fair and democratic, with the participation of all parties," Dung said in response to a reporter's query.
The most controversial question at the summit was how to address member state Myanmar's poor human rights record and its manipulation of its elections process.
Myanmar's ruling military junta has promised to hold general elections this year, but laws introduced in March have effectively barred opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from running.
Her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has boycotted the elections in response.
Dung's statement appeared to criticize these developments, though he did not specify whether "all parties" included Suu Kyi or the NLD.
The statement was striking coming from the head of a single-party Communist state that had earlier said Myanmar's elections would not be on the agenda at the summit.
Vietnam has cultivated close relations with Myanmar in recent months, and Dung paid an official visit to the country in early April.
The governments of Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, however, have raised the issue of Myanmar elections at the summit.
On Wednesday, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said Myanmar's restrictive election laws "may lead to problems among ASEAN leaders and the international community."
Dung's statement that the elections should include all parties seemed to reflect the consensus among ASEAN leaders rather than Vietnamese views.
He also said that during his visit to Myanmar he had "forwarded to the government and people of Myanmar ASEAN's message that we hope to see Myanmar effectively implement (its) road map for democracy, peace and national concord."
ASEAN membership consists of Brunei, Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Posted : Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:49:12 GMT
Hanoi - Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung called Friday on Myanmar to ensure all parties can take part in its upcoming elections.
Dung was speaking as chair of the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), scheduled to close Friday in Hanoi.
The Myanmar elections "should be fair and democratic, with the participation of all parties," Dung said in response to a reporter's query.
The most controversial question at the summit was how to address member state Myanmar's poor human rights record and its manipulation of its elections process.
Myanmar's ruling military junta has promised to hold general elections this year, but laws introduced in March have effectively barred opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from running.
Her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has boycotted the elections in response.
Dung's statement appeared to criticize these developments, though he did not specify whether "all parties" included Suu Kyi or the NLD.
The statement was striking coming from the head of a single-party Communist state that had earlier said Myanmar's elections would not be on the agenda at the summit.
Vietnam has cultivated close relations with Myanmar in recent months, and Dung paid an official visit to the country in early April.
The governments of Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, however, have raised the issue of Myanmar elections at the summit.
On Wednesday, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said Myanmar's restrictive election laws "may lead to problems among ASEAN leaders and the international community."
Dung's statement that the elections should include all parties seemed to reflect the consensus among ASEAN leaders rather than Vietnamese views.
He also said that during his visit to Myanmar he had "forwarded to the government and people of Myanmar ASEAN's message that we hope to see Myanmar effectively implement (its) road map for democracy, peace and national concord."
ASEAN membership consists of Brunei, Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
******************************************************
April 09, 2010 19:17 PM
Najib: Asean+8 Which Includes US, Russia To Be Decided At Next Summit
From Jamaluddin Muhammad
HANOI, April 9 (Bernama) -- Asean may decide whether to form the Asean+8, which includes the United States and Russia, at its next summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Friday.
He said Asean leaders would have to take into consideration the constraints and practical realities on the ability of leaders of the two superpowers to join the dialogue process.
"It could more or less affect (the dialogue) process if both leaders could not join the process pioneered by Asean even though the two countries have shown interest to participate," he said.
Speaking to reporters after attending the 16th Asean Summit at the National Convention Centre, here, Najib said Asean Foreign Ministers would study the matter in detail and that a decision might be made by leaders at the next summit.
"We are concerned with their level of representation and time allocation for the process.
"As we are aware, US President Barack Obama has committed to attending the Asean-US Summit this year but the schedule has yet to be determined until now. Obama's visit to Indonesia has been postponed three times," said Najib.
He said these issues had raised question whether the involvement of both leaders in the Asean process could be hindered by global political events and issues.
Asean, a 10-member grouping of Southeast Asian nations, comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.
Asean has established the Asean+6 with the addition of China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand as their dialogue partners.
"The leaders discussed the proposal to expand Asean+6 into Asean+8 to include the US and Russia," he said.
Najib said if Asean wanted to expand the Asean+6, it should be on the basis of the two countries joining the dialogue process and not just accepting either one.
The prime minister also said he told his counterparts during the retreat session today that Malaysia was offering the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, near Kuala Lumpur, to be used as the region's disaster relief depot, saying the airport had good facilities and recognised by the World Food Programme.
He said the Asean Disaster Relief Management Committee could use the airport for the purpose.
On Myanmar, Najib said the leaders stressed that the country's process towards democracy should be transparent, fair, inclusive and could not be disputed by the local as well as the international community.
"Malaysia and several Asean member countries have offered expertise in conducting election process for Myanmar," he said.
Najib said that the leaders shared the same sentiment that Myanmar's democratic process could contribute to the regional grouping as a whole.
He said the leaders agreed that Asean must continue to play the centrality role and be the thrust for the regional architecture in line with its aspiration towards creating an Asean Community by 2015.
On sustained economic recovery and development, Najib said the leaders stressed on the importance of economic integration within Asean, develop Asean connectivity and reduce development gap between member countries.
Najib said he stressed on the importance of the grouping to develop green technology so that it could contribute to a sustainable economic recovery in Asean.
On climate change, he said, developed countries had not done enough in terms of cutting carbon emission or contributing to the fund to help developing countries to implement intiatives to tackle the issue.
Najib: Asean+8 Which Includes US, Russia To Be Decided At Next Summit
From Jamaluddin Muhammad
HANOI, April 9 (Bernama) -- Asean may decide whether to form the Asean+8, which includes the United States and Russia, at its next summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Friday.
He said Asean leaders would have to take into consideration the constraints and practical realities on the ability of leaders of the two superpowers to join the dialogue process.
"It could more or less affect (the dialogue) process if both leaders could not join the process pioneered by Asean even though the two countries have shown interest to participate," he said.
Speaking to reporters after attending the 16th Asean Summit at the National Convention Centre, here, Najib said Asean Foreign Ministers would study the matter in detail and that a decision might be made by leaders at the next summit.
"We are concerned with their level of representation and time allocation for the process.
"As we are aware, US President Barack Obama has committed to attending the Asean-US Summit this year but the schedule has yet to be determined until now. Obama's visit to Indonesia has been postponed three times," said Najib.
He said these issues had raised question whether the involvement of both leaders in the Asean process could be hindered by global political events and issues.
Asean, a 10-member grouping of Southeast Asian nations, comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.
Asean has established the Asean+6 with the addition of China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand as their dialogue partners.
"The leaders discussed the proposal to expand Asean+6 into Asean+8 to include the US and Russia," he said.
Najib said if Asean wanted to expand the Asean+6, it should be on the basis of the two countries joining the dialogue process and not just accepting either one.
The prime minister also said he told his counterparts during the retreat session today that Malaysia was offering the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, near Kuala Lumpur, to be used as the region's disaster relief depot, saying the airport had good facilities and recognised by the World Food Programme.
He said the Asean Disaster Relief Management Committee could use the airport for the purpose.
On Myanmar, Najib said the leaders stressed that the country's process towards democracy should be transparent, fair, inclusive and could not be disputed by the local as well as the international community.
"Malaysia and several Asean member countries have offered expertise in conducting election process for Myanmar," he said.
Najib said that the leaders shared the same sentiment that Myanmar's democratic process could contribute to the regional grouping as a whole.
He said the leaders agreed that Asean must continue to play the centrality role and be the thrust for the regional architecture in line with its aspiration towards creating an Asean Community by 2015.
On sustained economic recovery and development, Najib said the leaders stressed on the importance of economic integration within Asean, develop Asean connectivity and reduce development gap between member countries.
Najib said he stressed on the importance of the grouping to develop green technology so that it could contribute to a sustainable economic recovery in Asean.
On climate change, he said, developed countries had not done enough in terms of cutting carbon emission or contributing to the fund to help developing countries to implement intiatives to tackle the issue.
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April 09, 2010 15:48 PM
Myanmar Sentenced To Gallows For Killing Countryman
SHAH ALAM, April 9 (Bernama) -- The High Court here sentenced a Myanmar security guard to the gallows after finding him guilty of murdering his countryman three years ago.
Justice Datuk Wira Mohtarudin Baki meted out the sentence after dismissing the accused's defence, saying it was merely a denial.
"Denial is no defence," he said.
Mohtarudin found Mohd Naki Mohd Yusuf, 44, guilty of murdering Nowshad, 27, also a Myanmar national, at Kilang Sin Guan Huat, Jalan Perusahaan 3, Beranang, Kajang, at about 9.30pm on April 14, 2007.
The prosecution called in 22 witnesses while the defence, one.
In his judgment, Mohtarudin said based on the testimony of witnesses, there were evidence to show that the accused's marriage was in trouble and that the accused's wife was close the victim.
He said one of the witnesses, who is the son of the accused, had told the court that he heard the accused and the victim arguing loudly and saw the accused hitting the victim with an iron rod.
The victim's remains was found inside a water tank on May 20, 2007 several weeks after the incident.
Prosecution was carried out by Deputy Public Prosecutor Rosidah Abu while Mohd Naki was represented by Ahmad Nizam Mohamed.
Myanmar Sentenced To Gallows For Killing Countryman
SHAH ALAM, April 9 (Bernama) -- The High Court here sentenced a Myanmar security guard to the gallows after finding him guilty of murdering his countryman three years ago.
Justice Datuk Wira Mohtarudin Baki meted out the sentence after dismissing the accused's defence, saying it was merely a denial.
"Denial is no defence," he said.
Mohtarudin found Mohd Naki Mohd Yusuf, 44, guilty of murdering Nowshad, 27, also a Myanmar national, at Kilang Sin Guan Huat, Jalan Perusahaan 3, Beranang, Kajang, at about 9.30pm on April 14, 2007.
The prosecution called in 22 witnesses while the defence, one.
In his judgment, Mohtarudin said based on the testimony of witnesses, there were evidence to show that the accused's marriage was in trouble and that the accused's wife was close the victim.
He said one of the witnesses, who is the son of the accused, had told the court that he heard the accused and the victim arguing loudly and saw the accused hitting the victim with an iron rod.
The victim's remains was found inside a water tank on May 20, 2007 several weeks after the incident.
Prosecution was carried out by Deputy Public Prosecutor Rosidah Abu while Mohd Naki was represented by Ahmad Nizam Mohamed.
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The Temasek Review - Myanmar International TV employs Singapore presenters as news anchors
April 9, 2010 by admin
Written by Our Correspondent
According to a news report from independent Burmese website Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), the military junta in Burma has launched a new international channel to counter “mistrust” of Burmese reporters.
It was reported that Myanmar International TV (MITV) will be anchored by Singapore presenters.
“The programmes are being presented by foreigners hired from Singapore who mainly promote travel and tourism in Burma,” DVB quoted a Burmese journalist based in Yangon as saying.
Myanmar International TV (MITV) is a product of the junta’s Ministry of Information, home to the notoriously draconian Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, the government’s censor board.
Like Singapore, the Burmese media is tightly controlled by the government and is no more but a propaganda mouthpiece of the junta.
Singapore has come under frequent criticisms from the international community for its close ties with the Burmese military junta.
The Singapore government named an orchid after the Myamnar Prime Minister who visited the island state in 2008.
A source close to the group told DVB that the reason for hiring Singaporean presenters is to enhance the “credibility” of the channel to foreigners.
Perhaps the Burmese generals are not aware of the fact that the Singapore media doesn’t have a good reputation internationally as well.
International media watchdog Reporters without Borders rank the Singapore media 133th in the world in terms of press freedom which prompted a rebuttal from Singapore’s Law Minister Shanmugam that the pathetic ranking is “quite divorced from reality.”
All the newspapers and broadcasting stations in Singapore are firmly controlled by the ruling party. Foreign publications are not allowed to comment on Singapore politics while a foreign journalists who do not toe the official lines are evicted from the country often without any warning.
Though Singapore is supposedly an advanced economy, its political system resembles that of Myanmar – a one-party totalitarian state.
Human Rights Watch recently denounced Singapore as a “textbook example of a politically repressive state” in its annual report this year.
The Burmese will surely have a lot to learn from the Singapore presenters on how to present a lie blatantly without blinking an eyelid.
April 9, 2010 by admin
Written by Our Correspondent
According to a news report from independent Burmese website Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), the military junta in Burma has launched a new international channel to counter “mistrust” of Burmese reporters.
It was reported that Myanmar International TV (MITV) will be anchored by Singapore presenters.
“The programmes are being presented by foreigners hired from Singapore who mainly promote travel and tourism in Burma,” DVB quoted a Burmese journalist based in Yangon as saying.
Myanmar International TV (MITV) is a product of the junta’s Ministry of Information, home to the notoriously draconian Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, the government’s censor board.
Like Singapore, the Burmese media is tightly controlled by the government and is no more but a propaganda mouthpiece of the junta.
Singapore has come under frequent criticisms from the international community for its close ties with the Burmese military junta.
The Singapore government named an orchid after the Myamnar Prime Minister who visited the island state in 2008.
A source close to the group told DVB that the reason for hiring Singaporean presenters is to enhance the “credibility” of the channel to foreigners.
Perhaps the Burmese generals are not aware of the fact that the Singapore media doesn’t have a good reputation internationally as well.
International media watchdog Reporters without Borders rank the Singapore media 133th in the world in terms of press freedom which prompted a rebuttal from Singapore’s Law Minister Shanmugam that the pathetic ranking is “quite divorced from reality.”
All the newspapers and broadcasting stations in Singapore are firmly controlled by the ruling party. Foreign publications are not allowed to comment on Singapore politics while a foreign journalists who do not toe the official lines are evicted from the country often without any warning.
Though Singapore is supposedly an advanced economy, its political system resembles that of Myanmar – a one-party totalitarian state.
Human Rights Watch recently denounced Singapore as a “textbook example of a politically repressive state” in its annual report this year.
The Burmese will surely have a lot to learn from the Singapore presenters on how to present a lie blatantly without blinking an eyelid.
******************************************************
Human Rights Watch - Happy Birthday to Burma's Military
It's been a hell of an awful 65 years.
by David Scott Mathieson, Burma researcher for Human Rights Watch
Published in: Foreign Policy
April 7, 2010
To mark the 65th anniversary of Burma's military last week, the country's leader, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, made a rare public appearance, presiding over a grand Armed Forces Day parade through the streets of Naypyidaw, the country's lavish, newly constructed capital city. Thousands of troops marched in formation past fountains as the ruling general saluted and promised the select crowd that the coming elections would be free and fair.
There was much to celebrate as far as the Burmese military is concerned. The junta is confident in its hold on political power, monopoly over the economy, and near-complete neutralization of domestic opponents. The ideal conditions are in place to give the military junta its best-ever birthday present: continuing dominance over a future civilian parliament and continuing control of Burma's 58 million people after the country's elections, promised to take place this year. Everything the ruling junta, formally known as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has been planning is methodically coming to fruition. The system it dubbed "disciplined democracy" is living up to its Orwellian name. And it shows no sign of changing.
Created at the end of World War II by a cabal of pro-Japanese nationalists and British-trained officers, the Burmese defense services, known as the Tatmadaw, were instrumental in safeguarding the weak central government against ethnic and communist insurgencies in the 1950s. In 1962, to secure its own interests and sideline bickering civilian politicians, the Tatmadaw staged a coup. The new junta nationalized almost all economic entities in the country, launching an era of xenophobic socialist rule under the leadership of Gen. Ne Win.
By 1988, the system was crumbling. Nationwide protests erupted against disastrous economic policies and military control. But rather than reform, the military doubled down on repression, ruling without any ideology other than nationalism and corporate self-interest. When the Army's preferred party lost in a landslide to the opposition National League for Democracy, led by the daughter of the Army's beloved first commander, Gen. Aung San, the Tatmadaw simply nullified the elections. It drafted a new Constitution to ensure its future dominance, partially liberalized the economy, began to slowly destroy the political opposition, bought off the ethnic resistance, and successfully made the vast majority of Burma's citizens fearful of any involvement in politics.
Now 20 years into its campaign to ensure uncontested primacy in Burma, the Tatmadaw's birthday goals are equally chilling. As announced on Armed Forces Day, they include: "To work hard with national people for successful completion of elections due to be held in accordance with the new Constitution, to crush internal and external subversive elements through the strength and consolidated unity of the people, and to build a strong, patriotic modern Tatmadaw."
Clearly, Burma's rulers haven't changed much in two decades, and if anything, they have become more isolated and paranoid. The parades have become more ostentatious and generally exclusive, especially since the ruling SPDC moved to Naypyidaw. The massive parade grounds are closed to the public and all outsiders except foreign defense attachés, who sit under the gaze of three gargantuan golden statues of former Burmese kings. This year, the regime permitted some foreign journalists to attend for the first time since 2006 -- but then the junta changed its mind with CNN's Dan Rivers. He was granted a visa to cover the parades, but was inexplicably detained in Naypyidaw and then sent back to Thailand the day before the event.
Behind the facade of a triumphant, neomedieval military state, it's hard to tell what the real condition of Burma really is. But government spending offers a good clue: The SPDC spends a mere 1.4 percent of GDP on health and education, while the Tatmadaw and state enterprises account for 80 percent of government expenditures. The junta spent some $2 billion building the new capital. Meanwhile, Burma's humanitarian crisis is deepening, with severe malnutrition and livelihood challenges affecting one-third of the population. This doesn't affect military leaders, who control Tatmadaw-only hospitals or can travel to Singapore for treatment.
Economic gains are either captured by the regime, senior military leaders, or their favored business associates (many of whom find themselves on Western sanctions lists). The income from energy deposits such as the Yadana and Yetagun gas projects net the regime $2.4 billion a year, proceeds the junta converts at the official exchange rate but squirrels away in offshore banking centers at the market rate. When the Chinese oil-and-gas pipelines are completed in several years, the military will have access to even more foreign-exchange earnings and the finances to guarantee its interests.
With such cash, Burma has no trouble finding ways to spend. The elite send their children overseas for education and bestow lucrative business concessions to their family members. The country's main friends and arms suppliers are now North Korea, China, and Russia, which furnish weapons in return for access to Burma's raw materials.
For a military state, however, life in Burma's army is surprisingly dismal. While the junta buys sophisticated MiG-29 fighter aircraft, it sends its poorly trained and supplied foot soldiers into brutal civil wars with ethnic militias in the country's east. Military offensives have displaced more than half a million civilians and sent hundreds of thousands more fleeing across Burma's borders to Thailand, Bangladesh, and India over the last two decades.
Among the rank and file, morale is extremely low; contempt for the privileged officer class is high; and desertion rates are climbing to a point that alarms even senior Army commanders. Child soldiers remain a staple of combat, necessary for the Tatmadaw to stem the flow of desertions and replenish its ranks as the junta demands a military expansion. Still, despite these internal stress fractures, no overt divisions within the Tatmadaw appear likely to force a change of direction.
Meanwhile, the militarization of Burmese life marches on. In December, the prestigious Defence Services Academy in the city of Maymyo turned out more than 2,400 new officers, the largest graduating class in the Tatmadaw's history. Retiring officers are taking up posts in local administration -- or preparing to contest the 2010 elections. The new Constitution reserves for officers one-quarter of lower-house seats, one-third of upper-house seats, and all key government portfolios.
So, 65 years old this month, the military in Burma is not a state within a state -- it has become the state. The only real opposition, the National League for Democracy, headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, which won the last elections held in Burma in 1990, announced on March 29 that due to the unjust electoral laws governing the elections, it would boycott.
The Tatmadaw could well continue to thrive under a civilian system it controls. The Army will do so at the expense of legitimacy, popular support, and honor. But that's exactly why this year's elections have been so carefully arranged -- to ensure the right result. A free and fair election would most likely give the Tatmadaw its marching orders: out of power.
It's been a hell of an awful 65 years.
by David Scott Mathieson, Burma researcher for Human Rights Watch
Published in: Foreign Policy
April 7, 2010
To mark the 65th anniversary of Burma's military last week, the country's leader, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, made a rare public appearance, presiding over a grand Armed Forces Day parade through the streets of Naypyidaw, the country's lavish, newly constructed capital city. Thousands of troops marched in formation past fountains as the ruling general saluted and promised the select crowd that the coming elections would be free and fair.
There was much to celebrate as far as the Burmese military is concerned. The junta is confident in its hold on political power, monopoly over the economy, and near-complete neutralization of domestic opponents. The ideal conditions are in place to give the military junta its best-ever birthday present: continuing dominance over a future civilian parliament and continuing control of Burma's 58 million people after the country's elections, promised to take place this year. Everything the ruling junta, formally known as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has been planning is methodically coming to fruition. The system it dubbed "disciplined democracy" is living up to its Orwellian name. And it shows no sign of changing.
Created at the end of World War II by a cabal of pro-Japanese nationalists and British-trained officers, the Burmese defense services, known as the Tatmadaw, were instrumental in safeguarding the weak central government against ethnic and communist insurgencies in the 1950s. In 1962, to secure its own interests and sideline bickering civilian politicians, the Tatmadaw staged a coup. The new junta nationalized almost all economic entities in the country, launching an era of xenophobic socialist rule under the leadership of Gen. Ne Win.
By 1988, the system was crumbling. Nationwide protests erupted against disastrous economic policies and military control. But rather than reform, the military doubled down on repression, ruling without any ideology other than nationalism and corporate self-interest. When the Army's preferred party lost in a landslide to the opposition National League for Democracy, led by the daughter of the Army's beloved first commander, Gen. Aung San, the Tatmadaw simply nullified the elections. It drafted a new Constitution to ensure its future dominance, partially liberalized the economy, began to slowly destroy the political opposition, bought off the ethnic resistance, and successfully made the vast majority of Burma's citizens fearful of any involvement in politics.
Now 20 years into its campaign to ensure uncontested primacy in Burma, the Tatmadaw's birthday goals are equally chilling. As announced on Armed Forces Day, they include: "To work hard with national people for successful completion of elections due to be held in accordance with the new Constitution, to crush internal and external subversive elements through the strength and consolidated unity of the people, and to build a strong, patriotic modern Tatmadaw."
Clearly, Burma's rulers haven't changed much in two decades, and if anything, they have become more isolated and paranoid. The parades have become more ostentatious and generally exclusive, especially since the ruling SPDC moved to Naypyidaw. The massive parade grounds are closed to the public and all outsiders except foreign defense attachés, who sit under the gaze of three gargantuan golden statues of former Burmese kings. This year, the regime permitted some foreign journalists to attend for the first time since 2006 -- but then the junta changed its mind with CNN's Dan Rivers. He was granted a visa to cover the parades, but was inexplicably detained in Naypyidaw and then sent back to Thailand the day before the event.
Behind the facade of a triumphant, neomedieval military state, it's hard to tell what the real condition of Burma really is. But government spending offers a good clue: The SPDC spends a mere 1.4 percent of GDP on health and education, while the Tatmadaw and state enterprises account for 80 percent of government expenditures. The junta spent some $2 billion building the new capital. Meanwhile, Burma's humanitarian crisis is deepening, with severe malnutrition and livelihood challenges affecting one-third of the population. This doesn't affect military leaders, who control Tatmadaw-only hospitals or can travel to Singapore for treatment.
Economic gains are either captured by the regime, senior military leaders, or their favored business associates (many of whom find themselves on Western sanctions lists). The income from energy deposits such as the Yadana and Yetagun gas projects net the regime $2.4 billion a year, proceeds the junta converts at the official exchange rate but squirrels away in offshore banking centers at the market rate. When the Chinese oil-and-gas pipelines are completed in several years, the military will have access to even more foreign-exchange earnings and the finances to guarantee its interests.
With such cash, Burma has no trouble finding ways to spend. The elite send their children overseas for education and bestow lucrative business concessions to their family members. The country's main friends and arms suppliers are now North Korea, China, and Russia, which furnish weapons in return for access to Burma's raw materials.
For a military state, however, life in Burma's army is surprisingly dismal. While the junta buys sophisticated MiG-29 fighter aircraft, it sends its poorly trained and supplied foot soldiers into brutal civil wars with ethnic militias in the country's east. Military offensives have displaced more than half a million civilians and sent hundreds of thousands more fleeing across Burma's borders to Thailand, Bangladesh, and India over the last two decades.
Among the rank and file, morale is extremely low; contempt for the privileged officer class is high; and desertion rates are climbing to a point that alarms even senior Army commanders. Child soldiers remain a staple of combat, necessary for the Tatmadaw to stem the flow of desertions and replenish its ranks as the junta demands a military expansion. Still, despite these internal stress fractures, no overt divisions within the Tatmadaw appear likely to force a change of direction.
Meanwhile, the militarization of Burmese life marches on. In December, the prestigious Defence Services Academy in the city of Maymyo turned out more than 2,400 new officers, the largest graduating class in the Tatmadaw's history. Retiring officers are taking up posts in local administration -- or preparing to contest the 2010 elections. The new Constitution reserves for officers one-quarter of lower-house seats, one-third of upper-house seats, and all key government portfolios.
So, 65 years old this month, the military in Burma is not a state within a state -- it has become the state. The only real opposition, the National League for Democracy, headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, which won the last elections held in Burma in 1990, announced on March 29 that due to the unjust electoral laws governing the elections, it would boycott.
The Tatmadaw could well continue to thrive under a civilian system it controls. The Army will do so at the expense of legitimacy, popular support, and honor. But that's exactly why this year's elections have been so carefully arranged -- to ensure the right result. A free and fair election would most likely give the Tatmadaw its marching orders: out of power.
******************************************************
The Nation - Asean leaders offer to assist Burma's election
Hanoi - Published on April 9, 2010
Asean leaders this morning have offered to assist Burma's upcoming election by sharing their experience and dispatch poll observers.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, who sat in the summit on behalf of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, said that Asean would to see a democratic and credible election inside Burma. "Asean reputation and solidarity is linked to the creditability of the poll," Kasit told The Nation in an interview.
The Asean leaders expressed understanding of the constraints Burma is facing. But they also urged Burma to become more flexible so that the election would free, fair and including all parties.
He quoted Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein as saying that Burma is at the beginning of the democratic development. He did not elaborate.
Hanoi - Published on April 9, 2010
Asean leaders this morning have offered to assist Burma's upcoming election by sharing their experience and dispatch poll observers.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, who sat in the summit on behalf of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, said that Asean would to see a democratic and credible election inside Burma. "Asean reputation and solidarity is linked to the creditability of the poll," Kasit told The Nation in an interview.
The Asean leaders expressed understanding of the constraints Burma is facing. But they also urged Burma to become more flexible so that the election would free, fair and including all parties.
He quoted Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein as saying that Burma is at the beginning of the democratic development. He did not elaborate.
******************************************************
The Irrawaddy - US Will Continue Burma Engagement Policy
By LALIT K. JHA - Friday, April 9, 2010
Washington, D.C. —The Obama administration said on Friday it will continue its new policy of engaging the Burmese leadership despite the fact that the military junta has ignored, and often directly contradicted, the advice of the international community.
“We are engaging Burma,” said P J Crowley, the US assistant secretary of state for public affairs. “Other countries in the region are engaging Burma, obviously, in a variety of contexts, including through Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations].”
Crowley said the Obama administration has been talking with India and China regarding Burma, but did not provide details.
“I think everybody has an interest in stability in the region, seeing Burma emerge from its isolation. But clearly, there are steps that Burma has to take, and we will continue our regional dialogue and encourage everyone to provide Burma the same message,” Crowley said in response to a question.
The new US policy with respect to Burma, unveiled last year by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, includes engagement as well as sanctions.
The United States has had two rounds of talks with the Burmese military junta since the new policy was announced.
During that period, the Burmese government has continued to thumb its nose at the international community with respect to the release of political prisoners, freedom and fairness in the upcoming election, and human rights.
According to Crowley, no date has been set for the next round of talks.
Members of Asean are scheduled to discuss issues surrounding Burma at their 16th annual summit that opened on Thursday in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Even though the specter of a sham Burmese election without the participation of the main opposition party and its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, threatens to discredit the regional bloc and once again open Asean to criticism as a toothless organization, Asean is not expected to exert much pressure on the Burmese junta.
Singapore foreign minister George Yeo, speaking in Hanoi, seemed to sum up the fence-sitting stance of many Asean members.
"It's disappointing that, because of the way the election laws have been crafted, it's not possible for the NLD [National League for Democracy] to participate in the elections," Yeo said. But then he added: "We are not in a position to punish Myanmar [Burma]. If China and India remain engaged with Myanmar, then we have to."
By LALIT K. JHA - Friday, April 9, 2010
Washington, D.C. —The Obama administration said on Friday it will continue its new policy of engaging the Burmese leadership despite the fact that the military junta has ignored, and often directly contradicted, the advice of the international community.
“We are engaging Burma,” said P J Crowley, the US assistant secretary of state for public affairs. “Other countries in the region are engaging Burma, obviously, in a variety of contexts, including through Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations].”
Crowley said the Obama administration has been talking with India and China regarding Burma, but did not provide details.
“I think everybody has an interest in stability in the region, seeing Burma emerge from its isolation. But clearly, there are steps that Burma has to take, and we will continue our regional dialogue and encourage everyone to provide Burma the same message,” Crowley said in response to a question.
The new US policy with respect to Burma, unveiled last year by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, includes engagement as well as sanctions.
The United States has had two rounds of talks with the Burmese military junta since the new policy was announced.
During that period, the Burmese government has continued to thumb its nose at the international community with respect to the release of political prisoners, freedom and fairness in the upcoming election, and human rights.
According to Crowley, no date has been set for the next round of talks.
Members of Asean are scheduled to discuss issues surrounding Burma at their 16th annual summit that opened on Thursday in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Even though the specter of a sham Burmese election without the participation of the main opposition party and its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, threatens to discredit the regional bloc and once again open Asean to criticism as a toothless organization, Asean is not expected to exert much pressure on the Burmese junta.
Singapore foreign minister George Yeo, speaking in Hanoi, seemed to sum up the fence-sitting stance of many Asean members.
"It's disappointing that, because of the way the election laws have been crafted, it's not possible for the NLD [National League for Democracy] to participate in the elections," Yeo said. But then he added: "We are not in a position to punish Myanmar [Burma]. If China and India remain engaged with Myanmar, then we have to."
******************************************************
The Irrawaddy - Junta Unmanned Aircraft Project Stalled
By NAYEE LIN LET - Friday, April 9, 2010
A construction project dedicated to building unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for the Burmese military has been delayed for one year due to a lack of a computerized control program, military sources said.
According to Air Force sources, the UAV project is being directed by Brig-Gen Thein Naing, the son-in-law of junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe.
An officer at the Aircraft Production and Repair Base Headquarters (Mingaladon) (APRBH) said the aircraft body construction unit needs to acquire better technology for the construction of the UAV body and more engineers with technical expertise on aircraft control systems.
“A Chinese company wanted to sell a UAV program and the Air Force agreed to buy it, and the project began,” said the officer.
He said that no military officers returning from scholarships abroad have studied UAV aircraft control system.
“Those who have better computer knowledge in our unit were listed and five junior officers (engineers) led by a captain were sent for technical training,” said an Air Force engineer.
A retired Air Force officer said the UAV project was started even though engineers from the APRBH were only experienced in small-scaled repair of existing aircraft.
“The implementation team of the UAV project consists of some 30 pilots and senior engineers led by a pilot Lt-Col,” said the retired officer.
The size of the planned UAV aircraft is not known.
The Web site of the Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University in Meikhtila Township, Mandalay Division, highlights a project for a small UAV that is being carried out by students and teachers at the university (http://www.most.gov.mm/maeu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34).
UAVs are designed in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, configurations and characteristics and have been used in various areas, performing reconnaissance as well as attack missions.
For the past two years, the US military has used UAVs in Pakistan in nearly 100 attacks on Taliban and Al-Qaeda personnel.
By NAYEE LIN LET - Friday, April 9, 2010
A construction project dedicated to building unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for the Burmese military has been delayed for one year due to a lack of a computerized control program, military sources said.
According to Air Force sources, the UAV project is being directed by Brig-Gen Thein Naing, the son-in-law of junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe.
An officer at the Aircraft Production and Repair Base Headquarters (Mingaladon) (APRBH) said the aircraft body construction unit needs to acquire better technology for the construction of the UAV body and more engineers with technical expertise on aircraft control systems.
“A Chinese company wanted to sell a UAV program and the Air Force agreed to buy it, and the project began,” said the officer.
He said that no military officers returning from scholarships abroad have studied UAV aircraft control system.
“Those who have better computer knowledge in our unit were listed and five junior officers (engineers) led by a captain were sent for technical training,” said an Air Force engineer.
A retired Air Force officer said the UAV project was started even though engineers from the APRBH were only experienced in small-scaled repair of existing aircraft.
“The implementation team of the UAV project consists of some 30 pilots and senior engineers led by a pilot Lt-Col,” said the retired officer.
The size of the planned UAV aircraft is not known.
The Web site of the Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University in Meikhtila Township, Mandalay Division, highlights a project for a small UAV that is being carried out by students and teachers at the university (http://www.most.gov.mm/maeu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34).
UAVs are designed in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, configurations and characteristics and have been used in various areas, performing reconnaissance as well as attack missions.
For the past two years, the US military has used UAVs in Pakistan in nearly 100 attacks on Taliban and Al-Qaeda personnel.
******************************************************
The Irrawaddy - Asean Summit Long On Words, Not Actions on Burma
By SAW YAN NAING - Friday, April 9, 2010
Heads of state and foreign ministers gathered in Hanoi at the 16th annual Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) summit issued strong statements calling on Burma to hold credible and fair elections, but they failed to take any collective or individual action to help ensure this outcome.
The Burmese military regime has announced that an election will be held this year but have not yet set a date. Under the regime's election laws, Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Burma's main opposition group, the National League for Democracy (NLD), and other political prisoners are banned from participating in the election.
Top level officials from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines all urged Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein, who is attending the summit, to hold a fair and all-inclusive election, according to reports from Hanoi.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said, “[Burma's elections] should be fair and democratic, with the participation of all parties.”
Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said, “We want very much to see an election that is going to obtain international recognition and credibility.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak told reporters, “The important thing is for the process itself to be a very sound process, a credible process, and to be free and fair so that it will enhance Burma and Asean, particularly with the world community.”
But despite these statements, observers said the repeated calls for free and fair elections make little difference without constructive engagement, and Asean's policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of member countries, along with divisions within the Asean bloc on how to handle the Burma issue, have allowed the Burmese military junta to repeatedly escape formal censure.
Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo said Asean cannot lecture or tell Burma what to do.
“We are not in a position to punish Myanmar [Burma],” said Yeo, while allowing that the months leading up to the election will be critical for Burma. “In the end, what happens in Myanmar is for the Myanmar people to decide. We are outsiders...we hope that they would make progress quickly,” he said.
Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, who once referred to the Asean bloc as a “wheel of change,” told Agence France-Presse that Burma appreciates that, “... Asean has been seized with this issue for a long, long time and would like to see an end to this issue so that Myanmar itself and Asean can move on to a closer cooperation.”
Pitsuan also said that Asean gives full expression of support to Burma, but that the ruling generals were aware that their rights record continues to be a problem for Asean.
At the end of the summit, the 13-page formal statement by the Asean leaders included only a short reference to Burma.
“We underscored the importance of national reconciliation in Myanmar [Burma] and the holding of the general election in a free, fair and inclusive manner, thus contributing to Myanmar's stability and development,” the statement said.
Some Asean members are reportedly pushing for Asean to act as an observer in Burma's election, but no official statement has been issued and Burma has not agreed to Asean observation.
Agence France-Presse issued a report on Friday that analyzed some of the factors that hamper Asean's response to Burma.
The report noted that Asean's diverse membership ranges from one of Asia's poorest nations, Laos, to the westernized city-state of Singapore, the absolute monarchy of Brunei and the vibrant democracy of Indonesia.
The report concluded that although the summit's slogan is “from vision to action,” Asean is hampered by wide development gaps within the region, entrenched domestic interests and the shortcomings and instability of some members.
By SAW YAN NAING - Friday, April 9, 2010
Heads of state and foreign ministers gathered in Hanoi at the 16th annual Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) summit issued strong statements calling on Burma to hold credible and fair elections, but they failed to take any collective or individual action to help ensure this outcome.
The Burmese military regime has announced that an election will be held this year but have not yet set a date. Under the regime's election laws, Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Burma's main opposition group, the National League for Democracy (NLD), and other political prisoners are banned from participating in the election.
Top level officials from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines all urged Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein, who is attending the summit, to hold a fair and all-inclusive election, according to reports from Hanoi.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said, “[Burma's elections] should be fair and democratic, with the participation of all parties.”
Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said, “We want very much to see an election that is going to obtain international recognition and credibility.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak told reporters, “The important thing is for the process itself to be a very sound process, a credible process, and to be free and fair so that it will enhance Burma and Asean, particularly with the world community.”
But despite these statements, observers said the repeated calls for free and fair elections make little difference without constructive engagement, and Asean's policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of member countries, along with divisions within the Asean bloc on how to handle the Burma issue, have allowed the Burmese military junta to repeatedly escape formal censure.
Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo said Asean cannot lecture or tell Burma what to do.
“We are not in a position to punish Myanmar [Burma],” said Yeo, while allowing that the months leading up to the election will be critical for Burma. “In the end, what happens in Myanmar is for the Myanmar people to decide. We are outsiders...we hope that they would make progress quickly,” he said.
Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, who once referred to the Asean bloc as a “wheel of change,” told Agence France-Presse that Burma appreciates that, “... Asean has been seized with this issue for a long, long time and would like to see an end to this issue so that Myanmar itself and Asean can move on to a closer cooperation.”
Pitsuan also said that Asean gives full expression of support to Burma, but that the ruling generals were aware that their rights record continues to be a problem for Asean.
At the end of the summit, the 13-page formal statement by the Asean leaders included only a short reference to Burma.
“We underscored the importance of national reconciliation in Myanmar [Burma] and the holding of the general election in a free, fair and inclusive manner, thus contributing to Myanmar's stability and development,” the statement said.
Some Asean members are reportedly pushing for Asean to act as an observer in Burma's election, but no official statement has been issued and Burma has not agreed to Asean observation.
Agence France-Presse issued a report on Friday that analyzed some of the factors that hamper Asean's response to Burma.
The report noted that Asean's diverse membership ranges from one of Asia's poorest nations, Laos, to the westernized city-state of Singapore, the absolute monarchy of Brunei and the vibrant democracy of Indonesia.
The report concluded that although the summit's slogan is “from vision to action,” Asean is hampered by wide development gaps within the region, entrenched domestic interests and the shortcomings and instability of some members.
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Hlawga National Park handed over to Htoo Company
Friday, 09 April 2010 19:50 Min Thet
Mizzima (Rangoon) – In its privatization spree, the Burmese military junta has now begun to lease out the country’s natural resources. The Hlawga National Park, in Mingaladon Township, is being handed over to Htoo Trading Company to run.
The park is the property of the Ministry of Forestry but will be transferred to the private firm, which will take the responsibility of all the employees.
“If the government leases it to a private company the maintenance will be more systematic. I don’t know the number of years the lease is for. A contract will be signed in the end of April,” said a park official.
“The park generates revenue mainly from elephant rides by visitors among other entertainment facilities. Those wanting to shoot films in the park will have to pay a fee,” he added.
Hlawga National Park is in Mingaladon, Rangoon Division and came into being in 1980. The park is spread over 1500-acres and includes a wildlife park, a mini-zoo and a buffer zone. The people’s resort is owned by the Ministry of Forestry. There are around 200 species of birds in the park. However the 2008 Cyclone Nargis uprooted hundreds of trees.
Friday, 09 April 2010 19:50 Min Thet
Mizzima (Rangoon) – In its privatization spree, the Burmese military junta has now begun to lease out the country’s natural resources. The Hlawga National Park, in Mingaladon Township, is being handed over to Htoo Trading Company to run.
The park is the property of the Ministry of Forestry but will be transferred to the private firm, which will take the responsibility of all the employees.
“If the government leases it to a private company the maintenance will be more systematic. I don’t know the number of years the lease is for. A contract will be signed in the end of April,” said a park official.
“The park generates revenue mainly from elephant rides by visitors among other entertainment facilities. Those wanting to shoot films in the park will have to pay a fee,” he added.
Hlawga National Park is in Mingaladon, Rangoon Division and came into being in 1980. The park is spread over 1500-acres and includes a wildlife park, a mini-zoo and a buffer zone. The people’s resort is owned by the Ministry of Forestry. There are around 200 species of birds in the park. However the 2008 Cyclone Nargis uprooted hundreds of trees.
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EU urged to join calls for UN probe
Friday, 09 April 2010 17:38 Mizzima News
Mizzima (New Delhi) – The European Union should follow the lead of its members United Kingdom and Czech Republic in calling for a United Nations commission of inquiry into serious crimes committed by the Burmese junta, campaigners have said.
Burma Campaign UK, based in London, on Thursday applauded the Czech Republic’s stance on its support for the establishment of commission of inquiry to probe possible crimes against humanity committed by the Burmese rulers. Similar commissions have been set up to examine events in the Darfur region of Sudan and Lebanon.
Prague, in response to a reporter’s questions, said: “The Czech Republic remains concerned at continuous grave human rights violations in Burma/Myanmar. Despite the government’s ‘Roadmap to Democracy’ and before the expected this year’s elections, political repression, and military attacks against civilians of ethnic nationalities continue in scale and gravity that may entail international crimes under the terms of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
Mizzima contacted Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Filip Kanda, who confirmed the government’s stance.
The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) after a UN General Assembly in 1998 convened a diplomatic conference in Rome. It came into effect in 2002. As of last October, 110 states are party to the statute and 38 states have signed but not ratified the treaty. It defines the functions, jurisdiction and structure of the permanent tribunal to punish individuals who commit genocide and other serious international crimes.
“We believe that the possibility of establishing a commission of inquiry should be seriously examined,” the original reply said, as quoted on the Burma Campaign UK website.
The Czech Republic is the third country to call for the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in the military-ruled Southeast Asian nation, after Australia and the United Kingdom last month expressed backing for such a move.
In response to that stance, Burma Campaign director Mark Farmaner on Thursday said: “It is time that the EU discussed officially adopting support for a UN inquiry, and should include this in the draft United Nations General Assembly resolution on Burma later this year.”
He said, as with the Czech Republic, it is time other EU countries also began to take the initiative and support the call for the establishing a commission of inquiry, he said. “We want other European countries to come aboard and we hope the European Union will officially support as they support the global arms embargo,” Mr Farmaner told Mizzima.
The calls for such an inquiry on Burma and to bring the ruling generals to the ICC have long been raised by campaigners. But UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, last month brought fresh momentum with his recommendation for such an investigation. Mr Quintana, who has made three visits to the country in the almost two years since taking the UN post, said the continuing rights violations needed to be investigated because of the “pattern of gross and systematic violations of human rights”.
Friday, 09 April 2010 17:38 Mizzima News
Mizzima (New Delhi) – The European Union should follow the lead of its members United Kingdom and Czech Republic in calling for a United Nations commission of inquiry into serious crimes committed by the Burmese junta, campaigners have said.
Burma Campaign UK, based in London, on Thursday applauded the Czech Republic’s stance on its support for the establishment of commission of inquiry to probe possible crimes against humanity committed by the Burmese rulers. Similar commissions have been set up to examine events in the Darfur region of Sudan and Lebanon.
Prague, in response to a reporter’s questions, said: “The Czech Republic remains concerned at continuous grave human rights violations in Burma/Myanmar. Despite the government’s ‘Roadmap to Democracy’ and before the expected this year’s elections, political repression, and military attacks against civilians of ethnic nationalities continue in scale and gravity that may entail international crimes under the terms of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
Mizzima contacted Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Filip Kanda, who confirmed the government’s stance.
The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) after a UN General Assembly in 1998 convened a diplomatic conference in Rome. It came into effect in 2002. As of last October, 110 states are party to the statute and 38 states have signed but not ratified the treaty. It defines the functions, jurisdiction and structure of the permanent tribunal to punish individuals who commit genocide and other serious international crimes.
“We believe that the possibility of establishing a commission of inquiry should be seriously examined,” the original reply said, as quoted on the Burma Campaign UK website.
The Czech Republic is the third country to call for the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in the military-ruled Southeast Asian nation, after Australia and the United Kingdom last month expressed backing for such a move.
In response to that stance, Burma Campaign director Mark Farmaner on Thursday said: “It is time that the EU discussed officially adopting support for a UN inquiry, and should include this in the draft United Nations General Assembly resolution on Burma later this year.”
He said, as with the Czech Republic, it is time other EU countries also began to take the initiative and support the call for the establishing a commission of inquiry, he said. “We want other European countries to come aboard and we hope the European Union will officially support as they support the global arms embargo,” Mr Farmaner told Mizzima.
The calls for such an inquiry on Burma and to bring the ruling generals to the ICC have long been raised by campaigners. But UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, last month brought fresh momentum with his recommendation for such an investigation. Mr Quintana, who has made three visits to the country in the almost two years since taking the UN post, said the continuing rights violations needed to be investigated because of the “pattern of gross and systematic violations of human rights”.
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DVB News - Rohingya minority given ID cards
By AYE NAI
Published: 9 April 2010
Identity cards are being issued to Burma’s Rohingya minority in the west of the country in a move likely aimed at securing votes prior to elections.
But the government’s decision to categorise the Rohingya as “Burmese Muslims”, and not Rohingya. has inflamed locals in Arakan state who claim it will only heighten racial tension.
“They are doing this to make sure that they get votes for 2010,” said a local in Arakan state. “It is rather thought provoking that they are giving the ‘Burmese Muslim’ [status] in this election as they had never thought of doing this in the past. This could cause racial problems in the future.”
He added that the issuance appeared “not in accordance with immigration rules and regulations” – Arakan citizens had never before been given identity cards.
A member of staff at the Arakan state immigration office however denied that the cards have been issued, but said that the office head had gone to the capital Naypyidaw for a meeting, although didn’t elaborate on what was being discussed.
Chris Lewa, head of the Arakan Project, said that a Rohingya representative had also travelled to Naypyidaw in the past week to discuss the ID card issue.
She added that there had been “promises by ministers when they visited Arakan state last month that [the Rohingya] will soon get a full citizenship card”. Many already hold temporary cards.
“Because of the referendum the authorities are keen to give them temporary ID cards – the elections laws stipulate that temporary cardholders can vote,” she said.
“The majority of Rohingya in Rangoon have full citizenship and the government is choosing [Rohingya] businessmen with close ties to the ruling junta to go to Arakan state and give donations to the people,” she continued. “It seems that these people will stand as candidates for the government, in the [junta proxy Union Solidarity and Development Association] for example, in the elections.”
A native Arakan said that the practice also occurred during the rule of the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL), the main political party in Burma between 1945 and 1962, when authorities promised foreign residents national identity cards to secure their votes.
“Successive military governments tended to make profits from illegal residents or ‘guests’ – nationals, foreigners, Chinese and Indians during the elections,” he said.
The issuing of identity cards to the Rohingya came after UN rapportuer to Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, said in his report to the UN that the Burmese government has been persecuting Muslims.
Up to 400,000 Rohingya are living in dire conditions across the border in Bangladesh, having fled persecution in Burma. Only 23,000 of these however have been granted refugee status by the UN, while the majority live in makeshift refugee camps.
By AYE NAI
Published: 9 April 2010
Identity cards are being issued to Burma’s Rohingya minority in the west of the country in a move likely aimed at securing votes prior to elections.
But the government’s decision to categorise the Rohingya as “Burmese Muslims”, and not Rohingya. has inflamed locals in Arakan state who claim it will only heighten racial tension.
“They are doing this to make sure that they get votes for 2010,” said a local in Arakan state. “It is rather thought provoking that they are giving the ‘Burmese Muslim’ [status] in this election as they had never thought of doing this in the past. This could cause racial problems in the future.”
He added that the issuance appeared “not in accordance with immigration rules and regulations” – Arakan citizens had never before been given identity cards.
A member of staff at the Arakan state immigration office however denied that the cards have been issued, but said that the office head had gone to the capital Naypyidaw for a meeting, although didn’t elaborate on what was being discussed.
Chris Lewa, head of the Arakan Project, said that a Rohingya representative had also travelled to Naypyidaw in the past week to discuss the ID card issue.
She added that there had been “promises by ministers when they visited Arakan state last month that [the Rohingya] will soon get a full citizenship card”. Many already hold temporary cards.
“Because of the referendum the authorities are keen to give them temporary ID cards – the elections laws stipulate that temporary cardholders can vote,” she said.
“The majority of Rohingya in Rangoon have full citizenship and the government is choosing [Rohingya] businessmen with close ties to the ruling junta to go to Arakan state and give donations to the people,” she continued. “It seems that these people will stand as candidates for the government, in the [junta proxy Union Solidarity and Development Association] for example, in the elections.”
A native Arakan said that the practice also occurred during the rule of the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL), the main political party in Burma between 1945 and 1962, when authorities promised foreign residents national identity cards to secure their votes.
“Successive military governments tended to make profits from illegal residents or ‘guests’ – nationals, foreigners, Chinese and Indians during the elections,” he said.
The issuing of identity cards to the Rohingya came after UN rapportuer to Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, said in his report to the UN that the Burmese government has been persecuting Muslims.
Up to 400,000 Rohingya are living in dire conditions across the border in Bangladesh, having fled persecution in Burma. Only 23,000 of these however have been granted refugee status by the UN, while the majority live in makeshift refugee camps.
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DVB News - Burma ‘will remain rich, poor and controversial’
By FRANCIS WADE
Published: 9 April 2010
The Norwegian state secretary currently in Burma for high-level talks has said that the country remains “one of the world’s most controversial…in the eyes of the international community”.
Gry Larsen, who backs international engagement with the ruling junta, said in an article on 6 April prior to arriving in Burma that the international community should also “examine carefully” whether current policy to Burma “has in fact promoted greater openness and economic and democratic development”.
The Norwegian government has been an open supporter, both financially and vocally, of Burma’s pro-democracy movement, and is one of the leading funders for exiled media and rights groups.
It was also one of the first country’s to open its borders to Burmese asylum seekers who fled the country following the infamous 1988 uprising.
Larsen’s trip is a rare one for a representative of a country that openly supports Burmese opposition groups – the majority of foreign dignitaries that visit Burma are from the handful of countries still allied with the ruling regime.
Observers have said however that the apparent relaxing of restrictions on visits by overseas envoys, notably the two senior-level US delegations that visited Burma last year, could be an show of legitimacy by the junta in the run-up to elections this year.
During Larsen’s meetings with government officials and pro-democracy representatives, Larsen said that she “will focus on the opportunities for addressing poverty and increasing wealth”. However she echoed condemnation by world leaders of the elections this year but added that Burma would be embraced by the international community if the junta moves “in the right direction”.
“The Burmese authorities are at a crossroads. If they choose the way to democracy and growth, the international community will strengthen its political and economic cooperation with the country,” she said.
“Burma will in all likelihood continue to be rich, poor and controversial. But it is within the country that its future will be decided. And the international community cannot refrain from engaging directly with those who are in the driving seat.”
The US has recently expressed its anguish at the lack of progress made by the junta since Washington in September last year ditched its long-running isolation of Burma in favour of engagement.
Since September, the junta has locked up a US citizen on spurious charges, rejected several legal appeals to release Aung San Suu Kyi, and announced highly controversial election laws.
But it has said that it will continue dialogue with the ruling generals following two decades of disengagement that reaped few rewards.
By FRANCIS WADE
Published: 9 April 2010
The Norwegian state secretary currently in Burma for high-level talks has said that the country remains “one of the world’s most controversial…in the eyes of the international community”.
Gry Larsen, who backs international engagement with the ruling junta, said in an article on 6 April prior to arriving in Burma that the international community should also “examine carefully” whether current policy to Burma “has in fact promoted greater openness and economic and democratic development”.
The Norwegian government has been an open supporter, both financially and vocally, of Burma’s pro-democracy movement, and is one of the leading funders for exiled media and rights groups.
It was also one of the first country’s to open its borders to Burmese asylum seekers who fled the country following the infamous 1988 uprising.
Larsen’s trip is a rare one for a representative of a country that openly supports Burmese opposition groups – the majority of foreign dignitaries that visit Burma are from the handful of countries still allied with the ruling regime.
Observers have said however that the apparent relaxing of restrictions on visits by overseas envoys, notably the two senior-level US delegations that visited Burma last year, could be an show of legitimacy by the junta in the run-up to elections this year.
During Larsen’s meetings with government officials and pro-democracy representatives, Larsen said that she “will focus on the opportunities for addressing poverty and increasing wealth”. However she echoed condemnation by world leaders of the elections this year but added that Burma would be embraced by the international community if the junta moves “in the right direction”.
“The Burmese authorities are at a crossroads. If they choose the way to democracy and growth, the international community will strengthen its political and economic cooperation with the country,” she said.
“Burma will in all likelihood continue to be rich, poor and controversial. But it is within the country that its future will be decided. And the international community cannot refrain from engaging directly with those who are in the driving seat.”
The US has recently expressed its anguish at the lack of progress made by the junta since Washington in September last year ditched its long-running isolation of Burma in favour of engagement.
Since September, the junta has locked up a US citizen on spurious charges, rejected several legal appeals to release Aung San Suu Kyi, and announced highly controversial election laws.
But it has said that it will continue dialogue with the ruling generals following two decades of disengagement that reaped few rewards.
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