Monsters and Critics - UN disappointed by Myanmar's lack of democratic electoral laws
Mar 25, 2010, 19:05 GMT
New York - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday he was disappointed that Myanmar's military government failed to fulfil pledges to adopt laws for an inclusive and free participation in this year's general elections.
Ban met with members of a UN-based Group of Friends of Myanmar to assess developments in Myanmar's preparations for the elections, the first in 20 years. The group includes envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and diplomats from various regions.
He acknowledged that the military government has engaged in dialogue for national reconciliation with key parties in the country and with Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the opposition National League for Democracy.
'Despite these efforts it is disappointing that we have not seen the progress that we had expected,' Ban said in a statement to the press following the meeting with the group.
No date has been set for the elections.
Ban said the group stressed the needs for elections that are 'inclusive, participatory and transparent' in order to advance the goals of stability, democracy and development in the impoverished nation.
The UN has called for the release of all political prisoners so they can take part in the elections, including Suu Kyi, who has spent more than a decade under house arrest. It has called also for respect for fundamental freedoms.
The group called for improving living standards in Myanmar and for the country's leadership to try to solve political, humanitarian and development problems 'in parallel and with equal attention.'
'Myanmar faces critical short- and long-term challenges,' Ban said. 'The Group of Friends and I personally will continue to do our part to help the people of Myanmar realize their aspirations.'
The electoral laws adopted by Myanmar have been contested by the opposition and criticized by the UN because they bar some politicians, particularly Suu Kyi, from running for offices.
Mar 25, 2010, 19:05 GMT
New York - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday he was disappointed that Myanmar's military government failed to fulfil pledges to adopt laws for an inclusive and free participation in this year's general elections.
Ban met with members of a UN-based Group of Friends of Myanmar to assess developments in Myanmar's preparations for the elections, the first in 20 years. The group includes envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and diplomats from various regions.
He acknowledged that the military government has engaged in dialogue for national reconciliation with key parties in the country and with Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the opposition National League for Democracy.
'Despite these efforts it is disappointing that we have not seen the progress that we had expected,' Ban said in a statement to the press following the meeting with the group.
No date has been set for the elections.
Ban said the group stressed the needs for elections that are 'inclusive, participatory and transparent' in order to advance the goals of stability, democracy and development in the impoverished nation.
The UN has called for the release of all political prisoners so they can take part in the elections, including Suu Kyi, who has spent more than a decade under house arrest. It has called also for respect for fundamental freedoms.
The group called for improving living standards in Myanmar and for the country's leadership to try to solve political, humanitarian and development problems 'in parallel and with equal attention.'
'Myanmar faces critical short- and long-term challenges,' Ban said. 'The Group of Friends and I personally will continue to do our part to help the people of Myanmar realize their aspirations.'
The electoral laws adopted by Myanmar have been contested by the opposition and criticized by the UN because they bar some politicians, particularly Suu Kyi, from running for offices.
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Inner City Press - UK Favors Sending Myanmar to ICC, China Says It's Sovereign, UN's Ban Defers
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, March 24 -- Amid calls to refer the military government of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, like Sudan was referred, UK Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant told the Press on Wednesday that his country would support such a referral. But, he said, the Security Council lacks the unanimity necessary for such a referral. Video here.
Inner City Press asked China's new Ambassador to the UN Li Baodong what his country thinks of the Council discussing Myanmar's election laws. "General elections in a country is a matter of sovereign states," he replied, "and should be respected." This principle, he said, applies to Myanmar. Video here, from Minute 2:50.
When Lyall Grant emerged to speak about Myanmar, or Burma, Inner City Press asked him about China position. We disagree, he said, noting that Myanmar is on the agenda of the Security Council, that it can instability that is a threat to international peace and security.
But when Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed the media, Inner City Press asked him about Aung San Suu Kyi's call on her National League for Democracy to not register for the upcoming elections, given how flawed the election laws are.
"Let me answer tomorrow afternoon," Ban Ki-moon told Inner City Press. Video here from Minute 7:34, UN transcript below. There will be a meeting of Ban's Group of Friends on Myanmar, to be addressed by Ban's chief of staff Vijay Nambiar. We'll be there.
Footnotes: On March 23, Inner City Press asked Ban's spokesman to confirm or deny that Ban proposed a former Indonesian foreign minister to replace Ibrahim Gambari as his envoy to Myanmar, but that Than Shwe vetoed it. Nesirky said, "that's the first I hear of it," despite the report being included in an article Nesirky said was the only story alleging that Nambiar secretly traveled to Myanmar earlier this year.
Inner City Press asked the UK's Lyall Grant if the UK believe that a permanent replaced for Gambari should be named. His reply noted that Nambiar is only in the position on an "interim" basis. As Inner City Press has previously reported, the U.S. has said it prefers not naming a permanent replacement until after the elections, so that the person is "not stained" by the elections.
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By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, March 24 -- Amid calls to refer the military government of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, like Sudan was referred, UK Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant told the Press on Wednesday that his country would support such a referral. But, he said, the Security Council lacks the unanimity necessary for such a referral. Video here.
Inner City Press asked China's new Ambassador to the UN Li Baodong what his country thinks of the Council discussing Myanmar's election laws. "General elections in a country is a matter of sovereign states," he replied, "and should be respected." This principle, he said, applies to Myanmar. Video here, from Minute 2:50.
When Lyall Grant emerged to speak about Myanmar, or Burma, Inner City Press asked him about China position. We disagree, he said, noting that Myanmar is on the agenda of the Security Council, that it can instability that is a threat to international peace and security.
But when Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed the media, Inner City Press asked him about Aung San Suu Kyi's call on her National League for Democracy to not register for the upcoming elections, given how flawed the election laws are.
"Let me answer tomorrow afternoon," Ban Ki-moon told Inner City Press. Video here from Minute 7:34, UN transcript below. There will be a meeting of Ban's Group of Friends on Myanmar, to be addressed by Ban's chief of staff Vijay Nambiar. We'll be there.
Footnotes: On March 23, Inner City Press asked Ban's spokesman to confirm or deny that Ban proposed a former Indonesian foreign minister to replace Ibrahim Gambari as his envoy to Myanmar, but that Than Shwe vetoed it. Nesirky said, "that's the first I hear of it," despite the report being included in an article Nesirky said was the only story alleging that Nambiar secretly traveled to Myanmar earlier this year.
Inner City Press asked the UK's Lyall Grant if the UK believe that a permanent replaced for Gambari should be named. His reply noted that Nambiar is only in the position on an "interim" basis. As Inner City Press has previously reported, the U.S. has said it prefers not naming a permanent replacement until after the elections, so that the person is "not stained" by the elections.
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Inner City Press - At UN, Friends on Myanmar Meet Amid UK Posturing, China Intransigence, Ban Answers?
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, March 25, updated below -- Myanmar is the topic of a closed door meeting this morning in the UN's new three story building by the East River here, the day after the UK raised Burma in the Security Council, only to have China call it a "sovereign state that must be respected." We will live blog here from outside the meeting.
On the run up to this meeting of the Group of on Myanmar meeting, two senior UN officials portrayed the UK and Gordon Brown as opportunistic, trying to take domestic credit for the meeting which was already planned before Gordon Brown requested it. "He did the same thing after Cyclone Nargis," one of the officials said to Inner City Press. "He knew the Secretary General was going, so he called for him to go."
The other official told Inner City Press that the UN has advised Myanmar to get better at public relations at the UN. "But they are a military regime, very military minded," the official lamented. The UN would like to rehabilitate their image if not their practices.
The Group of Friends of the Secretary General on Myanmar begins meeting at 10 a.m. in the UN's new North Lawn building, followed by a televised stakeout on the building's second floor. We will live blog it below.
Inner City Press was told late Wednesday that Ban Ki-moon might not take or answer questions after the meeting.
But on March 24 he told Inner City Press that on Myanmar, "I will answer you tomorrow." From the March 24 UN transcript:
Inner City Press: I wanted to ask in the run-up to this meeting with the Group of Friends of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi has said that her party, the NLD [National League for Democracy], and other opposition parties, shouldn't even register for the poll, that the election laws are flawed. I'm wondering; you convened the meeting, what's your thinking of what the UN can do, given that the main opponent now wants to boycott it?
SG Ban: let me answer tomorrow afternoon after I have convened the meeting of the Group of Friends of Myanmar. I need to discuss this matter with the ambassadors participating in that meeting. I will have a clearer answer, if you excuse me.
We'll see. At 9:30 am, it was announced Ban WILL speak at 11. We will live blog the meeting and stakeout here -- watch this space.
Update of 10:15 a.m. -- Outside Conference Room 5 in the UN's new North Lawn building, Ambassador Churkin of Russia and Lyall Grant of the UK walked in and stood speaking. The DPR of India, jovial, arrived, as did Singapore's Perm Rep. Just after 10, Ban Ki-moon arrived, with Vijay Nambiar, Kim Won-soo, Lynn Pascoe and other staff.
Of the media, only two cameras were present: Japanese TV and Inner City Press. Next door, a UN Global Compact meeting broke up. UNGC director Kell came out and told Inner City Press, you can't quote us. Is there no press availability? No. This is our first time in the new building, Kell said. Then a UN Security Officer came over and asked to see Inner City Press' credential. Only at the UK.
The Myanmar meeting began.
Update of 10:45 a.m. -- unlike when staking out past meetings of the Group of Friends on Myanmar, which were held in the basement of the UN's "old" Conference Building where spokespeople and even Ambassadors would step outside to smoke and talk, including ot the press, this new building is antiseptic. There is no reason for anyone to step out of the meeting room, so no one does.
While waiting, a request has been made to the UN Global Compact for a list of its corporate members who do business in Myanmar, and how.
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, March 25, updated below -- Myanmar is the topic of a closed door meeting this morning in the UN's new three story building by the East River here, the day after the UK raised Burma in the Security Council, only to have China call it a "sovereign state that must be respected." We will live blog here from outside the meeting.
On the run up to this meeting of the Group of on Myanmar meeting, two senior UN officials portrayed the UK and Gordon Brown as opportunistic, trying to take domestic credit for the meeting which was already planned before Gordon Brown requested it. "He did the same thing after Cyclone Nargis," one of the officials said to Inner City Press. "He knew the Secretary General was going, so he called for him to go."
The other official told Inner City Press that the UN has advised Myanmar to get better at public relations at the UN. "But they are a military regime, very military minded," the official lamented. The UN would like to rehabilitate their image if not their practices.
The Group of Friends of the Secretary General on Myanmar begins meeting at 10 a.m. in the UN's new North Lawn building, followed by a televised stakeout on the building's second floor. We will live blog it below.
Inner City Press was told late Wednesday that Ban Ki-moon might not take or answer questions after the meeting.
But on March 24 he told Inner City Press that on Myanmar, "I will answer you tomorrow." From the March 24 UN transcript:
Inner City Press: I wanted to ask in the run-up to this meeting with the Group of Friends of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi has said that her party, the NLD [National League for Democracy], and other opposition parties, shouldn't even register for the poll, that the election laws are flawed. I'm wondering; you convened the meeting, what's your thinking of what the UN can do, given that the main opponent now wants to boycott it?
SG Ban: let me answer tomorrow afternoon after I have convened the meeting of the Group of Friends of Myanmar. I need to discuss this matter with the ambassadors participating in that meeting. I will have a clearer answer, if you excuse me.
We'll see. At 9:30 am, it was announced Ban WILL speak at 11. We will live blog the meeting and stakeout here -- watch this space.
Update of 10:15 a.m. -- Outside Conference Room 5 in the UN's new North Lawn building, Ambassador Churkin of Russia and Lyall Grant of the UK walked in and stood speaking. The DPR of India, jovial, arrived, as did Singapore's Perm Rep. Just after 10, Ban Ki-moon arrived, with Vijay Nambiar, Kim Won-soo, Lynn Pascoe and other staff.
Of the media, only two cameras were present: Japanese TV and Inner City Press. Next door, a UN Global Compact meeting broke up. UNGC director Kell came out and told Inner City Press, you can't quote us. Is there no press availability? No. This is our first time in the new building, Kell said. Then a UN Security Officer came over and asked to see Inner City Press' credential. Only at the UK.
The Myanmar meeting began.
Update of 10:45 a.m. -- unlike when staking out past meetings of the Group of Friends on Myanmar, which were held in the basement of the UN's "old" Conference Building where spokespeople and even Ambassadors would step outside to smoke and talk, including ot the press, this new building is antiseptic. There is no reason for anyone to step out of the meeting room, so no one does.
While waiting, a request has been made to the UN Global Compact for a list of its corporate members who do business in Myanmar, and how.
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Myanmar rulers urged to free political prisoners
23 mins ago
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) – Myanmar's military rulers must free all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and ensure that upcoming polls are inclusive and transparent, a group of UN member states said Thursday.
The call came at a meeting of the so-called Group of Friends of Myanmar convened by UN chief Ban Ki-moon to review the country's new electoral laws that disqualify Suu Kyi ahead of what will be the first national polls in 20 years.
The group comprises Australia, Britain, China, the European Union, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
"The group stressed the need for elections to be inclusive, participatory and transparent in order to advance the prospects of stability, democracy and development for all the people of Myanmar," Ban told reporters after the meeting.
He said participants also urged all parties to work in the national interest and the government to "create conditions that give all stakeholders the opportunity to participate freely in elections."
"This includes the release of all political prisoners,including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi -- and respect for fundamental freedoms," he added.
Ban deplored the fact that despite the government's engagement with key parties to the national reconciliation process, "it is disappointing that we have not seen the progress that we had expected."
And he pointed to his comments earlier this month that Myanmar's "published electoral laws and the overall electoral environment so far do not fully measure up to what is needed for an inclusive political process."
The new laws relate to the registration of political parties and bar anyone serving a prison term from being a member of an official party.
Wednesday, the UN Security Council also examined Myanmar's new electoral laws, with several members also voicing concern about their impact on the upcoming polls.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has yet to announce whether it will take part in the polls, which are expected in October or November although the government has still not set a date.
The 64-year-old opposition leader has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since the previous elections.
She was already barred from standing as a candidate under a new constitution approved in a 2008 referendum that stipulates that those married to foreigners are ineligible. Her husband, British academic Michael Aris, died in 1999.
The Nobel Peace laureate was sentenced to three years' jail last August over an incident in which a US man swam to her lakeside home. The sentence was commuted by junta supremo Than Shwe to 18 months under house arrest.
23 mins ago
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) – Myanmar's military rulers must free all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and ensure that upcoming polls are inclusive and transparent, a group of UN member states said Thursday.
The call came at a meeting of the so-called Group of Friends of Myanmar convened by UN chief Ban Ki-moon to review the country's new electoral laws that disqualify Suu Kyi ahead of what will be the first national polls in 20 years.
The group comprises Australia, Britain, China, the European Union, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
"The group stressed the need for elections to be inclusive, participatory and transparent in order to advance the prospects of stability, democracy and development for all the people of Myanmar," Ban told reporters after the meeting.
He said participants also urged all parties to work in the national interest and the government to "create conditions that give all stakeholders the opportunity to participate freely in elections."
"This includes the release of all political prisoners,including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi -- and respect for fundamental freedoms," he added.
Ban deplored the fact that despite the government's engagement with key parties to the national reconciliation process, "it is disappointing that we have not seen the progress that we had expected."
And he pointed to his comments earlier this month that Myanmar's "published electoral laws and the overall electoral environment so far do not fully measure up to what is needed for an inclusive political process."
The new laws relate to the registration of political parties and bar anyone serving a prison term from being a member of an official party.
Wednesday, the UN Security Council also examined Myanmar's new electoral laws, with several members also voicing concern about their impact on the upcoming polls.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has yet to announce whether it will take part in the polls, which are expected in October or November although the government has still not set a date.
The 64-year-old opposition leader has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since the previous elections.
She was already barred from standing as a candidate under a new constitution approved in a 2008 referendum that stipulates that those married to foreigners are ineligible. Her husband, British academic Michael Aris, died in 1999.
The Nobel Peace laureate was sentenced to three years' jail last August over an incident in which a US man swam to her lakeside home. The sentence was commuted by junta supremo Than Shwe to 18 months under house arrest.
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Security Council mulls Myanmar's electoral laws
Wed Mar 24, 3:54 pm ET
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) – The UN Security Council on Wednesday held closed-door talks on Myanmar with Britain and China clashing over whether it was appropriate for the 15-member body to weigh the military-ruled country's electoral affairs.
The consultations, called by Britain following Myanmar's new electoral laws that disqualify detained democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, marked the first time the council took stock of developments in the country since last August.
They came on the eve of a meeting of the so-called Group of Friends of Myanmar at UN headquarters.
Britain's UN envoy Mark Lyall Grant said many council members voiced concern about Myanmar's new electoral laws "which fall well short of what the international community expected in a free and fair process and fell short of the expectations set up in previous (council) statements."
He noted that the council had repeatedly stressed the importance of releasing all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, establishing a national dialogue and creating the right conditions for reconciliation.
Myanmar's new laws relate to the registration of political parties and bar anyone serving a prison term from being a member of an official party.
But China's new UN Ambassador Li Baodong, whose country maintains close ties with Myanmar, stressed that its neighbor was a sovereign state and that its upcoming general elections, the first to be held in 20 years, were a domestic matter.
He noted that holding elections was not an easy task for a poor country like Myanmar but was "a very important step in the process of national reconciliation, democracy."
"It is very important for the international community and the Security Council to help Myanmar promote a constructive, healthy environment conducive to the coming general election," Li said.
But Lyall Grant disagreed with the notion that the council should not get involved in Myanmar's electoral politics.
"We don't agree with that," he told reporters, pointing out that Myanmar was on the council's agenda.
"We believe these laws set out a process which is not conducive to free and fair elections later this year and in many ways seems designed to target Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD opposition party and to make it very difficult for them to register for the elections," Lyall Grant said.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has yet to announce whether it will take part in the polls, which are expected in October or November although the government has still not set a date.
Meanwhile, UN chief Ban Ki-moon was to chair Thursday's meeting of the Group of friends of Myanmar, which brings together Australia, Britain, China, the European Union, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
The group was set up in December 2007 as a forum for informal discussions and for developing shared approaches to back UN efforts to promote democracy and national reconciliation in Myanmar.
Earlier this month, Ban reiterated his call for "an inclusive political process leading to fair, transparent and credible elections in which all citizens of Myanmar, including Aung San Suu Kyi can freely participate."
The 64-year-old opposition leader has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since the previous elections.
She was already barred from standing as a candidate under a new constitution approved in a 2008 referendum that stipulates that those married to foreigners are ineligible.
Her husband, British academic Michael Aris, died in 1999.
The Nobel Peace laureate was sentenced to three years' jail last August over an incident in which a US man swam to her lakeside home. The sentence was commuted by junta supremo Than Shwe to 18 months under house arrest.
Wed Mar 24, 3:54 pm ET
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) – The UN Security Council on Wednesday held closed-door talks on Myanmar with Britain and China clashing over whether it was appropriate for the 15-member body to weigh the military-ruled country's electoral affairs.
The consultations, called by Britain following Myanmar's new electoral laws that disqualify detained democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, marked the first time the council took stock of developments in the country since last August.
They came on the eve of a meeting of the so-called Group of Friends of Myanmar at UN headquarters.
Britain's UN envoy Mark Lyall Grant said many council members voiced concern about Myanmar's new electoral laws "which fall well short of what the international community expected in a free and fair process and fell short of the expectations set up in previous (council) statements."
He noted that the council had repeatedly stressed the importance of releasing all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, establishing a national dialogue and creating the right conditions for reconciliation.
Myanmar's new laws relate to the registration of political parties and bar anyone serving a prison term from being a member of an official party.
But China's new UN Ambassador Li Baodong, whose country maintains close ties with Myanmar, stressed that its neighbor was a sovereign state and that its upcoming general elections, the first to be held in 20 years, were a domestic matter.
He noted that holding elections was not an easy task for a poor country like Myanmar but was "a very important step in the process of national reconciliation, democracy."
"It is very important for the international community and the Security Council to help Myanmar promote a constructive, healthy environment conducive to the coming general election," Li said.
But Lyall Grant disagreed with the notion that the council should not get involved in Myanmar's electoral politics.
"We don't agree with that," he told reporters, pointing out that Myanmar was on the council's agenda.
"We believe these laws set out a process which is not conducive to free and fair elections later this year and in many ways seems designed to target Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD opposition party and to make it very difficult for them to register for the elections," Lyall Grant said.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has yet to announce whether it will take part in the polls, which are expected in October or November although the government has still not set a date.
Meanwhile, UN chief Ban Ki-moon was to chair Thursday's meeting of the Group of friends of Myanmar, which brings together Australia, Britain, China, the European Union, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
The group was set up in December 2007 as a forum for informal discussions and for developing shared approaches to back UN efforts to promote democracy and national reconciliation in Myanmar.
Earlier this month, Ban reiterated his call for "an inclusive political process leading to fair, transparent and credible elections in which all citizens of Myanmar, including Aung San Suu Kyi can freely participate."
The 64-year-old opposition leader has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since the previous elections.
She was already barred from standing as a candidate under a new constitution approved in a 2008 referendum that stipulates that those married to foreigners are ineligible.
Her husband, British academic Michael Aris, died in 1999.
The Nobel Peace laureate was sentenced to three years' jail last August over an incident in which a US man swam to her lakeside home. The sentence was commuted by junta supremo Than Shwe to 18 months under house arrest.
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New York Times - Consultations on Myanmar Produce Opposing Views
By NEIL MacFARQUHAR
Published: March 24, 2010
China and Britain emerged from closed Security Council consultations on Myanmar with opposite views on that country’s expected elections in the fall. Li Baogong, the new Chinese envoy to the United Nations, described the vote as a domestic matter and an “important step” toward national reconciliation and democracy. The British ambassador, Mark Lyall Grant, told reporters that the new electoral laws in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, “fall well short of what the international community expected in a free and fair process.” Britain, which called the session, accused the military junta running the country of writing the laws specifically to make it difficult for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition leader and a Nobel laureate, to participate. Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi, above, said this week that she opposed registering her party for the elections. Her comments came hours after Myanmar’s highest court refused to accept a lawsuit filed by the party that sought to revoke five new election laws.
By NEIL MacFARQUHAR
Published: March 24, 2010
China and Britain emerged from closed Security Council consultations on Myanmar with opposite views on that country’s expected elections in the fall. Li Baogong, the new Chinese envoy to the United Nations, described the vote as a domestic matter and an “important step” toward national reconciliation and democracy. The British ambassador, Mark Lyall Grant, told reporters that the new electoral laws in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, “fall well short of what the international community expected in a free and fair process.” Britain, which called the session, accused the military junta running the country of writing the laws specifically to make it difficult for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition leader and a Nobel laureate, to participate. Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi, above, said this week that she opposed registering her party for the elections. Her comments came hours after Myanmar’s highest court refused to accept a lawsuit filed by the party that sought to revoke five new election laws.
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EarthTimes - China defends Myanmar's democratic process
Posted : Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:12:14 GMT
New York - China's new ambassador to the United Nations, Li Baodong, on Wednesday urged respect for Myanmar's electoral laws, which have been challenged by the country's opposition as well as the UN leadership.
"General elections can be held in any country, it's a matter of a sovereign state," Li told reporters, emerging from a UN Security Council meeting in which issues in Myanmar were discussed. China has usually objected to discussion on the internal matters of other countries.
"It is very important for the international community and the UN Security Council, and the UN, to help Myanmar promote a healthy environment conducive to general elections," Li said.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has been asking the military government in Yangon to make the elections this year inclusive by releasing all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, the head of the opposition National League for Democracy. Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest, has appealed for her participation in the elections, but has been rejected.
British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said the council took up Myanmar's political issues because the situation is considered by council members to be a threat to international peace and security.
"The instability that can be caused by a fraudulent electoral process is a threat to international peace and security, and this is why it was entirely right for the council to put it on the agenda for discussion," Grant said.
The council debated the issues behind closed doors, but did not decide on any action.
Posted : Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:12:14 GMT
New York - China's new ambassador to the United Nations, Li Baodong, on Wednesday urged respect for Myanmar's electoral laws, which have been challenged by the country's opposition as well as the UN leadership.
"General elections can be held in any country, it's a matter of a sovereign state," Li told reporters, emerging from a UN Security Council meeting in which issues in Myanmar were discussed. China has usually objected to discussion on the internal matters of other countries.
"It is very important for the international community and the UN Security Council, and the UN, to help Myanmar promote a healthy environment conducive to general elections," Li said.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has been asking the military government in Yangon to make the elections this year inclusive by releasing all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, the head of the opposition National League for Democracy. Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest, has appealed for her participation in the elections, but has been rejected.
British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said the council took up Myanmar's political issues because the situation is considered by council members to be a threat to international peace and security.
"The instability that can be caused by a fraudulent electoral process is a threat to international peace and security, and this is why it was entirely right for the council to put it on the agenda for discussion," Grant said.
The council debated the issues behind closed doors, but did not decide on any action.
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Mar 25, 2010
Straits Times - Vietnam PM to visit Myanmar
HANOI - VIETNAM Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will visit Myanmar next month, shortly before Hanoi hosts a regional summit expected to discuss the military ruled country's elections due this year.
Mr Dung will meet Myanmar's ruler, Senior General Than Shwe, and his Prime Minister, General Thein Sein, during the visit from April 2-4, said foreign ministry spokesman Nguyen Phuong Nga.
The visit comes just four days ahead of a summit in Hanoi at which Myanmar's pledge to hold elections later this year is likely to be a key issue.
Myanmar has imposed severe restrictions on the elections expected to be held in October or November, including the effective exclusion of jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to international condemnation.
Ms Nga did not say whether Mr Dung would discuss the election with the generals. She said that 'the visit is aimed at consolidating and promoting the friendship and co-operative relations between Vietnam and Myanmar.' Mr Dung will also attend a conference to promote investment ties between the two countries, she said.
Vietnam's imports and exports to Myanmar totalled less than US$100 million (S$141 million)last year. State-owned Vietnam Airlines this month began service between the Vietnamese capital and Myanmar's largest city, Yangon. Communist Vietnam holds this year's chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and will host a summit of its leaders in Hanoi on April 8.
Straits Times - Vietnam PM to visit Myanmar
HANOI - VIETNAM Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will visit Myanmar next month, shortly before Hanoi hosts a regional summit expected to discuss the military ruled country's elections due this year.
Mr Dung will meet Myanmar's ruler, Senior General Than Shwe, and his Prime Minister, General Thein Sein, during the visit from April 2-4, said foreign ministry spokesman Nguyen Phuong Nga.
The visit comes just four days ahead of a summit in Hanoi at which Myanmar's pledge to hold elections later this year is likely to be a key issue.
Myanmar has imposed severe restrictions on the elections expected to be held in October or November, including the effective exclusion of jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to international condemnation.
Ms Nga did not say whether Mr Dung would discuss the election with the generals. She said that 'the visit is aimed at consolidating and promoting the friendship and co-operative relations between Vietnam and Myanmar.' Mr Dung will also attend a conference to promote investment ties between the two countries, she said.
Vietnam's imports and exports to Myanmar totalled less than US$100 million (S$141 million)last year. State-owned Vietnam Airlines this month began service between the Vietnamese capital and Myanmar's largest city, Yangon. Communist Vietnam holds this year's chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and will host a summit of its leaders in Hanoi on April 8.
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iStockAnalyst - Roundup: Myanmar cures 130,000 TB patients in 2009
Thursday, March 25, 2010 1:31 AM
YANGON, Mar. 25, 2010 (Xinhua News Agency) -- Myanmar is seeking new drugs, diagnosis and vaccine to fight tuberculosis (TB), the deadly disease that is on the rise again.
The measures also covers promoting the anti-TB campaign with the cooperation of partners, fighting TB through primary healthcare and disseminating public health knowledge, official daily the New Light of Myanmar said Thursday.
The paper quoted an annual report of the health ministry as saying that Myanmar was able to find and cure over 130,000 TB patients in 2009, meeting the millennium goal of the United Nations as discovery rate reached 94 percent and treatment success rate hit 85 percent.
"However, the discovery rate has not met the target in Shan state, Chin state and some other townships," Myanmar Minister of Health Dr. Kyaw Myint said at a ceremony marking the World TB Day, pointing out the need to step up hunting for TB patients in these regions and remote border and rural areas.
Myanmar's TB elimination program covered the whole country in 2003 with the participation of primary health staff.
Meanwhile, the 3-D (Three-Disease) Fund will provide three million U.S. dollars worth of anti-TB drugs for treatment of 140, 000 patients in Myanmar this year, according to local media report.
Donated by Australia, Denmark, the European Union, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Britain, the fund will be provided to Myanmar's National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) through the World Health Organization (WHO) for reducing the transmission of TB and the morbidity and mortality rates across Myanmar.
With the 3-D fund, the Myanmar health authorities will also launch two-year anti-TB campaign in the country's western coastal Rakhine State.
The two-year project from 2010 to 2011 will be carried out in seven townships in the state where TB outbreak stood the highest in the country, while continuing the current anti-TB programs and preventive measures in 143 villages.
During last year, the 3-D fund extended extra 14 million dollars aid to Myanmar to fight the three diseases of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria in the country in addition to the 100 million dollars donated earlier.
Moreover, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is also carrying out healthcare programs with momentum against two communicable diseases of tuberculosis and malaria in Myanmar's southeastern Mon state.
Aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality related to these diseases in the region, the organization has been launching the programs in six townships of the state since 2007 with the aid of 3-D Fund, the IOM said.
Over the past three years, the organization opened 15 disease- detection laboratories for malaria and 7 for TB, curing over 28, 000 malaria patients and provided medicines for over 6,000 TB patients, it added.
IOM and Myanmar Health Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding in 2005 for the implementation of migration health program in the country against TB, malaria and HIV diseases and the project started in 2006 with over 55,000 patients so far benefiting from the program.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 1:31 AM
YANGON, Mar. 25, 2010 (Xinhua News Agency) -- Myanmar is seeking new drugs, diagnosis and vaccine to fight tuberculosis (TB), the deadly disease that is on the rise again.
The measures also covers promoting the anti-TB campaign with the cooperation of partners, fighting TB through primary healthcare and disseminating public health knowledge, official daily the New Light of Myanmar said Thursday.
The paper quoted an annual report of the health ministry as saying that Myanmar was able to find and cure over 130,000 TB patients in 2009, meeting the millennium goal of the United Nations as discovery rate reached 94 percent and treatment success rate hit 85 percent.
"However, the discovery rate has not met the target in Shan state, Chin state and some other townships," Myanmar Minister of Health Dr. Kyaw Myint said at a ceremony marking the World TB Day, pointing out the need to step up hunting for TB patients in these regions and remote border and rural areas.
Myanmar's TB elimination program covered the whole country in 2003 with the participation of primary health staff.
Meanwhile, the 3-D (Three-Disease) Fund will provide three million U.S. dollars worth of anti-TB drugs for treatment of 140, 000 patients in Myanmar this year, according to local media report.
Donated by Australia, Denmark, the European Union, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Britain, the fund will be provided to Myanmar's National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) through the World Health Organization (WHO) for reducing the transmission of TB and the morbidity and mortality rates across Myanmar.
With the 3-D fund, the Myanmar health authorities will also launch two-year anti-TB campaign in the country's western coastal Rakhine State.
The two-year project from 2010 to 2011 will be carried out in seven townships in the state where TB outbreak stood the highest in the country, while continuing the current anti-TB programs and preventive measures in 143 villages.
During last year, the 3-D fund extended extra 14 million dollars aid to Myanmar to fight the three diseases of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria in the country in addition to the 100 million dollars donated earlier.
Moreover, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is also carrying out healthcare programs with momentum against two communicable diseases of tuberculosis and malaria in Myanmar's southeastern Mon state.
Aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality related to these diseases in the region, the organization has been launching the programs in six townships of the state since 2007 with the aid of 3-D Fund, the IOM said.
Over the past three years, the organization opened 15 disease- detection laboratories for malaria and 7 for TB, curing over 28, 000 malaria patients and provided medicines for over 6,000 TB patients, it added.
IOM and Myanmar Health Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding in 2005 for the implementation of migration health program in the country against TB, malaria and HIV diseases and the project started in 2006 with over 55,000 patients so far benefiting from the program.
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The Telegraph - More troops to man Myanmar border
- Deployment at year-end to curb militant activities and smuggling
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Shillong, March 24: At least three battalions of Assam Rifles will be deployed towards the end of this year along the Indo-Myanmar border to check movement of militants and smuggling.
Director-general of Assam Rifles Lt Gen. K.S. Yadava told reporters here today that after the Centre had approved deployment of 26 additional Assam Rifles battalions along the Indo-Myanmar border, at least three of these battalions would be used on the border towards the end of this year.
The paramilitary force hopes that with more deployment of forces, it would be able to check the activities of the Northeast militants, including Ulfa cadres who had fled from Bangladesh after a series of raids against them.
There are reports that after the action against the Northeast militants, who were camping in Bangladesh, several cadres had fled to Myanmar.
Despite assurance from the Myanmar army, there have been no tangible results as far as action against the Northeast militants is concerned. The shortage of Assam Rifles personnel to man the Indo-Myanmar border had hampered effective vigil on the border.
There are only 15 battalions of the Assam Rifles manning the Indo-Myanmar border from Arunachal Pradesh to Mizoram.
Yadava said there was a need to improve the infrastructure before deploying more Assam Rifles battalions as the Myanmar border had rugged terrain and jungles.
“We hope that the deployment of more Assam Rifles personnel will also be of great help to the border residents,” Gen. Yadava said.
The Centre had realised the importance of manning the Indo-Myanmar border by the Assam Rifles after the Kargil war.
On the issue of withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from Manipur, Gen. Yadava said it was up to the government to decide on matters related to its review.
He, however, said as the situation in Manipur was not normal, the withdrawal of the army act would deprive the armed forces from containing law and order effectively in the trouble-prone areas of the country.
As part of the 175th raising day of the Assam Rifles, Gen. Yadava today flagged off the car and motorcycle rallies at the Assam Rifles headquarters at Laitkor. The rallies were flagged off from New Delhi on March 4.
Gen. Yadava also released a commemorative stamp on the occasion.
- Deployment at year-end to curb militant activities and smuggling
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Shillong, March 24: At least three battalions of Assam Rifles will be deployed towards the end of this year along the Indo-Myanmar border to check movement of militants and smuggling.
Director-general of Assam Rifles Lt Gen. K.S. Yadava told reporters here today that after the Centre had approved deployment of 26 additional Assam Rifles battalions along the Indo-Myanmar border, at least three of these battalions would be used on the border towards the end of this year.
The paramilitary force hopes that with more deployment of forces, it would be able to check the activities of the Northeast militants, including Ulfa cadres who had fled from Bangladesh after a series of raids against them.
There are reports that after the action against the Northeast militants, who were camping in Bangladesh, several cadres had fled to Myanmar.
Despite assurance from the Myanmar army, there have been no tangible results as far as action against the Northeast militants is concerned. The shortage of Assam Rifles personnel to man the Indo-Myanmar border had hampered effective vigil on the border.
There are only 15 battalions of the Assam Rifles manning the Indo-Myanmar border from Arunachal Pradesh to Mizoram.
Yadava said there was a need to improve the infrastructure before deploying more Assam Rifles battalions as the Myanmar border had rugged terrain and jungles.
“We hope that the deployment of more Assam Rifles personnel will also be of great help to the border residents,” Gen. Yadava said.
The Centre had realised the importance of manning the Indo-Myanmar border by the Assam Rifles after the Kargil war.
On the issue of withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from Manipur, Gen. Yadava said it was up to the government to decide on matters related to its review.
He, however, said as the situation in Manipur was not normal, the withdrawal of the army act would deprive the armed forces from containing law and order effectively in the trouble-prone areas of the country.
As part of the 175th raising day of the Assam Rifles, Gen. Yadava today flagged off the car and motorcycle rallies at the Assam Rifles headquarters at Laitkor. The rallies were flagged off from New Delhi on March 4.
Gen. Yadava also released a commemorative stamp on the occasion.
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The United Kingdom Parliament - Error causes vital Burmese aid effort to stall says Committee
25 March 2010
The House of Lords EU Committee have written to Europe Minister Chris Bryant MP expressing their deep concern that failures by the European Commission have led to a delay in EU and UK aid programmes reaching people in Burma where humanitarian assistance is desperately needed.
There is an urgent need in Burma to rebuild homes destroyed by Cyclone Nargis, however the failure by the European Commission to transpose a measure under the EU Common Foreign Security Policy - which included an exemption from sanctions against Burma for development activities – means that EU-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and aid agencies, including those funded by the Department for International Development (DfID), working in Burma are unable to purchase timber to help in the relief effort.
The blocking of EU aid agencies purchasing local timber means that urgently-needed EU and UK aid efforts have stalled and post-cyclone reconstruction assistance cannot take place.
The Committee recognise that this failure is an error by the Commission, rather than a deliberate policy, but point out that the UK Government as well as other Member States failed to identify and rectify the problem when the Regulation was at draft stage. They call on the Government to press for the situation to be resolved quickly and also to work to ensure sanctions against Burma are 'smart' and designed to maximise impact on the ruling military junta while minimising any negative impact on the Burmese population
Commenting Lord Teverson, Chairman of the House of Lords EU Sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Policy, said:
"There is an urgent need for major rebuilding work in Burma following Cyclone Nargis. That disaster left huge numbers of Burmese without shelter and rebuilding homes is the key priority of international aid efforts. However these efforts are being undermined by the European Commission’s failure to implement exemptions in EU sanctions which would allow aid agencies to buy local timber.
"This is an oversight rather than a deliberate policy by the Commission but it is a serious concern that neither the Commission themselves nor any Member States spotted this issue at the Regulation’s draft stage, and have still not got around to correcting it.
"We are calling on the UK Government to make correcting this error a priority so the aid agencies on the ground can get on with the vital job of rebuilding Burma and don’t face obstacles put in their way by the Brussels bureaucracy."
25 March 2010
The House of Lords EU Committee have written to Europe Minister Chris Bryant MP expressing their deep concern that failures by the European Commission have led to a delay in EU and UK aid programmes reaching people in Burma where humanitarian assistance is desperately needed.
There is an urgent need in Burma to rebuild homes destroyed by Cyclone Nargis, however the failure by the European Commission to transpose a measure under the EU Common Foreign Security Policy - which included an exemption from sanctions against Burma for development activities – means that EU-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and aid agencies, including those funded by the Department for International Development (DfID), working in Burma are unable to purchase timber to help in the relief effort.
The blocking of EU aid agencies purchasing local timber means that urgently-needed EU and UK aid efforts have stalled and post-cyclone reconstruction assistance cannot take place.
The Committee recognise that this failure is an error by the Commission, rather than a deliberate policy, but point out that the UK Government as well as other Member States failed to identify and rectify the problem when the Regulation was at draft stage. They call on the Government to press for the situation to be resolved quickly and also to work to ensure sanctions against Burma are 'smart' and designed to maximise impact on the ruling military junta while minimising any negative impact on the Burmese population
Commenting Lord Teverson, Chairman of the House of Lords EU Sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Policy, said:
"There is an urgent need for major rebuilding work in Burma following Cyclone Nargis. That disaster left huge numbers of Burmese without shelter and rebuilding homes is the key priority of international aid efforts. However these efforts are being undermined by the European Commission’s failure to implement exemptions in EU sanctions which would allow aid agencies to buy local timber.
"This is an oversight rather than a deliberate policy by the Commission but it is a serious concern that neither the Commission themselves nor any Member States spotted this issue at the Regulation’s draft stage, and have still not got around to correcting it.
"We are calling on the UK Government to make correcting this error a priority so the aid agencies on the ground can get on with the vital job of rebuilding Burma and don’t face obstacles put in their way by the Brussels bureaucracy."
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Thursday, Mar. 25, 2010
READERS IN COUNCIL
The Japan Times - No chance of engaging generals
By SETKYAR MIN, Tokyo
Regarding the March 13 AP article "U.S. suggests new engagement with Myanmar is failing": Engagement never had the slightest chance of success, as it was nothing more than wishful thinking based on the mistaken belief that if U.S. President Barack Obama opened his mouth and waved his index finger, everything would fall into place like magic. The fact is that the nefarious generals of Myanmar have duped the international community ever since they seized power in 1962. They have clung to power by any means.
It is naive to believe that one can talk them into changing course and espousing the cause of democracy. The much heralded election and election laws in Myanmar are a farce.
They are nothing more than the edicts issued by a despotic ruler. What is needed is stronger and more effective sanctions. Actually any company that does business with the blacklisted companies of Myanmar should be considered infected and subject to similar sanctions. If economic powerhouses with democratic institutions like Japan lent a helping hand, the sanctions would be much more effective.
At the same time, the United Nations should activate the appropriate mechanisms to put more pressure on the regime. There should be no illusions about the wickedness of the generals of Myanmar. Hopefully, the Obama administration has realized the folly of stooping to engage with them.
READERS IN COUNCIL
The Japan Times - No chance of engaging generals
By SETKYAR MIN, Tokyo
Regarding the March 13 AP article "U.S. suggests new engagement with Myanmar is failing": Engagement never had the slightest chance of success, as it was nothing more than wishful thinking based on the mistaken belief that if U.S. President Barack Obama opened his mouth and waved his index finger, everything would fall into place like magic. The fact is that the nefarious generals of Myanmar have duped the international community ever since they seized power in 1962. They have clung to power by any means.
It is naive to believe that one can talk them into changing course and espousing the cause of democracy. The much heralded election and election laws in Myanmar are a farce.
They are nothing more than the edicts issued by a despotic ruler. What is needed is stronger and more effective sanctions. Actually any company that does business with the blacklisted companies of Myanmar should be considered infected and subject to similar sanctions. If economic powerhouses with democratic institutions like Japan lent a helping hand, the sanctions would be much more effective.
At the same time, the United Nations should activate the appropriate mechanisms to put more pressure on the regime. There should be no illusions about the wickedness of the generals of Myanmar. Hopefully, the Obama administration has realized the folly of stooping to engage with them.
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The Financial Times - Silent crisis of the ‘forgotten’ children
Published: March 25 2010 02:00 | Last updated: March 25 2010 02:00
From Mr Crispian Collins.
Sir, Tim Johnston’s article “Burma’s ethnic minority counts cost of war” (March 17), on the Karen refugees in Thailand, highlights the immense challenges on the Thai-Burma border. Though the United Nations estimates there are 103,000 Karen refugees in Thailand, recently published data from the Thai-Burma Border Consortium shows their “verified caseload” as 136,519. This includes only refugees in official camps and, as most Burmese migrants have to enter Thailand illegally, such estimates bear little resemblance to the true picture. The real figure is thought to be nearer 1.5m.
Many thousands are children without any adult relatives. Their safety, health and education are a particular concern to the Thai Children’s Trust. I heard on my recent visit that young boys are being returned to Burma, where they are conscripted into the army as child soldiers or forced labourers. Both girls and boys are trafficked back across the border into prostitution.
Thai Children’s Trust funds the Hsa Thoo Lei Learning Centre in the Thai border town of Mae Sot. Here 700 refugee children are educated thanks to the generosity of UK donors. Some 200 of these children live at the school’s boarding house. We continually struggle to maintain basic services at the desperately overcrowded school and to ensure that they have one decent meal each day. Many of the teachers have gone unpaid for two years.
We are in dire need of funding to help these “forgotten” people in this troubled region. We hope that more stories like Mr Johnston’s will help raise awareness of this silent crisis.
Crispian Collins,
Chairman,Thai Children's Trust,
London W14, UK
Published: March 25 2010 02:00 | Last updated: March 25 2010 02:00
From Mr Crispian Collins.
Sir, Tim Johnston’s article “Burma’s ethnic minority counts cost of war” (March 17), on the Karen refugees in Thailand, highlights the immense challenges on the Thai-Burma border. Though the United Nations estimates there are 103,000 Karen refugees in Thailand, recently published data from the Thai-Burma Border Consortium shows their “verified caseload” as 136,519. This includes only refugees in official camps and, as most Burmese migrants have to enter Thailand illegally, such estimates bear little resemblance to the true picture. The real figure is thought to be nearer 1.5m.
Many thousands are children without any adult relatives. Their safety, health and education are a particular concern to the Thai Children’s Trust. I heard on my recent visit that young boys are being returned to Burma, where they are conscripted into the army as child soldiers or forced labourers. Both girls and boys are trafficked back across the border into prostitution.
Thai Children’s Trust funds the Hsa Thoo Lei Learning Centre in the Thai border town of Mae Sot. Here 700 refugee children are educated thanks to the generosity of UK donors. Some 200 of these children live at the school’s boarding house. We continually struggle to maintain basic services at the desperately overcrowded school and to ensure that they have one decent meal each day. Many of the teachers have gone unpaid for two years.
We are in dire need of funding to help these “forgotten” people in this troubled region. We hope that more stories like Mr Johnston’s will help raise awareness of this silent crisis.
Crispian Collins,
Chairman,Thai Children's Trust,
London W14, UK
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BURMESE RELATIONS
THE NATION - Joint trade commission meeting revived
By PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
Published on March 25, 2010
Thailand and Burma plan to forge a resilient partnership in trade, investment and tourism by reviving Joint Trade Commission meetings next week after a five-year hiatus.
"The JTC is an efficient mechanism to strengthen cooperation between the governments and the |private sector. It is part of the Thai |government's policy to tighten
cooperation with Asean countries under the Asean Economic Community, which takes effect in 2015," Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot said yesterday.
What will be the fourth meeting is set for Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin beach-resort town from April 2-5, after it was cancelled for Rangoon in 2005.
The private sector will attend the meeting in a bid to restore relations at the business-to-business level, as well.
Federation of Thai Industries chairman Santi Vilassakdanont will lead Thai businessmen.
Negotiations will focus on increasing trade facilitation for both countries, such as by exchanging information on trade rules, granting privileges to Burma under the Asean Customs Agreement, organising trade exhibitions and opening up more permanent border checkpoints.
The partnership will also help develop human resources and promote cooperation at deeper levels.
The first Thai-Burmese Business Council will be established to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Plans are being laid for a special economic zone in Tak's Mae Sot district and a second friendship bridge in the future. Thailand is also seeking new sources of energy in Burma.
The country offers opportunities for Thais to invest in jewellery, energy development, logistics, trading/retailing and tourism.
Burma is Thailand's sixth-largest trading partner in Asean, after Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Bilateral trade was worth Bt150 billion last year: Bt54 billion in exports from Thailand and Bt96 billion in imports.
THE NATION - Joint trade commission meeting revived
By PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
Published on March 25, 2010
Thailand and Burma plan to forge a resilient partnership in trade, investment and tourism by reviving Joint Trade Commission meetings next week after a five-year hiatus.
"The JTC is an efficient mechanism to strengthen cooperation between the governments and the |private sector. It is part of the Thai |government's policy to tighten
cooperation with Asean countries under the Asean Economic Community, which takes effect in 2015," Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot said yesterday.
What will be the fourth meeting is set for Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin beach-resort town from April 2-5, after it was cancelled for Rangoon in 2005.
The private sector will attend the meeting in a bid to restore relations at the business-to-business level, as well.
Federation of Thai Industries chairman Santi Vilassakdanont will lead Thai businessmen.
Negotiations will focus on increasing trade facilitation for both countries, such as by exchanging information on trade rules, granting privileges to Burma under the Asean Customs Agreement, organising trade exhibitions and opening up more permanent border checkpoints.
The partnership will also help develop human resources and promote cooperation at deeper levels.
The first Thai-Burmese Business Council will be established to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Plans are being laid for a special economic zone in Tak's Mae Sot district and a second friendship bridge in the future. Thailand is also seeking new sources of energy in Burma.
The country offers opportunities for Thais to invest in jewellery, energy development, logistics, trading/retailing and tourism.
Burma is Thailand's sixth-largest trading partner in Asean, after Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Bilateral trade was worth Bt150 billion last year: Bt54 billion in exports from Thailand and Bt96 billion in imports.
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The Irrawaddy - Divided Opinion on NLD Party Registration
By BA KAUNG - Thursday, March 25, 2010
On March 29, more than 100 National League for Democracy (NLD) party leaders from across the country will meet at the party's Rangoon headquarters to discuss whether to register the party under the junta's election law. Though Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly said she is against her party registering, the party leadership remains divided. Longtime Suu Kyi supporter Win Tin, 80, who was released in September 2008 after more than 19 years in prison said he would probably retire if the majority decide to register. Khin Maung Swe, 67, a leading party official who spent 14 years in prison supports registration and joining the election even though this means the party must expel Suu Kyi under the junta law. Both spoke to The Irrawaddy on the party's future.
Win Tin
Question: Could you give us three specific reasons why you are for or against party-registration?
Answer: If we register the party, we have to expel Daw Suu and other detained party leaders. The details of the party registration laws are not clear about whether Daw Suu could rejoin the party after her release and it would be up to the election commission. The second reason is that if we register the party we have to vow to protect the junta's Constitution, which we have repeatedly said is unacceptable. The third factor is that after registration, we will have to police the “illegal” activities of party members and warn them they will be expelled if they continue those activities. This will guarantee that no one in the party will dare express his ideas at the risk of imprisonment.
Q. What will happen to the NLD if it decides to contest the elections? And what if not?
A: If the NLD decides not to contest the elections, two things can happen. Either the NLD will cease to be a valid and registered party or the regime will outlaw the party, causing it to lose its identity and party flag. The dignity of the party will increase immensely when we show we are not giving in to the junta's unjust law. We will also have a broader space to operate with the public because we will show that the principles the party stands for are more important than its mere existence.
Q. Can the NLD expect to gain another landslide victory like it did 20 years ago if it decides to contest the election?
A: The 1988 uprising led by students was one of the main causes which gave the NLD a landslide victory in the 1990 elections. Party leaders like U Aung Shwe only got onto the political stage because of the 1988 uprising. In addition, the military was politically quite weak at the time. The situation is totally different now: we are tied up by various laws and if the party contests the election, there is little or no chance for us to win a majority of seats, much less an overwhelming victory.
Q. How do you foresee the post-election scenario in Burma?
A: This election ensures that two major groups will operate in parliament at different levels: one will be composed of military officers and the other members of multiple political parties made up from business cronies like Tay Za backed by junta groups such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association [USDA] and Swan Arr Shin [a government-organized paramilitary group that suppresses political dissidents]. Besides, the three candidates for the Presidency election will be nominated by the military representatives of the bicameral parliament, but we don't know the procedure for their election [The presidency electoral law will be drawn up later, according to the constitution.] Moreover, the formation of the government will be in the hands of the future President who can appoint either members of parliament or non-elected persons as cabinet ministers. If the president selects members of parliament from a political party, they can't represent their party in the government because they not only have to resign their parliamentary seats but they also have to refrain from party activities.
Khin Maung Swe
Question: Could you give us three specific reasons why you are for or against party-registration?
Answer: First, I wish to make it clear that we have no intention of marginalizing Aung San Suu Kyi, who is an icon in Burmese politics. But the reason we wish to register the party is because we want Daw Suu to be able to continue to play in the political environment when she is released five or six months later. That's why we need a political party. Secondly, we believe that only by struggling in the legal fold will it be possible for us to fulfill our pledge to democracy, to work for changes in the constitution and national reconciliation. Thirdly, in that process, we don't wish to divide our party members into different groups in contradiction to the party policy of maintaining unity. As there is no viable exit option [if NLD does not register], we don't support not registering the party because we don't want to be the historical culprits blamed for letting the party die.
Q. What will happen to the NLD if it decides to contest the elections? And what if not?
A: If the party participates in the election, it can become a competitive force in the future parliament, contributing to a check-and-balance system in politics that will be in the interests of people. Without political opposition, we will only be left with a sort of one-party political system. If we don't join the election, the people will lose a great party born of the 1988 uprising and faithful to the struggle for democracy, and the people will not have a party to vote for in the election.
Q. Can the NLD expect to gain another landslide victory like it did 20 years ago if it decides to contest the election?
A: I am not sure about a landslide victory, but the party still has the potential to become a competitive force in the parliament.
Q. How do you foresee the post-election scenario in Burma?
A: With military supremacy continuing in the post-election era notwithstanding, the rigid centralization we have today will disappear. By that, I mean the different governmental departments will no longer be under the control of a single person. The legislature will be in a position to change inappropriate laws, including the unjust election law. The more than 75 majority requirement only applies to amendments of the Constitution, which is where the 25 percent of seats reserved for the military will be most significant. But parliament will still have the power to pass bills addressing human rights abuses and socio-economic issues in our country.
A Survey of NLD Officials on the 2010 Election
By THE IRRAWADDY
The National League for Democracy now faces a critical choice and must make a historic decision on whether it will re-register as a political party and contest the Burmese election or face dissolution. The NLD will discuss the issue on March 29 in a meeting of the party's central committee at its headquarters in Rangoon. The Irrawaddy is now surveying the opinions of NLD officials at the township level. Click here to see result.
By BA KAUNG - Thursday, March 25, 2010
On March 29, more than 100 National League for Democracy (NLD) party leaders from across the country will meet at the party's Rangoon headquarters to discuss whether to register the party under the junta's election law. Though Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly said she is against her party registering, the party leadership remains divided. Longtime Suu Kyi supporter Win Tin, 80, who was released in September 2008 after more than 19 years in prison said he would probably retire if the majority decide to register. Khin Maung Swe, 67, a leading party official who spent 14 years in prison supports registration and joining the election even though this means the party must expel Suu Kyi under the junta law. Both spoke to The Irrawaddy on the party's future.
Win Tin
Question: Could you give us three specific reasons why you are for or against party-registration?
Answer: If we register the party, we have to expel Daw Suu and other detained party leaders. The details of the party registration laws are not clear about whether Daw Suu could rejoin the party after her release and it would be up to the election commission. The second reason is that if we register the party we have to vow to protect the junta's Constitution, which we have repeatedly said is unacceptable. The third factor is that after registration, we will have to police the “illegal” activities of party members and warn them they will be expelled if they continue those activities. This will guarantee that no one in the party will dare express his ideas at the risk of imprisonment.
Q. What will happen to the NLD if it decides to contest the elections? And what if not?
A: If the NLD decides not to contest the elections, two things can happen. Either the NLD will cease to be a valid and registered party or the regime will outlaw the party, causing it to lose its identity and party flag. The dignity of the party will increase immensely when we show we are not giving in to the junta's unjust law. We will also have a broader space to operate with the public because we will show that the principles the party stands for are more important than its mere existence.
Q. Can the NLD expect to gain another landslide victory like it did 20 years ago if it decides to contest the election?
A: The 1988 uprising led by students was one of the main causes which gave the NLD a landslide victory in the 1990 elections. Party leaders like U Aung Shwe only got onto the political stage because of the 1988 uprising. In addition, the military was politically quite weak at the time. The situation is totally different now: we are tied up by various laws and if the party contests the election, there is little or no chance for us to win a majority of seats, much less an overwhelming victory.
Q. How do you foresee the post-election scenario in Burma?
A: This election ensures that two major groups will operate in parliament at different levels: one will be composed of military officers and the other members of multiple political parties made up from business cronies like Tay Za backed by junta groups such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association [USDA] and Swan Arr Shin [a government-organized paramilitary group that suppresses political dissidents]. Besides, the three candidates for the Presidency election will be nominated by the military representatives of the bicameral parliament, but we don't know the procedure for their election [The presidency electoral law will be drawn up later, according to the constitution.] Moreover, the formation of the government will be in the hands of the future President who can appoint either members of parliament or non-elected persons as cabinet ministers. If the president selects members of parliament from a political party, they can't represent their party in the government because they not only have to resign their parliamentary seats but they also have to refrain from party activities.
Khin Maung Swe
Question: Could you give us three specific reasons why you are for or against party-registration?
Answer: First, I wish to make it clear that we have no intention of marginalizing Aung San Suu Kyi, who is an icon in Burmese politics. But the reason we wish to register the party is because we want Daw Suu to be able to continue to play in the political environment when she is released five or six months later. That's why we need a political party. Secondly, we believe that only by struggling in the legal fold will it be possible for us to fulfill our pledge to democracy, to work for changes in the constitution and national reconciliation. Thirdly, in that process, we don't wish to divide our party members into different groups in contradiction to the party policy of maintaining unity. As there is no viable exit option [if NLD does not register], we don't support not registering the party because we don't want to be the historical culprits blamed for letting the party die.
Q. What will happen to the NLD if it decides to contest the elections? And what if not?
A: If the party participates in the election, it can become a competitive force in the future parliament, contributing to a check-and-balance system in politics that will be in the interests of people. Without political opposition, we will only be left with a sort of one-party political system. If we don't join the election, the people will lose a great party born of the 1988 uprising and faithful to the struggle for democracy, and the people will not have a party to vote for in the election.
Q. Can the NLD expect to gain another landslide victory like it did 20 years ago if it decides to contest the election?
A: I am not sure about a landslide victory, but the party still has the potential to become a competitive force in the parliament.
Q. How do you foresee the post-election scenario in Burma?
A: With military supremacy continuing in the post-election era notwithstanding, the rigid centralization we have today will disappear. By that, I mean the different governmental departments will no longer be under the control of a single person. The legislature will be in a position to change inappropriate laws, including the unjust election law. The more than 75 majority requirement only applies to amendments of the Constitution, which is where the 25 percent of seats reserved for the military will be most significant. But parliament will still have the power to pass bills addressing human rights abuses and socio-economic issues in our country.
A Survey of NLD Officials on the 2010 Election
By THE IRRAWADDY
The National League for Democracy now faces a critical choice and must make a historic decision on whether it will re-register as a political party and contest the Burmese election or face dissolution. The NLD will discuss the issue on March 29 in a meeting of the party's central committee at its headquarters in Rangoon. The Irrawaddy is now surveying the opinions of NLD officials at the township level. Click here to see result.
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Fearing War, People Leave Wa Region
By SAW YAN NAING - Thursday, March 25, 2010
Some businessmen and others are leaving the Panghsang area, the headquarters of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), in fear of a war between the Burmese regime and the Wa army, according to sources in the area.
The businessmen, some of whom are ethnic Wa who carry out trade in Pang Long, Hopang and along the Sino-Burmese border, are reportedly returning to their homes for security reasons.
Aung Kyaw Zaw, an observer who follows developments along the border, said he believed the fears over war were overblown, and that he doubted there would be an outbreak of hostilities. The UWSA, reportedly with about 30,000 troops, is the largest of the ethnic armed groups.
“It is just a threat. If they [the Burmese regime] wanted to fight, the war would have already happened,” said Aung Kyaw Zaw.
A government worker in the capital, Naypyidaw, told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that some government staff in the Wa region were asked to return home this week. She said that she did not know the details of why the authorities ordered staff to leave Wa areas.
“We just collect the list of returning people and report to officials,” she said. “We were not told why they asked those in Wa areas to return home.”
Some non-governmental organization (NGO) staff were also reportedly asked to leave the Wa region, according to sources.
Many NGO and UN relief groups including the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and World Food Program (WFP) operate humanitarian assistance and development projects such as the poppy substitution program around Panghsang and in Wa regions on the Thai-Burmese border.
According to Burmese government sources, about 70,000 regime troops have reinforced existing troops in northern Shan State near areas controlled by the UWSA, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and ethnic Shan rebel bases.
Tension between the regime and cease-fire groups such as the UWSA and the KIA are high, because both groups have rejected the junta's border guard force order to transform their army and place it under the control of the junta.
Recently, the KIA moved important documents and office equipment from its headquarters in Laiza to safer locations.
Another hold-0ut cease-fire group, the New Mon State Party (NMSP), has also moved some departments and its stockpile of weapons to a new undisclosed base, after negotiations with the regime stalled.
By SAW YAN NAING - Thursday, March 25, 2010
Some businessmen and others are leaving the Panghsang area, the headquarters of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), in fear of a war between the Burmese regime and the Wa army, according to sources in the area.
The businessmen, some of whom are ethnic Wa who carry out trade in Pang Long, Hopang and along the Sino-Burmese border, are reportedly returning to their homes for security reasons.
Aung Kyaw Zaw, an observer who follows developments along the border, said he believed the fears over war were overblown, and that he doubted there would be an outbreak of hostilities. The UWSA, reportedly with about 30,000 troops, is the largest of the ethnic armed groups.
“It is just a threat. If they [the Burmese regime] wanted to fight, the war would have already happened,” said Aung Kyaw Zaw.
A government worker in the capital, Naypyidaw, told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that some government staff in the Wa region were asked to return home this week. She said that she did not know the details of why the authorities ordered staff to leave Wa areas.
“We just collect the list of returning people and report to officials,” she said. “We were not told why they asked those in Wa areas to return home.”
Some non-governmental organization (NGO) staff were also reportedly asked to leave the Wa region, according to sources.
Many NGO and UN relief groups including the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and World Food Program (WFP) operate humanitarian assistance and development projects such as the poppy substitution program around Panghsang and in Wa regions on the Thai-Burmese border.
According to Burmese government sources, about 70,000 regime troops have reinforced existing troops in northern Shan State near areas controlled by the UWSA, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and ethnic Shan rebel bases.
Tension between the regime and cease-fire groups such as the UWSA and the KIA are high, because both groups have rejected the junta's border guard force order to transform their army and place it under the control of the junta.
Recently, the KIA moved important documents and office equipment from its headquarters in Laiza to safer locations.
Another hold-0ut cease-fire group, the New Mon State Party (NMSP), has also moved some departments and its stockpile of weapons to a new undisclosed base, after negotiations with the regime stalled.
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AFPFL-like split unnecessary
Thursday, 25 March 2010 16:32 Yan Nyein Aung
(Mizzima) – The Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL) split into two factions, those who believed the league should be cleaned, led by U Nu and Thakhin Tin, and another group prioritizing the stability of the party led by Ba Swe and Kyaw Nyein. The division, unfortunately, is something Burmese are well familiar with, originating at least as far back as the anti-colonial campaign.
Today we are witnessing two opinions within the National League for Democracy (NLD), which is struggling for democracy and human rights in Burma and which won the 1990 general elections. The division is between a group of activists who see the cleanliness of the party's spirit and dignity as a priority, and other members who see it as important for the party to survive and remain stable under the oppression of the military regime.
When the military junta issued the political party registration and electoral laws, many political activists were thrust into an unexpected environment. The NLD has since said it stands by the principles enshrined in the Shwegondaing Declaration.
Yet the party’s survival hangs in the balance. According to the junta’s laws, the NLD must choose to sack its beloved leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, if the party wants to stand legally, since the laws prohibit a prisoner from serving as member of a legal political party. And more importantly, any registered party must commit to honor the constitution of Burma, of which the NLD has consistently demanded a review.
Aung San Suu Kyi's position is quite clear. She is opposed to the laws since they are unjust and fail to meet imposed standards; which literally means she is willing to continue to fight the imposition of unjust laws even if it means the end to her own party. Nonetheless, she is said to have confirmed that she will follow a majority decision of party members, as she stands for democratic principles.
Yet, if a majority of party members decide to call for her to join the proposed elections it can be questioned whether she should continue to stick with such colleagues. Leaders of this group believe Aung San Suu Kyi needs a legal organization to pursue her legal struggle and the party should consider sacking her for the purpose of registration according to the newly imposed laws.
The NLD, which has opposed party registration since 1993, they argue, will be forced to commit to the ‘protection’ of the new constitution. Moreover, the faction’s leaders claim the NLD should continue to exist for those who have sacrificed their lives during the last two decades.
However, it must be then questioned, which members of the NLD are calling for the sacking of Aung San Suu Kyi?
The present situation is totally different from the 1990 election result, which has remained unfulfilled for the last twenty years. More importantly, I believe the new situation is more important, since NLD members could opt to form a new party with the abolition of the existing party.
I believe NLD leaders that want to stand legally can resign from the party and join with people of the same opinion to form a new political entity. I would let them go and form a new political party using a name such as the new-NLD. Foreign missions based in Burma will support them and the junta may allow them to run for office. The perceived break would be regrettable and preventable, but they cannot deceive the people and must allow the people to make their own choices. However, I hope they will not be blamed in history as forcing divisions within the party.
Former dictator Ne Win and the generals that have followed have time and again gained advantages by splitting opposition parties, including among the ranks of the AFPFL, dragging the country into crisis and poverty. I cannot imagine when and how we will be able to free our lives of military slavery if the NLD disunites and splits.
Thursday, 25 March 2010 16:32 Yan Nyein Aung
(Mizzima) – The Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL) split into two factions, those who believed the league should be cleaned, led by U Nu and Thakhin Tin, and another group prioritizing the stability of the party led by Ba Swe and Kyaw Nyein. The division, unfortunately, is something Burmese are well familiar with, originating at least as far back as the anti-colonial campaign.
Today we are witnessing two opinions within the National League for Democracy (NLD), which is struggling for democracy and human rights in Burma and which won the 1990 general elections. The division is between a group of activists who see the cleanliness of the party's spirit and dignity as a priority, and other members who see it as important for the party to survive and remain stable under the oppression of the military regime.
When the military junta issued the political party registration and electoral laws, many political activists were thrust into an unexpected environment. The NLD has since said it stands by the principles enshrined in the Shwegondaing Declaration.
Yet the party’s survival hangs in the balance. According to the junta’s laws, the NLD must choose to sack its beloved leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, if the party wants to stand legally, since the laws prohibit a prisoner from serving as member of a legal political party. And more importantly, any registered party must commit to honor the constitution of Burma, of which the NLD has consistently demanded a review.
Aung San Suu Kyi's position is quite clear. She is opposed to the laws since they are unjust and fail to meet imposed standards; which literally means she is willing to continue to fight the imposition of unjust laws even if it means the end to her own party. Nonetheless, she is said to have confirmed that she will follow a majority decision of party members, as she stands for democratic principles.
Yet, if a majority of party members decide to call for her to join the proposed elections it can be questioned whether she should continue to stick with such colleagues. Leaders of this group believe Aung San Suu Kyi needs a legal organization to pursue her legal struggle and the party should consider sacking her for the purpose of registration according to the newly imposed laws.
The NLD, which has opposed party registration since 1993, they argue, will be forced to commit to the ‘protection’ of the new constitution. Moreover, the faction’s leaders claim the NLD should continue to exist for those who have sacrificed their lives during the last two decades.
However, it must be then questioned, which members of the NLD are calling for the sacking of Aung San Suu Kyi?
The present situation is totally different from the 1990 election result, which has remained unfulfilled for the last twenty years. More importantly, I believe the new situation is more important, since NLD members could opt to form a new party with the abolition of the existing party.
I believe NLD leaders that want to stand legally can resign from the party and join with people of the same opinion to form a new political entity. I would let them go and form a new political party using a name such as the new-NLD. Foreign missions based in Burma will support them and the junta may allow them to run for office. The perceived break would be regrettable and preventable, but they cannot deceive the people and must allow the people to make their own choices. However, I hope they will not be blamed in history as forcing divisions within the party.
Former dictator Ne Win and the generals that have followed have time and again gained advantages by splitting opposition parties, including among the ranks of the AFPFL, dragging the country into crisis and poverty. I cannot imagine when and how we will be able to free our lives of military slavery if the NLD disunites and splits.
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Former student leader floats political party
Thursday, 25 March 2010 22:34 Sai Zom Hseng
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Phyo Min Thein, a former student leader has floated a political party called ‘Ludu (People’s) Democracy Party’ to contest the forthcoming election.
“I think we should go through the electoral process like other political parties because we have to provide people some alternative,” former Secretary of ‘All Burma Federation of Students Union’ (ABFSU) Phyo Min Thein told Mizzima.
ABFSU, which has played a major role in the country's struggle for freedom and democracy, is now an underground organization with many of its leaders in jail.
Phyo Min Thein also said that the party’s registration and adoption of the party policy and programme will be done only after March 29.
The party flag will be tricolour in blue, red and yellow.
Former ABFSU Chairman in 1988 Nyo Tun, will join this party’s preparatory committee.
The preparatory committee of this party comprises Nyo Tun, Phyo Min Thein, Thein Tin Aung, Min Lwin, Lu Thit, Thein Htay and Myo Min Tun, accounting for seven members. The party’s motto will be Freedom, Equality, Fraternity, and People’s Democracy, he added.
It is learnt that they will try for the inclusion of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and imprisoned ethnic leader Khun Tun Oo in the electoral process.
Other political parties, which are so far ready to contest in the general election are:
(1) Union of Myanmar (Burma) Scientific National Political Party
(2) National Political Alliance League
(3) Democratic Party-Myanmar
(4) Rakhine State National Political Force
(5) National Unity Party
(6) Diversity and Peace Party
(7) Kachin State Progressive Party
(8) Wunthanu NLD
(9) 88-Geneartion Students United Democratic Party
(10) Union of Myanmar National Politics
However, some of their actual names in English can be different from the names mentioned, when they actually register with the Election Commission.
Two political parties, the Union of Myanmar National Politics League led by Aye Lwin and 88-Generation Students and Youths (Union of Myanmar) registered with the Election Commission on March 22.
The National League for Democracy (NLD), which is facing a political crisis due to the recently promulgated electoral laws, will decide on the party registration issue on March 29, at its plenary meeting to be attended by Central Committee members and Central Executive Committee members to be held at the party head office.
Thursday, 25 March 2010 22:34 Sai Zom Hseng
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Phyo Min Thein, a former student leader has floated a political party called ‘Ludu (People’s) Democracy Party’ to contest the forthcoming election.
“I think we should go through the electoral process like other political parties because we have to provide people some alternative,” former Secretary of ‘All Burma Federation of Students Union’ (ABFSU) Phyo Min Thein told Mizzima.
ABFSU, which has played a major role in the country's struggle for freedom and democracy, is now an underground organization with many of its leaders in jail.
Phyo Min Thein also said that the party’s registration and adoption of the party policy and programme will be done only after March 29.
The party flag will be tricolour in blue, red and yellow.
Former ABFSU Chairman in 1988 Nyo Tun, will join this party’s preparatory committee.
The preparatory committee of this party comprises Nyo Tun, Phyo Min Thein, Thein Tin Aung, Min Lwin, Lu Thit, Thein Htay and Myo Min Tun, accounting for seven members. The party’s motto will be Freedom, Equality, Fraternity, and People’s Democracy, he added.
It is learnt that they will try for the inclusion of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and imprisoned ethnic leader Khun Tun Oo in the electoral process.
Other political parties, which are so far ready to contest in the general election are:
(1) Union of Myanmar (Burma) Scientific National Political Party
(2) National Political Alliance League
(3) Democratic Party-Myanmar
(4) Rakhine State National Political Force
(5) National Unity Party
(6) Diversity and Peace Party
(7) Kachin State Progressive Party
(8) Wunthanu NLD
(9) 88-Geneartion Students United Democratic Party
(10) Union of Myanmar National Politics
However, some of their actual names in English can be different from the names mentioned, when they actually register with the Election Commission.
Two political parties, the Union of Myanmar National Politics League led by Aye Lwin and 88-Generation Students and Youths (Union of Myanmar) registered with the Election Commission on March 22.
The National League for Democracy (NLD), which is facing a political crisis due to the recently promulgated electoral laws, will decide on the party registration issue on March 29, at its plenary meeting to be attended by Central Committee members and Central Executive Committee members to be held at the party head office.
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DVB News - ‘Frankenstein’s’ state?
By JOSEPH ALLCHIN
Published: 25 March 2010
One spectre threatens to over shadow the junta’s experiment with ‘democracy’ (see public relations) and in turn the country; a spectre that threatens to dominate the nation and define power within for years to come.
That it comes to Burma late is no surprise, that it seemingly comes in a most un-transparent manner is again no surprise. That ’spectre’ is privatisation and the dramatic manner in which it threatens to create not a military government but an invisible, ruling oligarchy.
Machiavelli once revealed to us that true power is never given, it is always taken, and once taken must be defended with knowing brute and cunning. And so hands in Burma’s future are it seems working to create a dramatic experiment in neo-liberal feudalism, one that will shadow power from people and accountability.
At Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University recently meanwhile the Canadian Ambassador H.E. Ron Hoffman questioned whether “external forces work at all” when talking about sanctions, he did however reiterate Canada’s position as the nation with the most strict sanctions; yet Mr Hoffman could not answer whether this ‘failed’ method is enforced for the biggest of economic concerns, such as Canada’s Ivanhoe Mines who are believed to operate what was once described as one of the ‘most profitable’ mines in the country.
They own a 50% stake in Myanmar Ivanhoe Copper Consortium Limited (MICCL), “by way of a blind trust”… “in 2007 they put their Burmese assets in a blind trust, which they claim is independently operated, it’s absurd for them to claim they don’t know what’s going on, they won’t disclose who operates the blind trust” says Kevin McLeod on the board of directors of the Canadian Friends of Burma. He also adds that the their share could have been sold by the trust to junta cronies which he hastens to add is also a breach of Canadian sanctions. MICCL is an entity which was added to US sanctions lists in January 2009 and is also on the European sanctions list.
Responding when asked to confirm Ivanhoe’s presence in the country the ambassador said; “I can’t say its not the case, its not come across my desk”. Ivanhoe meanwhile are part owned by the Canadian state with entities such as the state of Quebec pension fund owning considerable shares in the company.
Whilst one speaker, who wished to maintain anonymity (because he said he was “afraid” and became “emotional” when talking to the press) told DVB that; “frankly speaking what I am worried about is the Chinese cartels, the Chinese drug cartels occupying all these assets”.
He paradoxically said he supported the ‘cronies’ who are now accused of buying up state owned enterprises that are being sold off by the government, in order to prevent a Chinese ‘take over’ of Burma’s key assets.
He pointed to Asia World. A company that is not only Burma’s largest construction company, is conversely also accused of being ‘crony run’ and through recent privatisations has managed to acquire a near monopoly in freight import-exports; owning as they do the vital Rangoon docks that carry approximately 80% of Burma’s imports and exports.
He labelled the creator of Asia World, Lo Hsing Han as ‘Chinese’. He was indeed of Chinese origin, coming to Burma as part of the Chinese nationalist forces that came to be known as the KMT and were keenly supported by the US. They were assisted in their narcotic production and pedalling by the US in order to aid their anti communist activities. He is also a staunch junta ally, after being arrested in Thailand for his narcotic business he was given shelter in Burma and even organised functions for senior generals.
These early drug producing days are what enabled the creation of Asia World; a company that spans Asia and according to Global Markets Direct inc. had, as of this month an annual turnover of $3,272 million.
In the seminal work on the region’s drug cartels, Merchants of Madness, Bertil Lintner and Michael Black note; “it is beyond doubt that the initial capital for their legitimate business must have come from the drug trade; there is simply no other possible source.”
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) meanwhile noted that both Lo and his son, current director of Asia World, Steven Law had a ‘history of involvement in illicit activities’ in 2008 and also included Mr Law’s Singaporean wife, Cecilia Ng Sor Hong and her 10 Singaporean companies on their list.
If such men and companies are taking an increasing driving role in the economy, given privatisations and their role in projects such as the Shwe gas pipeline, (Earth Rights International note that Asia World are “providing services related to the construction of the Shwe project”) it raises the strange possibility that whilst the democratically elected leader of the country, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be excluded from the upcoming election because of the ‘foreign spouse clause’ the real winner, one of Burma’s invisible rulers will conversely have a foreign spouse and be the only generation of his family to be considered even vaguely a ‘Myanmar’ citizen.
The strange origins of the multi national Asia World, with Lo Hsing Han’s probable early backing by the US during his KMT days may be a distant memory. Nowadays however George P Kent a senior political counsellor at the US embassy in Thailand noted that the “elections are making a mockery of democracy”.
He also told DVB that oil companies, Chevron and Trans Ocean Inc., both US companies active in Burma’s oil and gas sector, did not need to be included in the ’smart sanctions’ regime; the US “went after people and companies” and was “not looking at sanctions that affect the over all economy”, strange given the immense revenues that the oil and gas sectors generate for the military, and the practices the military engages in to avoid gas revenues from appearing on public accounts.
US economic concerns may be small when compared to the huge and rising direct investment made by neighbours China, Thailand and India. With India recently announcing the planning of a sovereign wealth fund that will seek to challenge Chinese foreign investment in the region.
Bur Trans Ocean Inc. meanwhile are considered to be some of the most competent oil drillers around and so the US company, like Asia World have been providing ‘vital services’ to the Shwe gas project, a project that amongst others stains the country with the ignominious prognosis of possessing a ‘mineral curse’. Are they working ‘together’?
One company will pierce the floor of the Bay of Bengal the other will build the terminals through which the earth’s bounty will pass…
So whilst discourse tends to focus on a simple equation of free, not free, democratic or not, as western actions and positions demonstrate, and as Dr. Maung Zarni notes; “Burma is a product of external forces, it’s not, as the Burmese historiography would have it, simply a product of the nationalist struggle.”
Burma’s strategic position and bountiful natural resources make the country too important to ignore. The painful process of state building that occurred in many places, before the world was as small as it is now, is occurring in Burma with the voracious growth of two Asian super powers on either side and the tycoons and business’ that go hand in hand with such an ascendency.
If a confirmation was needed of the primacy of this region it is the region’s record, massively increased arms spending that along with Latin america concerned the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, needless to say no data was available for Burma.
Just as colonialism created a rude shock for the mis-match of tribes brought together under the throne of Thibaw, the neo liberal, feudalist, experiment is being forced on Burma and sold as ‘democracy’ to avoid the transition of resources that accountability could entail.
Many have noted that transition is likely to be painful and difficult, no one in Burma needs reminding of that, the problem is that the harshness of far reaching economic transition is appearing in Burma with no one to shoot it down, or the prior involvement of government to soften the blow of neo liberalism. Further, 60 years of political conflict has left no one with the political clout to oppose the complexities of these moves.
Dr Zarni described Burma’s situation as a “Frankenstein scenario”. A ‘monster’ that is created by an unwitting doctor may not be entirely accurate but that Burma is being shaped by foreign powers, and reclusive tycoons seems to suggest that the almost previously unimaginable possibility of a less accountable power block than the military may be all too real. A monster that can march into the future with no reigns held by people or government, a monster with the mantras of Milton Friedman and Fukuyama ringing next to parochial tribalism.
In any case Steven Law can sit back knowing, as the ancient Chinese proverb goes, that “opportunity lies at the edge of chaos”.
By JOSEPH ALLCHIN
Published: 25 March 2010
One spectre threatens to over shadow the junta’s experiment with ‘democracy’ (see public relations) and in turn the country; a spectre that threatens to dominate the nation and define power within for years to come.
That it comes to Burma late is no surprise, that it seemingly comes in a most un-transparent manner is again no surprise. That ’spectre’ is privatisation and the dramatic manner in which it threatens to create not a military government but an invisible, ruling oligarchy.
Machiavelli once revealed to us that true power is never given, it is always taken, and once taken must be defended with knowing brute and cunning. And so hands in Burma’s future are it seems working to create a dramatic experiment in neo-liberal feudalism, one that will shadow power from people and accountability.
At Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University recently meanwhile the Canadian Ambassador H.E. Ron Hoffman questioned whether “external forces work at all” when talking about sanctions, he did however reiterate Canada’s position as the nation with the most strict sanctions; yet Mr Hoffman could not answer whether this ‘failed’ method is enforced for the biggest of economic concerns, such as Canada’s Ivanhoe Mines who are believed to operate what was once described as one of the ‘most profitable’ mines in the country.
They own a 50% stake in Myanmar Ivanhoe Copper Consortium Limited (MICCL), “by way of a blind trust”… “in 2007 they put their Burmese assets in a blind trust, which they claim is independently operated, it’s absurd for them to claim they don’t know what’s going on, they won’t disclose who operates the blind trust” says Kevin McLeod on the board of directors of the Canadian Friends of Burma. He also adds that the their share could have been sold by the trust to junta cronies which he hastens to add is also a breach of Canadian sanctions. MICCL is an entity which was added to US sanctions lists in January 2009 and is also on the European sanctions list.
Responding when asked to confirm Ivanhoe’s presence in the country the ambassador said; “I can’t say its not the case, its not come across my desk”. Ivanhoe meanwhile are part owned by the Canadian state with entities such as the state of Quebec pension fund owning considerable shares in the company.
Whilst one speaker, who wished to maintain anonymity (because he said he was “afraid” and became “emotional” when talking to the press) told DVB that; “frankly speaking what I am worried about is the Chinese cartels, the Chinese drug cartels occupying all these assets”.
He paradoxically said he supported the ‘cronies’ who are now accused of buying up state owned enterprises that are being sold off by the government, in order to prevent a Chinese ‘take over’ of Burma’s key assets.
He pointed to Asia World. A company that is not only Burma’s largest construction company, is conversely also accused of being ‘crony run’ and through recent privatisations has managed to acquire a near monopoly in freight import-exports; owning as they do the vital Rangoon docks that carry approximately 80% of Burma’s imports and exports.
He labelled the creator of Asia World, Lo Hsing Han as ‘Chinese’. He was indeed of Chinese origin, coming to Burma as part of the Chinese nationalist forces that came to be known as the KMT and were keenly supported by the US. They were assisted in their narcotic production and pedalling by the US in order to aid their anti communist activities. He is also a staunch junta ally, after being arrested in Thailand for his narcotic business he was given shelter in Burma and even organised functions for senior generals.
These early drug producing days are what enabled the creation of Asia World; a company that spans Asia and according to Global Markets Direct inc. had, as of this month an annual turnover of $3,272 million.
In the seminal work on the region’s drug cartels, Merchants of Madness, Bertil Lintner and Michael Black note; “it is beyond doubt that the initial capital for their legitimate business must have come from the drug trade; there is simply no other possible source.”
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) meanwhile noted that both Lo and his son, current director of Asia World, Steven Law had a ‘history of involvement in illicit activities’ in 2008 and also included Mr Law’s Singaporean wife, Cecilia Ng Sor Hong and her 10 Singaporean companies on their list.
If such men and companies are taking an increasing driving role in the economy, given privatisations and their role in projects such as the Shwe gas pipeline, (Earth Rights International note that Asia World are “providing services related to the construction of the Shwe project”) it raises the strange possibility that whilst the democratically elected leader of the country, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be excluded from the upcoming election because of the ‘foreign spouse clause’ the real winner, one of Burma’s invisible rulers will conversely have a foreign spouse and be the only generation of his family to be considered even vaguely a ‘Myanmar’ citizen.
The strange origins of the multi national Asia World, with Lo Hsing Han’s probable early backing by the US during his KMT days may be a distant memory. Nowadays however George P Kent a senior political counsellor at the US embassy in Thailand noted that the “elections are making a mockery of democracy”.
He also told DVB that oil companies, Chevron and Trans Ocean Inc., both US companies active in Burma’s oil and gas sector, did not need to be included in the ’smart sanctions’ regime; the US “went after people and companies” and was “not looking at sanctions that affect the over all economy”, strange given the immense revenues that the oil and gas sectors generate for the military, and the practices the military engages in to avoid gas revenues from appearing on public accounts.
US economic concerns may be small when compared to the huge and rising direct investment made by neighbours China, Thailand and India. With India recently announcing the planning of a sovereign wealth fund that will seek to challenge Chinese foreign investment in the region.
Bur Trans Ocean Inc. meanwhile are considered to be some of the most competent oil drillers around and so the US company, like Asia World have been providing ‘vital services’ to the Shwe gas project, a project that amongst others stains the country with the ignominious prognosis of possessing a ‘mineral curse’. Are they working ‘together’?
One company will pierce the floor of the Bay of Bengal the other will build the terminals through which the earth’s bounty will pass…
So whilst discourse tends to focus on a simple equation of free, not free, democratic or not, as western actions and positions demonstrate, and as Dr. Maung Zarni notes; “Burma is a product of external forces, it’s not, as the Burmese historiography would have it, simply a product of the nationalist struggle.”
Burma’s strategic position and bountiful natural resources make the country too important to ignore. The painful process of state building that occurred in many places, before the world was as small as it is now, is occurring in Burma with the voracious growth of two Asian super powers on either side and the tycoons and business’ that go hand in hand with such an ascendency.
If a confirmation was needed of the primacy of this region it is the region’s record, massively increased arms spending that along with Latin america concerned the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, needless to say no data was available for Burma.
Just as colonialism created a rude shock for the mis-match of tribes brought together under the throne of Thibaw, the neo liberal, feudalist, experiment is being forced on Burma and sold as ‘democracy’ to avoid the transition of resources that accountability could entail.
Many have noted that transition is likely to be painful and difficult, no one in Burma needs reminding of that, the problem is that the harshness of far reaching economic transition is appearing in Burma with no one to shoot it down, or the prior involvement of government to soften the blow of neo liberalism. Further, 60 years of political conflict has left no one with the political clout to oppose the complexities of these moves.
Dr Zarni described Burma’s situation as a “Frankenstein scenario”. A ‘monster’ that is created by an unwitting doctor may not be entirely accurate but that Burma is being shaped by foreign powers, and reclusive tycoons seems to suggest that the almost previously unimaginable possibility of a less accountable power block than the military may be all too real. A monster that can march into the future with no reigns held by people or government, a monster with the mantras of Milton Friedman and Fukuyama ringing next to parochial tribalism.
In any case Steven Law can sit back knowing, as the ancient Chinese proverb goes, that “opportunity lies at the edge of chaos”.
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