US puts nations on notice for trafficking
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer – 19 mins ago
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Obama administration on Monday warned more than a dozen states, including perennial rogues Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Myanmar, of possible sanctions for failing to do enough to fight human trafficking.
The State Department's 10th annual review of global efforts to eliminate the trade in human beings and sexual slavery put 13 countries on notice that they are not complying with minimum international standards and could face U.S. penalties.
Other nations receiving a failing grade were the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Kuwait, Mauritania, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Zimbabwe. Another 58 countries were placed on a "watch list" that could lead to sanctions unless their records improve.
For the first time, the United States was included in the department's "Trafficking in Persons Report" and was given high marks. The report said that while trafficking is a problem here, the U.S. is complying with all minimum standards. It placed the U.S. along with 27 other mainly European countries in the top "Tier 1" category for compliance.
"We believe it is important to keep the spotlight on ourselves," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in presenting the report. "Human trafficking is not someone else's problem. Involuntary servitude is not something we can ignore or hope doesn't exist in our own communities."
The report, which looked at 177 countries, demoted Switzerland from the top tier because it said Swiss law does not bar prostitution by 16- and 17-year-olds in all cases. As a result, it said Switzerland risks becoming a child sex tourism destination. Switzerland was ranked in "Tier 2," a category that does not carry the threat of sanctions.
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer – 19 mins ago
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Obama administration on Monday warned more than a dozen states, including perennial rogues Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Myanmar, of possible sanctions for failing to do enough to fight human trafficking.
The State Department's 10th annual review of global efforts to eliminate the trade in human beings and sexual slavery put 13 countries on notice that they are not complying with minimum international standards and could face U.S. penalties.
Other nations receiving a failing grade were the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Kuwait, Mauritania, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Zimbabwe. Another 58 countries were placed on a "watch list" that could lead to sanctions unless their records improve.
For the first time, the United States was included in the department's "Trafficking in Persons Report" and was given high marks. The report said that while trafficking is a problem here, the U.S. is complying with all minimum standards. It placed the U.S. along with 27 other mainly European countries in the top "Tier 1" category for compliance.
"We believe it is important to keep the spotlight on ourselves," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in presenting the report. "Human trafficking is not someone else's problem. Involuntary servitude is not something we can ignore or hope doesn't exist in our own communities."
The report, which looked at 177 countries, demoted Switzerland from the top tier because it said Swiss law does not bar prostitution by 16- and 17-year-olds in all cases. As a result, it said Switzerland risks becoming a child sex tourism destination. Switzerland was ranked in "Tier 2," a category that does not carry the threat of sanctions.
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MYANMAR: Survivors seek shelter from future storms
AYEYARWADY DELTA, 14 June 2010 (IRIN) - Residents of coastal Kinwon Village in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady Delta saw their houses flattened when Cyclone Nargis struck in May 2008; now they worry that not enough has been done to protect them from future cyclones, despite considerable efforts around the region by international organizations.
"We don't have any strong buildings yet to resist strong winds and storm surge," said Kyaw Kyaw, a volunteer in the village of 1,260 people in Pyapon Township, one of the hardest hit areas.
Specialists say collaborative efforts are needed between the government and partners to better prepare the region's most vulnerable - the poor.
"Disasters are not random killers; they target the vulnerable groups and usually the poorest among the poor," Mel Capistrano, senior officer with the Tripartite Core Group's Recovery Coordination Centre (RCC), told IRIN.
Preparing for cyclones
When Nargis struck, villagers fled to nearby schools or monasteries, many of which were blown down, highlighting the need for sturdy shelters.
The government has now chosen 10 coastal sites where 20 cyclone shelters will be built - 19 two-storey buildings for 500 people each and a one-storey building for 300 people. A network of 10 roads is also under construction in the region.
According to the UN Human Resettlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), 356 cyclone shelters have been built across the affected area, 30 percent of them in Labutta Township, the worst hit.
The NGO World Vision built 24 cyclone-resistant schools and 10 emergency shelters large enough to house up to 600 people each. It also trained more than 100,000 people in disaster preparedness.
But Nargis affected some 2.4 million people, and it has been difficult to reach everyone to make sure they are prepared.
"There is no such thing as absolute preparedness. People in the delta are in a more vulnerable condition at the moment since recovery efforts have not brought them back even to the pre-Nargis situation," Capistrano said.
"Limited funding, unavailability of sites for construction and inadequate numbers of private construction firms with experience working in the delta are some of the major hindering factors in the building of enough quality cyclone shelters," he said.
Over the past 60 years, Myanmar has experienced 11 severe tropical cyclones, two of which made landfall over the Ayeyarwady Delta region. In addition, the 2004 tsunami killed 60 people and left 2,500 homeless.
Although data for the government's disaster-preparedness budget is unavailable, the Post-Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan estimated US$32 million of funding was needed to cover programmes on disaster preparedness, but according to the latest figures to end-2009, the UN and international NGOs have received only $2.59 million.
Warning signs
Through disaster risk reduction training of volunteers in at-risk communities, more villagers understand the warning signs.
Ryoko Iizuka, programme manager of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Myanmar, said community-level preparedness must be linked to higher-level initiatives and policies.
"Nationwide policies and mechanisms must be strengthened," she said. An early warning system, building guidelines, land management and disaster management planning "would require collaborative efforts with strong commitment, technical expertise and resources".
Iizuka said local authorities also had to work more on transportation and evacuation-centre management.
The Ayeyarwady Delta has a complex system of streams and estuaries, which can hinder evacuation efforts in times of emergencies, experts say.
AYEYARWADY DELTA, 14 June 2010 (IRIN) - Residents of coastal Kinwon Village in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady Delta saw their houses flattened when Cyclone Nargis struck in May 2008; now they worry that not enough has been done to protect them from future cyclones, despite considerable efforts around the region by international organizations.
"We don't have any strong buildings yet to resist strong winds and storm surge," said Kyaw Kyaw, a volunteer in the village of 1,260 people in Pyapon Township, one of the hardest hit areas.
Specialists say collaborative efforts are needed between the government and partners to better prepare the region's most vulnerable - the poor.
"Disasters are not random killers; they target the vulnerable groups and usually the poorest among the poor," Mel Capistrano, senior officer with the Tripartite Core Group's Recovery Coordination Centre (RCC), told IRIN.
Preparing for cyclones
When Nargis struck, villagers fled to nearby schools or monasteries, many of which were blown down, highlighting the need for sturdy shelters.
The government has now chosen 10 coastal sites where 20 cyclone shelters will be built - 19 two-storey buildings for 500 people each and a one-storey building for 300 people. A network of 10 roads is also under construction in the region.
According to the UN Human Resettlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), 356 cyclone shelters have been built across the affected area, 30 percent of them in Labutta Township, the worst hit.
The NGO World Vision built 24 cyclone-resistant schools and 10 emergency shelters large enough to house up to 600 people each. It also trained more than 100,000 people in disaster preparedness.
But Nargis affected some 2.4 million people, and it has been difficult to reach everyone to make sure they are prepared.
"There is no such thing as absolute preparedness. People in the delta are in a more vulnerable condition at the moment since recovery efforts have not brought them back even to the pre-Nargis situation," Capistrano said.
"Limited funding, unavailability of sites for construction and inadequate numbers of private construction firms with experience working in the delta are some of the major hindering factors in the building of enough quality cyclone shelters," he said.
Over the past 60 years, Myanmar has experienced 11 severe tropical cyclones, two of which made landfall over the Ayeyarwady Delta region. In addition, the 2004 tsunami killed 60 people and left 2,500 homeless.
Although data for the government's disaster-preparedness budget is unavailable, the Post-Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan estimated US$32 million of funding was needed to cover programmes on disaster preparedness, but according to the latest figures to end-2009, the UN and international NGOs have received only $2.59 million.
Warning signs
Through disaster risk reduction training of volunteers in at-risk communities, more villagers understand the warning signs.
Ryoko Iizuka, programme manager of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Myanmar, said community-level preparedness must be linked to higher-level initiatives and policies.
"Nationwide policies and mechanisms must be strengthened," she said. An early warning system, building guidelines, land management and disaster management planning "would require collaborative efforts with strong commitment, technical expertise and resources".
Iizuka said local authorities also had to work more on transportation and evacuation-centre management.
The Ayeyarwady Delta has a complex system of streams and estuaries, which can hinder evacuation efforts in times of emergencies, experts say.
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Rigzone - Total-operated Pipeline Begins Ops in Burma
Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Myanmar officially opened a pipeline linking the Yadana natural gas field in the Andaman Sea to Yangon, to ease a chronic power shortage in its largest city, state media reported Sunday.
Government-controlled newspapers said Energy Minister U Lun Thi turned a golden valve to open the 24-inch diameter pipeline in a ceremony Saturday in Insein Township north of Yangon.
He called the new pipeline the pride of the nation.
The gas pipeline is 136 kilometers on land and 151 kilometers offshore and is operated by Total SA, a French energy group, and US-based Chevron Corporation, in partnership with the state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise.
The Thai state-owned company PTT is also a partner, and much of the offshore field's gas is directed to Thailand.
The project has generated controversy, with human rights groups accusing the French and US companies of financially propping up Myanmar's military government.
They also accused the junta of widespread abuses against the ethnic Karen minority, whose territory has been used for the pipeline project.
Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Myanmar officially opened a pipeline linking the Yadana natural gas field in the Andaman Sea to Yangon, to ease a chronic power shortage in its largest city, state media reported Sunday.
Government-controlled newspapers said Energy Minister U Lun Thi turned a golden valve to open the 24-inch diameter pipeline in a ceremony Saturday in Insein Township north of Yangon.
He called the new pipeline the pride of the nation.
The gas pipeline is 136 kilometers on land and 151 kilometers offshore and is operated by Total SA, a French energy group, and US-based Chevron Corporation, in partnership with the state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise.
The Thai state-owned company PTT is also a partner, and much of the offshore field's gas is directed to Thailand.
The project has generated controversy, with human rights groups accusing the French and US companies of financially propping up Myanmar's military government.
They also accused the junta of widespread abuses against the ethnic Karen minority, whose territory has been used for the pipeline project.
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The Malay Mail - Malaysia ranks better than Myanmar in human rights practice
Submitted by Najiah
Monday, June 14th, 2010 12:37:00
KUALA LUMPUR: Parliamentarians were riled up as early as Question Four this morning, when a deputy minister “compared” Malaysia with embattled nation Myanmar – on the topic of human rights.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister A. Kohilan Pillay, in responding to a supplementary question by Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN–Lenggong) said Malaysia ranks better than its Asean counterparts when it comes to human rights.
“As an example, Asean countries such as Brunei, Myanmar and Singapore have not signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, an instrument under the Declaration of the United Nations Charter,” said Kohilan.
“He’s embarrassing Malaysia,” Azmin Ali (PKR–Gombak) interjected. “How could he compare Malaysia to Myanmar?”
Kohilan continued with his reply: “Also, Brunei, Myanmar, Vietnam and Singapore have not signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural and Rights.”
“If compared to these countries, Malaysia is considered better ranked in terms of human rights,” Kohilan added.
Shamsul Anuar had asked in his supplementary question if countries which did not sign the Declaration of the United Nations Charter, means that the countries do not practice human rights.
Earlier, Azmin questioned Kohilan why Malaysia had not sign the Declaration, even though it has just been re-elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) from 2010 till 2013.
“This Declaration has been in existence since 1948, and our country has not even signed it,” said Azmin.
“As a part of UNHRC, it is stated in its resolution that member countries must uphold the highest standards in the protection and promotion of human rights and fully cooperate with the council.
“How can Malaysia be accepted as a council member if something as simple as this cannot be followed?”
Azmin added: “Is Malaysia, in showing its commitment towards upholding human rights, willing to get rid of repressive laws such as the Internal Security Act (ISA)?”
Kohilan, in response said, Malaysia will not sign any declaration without reviewing it cautiously first.
“We are a multi-racial society. We will not simply sign anything before we are certain it will not invoke the sensitivities of the rakyat,” said Kohilan.
Submitted by Najiah
Monday, June 14th, 2010 12:37:00
KUALA LUMPUR: Parliamentarians were riled up as early as Question Four this morning, when a deputy minister “compared” Malaysia with embattled nation Myanmar – on the topic of human rights.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister A. Kohilan Pillay, in responding to a supplementary question by Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN–Lenggong) said Malaysia ranks better than its Asean counterparts when it comes to human rights.
“As an example, Asean countries such as Brunei, Myanmar and Singapore have not signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, an instrument under the Declaration of the United Nations Charter,” said Kohilan.
“He’s embarrassing Malaysia,” Azmin Ali (PKR–Gombak) interjected. “How could he compare Malaysia to Myanmar?”
Kohilan continued with his reply: “Also, Brunei, Myanmar, Vietnam and Singapore have not signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural and Rights.”
“If compared to these countries, Malaysia is considered better ranked in terms of human rights,” Kohilan added.
Shamsul Anuar had asked in his supplementary question if countries which did not sign the Declaration of the United Nations Charter, means that the countries do not practice human rights.
Earlier, Azmin questioned Kohilan why Malaysia had not sign the Declaration, even though it has just been re-elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) from 2010 till 2013.
“This Declaration has been in existence since 1948, and our country has not even signed it,” said Azmin.
“As a part of UNHRC, it is stated in its resolution that member countries must uphold the highest standards in the protection and promotion of human rights and fully cooperate with the council.
“How can Malaysia be accepted as a council member if something as simple as this cannot be followed?”
Azmin added: “Is Malaysia, in showing its commitment towards upholding human rights, willing to get rid of repressive laws such as the Internal Security Act (ISA)?”
Kohilan, in response said, Malaysia will not sign any declaration without reviewing it cautiously first.
“We are a multi-racial society. We will not simply sign anything before we are certain it will not invoke the sensitivities of the rakyat,” said Kohilan.
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Myanmar says nuclear reports not true
Published: June 12, 2010 at 2:09 PM
YANGON, Myanmar, June 12 (UPI) -- Myanmar's Foreign Ministry says foreign media reports that the country is trying to develop nuclear weapons with North Korea are untrue.
Japan's Kyodo News service said a ministry statement called the foreign reports "baseless accusations" that are "politically motivated," coming from army deserters, fugitives and dissidents.
The statement said the allegations were designed to disrupt relations with the United States, which have improved following a new U.S. engagement policy toward Myanmar, formerly called Burma, Kyodo News reported.
Among those foreign reports, Qatar-based satellite television al-Jazeera -- citing footage and documents obtained by Myanmar dissident media Democratic Voice Burma in Norway -- broadcast a documentary accusing Myanmar of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons in cooperation with North Korean technicians.
Published: June 12, 2010 at 2:09 PM
YANGON, Myanmar, June 12 (UPI) -- Myanmar's Foreign Ministry says foreign media reports that the country is trying to develop nuclear weapons with North Korea are untrue.
Japan's Kyodo News service said a ministry statement called the foreign reports "baseless accusations" that are "politically motivated," coming from army deserters, fugitives and dissidents.
The statement said the allegations were designed to disrupt relations with the United States, which have improved following a new U.S. engagement policy toward Myanmar, formerly called Burma, Kyodo News reported.
Among those foreign reports, Qatar-based satellite television al-Jazeera -- citing footage and documents obtained by Myanmar dissident media Democratic Voice Burma in Norway -- broadcast a documentary accusing Myanmar of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons in cooperation with North Korean technicians.
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People's Daily Online - Myanmar, Vietnam seek further enhancement of economic co-op
18:07, June 13, 2010
Businessmen of Myanmar and Vietnam are seeking further enhancement of economic cooperation and the two sides will meet this month for the purpose, sources with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) said on Sunday.
Comprising 41 entrepreneurs, a Vietnamese business delegation, led by Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People Committee Nguyen Huy Toung, is to meet representatives of the UMFCCI on June 21 at the Park Royal Hotel in Yangon.
The cooperation sectors outlined for discussion deal with sales and manufacturing, construction material, handicraft, food, industry, security, printing and stationery, real estate investment and consultant service, information and technology, electronic devices, educational, crude oil, chemical, cement and servicing, the sources said.
According to the Vietnam Customs, Vietnam-Myanmar bilateral trade went down 8.6 percent year-on-year to 99 million U.S. dollars in 2009 due to the impact of the global economic recession with Vietnam suffering a trade deficit of more than 31 million dollars and accounting for 91.4 percent of Vietnam's total export turnover to the market.
In the first quarter of this year, their bilateral trade reached 35.4 million dollars, a sharp increase of 247 percent year- on-year.
According to official statistics, Vietnam's investment in Myanmar hit 23.4 million U.S. dollars as of the end of September last year since the country opened to such investment in late 1988.
Vietnam stands the 16th among Myanmar's exporting countries. Myanmar mainly exported its forestry products to Vietnam, followed by agricultural produces, seafood and electrical spare parts, while it imported from Vietnam steel, electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, medicines, industrial products, chemical products, computer and accessories, plastic, cosmetics and engine oil.
18:07, June 13, 2010
Businessmen of Myanmar and Vietnam are seeking further enhancement of economic cooperation and the two sides will meet this month for the purpose, sources with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) said on Sunday.
Comprising 41 entrepreneurs, a Vietnamese business delegation, led by Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People Committee Nguyen Huy Toung, is to meet representatives of the UMFCCI on June 21 at the Park Royal Hotel in Yangon.
The cooperation sectors outlined for discussion deal with sales and manufacturing, construction material, handicraft, food, industry, security, printing and stationery, real estate investment and consultant service, information and technology, electronic devices, educational, crude oil, chemical, cement and servicing, the sources said.
According to the Vietnam Customs, Vietnam-Myanmar bilateral trade went down 8.6 percent year-on-year to 99 million U.S. dollars in 2009 due to the impact of the global economic recession with Vietnam suffering a trade deficit of more than 31 million dollars and accounting for 91.4 percent of Vietnam's total export turnover to the market.
In the first quarter of this year, their bilateral trade reached 35.4 million dollars, a sharp increase of 247 percent year- on-year.
According to official statistics, Vietnam's investment in Myanmar hit 23.4 million U.S. dollars as of the end of September last year since the country opened to such investment in late 1988.
Vietnam stands the 16th among Myanmar's exporting countries. Myanmar mainly exported its forestry products to Vietnam, followed by agricultural produces, seafood and electrical spare parts, while it imported from Vietnam steel, electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, medicines, industrial products, chemical products, computer and accessories, plastic, cosmetics and engine oil.
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People's Daily Online - Four new private banks to emerge in Myanmar
16:06, June 13, 2010
Myanmar authorities have granted permission to four giant private entrepreneurs to open four new private banks in the country respectively, bankers circle said on Sunday.
The four giant entrepreneurs are U Tay Za (Htoo trading company group), U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co. Ltd), U Nay Aung (IGE) and U Chit Khine (Ayedin Co. Ltd).
There are 15 private banks in operation in Myanmar, 13 of which are located in the former capital city of Yangon.
Private banks were once nationalized in Myanmar in 1963 during the previous government but after the country started to adopt the market-oriented economic system in late 1988, private banks were allowed to operate again since 1992.
Myanmar has introduced a banking network system in some six banks in the country to interlink state and private banks to facilitate traders for banking transactions, according to the Bankers Association.
The system, being practiced with Yoma bank, Myanmar Citizens Bank, Tun Foundation Bank, Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, Myawaddy Bank and Myanmar Industrial Development Bank, is carried out by local information technology companies of MIT and Global Net.
There are also four state banks in addition to the 15 private ones in Myanmar which are all governed by the government's Central Bank.
16:06, June 13, 2010
Myanmar authorities have granted permission to four giant private entrepreneurs to open four new private banks in the country respectively, bankers circle said on Sunday.
The four giant entrepreneurs are U Tay Za (Htoo trading company group), U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co. Ltd), U Nay Aung (IGE) and U Chit Khine (Ayedin Co. Ltd).
There are 15 private banks in operation in Myanmar, 13 of which are located in the former capital city of Yangon.
Private banks were once nationalized in Myanmar in 1963 during the previous government but after the country started to adopt the market-oriented economic system in late 1988, private banks were allowed to operate again since 1992.
Myanmar has introduced a banking network system in some six banks in the country to interlink state and private banks to facilitate traders for banking transactions, according to the Bankers Association.
The system, being practiced with Yoma bank, Myanmar Citizens Bank, Tun Foundation Bank, Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, Myawaddy Bank and Myanmar Industrial Development Bank, is carried out by local information technology companies of MIT and Global Net.
There are also four state banks in addition to the 15 private ones in Myanmar which are all governed by the government's Central Bank.
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New Straits Times - AirAsia announces KL-Yangon flights
2010/06/14
KUALA LUMPUR: Low-cost carrier AirAsia is extending its route network to another Southeast Asian country, with direct daily flights to Yangon, Myanmar,from July 20.
To celebrate the introduction of the new route, the airline is offering all-in-fares for Kuala Lumpur – Yangon, from as low as RM29 one way.
"Booking starts from June 14 to June 20, for the travel period of July 20 to May 8, 2011.
"Promotional seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis and made exclusively online via www.airasia.com," AirAsia said in a statement here today.
The new route will be serviced by a Airbus A320 aircraft with a 180 passenger capacity.
"Myanmar will see a big boost in tourist entries with this direct daily flight from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon.
"Customers from Europe, China, India, Australia and around the Asean region utilising our Kuala Lumpur hub now, have a more affordable option to travel to Myanmar," AirAsia's Regional Head of Commercial, Kathleen Tan said.
AirAsia’s foray into Myanmar completes the 10 countries under the Asean network.
The low-cost carrier currently flies to Yangon from its Bangkok hub with daily flights.
Read more: AirAsia announces KL-Yangon flights http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/AirAsiaannouncesKL-Yangonflights/Article/#ixzz0qqQE3ppB
2010/06/14
KUALA LUMPUR: Low-cost carrier AirAsia is extending its route network to another Southeast Asian country, with direct daily flights to Yangon, Myanmar,from July 20.
To celebrate the introduction of the new route, the airline is offering all-in-fares for Kuala Lumpur – Yangon, from as low as RM29 one way.
"Booking starts from June 14 to June 20, for the travel period of July 20 to May 8, 2011.
"Promotional seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis and made exclusively online via www.airasia.com," AirAsia said in a statement here today.
The new route will be serviced by a Airbus A320 aircraft with a 180 passenger capacity.
"Myanmar will see a big boost in tourist entries with this direct daily flight from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon.
"Customers from Europe, China, India, Australia and around the Asean region utilising our Kuala Lumpur hub now, have a more affordable option to travel to Myanmar," AirAsia's Regional Head of Commercial, Kathleen Tan said.
AirAsia’s foray into Myanmar completes the 10 countries under the Asean network.
The low-cost carrier currently flies to Yangon from its Bangkok hub with daily flights.
Read more: AirAsia announces KL-Yangon flights http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/AirAsiaannouncesKL-Yangonflights/Article/#ixzz0qqQE3ppB
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Leader Community Newspapers - Werribee youths’ mission to Burma
15 Jun 10 @ 12:11am by Sherinald Shwe
MYO Toke was just four when he and his family were forced to flee from their Karen village in north-east Burma when it was burned down by soldiers.
“At the time I wasn’t scared. I didn’t know the danger we were in when our village was attacked because I was running with my family and I felt very safe,” says Myo, now 19.
Myo and his family hid in a cave for hours before they could return to the village to gather what was left of their belongings. Then they headed to the Mae La refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border.
Times were hard as they struggled to adapt to living in the camp and often there wasn’t enough food to go around.
This is the harsh reality of life for the Karen people who have been fighting for an independent state in Burma for more than 60 years. The Karen continue to be oppressed, tortured and killed by the Burmese military because they want their freedom.
Myo and his family are now happy to be living in Werribee, where many other Karen now have homes, but he has not forgotten his roots and will soon return to the Thai-Burma border to help his people.
“I spent 15 years of my life in Mae La refugee camp with nothing. Now Australia has given me hope and freedom but my Karen people are still suffering and being displaced; that’s why I want to go back and contribute in any way that I can,” Myo says.
Myo is one of 12 Karen youths, now living mostly in the Hobsons Bay and Wyndham areas, preparing to make their first trip back to the border refugee camps to link up with other Karen youth and non-government organisations.
The group will take part in leadership workshops and, when they can, they will visit family and friends who live there. They will also be able to reconnect with their past and discuss how they can help each other.
Lwe Moo San Tay, 21, will also be traveling back to the refugee camps with the group as part of the Karen Young Adult Leadership Program.
“I want to share my new experience in Australia with the youths back in the refugee camps and I want to show them that they are not forgotten,” she says.
Such a potentially life-changing journey doesn’t come cheap and is out of reach for many of the group’s members who are mostly students.
The KYALP group has already held two fundraising events but is still struggling to reach the target of $5000 needed to pay for the trip. The group is welcoming any donations.
SHERINALD Shwe, the young Laverton woman who wrote the above story, has herself experienced the trauma of fleeing her home and country.
When she was seven, she and her family, including her father, a Karen military commander, were forced to run for their lives when their home was attacked by the Burmese military.
``We had to leave everything and walk through the jungle for a few days until we arrived at a temporary refugee camp,’’ she said.
``That was burned down by the Burmese military so we lived in another refugee camp for two years before coming to Australia.’’
Miss Shwe wrote of her friends’ experiences as a participant in a New Australia Media program designed to give young migrants an opportunity to tell their stories in the mainstream media with the help of journalist mentors.
Leader Newspapers is a key media partner.
Details: newaustraliamedia.org
15 Jun 10 @ 12:11am by Sherinald Shwe
MYO Toke was just four when he and his family were forced to flee from their Karen village in north-east Burma when it was burned down by soldiers.
“At the time I wasn’t scared. I didn’t know the danger we were in when our village was attacked because I was running with my family and I felt very safe,” says Myo, now 19.
Myo and his family hid in a cave for hours before they could return to the village to gather what was left of their belongings. Then they headed to the Mae La refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border.
Times were hard as they struggled to adapt to living in the camp and often there wasn’t enough food to go around.
This is the harsh reality of life for the Karen people who have been fighting for an independent state in Burma for more than 60 years. The Karen continue to be oppressed, tortured and killed by the Burmese military because they want their freedom.
Myo and his family are now happy to be living in Werribee, where many other Karen now have homes, but he has not forgotten his roots and will soon return to the Thai-Burma border to help his people.
“I spent 15 years of my life in Mae La refugee camp with nothing. Now Australia has given me hope and freedom but my Karen people are still suffering and being displaced; that’s why I want to go back and contribute in any way that I can,” Myo says.
Myo is one of 12 Karen youths, now living mostly in the Hobsons Bay and Wyndham areas, preparing to make their first trip back to the border refugee camps to link up with other Karen youth and non-government organisations.
The group will take part in leadership workshops and, when they can, they will visit family and friends who live there. They will also be able to reconnect with their past and discuss how they can help each other.
Lwe Moo San Tay, 21, will also be traveling back to the refugee camps with the group as part of the Karen Young Adult Leadership Program.
“I want to share my new experience in Australia with the youths back in the refugee camps and I want to show them that they are not forgotten,” she says.
Such a potentially life-changing journey doesn’t come cheap and is out of reach for many of the group’s members who are mostly students.
The KYALP group has already held two fundraising events but is still struggling to reach the target of $5000 needed to pay for the trip. The group is welcoming any donations.
SHERINALD Shwe, the young Laverton woman who wrote the above story, has herself experienced the trauma of fleeing her home and country.
When she was seven, she and her family, including her father, a Karen military commander, were forced to run for their lives when their home was attacked by the Burmese military.
``We had to leave everything and walk through the jungle for a few days until we arrived at a temporary refugee camp,’’ she said.
``That was burned down by the Burmese military so we lived in another refugee camp for two years before coming to Australia.’’
Miss Shwe wrote of her friends’ experiences as a participant in a New Australia Media program designed to give young migrants an opportunity to tell their stories in the mainstream media with the help of journalist mentors.
Leader Newspapers is a key media partner.
Details: newaustraliamedia.org
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The Nation - Regional response needed for Burma's nuclear ambition
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
Published on June 14, 2010
US Senator James Webb, chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, abruptly postponed his visit to Burma June 3 - only a few hours before his scheduled flight after learning of a report about Burma's nuclear ambitions.
It was a bad time for such a trip, he said, due to new allegations the Rangoon junta leaders were collaborating with Pyongyang to develop a nuclear program. A few days ago, after his return to the US, Asean ambassador Scot Marciel said that if the allegation was true, it would impact on stability and security in the region.
Webb would not have taken such a drastic step if he had not been influenced the report produced by the Norway-based Democratic Voice of Burma, through Al Jazeera, that alleged Burma was moving towards nuclear technology.
Since last August, he had miraculously widened US engagement with Burma and created storms of controversy followed the first high-level contact by any US political figure. He had always hoped to bring peaceful change and prosperity to Burma, as he once did in Vietnam.
However, the 10-month intensified dialogue and contacts between the US and Burma, symbolised by the two trips of Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, had not yet produced breakthroughs or the kind of regime that the US or the international community would like to see - a regime that promised an inclusive, free and fair election with creditable international poll monitoring.
Equally important to the US agenda was ensuring that there was no violation of the UN Security Resolution 1874 that imposes sanctions against North Korea. Indeed, these endeavours have resulted in continued frustration.
Worse is the prospect of stronger Burma-North Korea relations. Both are rogue states, which were enemies for the past 23 years. Now they are each other's best friend amid growing international isolation and tightening economic sanctions. Thanks to Pyongyang's willingness and foreign-exchange needs, Burma's nuclear confidence has shot up to the point that one day it would have the kind of bargaining power enjoyed by other nuclear aspirants.
After decades of complacency, the Thai security apparatus, especially the National Security Council (NSC), has finally paid more attention to its long-standing assumption that Burma does not and will not have the capacity to assemble a nuclear bomb.
The main argument was simplistic - Burma is poor and backward so it is highly unlikely for the country to embark on the project. In addition, persons familiar with NSC analyses of Burma would immediately recognise the narrative pattern of "appeasement" and "don't rock the boat" syndrome in handling its western neighbour.
The often-cited justifications are fragile security along the porous 2004 kilometre border, and Thailand's growing dependency on natural gas from the Gulf of Martaban.
Last year, the Foreign Ministry asked energy-related agencies and their top decision makers to come up with policy options to reduce energy needs from Burma and other neighbours. So far, they have not yet done so, arguing much was at stake as lump sums of money had been invested already in the natural-gas related development projects with Burma. Thailand imports an estimated US$880 million (Bt28.5 trillion) worth of energy from Burma annually. From their vantage point, preservation of status quo at any cost was desirable, fearing the country's future energy security would be compromised.
An additional problem is the deep-rooted fear of Burma's aggression (what the Burmese generals can and are willing to do against this country and its people).
Anytime the word "Pha-mah"- meaning Burma in Thai - is mentioned to ordinary Thais, not to mention the authorities, they are likely to go hysterical with negative comments and endless condemnation. It immediately conjures up the heartless burning of Ayutthya, which took place in 1774-- some 236 years ago. However, to Thais the total annihilation of the Siamese capital is as vivid as ever with the aid of numerous historical books, dramas, folk tales and word of mouth. One would think that such phobia should serve as a kind of energiser to consolidate the Thai security officials and related agencies to look for common policy options to counter Burma's move. It has not happened.
Strangely enough, the Thai military's intelligence officials, who have been working closely with the US and Australian counterparts in tracking the junta's nuclear ambitions for the past decade, knew all along of this dangerous ambition - but they have not shared information or made serious assessments with the energy sector.
No wonder Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya is concerned as he is and kept informed of Burma's well-kept secret. It is possible that Thailand, along with other Asean members, might raise the nuclear weapons programme at the Asean foreign ministerial meeting next month in Hanoi (July 9-13) asking Rangoon to further clarify the issue. Nobody expects Burma to tell the truth. But Asean needs to put the issue on record as its reputation is at stake, especially at the time the grouping wants to increase its profile to promote peace and stability as well as economic well-being internationally. After all, Burma was among the ten signatories to the region's first no-nuke treaty, the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone. Asean is also party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but quite a few members have not yet ratified it.
The Obama administration has been pushing for a nuclear-free world and trying to rid it of potential nuclear terrorists. Expectation in the region is high that the US would continue to pressure Burma internationally to comply with the relevant UN resolutions as well as any future engagement for the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect all nuclear-related allegations. Sooner than later, Asean must take up Burma's nuclear plan and other global issues to iron out differences in order to forge common views and positions, which the Asean foreign ministers have to submit to their leaders at the Asean Summit in October in Hanoi.
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
Published on June 14, 2010
US Senator James Webb, chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, abruptly postponed his visit to Burma June 3 - only a few hours before his scheduled flight after learning of a report about Burma's nuclear ambitions.
It was a bad time for such a trip, he said, due to new allegations the Rangoon junta leaders were collaborating with Pyongyang to develop a nuclear program. A few days ago, after his return to the US, Asean ambassador Scot Marciel said that if the allegation was true, it would impact on stability and security in the region.
Webb would not have taken such a drastic step if he had not been influenced the report produced by the Norway-based Democratic Voice of Burma, through Al Jazeera, that alleged Burma was moving towards nuclear technology.
Since last August, he had miraculously widened US engagement with Burma and created storms of controversy followed the first high-level contact by any US political figure. He had always hoped to bring peaceful change and prosperity to Burma, as he once did in Vietnam.
However, the 10-month intensified dialogue and contacts between the US and Burma, symbolised by the two trips of Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, had not yet produced breakthroughs or the kind of regime that the US or the international community would like to see - a regime that promised an inclusive, free and fair election with creditable international poll monitoring.
Equally important to the US agenda was ensuring that there was no violation of the UN Security Resolution 1874 that imposes sanctions against North Korea. Indeed, these endeavours have resulted in continued frustration.
Worse is the prospect of stronger Burma-North Korea relations. Both are rogue states, which were enemies for the past 23 years. Now they are each other's best friend amid growing international isolation and tightening economic sanctions. Thanks to Pyongyang's willingness and foreign-exchange needs, Burma's nuclear confidence has shot up to the point that one day it would have the kind of bargaining power enjoyed by other nuclear aspirants.
After decades of complacency, the Thai security apparatus, especially the National Security Council (NSC), has finally paid more attention to its long-standing assumption that Burma does not and will not have the capacity to assemble a nuclear bomb.
The main argument was simplistic - Burma is poor and backward so it is highly unlikely for the country to embark on the project. In addition, persons familiar with NSC analyses of Burma would immediately recognise the narrative pattern of "appeasement" and "don't rock the boat" syndrome in handling its western neighbour.
The often-cited justifications are fragile security along the porous 2004 kilometre border, and Thailand's growing dependency on natural gas from the Gulf of Martaban.
Last year, the Foreign Ministry asked energy-related agencies and their top decision makers to come up with policy options to reduce energy needs from Burma and other neighbours. So far, they have not yet done so, arguing much was at stake as lump sums of money had been invested already in the natural-gas related development projects with Burma. Thailand imports an estimated US$880 million (Bt28.5 trillion) worth of energy from Burma annually. From their vantage point, preservation of status quo at any cost was desirable, fearing the country's future energy security would be compromised.
An additional problem is the deep-rooted fear of Burma's aggression (what the Burmese generals can and are willing to do against this country and its people).
Anytime the word "Pha-mah"- meaning Burma in Thai - is mentioned to ordinary Thais, not to mention the authorities, they are likely to go hysterical with negative comments and endless condemnation. It immediately conjures up the heartless burning of Ayutthya, which took place in 1774-- some 236 years ago. However, to Thais the total annihilation of the Siamese capital is as vivid as ever with the aid of numerous historical books, dramas, folk tales and word of mouth. One would think that such phobia should serve as a kind of energiser to consolidate the Thai security officials and related agencies to look for common policy options to counter Burma's move. It has not happened.
Strangely enough, the Thai military's intelligence officials, who have been working closely with the US and Australian counterparts in tracking the junta's nuclear ambitions for the past decade, knew all along of this dangerous ambition - but they have not shared information or made serious assessments with the energy sector.
No wonder Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya is concerned as he is and kept informed of Burma's well-kept secret. It is possible that Thailand, along with other Asean members, might raise the nuclear weapons programme at the Asean foreign ministerial meeting next month in Hanoi (July 9-13) asking Rangoon to further clarify the issue. Nobody expects Burma to tell the truth. But Asean needs to put the issue on record as its reputation is at stake, especially at the time the grouping wants to increase its profile to promote peace and stability as well as economic well-being internationally. After all, Burma was among the ten signatories to the region's first no-nuke treaty, the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone. Asean is also party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but quite a few members have not yet ratified it.
The Obama administration has been pushing for a nuclear-free world and trying to rid it of potential nuclear terrorists. Expectation in the region is high that the US would continue to pressure Burma internationally to comply with the relevant UN resolutions as well as any future engagement for the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect all nuclear-related allegations. Sooner than later, Asean must take up Burma's nuclear plan and other global issues to iron out differences in order to forge common views and positions, which the Asean foreign ministers have to submit to their leaders at the Asean Summit in October in Hanoi.
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The Washington Times - Obama asked to name envoy to secretive Myanmar
Regime reportedly trying to build a nuke
By Ashish Kumar Sen
8:11 p.m., Thursday, June 10, 2010
President Obama has yet to appoint a special envoy for Myanmar, whose military-ruled regime reportedly is trying to build a nuclear weapon and plans to hold what U.S. lawmakers see as a flawed election this year.
U.S. officials have expressed disappointment with these developments, and members of Congress and activists say the appointment of a U.S. policy coordinator is key to holding the junta accountable for its bad behavior.
Currently, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is part of the foreign policy portfolio of Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.
"Kurt Campbell has been very attentive to Burma, but he has a lot on his plate. We need someone who makes Burma their first priority," said Jennifer Quigley, advocacy
director for the U.S. Campaign for Burma. "For us, 2010 is an incredibly critical year in Burma and it makes it that much more important to have a special policy coordinator."
In a June 8 letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Jim Webb recommended Eric John, U.S. ambassador to Thailand, for the special envoy position.
"Ambassador John has spent many years in East Asia, and has long experience in dealing with the North Korean regime on issues that might be similar to those we will be facing in Burma," wrote Mr. Webb, Virginia Democrat who recently canceled a trip to Myanmar over reports that the junta was trying to build a nuclear weapon.
The Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2008, requires the president to appoint a "special representative and policy coordinator" for Myanmar.
Mr. Bush nominated Michael Green, a former senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council, to the position in November 2008, but the Senate didn't get around to confirming him.
A bipartisan group of nine U.S. senators wrote to Mr. Obama on March 26, urging him to nominate someone to the position. They said there was "both an urgent policy need and an unambiguous legal requirement for this position to be filled."
In response to the letter, National Security Adviser James L. Jones wrote that the administration was in the process of nominating someone to fill the position. That letter was sent in April.
"The naming of a special representative and policy coordinator for Burma ... is a priority for the administration," said Ben Chang, deputy spokesman for the National Security Council.
The State Department reportedly has sent a list of potential nominees to the White House. However, U.S. officials are being tight-lipped about who is on that list.
In Myanmar, election laws laid down by the junta ensured that the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), was left with no choice but to drop out.
Ms. Quigley said a special envoy should focus on implementing the rest of the provisions of the JADE Act, including imposing banking sanctions on the regime in Myanmar.
The envoy also must work with Myanmar's neighbors to ensure they are all on the same page as the U.S. when it comes to sanctions, criticism of the election and investigations of crimes committed by the junta against ethnic minorities, she said.
Members of Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD also want an envoy in place soon.
Nyo Ohn Myint, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the NLD (Liberated Area), said in an interview from Thailand that the "U.S. government has to bring a special envoy and its clear mission and objective."
Jared Genser, Mrs. Suu Kyi's international counsel, said he hoped the Obama administration would appoint a special envoy "as soon as possible."
Mrs. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been kept under house arrest for 14 of the past 20 years.
Regime reportedly trying to build a nuke
By Ashish Kumar Sen
8:11 p.m., Thursday, June 10, 2010
President Obama has yet to appoint a special envoy for Myanmar, whose military-ruled regime reportedly is trying to build a nuclear weapon and plans to hold what U.S. lawmakers see as a flawed election this year.
U.S. officials have expressed disappointment with these developments, and members of Congress and activists say the appointment of a U.S. policy coordinator is key to holding the junta accountable for its bad behavior.
Currently, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is part of the foreign policy portfolio of Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.
"Kurt Campbell has been very attentive to Burma, but he has a lot on his plate. We need someone who makes Burma their first priority," said Jennifer Quigley, advocacy
director for the U.S. Campaign for Burma. "For us, 2010 is an incredibly critical year in Burma and it makes it that much more important to have a special policy coordinator."
In a June 8 letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Jim Webb recommended Eric John, U.S. ambassador to Thailand, for the special envoy position.
"Ambassador John has spent many years in East Asia, and has long experience in dealing with the North Korean regime on issues that might be similar to those we will be facing in Burma," wrote Mr. Webb, Virginia Democrat who recently canceled a trip to Myanmar over reports that the junta was trying to build a nuclear weapon.
The Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2008, requires the president to appoint a "special representative and policy coordinator" for Myanmar.
Mr. Bush nominated Michael Green, a former senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council, to the position in November 2008, but the Senate didn't get around to confirming him.
A bipartisan group of nine U.S. senators wrote to Mr. Obama on March 26, urging him to nominate someone to the position. They said there was "both an urgent policy need and an unambiguous legal requirement for this position to be filled."
In response to the letter, National Security Adviser James L. Jones wrote that the administration was in the process of nominating someone to fill the position. That letter was sent in April.
"The naming of a special representative and policy coordinator for Burma ... is a priority for the administration," said Ben Chang, deputy spokesman for the National Security Council.
The State Department reportedly has sent a list of potential nominees to the White House. However, U.S. officials are being tight-lipped about who is on that list.
In Myanmar, election laws laid down by the junta ensured that the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), was left with no choice but to drop out.
Ms. Quigley said a special envoy should focus on implementing the rest of the provisions of the JADE Act, including imposing banking sanctions on the regime in Myanmar.
The envoy also must work with Myanmar's neighbors to ensure they are all on the same page as the U.S. when it comes to sanctions, criticism of the election and investigations of crimes committed by the junta against ethnic minorities, she said.
Members of Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD also want an envoy in place soon.
Nyo Ohn Myint, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the NLD (Liberated Area), said in an interview from Thailand that the "U.S. government has to bring a special envoy and its clear mission and objective."
Jared Genser, Mrs. Suu Kyi's international counsel, said he hoped the Obama administration would appoint a special envoy "as soon as possible."
Mrs. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been kept under house arrest for 14 of the past 20 years.
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Myanmar continues to take preventive measures against dengue fever
English.news.cn 2010-06-14 10:28:06
by Feng Yingqiu
YANGON, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A Myanmar official daily Monday called on the country's people to continue to take preventive measures against dengue fever as it has entered the rainy season which is sensitive to the occurrence of the disease.
" Dengue fever, malaria, diarrhea, cough and pneumonia may rare their ugly heads again," the New Light of Myanmar warned in its editorial, stressing the need to take preventive measures against the seasonal diseases.
Pointing out that mosquito, in particular, is the most prolific in the rainy season, the editorial emphasized the need also to pay serious attention to the prevention and control of dengue fever so that people can stay away from the disease caused by mosquito.
Quoting the health department, the editorial said mostly under- 15 children, especially between three and nine years of age suffer dengue fever and now such cases are found even among some adult people, further warning that dengue fever cases can occur regardless of age and season.
According to the Yangon City Development Committee, the city saw less dengue fever occurrence in the first quarter of 2010 correspondingly, thanks to the authorities' tight preventive measure against the disease.
During the three-month period, 235 were infected with the disease with one person killed, the sources said, adding that the occurrence rate in townships with the highest outbreak also declined apparently.
The number of people infected with dengue fever in the whole of 2009 amounted to 3,129 with 37 deaths registered.
The health authorities said it has been stepping up preventive measures against dengue fever in the Yangon municipal area targeting a coverage of every township starting this year by introducing abate medicine with better effect.
In June last year, dengue fever once broke out in two populated suburban townships of Dagon Myothit (North and South) and Hlaingtharya in Yangon division affecting children of five years of age and above.
The Myanmar health department, in cooperation with U.N. organizations and domestic non-governmental organizations, then launched a 700,000-US-dollar anti-dengue-fever campaign in 11 townships in Yangon and Ayeyawaddy divisions.
Dengue fever once reached a critical stage of level-3 in 2007 killing 100 out of 15,000 people infected with the disease, said anti-malaria department, adding that such occurrence happened once a decade.
Dengue fever usually breaks out in Yangon, Bago, Sagaing, Ayeyawaddy, Mon and Mandalay divisions and states especially in the rainy season which falls in the months of June, July, August and September.
The health authorities have occasionally advised people to take necessary measures to prevent and control the disease, including hygienic use of drinking water, combating larvae, week-end sanitation activities and education talks on the dengue fever, which is analyzed as being spread by a species of mosquito active during the day.
English.news.cn 2010-06-14 10:28:06
by Feng Yingqiu
YANGON, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A Myanmar official daily Monday called on the country's people to continue to take preventive measures against dengue fever as it has entered the rainy season which is sensitive to the occurrence of the disease.
" Dengue fever, malaria, diarrhea, cough and pneumonia may rare their ugly heads again," the New Light of Myanmar warned in its editorial, stressing the need to take preventive measures against the seasonal diseases.
Pointing out that mosquito, in particular, is the most prolific in the rainy season, the editorial emphasized the need also to pay serious attention to the prevention and control of dengue fever so that people can stay away from the disease caused by mosquito.
Quoting the health department, the editorial said mostly under- 15 children, especially between three and nine years of age suffer dengue fever and now such cases are found even among some adult people, further warning that dengue fever cases can occur regardless of age and season.
According to the Yangon City Development Committee, the city saw less dengue fever occurrence in the first quarter of 2010 correspondingly, thanks to the authorities' tight preventive measure against the disease.
During the three-month period, 235 were infected with the disease with one person killed, the sources said, adding that the occurrence rate in townships with the highest outbreak also declined apparently.
The number of people infected with dengue fever in the whole of 2009 amounted to 3,129 with 37 deaths registered.
The health authorities said it has been stepping up preventive measures against dengue fever in the Yangon municipal area targeting a coverage of every township starting this year by introducing abate medicine with better effect.
In June last year, dengue fever once broke out in two populated suburban townships of Dagon Myothit (North and South) and Hlaingtharya in Yangon division affecting children of five years of age and above.
The Myanmar health department, in cooperation with U.N. organizations and domestic non-governmental organizations, then launched a 700,000-US-dollar anti-dengue-fever campaign in 11 townships in Yangon and Ayeyawaddy divisions.
Dengue fever once reached a critical stage of level-3 in 2007 killing 100 out of 15,000 people infected with the disease, said anti-malaria department, adding that such occurrence happened once a decade.
Dengue fever usually breaks out in Yangon, Bago, Sagaing, Ayeyawaddy, Mon and Mandalay divisions and states especially in the rainy season which falls in the months of June, July, August and September.
The health authorities have occasionally advised people to take necessary measures to prevent and control the disease, including hygienic use of drinking water, combating larvae, week-end sanitation activities and education talks on the dengue fever, which is analyzed as being spread by a species of mosquito active during the day.
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iStockAnalyst - Myanmar introduces new policy dealing with foreign exchange
Sunday, June 13, 2010 9:41 AM
YANGON, Jun. 13, 2010 (Xinhua News Agency) -- Myanmar has designated proceeds in foreign exchange earned through domestic service business as legal export earning which is transferable for use in import, the local weekly Voice quoted the Central Bank as reporting Sunday.
The foreign exchange proceeds includes those obtained through sale of handicrafts and artistic items, lease of building and compound as well as salary.
With these earnings, a foreign exchange currency account can be opened which is allowed free transfer to other account, the report said.
The report added that wages paid in foreign exchange is also transferable after 10 percent are deducted.
Meanwhile, the country's domestically issued Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC), which is circulated in place of U.S. dollar, is also transferable with its account as U.S. dollar does, according to the report.
Buying phone cards, petrol and diesel can be settled with FEC instead of U.S. dollar but phone call charges with foreign countries must be paid with FEC, it said.
In Myanmar, the official rate of exchange between U.S. dollar or FEC and Myanmar Kyat is 1 to about 6 but the market exchange rate stands 1 to about 970 Kyats now.
Sunday, June 13, 2010 9:41 AM
YANGON, Jun. 13, 2010 (Xinhua News Agency) -- Myanmar has designated proceeds in foreign exchange earned through domestic service business as legal export earning which is transferable for use in import, the local weekly Voice quoted the Central Bank as reporting Sunday.
The foreign exchange proceeds includes those obtained through sale of handicrafts and artistic items, lease of building and compound as well as salary.
With these earnings, a foreign exchange currency account can be opened which is allowed free transfer to other account, the report said.
The report added that wages paid in foreign exchange is also transferable after 10 percent are deducted.
Meanwhile, the country's domestically issued Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC), which is circulated in place of U.S. dollar, is also transferable with its account as U.S. dollar does, according to the report.
Buying phone cards, petrol and diesel can be settled with FEC instead of U.S. dollar but phone call charges with foreign countries must be paid with FEC, it said.
In Myanmar, the official rate of exchange between U.S. dollar or FEC and Myanmar Kyat is 1 to about 6 but the market exchange rate stands 1 to about 970 Kyats now.
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Daily News & Analysis - Bangladesh, China plan road link via Myanmar, space cooperation
PTI Sunday, June 13, 2010 21:48 IST
DHAKA: Bangladesh and China plan to construct a road link via Myanmar to boost connectivity between the two nations as they seek to deepen bilateral relationship, including space cooperation.
The two countries will discuss constructing a road link for connecting China with Bangladesh via Myanmar during Chinese vice president Xi Jingping's visit tomorrow, foreign minister Dipu Moni said today.
They will also discuss launching of satellite stations during the two-day official visit of the Chinese vice-president that begins on Monday.
"There will be discussion on launching of satellite stations in Bangladesh with Chinese assistance," Moni was quoted as saying by the private bdnews24 online.
The foreign minister said Chinese companies had recently made proposals to help with launching of satellites.
The report, quoting foreign ministry sources, said Bangladesh will be able to collect necessary data on land use and disasters such as cyclone, flood, surge and drought with the satellite.
Ashfaqur Rahman, a former Bangladesh ambassador to China, was quoted as saying that the Chinese government in 2007 gave Bangladesh a ground station for launching satellite stations.
Sparso, which is under defence ministry, looked after the satellite ground station, he said.
The minister told reporters that an agreement on economic cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing would be signed during Xi's visit.
In addition, she said, the two sides will also discuss other regional matters during the talks headed by prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Xi.
Moni said the two leaders would also discuss the progress on implementation of the joint communiqué signed during Hasina's China visit.
PTI Sunday, June 13, 2010 21:48 IST
DHAKA: Bangladesh and China plan to construct a road link via Myanmar to boost connectivity between the two nations as they seek to deepen bilateral relationship, including space cooperation.
The two countries will discuss constructing a road link for connecting China with Bangladesh via Myanmar during Chinese vice president Xi Jingping's visit tomorrow, foreign minister Dipu Moni said today.
They will also discuss launching of satellite stations during the two-day official visit of the Chinese vice-president that begins on Monday.
"There will be discussion on launching of satellite stations in Bangladesh with Chinese assistance," Moni was quoted as saying by the private bdnews24 online.
The foreign minister said Chinese companies had recently made proposals to help with launching of satellites.
The report, quoting foreign ministry sources, said Bangladesh will be able to collect necessary data on land use and disasters such as cyclone, flood, surge and drought with the satellite.
Ashfaqur Rahman, a former Bangladesh ambassador to China, was quoted as saying that the Chinese government in 2007 gave Bangladesh a ground station for launching satellite stations.
Sparso, which is under defence ministry, looked after the satellite ground station, he said.
The minister told reporters that an agreement on economic cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing would be signed during Xi's visit.
In addition, she said, the two sides will also discuss other regional matters during the talks headed by prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Xi.
Moni said the two leaders would also discuss the progress on implementation of the joint communiqué signed during Hasina's China visit.
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Morning Star (Britain) - Fanning the flames of Burmese democracy
Monday 14 June 2010
Five exiled dissidents staged a defiant protest at the Myanmar embassy in London on Monday to mark the 65th birthday of iconic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ms Suu Kyi led the National League of Democracy to victory in the last elections in the country back in 1990 with just under 60 per cent of the vote. However, the ruling military junta ignored the result and she has spent 14 of the last 20 years under house arrest.
The five, joined by Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen, scaled the steps of the embassy, which are technically in the country's sovereign territory.
In Myanmar, the name given to Burma by the junta, political gatherings of five or more are illegal.
Amnesty International director Kate Allen said: "Such a small act of defiance is impossible to do in Burma without severe consequences.
"In Burma, the harsh reality is that anyone brave enough to speak up against the regime can be monitored, harassed, discriminated against, detained, imprisoned, tortured and even killed."
Monday 14 June 2010
Five exiled dissidents staged a defiant protest at the Myanmar embassy in London on Monday to mark the 65th birthday of iconic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ms Suu Kyi led the National League of Democracy to victory in the last elections in the country back in 1990 with just under 60 per cent of the vote. However, the ruling military junta ignored the result and she has spent 14 of the last 20 years under house arrest.
The five, joined by Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen, scaled the steps of the embassy, which are technically in the country's sovereign territory.
In Myanmar, the name given to Burma by the junta, political gatherings of five or more are illegal.
Amnesty International director Kate Allen said: "Such a small act of defiance is impossible to do in Burma without severe consequences.
"In Burma, the harsh reality is that anyone brave enough to speak up against the regime can be monitored, harassed, discriminated against, detained, imprisoned, tortured and even killed."
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Amnesty International UK (Press Release) - Burma: Exiles stage defiant protest at London embassy to mark Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday
Posted: 14 June 2010
Five Burmese exiled dissidents staged a defiant protest at the country’s London embassy earlier this morning to mark the 65th birthday of Burma’s iconic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Aung San Suu Kyi led the National League of Democracy to victory in the last elections in Burma back in 1990 with just under 60 per cent of the vote. However, the ruling military junta ignored the result and she has spent 14 of the last 20 years under house arrest.
The five, joined by Amnesty International UK’s director Kate Allen, scaled the steps of the embassy, which are technically Burmese sovereign territory – and in Burma political gatherings of five or more are illegal.
The protest was organised by Amnesty International UK and Burma Campaign UK.
Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, said: “Saturday may mark Aung San Suu Kyi’s 65th birthday. But the problems in Burma go far beyond the detention of this iconic human rights defender – and we wanted to show that with our small act of defiance.
“The five exiles each represent a different strand of Burmese society and each has been forced to flee to the UK for simply seeking to express their own opinions freely in their own country.
“Such a small act of defiance is impossible to do in Burma without severe consequences. In Burma, the harsh reality is that anyone brave enough to speak up against the regime can be monitored, harassed, discriminated against, detained, imprisoned, tortured and even killed.”
Zoya Phan, International Coordinator of Burma Campaign UK who also took part in the action, added: “Having a political meeting, an unregistered mobile phone or just writing a poem is enough to be jailed in Burma. We need more international action to free all political prisoners.”
Each person on the steps posed with a name of a Burmese political prisoner scrawled on their upturned palm.
The five exiles were Zoya Phan, Wai Hnin Pwint Thon, Htein Lin, Nay Oo Hlaing and Aung Gyi.
On Friday, Radio 4 will be broadcasting a special programme on Aung San Suu Kyi. The following day (Aung San Suu Kyi’s actual birthday) the programme will be broadcast by BBC World Service into Burma.
Background information:
Zoya Phan is a high profile exile from Burma. She fled Burma aged 14 after her village was attacked by the Burmese Army because they were from the Karen ethnic minority. She is now International Coordinator at Burma Campaign UK. Her autobiography, Little Daughter, was published in paperback in May. Zoya Phan had the name of Nilar Thein scrawled on her hand. Nilar Thein is an 88 Generation political prisoner, who had to abandon her child because she couldn’t maintain her in her hiding place.
Wai Hnin Pwint Thon is the daughter of Ko Mya Aye, one of the organisers of the 1988 pro democracy uprising in Burma. The first time she saw her father was through the bars of a jail cell where he was imprisoned. Ko Mya Aye was arrested again in 2007 for his role in the uprising that year. He is currently serving a 65-year jail sentence and is being denied medical treatment for a serious heart condition. Wai Hnin is a Campaigns Officer at Burma Campaign UK. Wai Hnin posed with the name of her father written on her hand.
Htein Lin is an artist and a comedian. He is also a former political prisoner. He had the name of his friend Zarganar on his hand. Zarganar is the most famous comedian in Burma and is currently serving a 35-year jail sentence for criticising the country’s aid efforts following the 2008 cyclone.
Nay Oo Hlaing, is a 25-year-old exile whose father was a political prisoner in Burma. He has been in the UK for eight months. At school in Burma he was taught to act in a play by Zarganar. On his hand was the name of Khun Bedu, a Kareni youth activist. Khun Bedu is serving a 30-year jail sentence for campaigning against the country’s referendum in 2008.
Aung Gyi is a journalist for Democratic Voice of Burma who has been jailed twice by the dictatorship. He was also a leader of the 88 Generation students. He had the name of Aung Naing written on his hand. Aung Naing is serving a 65-year jail sentence.
Posted: 14 June 2010
Five Burmese exiled dissidents staged a defiant protest at the country’s London embassy earlier this morning to mark the 65th birthday of Burma’s iconic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Aung San Suu Kyi led the National League of Democracy to victory in the last elections in Burma back in 1990 with just under 60 per cent of the vote. However, the ruling military junta ignored the result and she has spent 14 of the last 20 years under house arrest.
The five, joined by Amnesty International UK’s director Kate Allen, scaled the steps of the embassy, which are technically Burmese sovereign territory – and in Burma political gatherings of five or more are illegal.
The protest was organised by Amnesty International UK and Burma Campaign UK.
Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, said: “Saturday may mark Aung San Suu Kyi’s 65th birthday. But the problems in Burma go far beyond the detention of this iconic human rights defender – and we wanted to show that with our small act of defiance.
“The five exiles each represent a different strand of Burmese society and each has been forced to flee to the UK for simply seeking to express their own opinions freely in their own country.
“Such a small act of defiance is impossible to do in Burma without severe consequences. In Burma, the harsh reality is that anyone brave enough to speak up against the regime can be monitored, harassed, discriminated against, detained, imprisoned, tortured and even killed.”
Zoya Phan, International Coordinator of Burma Campaign UK who also took part in the action, added: “Having a political meeting, an unregistered mobile phone or just writing a poem is enough to be jailed in Burma. We need more international action to free all political prisoners.”
Each person on the steps posed with a name of a Burmese political prisoner scrawled on their upturned palm.
The five exiles were Zoya Phan, Wai Hnin Pwint Thon, Htein Lin, Nay Oo Hlaing and Aung Gyi.
On Friday, Radio 4 will be broadcasting a special programme on Aung San Suu Kyi. The following day (Aung San Suu Kyi’s actual birthday) the programme will be broadcast by BBC World Service into Burma.
Background information:
Zoya Phan is a high profile exile from Burma. She fled Burma aged 14 after her village was attacked by the Burmese Army because they were from the Karen ethnic minority. She is now International Coordinator at Burma Campaign UK. Her autobiography, Little Daughter, was published in paperback in May. Zoya Phan had the name of Nilar Thein scrawled on her hand. Nilar Thein is an 88 Generation political prisoner, who had to abandon her child because she couldn’t maintain her in her hiding place.
Wai Hnin Pwint Thon is the daughter of Ko Mya Aye, one of the organisers of the 1988 pro democracy uprising in Burma. The first time she saw her father was through the bars of a jail cell where he was imprisoned. Ko Mya Aye was arrested again in 2007 for his role in the uprising that year. He is currently serving a 65-year jail sentence and is being denied medical treatment for a serious heart condition. Wai Hnin is a Campaigns Officer at Burma Campaign UK. Wai Hnin posed with the name of her father written on her hand.
Htein Lin is an artist and a comedian. He is also a former political prisoner. He had the name of his friend Zarganar on his hand. Zarganar is the most famous comedian in Burma and is currently serving a 35-year jail sentence for criticising the country’s aid efforts following the 2008 cyclone.
Nay Oo Hlaing, is a 25-year-old exile whose father was a political prisoner in Burma. He has been in the UK for eight months. At school in Burma he was taught to act in a play by Zarganar. On his hand was the name of Khun Bedu, a Kareni youth activist. Khun Bedu is serving a 30-year jail sentence for campaigning against the country’s referendum in 2008.
Aung Gyi is a journalist for Democratic Voice of Burma who has been jailed twice by the dictatorship. He was also a leader of the 88 Generation students. He had the name of Aung Naing written on his hand. Aung Naing is serving a 65-year jail sentence.
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The Manilla Times - Myanmar beats Philippines in farm mechanization
Monday, 14 June 2010 00:00
It would be hard to believe that Myanmar, considered a backward nation in the Southeast Asian region, has a better level of farm mechanization compared to the Philippines.
Ricardo Cachuela, the executive director of Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), said that at present, the farm mechanization level in the country stands at 0.50 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha), which is the second lowest in Asia.
“Cutting edge technology in farm mechanization has yet to be done in the Philippines,” Cachuela said.
While Cachuela did not mention the country which has the lowest hp/ha of its farms for the whole of Asia, he said that Myanmar, according to studies, ranks higher than the Philippines in farm mechanization.
China and Japan have the highest hp/ha in Asia while Thailand is included in the top five in the region with about 5 hp/ha.
PhilMech now faces the daunting task of pushing farm mechanization in the Philippines.
The need to introduce mechanization in Philippine farms is nothing new based on numerous studies.
In 2005, Fernando Paras Jr. and Rossana Marie Amongo of the College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology University of the Philippines Los Baños said in a study that the gains in farm mechanization in the Philippines has been “diminutive” or 3.222 hp/ha from 1968 to 1990.
They said that farm mechanization should be one of the priorities of government based on Republic Act 8435 of 1997 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act.
As to why the country is behind in terms of farm mechanization can be attributed partly to the fact that the Philippines imports second machinery of which a significant portion are farm equipment.
“Up to now the Philippines is a consumer of recyclable materials,” Cachuela said.
However, the PhilMech executive director believes that the optimum mechanization of Philippine farms can be a reality since other countries in the Southeast Asian region like Thailand and Malaysia already have mechanized agriculture.
“If other countries can do it [farm mechanization], then we can do it,” Cachuela said.
With PhilMech, which was formed only in November 2009 to replace the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension, perhaps the country can leap frog ahead of Myanmar in terms of farm mechanization in the next few years.
Conrad M. Cariño
Monday, 14 June 2010 00:00
It would be hard to believe that Myanmar, considered a backward nation in the Southeast Asian region, has a better level of farm mechanization compared to the Philippines.
Ricardo Cachuela, the executive director of Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), said that at present, the farm mechanization level in the country stands at 0.50 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha), which is the second lowest in Asia.
“Cutting edge technology in farm mechanization has yet to be done in the Philippines,” Cachuela said.
While Cachuela did not mention the country which has the lowest hp/ha of its farms for the whole of Asia, he said that Myanmar, according to studies, ranks higher than the Philippines in farm mechanization.
China and Japan have the highest hp/ha in Asia while Thailand is included in the top five in the region with about 5 hp/ha.
PhilMech now faces the daunting task of pushing farm mechanization in the Philippines.
The need to introduce mechanization in Philippine farms is nothing new based on numerous studies.
In 2005, Fernando Paras Jr. and Rossana Marie Amongo of the College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology University of the Philippines Los Baños said in a study that the gains in farm mechanization in the Philippines has been “diminutive” or 3.222 hp/ha from 1968 to 1990.
They said that farm mechanization should be one of the priorities of government based on Republic Act 8435 of 1997 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act.
As to why the country is behind in terms of farm mechanization can be attributed partly to the fact that the Philippines imports second machinery of which a significant portion are farm equipment.
“Up to now the Philippines is a consumer of recyclable materials,” Cachuela said.
However, the PhilMech executive director believes that the optimum mechanization of Philippine farms can be a reality since other countries in the Southeast Asian region like Thailand and Malaysia already have mechanized agriculture.
“If other countries can do it [farm mechanization], then we can do it,” Cachuela said.
With PhilMech, which was formed only in November 2009 to replace the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension, perhaps the country can leap frog ahead of Myanmar in terms of farm mechanization in the next few years.
Conrad M. Cariño
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THAI-BURMESE RELATIONS
Bangkok Post - Matching initiatives boost trade
Published: 14/06/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Trade and investment ties between businesspeople in Thailand and Burma have received a boost through a new programme aimed at matching initiatives from the two countries.
About 80 Thai delegates from four central Thai provinces - Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Suphan Buri - participated in business matching events held in Rangoon and Dawei (Tavoy) from May 13-18.
The events were aimed at strengthening cooperation between Thai and Burmese businesspeople.
The delegations from the four provinces were made up of members of provincial industrial councils and chambers of commerce and local officials.
Products from the central provinces were showcased to raise awareness of Thai goods in Burma.
Win Myint, president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), said trade volume between the two countries has doubled from US$1.59 billion (51.6 billion baht) in the 2005-2006 period to $3.2 billion from 2008-2009.
U Win Myint said Thailand is Burma's second largest cross-border trade partner. The border trade was worth $327 million for the 2008-2009 period.
Thailand is also the largest investor in Burma's industrial sector, accounting for about 60% of the $7.42 billion total investment in the sector.
U Win Myint said the business matching programme was a significant step towards better business ties between the two countries.
He said a project to build a 130km highway from Kanchanaburi to the planned deep-sea port at Dawei will also facilitate trade and transport between the two countries.
Maung Maung Lay, secretary-general of the UMFCCI, said Burma's strength is its agro-industry sector, which has attracted many foreign investors.
Bangkok Post - Matching initiatives boost trade
Published: 14/06/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Trade and investment ties between businesspeople in Thailand and Burma have received a boost through a new programme aimed at matching initiatives from the two countries.
About 80 Thai delegates from four central Thai provinces - Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Suphan Buri - participated in business matching events held in Rangoon and Dawei (Tavoy) from May 13-18.
The events were aimed at strengthening cooperation between Thai and Burmese businesspeople.
The delegations from the four provinces were made up of members of provincial industrial councils and chambers of commerce and local officials.
Products from the central provinces were showcased to raise awareness of Thai goods in Burma.
Win Myint, president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), said trade volume between the two countries has doubled from US$1.59 billion (51.6 billion baht) in the 2005-2006 period to $3.2 billion from 2008-2009.
U Win Myint said Thailand is Burma's second largest cross-border trade partner. The border trade was worth $327 million for the 2008-2009 period.
Thailand is also the largest investor in Burma's industrial sector, accounting for about 60% of the $7.42 billion total investment in the sector.
U Win Myint said the business matching programme was a significant step towards better business ties between the two countries.
He said a project to build a 130km highway from Kanchanaburi to the planned deep-sea port at Dawei will also facilitate trade and transport between the two countries.
Maung Maung Lay, secretary-general of the UMFCCI, said Burma's strength is its agro-industry sector, which has attracted many foreign investors.
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The Irrawaddy - Burma Relaxes Banking Regulations
Monday, June 14, 2010
Burma has designated money in foreign currency earned through domestic business as legal earnings which can be used to import products.
The foreign earnings include currency earned through the sale of handicrafts and art items, and lease of buildings and compounds as well as salaries. Under the new rules, a foreign exchange currency account can be opened which would allow free transfers to other accounts in the Central Bank of Myanmar [Burma], the Rangoon-based weekly Voice reported on Sunday.
According to the report, Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) which are circulated in place of US dollars domestically are also transferable to accounts as US dollars, and wages paid in FECs are also transferable after a 10 percent surcharge.
Buying phone cards, petrol and diesel can be settled with FECs instead of US dollars, but phone call charges with foreign countries must be paid with FECs, the report said.
The new regulations were introduced following the news that four businessmen close to Burma's military regime have received permits to start private banking enterprises in September.
According to sources at the Ministry of Finance and Revenue (MFR) in Naypyidaw, the businessmen would like to open the banks before the election scheduled for later this year due to potential changes following the election.
“For now those who have private banking permits will have to register their banks at the Ministry of Commerce. The registration process will take one and a half months so they should be ready to do business by August,” said an MFR official.“All new private banks are commercial banks only.”
In late May, the Central Bank issued private banking licenses to Tay Za (Htoo Co., Ltd.), Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co., Ltd.), Nay Aung (IGE Co., Ltd.) and Chit Khaing (Eden Group Co.,Ltd.). All businessmen are on the US sanctions list.
With the four new banks, there will be 18 privately owned banks in Burma.
The Financial Institution of Myanmar Law enacted in 1990 requires any financial institution to have capital of at least 60 million kyat (about US $60,000) in order to establish a private investment bank and of at least 30 million kyat ($30,000)for a private commercial bank.
Business sources have suggested that it is unfair that only businessmen who are close to the military regime have been allowed to establish private bank enterprises even though there are many businessmen in the country who have the necessary funds.
“It is really unfair that not every businessman who has the capital required by the law has the opportunity to do private banking. Only those who are directly dealing with the regime or are helpful to the generals are permitted. This is not a true market economy system. It's a monopoly,” said the businessman.
Businessmen in the banking industry said the MFR has treated existing private banks differently and limited new branches.
Kanbawza Bank, owned by Aung Ko Win, who is known as a confidant of the regime's deputy Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, has been allowed to increase capital up to 50 billion kyat ($ 50 million) and open branches without any restraints, a banker in Rangoon said.
“Discrimination between private banks exits in many ways. The most important is that whatever business you are allowed to do, you won't be successful unless you are friends with the generals or give them money,” said a businessman who said he had to wait nearly five years in order to open a new branch.
An economist in Rangoon said the country's economy will not improve without allowing more private banks and making overdue changes in banking and monetary policy to upgrade standards and services.
“Currency exchange, monetary and banking policies must be upgraded to international standards. We also need to have the economic sanctions lifted,” said the economist.
The banking system in Burma is tightly controlled by the junta, and there is a fundamental distrust of the system, say observers.
The junta triggered a banking crisis in February 2003 when it closed a dozen private banks. A run on deposits led the regime to cap withdrawal limits to 50,000 kyat ($50) per week and temporarily cancel account transfer transactions which significantly disrupted the national economy.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Burma has designated money in foreign currency earned through domestic business as legal earnings which can be used to import products.
The foreign earnings include currency earned through the sale of handicrafts and art items, and lease of buildings and compounds as well as salaries. Under the new rules, a foreign exchange currency account can be opened which would allow free transfers to other accounts in the Central Bank of Myanmar [Burma], the Rangoon-based weekly Voice reported on Sunday.
According to the report, Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) which are circulated in place of US dollars domestically are also transferable to accounts as US dollars, and wages paid in FECs are also transferable after a 10 percent surcharge.
Buying phone cards, petrol and diesel can be settled with FECs instead of US dollars, but phone call charges with foreign countries must be paid with FECs, the report said.
The new regulations were introduced following the news that four businessmen close to Burma's military regime have received permits to start private banking enterprises in September.
According to sources at the Ministry of Finance and Revenue (MFR) in Naypyidaw, the businessmen would like to open the banks before the election scheduled for later this year due to potential changes following the election.
“For now those who have private banking permits will have to register their banks at the Ministry of Commerce. The registration process will take one and a half months so they should be ready to do business by August,” said an MFR official.“All new private banks are commercial banks only.”
In late May, the Central Bank issued private banking licenses to Tay Za (Htoo Co., Ltd.), Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co., Ltd.), Nay Aung (IGE Co., Ltd.) and Chit Khaing (Eden Group Co.,Ltd.). All businessmen are on the US sanctions list.
With the four new banks, there will be 18 privately owned banks in Burma.
The Financial Institution of Myanmar Law enacted in 1990 requires any financial institution to have capital of at least 60 million kyat (about US $60,000) in order to establish a private investment bank and of at least 30 million kyat ($30,000)for a private commercial bank.
Business sources have suggested that it is unfair that only businessmen who are close to the military regime have been allowed to establish private bank enterprises even though there are many businessmen in the country who have the necessary funds.
“It is really unfair that not every businessman who has the capital required by the law has the opportunity to do private banking. Only those who are directly dealing with the regime or are helpful to the generals are permitted. This is not a true market economy system. It's a monopoly,” said the businessman.
Businessmen in the banking industry said the MFR has treated existing private banks differently and limited new branches.
Kanbawza Bank, owned by Aung Ko Win, who is known as a confidant of the regime's deputy Vice Snr-Gen Maung Aye, has been allowed to increase capital up to 50 billion kyat ($ 50 million) and open branches without any restraints, a banker in Rangoon said.
“Discrimination between private banks exits in many ways. The most important is that whatever business you are allowed to do, you won't be successful unless you are friends with the generals or give them money,” said a businessman who said he had to wait nearly five years in order to open a new branch.
An economist in Rangoon said the country's economy will not improve without allowing more private banks and making overdue changes in banking and monetary policy to upgrade standards and services.
“Currency exchange, monetary and banking policies must be upgraded to international standards. We also need to have the economic sanctions lifted,” said the economist.
The banking system in Burma is tightly controlled by the junta, and there is a fundamental distrust of the system, say observers.
The junta triggered a banking crisis in February 2003 when it closed a dozen private banks. A run on deposits led the regime to cap withdrawal limits to 50,000 kyat ($50) per week and temporarily cancel account transfer transactions which significantly disrupted the national economy.
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The Irrawaddy - Pressure Off Cease-fire Groups for Now
By SAW YAN NAING - Monday, June 14, 2010
Pressures on ethnic cease-fire groups such as the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has decreased recently, according to border sources.
Several observers said that the regime decreased it pressure on the ethnic armies to join the border guard force after Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao visited Burma in early June.
During the trip, Wen signed 15 cooperation agreements with the junta covering areas such as natural gas imports, a trans-Burma gas pipeline, hydro-power dams and foreign aid.
Some border observers believe he also discussed the need to settle the differences between the regime and the cease-fire groups without violence.
A KIO official in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, who asked for anonymity told The Irrawaddy on Monday that his organization has not been pressured after the deadline for the border guard force proposal passed.
“They [the junta] don't give us pressure any more,” he said. The Burmese government wants the KIO to cooperate voluntarily, he said.
Meanwhile, Aung Kyaw Zaw, a Burmese observer on the China-Burma border, said that about 30 school teachers have returned to UWSA-controlled areas. In Burma, schools open in early June.
In March, hundreds of people including schoolteachers, businessmen and nongovernmental organization workers left UWSA-controlled areas in fear that war would break out between the regime and the ethnic army.
Lapai Naw Din, the editor of the Thailand-based Kachin News Group, said that the pressure against the cease-fire groups seems to be over, at least for now.
“China strategically wants Burma to be stable so that it can increase investment in Burma. The more Burma is stable, the better for China [for trade],” said Naw Din.
Khuensai Jaiyen, an editor at the Thailand-based Shan Herald Agency for News, said the regime is afraid to apply pressure now because it knows an armed conflict could impact the upcoming election.
The election is the junta's first priority, said Aung Kyaw Zaw, and the regime will probably wait until after the election to demand cooperation.
The junta has pressured cease-fire groups since April 2009 and extended its deadlines repeatedly.
Recently, leaders of the newly formed United Solidarity and Development Party (USPP) traveled to Kachin State and lobbied KIO members to join hands with the government.
Some leaders of Kachin splinter groups such as the New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K) and the Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP) have repeatedly written to the KIO, urging it to accept the border guard force proposal.
Burmese Premier Thein Sein who heads the USDP visited Kachin State at least three times to try to persuade KIO leaders to cooperate with the government. Thein Sein canceled a trip to Laiza, the headquarters of the KIO, on Sunday, according to KIO sources in Myitkyina.
By SAW YAN NAING - Monday, June 14, 2010
Pressures on ethnic cease-fire groups such as the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has decreased recently, according to border sources.
Several observers said that the regime decreased it pressure on the ethnic armies to join the border guard force after Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao visited Burma in early June.
During the trip, Wen signed 15 cooperation agreements with the junta covering areas such as natural gas imports, a trans-Burma gas pipeline, hydro-power dams and foreign aid.
Some border observers believe he also discussed the need to settle the differences between the regime and the cease-fire groups without violence.
A KIO official in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, who asked for anonymity told The Irrawaddy on Monday that his organization has not been pressured after the deadline for the border guard force proposal passed.
“They [the junta] don't give us pressure any more,” he said. The Burmese government wants the KIO to cooperate voluntarily, he said.
Meanwhile, Aung Kyaw Zaw, a Burmese observer on the China-Burma border, said that about 30 school teachers have returned to UWSA-controlled areas. In Burma, schools open in early June.
In March, hundreds of people including schoolteachers, businessmen and nongovernmental organization workers left UWSA-controlled areas in fear that war would break out between the regime and the ethnic army.
Lapai Naw Din, the editor of the Thailand-based Kachin News Group, said that the pressure against the cease-fire groups seems to be over, at least for now.
“China strategically wants Burma to be stable so that it can increase investment in Burma. The more Burma is stable, the better for China [for trade],” said Naw Din.
Khuensai Jaiyen, an editor at the Thailand-based Shan Herald Agency for News, said the regime is afraid to apply pressure now because it knows an armed conflict could impact the upcoming election.
The election is the junta's first priority, said Aung Kyaw Zaw, and the regime will probably wait until after the election to demand cooperation.
The junta has pressured cease-fire groups since April 2009 and extended its deadlines repeatedly.
Recently, leaders of the newly formed United Solidarity and Development Party (USPP) traveled to Kachin State and lobbied KIO members to join hands with the government.
Some leaders of Kachin splinter groups such as the New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K) and the Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP) have repeatedly written to the KIO, urging it to accept the border guard force proposal.
Burmese Premier Thein Sein who heads the USDP visited Kachin State at least three times to try to persuade KIO leaders to cooperate with the government. Thein Sein canceled a trip to Laiza, the headquarters of the KIO, on Sunday, according to KIO sources in Myitkyina.
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The Irrawaddy - Burma Finds the Power for Football Fever
By KO HTWE - Monday, June 14, 2010
Burma's state-run electricity firm has so far managed to provide adequate power to Rangoon each evening since the World Cup football tournament kicked off in South Africa on Friday.
The measure has kept thousands of football fans happy as they can now enjoy the month-long sports competition live on TV. It comes after a severe drought caused water shortages in Burma last month resulting in frequent power cuts around the country, even in the capital, Naypyidaw.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Monday, an official from state-run Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise (MEPE) said, “A certain businessman close to regime secured the rights to broadcast the World Cup in Burma nationwide. However, without a guarantee of electricity every evening, he cannot transmit it regularly on TV. So, he had to get some guarantees from MEPE.”
Yangon Entertainment, run by Zaw Min Aye, a son of one of the top military generals, Lt-Gen Tin Aye, was granted exclusive rights to broadcast the World Cup on TV. It screens the games through the country's only two TV stations, MRTV and Myawaddy.
Hundreds of bars, restaurants and tea shops, such as the dozens that occupy the area surrounding Rangoon’s popular Kandawgyi Lake, are currently showing every match on large screens until late at night, attracting hundreds of customers.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy, a retired professor from Rangoon said, “Thanks to the World Cup, we are now getting a regular supply of electricity every night. I heard that MEPE had to provide electricity for the matches because they were afraid of riots breaking out.”
A reporter for a Rangoon-based weekly journal said, “When the World Cup began, the electric current became instantly more regular. However, it still goes off in the daytime.”
In Rangoon and Mandalay, the country's two largest cities, electricity has been distributed under a rationing system for the past eight years, because authorities have not been able to keep up with the rising demand.
In Rangoon, the power supply is usually restricted from March to June because of a lack of rainwater to power the Lawpita hydroelectric plant at full capacity. Lawpita, located 210 miles (350 kilometers) north of Rangoon, is one of the main sources of electricity for the former capital. The water supply of the Lawpita hydroelectric plant depends on Inle Lake in Shan State.
By KO HTWE - Monday, June 14, 2010
Burma's state-run electricity firm has so far managed to provide adequate power to Rangoon each evening since the World Cup football tournament kicked off in South Africa on Friday.
The measure has kept thousands of football fans happy as they can now enjoy the month-long sports competition live on TV. It comes after a severe drought caused water shortages in Burma last month resulting in frequent power cuts around the country, even in the capital, Naypyidaw.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Monday, an official from state-run Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise (MEPE) said, “A certain businessman close to regime secured the rights to broadcast the World Cup in Burma nationwide. However, without a guarantee of electricity every evening, he cannot transmit it regularly on TV. So, he had to get some guarantees from MEPE.”
Yangon Entertainment, run by Zaw Min Aye, a son of one of the top military generals, Lt-Gen Tin Aye, was granted exclusive rights to broadcast the World Cup on TV. It screens the games through the country's only two TV stations, MRTV and Myawaddy.
Hundreds of bars, restaurants and tea shops, such as the dozens that occupy the area surrounding Rangoon’s popular Kandawgyi Lake, are currently showing every match on large screens until late at night, attracting hundreds of customers.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy, a retired professor from Rangoon said, “Thanks to the World Cup, we are now getting a regular supply of electricity every night. I heard that MEPE had to provide electricity for the matches because they were afraid of riots breaking out.”
A reporter for a Rangoon-based weekly journal said, “When the World Cup began, the electric current became instantly more regular. However, it still goes off in the daytime.”
In Rangoon and Mandalay, the country's two largest cities, electricity has been distributed under a rationing system for the past eight years, because authorities have not been able to keep up with the rising demand.
In Rangoon, the power supply is usually restricted from March to June because of a lack of rainwater to power the Lawpita hydroelectric plant at full capacity. Lawpita, located 210 miles (350 kilometers) north of Rangoon, is one of the main sources of electricity for the former capital. The water supply of the Lawpita hydroelectric plant depends on Inle Lake in Shan State.
During the dry season, which generally lasts from November through to April or May, many households, offices and workplaces in Rangoon receive no more than three or four hours of electricity a day.
However, in the rainy season, which usually begins in June and runs through to November, MEPE can often provide a more regular electricity supply to Rangoon’s 5 million residents.
The city of Rangoon needs about 450 megawatts daily, according to the local journal Weekly Eleven.
Burma has one of the world’s lowest electricity-generating capacities. According to data from the Ministry of Electric Power-2 , the country needs 1,555.25 megawatts per day while power plants can produce only 556 megawatts daily.
For much of May, electricity for businesses in Rangoon was cut off completely and MEPE officers sealed meter boxes. The cuts were partly the result of low water levels at hydropower generating plants.
The power cuts affected private hospitals, shopping centers, small businesses and industrial zones, most of which turn to private generators to provide their own electricity supply.
MEPE is responsible for electrical generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Burma. The Ministry of Electric Power-2 is responsible for distributing electricity, and the Ministry of Electric Power-1 manages power plants.
However, in the rainy season, which usually begins in June and runs through to November, MEPE can often provide a more regular electricity supply to Rangoon’s 5 million residents.
The city of Rangoon needs about 450 megawatts daily, according to the local journal Weekly Eleven.
Burma has one of the world’s lowest electricity-generating capacities. According to data from the Ministry of Electric Power-2 , the country needs 1,555.25 megawatts per day while power plants can produce only 556 megawatts daily.
For much of May, electricity for businesses in Rangoon was cut off completely and MEPE officers sealed meter boxes. The cuts were partly the result of low water levels at hydropower generating plants.
The power cuts affected private hospitals, shopping centers, small businesses and industrial zones, most of which turn to private generators to provide their own electricity supply.
MEPE is responsible for electrical generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Burma. The Ministry of Electric Power-2 is responsible for distributing electricity, and the Ministry of Electric Power-1 manages power plants.
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The Irrawaddy -Suu Kyi Says Burmese Have Right Not to Vote
By BA KAUNG - Friday, June 11, 2010
Burmese people have the right not to vote in the upcoming election, detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi told her lawyer on Friday. She also commented on US Sen. Jim Webb's support of the election.
“Daw Suu said that just as the people have the right to vote, they also have the right not to vote,” Suu Kyi's lawyer Nyan Win told The Irrawaddy shortly after meeting with her on Friday afternoon.
Although her comment seems to allude to the possibility that she and her now-disbanded National League for Democracy (NLD) may call for a boycott of the planned election, Nyan Win declined to elaborate on her comment.
During a two-hour meeting that focused on legal issues relating to repairs to her home, Suu Kyi also said that she believed Webb's views on the election were his personal opinion only, and did not reflect his official position as chairman of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Webb, a strong advocate of US engagement with the Burmese regime, canceled his scheduled visit to Burma earlier this month amid fresh reports that junta was trying to develop nuclear weapons.
On Wednesday, the Democratic lawmaker called for support of Burma's election, saying it was a step forward and that the junta would allow at least some opposition figures to stand for seats.
Nyan Win also said that Suu Kyi heard about Burma's alleged nuclear program, but she did not wish to make any comment on the issue at this point, as there was not enough information available.
Suu Kyi decided against her party re-registering under the regime's “unjust” election laws. The NLD was dissolved in May for its failure to meet the regime's party registration deadline.
By BA KAUNG - Friday, June 11, 2010
Burmese people have the right not to vote in the upcoming election, detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi told her lawyer on Friday. She also commented on US Sen. Jim Webb's support of the election.
“Daw Suu said that just as the people have the right to vote, they also have the right not to vote,” Suu Kyi's lawyer Nyan Win told The Irrawaddy shortly after meeting with her on Friday afternoon.
Although her comment seems to allude to the possibility that she and her now-disbanded National League for Democracy (NLD) may call for a boycott of the planned election, Nyan Win declined to elaborate on her comment.
During a two-hour meeting that focused on legal issues relating to repairs to her home, Suu Kyi also said that she believed Webb's views on the election were his personal opinion only, and did not reflect his official position as chairman of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Webb, a strong advocate of US engagement with the Burmese regime, canceled his scheduled visit to Burma earlier this month amid fresh reports that junta was trying to develop nuclear weapons.
On Wednesday, the Democratic lawmaker called for support of Burma's election, saying it was a step forward and that the junta would allow at least some opposition figures to stand for seats.
Nyan Win also said that Suu Kyi heard about Burma's alleged nuclear program, but she did not wish to make any comment on the issue at this point, as there was not enough information available.
Suu Kyi decided against her party re-registering under the regime's “unjust” election laws. The NLD was dissolved in May for its failure to meet the regime's party registration deadline.
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Suu Kyi ‘happy with party unity’
Monday, 14 June 2010 20:12 Salai Han Thar San
New Delhi (Mizzima) – Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is glad her National League for Democracy party’s member are united despite its automatic dissolution in accordance with the junta’s one-sided electoral laws, the opposition leader said in a two-hour meeting with a lawyer and engineers on Friday.
Suu Kyi’s comments came during a meeting with her lawyer to discuss the revocation by the Rangoon civic body of a permit allowing her to dismantle a badly damaged wooden building inside her compound on University Avenue Road, Rangoon Division, where she is being held under house arrest.
“I’m very glad that all of NLD members, including young members and women, are very united even at the difficult time”, lawyer and NLD central executive committee member Nyan Win told Mizzima, quoting Suu Kyi.
“She said it was the duty of government, political parties and people to raise the young people,” Nyan Win said. “She said when we provide moral support to nations’ young, it must be done with generosity and comradeship.”
Suu Kyi also said party members needed to help the people clearly understand democracy. According to her, political parties and the people were responsible for understanding democratic values and putting them into practice, Nyan Win said.
Authorities had allowed Suu Kyi to meet on June 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. lawyer Nyan Win and engineers Khun Thar Myint and Htin Kyaw, whom Suu Kyi assigned to monitor renovations at her crumbling villa beside Inya Lake.
The Nobel Peace laureate’s compound at No. 54-56 University Avenue Road in Bahan Township comprises the main building, a badly damaged wooden house and two huts – one a gatehouse and another adjacent to the lake.
The wooden house is 25 feet (eight metres) east of the main building and is overrun with bushes. The Rangoon City Development Committee approved on June 4 Suu Kyi’s application to have it demolished but the permit was revoked the following day.
Nyan Win explained the city’s reasoning: “They [the Rangoon committee] said that as the house [compound] was subject to an inheritance case … if the wooden house was destroyed, the compound would lose its original [historic] character.”
He said he would submit an appeal to the Rangoon mayor next week.
Meanwhile, Suu Kyi said members should celebrate her 65th birthday on June 19 at the home of Mogoke member of parliament May Hnin Kyi at 10 Miles Gone in Mingaladon Township, Rangoon, Nyan Win said, amid fears that a gathering at party headquarters would provoke a crackdown by the junta.
“In accordance with her [Suu Kyi] request, we will donate books and pencils to underprivileged students [at the anniversary celebrations]”, Nyan Win said.
Suu Kyi will have to spend her birthday in detention amid a continuing 18-month sentence imposed for “entertaining” uninvited American visitor John Yettaw, who on May 4 last year had swum uninvited across Inya Lake and stayed at her house for two nights. She was similarly forced to spend her 64th birthday in a special room at Insein Prison as the prosecution over Yettaw’s visit was being processed.
Yettaw’s trespass occurred two weeks before Suu Kyi’s scheduled release from house arrest on May 27 last year.
Monday, 14 June 2010 20:12 Salai Han Thar San
New Delhi (Mizzima) – Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is glad her National League for Democracy party’s member are united despite its automatic dissolution in accordance with the junta’s one-sided electoral laws, the opposition leader said in a two-hour meeting with a lawyer and engineers on Friday.
Suu Kyi’s comments came during a meeting with her lawyer to discuss the revocation by the Rangoon civic body of a permit allowing her to dismantle a badly damaged wooden building inside her compound on University Avenue Road, Rangoon Division, where she is being held under house arrest.
“I’m very glad that all of NLD members, including young members and women, are very united even at the difficult time”, lawyer and NLD central executive committee member Nyan Win told Mizzima, quoting Suu Kyi.
“She said it was the duty of government, political parties and people to raise the young people,” Nyan Win said. “She said when we provide moral support to nations’ young, it must be done with generosity and comradeship.”
Suu Kyi also said party members needed to help the people clearly understand democracy. According to her, political parties and the people were responsible for understanding democratic values and putting them into practice, Nyan Win said.
Authorities had allowed Suu Kyi to meet on June 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. lawyer Nyan Win and engineers Khun Thar Myint and Htin Kyaw, whom Suu Kyi assigned to monitor renovations at her crumbling villa beside Inya Lake.
The Nobel Peace laureate’s compound at No. 54-56 University Avenue Road in Bahan Township comprises the main building, a badly damaged wooden house and two huts – one a gatehouse and another adjacent to the lake.
The wooden house is 25 feet (eight metres) east of the main building and is overrun with bushes. The Rangoon City Development Committee approved on June 4 Suu Kyi’s application to have it demolished but the permit was revoked the following day.
Nyan Win explained the city’s reasoning: “They [the Rangoon committee] said that as the house [compound] was subject to an inheritance case … if the wooden house was destroyed, the compound would lose its original [historic] character.”
He said he would submit an appeal to the Rangoon mayor next week.
Meanwhile, Suu Kyi said members should celebrate her 65th birthday on June 19 at the home of Mogoke member of parliament May Hnin Kyi at 10 Miles Gone in Mingaladon Township, Rangoon, Nyan Win said, amid fears that a gathering at party headquarters would provoke a crackdown by the junta.
“In accordance with her [Suu Kyi] request, we will donate books and pencils to underprivileged students [at the anniversary celebrations]”, Nyan Win said.
Suu Kyi will have to spend her birthday in detention amid a continuing 18-month sentence imposed for “entertaining” uninvited American visitor John Yettaw, who on May 4 last year had swum uninvited across Inya Lake and stayed at her house for two nights. She was similarly forced to spend her 64th birthday in a special room at Insein Prison as the prosecution over Yettaw’s visit was being processed.
Yettaw’s trespass occurred two weeks before Suu Kyi’s scheduled release from house arrest on May 27 last year.
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Sons of top generals handed fuel-station permits
Monday, 14 June 2010 23:40 Mizzima News
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Burma’s ruling military junta has issued petrol-station permits to the sons of Senior General Than Shwe and General Thura Shwe Mann, and junta cronies, according to an Energy Ministry report.
Myanmar Naing Group, owned by Than Shwe’s son Tun Naing Shwe, has obtained permission to run a total of six petrol stations in Rangoon and Mandalay divisions, and in Shan State, a Ministry of Energy report received by Mizzima reveals.
Tun Naing Shwe’s company also operating jade-mining business in Pharkant in Kachin State, in the country’s north. He holds the controlling share of J-Donut outlet in Rangoon, a retail pastry shop styled on Dunkin’ Donuts and frequented by the children of Burma’s corrupt elite.
Since Burma’s oil sector was privatised on May 15, Ayar Shwewa/Shwe Yamone and Zaygabar, linked to sons of military chief of staff, Thura Shwe Mann – Aung Thet Mann and Toe Naing Mann – were given permission to open private petrol stations. The former company was licensed to run 12 stations, the latter, two.
The application for Zaygabar’s license to run the two stations is under Toe Naing Mann’s despite the company being owned by his father-in-law, Khin Shwe.
Concessions to the likely lucrative petrol-station business went to junta nationalist social organisation, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, and Myanmar Economic Holdings – a company that feeds income to the junta – which received 15 and 14 stations respectively.
The other big junta crony companies that have been awarded petrol station licenses are: Tay Za’s Htoo Trading, Shwetaung Development, Shwe Than Lwin, Nilar Trading, Asia World and Kanbawza.
Monday, 14 June 2010 23:40 Mizzima News
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Burma’s ruling military junta has issued petrol-station permits to the sons of Senior General Than Shwe and General Thura Shwe Mann, and junta cronies, according to an Energy Ministry report.
Myanmar Naing Group, owned by Than Shwe’s son Tun Naing Shwe, has obtained permission to run a total of six petrol stations in Rangoon and Mandalay divisions, and in Shan State, a Ministry of Energy report received by Mizzima reveals.
Tun Naing Shwe’s company also operating jade-mining business in Pharkant in Kachin State, in the country’s north. He holds the controlling share of J-Donut outlet in Rangoon, a retail pastry shop styled on Dunkin’ Donuts and frequented by the children of Burma’s corrupt elite.
Since Burma’s oil sector was privatised on May 15, Ayar Shwewa/Shwe Yamone and Zaygabar, linked to sons of military chief of staff, Thura Shwe Mann – Aung Thet Mann and Toe Naing Mann – were given permission to open private petrol stations. The former company was licensed to run 12 stations, the latter, two.
The application for Zaygabar’s license to run the two stations is under Toe Naing Mann’s despite the company being owned by his father-in-law, Khin Shwe.
Concessions to the likely lucrative petrol-station business went to junta nationalist social organisation, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, and Myanmar Economic Holdings – a company that feeds income to the junta – which received 15 and 14 stations respectively.
The other big junta crony companies that have been awarded petrol station licenses are: Tay Za’s Htoo Trading, Shwetaung Development, Shwe Than Lwin, Nilar Trading, Asia World and Kanbawza.
*********************************************************
DVB News - US warns of ‘unrealistic’ refugee resettlement
Published: 14 June 2010
The situation for ethnic Karen refugees living in camps along the Thai-Burma border remains a concern for the US but third-country resettlement is unrealistic, a top US official has warned.
Eric Schwartz, assistant secretary of state for population, refugees and migration, last week visited the Mae La refugee camp on the Thai side of the border that is home to some 40,000 Karen refugees, of a total of nearly 140,000 in camps along the border.
He told DVB that the purpose of the trip was to “look at efforts to meet the needs of vulnerable Burmese refugees” in the camps, as well as meeting with various NGOs and advocacy groups along the border.
But despite “particular concern” over the refugees that he voiced prior to the border trip, “third-country resettlement isn’t going to be the solution for the large majority of refugees here or anywhere else in the world”.
“There are around 20 million refugees around the world,” he said. “Ultimately the best answer is for conditions in their country of origin to change – but there is little indication that that situation is going to change any time soon in Burma.
His comments came after the joint-secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP), Bo Kyi, said that his group would urge Schwartz to help resettle former political prisoners who “have been in the refugee camps for so many years”.
While the US already has a policy to accept refugees, Schwartz reportedly told Khin Ohmar, foreign affairs secretary for theNetwork for Democracy and Development (NDD), that third-country resettlement “is up to the Thai government…and the US can only suggest that the Thai government speeds up their procedures”.
With the Burmese government preparing for elections and aggressively attempting to transform ceasefire groups into Border Guard Forces, observers have warned that more refugees could flee Burma over the coming months.
The last major exodus by Karen into Thailand was in June last year, when around 5,000 fled after fighting erupted between Burmese troops and the opposition Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). Many of those were forced to shelter in caves and rudimentary shacks along the Thai-Burma border.
The situation in Karen state remains volatile, despite the Thai government’s attempts to repatriate the 5,000 refugees back to Burma at the beginning of this year. Landmines laid by both the Burmese army and the KNLA litter the countryside, and civilians are at risk of being forcibly recruited by government troops.
“Decisions over whether people can return have to be based on the conditions in Burma and they cannot simply be made because an election has taken place,” Schwartz said.
“Right now the preparations going on in Burma give no confidence that these elections are going to have international legitimacy, or be free and fair, so if the elections don’t change conditions in Burma then you can’t send people back.”
Published: 14 June 2010
The situation for ethnic Karen refugees living in camps along the Thai-Burma border remains a concern for the US but third-country resettlement is unrealistic, a top US official has warned.
Eric Schwartz, assistant secretary of state for population, refugees and migration, last week visited the Mae La refugee camp on the Thai side of the border that is home to some 40,000 Karen refugees, of a total of nearly 140,000 in camps along the border.
He told DVB that the purpose of the trip was to “look at efforts to meet the needs of vulnerable Burmese refugees” in the camps, as well as meeting with various NGOs and advocacy groups along the border.
But despite “particular concern” over the refugees that he voiced prior to the border trip, “third-country resettlement isn’t going to be the solution for the large majority of refugees here or anywhere else in the world”.
“There are around 20 million refugees around the world,” he said. “Ultimately the best answer is for conditions in their country of origin to change – but there is little indication that that situation is going to change any time soon in Burma.
His comments came after the joint-secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP), Bo Kyi, said that his group would urge Schwartz to help resettle former political prisoners who “have been in the refugee camps for so many years”.
While the US already has a policy to accept refugees, Schwartz reportedly told Khin Ohmar, foreign affairs secretary for theNetwork for Democracy and Development (NDD), that third-country resettlement “is up to the Thai government…and the US can only suggest that the Thai government speeds up their procedures”.
With the Burmese government preparing for elections and aggressively attempting to transform ceasefire groups into Border Guard Forces, observers have warned that more refugees could flee Burma over the coming months.
The last major exodus by Karen into Thailand was in June last year, when around 5,000 fled after fighting erupted between Burmese troops and the opposition Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). Many of those were forced to shelter in caves and rudimentary shacks along the Thai-Burma border.
The situation in Karen state remains volatile, despite the Thai government’s attempts to repatriate the 5,000 refugees back to Burma at the beginning of this year. Landmines laid by both the Burmese army and the KNLA litter the countryside, and civilians are at risk of being forcibly recruited by government troops.
“Decisions over whether people can return have to be based on the conditions in Burma and they cannot simply be made because an election has taken place,” Schwartz said.
“Right now the preparations going on in Burma give no confidence that these elections are going to have international legitimacy, or be free and fair, so if the elections don’t change conditions in Burma then you can’t send people back.”
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DVB News - Pro-junta group to guard ballots
By AHUNT PHONE MYAT
Published: 14 June 2010
Members of the junta proxy Union and Solidarity Development Association (USDA) are being trained in lieu of their role in monitoring ballot boxes during Burma’s elections this year.
Workshops are being conducted in Rangoon and Mandalay division and Sagaing, Shan, Mon and Arakan states, by the Election Commission (EC), according to a retired government official in Sagaing division who is close to the USDA.
The government-appointed Electoral Commission has been charged as the supreme authority during polls, rumoured for October this year.
The reports will likely heighten fears about the integrity of the elections: the USDA is closely tied to the government, and is believed to be the group that spawned the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which is headed by Burmese prime minister Thein Sein and has been widely tipped to win the elections.
Furthermore, the EC head, Thein Soe, said in May that international election monitors “would not be welcome” in Burma. Critics of the ruling junta have derided the polls as a sham aimed at extending military rule in the country.
“USDA members…and those who are to become ward-level EC [members] are being trained; we believe there is a motivation for these people to guard the ballot stations to make sure the USDP wins,” said Phyo Min Thein of the Union Democracy Party, which has registered for the elections.
“Given the circumstances, questions need to be asked as to what procedures will be carried out to ensure free and fair elections, and also how fair the EC will be.”
The same training is also being given to village, ward and town-level government authorities, as well as judges and administrators, said a government worker in Taunggyi, capital of Burma’s northeastern Shan state.
Similar concerns were raised around the time of the 2008 constitution, when the government conducted training workshops for proxy groups to ensure the smooth ratification of what was widely considered an unfair and controversial procedure.
“During the constitution referendum, [authorities] were told to make sure that 92 percent votes were in favour, by any means,” said the Sagaing official. “Some villages used ordinary voting procedures and collected about 60 percent ‘yes’ votes, but [the government] ordered them to change the results to 92 percent [in favour].”
Their were reports around the time of the constitution referendum, which began barely a week after cyclone Nargis struck Burma’s southern coast, that voters were forced to mark their choice with a pencil.
The constitution then set the ball rolling for the elections this year, in which around a quarter of parliamentary seats have already been awarded to the military and which contributed to the boycott of the opposition National League for Democracy party.
By AHUNT PHONE MYAT
Published: 14 June 2010
Members of the junta proxy Union and Solidarity Development Association (USDA) are being trained in lieu of their role in monitoring ballot boxes during Burma’s elections this year.
Workshops are being conducted in Rangoon and Mandalay division and Sagaing, Shan, Mon and Arakan states, by the Election Commission (EC), according to a retired government official in Sagaing division who is close to the USDA.
The government-appointed Electoral Commission has been charged as the supreme authority during polls, rumoured for October this year.
The reports will likely heighten fears about the integrity of the elections: the USDA is closely tied to the government, and is believed to be the group that spawned the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which is headed by Burmese prime minister Thein Sein and has been widely tipped to win the elections.
Furthermore, the EC head, Thein Soe, said in May that international election monitors “would not be welcome” in Burma. Critics of the ruling junta have derided the polls as a sham aimed at extending military rule in the country.
“USDA members…and those who are to become ward-level EC [members] are being trained; we believe there is a motivation for these people to guard the ballot stations to make sure the USDP wins,” said Phyo Min Thein of the Union Democracy Party, which has registered for the elections.
“Given the circumstances, questions need to be asked as to what procedures will be carried out to ensure free and fair elections, and also how fair the EC will be.”
The same training is also being given to village, ward and town-level government authorities, as well as judges and administrators, said a government worker in Taunggyi, capital of Burma’s northeastern Shan state.
Similar concerns were raised around the time of the 2008 constitution, when the government conducted training workshops for proxy groups to ensure the smooth ratification of what was widely considered an unfair and controversial procedure.
“During the constitution referendum, [authorities] were told to make sure that 92 percent votes were in favour, by any means,” said the Sagaing official. “Some villages used ordinary voting procedures and collected about 60 percent ‘yes’ votes, but [the government] ordered them to change the results to 92 percent [in favour].”
Their were reports around the time of the constitution referendum, which began barely a week after cyclone Nargis struck Burma’s southern coast, that voters were forced to mark their choice with a pencil.
The constitution then set the ball rolling for the elections this year, in which around a quarter of parliamentary seats have already been awarded to the military and which contributed to the boycott of the opposition National League for Democracy party.
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