Thursday 28 February 2008

Irrawaddy's 27 February 2008

Stiff Penalties for Resistance to Constitutional Referendum
Burma's junta has enacted a new law threatening stiff punishment for anybody who disturbs the smooth procedure of the planned May referendum on a draft constitution.

ILO Extends “Understanding” with Burmese Regime
The International Labor Organization and the Burmese junta have agreed to continue working together to address the issue of forced labor.

China’s Stand on Burma and Darfur Spurs Boycott Call
As China prepares to host the Olympic Games in August, its foreign policy is coming under increasing scrutiny because of its stand on political events in Burma and Darfur.

Bishops Criticized for Not Seeking Arroyo’s Ouster
Roman Catholic bishops are drawn into the calls for Philippine President Gloria Macapagal’s resignation.

Beyond the 'Oneness' of Ethnicity
Since the tragic assassination of Mahn Sha, the Karen National Union’s general secretary, on February 14, many people have expressed the opinion that non-Karens must have been behind this crime, because “it is impossible that Karens would kill the Karen leader.” Such remarks alert us to the need to re-examine popular notions of ethnicity, which are based on the romantic view that “we are one sharing common interests, but under attack from the Other.”

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