Lawi Weng
Farmers in southern Burma in Catch-22 situation
February 26, 2008 (IMNA) - The Burmese Army has confiscated 200 acres of paddy fields in Southern Burma, thumbing its nose on the Mon people's decade's long struggle for land rights.
According to Aung Min, a farmer in Doe-mar village, Mudon Township, Mon state, the army simply puts up a sign board announcing that it now controls this land. Over a hundred farmers suffered the same fate.
Until recently, the army in Mudon had only confiscated a small number of rubber plantations and had never permanently taken land from farmers. This stands in marked contrast to nearby Ye Township, where thousands of acres of rubber plantations have been seized.
After the recent spate of land confiscations, farmers in Mudon have begun worrying that they will begin suffering like people in Ye.
While farms in Mudon have been seized during harvest time, the land had always been returned after the army had taken the crops.
This time, the people do not seem to have any hope that their land will be returned. A Mon human rights worker in the area says that farmers are selling their cattle and carts, which they have no use for without land to cultivate.
The army claims that the land seizures occurred because the farmers had planted no crops during the summer season. Farmers explained that they had planted no rice because they could not get enough water for the crops to grow.
In earlier years they had always tried and failed to farm during the summer season because they feared the army's wrath if they did not.
People in Mudon are frustrated as they are forced to grow rice but they cannot get enough water from the government controlled Win-pa-non dam. The dam was built as a government development project in 2000, and is located near Ah-bit village, along the Moulmein to Thanphyuzayart Road.
The goal of the development project was to enable farmers in the area to grow two crops, but government officials ignored the input of people in the area as the dam was being built and it holds insufficient water for farming during the summer season.
The local authorities are well aware that the dam has not enabled people to farm in the summer season, but rather than report the failure to Naypyidaw they continue to force the people into an impossible task.
"They called us to meetings more than ten times after the winter harvest and said that we had to grow rice again in the summer. We did not dare to refuse them; we could only nod our heads," said a farmer.
The farmers in Mudon seem to be stuck in a three-way Catch-22: work hard at farming when they know they will fail, refuse and risk losing their land or turn to corruption, said a village headman.
Farmers planting rice can bribe the dam authorities into giving them extra water, and those who do not want to grow rice can save their land with bribery as well.
Adding insult to injury, the army is free to order dam officers to release enough water to cultivate their fields and farmers whose land has been seized will have to watch it flourish in their absence.
Just as the Win-pa-non dam is not large enough to store sufficient water in the hot season, it is too small to handle the inflow of water during the rainy season.
Water overflowing the dam embankments floods fields, and farmers lose nearly 1800 acres of crops as they rot in too much water. The land has produced less rice every year since the dam was built, say farmers, and they have to plant two or three times to reap one harvest.
The regime has implemented similar development projects throughout the ethnic areas in Burma. Some projects have succeeded, and others have been such utter failures that they displace the local people.
In spite of their mixed success, the government continues to force people to carry out the projects, even when there is little prospect for anything but failure.
According to a political analyst inside Burma, the projects are designed not to help the people but to keep them busy. The government worries if the people have time away from their fields, they will have time to mobilize politically.
Over ten thousand acres of farmlands with paddy, rubber, betel nut and orchards in Mon state were confiscated according to local human rights groups.
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Burma Army's oppression increasing in Mon area: Villagers
Mi Kyae Goe
February 26, 2008 (IMNA) - The Burmese Army with the full sanction of the military junta ruthlessly oppresses people in the country. In Southern Mon State villagers have alleged that the oppression of the Burmese (Myanmar ) Army battalions has increased compared to previous years.
Toe Thet Ywar Thit Village from Khaw-za Sub Township , Mon State said that "the villagers from my village have to apply for travel documents for each person in their homes". Even if they have five people, they have to apply for each member.
In previous years, villagers did not need to register each family member with the local Burmese military battalions. Last year they had to register for one travel document per house, said Toe Thet Ywar Thit villagers.
The cost of registration is 1,000 Kyat per book this year compared to last years cost of about 200 Kyat. Other villages are not subject to the new registration regulations in Khaw-za.
On February 22 Burmese Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No-31 torched about 20 plantations around Yin-ye and Yin-Done villages because they could not capture Mon rebels of Monland Restoration Party (MRP), formerly named Hongsawatoi Restoration Party (HRP), alleged Nai Chan Done, the party operations officer.
"Not only did they (Burmese Army) burn down the villagers' plantations, but they also beat up some villagers," Nai Chan Done said.
The Burmese soldiers set on fire the plantation using only a lighter, but the grass in the plantation was so dry that the fire spread fast from one plantation to another, he added. Most of the plantations produced lemons, nipa palm, areca palm, pepper, pomelo, and lime. MRP party is currently trying to find out who was involved in torching the plantations.
The LIB No-31 has this year begun forcing rubber plantation owners in his village of Toe Thet Ywar Thit to pay 166 Kyat per rubber plant, a villager said.
In addition, LIB No-31 forcibly relocated some Kyone-kanya villagers into an area close to a newly planned road where they have to buy valuable roadside plots from them. The road is still under construction.
"Currently, they (Burmese soldiers) have banned villagers from going to the plantations," said Nai Chan Done.
February 26, 2008 (IMNA) - The Burmese Army with the full sanction of the military junta ruthlessly oppresses people in the country. In Southern Mon State villagers have alleged that the oppression of the Burmese (Myanmar ) Army battalions has increased compared to previous years.
Toe Thet Ywar Thit Village from Khaw-za Sub Township , Mon State said that "the villagers from my village have to apply for travel documents for each person in their homes". Even if they have five people, they have to apply for each member.
In previous years, villagers did not need to register each family member with the local Burmese military battalions. Last year they had to register for one travel document per house, said Toe Thet Ywar Thit villagers.
The cost of registration is 1,000 Kyat per book this year compared to last years cost of about 200 Kyat. Other villages are not subject to the new registration regulations in Khaw-za.
On February 22 Burmese Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No-31 torched about 20 plantations around Yin-ye and Yin-Done villages because they could not capture Mon rebels of Monland Restoration Party (MRP), formerly named Hongsawatoi Restoration Party (HRP), alleged Nai Chan Done, the party operations officer.
"Not only did they (Burmese Army) burn down the villagers' plantations, but they also beat up some villagers," Nai Chan Done said.
The Burmese soldiers set on fire the plantation using only a lighter, but the grass in the plantation was so dry that the fire spread fast from one plantation to another, he added. Most of the plantations produced lemons, nipa palm, areca palm, pepper, pomelo, and lime. MRP party is currently trying to find out who was involved in torching the plantations.
The LIB No-31 has this year begun forcing rubber plantation owners in his village of Toe Thet Ywar Thit to pay 166 Kyat per rubber plant, a villager said.
In addition, LIB No-31 forcibly relocated some Kyone-kanya villagers into an area close to a newly planned road where they have to buy valuable roadside plots from them. The road is still under construction.
"Currently, they (Burmese soldiers) have banned villagers from going to the plantations," said Nai Chan Done.
NLD reacts to barring Daw Suu from contesting elections
Nay Thwin - Mizzima News
February 25, 2008 - The National League for Democracy (NLD) reacted strongly today to the ban on Aung San Suu Kyi contesting the 2010 elections saying that it was a 'personal attack' against her and the regime has no right to do such a thing.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (DASSK) is the daughter of Independence hero Bogyoke (General) Aung San and Daw Khin Kyi and she is also a citizen of Burma. This is a mere personal attack against her, the NLD said.
"This remark comes from an unauthorized person when there is no constitution and election rule yet. This is a personal and political attack against her," U Nyan Win, NLD spokesman said.
"Barring someone from contesting an election must be in accordance with either the election rule or the constitution. This remark is an unauthorized remark when there is no such rule and constitution so far," he added.
Moreover this restriction violates Article (2) and (21) of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) besides undermining national reconciliation and stability of the Sate, he warned.
"This should not have been said at this crucial juncture when talks are on between DASSK and the regime's Minister of Relations U Aung Kyi for the sake of the country. This can undermine national reconciliation and stability of the State," U Nyan Win said.
"It is premature to say so now. We do not yet know whether the draft constitution will be approved or not by the people in the referendum. The election is still far away and we have no comment to make to this question," he replied when asked if today's statement hinted at NLD's position on apparently contesting the forthcoming election had the regime allowed DASSK to contest.
"There are no such provisions in the existing laws. Such restriction is in qualification of President in the draft constitution, but not included in the qualifications of Member of Parliament", he said.
The regime's Foreign Minister U Nyan Win told his counterparts in Singapore on February 19 that DASSK has been disqualified from contesting the election since she married a British citizen and has two sons who hold British citizenship.
The remark coincided with the optimistic comment on referendum and fresh elections made by the UN special Envoy on Burma and it surprised the ASEAN countries.
Mr. Gambari is currently in Singapore and the Singapore PM George Yeoh urged the regime to ensure that the referendum and elections be 'reliable and all inclusive'.
Mr. Gambari may visit Burma at the end of next month and this visit will focus on discussing with the regime its position relating to DASSK not being allowed to contest the elections.
The regime made two announcements on February 9 on holding a referendum in May this year and elections in 2010.
The opposition forces see these two announcements as an attempt to nullify the 1990 election result and cannot accept it. They pointed out that the NLD won a landslide victory in the election with over 82 percent seats and the regime is still refusing to honour this election result. So, they have turned down the new election formula.
Thailand, Vietnam and some ASEAN countries have given the green signal to the regime's plan to hold a referendum and fresh elections but some countries criticized the regime for banning DASSK from contesting the coming elections.
Meanwhile, the opposition forces are not making official comments on barring DASSK from contesting the election but there are widespread differences and heated debate on whether there should be a 'total boycott' or 'NO' vote in the forthcoming referendum.
February 25, 2008 - The National League for Democracy (NLD) reacted strongly today to the ban on Aung San Suu Kyi contesting the 2010 elections saying that it was a 'personal attack' against her and the regime has no right to do such a thing.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (DASSK) is the daughter of Independence hero Bogyoke (General) Aung San and Daw Khin Kyi and she is also a citizen of Burma. This is a mere personal attack against her, the NLD said.
"This remark comes from an unauthorized person when there is no constitution and election rule yet. This is a personal and political attack against her," U Nyan Win, NLD spokesman said.
"Barring someone from contesting an election must be in accordance with either the election rule or the constitution. This remark is an unauthorized remark when there is no such rule and constitution so far," he added.
Moreover this restriction violates Article (2) and (21) of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) besides undermining national reconciliation and stability of the Sate, he warned.
"This should not have been said at this crucial juncture when talks are on between DASSK and the regime's Minister of Relations U Aung Kyi for the sake of the country. This can undermine national reconciliation and stability of the State," U Nyan Win said.
"It is premature to say so now. We do not yet know whether the draft constitution will be approved or not by the people in the referendum. The election is still far away and we have no comment to make to this question," he replied when asked if today's statement hinted at NLD's position on apparently contesting the forthcoming election had the regime allowed DASSK to contest.
"There are no such provisions in the existing laws. Such restriction is in qualification of President in the draft constitution, but not included in the qualifications of Member of Parliament", he said.
The regime's Foreign Minister U Nyan Win told his counterparts in Singapore on February 19 that DASSK has been disqualified from contesting the election since she married a British citizen and has two sons who hold British citizenship.
The remark coincided with the optimistic comment on referendum and fresh elections made by the UN special Envoy on Burma and it surprised the ASEAN countries.
Mr. Gambari is currently in Singapore and the Singapore PM George Yeoh urged the regime to ensure that the referendum and elections be 'reliable and all inclusive'.
Mr. Gambari may visit Burma at the end of next month and this visit will focus on discussing with the regime its position relating to DASSK not being allowed to contest the elections.
The regime made two announcements on February 9 on holding a referendum in May this year and elections in 2010.
The opposition forces see these two announcements as an attempt to nullify the 1990 election result and cannot accept it. They pointed out that the NLD won a landslide victory in the election with over 82 percent seats and the regime is still refusing to honour this election result. So, they have turned down the new election formula.
Thailand, Vietnam and some ASEAN countries have given the green signal to the regime's plan to hold a referendum and fresh elections but some countries criticized the regime for banning DASSK from contesting the coming elections.
Meanwhile, the opposition forces are not making official comments on barring DASSK from contesting the election but there are widespread differences and heated debate on whether there should be a 'total boycott' or 'NO' vote in the forthcoming referendum.
Referendum in a country with no freedom of speech and activity
Banyol Kin
IMNA - It is ironic that in a country where there is no freedom of speech and freedom of the press, the Burmese military junta plans to hold a referendum on May 2008 to give validity to its new Constitution.
The Human Rights Watch, an activist organization has urged the regime to allow free speech during the referendum.
The opposition National League for Democracy and ceasefire group the New Mon State Party (NMSP) has condemned the planned referendum.
The NMSP feels the referendum will not help in forming a federal democracy in the country and will not guarantee ethnic rights.
The NMSP continues to exhort the junta to initiate a tripartite dialogue between ethnic leaders, the NLD, and military regime.
While the military regime is going through the motions of having a dialogue with NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, she is not satisfied with the discussion and its pace. She has said "hope for the best and prepare for the worst".
Many observers feel the referendum is not going to be free and fair because there is no freedom of speech and activity in Burma.
On February 15, an editor and a manager of a Myanmar journal were arrested without any case against them and the publication was forced to shut down.
On January 22, poet Saw Wai was detained in Insein prison for writing a poem where the first word of each line formed the words: "Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe".
The Yangon Based Kumudra Weekly journal was told to stop publishing. The journal stopped its activities on January 25.
According to the journal staff they are unable to get the license to publish. In Burma only people close to the junta are given a license to publish.
The Burma Media Association continues to condemn the military regime for not allowing freedom of the press and arrest of journalists.
A political analyst said during the 1990 election there was some kind of freedom of speech and many newspapers and journals were able to cover the elections without much control by the authorities.
IMNA - It is ironic that in a country where there is no freedom of speech and freedom of the press, the Burmese military junta plans to hold a referendum on May 2008 to give validity to its new Constitution.
The Human Rights Watch, an activist organization has urged the regime to allow free speech during the referendum.
The opposition National League for Democracy and ceasefire group the New Mon State Party (NMSP) has condemned the planned referendum.
The NMSP feels the referendum will not help in forming a federal democracy in the country and will not guarantee ethnic rights.
The NMSP continues to exhort the junta to initiate a tripartite dialogue between ethnic leaders, the NLD, and military regime.
While the military regime is going through the motions of having a dialogue with NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, she is not satisfied with the discussion and its pace. She has said "hope for the best and prepare for the worst".
Many observers feel the referendum is not going to be free and fair because there is no freedom of speech and activity in Burma.
On February 15, an editor and a manager of a Myanmar journal were arrested without any case against them and the publication was forced to shut down.
On January 22, poet Saw Wai was detained in Insein prison for writing a poem where the first word of each line formed the words: "Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe".
The Yangon Based Kumudra Weekly journal was told to stop publishing. The journal stopped its activities on January 25.
According to the journal staff they are unable to get the license to publish. In Burma only people close to the junta are given a license to publish.
The Burma Media Association continues to condemn the military regime for not allowing freedom of the press and arrest of journalists.
A political analyst said during the 1990 election there was some kind of freedom of speech and many newspapers and journals were able to cover the elections without much control by the authorities.
Residents tricked into attending referendum meeting
By Naw Say Phaw
Feb 25, 2008 (DVB)–Residents of Rangoon’s South Dagon township ward 26 were tricked into attending a campaign meeting on the upcoming national referendum, having been told it was a meeting about identity cards.
Ward authorities made an announcement over loudspeakers on 21 February that there would be a meeting where residents could get new identity cards and household lists the following afternoon.
One ward resident said he attended the meeting on 22 February but instead of information about identity cards they were given a talk about the upcoming national referendum.
“In the meeting, they told people to make a wise choice in the national referendum which will be held in accordance with the government’s seven-step road map,” the resident said.
“They told us not to listen to the lies being broadcast by foreign countries.”
The resident said he felt he could not trust the officials when they had lied about the purpose of the meeting.
“Personally, as a Burmese citizen, I have no confidence in what they are doing. Look at today’s meeting for example – they started by telling us lies,” he said.
“When they called the meeting, they said they would arrange our ID cards and household lists within one day, but when I got to the meeting, I realised it was just for them to say whatever they wanted.”
Many people left the meeting when it became clear that they would not get their identity cards, the resident said.
“A lot of the people who attended the meeting got frustrated with the government officials, so they left the meeting before it finished,” he said.
“They only wanted to get their ID cards and household lists – that’s the true people’s desire.”
At the end of the meeting, the ward authorities asked those present if there was anything they need, to which people responded that they wanted genuine democracy.
The officials replied that they were on track to bring about this goal, and immediately left the meeting.
There have been similar campaigns in other townships in Rangoon, run by a district fire brigade and a Red Cross organisation, which have been collecting people’s opinions to find out if there is opposition to the planned referendum.
Feb 25, 2008 (DVB)–Residents of Rangoon’s South Dagon township ward 26 were tricked into attending a campaign meeting on the upcoming national referendum, having been told it was a meeting about identity cards.
Ward authorities made an announcement over loudspeakers on 21 February that there would be a meeting where residents could get new identity cards and household lists the following afternoon.
One ward resident said he attended the meeting on 22 February but instead of information about identity cards they were given a talk about the upcoming national referendum.
“In the meeting, they told people to make a wise choice in the national referendum which will be held in accordance with the government’s seven-step road map,” the resident said.
“They told us not to listen to the lies being broadcast by foreign countries.”
The resident said he felt he could not trust the officials when they had lied about the purpose of the meeting.
“Personally, as a Burmese citizen, I have no confidence in what they are doing. Look at today’s meeting for example – they started by telling us lies,” he said.
“When they called the meeting, they said they would arrange our ID cards and household lists within one day, but when I got to the meeting, I realised it was just for them to say whatever they wanted.”
Many people left the meeting when it became clear that they would not get their identity cards, the resident said.
“A lot of the people who attended the meeting got frustrated with the government officials, so they left the meeting before it finished,” he said.
“They only wanted to get their ID cards and household lists – that’s the true people’s desire.”
At the end of the meeting, the ward authorities asked those present if there was anything they need, to which people responded that they wanted genuine democracy.
The officials replied that they were on track to bring about this goal, and immediately left the meeting.
There have been similar campaigns in other townships in Rangoon, run by a district fire brigade and a Red Cross organisation, which have been collecting people’s opinions to find out if there is opposition to the planned referendum.
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw promises more GSM phones to Kachin churches
February 25, 2008 (KNG)- The minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw of Telecommunications, Post and Telegraphs of Burma's ruling junta promised to grant more GSM mobile phones to two Kachin churches in Myitkyina Township, capital of Kachin State in Northern Burma, said local church sources.
Baptist and Roman Catholic Churches in Du Mare (Du Kahtawng) Quarter in Myitkyina were promised GSM mobiles during his meeting with the leaders of two churches on February 23 at the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) office in Du Mare, a participant told KNG.
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw promised that he will give the GSM mobile phones to all pastors, churches teachers, people who are working on church duty in both Baptist and Catholic churches within three months, added a participant.
Church' sources said that the users have to pay 1,500,000 Kyat (est. US $ 1,226) per mobile phone to the regime for network authorization. The current price for a ready to use GSM mobile phone is about 3,500,000 Kyat (est. US $ 2,862) in Myitkyina.
Baptist and Roman Catholic Churches in Du Mare (Du Kahtawng) Quarter in Myitkyina were promised GSM mobiles during his meeting with the leaders of two churches on February 23 at the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) office in Du Mare, a participant told KNG.
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw promised that he will give the GSM mobile phones to all pastors, churches teachers, people who are working on church duty in both Baptist and Catholic churches within three months, added a participant.
Church' sources said that the users have to pay 1,500,000 Kyat (est. US $ 1,226) per mobile phone to the regime for network authorization. The current price for a ready to use GSM mobile phone is about 3,500,000 Kyat (est. US $ 2,862) in Myitkyina.
Teachers demand money for students to enter exam
By Hseng Khio Fah
February 25, 2008 - Early this month, the students from No. 1 High School in Tachileik Town, Eastern Shan State were asked to pay money in order to pass an exam which will be held in the coming month.
On 2nd of February, some teachers from No.1 High School asked students from primary to high school level to pay money in order to get the permission to sit for and pass their exam in March which is the month students in Burma sit for examination.
The fees are demanded by teachers Daw Kyi Kyi Soe, Daw Moe Thandar Hla, Daw Mizzu Aye and the Headmaster U Too Maung. If students fail to pay, they will not only fail the exam for this year but also for the coming year, 2009, said Sai Soe Thant (not his real name), an uncle of a student. He said that the news came from his younger sister, a mother of 3 sons attending in that school, and requested him to tell all the media outlets in Thailand to publish this news.
“Students from Kindergarten to 4th Standard must pay 300 (US $ 9.4) Baht for each subject and students have to take 6 subjects per year. Also, they have to pay in advance for 2 years (2008 and 2009). So, it comes to 3,600 Baht (US $ 113). As for middle and high school, (from 5th Standard to 10th Standard), the fee is 500 (US $ 16) Baht per subject and for two years, it reaches to 6,000 Baht (US $ 188). Every student must pay,” he continued.
“Even parents with one child complain. It is worse for those who have 3 or 4 children. They want their children to quit studying. If it is the case then these poor kids will face school interruption even for their basic education,” said a student parent who wishes to remain anonymous.
Headmaster U Too Maung had already announced the deadline (February the 10th) for the exam fees to be paid because there is no formal classes in March as it is preparation time for students. But students from No.2 High School do not have to pay anything he continued.
“The teachers and headmaster who are asking the fees come from central Burma. But the Headmaster of No.2 Standard High School is a native of Shan State and he doesn’t ask any money,” commented a relative of a 10th standard student. The No.2 High School is located the opposite of the well-known Two Dragons Monastery.
“Do you know how hard we tried and invested money to become a teacher at this school? We had to pay Kyat 150, 000 (US $ 125) to the authorities,” a teacher was said to have told to her students while teaching them at the private tuition class at her house.
Both No.1 and No.2 High School have more than 2,000 students each and No.1 school is known to be for wealthier families. The population of Tachilek is more than 72,000, according to a local publication and it is located opposite of Thailand’s Mae Sai.
Source: Shan Herald Agency for News
February 25, 2008 - Early this month, the students from No. 1 High School in Tachileik Town, Eastern Shan State were asked to pay money in order to pass an exam which will be held in the coming month.
On 2nd of February, some teachers from No.1 High School asked students from primary to high school level to pay money in order to get the permission to sit for and pass their exam in March which is the month students in Burma sit for examination.
The fees are demanded by teachers Daw Kyi Kyi Soe, Daw Moe Thandar Hla, Daw Mizzu Aye and the Headmaster U Too Maung. If students fail to pay, they will not only fail the exam for this year but also for the coming year, 2009, said Sai Soe Thant (not his real name), an uncle of a student. He said that the news came from his younger sister, a mother of 3 sons attending in that school, and requested him to tell all the media outlets in Thailand to publish this news.
“Students from Kindergarten to 4th Standard must pay 300 (US $ 9.4) Baht for each subject and students have to take 6 subjects per year. Also, they have to pay in advance for 2 years (2008 and 2009). So, it comes to 3,600 Baht (US $ 113). As for middle and high school, (from 5th Standard to 10th Standard), the fee is 500 (US $ 16) Baht per subject and for two years, it reaches to 6,000 Baht (US $ 188). Every student must pay,” he continued.
“Even parents with one child complain. It is worse for those who have 3 or 4 children. They want their children to quit studying. If it is the case then these poor kids will face school interruption even for their basic education,” said a student parent who wishes to remain anonymous.
Headmaster U Too Maung had already announced the deadline (February the 10th) for the exam fees to be paid because there is no formal classes in March as it is preparation time for students. But students from No.2 High School do not have to pay anything he continued.
“The teachers and headmaster who are asking the fees come from central Burma. But the Headmaster of No.2 Standard High School is a native of Shan State and he doesn’t ask any money,” commented a relative of a 10th standard student. The No.2 High School is located the opposite of the well-known Two Dragons Monastery.
“Do you know how hard we tried and invested money to become a teacher at this school? We had to pay Kyat 150, 000 (US $ 125) to the authorities,” a teacher was said to have told to her students while teaching them at the private tuition class at her house.
Both No.1 and No.2 High School have more than 2,000 students each and No.1 school is known to be for wealthier families. The population of Tachilek is more than 72,000, according to a local publication and it is located opposite of Thailand’s Mae Sai.
Source: Shan Herald Agency for News
Villagers persuaded to become soldiers
By Lieng Lern
February 25, 2008 - Burma junta is persuading people to recruit as soldiers or become members of Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) by promising high positions to the public in Nam Kham Township at the Sino-Burma border, reported a local source.
On 22 February 2008 at 10:00 am, Nam Kham Second Police Chief Aung Naing with people from over 20 other departments held a meeting at the youth center in Kay Hkun village which is located at North of Nam Mao (Shweli) River. There were over 100 participants in the meeting.
A participant in the meeting said the police chief told them that "Whoever wants to become soldiers please give your name to us. But you must have secondary or high school level of education. If you are a university graduate, it is even better. We will appoint you at high positions".
"If we don't want to become soldiers we can become members of USDA. If we join them, we can cross the watergate from our village to Nam Kham even after the closing time by showing our USDA cards. The gate opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm", he added.
Last month, the authorities also collected names of people who are over 18 in Nam Kham Township to send to the new capital for constitution referendum on May 21, 2008. People who do not have current ID cards must renew. But immigration officers said it might be difficult to finish renewing all ID cards citing insufficient time given.
On the same day, 3 meetings were held in other villages: Hat Hin with over 100 participants Nawng Hking with over 80 attendees and Kay Khun.
February 25, 2008 - Burma junta is persuading people to recruit as soldiers or become members of Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) by promising high positions to the public in Nam Kham Township at the Sino-Burma border, reported a local source.
On 22 February 2008 at 10:00 am, Nam Kham Second Police Chief Aung Naing with people from over 20 other departments held a meeting at the youth center in Kay Hkun village which is located at North of Nam Mao (Shweli) River. There were over 100 participants in the meeting.
A participant in the meeting said the police chief told them that "Whoever wants to become soldiers please give your name to us. But you must have secondary or high school level of education. If you are a university graduate, it is even better. We will appoint you at high positions".
"If we don't want to become soldiers we can become members of USDA. If we join them, we can cross the watergate from our village to Nam Kham even after the closing time by showing our USDA cards. The gate opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm", he added.
Last month, the authorities also collected names of people who are over 18 in Nam Kham Township to send to the new capital for constitution referendum on May 21, 2008. People who do not have current ID cards must renew. But immigration officers said it might be difficult to finish renewing all ID cards citing insufficient time given.
On the same day, 3 meetings were held in other villages: Hat Hin with over 100 participants Nawng Hking with over 80 attendees and Kay Khun.
Source: Shan Herald Agency for News
Local authority allows planting of taxed cucumber
By Lieng Lern
February 25, 2008 (SHAN) - During the first week of this month, Hpa Kant local authorities allowed planting of cucumber after collecting taxes from farmers at Hpa Kant in Kachin State, according to a S.H.A.N reporter:
"If I knew they would permit us to grow cucumber, I wouldn't have come here. Hpa Kant is near China border so it is easy to earn money there. Now, I want to go back but I have no money for my journey. I had to spend a lot of money to come to Thailand," complained a Shan youth who used to reside in Kachin State but has moved to Fang, Chiang Mai province since 26 days ago said.
He received a phone call from his relative in Hpa Kant and they said the authorities have allowed the farmers to plant cucumbers after collection of taxes.
"They taxed Kyat 25,000 ($10) per acre, and when the cucumbers are ready to sell farmers could earn over Kyat 500,000 ($200) per acre. If farmers have nice crops they can get up to Kyat 700,000 to 1 million Kyat ($400)," he continued.
"In the past, Chinese traders would come to Hpa Kant and brought cucumber seeds with them and sold them to farmers. When the cucumbers ripened enough, Chinese businessmen came to buy from farmers. If the cucumbers are big and nice they pay higher price. The prices are depending on the quality of the cucumber but last year the authorities had banned cucumber planting," he added.
February 25, 2008 (SHAN) - During the first week of this month, Hpa Kant local authorities allowed planting of cucumber after collecting taxes from farmers at Hpa Kant in Kachin State, according to a S.H.A.N reporter:
"If I knew they would permit us to grow cucumber, I wouldn't have come here. Hpa Kant is near China border so it is easy to earn money there. Now, I want to go back but I have no money for my journey. I had to spend a lot of money to come to Thailand," complained a Shan youth who used to reside in Kachin State but has moved to Fang, Chiang Mai province since 26 days ago said.
He received a phone call from his relative in Hpa Kant and they said the authorities have allowed the farmers to plant cucumbers after collection of taxes.
"They taxed Kyat 25,000 ($10) per acre, and when the cucumbers are ready to sell farmers could earn over Kyat 500,000 ($200) per acre. If farmers have nice crops they can get up to Kyat 700,000 to 1 million Kyat ($400)," he continued.
"In the past, Chinese traders would come to Hpa Kant and brought cucumber seeds with them and sold them to farmers. When the cucumbers ripened enough, Chinese businessmen came to buy from farmers. If the cucumbers are big and nice they pay higher price. The prices are depending on the quality of the cucumber but last year the authorities had banned cucumber planting," he added.
Burma Tops List for Landmines
By WAI MOE
The Irrawaddy News - www.irrawaddy.org
February 25, 2008 - The Burmese regime is one of two governments in the world that is using anti-personnel landmines on an ongoing basis, according to the “Landmine Monitor Report 2007: Toward a Mine-Free World,” published recently in Burmese language by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).
“In this reporting period, since May 2006, two governments are confirmed to have used antipersonnel mines: Myanmar/Burma and Russia,” said the ICBL.
“Despite the growing list of states committed to banning antipersonnel mines, there were discouraging actions among some of the 40 states not party to the treaty. Government forces in Myanmar/Burma and Russia continued to use antipersonnel mines,” stated the report.
The ICBL said there were 232 landmine casualties in Burma in 2006 and 231 in 2005. Among them, at least four non-military persons, including two children, were killed. There were 10,605 landmine survivors in 2006, increasing from 8,864 in the 2005 data.
The organization said Burmese military forces continue to use antipersonnel mines extensively, as they have every year since “Landmine Monitor” began reporting in 1999. Mine use was recorded in Karen, Karenni and Shan states, as well as Tenasserim Division, in 2006 and 2007.
Burma is also one of 13 landmine-producing countries in the world, along with China, Cuba, India, Iran, North Korea, South Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.
Blast mines based on the US M-14 design are being manufactured by Myanmar Defense Products Industries at Ngyaung Chay Dauk, in western Bago Division, according to the report.
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), the Shan State Army-South, the United Wa State Army and several other armed groups continued to use antipersonnel mines in 2006 and early 2007, said the report.
There were also warning signs of mine deployment north of the Yoma Mountains and Yae Tar Shae Township, Mandalay Division, the first time mines have been reported in the area.
“Prolonged military operations in eastern states bordering Thailand increased mine contamination; Burmese migrants gave first reports of mine contamination in Mandalay division,” said the report.
The ICBL also stated that the closing of five International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) field offices failed to serve conflict casualties in border areas.
Landmines in Burma are deployed mainly near borders with Thailand, Bangladesh and India, and in eastern parts of the country marked by decades-old struggles by ethnic minorities for autonomy. Ten of Burma’s 14 states and divisions suffer from some degree of mine contamination, primarily antipersonnel mines, the report stated.
The Burmese military junta has not acceded to the international Mine Ban Treaty, one of 17 countries that abstained from voting on UN General Assembly Resolution 61/84 on December 6, 2006, said the report.
At the time, the Burmese junta stated: “We oppose the indiscriminate use of antipersonnel mines which causes death and injury to innocent people all over the world. At the same time, Myanmar [Burma] believes that all states have the right to self-defense.”
The Irrawaddy News - www.irrawaddy.org
February 25, 2008 - The Burmese regime is one of two governments in the world that is using anti-personnel landmines on an ongoing basis, according to the “Landmine Monitor Report 2007: Toward a Mine-Free World,” published recently in Burmese language by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).
“In this reporting period, since May 2006, two governments are confirmed to have used antipersonnel mines: Myanmar/Burma and Russia,” said the ICBL.
“Despite the growing list of states committed to banning antipersonnel mines, there were discouraging actions among some of the 40 states not party to the treaty. Government forces in Myanmar/Burma and Russia continued to use antipersonnel mines,” stated the report.
The ICBL said there were 232 landmine casualties in Burma in 2006 and 231 in 2005. Among them, at least four non-military persons, including two children, were killed. There were 10,605 landmine survivors in 2006, increasing from 8,864 in the 2005 data.
The organization said Burmese military forces continue to use antipersonnel mines extensively, as they have every year since “Landmine Monitor” began reporting in 1999. Mine use was recorded in Karen, Karenni and Shan states, as well as Tenasserim Division, in 2006 and 2007.
Burma is also one of 13 landmine-producing countries in the world, along with China, Cuba, India, Iran, North Korea, South Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.
Blast mines based on the US M-14 design are being manufactured by Myanmar Defense Products Industries at Ngyaung Chay Dauk, in western Bago Division, according to the report.
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), the Shan State Army-South, the United Wa State Army and several other armed groups continued to use antipersonnel mines in 2006 and early 2007, said the report.
There were also warning signs of mine deployment north of the Yoma Mountains and Yae Tar Shae Township, Mandalay Division, the first time mines have been reported in the area.
“Prolonged military operations in eastern states bordering Thailand increased mine contamination; Burmese migrants gave first reports of mine contamination in Mandalay division,” said the report.
The ICBL also stated that the closing of five International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) field offices failed to serve conflict casualties in border areas.
Landmines in Burma are deployed mainly near borders with Thailand, Bangladesh and India, and in eastern parts of the country marked by decades-old struggles by ethnic minorities for autonomy. Ten of Burma’s 14 states and divisions suffer from some degree of mine contamination, primarily antipersonnel mines, the report stated.
The Burmese military junta has not acceded to the international Mine Ban Treaty, one of 17 countries that abstained from voting on UN General Assembly Resolution 61/84 on December 6, 2006, said the report.
At the time, the Burmese junta stated: “We oppose the indiscriminate use of antipersonnel mines which causes death and injury to innocent people all over the world. At the same time, Myanmar [Burma] believes that all states have the right to self-defense.”
Top ILO Official in Burma
By WAI MOE
The Irrawaddy News - www.irrawaddy.org
February 25, 2008 - A top official from the International Labor Organization (ILO) is today in Burma to meet with Burmese officials regarding extending an agreement relating to forced labor, according to the ILO office in Rangoon.
An official who spoke on anonymity at the ILO Rangoon office told The Irrawaddy on Monday that Kari Tapiola, an executive director with the ILO, is in Rangoon along with ILO liaison officer for Burma, Steven Marshall, and met with staff at the Rangoon office on Monday.
Tapiola is scheduled to visit Burma’s new capital, Naypyidaw, and to meet with junta officials on Tuesday. During a four-day visit he is expected to talk about the extension of an agreement regarding a complaints mechanism between the ILO and the Burmese military government, which will expire on February 26.
Under the terms of the agreement, which was concluded in February 2007, the ILO liaison officer can direct complaints by the victims of forced labor without any retaliatory action against them.
“The current activities of the ILO in Myanmar [Burma] are governed by an understanding between the government of the Union of Myanmar and the International Labour Office concerning the appointment of an ILO Liaison Officer in Myanmar,” said the ILO official website.
“According to this understanding, the liaison officer’s role covers all activities relevant to ensuring the prompt and effective elimination of forced labor in the country.”
The “understanding” reached by the ILO and the regime allows alleged victims of forced labor to lodge complaints with the liaison officer without fear of retaliation. The regime also pledges to investigate complaints.
Aung Kyaw Soe, a member of a human rights group in Burma, the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP), said that opening a liaison office in Burma is important to deter forced labor in the country.
“People in rural areas were not so afraid after they heard there was an office where they could complain about forced labor,” he said.
However, he added that villagers in Irrawaddy Division filed a complaint about forced labor in Hinthada Township in April 2007 to the ILO office. As result, an activist, Myint Naing, was beaten by thugs backed by local authorities for his role in encouraging villagers to report the issue to the ILO. Myint Naing was later arrested and sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
In the three months since the establishment of the complaint mechanism from February to May 2007, the ILO office in Rangoon received a total of 20 complaints—six from Rangoon division, five from Irrawaddy Division, four from Magwe Division, two from Pegu and one each from Chin, Kachin and Arakan states.
The Irrawaddy News - www.irrawaddy.org
February 25, 2008 - A top official from the International Labor Organization (ILO) is today in Burma to meet with Burmese officials regarding extending an agreement relating to forced labor, according to the ILO office in Rangoon.
An official who spoke on anonymity at the ILO Rangoon office told The Irrawaddy on Monday that Kari Tapiola, an executive director with the ILO, is in Rangoon along with ILO liaison officer for Burma, Steven Marshall, and met with staff at the Rangoon office on Monday.
Tapiola is scheduled to visit Burma’s new capital, Naypyidaw, and to meet with junta officials on Tuesday. During a four-day visit he is expected to talk about the extension of an agreement regarding a complaints mechanism between the ILO and the Burmese military government, which will expire on February 26.
Under the terms of the agreement, which was concluded in February 2007, the ILO liaison officer can direct complaints by the victims of forced labor without any retaliatory action against them.
“The current activities of the ILO in Myanmar [Burma] are governed by an understanding between the government of the Union of Myanmar and the International Labour Office concerning the appointment of an ILO Liaison Officer in Myanmar,” said the ILO official website.
“According to this understanding, the liaison officer’s role covers all activities relevant to ensuring the prompt and effective elimination of forced labor in the country.”
The “understanding” reached by the ILO and the regime allows alleged victims of forced labor to lodge complaints with the liaison officer without fear of retaliation. The regime also pledges to investigate complaints.
Aung Kyaw Soe, a member of a human rights group in Burma, the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP), said that opening a liaison office in Burma is important to deter forced labor in the country.
“People in rural areas were not so afraid after they heard there was an office where they could complain about forced labor,” he said.
However, he added that villagers in Irrawaddy Division filed a complaint about forced labor in Hinthada Township in April 2007 to the ILO office. As result, an activist, Myint Naing, was beaten by thugs backed by local authorities for his role in encouraging villagers to report the issue to the ILO. Myint Naing was later arrested and sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
In the three months since the establishment of the complaint mechanism from February to May 2007, the ILO office in Rangoon received a total of 20 complaints—six from Rangoon division, five from Irrawaddy Division, four from Magwe Division, two from Pegu and one each from Chin, Kachin and Arakan states.
Myanmar Times to Publish Burmese Daily
By MIN LWIN
The Irrawaddy News - www.irrawaddy.org
February 25, 2008 - The Myanmar Times, a weekly business newspaper with close ties to Burma’s ruling junta, may soon get permission to publish the country’s first privately owned daily newspaper since the military seized power in 1962, according to sources in Rangoon.
A source close to The Myanmar Times confirmed that it now seemed very likely that the paper would get the go-ahead to publish a Burmese-language daily newspaper soon after the regime holds a national referendum scheduled to take place in May.
However, officials at the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division (PSRD), Burma’s censorship board, would not comment on reports that the government was set to approve The Myanmar Times’ request for permission to publish on a daily basis.
“I don’t know,” said an official at the office of Maj Tint Swe, director of the PSRD, when contacted by The Irrawaddy. The official immediately hung up without further comment.
All national newspapers were nationalized after the army first seized power in 1962. Since then, no private publisher has been given permission to publish a daily newspaper.
The Myanmar Times is a semi-official publication run by Australian Ross Dunkley, who has maintained close relations with regime officials since the paper was founded in 2000.
Although his original patron, Gen Khin Nyunt, was sacked as prime minister in 2004 and subsequently placed under house arrest, Dunkley has managed to retain a relatively privileged place in the country’s restrictive publishing industry.
According to a Rangoon-based editor who is close to The Myanmar Times, Dunkley has a “cordial relationship” with Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.
The move to allow The Myanmar Times to provide daily coverage was described by journalists in the former Burmese capital as part of a public-relations offensive by the Burmese regime.
“If the regime allows Dunkley to publish a newspaper, it will become a colorful mouthpiece of the junta,” said one editor. “He is an apologist of the junta, keeping real news of what’s going on in Burma under the carpet.”
In January this year Dunkley wrote an editorial unequivocally supporting the regime’s seven-point “road map” in his paper.
The Myanmar Times was founded by Dunkley and Sonny Swe, son of high-ranking military intelligence officer Brig-Gen Thein Swe. Sonny Swe was arrested in 2004 and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for corruption.
In 2005, Sonny Swe’s shares in Myanmar Consolidated Media, which owns The Myanmar Times, were bought by well-known publisher Dr Tin Tun Oo, secretary of the state-sponsored Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association.
The Irrawaddy News - www.irrawaddy.org
February 25, 2008 - The Myanmar Times, a weekly business newspaper with close ties to Burma’s ruling junta, may soon get permission to publish the country’s first privately owned daily newspaper since the military seized power in 1962, according to sources in Rangoon.
A source close to The Myanmar Times confirmed that it now seemed very likely that the paper would get the go-ahead to publish a Burmese-language daily newspaper soon after the regime holds a national referendum scheduled to take place in May.
However, officials at the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division (PSRD), Burma’s censorship board, would not comment on reports that the government was set to approve The Myanmar Times’ request for permission to publish on a daily basis.
“I don’t know,” said an official at the office of Maj Tint Swe, director of the PSRD, when contacted by The Irrawaddy. The official immediately hung up without further comment.
All national newspapers were nationalized after the army first seized power in 1962. Since then, no private publisher has been given permission to publish a daily newspaper.
The Myanmar Times is a semi-official publication run by Australian Ross Dunkley, who has maintained close relations with regime officials since the paper was founded in 2000.
Although his original patron, Gen Khin Nyunt, was sacked as prime minister in 2004 and subsequently placed under house arrest, Dunkley has managed to retain a relatively privileged place in the country’s restrictive publishing industry.
According to a Rangoon-based editor who is close to The Myanmar Times, Dunkley has a “cordial relationship” with Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.
The move to allow The Myanmar Times to provide daily coverage was described by journalists in the former Burmese capital as part of a public-relations offensive by the Burmese regime.
“If the regime allows Dunkley to publish a newspaper, it will become a colorful mouthpiece of the junta,” said one editor. “He is an apologist of the junta, keeping real news of what’s going on in Burma under the carpet.”
In January this year Dunkley wrote an editorial unequivocally supporting the regime’s seven-point “road map” in his paper.
The Myanmar Times was founded by Dunkley and Sonny Swe, son of high-ranking military intelligence officer Brig-Gen Thein Swe. Sonny Swe was arrested in 2004 and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for corruption.
In 2005, Sonny Swe’s shares in Myanmar Consolidated Media, which owns The Myanmar Times, were bought by well-known publisher Dr Tin Tun Oo, secretary of the state-sponsored Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association.
Cement Factory Accused of Destroying Antiquities
By LAWI WENG/ SANKHLABURI
The Irrawaddy News - www.irrawaddy.org
February 25, 2008 - Mining work by a Burmese government-owned cement factory is destroying ancient Buddha images and votive tablets in a cave near Hpa-an, capital of Karen State, according to historians and local residents.
The Kawgun cave—a natural lime stone cavern, 200ft high and 300ft long—is located near a village of the same name, two miles from Hpa-an. It contains many images and artifacts that historians say date from the Pyu era, spanning the period from the first century to the ninth century AD.
Although the department of archeology of Burma’s Ministry of Culture has prohibited mining and excavations near religious sites, residents say the government-owned Myaingkalay cement factory, situated on the west bank of the Salween River, routinely blasts the mountains of the Kawgun area to extract material.
Residents say the blasting dislodges the Kawgun cave’s Buddha statuettes and other historical objects. "Buddha statues are broken day after day, and we feel very frustrated,” a monk told The Irrawaddy. “We want to repair the damage, but it should be the responsibility of the department of archeology."
The Irrawaddy was unable to obtain any reaction from the Naypyidaw-based department.
The Irrawaddy News - www.irrawaddy.org
February 25, 2008 - Mining work by a Burmese government-owned cement factory is destroying ancient Buddha images and votive tablets in a cave near Hpa-an, capital of Karen State, according to historians and local residents.
The Kawgun cave—a natural lime stone cavern, 200ft high and 300ft long—is located near a village of the same name, two miles from Hpa-an. It contains many images and artifacts that historians say date from the Pyu era, spanning the period from the first century to the ninth century AD.
Although the department of archeology of Burma’s Ministry of Culture has prohibited mining and excavations near religious sites, residents say the government-owned Myaingkalay cement factory, situated on the west bank of the Salween River, routinely blasts the mountains of the Kawgun area to extract material.
Residents say the blasting dislodges the Kawgun cave’s Buddha statuettes and other historical objects. "Buddha statues are broken day after day, and we feel very frustrated,” a monk told The Irrawaddy. “We want to repair the damage, but it should be the responsibility of the department of archeology."
The Irrawaddy was unable to obtain any reaction from the Naypyidaw-based department.
US Treasury slaps more sanctions on Myanmar firms
By David Lawder
Editing by David Storey
(Adds Bush statement, Treasury official comment, details)
WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The Bush administration, tightening pressure on Myanmar over human rights abuses, on Monday announced more economic sanctions against businesses and individuals linked to the country's military leaders.
The U.S. Treasury Department said it was banning Americans from doing business with Asia World Co Ltd, a Myanmar company controlled by Steven Law and his father, Lo Hsing Han, who it said was a big figure in the international heroin trade.
The Treasury described both men as "financial operatives" of the Myanmar regime.
It was the fourth set of sanctions under an executive order issued last year in response to Myanmar's military crackdown against protesters and included a freeze on any assets the firms and individuals may have under U.S. jurisdiction.
Myanmar's junta in September crushed the biggest pro-democracy protests in nearly 20 years, killing at least 20 people, according to Human Rights Watch. Western governments say the toll may be much higher.
"The situation in Burma remains deplorable," U.S. President George W. Bush said in a statement, and called for concerted international pressure on Myanmar to achieve a "genuine transition to democracy."
"The regime has rejected calls from its own people and the international community to begin a genuine dialogue with the opposition and ethnic minority groups. Arrests and secret trials of peaceful political activists continue," Bush said.
The Treasury said Law and his father, Lo, had a history of illicit activities that supported the Myanmar junta. It called Lo as the "Godfather of Heroin" who has been one of the world's top traffickers of the the drug since the early 1970s.
In 1992, Lo founded Asia World Co Ltd. a company that has received numerous lucrative government concessions, including construction of ports, highways and government facilities, the Treasury said.
Law now serves as managing director of the company, and the sanctions were extended to his wife, Cecelia Ng. The Treasury also blacklisted 10 Singapore-based companies owned by Ng, including property firm Golden Aaron Pte Ltd.
The Treasury designated two hotel chains owned by Myanmar tycoon Tay Za, who was blacklisted in an earlier round of financial sanctions, the Aureum Palace Hotels and Resorts and Myanmar Treasure Resorts
The sanctions have drawn a less than enthusiastic public reaction from Myanmar's southeast Asian neighbors, including Singapore, a key financial center in the region. Impoverished Laos and Cambodia have denounced the U.S. moves.
Nonetheless, Adam Szubin director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets control, said some governments in the region were quietly cooperating.
"It's incumbent on financial institutions and governments to take steps to keep dirty money out of their banks and their financial systems. We see indeed financial institutions and governments taking those steps, sometimes not in the public view," Szubin told reporters.
Editing by David Storey
(Adds Bush statement, Treasury official comment, details)
WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The Bush administration, tightening pressure on Myanmar over human rights abuses, on Monday announced more economic sanctions against businesses and individuals linked to the country's military leaders.
The U.S. Treasury Department said it was banning Americans from doing business with Asia World Co Ltd, a Myanmar company controlled by Steven Law and his father, Lo Hsing Han, who it said was a big figure in the international heroin trade.
The Treasury described both men as "financial operatives" of the Myanmar regime.
It was the fourth set of sanctions under an executive order issued last year in response to Myanmar's military crackdown against protesters and included a freeze on any assets the firms and individuals may have under U.S. jurisdiction.
Myanmar's junta in September crushed the biggest pro-democracy protests in nearly 20 years, killing at least 20 people, according to Human Rights Watch. Western governments say the toll may be much higher.
"The situation in Burma remains deplorable," U.S. President George W. Bush said in a statement, and called for concerted international pressure on Myanmar to achieve a "genuine transition to democracy."
"The regime has rejected calls from its own people and the international community to begin a genuine dialogue with the opposition and ethnic minority groups. Arrests and secret trials of peaceful political activists continue," Bush said.
The Treasury said Law and his father, Lo, had a history of illicit activities that supported the Myanmar junta. It called Lo as the "Godfather of Heroin" who has been one of the world's top traffickers of the the drug since the early 1970s.
In 1992, Lo founded Asia World Co Ltd. a company that has received numerous lucrative government concessions, including construction of ports, highways and government facilities, the Treasury said.
Law now serves as managing director of the company, and the sanctions were extended to his wife, Cecelia Ng. The Treasury also blacklisted 10 Singapore-based companies owned by Ng, including property firm Golden Aaron Pte Ltd.
The Treasury designated two hotel chains owned by Myanmar tycoon Tay Za, who was blacklisted in an earlier round of financial sanctions, the Aureum Palace Hotels and Resorts and Myanmar Treasure Resorts
The sanctions have drawn a less than enthusiastic public reaction from Myanmar's southeast Asian neighbors, including Singapore, a key financial center in the region. Impoverished Laos and Cambodia have denounced the U.S. moves.
Nonetheless, Adam Szubin director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets control, said some governments in the region were quietly cooperating.
"It's incumbent on financial institutions and governments to take steps to keep dirty money out of their banks and their financial systems. We see indeed financial institutions and governments taking those steps, sometimes not in the public view," Szubin told reporters.
Panel to discuss divestment from Burma
By York’s Daily Bulletin
February 25, 2008 - What should York University do about investments that may involve Burma?
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, the University Colloquium on the Global South will hold a symposium entitled "Funding the Generals? York Investments in Burma" in York Lanes Room 305 on the Keele campus, from 2:30-4:30pm.
Activists argue that by investing in companies doing business in Burma, universities like York are complicit in maintaining the military regime there. Although the proportion involved is very small, York University may hold shares in some companies active in Burma through its pension fund and endowment funds.
With a campaign building on campus aimed at convincing York to divest from companies doing business in Burma, this panel aims to foster discussion about the impact of such investments, strategies for successful divestment, and the financial implications of pulling out of select stocks for ethical reasons.
The panel will be chaired by Walter Whiteley, the York University Faculty Association’s nominee on the York Pension Fund board of trustees and a member of the York Coalition for Responsible Investment, and will include Tin Maung Htoo, national director of the Canadian Friends of Burma, and Nick Brown, a financial analyst with Innovest Strategic Value Advisors.
http://www.yorku.ca/yfile/archive/index.asp?Article=10020
February 25, 2008 - What should York University do about investments that may involve Burma?
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, the University Colloquium on the Global South will hold a symposium entitled "Funding the Generals? York Investments in Burma" in York Lanes Room 305 on the Keele campus, from 2:30-4:30pm.
Activists argue that by investing in companies doing business in Burma, universities like York are complicit in maintaining the military regime there. Although the proportion involved is very small, York University may hold shares in some companies active in Burma through its pension fund and endowment funds.
With a campaign building on campus aimed at convincing York to divest from companies doing business in Burma, this panel aims to foster discussion about the impact of such investments, strategies for successful divestment, and the financial implications of pulling out of select stocks for ethical reasons.
The panel will be chaired by Walter Whiteley, the York University Faculty Association’s nominee on the York Pension Fund board of trustees and a member of the York Coalition for Responsible Investment, and will include Tin Maung Htoo, national director of the Canadian Friends of Burma, and Nick Brown, a financial analyst with Innovest Strategic Value Advisors.
http://www.yorku.ca/yfile/archive/index.asp?Article=10020
The reasons to oppose the Junta’s constitution draft (Part 1)
Original by Ko Htike, Translated by Myint Yee
Brief History of 104 Amendments
As of section (13/92), the National Constitution Committee was created in 1992, October 2nd.
The 6 objectives of the constitutions were
1) The unity of the state
2) The unity of tribes in the state
3) The legislative power of the state
4) To attain the multi-party democracy system
5) To promote the general welfare, freedom and justice
6) To recognize the role of army in the future policies of the nation
Below are the reasons why this constitution is against democracy reform process.
For the constitution, eight groups were created, and five in a group take turns to moderate the sections. The groups are;
1) The selected assembly
2) Tribal Representatives
3) Agricultural Group
4) Labor Unions
5) Well-educated Representatives
6) Government Employee Group
7) Representatives from political parties
8) Other Invited Parties
Amongst these eight groups, only the selected assembly and Political Parties Representatives were elected by people. Therefore, the other six groups were chosen undemocratically.
The representatives from the other six groups were handpicked by Military Government, not by Burmese people. Therefore, their voices do not represent Burmese people.
Some representatives in those groups are linked to Junta. Through them, the constitution draft involves the elements that are in favor of Junta’s preferences. However, the proposals from people elected groups are different from them and swayed away from six objectives listed above.
Picking on the objectives, the commissioner and moderators in charge have right to reject the proposed elements. Since the structure of drafting committee is undemocratic, you can see that the roles of people selected groups are not effective.
When most of the proposals from NLD and tribal representatives were rejected and Pro-Junta group’s [...] proposals were approved into constitution, NLD party left the meeting. The tribal representatives remained as listening bodies.
Soon after NLD left the meeting, Junta’s Solidarity and Development Association staged pro-constitution draft rally and made 104 Amendments official themselves. However, the constitution meeting was stopped in 1994.
To be continued…
P.S.
This 104 amendments were distributed by Minister of Media Kyaw San and the critiques are written by Attorney General U Aung Toe. We are just distributing what is out there. The parts in black are their constitution draft, organized by Kyaw San and the parts in red are critiques from Attorney General U Aung Toe.
Brief History of 104 Amendments
As of section (13/92), the National Constitution Committee was created in 1992, October 2nd.
The 6 objectives of the constitutions were
1) The unity of the state
2) The unity of tribes in the state
3) The legislative power of the state
4) To attain the multi-party democracy system
5) To promote the general welfare, freedom and justice
6) To recognize the role of army in the future policies of the nation
Below are the reasons why this constitution is against democracy reform process.
For the constitution, eight groups were created, and five in a group take turns to moderate the sections. The groups are;
1) The selected assembly
2) Tribal Representatives
3) Agricultural Group
4) Labor Unions
5) Well-educated Representatives
6) Government Employee Group
7) Representatives from political parties
8) Other Invited Parties
Amongst these eight groups, only the selected assembly and Political Parties Representatives were elected by people. Therefore, the other six groups were chosen undemocratically.
The representatives from the other six groups were handpicked by Military Government, not by Burmese people. Therefore, their voices do not represent Burmese people.
Some representatives in those groups are linked to Junta. Through them, the constitution draft involves the elements that are in favor of Junta’s preferences. However, the proposals from people elected groups are different from them and swayed away from six objectives listed above.
Picking on the objectives, the commissioner and moderators in charge have right to reject the proposed elements. Since the structure of drafting committee is undemocratic, you can see that the roles of people selected groups are not effective.
When most of the proposals from NLD and tribal representatives were rejected and Pro-Junta group’s [...] proposals were approved into constitution, NLD party left the meeting. The tribal representatives remained as listening bodies.
Soon after NLD left the meeting, Junta’s Solidarity and Development Association staged pro-constitution draft rally and made 104 Amendments official themselves. However, the constitution meeting was stopped in 1994.
To be continued…
P.S.
This 104 amendments were distributed by Minister of Media Kyaw San and the critiques are written by Attorney General U Aung Toe. We are just distributing what is out there. The parts in black are their constitution draft, organized by Kyaw San and the parts in red are critiques from Attorney General U Aung Toe.
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