Please Help Burma

2010-11-08T16:52:00.000+11:00

Thai soldiers take cover as they react to explosions and sounds of gunfire at the Thai border with Myanmar in Mae Sot November 8, 2010. A clash erupted between ethnic minority Karen rebels and government soldiers in Myanmar's Myawaddy town opposite the Thai border town of Mae Sot, Reuters witnesses on the Thai side of the border said. Several rockets or mortar bombs fell on the Thai side, a witness said. There were no reports of casualties. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

A Thai soldier and a migrant worker from Myanmar take cover as they react to explosions and sounds of gunfire at the Thai border with Myanmar in Mae Sot November 8, 2010. A clash erupted between ethnic minority Karen rebels and government soldiers in Myanmar's Myawaddy town opposite the Thai border town of Mae Sot, Reuters witnesses on the Thai side of the border said. Several rockets or mortar bombs fell on the Thai side, a witness said. There were no reports of casualties. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

A woman with Thanaka paste on her face rests after crossing over from Myanmar when a battle erupted between Myanmar's soldiers and rebels, at the Thai border town of Mae Sot November 8, 2010. A clash erupted between ethnic minority Karen rebels and government soldiers in Myanmar's Myawaddy town opposite the Thai border town of Mae Sot, Reuters witnesses on the Thai side of the border said. Several rockets or mortar bombs fell on the Thai side, a witness said. There were no reports of casualties. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

A Thai police stands guard over a group of people, who crossed over from Myanmar when a battle erupted between Myanmar's soldiers and rebels, at the Thai border town of Mae Sot November 8, 2010. A clash erupted between ethnic minority Karen rebels and government soldiers in Myanmar's Myawaddy town opposite the Thai border town of Mae Sot, Reuters witnesses on the Thai side of the border said. Several rockets or mortar bombs fell on the Thai side, a witness said. There were no reports of casualties. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

A woman holds her child after crossing over from Myanmar when a battle erupted between Myanmar's soldiers and rebels, at the Thai border town of Mae Sot November 8, 2010. A clash erupted between ethnic minority Karen rebels and government soldiers in Myanmar's Myawaddy town opposite the Thai border town of Mae Sot, Reuters witnesses on the Thai side of the border said. Several rockets or mortar bombs fell on the Thai side, a witness said. There were no reports of casualties. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

WHERE IS VICE SENIOR GENERAL MAUNG AYE?

2010-10-24T12:09:00.000+11:00

Please forward

By: Roland Watson, roland@dictatorwatch.org
October 23, 2010

Dictator Watch has received information that the number two general in Burma’s military junta, Vice Senior General Maung Aye, was placed under house arrest on August 27th. We have had this information for some weeks, but did not publish it earlier because there was no confirmation. While we still do not have confirmation, Maung Aye’s absence from the SPDC’s media since this date makes us increasingly inclined to believe that it is true.
A silent purge has been conducted by Senior General Than Shwe of his subordinate officer, under the cover of a broad military reshuffle.

It is revealing how the reshuffle developed. First, it was reported on August 27th that both Than Shwe and Maung Aye would retire. Then, the next day it was reported that they had in fact retired. But, a list of personnel changes published on September 1st failed to confirm this. Instead, it was reported that Than Shwe would retire sometime in September, which event did not occur, and with no mention of Maung Aye. Now, in late October, it has been reported that some of the generals who were forced to resign are upset that the top two generals have not yet done so.

We have previously reported that there was a split at the top of the SPDC between Than Shwe and Maung Aye, over the latter’s unwillingness to retire. As we understand it, Maung Aye was also more inclined to support negotiation with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and resisted attacking the ceasefire groups that refused to transform to Border Guard Forces. Such ideas are anathema to Than Shwe. He will never talk to Daw Suu, and he wants to attack the Wa and the Kachin, among others. Now, with Maung Aye out of the way, it appears that he has prevailed. Impending conflict is therefore much more likely, and may be funded by the new $4 billion dollar loan from China, notwithstanding Beijing’s supposed reluctance to see conflict across its border.

Than Shwe’s purging of Maung Aye and his refusal to retire also has significance for the upcoming election. He has no intention whatsoever of allowing any truly democratic developments in Burma, and will retain absolute control until he dies. Anyone who believes that good can come from the election is like a deer in a truck’s headlights waiting to be run over and killed. The only appropriate response is to oppose the election:

To boycott the vote

It is essential that Burmese pro-democracy media, including DVB, Irrawaddy, Mizzima, BNI, etc., secretly monitor polling places and calculate how few people vote and therefore how the entire exercise, and the individuals supposedly elected to office, are frauds.

DICTATOR WATCH
www.dictatorwatch.org

BURMA FREEDOM SITUATION REPORT

2010-08-13T09:25:00.001+10:00

By Roland Watson
August 12, 2010

Introduction

Burma has a substantial population, believed to number above fifty million people. For context, Israel and Palestine have eleven million. Afghanistan, which is about the same size as Burma, has twenty-nine million. Iraq, with a third less territory, has thirty-one million.

Inside Burma, everyone - except the small cabal of generals and their cronies who rule the country - is suffering. The Burmese people are suffocated by fear. Anyone is subject to arrest and torture, and at any time. Moreover, there is general but severe deprivation in food, education and health care. Large regions are also war zones, with the Burma Army perpetrating scorched earth attacks against ethnic minority villagers, which attacks constitute nothing less than crimes against humanity.

A basic comparison, then, of Burma with Israel and Palestine, Afghanistan, and Iraq, suggests that the situation in the country should have far greater prominence. For years, though, international concern with the crisis in Burma has been small. This is now changing. Burma pro-democracy leaders, resistance forces and activists, by creating a great amount of publicity and pressure, have been able to force the problems in the country onto the international stage.

In fact, there is so much going on now about Burma that it is difficult to keep track, especially of what is significant. For example, many things that are not significant are being given undue attention by Burmese and international media and commentators. Foremost of these is the SPDC’s plan to have an “election,” and the actions of the different pro-junta parties that have announced they will participate.

This entire event is a charade. It is a psychological warfare operation conceived by the dictator of Burma, Than Shwe. Its primary goal is to distract everyone from the real situation in the country, and secondly, to forestall a popular revolution and other decisive bids for pro-democratic change.

For the most part, Than Shwe’s operation is succeeding. Many people are consumed by the election. Few are focused on what will actually be required to free the people of Burma, much less involved in organizing it.

The end of the Senior General?

The true situation is much more complex, and unstable. Than Shwe is under great pressure. He has experienced three major defeats this year. The first of these is that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD rejected the election. This makes it extremely difficult, as they are the legitimate leaders of Burma, for the International Community to accept the result (if and when a vote is ever even held).

Secondly, Than Shwe hatched another plan, to regain control over areas of Burma that had been ceded to various ethnic armies in return for ceasefire deals. He demanded that they reorganize as Border Guard Forces, under Burma Army - read Burman officer - control. But these groups, content with the autonomy that they have experienced since they signed the ceasefires in the mid-1990s, refused to accept the transformation. Further, they actively prepared their troops and villages to defend against Burma Army attacks.

Thirdly, the one ceasefire group of any size that had actually been willing to fight for the Burma Army, the DKBA, is now in the process of splitting over the BGF issue. A major DKBA unit, Brigade 5, has created an alliance with the pro-democracy resistance group, the KNU/KNLA. The split between the Karen that occurred at Manerplaw appears to be healing. And, if pro-SPDC DKBA units, such as Chit Thu’s Brigade 999, attack Brigade 5, there is a likelihood that his rank and file soldiers will change allegiance as well, effectively ending the DKBA. (Some 999 troops are already changing sides.) This would create a unified, potent Karen fighting force in eastern Burma.

There are also two other important factors but which are less well recognized. The first is that the morale of Burma Army troops is extremely low. There have been dozens of instances of desertion and insubordination in the last two years, all over the country, and in the police as well. Many soldiers and police are now demanding early retirement, and repayment of the portions of their pay that have supposedly been invested as pensions. It is because of the morale problem that the Burma Army has not attacked the major ceasefire groups, the Wa and Kachin, not the argument that China objected to the refugee crisis that might develop.

Finally, there is a split at the top of the SPDC over the election. The reason why the election date has not been announced is that this split has not been resolved. Than Shwe’s Roadmap, of which the election is the most important step, is intended to transfer power to a civilian administration. He believes this type of regime will protect him following his retirement. If power remains directly within a military junta, the future leading generals could purge him - and his family - at any time, just as he did to the original dictator of Burma, Ne Win.

The problem of course is that there is no place in this plan for Maung Aye, the second top general of the junta. Maung Aye leads his own clique of officers, and with their own divisions and battalions. The Burma Army - the Tatmadaw - is not unified. It has two major factions, and perhaps a third as well under General Shwe Mann.

The Maung Aye group, fearing arrest, as occurred with former Intelligence chief Khin Nyunt, has refused to retire, and, frankly, there is nothing Than Shwe can do about it. If he tries to move his units against Maung Aye’s, this will constitute civil war within the Tatmadaw, and it will inevitably collapse.

This is the real situation in Burma, and which everyone would do well to contemplate. Than Shwe’s position, underneath the apparent calm, is desperate. The election is a diversion and a farce. Its only true significance is what the lack of a date for the vote reveals.

International pro-dictatorship supporters

Than Shwe has a lot of foreign friends, who do not want to see him fall. These include China, Russia, North Korea and Singapore, and also India and Thailand. Even though the last two are democratic, with governments that presumably would support the aspirations of the Burmese, they do not. India and Thailand fear the unrest that might develop in Burma during a democratic transition, as well as a resurgent free Burma. India also worries that autonomy and separatist claims by ethnic groups such as the Naga in its northeast would be magnified following Burma’s freedom. And, business groups in both countries are profiting heavily from natural resource deals with the SPDC, and for Thailand from exploitation of migrant workers.

The lobbying of multinational corporations, who are blind to if not direct partners in the SPDC’s crimes, has also undermined the foreign policy of the United States, European Union, Japan and Australia. It is not an overstatement to say that these countries and the EU are Than Shwe’s friends as well, and this also applies to ASEAN and the United Nations.

The nuclear solution

Even with all of this international support, Than Shwe’s hold on power is tenuous. The five factors listed earlier (the situation on the ground within Burma's borders right now) are much more important:

- Rejection by DASSK of the election.
- Refusal of the ceasefire groups to transform to BGF.
- Breakup of the DKBA and re-alliance with the KNLA.
- Burma Army morale problem including desertions and unwillingness to follow orders.
- Split at the top of the SPDC.

There is no real solution for Than Shwe to these problems. Freedom and democracy for Burma are coming. In a last-ditch attempt to prevent this historical inevitability, he is trying to produce a nuclear trump card. He is working hard with his allies to obtain a functioning atomic weapon, as quickly as possible. The purpose of this weapon, however, is not - as many have speculated - to deter a United States invasion. Indeed, the nuclear program may push the U.S. to the point where it has to intervene. Rather, if Than Shwe, personally, has his finger on a bomb inside Burma - his mansion connects directly to Naypyidaw’s command bunkers and tunnels - he believes this will protect him even after he retires.

Dictator Watch has published reams of intelligence about the nuclear program over the last four years, and which intel has been confirmed by other sources. The basic situation is that the SPDC is mining uranium, milling at least some of it into Yellow Cake, and then bartering this as well as raw ore to North Korea and we believe also Iran. The junta, with North Korean assistance, and European and Japanese machine tools, is further producing components necessary to enrich uranium to bomb grade, and to extract plutonium from spent reactor fuel that could further be shaped into a bomb core. While construction of a reactor is as yet unconfirmed, the number of officers studying reactor science and operations in Russia is proof that this plan exists.

As expert commentators have pointed out, though, this is still a long-term project, potentially five years or more from yielding a functioning weapon. Than Shwe does not have this much time. He knows it. His regime could fall this year - indeed, at any time. He needs a bomb now.

We believe that this will force him to focus on the enriched uranium route to a bomb instead of the reactor/plutonium path. It would also be amazing if he did not attempt to buy a weapon directly from either China or North Korea. Probably the only thing preventing this type of sale is that both countries would be afraid of supplying one to such an unstable regime. Were it to be detonated, under any circumstances (Thailand beware!), this could easily lead to war in East Asia, and which would bring about their own downfall.

Dictator Watch has received more intelligence about the nuclear program:

- China has signed a long-term lease on the Mo Meik uranium deposit.

- High-grade raw uranium is being transported through China to North Korea.

- In return, North Korea, and with China's direct involvement, is helping the SPDC escalate its atomic weapons program. Factory construction is being accelerated.

Both North Korea and China sent ships to Burma in April. The North Korean shipment at a minimum included equipment for Burma's nuclear factories. The Chinese ship may have as well. Neither was interdicted by the United States.

More such shipments are a certainty, and may have already occurred. We think it is probable, because of the pressure on North Korea following its sinking of a South Korean naval vessel in March, that the plan for the shipments has been modified. Everything that can be transported overland will be sent through China. Some items will first be shipped from North Korea to Chinese ports. Other items will be sent in cargo flights, including from both North Korea and China. Everything that must be sent by sea will be transferred from North Korean ships to Chinese vessels in the China Sea, and then transported all the way to Burma waters, for offloading to Burma Navy vessels. Even though the U.S., under the United Nations sanctions against North Korea, could intervene to disrupt this system, it is unlikely to do so as this would require it to publicly confront China.

The Communist Party of China does not want Burma to become democratic. Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao will actively help Than Shwe obtain an atomic bomb if they believe this is the only viable option to prevent it.

It is also likely, with increased nuclear equipment and material deliveries, and with the thousands of trained scientists returning from Russia, that the junta will vastly expand the nuclear program's management structure. Just as the SPDC now has a missile directorate, we expect a similar directorate for the weapons program will be established, if it is not already operational.

With all of this expansion underway, and against the backdrop of the Tatmadaw’s internal instability, we further expect an increasing flow of defectors and other sources with new intel about the program. Than Shwe will not be able to keep it secret.

The real question, then, is how will the world respond.

Conclusion

It is important never to forget that Burma is a failed state. It is being pillaged by a gang of mass murderers and their international co-conspirators.

There is no real government, only a collection of warlords, both inside the SPDC and in the ceasefire areas. Matched against them is the nonviolent pro-democracy movement, led by Daw Suu and the NLD, and the pro-democracy ethnic resistance armies that are fighting to defend their people.

The most apt analogy of the SPDC is that of a dog pack, but not of a collection of pampered pets. Rather, the generals of the SPDC are like the diseased mongrels that roam city streets, hide on the fringes of poor villages, and scavenge at garbage dumps. These types of dogs are always on the edge of survival, and to increase their chances they form packs. The packs are led by the toughest, meanest dogs, and they defend their territory ruthlessly, killing any intruders. As the top dog in such a pack, your life is not that bad. You get the most food, and mating opportunities. But this lasts only as long as your strength. When it fails, younger dogs in your pack, envious of your position, turn on you, tear you apart, and replace you. It is the law of the jungle - natural law.

Than Shwe is a pack leader but he is getting old. The other top dogs of the junta have their hackles up - they sense opportunity. Than Shwe’s days are numbered, and there is nothing he can do about it. Even a nuclear bomb will not protect him from his fellow generals, and more importantly fifty million angry Burmese.

One of Burma's most respected pro-democracy leaders, U Win Tin, recently commented that no one wants to see more instability in Burma. While in principle we agree with this sentiment, we feel obliged to note that this is not the way the real world works. A true democratic transition - not a “power-sharing” arrangement that allows the dictators to retain some control - cannot occur gradually. There must be a break, as the dictators are defeated, and this break will be accompanied by some form of instability. One would hope that it would be limited to violence within the junta itself, as lower-level officers initiate a pro-democracy coup. Offensives against the Burma Army by the ethnic groups and the ABSDF should also be encouraged.

In summary, and as we have been saying for over a decade, the crisis in Burma cannot be resolved by dialogue and activism alone. It requires revolution. The American colonists revolted over “taxation without representation.” A revolution in Burma to end mass oppression and crimes against humanity is more than justified. It is necessary.

This new issue of Sampsonia Way is all about Burma,

2010-08-03T11:30:00.001+10:00

Please click on the magazine to open it.
	Silent Meditation/G20 Summit > Burmese Media Revolution: Shouts for freedom from exile By Silvia Duarte The Monks' Exodus By Silvia Duarte City of Asylum Hosts Monks From Burma to Brentwood: Refugees Create a Sense of Community in Pittsburgh By Elizabeth Hoover Wendy Law-Yone: Banishment from certain states is a form of salvation By Silvia Duarte Elizabeth Hoover Khet Mar READ MORE...

Myanmar restricts political activity ahead of polls

2010-06-24T05:04:00.000+10:00

(AFP News)YANGON — Members of political parties contesting Myanmar's first elections in two decades will be banned from marching, waving flags and chanting to garner support, under rules announced Wednesday.

The directive, which did not reveal a date for the polls, requires party members who want to gather and deliver speeches at places other than their offices to apply for a permit one week in advance, according to state media.

The rules prohibit "the act of marching to the designated gathering point and the venue holding flags, or marching and chanting slogans in procession" in a bid to enlist members, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper said.

Parties must have at least 1,000 members to contest the nationwide election.

Holding knives, weapons and ammunition are also banned, along with acts that harm security and the rule of law or tarnish the image of the military. Misuse of religion for political gains is also not allowed, state media said.

Critics have dismissed the election -- which is scheduled for some time later this year -- as a sham due to laws that have effectively barred opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from participating.

The United States said Tuesday that the polls will "not be free or fair and will lack international legitimacy".

Suu Kyi's party won the last polls in 1990 but was never allowed to take office. Her National League for Democracy (NLD) was forcibly dissolved last month under widely criticised laws governing the polls.

The NLD refused to meet a May 6 deadline to re-register as a party -- a move that would have forced it to expel Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest -- and is boycotting the vote.

Under election legislation unveiled in March, anyone serving a prison term is banned from being a member of a political party and parties that fail to obey the rule will be abolished.

The latest directive for drumming up support among voters has upset some parties who fear they will make it harder to connect with people.

"The political parties will be in a tight corner because of these rules," said Ye Tun, chairman of the 88th Generation Student Youths (Union of Myanmar), which despite its name is pro-government.

"We are in difficult position to work in some places. They restricted our movements such as holding flags."

But other parties welcomed the rules, saying they could have been even more restrictive.

"We can transform from party politics to people politics if we can get in touch with the people through party meetings," said Phyo Min Thein, chairman of the Union Democratic Party.

A faction from within the disbanded NLD has applied to form a new political party, to be called the National Democratic Force, in a bid to advance the movement's two-decade campaign to end military rule.

According to official figures, 36 out of 42 groups which have applied to form political parties have been registered.

New Life

2010-06-22T10:55:00.001+10:00

Happenings at City of Asylum/Pittsburgh: An Update on Khet Mar’s New Life

Khet Mar and her two sons in Rangoon, Burma
Photo: © Than Htay Maung

Arriving here in March 2009, Khet Mar, City of Asylum/Pittsburgh’s current writer-in-residence, journeyed with her family on a 45-hour trip from her home in Rangoon, Burma all the way to Sampsonia Way. Living with her husband Than Htay Maung and two sons, Khet Mar has resided on Sampsonia Way now for just over a year.

Since she was young, Khet Mar has written short stories, essays, and poems and continues to do so today on Sampsonia Way. Currently writing a short story, she is preparing to write her very second novel. But, at this point she is still trying to organize her thoughts.

Coming up in July, Khet Mar plans to partake in two readings of her previous work. She normally takes part in readings at local high schools, universities, museums, and at literary discussions about the Burmese community.

One of Khet Mar’s most recent hobbies since moving to America has been her garden.

“I’m currently planting flowers and vegetables in my backyard. I love gardening and seeing flowers grow. I walk in my neighborhood’s streets almost everyday and see the flowers that others have planted. I enjoy doing this a lot. One of my favorite places is my garden, where I can talk with the flowers and the plants. Another favorite place of mine is the bedroom, where I can travel in my thoughts and where I can just read.”

Khet Mar and her family in front of downtown Pittsburgh
Photo: © Khet Mar

Khet Mar’s family is making sure they keep equally as busy with their new lives in Pittsburgh. While Khet Mar writes, her husband is painting a mural on the side of their home, and their children attending school and will soon go to summer camp. Both Khet Mar and her husband are studying at the GPLC (Greater Pittsburgh Literary Council) to help improve their written and spoken English.

“My family likes Pittsburgh very much. I like it too. A class mate of mine, who came here from Poland, told me she feels like the people from Pittsburgh are not welcoming to her family. I do not know what the difference is between her family and my family because not only the people of Pittsburgh but, also the rivers, bridges, trees and flowers welcomed us warmly.”

“Sometimes, I am thinking that I am in a dream. As a young woman who grew up in a fishing village and learned how difficult it was to survive; I never expected that kind of life I now have at City of Asylum/Pittsburgh. Now I am living safely and peacefully in the most livable city in the US. Our luck is very difficult to believe.”

Burmese tycoon brokered arms deal with China

2010-06-21T03:21:00.001+10:00

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Burma’s richest business tycoon and close ally of despotic ruler Senior General Than Shwe, went to China early this month to broker a deal enabling the regime to buy 50 multi-role jet bombers for its air force, trusted sources said.

Tay Za was also spotted at the Kunming regional trade fare on June 7, in China’s southern province of Yunnan. The purpose of his visit was to help the Burmese regime acquire the K-8 Karakorum, a two-seat intermediate jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed in a joint venture between China and Pakistan.

Estimates for the price of the aircraft vary widely. Last October, Bolivia announced that it would spend US$57.8 million to buy six of the planes. According to Jane’s Defence Weekly the deal also included “two spare engines, a KTS2000BW test vehicle, an Interactive Multimedia Instructor system, initial spare [parts], training and maintenance equipment”.

Since then, Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez had announced on June 7 that his government would spend US$82 million on 18 of the planes. The air force of the country on the northern coast of South America already has at least 200 aircraft.

The Burmese Air Force had bought 12 K-8 Karakorum. Sources close to the air force told Mizzima that Burma’s rulers want more ground attack fighters than strategic fighters such as the Russian-made MiG-29 or its Chinese-built version, the F-5. Such ground attack fighters could be used to intimidate ethnic groups under ceasefire which have refused to bring their troops under the supervision of the junta’s Border Guard Force.

Aircraft part of a mystery deal announced by Hongdu Aviation in September?

Last year Jane’s Defence Industry (also part of the Jane’s Intelligence group) reported that K-8’s Chinese manufacturer Hongdu Aviation had released a cryptic statement in September saying it had just secured a contract with an “unnamed Asian country” to export 60 K-8 planes. According to Jane’s, the statement disclosed that a deal had been struck between Hongdu, the mystery Asian nation and China’s National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation on September 6 at Hongdu’s offices in Nanchang, Jiangxi province.

Jane’s speculated that the unnamed Asian partner could be Iran or Indonesia, both seeking to upgrade their air forces. While it is possible that the unnamed partner was in fact the Burmese regime, Mizzima was unable to determine if this was the case.

According to Jane’s the statement Hongdu issued in September disclosed that the deal would transpire in three stages. The first stage would involve the export of 12 aircraft. The second stage would involve the customer acquiring K-8 related technologies, equipment and tools. The third would involve the customer producing the final 48 aircraft under licence locally.

Mizzima has learned that Tay Za was looking to buy an ATR-72 twin-turboprop short-haul regional airliner from Chinese Southern Airlines for his own airline, Air Bagan. He had bought two A-310 Airbuses from China but was unable to use the aircraft because they were grounded in Rangoon for safety reasons.

China is one of the few places where Tay Za can now conduct business transactions with relative ease since he was put on the American, European, Canadian, Australian and Swiss financial sanctions blacklists for Burma. The US government, which commonly refers to Tay Za as “an arms dealer and financial henchman”, was the first Western nation to target the portly tycoon on their black list, citing his close financial ties to Than Shwe and the reclusive dictator’s children. Despite the sanctions against him Tay Za is estimated to have amassed a fortune of more than US$10 billon dollars.

News From Mizzima

Karen-junta troop clashes become online hit

2010-06-21T03:19:00.001+10:00

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Footage of clashes between Karen rebels and the Burmese Army posted on You Tube has become a hit with the Burmese online community.

The video was recorded during running battles between government troops from the 60th Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) and the Karen National Liberation Army’s (KNLA) 3rd Brigade, which took place in last year in Kyaukgyi Township in Pegu Division. It has been posted on You Tube since June 12 and has had 5,200 hits.

A person titled “Maungwto” who is living in Japan posted the video after receiving it from Saw Myo Khaing Shin, a top Karen representative in the country.

“This is my first ever posting of a KNLA battle on You Tube. Previously I posted a battle scene between SPDC and Shan State Army troops in March 2009,” Maungwto told Mizzima.

In the latest posting, seven junta troops and a KNLA soldier were killed, while two were seriously injured, Saw Myo Khaing Yan Shin said.

While You Tube was banned in Burma and internet speeds were still at dial-up-level quality, some people have still managed to download the footage using proxy servers, an internet-savvy youth in Rangoon said.

“I could watch this video clip sent by my friend with e-mail and feel sorry to see … what’s happening in our country,” he said.

IT professionals in Burma said that seeing such video clips on the Net was only possible thanks to new media, which was they said a new development for the country.

Despite tight controls on news media and the internet by the military regime, people are increasingly able to access banned information through new media such as social networking sites including Weblogs, Facebook and mail groups.

“We could receive some news, photos and information almost instantly through blogs, e-mail and Facebook,” a young IT professional from Burma told Mizzima.

Thai-Burmese border town Mae Sot based blogger Dr. Lun Swe examined the impact that Web 2.0 and other new media was having on the Burmese opposition community and those living in exile.

“The role of new media is a playing crucial role in our pro-democracy movement,” he said. “The quickest way to post Burma-related news on the internet is on blogs at home and abroad.”

Use of the new media has increased since the 2007 “saffron revolution”, when monks led nationwide demonstrations, as the Web was one of the only sources of unregulated news and information.

As the military regime tightly controls the flow of information over the internet, people in Burma use proxy servers to bypass censorship and news blackouts.

“These blogs are the earliest source of information and the government is facing difficulty in controlling them, but the quality and reliability of this type of news may be substandard,” Dr. Lun Swe said, without elaborating.

News From Mizzima

World unites to honour Suu Kyi

2010-06-21T03:15:00.001+10:00

Eminent international leaders including Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama have joined thousands of activists and democracy figureheads the world over to honour Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday today.

The Nobel laureate and Burmese opposition leader will celebrate her 65th birthday inside the dilapidated lakeside mansion, where she has been held a prisoner of the Burmese regime for nearly 15 years.

US president Barack Obama said: “I wish to convey my best wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi, the world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Laureate, on the occasion of her 65th birthday on June 19. Her determination, courage, and personal sacrifice in working for human rights and democratic change in Burma inspire all of us who stand for freedom and justice.”

The Elders, a group of prominent global figures founded by Mandela, yesterday left an empty chair for Suu Kyi as a gesture of her honourary membership of the group. Elder member Desmond Tutu lamented the “deep fractures in society” caused by nearly half a century of military rule in Burma, and urged reconciliation to “achieve the peace and prosperity [the Burmese people] deserve.”

Jimmy Carter, former US president and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, said that Suu Kyi remains “a global symbol of moral courage in the face of repression”.

“As she spends yet another year in captivity, we urge the world, and especially Burma/Myanmar’s partners in ASEAN, to recognise that it is an oppressive and misguided regime that excludes her and thousands of other political activists from playing a part in their country’s future.”

ASEAN refers to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, whose policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member states, including Burma, has been heavily criticised.

But perhaps the most striking message was delivered by one of Suu Kyi’s closest confidantes in a letter smuggled out of Burma and given to the Independent. The letter, penned by fellow Burmese pro-democracy icon, Win Tin, began: “I want to repeat and echo her own words”.

It went on to make a passionate plea to the outside world to “use your liberty to promote ours”, a quote first ushered by Suu Kyi in 1997. Win Tin added that Burma, one of the world’s poorest nations, was “starving” for freedom.

A collection of previously unseen photographs of Suu Kyi was published by the Guardian newspaper yesterday to mark her birthday. Gifted to the newspaper by Suu Kyi’s family, it gives a rare glimpse into the life of ‘The Lady’ before her return to Burma in 1988 and subsequent years under house arrest.

Activists from Australia to the Philippines to Britain today and yesterday rallied in tribute to Suu Kyi, urging the Burmese junta to release the 65 year old. But her current spell under house arrest is not due to expire until early 2011, months after Burma’s elections likely further cement the status quo in the country and leave Suu Kyi’s fate in the hands of the military generals.

News From DVB

ၿငိမ္းခ်မ္းေရးရဲ ့ျပယုဂ္ (သို ့မဟုတ္) အေမ ေဒၚေအာင္ဆန္းစုၾကည္

2010-06-18T19:09:00.001+10:00

Myanmar floods, landslides kill 100 in Myanmar, Bangladesh

2010-06-18T08:14:00.000+10:00

Myanmar floods and landslides triggered by incessant monsoon rains in Myanmar and Bangladesh have killed more than 100 people.

Myanmar floods and landslides triggered by incessant monsoon rains in Myanmar and Bangladesh have killed more than 100 people. In this photo taken Wednesday, June 16, a resident wades through floodwaters in Maungdaw, Rakhine State in the western part of Myanmar.

YANGON, Myanmar

Floods and landslides triggered by incessant monsoon rains in Myanmar and Bangladesh have killed more than 100 people, officials and reports said Thursday.

Myanmar: UN rights expert urges release of Aung San Suu Kyi

2010-06-18T08:12:00.000+10:00

Aung San Suu Kyi

17 June 2010 – A United Nations independent human rights expert today urged authorities in Myanmar to immediately release the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and other prisoners of conscience, saying this will help create the conditions for inclusive elections in the Asian nation.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, said in a statement that the country should “heed the call” of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which recently reiterated earlier calls for Ms. Suu Kyi’s release.

“The Working Group has found that the continuous deprivation of Aung San Suu Kyi’s liberty is arbitrary,” he said in the statement, issued in Geneva.

Ms. Suu Kyi, who will turn 65 on Saturday, is the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD). She has been under house arrest for much of the past two decades.

The Working Group has requested that the Government conforms to the norms and principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which forbids arbitrary arrest, closed-court hearings and the suppression of free speech and assembly.

In today’s statement, Mr. Quintana – who serves in an unpaid, independent capacity and reports to the UN Human Rights Council – called on the Government to release all other prisoners of conscience “to create the conditions for an inclusive election process and to demonstrate that it intends to take a more serious and sincere approach to its international obligations to uphold human rights.”

Myanmar is expected to hold polls in October, the first to be held in the country in two decades, as part of a Government-designed timetable towards greater democratization.

Earlier this year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the elections to be “fair, transparent and credible” in which all citizens – including Ms. Suu Kyi – can take part freely.

The Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Myanmar, his Chef de Cabinet Vijay Nambiar, met last week with officials from India, Singapore and China to discuss the issue.

Burmese latest news from newnow.co.uk

2010-06-18T02:36:00.003+10:00

In the last 2 hours

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Myanmar: Floods Situation Report # 2, 17 June 2010 ReliefWeb 15:32

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Burma: Amnesty turns to the power of radio Amnesty International UK (Press Release) 15:02

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The World Prepares to Mark Suu Kyi Birthday The Irrawaddy - News 12:54

4 dead in Myanmar copter crash The Straits Times - Se Asia 12:40

Lethal landslides hit Burma eTravel 11:58

Time to stop the Myanmar junta's nuclear ambitions Zanesville Times Recorder, Ohio 11:38

In the last 8 hours

Disasters hit Bangladesh, Burma Bangkok Post - News 11:23

No Let Up in Human Trafficking from Burma The Irrawaddy - News 11:13

Burmese Foreign Minister Receives Iranian Delegation The Irrawaddy - News 11:02

Myanmar Air Force helicopter crashes, four dead Monsters and Critics 10:57

Burma flood death toll at 46 ReliefWeb 10:43

Break the silence, buy radios for Burma Bloggerheads (Weblog) 10:33

Landslides, floods kill 100 in Bangladesh, Myanmar Radio Netherlands 10:06

Landslides kill scores in Bangladesh and Myanmar Yahoo! US - Asia 10:02

Landslides kill 100 in Burma, Bangladesh WA Today - World 09:35

Today

Condemning Military Election in Burma The Seoul Times 09:16

China endorses Bangladesh-Myanmar road project Irish Sun 09:08

Myanmar: Townships With Known Hazards of Antipersonnel Landmines (as of 15 Jun 2010) (PDF, 686... ReliefWeb - Maps 08:25

Landslides kill 46 in Burma, state TV says National Post - Today's Paper 08:20

Northern Blend: Rainbow of cultures benefits from driver's ed class Greeley Tribune, Colorado - Local News 08:17

Houses swept away in deadly Burma landslides ABC Online 08:09

Many killed by Burma landslides BBC 08:08

46 dead in Myanmar landslides: State media The Statesman - World 08:07

Myanmar: Severe floods kill 42, Govt welcomes int'l assistance ReliefWeb 08:06

46 dead in landslides in Burma: state media Bangkok Post - Asia 07:58

At least 46 dead as Burma hit by floods and landslides Wales Online 07:57

Myanmar''s floods kill at least 46 Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) - Politics 07:51

Dozens killed in Burma floods Mail & Guardian Online - World 07:29

Dozens killed in Burmese floods and landslides Irish Examiner 07:27

Four Dead in Shan State Air Crash The Irrawaddy - News 07:21

Flooding, landslides kill nearly 50 people in Myanmar The Globe and Mail - International 07:00

46 people killed in landslide in Myanmar Rakhine state People's Daily - Business 06:59

Burma taps domestic gas supplies argusmediagroup.com 06:52

Flooding, landslides kill nearly 50 people in Myanmar; northwestern areas being evacuated Fox News Channel 06:45

Landslides and floods kill at least 46 people in Myanmar Monsters and Critics 06:42

Flooding, landslides kill nearly 50 people in Myanmar; Bangladesh toll rises to 56 Baltimore Sun 06:28

Floods, landslides kill 100 in Myanmar, Bangladesh Yahoo News - Weather 06:16

Myanmar: Floods Situation Report # 1 ReliefWeb 06:16

Flooding, landslides kill nearly 50 in Myanmar Washington Post 06:15

Burma Rains Kill 46 As Asia Hit By Floods 95.8 Capital FM 06:08

46 dead in landslides in Burma Bangkok Post - Asia 06:02

4 killed in Myanmar helicopter crash Himalayan Times 05:32

Forty-six dead in landslides in Myanmar: state media Dawn 05:24

46 killed in landslide in Myanmar Irish Sun 05:19

Dozens Dead In Raging Floods And Landslides Sky News - Politics 05:18

Floods in Myanmar kill 46 South China Morning Post 05:16

Landslides kill 100 The Straits Times - Se Asia 04:55

46 dead in landslides in Myanmar: State media Hindustan Times - India 04:36

46 dead in landslides in Myanmar Channel NewsAsia - AsiaPacific 04:29

Thousands of candles remember Aung San Suu Kyi Scoop - News 04:07

The Mekong Delta nations The News International - Opinion 01:49

Myanmar detainees’ charge rejected The Star Online 00:34

Burma among 13 worst for human trafficking: US report

2010-06-18T02:33:00.000+10:00

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Burma is among the 13 countries that fail to meet US minimum standards in fighting the crime of human trafficking, according to the US State Department in its 10th annual trafficking in persons report.

The report released on Monday reviewed global efforts to stop the trade in people and sexual slavery and listed 13 countries, including Iran, North Korea, Burma and Cuba, which were likely to be punished with US sanctions, it said.

Classification of nations, Trafficking in Persons Report 2010 report

Tier 1 Full compliance with the minimum standards of the TVPA
Tier 2 Significant efforts to comply with the TVPA
Tier 2 Watch List (do not fully comply with the TVPA but
are making significant efforts to comply AND:
a) the absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing;
b) there is a failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking from the previous year, including increased investigations, prosecution and convictions of trafficking crimes, increased assistance to victims and decreasing evidence of complicity in severe forms of trafficking by government officials; or,
c) the determination that a country is making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with minimum standards was based on commitments by the country to take additional steps over the next year.
Tier 3 (No efforts to comply with the TVPA)

Source: US State Department

According to the report, despite fears for what happens to Burmese trafficked out of the country, internal trafficking remained the State Department’s most serious concern, and the key factor in keeping Burma in Tier 3.

“The military engages in the unlawful conscription of child soldiers, and continues to be the main perpetrator of forced labour inside Burma,” the report said in its section on Burma. “The direct government and military use of forced or compulsory labour remains a widespread and serious problem, particularly targeting members of ethnic minority groups.

“Military and civilian officials systematically used men, women and children for forced labour for the development of infrastructure and state-run agricultural and commercial ventures, as well as forced portering for the military,” the report said.

Duean Wonsa a project manager with the Anti-Trafficking Co-ordination Unit Northern Thailand (Trafcord) also blamed the junta for Burma’s lack of progress.

“There are overlapping reasons behind the high intensity of human trafficking in Burma, [but] it is mainly the failure of the Burmese dictatorship to provide protection to its nationalities, and the suppression of ethnic minorities [that is at fault],” she said.

She added that other reasons behind high human-trafficking rates in Burma – such as poverty, lack of education and general life skills, lack of information on safe migration and the increase of violence against women and children – “combine to make Burma a prime target for international criminal traffickers”.

A large proportion of those trafficked to neighbouring countries by couriers promising better work were from Burmese ethnic minorities.

NGO project manager, Duean, corroborated the point. “Families are tricked by traffickers, saying that their daughters or sons will have a respectable job in Thailand for example,” she said. “The families are offered money to make them believe, later they were brought and sold, and are forced to work in the sex trade.”

“Burmese workers rank the highest in numbers of human-trafficking victims in Thailand, and more than half of the population we serve originates from Burma,” Duean said. “The remainder are from Thailand, Laos and China, in that order.”

The US also rated the Burmese junta low in its sub-section on prosecution, revealing that the junta’s reporting to observers rarely matched reality, was unjust and that often those who reported cases of forced labour were themselves prosecuted.

“There was only one reported criminal prosecution of a member of the Burma Army for his role in child soldier cases. [Meanwhile], the government continued to incarcerate six individuals who reported forced labour cases involving the regime to the ILO or were otherwise active in working with the ILO on forced labour issues,” the report said, referring to the UN’s International Labour Organisation.

The report also said it was common practice for police to hamper investigations into people with official connections. It further cited a lack of transparency, included under-reporting of abuses and denial of access to public records or court proceedings by independent observers.

“Police can be expected to self-limit investigations when well-connected individuals are involved in forced labour cases,” it said. “Although the government reported four officials prosecuted for involvement in human trafficking in 2009, the government did not release any details of the cases.”

Global human trafficking in figures

Adults and children in forced labour, bonded labour and forced prostitution around the world: 12.3 million
Successful trafficking prosecutions last year: 4,166
Successful prosecutions related to forced labour: 335
Victims identified: 49,105
Ratio of convicted offenders to victims identified, as a percentage: 8.5
Ratio of victims identified to estimated victims, as a percentage: 0.4
Countries that have yet to convict a trafficker under laws in compliance with the Palermo Protocols: 62
Nations without laws, policies or regulations to stop victim deportation: 104
Prevalence of trafficking victims in the world: 1.8 per 1,000 inhabitants
Prevalence in Asia and the Pacific region: 3 per 1,000 inhabitants

Source: US State Department

The ILO last year saw an increase in complaints of forced labour, according to the report, and indicated a lack of follow-up in such cases.

“Ninety-three cases were submitted to the Burmese government for action, an increase from 64 cases in 2008; 54 cases remain open and are awaiting a response from the government,” it said. “Despite a report of a child labour case involving as many as 100 children on an agricultural plantation near Rangoon, the regime did not report any efforts to investigate the allegation.”

The report, further quoting ILO figures, said many victims of forced labour were themselves prosecuted if they had complained about officials.

“Seventeen complainants and their associates in a series of forced labour cases involving 328 farmers in Magway Division were prosecuted and jailed by local authorities for their role in reporting forced labour perpetrated by local government officials,” it said. “Burmese courts later released 13 of the individuals, but four of the complainants remain in prison.”

It added that the national military government failed to act against such abuses.

“The central government did not intervene with local authorities to stop the politically motivated harassment, including lengthy interrogations, of the forced labour complainants,” it said. “Such unaccountable harassment and punishment discouraged additional forced labour complaints.”

On the other hand the Obama administration praised Malaysia and Taiwan for improving efforts to stop sexual and forced-labour exploitation of women and children. The countries rank in Tier 1, up from Tier-2.

The US ambassador for human trafficking issues, Luis CdeBaca, said Taiwan had for example improved in its efforts by allowing victims of trafficking to work while their cases were being investigated.

Malaysia earned its spot, according to the report, with statistics released by Malaysia’s Home Ministry that showed at least 56 victims of trafficking from Burma, including some underage children, had been rescued from slavery by Malaysian authorities since February 2008. The government had granted 292 protection orders to protect victims from February 2008 until March this year.

The World Prepares to Mark Suu Kyi Birthday

2010-06-18T02:22:00.000+10:00

Events to mark detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's 65th birthday will take place both inside and outside Burma on Saturday. While foreign diplomats in Bangkok read out messages of support for Suu Kyi's freedom to Burma's opposition in exile, her supporters in Rangoon have said they will plant tens of thousands of trees in honor of their leader.

“We will plant 20,000 trees in 386 townships for our leader's birthday,” said Phyu Phyu Thin, a female leader with Suu Kyi's disbanded National League For Democracy (NLD).
Other party members said they will mark their leader's birthday by making donations to Buddhist monks and providing financial support to the children of political prisoners.

On Thursday in Bangkok, a coalition of 10 Burmese opposition groups held a ceremony to mark Suu Kyi's birthday at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT). The event included diplomats from Canada, the United States, the Czech Republic and Thailand.

Canadian Ambassador to Thailand Ron Hoffmann said that Canada will continue to support Suu Kyi and Burma's democratic struggle, adding that his country has imposed the toughest economic sanctions against the Burmese regime.

Kraisak Choonhavan, a leading member of the Thai parliament, expressed his hope that—although his country is essentially supporting the Burmese regime by importing natural gas— Thailand might be in a position to pressure the regime at some time in the future. He added that he wished to be the first person to shake hands with Suu Kyi if she is released and is able to visit Thailand.

The FCCT event also marked the end of an international campaign denouncing the Burmese general election that received more than 40,000 signatures from 35 countries in two weeks.

On Saturday, supporters of the US Campaign for Burma will hold a solidarity rally in Washington, as will members of Burma Campaign for UK, who say they are calling for the release of Suu Kyi and more than 2,000 other political prisoners in Burma.

“We will form a line of 18 people, wearing T-shirts spelling out the messages: 'Aung San Suu Kyi' and 'Now set her free.' We will hand out flyers with information about Suu Kyi and human rights in Burma,” said a statement from the London-based group.

This week, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention condemned Suu Kyi's detention in a statement, saying, “[the] continuation of the deprivation of liberty of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi is arbitrary [and] in contravention of articles 9,10, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

Suu Kyi has spent nearly 15 of the last 21 years in detention. She is currently serving an 18-month extension of house arrest for briefly sheltering an American citizen last year who swam uninvited to her lakeside home in Rangoon.

The NLD was officially dissolved on May 7 after rejecting the regime's election laws which would have required it to oust its leader, Suu Kyi, from the party.

The regime is widely expected to hold a general election before Suu Kyi's sentence expires in November.

News from Irrawaddy

Burmese latest news from newnow.co.uk

2010-06-17T05:36:00.000+10:00

Reader Challenge: Do Burma's Generals Just Need a Little Love and Understanding? Foreign Policy In Focus 20:20

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MEDIA: Mobile Journalism on the Rise in Asia Inter Press Service News Agency 09:29

Floods in Myanmar kill 12 The Straits Times 09:06

Floods in Myanmar Kill at Least 12 ABCNews.com 08:47

UNDP: Burma, Thailand challenges Bangkok Post - Asia 05:14

UN development chief: Burma, Thailand challenges Bangkok Post - Asia 04:54

UN development chief: Myanmar, Thailand challenges Xtra 04:21

Myanmar, Thailand's challenge The Straits Times - Se Asia 03:39

Landslides take heavy toll in Bangladesh resort Radio New Zealand - News 00:30

Yesterday

Foreign Policy: Burma's Nuclear Ambitions NPR - Opinion 20:58 Tue, 15 Jun 10

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Forgotten victims of Burma civil war Derby Telegraph - Letters 07:37 Tue, 15 Jun 10

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Malaysia: Refugees arrested, abused and denied right to work - Amnesty ReliefWeb 20:59 Mon, 14 Jun 10

US puts nations on notice for human trafficking Boston Herald - Business & Markets 19:52 Mon, 14 Jun 10

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DEMOCRACY FOR CHINA: WHAT WILL IT TAKE?

2010-06-06T09:46:00.002+10:00

PLEASE CIRCULATE

By Roland Watson
June 4, 2010

INTRODUCTION

The most populous nation in the world, China, is a dictatorship. It has been ruled for the last sixty-one years by the Communist Party (CCP). Under Mao Zedong, the CCP was a typical communist regime. The population was kept equal – equally poor. Since Deng Xiaoping, it has become more properly a “capitalist dictatorship.” China today has great, and still growing, inequality. It is a merger of the worst in authoritarian political and economic rule.

The CCP provides material and/or diplomatic support to many other dictatorial regimes around the world. These include: North Korea, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), Russia, Belarus, Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, and Venezuela. In addition, Tibet, East Turkestan and Southern Mongolia are so dominated by the CCP – for the moment at least – that they have been annexed into China itself.

We should also not forget all of the problems that emanate from China and which affect the entire planet. These include support for the rogue nuclear states North Korea and Iran (and now Burma); the host of deadly consumer products that have been exported from China (and which the CCP refuses to regulate); as well as wide-ranging environmental abuses. The last extends from an uncontrolled demand for timber, mineral resources and endangered species, which is driving environmental destruction and extinction throughout the earth; to air-borne industrial pollution which circulates it; as well as the CCP's maneuvering last year in Copenhagen to sabotage international efforts to address climate change.

China's more than one billion people are being denied freedom and human rights. The CCP's client states have a total population that approaches another billion, and which similarly are denied their rights. Approximately one-third of the world's population is repressed, either directly or indirectly, due to the CCP.

All of these countries, starting with China, have human rights movements and associated advocacy groups, which protest against the manifold ways in which the regimes abuse the peoples' rights. Many of these groups, though, while laudable, in particular because of the dangers – of arrest and torture, even murder – that their leaders and members regularly face, are nonetheless based on an incorrect premise. They believe, or at least they act on, the assumption that human rights can be improved without change to the regime itself, in other words, that human rights can coexist with dictatorship.

This is a fallacy. There can be no human rights without democracy. A dictatorship may pay lip service to human rights, even allow the people some specific rights from time to time, but our full spectrum of rights can never be established and preserved within a dictatorial system. Indeed, democracy is a system designed to protect human rights. Dictatorship is predicated on their rejection and abuse.

The people of China, and also Tibet, East Turkestan and Southern Mongolia, will continue to be denied their rights until the CCP loses power and China becomes a democracy. Other dictatorial regimes will continue to receive CCP support. The rest of the world will continue to suffer the problems that arise out of mainland China.

The question, then, is how can the Chinese people achieve democracy? What will this profound transformation require?

CURRENT ENVIRONMENT

The CCP is strong, and its strength is increasing every day. Notwithstanding factionalism within the Party, the leaders are united around the goal to preserve their rule. A key element underlying this unity is the CCP’s wealth. Chinese businesses have profited enormously from the sale of consumer and industrial products, which the world has been happy to buy. The Party takes a substantial percentage of this trade, hence its accumulated reserves of $2.4 trillion. In addition, with its wealth the Party has been rapidly upgrading its military capability. The People's Liberation Army is now equipped with advanced weapons systems that have been internally developed, secured through espionage, or purchased from authoritarian allies such as Russia.

The International Community has been dithering about the rise of the new China. The hunger for cheap goods has convinced the rest of the world to ignore the totalitarian nature of the CCP and its many, many abuses. The Party further has conducted a full-scale charm offensive, buying loyalty from different nations around the globe, particularly in lesser-developed regions and whose own leaders are also authoritarian. China is actually creating a dictatorial block that constitutes a modern form of imperialism. Whereas Rome conquered other nations and peoples by force, China, the new Rome, is doing it quietly and with money.

THE PEOPLE OF CHINA

The natural source for resistance to CCP rule and a demand for democracy is the Chinese public. Within the country's large population, though, there are many different groups. A great number of people actually belong to the Party, or work for or otherwise benefit from it. The CCP further has created the largest propaganda machine in history, which has the dual goals to promote communist rule and to silence all dissent. This propaganda machine is coupled with the similarly largest censorship exercise in history, notably through the Great Firewall that restricts access by the Chinese people to the Internet.

The basic argument that the CCP makes is that “The Party Knows Best.” The leaders are arguing that they are “benevolent dictators,” and that for China this is the only type of political system that will work. (The irony here is that benevolent dictatorship has roots in Confucianism, and the CCP was formed in part to destroy China's ancient traditions. Now, at least in this case, it is embracing them.)

Benevolent dictatorship is the theoretical alternative to democracy. It claims, among other things, that people are unable to govern themselves: that like sheep we must be led. This is certainly arguable, but the position also has numerous obvious flaws. How do we choose who gets to lead, and how do we prevent them from abusing their power? As China saw under Mao, absolute power often has horrific consequences. And, even if under a particular ruler, or emperor, life is good, there is no guarantee that the next will also be benevolent. Indeed, the odds are, as Rome itself experienced, that tyrants will follow just leaders. Finally, as the people in such a society experience abuse, they become resentful and ultimately attempt to rebel. It is an inevitable cycle with this type of system.

In China, CCP members and cronies, and some portion of the general population, accept dictatorship. Most people, though, cannot be bothered with political concerns. They are too absorbed with their daily struggle to worry about such matters.

Contrasting the pro-regime factions, and on the other side of the silent majority, is an active and growing movement for change. This movement, though, is fractured. The largest elements are human rights groups, which are seeking relief for a wide variety of problems, including corruption, inequitable land distribution, sweatshop working conditions, religious persecution, political prisoners, and environmental crimes. A key participant here is the Falun Gong, which is seeking freedom to practice its spiritual exercises. This is a human rights motivation, and it is notable that the Falun Gong fully supports Confucian ideals.

The largest independent “internal” movements, for Tibet, East Turkestan and Southern Mongolia, also focus on improving human rights, for the Tibetan, Uyghur and Mongolian peoples, not an outright demand for freedom and independence (although such groups have made it clear that they support democracy in China as well). The few internal groups that actually focus on democracy are small (although they are highly motivated), and include the Charter 08 movement and the China Democracy Party.

Finally, there is a large population of Chinese people who reside outside the mainland yet have an active concern for its problems. Many of these people advocate through groups that focus, once again, on human rights issues. A few, though, such as the international branches of the China Democracy Party, and also the Overseas Chinese Democracy Coalition, concentrate their efforts on opposition to the CCP and the need for a transition to democracy.

HOW TO CHANGE CHINA TO A DEMOCRACY

The world for the most part backs the CCP. Multinational corporations have lobbied countless governments to ignore the regime’s abuses and to accept the idea that trade with China is acceptable. Also, while the U.S. has consistently held this position as well, it did periodically speak up for democracy and human rights. Under President Obama, though, these gestures have been suspended. The American government is openly “pragmatic.” (One would have thought that the Obama Administration would choose progressive values over corporate lobby positions.)

This means that the burden for change falls to the Chinese people. Of course, one can argue that this is as it should be. People are responsible for themselves, and if they are the subjects of tyrannical rule, they must lead the way to overthrow it.

The problem with China then is how can Chinese people who are already pro-democracy activists encourage more people, ultimately a critical mass of the population, to support this change. There are two factors here. First, the Chinese need to be taught about democracy. They need to understand the ideas on which democracy is based; why it is preferable to benevolent dictatorship; and also the different aspects and variations of the democratic system that are in use around the world. This way they will become politicized, and develop a strong desire for democracy, and through this a willingness to act, and sacrifice, to fulfill this desire.

Secondly, they need to learn that human rights are predicated on democracy. If they want human rights for China, and if their own rights have been abused, in addition to making such a demand, and protesting such abuses, they should join the movement for democratic change. The Charter 08 document and the China Democracy Party should have millions of signatures and members.

The challenge of course is disseminating this education in the face of the CCP’s propaganda and Internet blockade. It is here that the International Community can be of assistance. The Great Chinese Firewall is not impregnable. Initiatives such as the Global Internet Freedom Consortium, through which Chinese people can bypass the Firewall, are already having a large impact. (The Falun Gong is the primary organizer of the GIFC.) The democratic nations of the world, notably the U.S. (which has budgeted large sums to support the GIFC, but dispensed only a small amount), should do everything possible to create a free information flow. And, all democratic nations and groupings, e.g., the E.U., should again make democracy and human rights the foundation of their foreign policy for China.

Will China require a revolution? Must there be a pro-democracy revolution to erase the results of the 1949 communist revolution? One would hope not: that democratic change can be accomplished in China non-violently. Unfortunately, however, having hopes and dreams does not guarantee that they will come true. In the real world change to democracy has invariably been accompanied by either a popular uprising or a military coup, or both.

As a result of the global financial crisis, business activity in China began to slow down and popular unrest to escalate. I have argued for years that there should be a global boycott of consumer products from China. Call it tough love, or whatever you like, but the Chinese people do have the power to overthrow the CCP. A little push wouldn’t hurt. Then, when China is free, trade can be resumed and the proceeds used to build schools and hospitals, not guns and missiles.

CONCLUSION

Two things are certain with China. For the first, democracy is preferable to the rule of the CCP, but defeating the Party and establishing it will be difficult. All human rights groups, including the Falun Gong, Tibetans, East Turkestanis and Southern Mongolians, should actively organize – both underground operations and international diplomacy – for democratic change. Indeed, if they maintain their primary focus on human rights concerns, such concerns will never be resolved.

Secondly, we, the people of the world, can work to make a difference. If our own political leaders, because of corporate lobbying, choose to back the CCP, we can act on our own to help the Chinese people.

Other than activism within China, the biggest impetus for change will be if either of the neighboring regimes in North Korea and Burma collapse. We can help bring this about as well.

The CCP’s goal is to create a one thousand year empire, that dominates a globe filled with authoritarian allies. This is identical to Adolf Hitler’s dream. Everyone who enjoys or aspires to freedom must work to prevent this from happening.

Dictator Watch

MORE ARTICLES ON BURMA DEMOCRACY
www.dictatorwatch.org

Than Shwe Unmasking Burma’s Tyrant

2010-04-25T21:55:00.001+10:00

IT HAS BEEN REMOVED DUE TO COPYRIGHTS INFRINGMENTS... the mob is at large again...
try to read it here or search the net as there are 1000s of copies already circulating, the voice is too strong to be silenced by anti-democrats. (JEG)

Than Shwe Unmasking Burma’s Tyrant

credicted to niknayman-niknayman.blogspot.com

Police hold 7 youths amid post-blast crackdown

2010-04-25T21:49:00.002+10:00

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Seven suspected "activists" in their 20s and 30s have been arrested in central Rangoon amid a security crackdown following blasts during New Year celebrations. Another youth evaded arrest, police and neighbours said.

About 60 armed police raided the home of the youths at No. 29, Ground Floor, 1st Street, Northern Kunchan Block 4, Kamayut near Hledan junction just after midnight on Saturaday morning. They seized three mobile phones and sealed the room.

Officers at divisional and township police stations confirmed the arrests. They called it a political case but declined to give details as their superiors were handling the matter and that they lacked the authority to release information.

“Some guys were half-naked, just wearing shorts because they [apparently] were asleep” a neighbour told Mizzima.

Sources who requested anonymity for safety reasons told Mizzima the detainees were Bo Bo Thein, Thaung Htike Oo, Tin Tun, Soe Moe Kyaw, Saw Yin Shin, Thaw Zin, Aung Aung. Police continue to search for at least one of the youths, known as Kyaw Maung Oo.

Neighbours close to local authorities said police were monitoring the young men for at least a week prior to the raid.

“They were living here by sharing room rent. I have never heard of their indecent activity or wild behaviour,” a neighbour told Mizzima.

Since three serial blasts in Burma’s commercial capital went off at a pavilion built for Buddhist New Year water-festival celebrations, police investigations and arrest reports are increasing amid a security crackdown gripping the country. Journalist Maung Zeya and his son Sithu Zeya were detained on April 17 for taking pictures at the scene of the explosions on April 15.

A military engineer from the team investigating the blasts told Mizzima three hand grenades thrown into crowds at the pavilion were behind the blasts that killed 10 people, the majority of whom were security personnel from the army and the Home Ministry. About 170 people were injured.

2010-04-24T02:54:00.000+10:00

US Congressman Calls For Burmese Military Revolt

By LALIT K. JHA

Friday, April 23, 2010

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WASHINGTON — US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher has urged “patriots” in the Burmese military to join pro-democracy advocates like Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic fighters to overthrow the military junta and restore democracy in Burma.
Speaking on the floor of the House of Representative, the California congressman said that patriots and freedom-loving people of Burma will either join against tyranny and foreign domination, or their country will be lost for generations to come.

US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. (Photo: AP)

“The time has come to choose,” Rohrabacher said. “ Let the Burmese, the ethnic people of Burma, the business and military leaders who long for a legitimate and honest government, and all of the other patriots there, let them have the courage to step forward and join together and retake their country. The time is now.”
Rohrabacher said there needs to be reconciliation between the Burmans and the ethnic groups who make up half of Burma's population, adding that in the decades-old insurgency the ethnic fighters have been the primary source of opposition to Burma’s iron-fisted dictatorship.
“Urban democratic leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi and other patriotic Burmans have been beaten down and repressed and imprisoned. These two elements must come together, the Burmans and the ethnic groups that are fighting the Burmese dictatorship,” Rohrabacher said. “They must come together as one under a banner promising respect for the rights and traditions of various people, those various people who make up the wonderfully diverse nation of Burma.”
Rohrabacher appealed for members of the Burmese military to join the fight against the junta.
“An opposition coalition must be joined also by patriots in the military, professional soldiers who seek to remake their army into a respected defender of the nation, not a tool of corruption and foreign domination. It is time for leaders in the army to join the people and build a new, prosperous and free and, yes, independent Burma,” Rohrabacher said.
“In the blink of an eye, Burma can reclaim its sovereignty and can be put on the path to national reconciliation, democracy, and, yes, prosperity. The military in a new Burma, as are professional armies throughout the democratic nations of the world, will be a respected institution, not a tool of foreign domination, repression and corruption,” he said.
Drawing attention to the history of the plight of the people of Burma, Rohrabacher recounted how shortly after World War II Burma was granted its independence from Great Britain. At that time, with democratic institutions in place, rich natural resources and an educated population, it was expected that Burma would become a wealthy, stable and free country.
“Sadly, that country, with so much potential, has been dominated by corrupt tyrants. And despite its vast natural wealth, its people suffer in abject poverty,” Rohrabacher said.
He said the people of Burma are actually losing their country to a foreign power—China.
“A Chinese power grab is not only depleting and stealing Burma’s natural resources, but slowly and surely, Burma is being turned into a subservient province of Beijing,” Rohrabacher said. “China is literally stealing Burma from its own people, and it is accomplishing this monumental crime with the assistance of Burmese government officials whose lust for power is greater than any loyalty to their own national homeland.”
“This is a great moment of opportunity,” Rohrabacher said. “People of Burma, do not let this moment pass by. The world will celebrate with you as you recapture your nation. We are on your side.”

$1000 offered to catch Rangoon bomber

2010-04-23T07:29:00.002+10:00

By AHUNT PHONE MYAT (dvb)
Published: 22 April 2010

A substantial reward has been offered by the Burmese government to the person who can pinpoint the culprit behind a series of grenade attacks in Rangoon last week that left 10 people dead.
Burmese media announced earlier this week that a tenth fatality had been confirmed, that of 19-year-old Soe Moe Htun, who had been in hospital since the blasts occurred on 15 April whilst thousands were celebrating the annual water festival. More than 170 were reportedly injured.
The Rangoon-based Biweekly Eleven News agency said today that a one million kyat ($US1,000) reward was being offered, a hefty sum in a country where the average annual wage is $US220.
According to sources in Burma, a graphic designer, Maung Maung Zeya and his son Sithu were also arrested and interrogated after taking photographs of the bomb site at the X20 pavillion, close to Kandawgyi lake in downtown Rangoon.
The two are accused of having links to foreign media, something eyed with great suspicion by Burmese authorities. Other foreign news correspondents had their camera’s memory cards seized by authorities.
State newspapers have pointed the finger at several opposition groups, including the Karen National Union (KNU) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF).
Rumours have also circulated that the attack was aimed at Nay Shwe Thway Aung, the grandson of junta supremo Than Shwe, who had been at the pavilion shortly before the incident.
“He arrived at the pavilion the day the blasts occurred; people were excited when they learned about his presence,” a Rangoon youth told DVB.
“He was later escorted back. The first bomb exploded after he left but not a lot of people were hurt. However, there were dead bodies and brains splattered all over the front of the pavilion when the second bomb went off.”
While the majority of news outlets have said the attack was carried out using grenades, to sources in the military said that bomb, made out of mobile phone handsets were used.
Military analysts said that such equipment is only available in the army but not among civilians.

India eyes $5.6bn Burma hydropower deal

2010-04-23T07:27:00.002+10:00

By JOSEPH ALLCHIN (dvb)
Published: 22 April 2010

India’s state-owned National Hydro Power Company Limited (NHPC) will increase its investment in Burma to the tune of an extra $US5.6 billion as Burma aggressively expands its energy sector.
The head of the NHPC, S K Garg, told the Wall Street Journal the company was “inching towards Myanmar [Burma]. We have already sent our team to Myanmar for further survey and investigation for two projects.”
Little is known of the location of the projects, but the Wall Street Journal suggests that they could be two new 510-megawatt and 520-megawatt dams.
The NHPC already has a major presence in the country, primarily at the Tamanthi dam on the Chindwin river in Burma’s northern Sagaing division. The project has a capability of providing 1200 megawatts of electricity, 80 percent of which it is believed will go straight to India.
As of 2007, according to research by the Burma Rivers Network (BRN), over 380 families had been displaced by the Tamanthi dam and none had reportedly received compensation. It is estimated that the dam will eventually displace some 30,000 people in 35 different Kuki ethnic villages.
Sai Sai from BRN said that these people have absolutely no input or “right to participate” in the decision-making process for the dam, a fact that is clearly against the first recommendation of the World Commission on Dams: “Development needs and objectives should be clearly formulated through an open and participatory process, before various project options are identified,” it says.
Added to this, the Chindwin river is the only known habitat of the Burmese Roofed Turtle, a species that will be lost forever by the construction of the dam.
The Wall Street Journal further notes that within India “progress on hydroelectric power capacity addition has been slow due to environmental concerns and issues related to resettlement of people displaced because of the construction of dams”.
This would suggest a strong incentive for India investing in Burma’s hydropower sector, given BRN’s concerns about a lack of accountability in the process.
The Tamanthi dam is being constructed by the NHPC in collaboration with Swiss company Colenco Power Engineering Ltd. According to Garg, quoted in the Indian press, the NHPC is also involved in the 642-megawatt Shwezaye dam.
BRN believes that construction of the Tamanthi dam had been suspended after it began in 2007, suggesting that renewed investment of the sort mentioned by Garg may be needed to finish it, although at present details are not available.
It is believed however that consultants had been engaged by NHPC, but their findings had not yet been put to the government in Naypyidaw.
China is without doubt the leading investor in Burma’s hydropower sector, with numerous projects on rivers across the country, many of which have attracted international controversy and condemnation.
The drying of the Mekong river is partly blamed on Chinese dam construction, whilst Kachin organisations and individuals have strongly petitioned against forthcoming dam projects on the Irrawaddy river, including the Myitsone dam.

Burma News From NewsNow.net

2010-04-23T07:25:00.002+10:00

In the last 4 hours

Burma's hip-hop resistance spreads message of freedom guardian.co.uk 19:53

In the last 8 hours

Journalist and son arrested for taking photos in Burma Index on Censorship 16:14

Clouded alliance - North Korea and Myanmar's covert ties Jane's Security News 16:01

Today

Myanmar: Irrawaddy water shortage fuelling disease ReliefWeb 14:14

Wa Hosts Allies for Security Talks The Irrawaddy - News 14:00

$1000 offered to catch Rangoon bomber Democratic Voice of Burma 11:41

Irrawaddy water shortage fuelling disease Democratic Voice of Burma 10:59

India eyes $5.6bn Burma hydropower deal Democratic Voice of Burma 10:27

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Obama's foreign-policy ineptitude The Washington Times - Editorials 09:50

New South Wales Will Not Acknowledge Burma's Election The Irrawaddy - News 08:36

Obama Administration Defends Burma Policy The Irrawaddy - News 08:36

Myanmar offers cash reward for capturing water festival bombers People's Daily - Business 08:05

US rep says China ‘stealing Burma’ Democratic Voice of Burma 07:58

Burmese officials will be loyal foot-soldiers Scoop - Parliament 05:48

Waiting in the Shadow of Darkness Democratic Voice of Burma 05:26

Myanmar firm to export organic medicines to Israel Irish Sun 02:53

Myanmar: A human rights defender targeted Scoop - News 01:53

Myanmar edge out Bahrain in Davis Cup clash Gulf Daily News - Sport 00:57

Bahrainis edged out by Myanmar Gulf Daily News - Sport 00:57

Drawing Your Last Breath Hungry The Nation - US Politics & Government 00:34

Yesterday

Sanctions will force Burmese junta to negotiate The Age - Opinion 21:47 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Top Picks: 'Food, Inc.,' 'SpongeBob's Last Stand,' 'Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country,' and... Christian Science Monitor - Learning 21:21 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Rebel who paid grim price for wanting peace The Dominion Post - Local 21:03 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Military junta's officials studying in NZ Xtra 20:53 Wed, 21 Apr 10

UAE wins two Davis Cup games in two days Gulf News - Tennis 20:44 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Myanmar trio funded by taxpayer Stuff.co.nz 18:02 Wed, 21 Apr 10

SM Goh in Tokyo, meets Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada Channel NewsAsia - Singapore 15:05 Wed, 21 Apr 10

5 people killed, 33 injured in traffic accidents in Yangon water festival People's Daily - Business 14:59 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Chinese embassies abroad pay silent tribute to quake victims People's Daily - China 12:49 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Canadian uni ‘spied’ on Burmese students Democratic Voice of Burma 12:45 Wed, 21 Apr 10

MYANMAR: ECHO to conclude post-cyclone activities IRIN 12:37 Wed, 21 Apr 10

US Response To Sudan Election Omen for Burma? The Irrawaddy - News 11:45 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Final Days at NLD Party Headquarters The Irrawaddy - News 10:40 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Myanmar state media links anti-gov't organizations with water festival bombings People's Daily - Business 10:39 Wed, 21 Apr 10

Burma's Chin villagers face persecution by junta One World - South Asia 09:46 Wed, 21 Apr 10

NHPC Plans to Build Power Projects in Myanmar The Wall Street Journal - Asia 08:57 Wed, 21 Apr 10

WSJ: NHPC Plans to Build Power Projects in Myanmar The Wall Street Journal - Europe Edition 07:23 Wed, 21 Apr 10

In the last 7 days

Myanmar's tribes brace for battle after junta's ultimatum South China Morning Post 22:50 Tue, 20 Apr 10

A Few Good Documentaries Mother Jones 22:08 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Myanmar: Monthly Recovery Update - April 2010 ReliefWeb 20:13 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Myanmar state media report on bombs at dam site Ventura County Star, California - International 18:45 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Immigrants from Myanmar ponder life after layoffs San Francisco Examiner - Business 17:40 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Wa Still Say 'No' to Border Guard Force The Irrawaddy - News 13:47 Tue, 20 Apr 10

List of registered parties Democratic Voice of Burma 12:16 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Burma-Shave doggerel truly sings Quad-City Times, Iowa - Columnists 10:48 Tue, 20 Apr 10

US Senators Want Burma Policy Assessed The Irrawaddy - News 10:40 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Junta raking candidate backgrounds Democratic Voice of Burma 09:32 Tue, 20 Apr 10

The ABSDF Split The Irrawaddy - Special Feature 09:18 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Kachin army holds mass public forum Democratic Voice of Burma 08:22 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis Emergency Appeal No. MDRMM002 Operations Update No. 28 ReliefWeb 07:28 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Japan and Malaysia urge free elections Democratic Voice of Burma 06:19 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Rangoon bombings Democratic Voice of Burma 05:39 Tue, 20 Apr 10

Community-Based Assessment of Human Rights in a Complex Humanitarian Emergency: The Emergency Assistance Teams-Burma and... ReliefWeb 04:15 Tue, 20 Apr 10

The long march from fighting to freedom The Telegraph, Calcutta - Opinion 21:44 Mon, 19 Apr 10

A Review of U Win Tin: "What's That? A Human Hell." (In Burmese) Truthout 21:07 Mon, 19 Apr 10

Ethnic group in Myanmar gears up for war, peace Yahoo! US - Asia 18:04 Mon, 19 Apr 10

On Burmese New Year, a String of Bomb Attacks Yahoo! US 15:28 Mon, 19 Apr 10

Japan, Malaysia urge Myanmar The Straits Times 14:51 Mon, 19 Apr 10

The 31 Armed Conflicts Of 2009 Aggravated By Sexual Violence Medical News Today 12:15 Mon, 19 Apr 10

Kachin dam bombing kills four Democratic Voice of Burma 08:58 Mon, 19 Apr 10

2010-04-15T22:33:00.000+10:00

At least 9 dead as blasts hit Myanmar festivities

YANGON, Myanmar — Three explosions ripped through traditional New Year festivities in Myanmar's biggest city Yangon Thursday, killing at least nine people and injuring 60 others, officials said.

There was no indication who was behind the blasts, which occurred at about 3 p.m. near some 20 pavilions erected for the celebrations, close to the city's Kandawgyi Lake. Myanmar is celebrating the annual four-day water festival, when people drench each other with water to usher in the Myanmar New Year on Saturday.

It was also not clear if the blasts were caused by explosives or were accidental.

Bombings are rare but not unknown in the cities of Myanmar, whose military rulers are fighting several insurgencies in remote provinces. The pro-democracy movement led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been based on the principle of nonviolence.

Witnesses said the emergency ward of Yangon General Hospital was sealed off to outsiders after at least 30 injured people were rushed there. One said the hospital was a scene of chaos and commotion, with injured arriving drenched in blood and people crying and moaning.

A hospital official said nine people were killed and 60 wounded, and the death toll was expected to rise. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to release information.

The casualties were not officially confirmed. No one has taken responsibility for the blasts, and the military government did not immediately comment.

"Truckloads of police have circled the area and police had arrived with sniffer dogs," said 24-year old Thant Zaw, a witness contacted by phone.

A hospital official said the casualties so far did not include any foreigners, though the festival is a tourist attraction.

It was the worst such incident since May 2005 when a series of bombs exploded at two upscale supermarkets and at a convention center, killing 19 people and injuring more than 160 others.

2010-04-10T10:47:00.001+10:00

In the last 4 hours

Asean leaders call for fair polls in Myanmar South China Morning Post 23:16 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Dhaka offers link to northeastern states The Peninsula - Qatar 22:58 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Dodt chases Hiratsuka PGA Tour of Australasia 22:33 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Japan’s Hiratsuka impresses as he takes Myanmar Open lead The Peninsula - Sport 22:27 Fri, 09 Apr 10

The World's Rice Bowl Bangkok Post - News 21:48 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Leaders urge Burma to hold free, fair poll Bangkok Post - News 21:48 Fri, 09 Apr 10

In the last 6 hours

Myanmar: Mother Says Underage Son Was Recruited ReliefWeb 20:19 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Yesterday

16 new parties seek to participate in Myanmar polls Irish Sun 17:10 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Bachmann wants health reform repealed eTaiwanNews.com 16:50 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Golf: Hiratsuka opens up lead at Myanmar Open Channel NewsAsia 16:09 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Newt Gingrich takes jabs at president eTaiwanNews.com 15:59 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Asean leaders in Burma poll call BBC 15:37 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Citigroup official on the hot seat eTaiwanNews.com 15:28 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Sarah Palin rallies MN conservatives eTaiwanNews.com 15:18 Fri, 09 Apr 10

ASEAN calls for "inclusive" Myamnar poll Radio Netherlands 15:17 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Asia Hiratsuka opens up lead at Myanmar SuperGolf 14:59 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Divide the Opposition: the Junta's Goal World Press Review - Asia 14:58 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Governor: Slavery omission 'a mistake' eTaiwanNews.com 14:57 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Gaurav Pratap Singh slips to tied 10th The Times of India - Golf 14:34 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Hiratsuka widens the gap Golf365.com 14:31 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Hiratsuka opens up lead at Myanmar golf Open Xtra 14:28 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Hiratsuka opens up lead at Burma golf Open Bangkok Post 13:57 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Hiratsuka Five Clear Sporting Life - Golf 13:55 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Hiratsuka opens up lead at Myanmar The Times of India - Golf 13:53 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Political Parties Appreciate Exiled Media The Irrawaddy - News 13:41 Fri, 09 Apr 10

NLD Takes Than Shwe Lawsuit to Chief Justice The Irrawaddy - News 13:41 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Gov't Officials Training for Polls The Irrawaddy - News 13:31 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Hiratsuka Is Five Strokes Ahead Asian Tour 13:07 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Ananda Lal Goswani British Medical Journal 12:52 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Asean leaders offer to assist Burma's election The Nation - National 12:38 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Maung Aye Visits Troops in Shan State The Irrawaddy - News 12:09 Fri, 09 Apr 10

ASEAN tells Myanmar to make polls fair, inclusive Yahoo! US - Asia 10:39 Fri, 09 Apr 10

MYANMAR - Singapore Backs IOM Ayeyarwady Delta Shelter Appeal ReliefWeb 10:27 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Asian Leaders Urge New Myanmar Elections Forbes - Home Asia 10:13 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Burma ‘will remain rich, poor and controversial’ Democratic Voice of Burma 10:13 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Asean summit tackles Burma polls, regional integration Bangkok Post - Asia 09:58 Fri, 09 Apr 10

ASEAN summit tackles Myanmar polls, regional integration Xtra 09:16 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Myanmar Sentenced To Gallows For Killing Countryman Bernama - Malaysian National News Agency - General 08:42 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Will ASEAN eventually deliver? Democratic Voice of Burma 08:41 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Hiratsuka takes early lead in Myanmar Open The Press and Journal, Scotland - Sport 08:36 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Tanihara Powers Ahead Asian Tour 08:23 Fri, 09 Apr 10

16th ASEAN summit Democratic Voice of Burma 08:21 Fri, 09 Apr 10

US Will Continue Burma Engagement Policy The Irrawaddy - News 08:16 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Asean Summit Long On Words, Not Actions on Burma The Irrawaddy - News 08:05 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Myanmar cooperates with int'l organizations for mitigation of deforestation People's Daily - Business 08:04 Fri, 09 Apr 10

ASEAN urges Myanmar to ensure its elections later this year 'inclusive,' free... Orlando Sentinel, Florida 07:48 Fri, 09 Apr 10

SE Asian leaders urge open elections in Myanmar Associated Press - Business 07:46 Fri, 09 Apr 10

SE Asian leaders urges credible Myanmar elections 620ktar.com, Arizona - Business 07:44 Fri, 09 Apr 10

ASEAN urges Myanmar to hold fair election Yahoo! US - India 07:39 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Myanmar: Rohingya minority given ID cards ReliefWeb 07:14 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Myanmar Told ASEAN Wants fair, Inclusive Polls: Vietnam Jakarta Globe - 07:02 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Vietnam: Myanmar elections should include "all parties" Monsters and Critics 06:52 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Burma's Displaced Children Getting Traumatized The Irrawaddy - News 06:34 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Rohingya minority given ID cards Democratic Voice of Burma 06:30 Fri, 09 Apr 10

ASEAN stops short of criticising elections Democratic Voice of Burma 05:49 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Myanmar faces scrutiny at Southeast Asia summit Xtra 04:23 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Burma faces scrutiny at Southeast Asia summit Bangkok Post - Asia 03:55 Fri, 09 Apr 10

ASEAN summit tackles Myanmar polls Yahoo! US 03:50 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Myanmar faces scrutiny The Straits Times - Se Asia 03:21 Fri, 09 Apr 10

Happy Birthday to Burma's Military Human Rights Watch - Asia 02:37 Fri, 09 Apr 10

2010-04-10T10:44:00.000+10:00

Burma ‘will remain rich, poor and controversial’

Norwegian envoy backs continued international engagement with the Burmese junta but warns that the country's future lies with those "in the driving seat"

Rohingya minority given ID cards

Observers claim the government is looking to secure Rohingya votes prior to elections this year, despite confusion still surrounding their long-term status

ASEAN stops short of criticising elections

Southeast Asia grouping sticks to 'non-interference' policy at summit but reportedly "makes suggestions" to Burmese foreign minister Nyan Win

Opinion & Analysis

Will ASEAN eventually deliver?

ROSHAN JASON

There are signs that the Southeast Asia bloc is growing increasingly impatient with Burma although it remains to be seen whether this translates into action

Britain brands Myanmar elections unfair

2010-03-31T10:37:00.000+11:00

LONDON - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's office said Tuesday there was "no prospect" of Myanmar's first elections in two decades being "free, fair or inclusive".

Brown said the country's military rulers had "squandered" the opportunity for national reconciliation, and called for opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to be allowed to participate.

The National League For Democracy said Monday it would boycott polls expected later this year, after the country's military rulers introduced a controversial new election law.

Aung San Suu Kyi's party decided to refuse to register for the elections, a move that would have forced it to oust its detained leader and recognise the military's constitution in the country formerly known as Burma.

"Sadly, the Burmese regime has squandered the opportunity for national reconciliation," Brown said. "Aung San Suu Kyi must be allowed to take her rightful place at the heart of Burmese politics."

His spokesman added: "Regrettably, recent announcements mean there is no prospect of (the elections) being free, fair or inclusive."

Suu Kyi's NLD party to boycott Burma election

2010-03-30T03:33:00.000+11:00

Burma's main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), says it will not take part in the country's first polls in two decades.

An NLD spokesman said the party had decided not to register because of "unjust" electoral laws.

The laws recently announced by the junta required the NLD to expel its detained leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, because she has a criminal record.

Its refusal to register means the NLD will no longer be legally recognised.

No date has been set for the elections, but the military has pledged to hold them this year.

The NLD won the last elections in 1990 but was never allowed to take power.

The BBC's South East Asia correspondent, Rachel Harvey, says the party's decision to boycott the coming election, rather than ousting its charismatic leader in order to participate, was largely expected.

But the move will do nothing to ease international concern about the country's already heavily-criticised political standards, she adds.

No compromise

The NLD's decision followed a meeting of more than 100 party members in Rangoon.

NLD spokesman Nyan Win said the party had agreed that it could not participate in the elections under the new laws, which were announced in early March.

BURMA'S ELECTION

Constitution: 25% of seats in parliament reserved for the military

Constitution: More than 75% approval required for any constitutional change

Election law: Those with criminal convictions cannot take part - ruling out many activists

Election law: Members of religious orders cannot take part - ruling out monks

Election commission: Handpicked by Burma's military government

"After a vote of the committee of members, the NLD party has decided not to register as a political party because the election laws are unjust," Reuters news agency quoted him as saying.

The decision did not come as a surprise - last week Nyan Win said Ms Suu Kyi had told him the party should "not even think" of taking part in the polls because of the nature of the election laws.

If the NLD had chosen to take part, it would have implied its acceptance of the military's constitution - something it has so far refused to do.

Some senior NLD leaders had argued the party risked rendering itself irrelevant if it chose not to contest the polls, even though that participation would be constrained by the military.

Aung San Suu Kyi had indicated that she opposed her party taking part

Win Tin, a veteran NLD member and one of Burma's longest-serving political prisoners, described the meeting as a "life-or-death issue".

"If we don't register, we will not have a party and we will be without legs and limbs," he said ahead of the announcement.

But Tin Oo, the party's recently-released deputy leader, said that the decision did not signal the end for the NLD. "There are many peaceful ways to continue our activities," he said.

The new election laws have been condemned by the UN, US and UK, among others.

The laws state that parties cannot have any members with criminal convictions - which rules out many top NLD leaders who have been jailed because of their political activism.

The laws also ban members of religious orders and civil servants from joining political parties. Buddhist monks were the driving force behind anti-junta protests in 2007.

Critics say both the election laws and the constitution under which the elections will be held are designed to ensure that the military retains a firm grip on power in Burma.

Burma stages landmark army parade (BBC News)

2010-03-27T12:23:00.000+11:00

Thousands of soldiers are taking part in Burma's annual Armed Forces Day parade in the capital Nay Pyi Taw.

The parade will be the last before elections later this year which should replace Burma's military government.

Military ruler General Than Shwe is expected to address the crowds, outlining Burma's moves towards democracy.

However, critics say the military is aiming to keep power even after the elections.

No date for the poll has yet been set.

Future role

Analysts say it may be revealed in Saturday's speeches from the generals along with possible indications of Than Shwe's future role.

There has been speculation that he will want to remain as army chief or may try to become president.

"They will talk about ideology, policy and the steps they've taken towards democracy," said Aung Naing Oo, a Burmese academic based in Thailand.

"More symbolic is their attempt to show everyone at home and abroad that the military will not, and must not, be discounted."

Burma recently revealed new laws under which the multi-party elections will take place.

Many key opposition figures - including detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi - are not allowed to take part.

Members of religious orders are also banned from taking part, a rule which covers the monks who led anti-government protests two years ago.

The Curious Case of Nyi Nyi Aung

2010-03-26T12:00:00.001+11:00

Six months ago, a man named Nyi Nyi Aung landed at the Yangon International Airport in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). He had come to Myanmar in the hopes of visiting his mother, who is currently in jail for pro-democracy activities and sick with cancer. Before he could clear customs, Aung's baggage cart was seized by airport personnel and he was told to come into their offices to answer some "personal questions." Although Aung has a background as a human rights activist, and was a prominent leader during Burma's 1988 uprising, he had broken no laws. Perhaps more important, Aung is also an American citizen, which should have provided some insurance against wrongful incarceration.

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Once inside the airport offices, Aung said he was interrogated about his political activities and contacts by military security from both the Myanmar Air Force and Navy. He was then handcuffed, blindfolded, and driven for several hours to an unknown destination. While in the car, Myanmar police threatened to beat and kill him. When Aung was finally dropped off at an interrogation center, he was placed in a small, dark room, handcuffed to the table and kicked repeatedly while security officials grilled him on purported terrorist activities.

In an apparent attempt to tie him to illegal activities inside Myanmar, they demanded, Where are the C4 explosives? Where are you hiding the weapons? Where are the satellite phones? Aung, who claims he was innocent of any wrongdoing, answered only that he hoped for national reconciliation and a free, democratic Burma. Security forces were unrelenting in their interrogation, he said, and kept him awake for two weeks while torturing him and denying him food of any kind. On the 14th day, they let him take a shower.

Aung relayed these details to me over the phone this week from suburban Maryland, where he has finally returned after being held for more than six months in a Myanmar jail. Because there was no evidence to support the government's initial terrorism charges, Aung was convicted on trumped-up charges of forging a national identity card, possessing undeclared foreign currency, and failing to renounce his Burmese citizenship when becoming an American citizen. For this, he was sentenced to five years of hard labor.

Last Friday, the Myanmar government announced that they were giving Nyi Nyi Aung an early release because of their "friendship" with the U.S. government. While this gesture was certainly not lost on an administration that is attempting a policy of engagement with the Myanmar military junta, one can safely say that no part of Myanmar's treatment of Nyi Nyi Aung was in any way friendly. But it is perhaps also safe to say that the U.S. response to his abduction and incarceration wasn't exactly angry or contentious, either -- it wasn't much of anything, really. Neither the president nor the secretary of state released a statement after Aung's sentencing -- a pointed counter to Bill Clinton's televised airlift of imprisoned U.S. citizens Euna Lee and Laura Ling a few months earlier. The only response was a brief three-line statement from State Department spokesperson P.J. Crowley, who called Aung's sentencing "unjustified."

For the first 14 days of his incarceration, Aung told me, he felt "very alone." He had no contact with anyone from his family or from the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon. His thoughts, he said, went from being sure that, as a U.S. citizen, his release would be imminent, to fear that the U.S. government was powerless with the Myanmar regime. Aung estimates that on the 18th or 19th day, a deputy from the U.S. Embassy was able to visit him, and assured him that they were "following his case" and that "requests had been filed."

Over the next few months, Aung estimated that consular officials visited him once a month, every two months, and sometimes, every 45 days. In the meantime, he was kept in solitary confinement. Because of his history as a human rights organizer, Myanmar security apparently feared he would find a way to impart his knowledge to other political prisoners, so he was kept as far removed from the rest of the prison population as possible, oftentimes in pens reserved for security dogs. This did not deter him. Aung said: "We just shouted to each other through the walls. Many of the prisoners are much younger than me, so I told them my thoughts about community organizing, about human rights and democracy. I was trying to train them, in a way."

When Aung tried to take up the case of Myanmar's estimated 2,100 political prisoners, U.S. Embassy officials told him "they were unable to discuss political issues." He would ask what, precisely, was being done for incarcerated activists, and their response, he said, was that they were trying, but "the Burmese regime was very difficult." According to Aung, the top U.S. Embassy official in Rangoon never visited him.

In the end, what may have secured Aung's release is a confluence of things. Several weeks ago, the Myanmar junta announced its election law, which, among other things, requires the expulsion of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from her party, the National League for Democracy, and excludes many pro-democracy activists from running. The international community has responded to the junta's election law with overwhelming criticism. This law holds particular importance for the regime, which is intent on legitimizing its rule via elections scheduled for later this year.

The U.S. State Department, in the meantime, has found itself defending the efficacy of its engagement policy as the Myanmar regime has, in recent months, increased persecution of dissidents, violent attacks on ethnic minorities, and shown an increasingly hostile attitude toward Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest. Nyi Nyi Aung's fiancee, Wa Wa Maw, publicly aired much of her frustration at the lack of progress on Aung's case in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal. For a regime looking for a distraction and an administration hungry for a win (or just a decisive development on the international stage), perhaps the time for a backroom deal on Nyi Nyi Aung's freedom, 197 days later, had arrived.

When he learned of his impending freedom, Aung said he didn't feel much. "I might have gotten released, but all my colleagues, my family -- they are still in jail. I can't really be happy." And though Aung said he was thankful for efforts by the international community to secure his release, he still wondered: "I know the U.S. government has a lot of responsibilities, but I am an American citizen, too. Why is it that [Missouri resident] John Yettaw [who swam illegally across a lake to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi] was freed so quickly?" Aung further took issue with current U.S.-Myanmar policy: "The U.S. keeps talking about carrots. How many Burmese lives will be lost before they get to the sticks?"

Since he arrived home, Aung has been seeking emergency medical attention for injuries incurred during his interrogation and incarceration. While in jail, Aung remained in considerable pain, and though he received injections of painkillers, Burmese prisons are notorious for transmitting deadly viruses (including Hepatitis and HIV) via contaminated needles. His fiancee has reported that so far tests have come back negative. Right now, she said, her primary focus is on applying for financial assistance to help pay for Aung's mounting medical bills, for which they have no health insurance. "He's in excruciating pain," she said. "I can see it in his face."

To make a contribution towards Nyi Nyi Aung's medical care, visit Freedom Now (please earmark the donation as "Nyi Nyi Aung Medical Care")

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Myanmar rulers urged to free political prisoners

2010-03-26T06:46:00.000+11:00

UNITED NATIONS — Myanmar's military rulers must free all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and ensure that upcoming polls are inclusive and transparent, a group of UN member states said Thursday.

The call came at a meeting of the so-called Group of Friends of Myanmar convened by UN chief Ban Ki-moon to review the country's new electoral laws that disqualify Suu Kyi ahead of what will be the first national polls in 20 years.

The group comprises Australia, Britain, China, the European Union, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.

"The group stressed the need for elections to be inclusive, participatory and transparent in order to advance the prospects of stability, democracy and development for all the people of Myanmar," Ban told reporters after the meeting.

He said participants also urged all parties to work in the national interest and the government to "create conditions that give all stakeholders the opportunity to participate freely in elections."

"This includes the release of all political prisoners,including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi -- and respect for fundamental freedoms," he added.

Ban deplored the fact that despite the government's engagement with key parties to the national reconciliation process, "it is disappointing that we have not seen the progress that we had expected."

And he pointed to his comments earlier this month that Myanmar's "published electoral laws and the overall electoral environment so far do not fully measure up to what is needed for an inclusive political process."

The new laws relate to the registration of political parties and bar anyone serving a prison term from being a member of an official party.

Wednesday, the UN Security Council also examined Myanmar's new electoral laws, with several members also voicing concern about their impact on the upcoming polls.

Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has yet to announce whether it will take part in the polls, which are expected in October or November although the government has still not set a date.

The 64-year-old opposition leader has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since the previous elections.

She was already barred from standing as a candidate under a new constitution approved in a 2008 referendum that stipulates that those married to foreigners are ineligible. Her husband, British academic Michael Aris, died in 1999.

The Nobel Peace laureate was sentenced to three years' jail last August over an incident in which a US man swam to her lakeside home. The sentence was commuted by junta supremo Than Shwe to 18 months under house arrest.

Newsnow.co.uk Burma News

2010-03-25T09:06:00.000+11:00

In the last 2 hours

UN Security Council mulls Myanmar's electoral laws Channel NewsAsia - AsiaPacific 20:25

In the last 4 hours

Security Council mulls Burma's electoral laws Bangkok Post - Asia 19:57

Security Council mulls Myanmar's electoral laws Yahoo! US 19:56

UN chief calls key nations’ meet on Myanmar Asian Tribune 19:02

In the last 6 hours

UN to host meet on Myanmar The Manila Times 18:03

UN Security Council to Discuss Burma Voice of America - Asia 16:16

Today

Myanmar high court rejects Suu Kyi lawsuit challenging election laws Jurist's Paper Chase (Weblog) 13:30

NLD's Fate Still Uncertain The Irrawaddy - News 13:00

Suu Kyi's party 'in disarray' over polls The Sydney Morning Herald - Technology 13:00

Top UN Briefing on Burma to Focus on Election Laws The Irrawaddy - News 12:29

New Party to Form in Arakan State The Irrawaddy - News 12:19

Voters Divided on NLD's Fate The Irrawaddy - News 12:19

Burma's Looming Guerilla War: Junta Prepares to Take on the Ethnic Militias Der Spiegel - English Site 12:13

Lest we forget BBC News - South East Wales 11:59

Amadeus delivers Myanmar Airways International’s first e-commerce solution Breaking Travel News - Airlines 11:27

Burma: Unwanted in their homeland, given no rights, Rohingya fear they will languish indefinitely in... i On Global Trends (Weblog) 10:45

Suu Kyi against party registering for elections One World - South Asia 10:13

Political prisoner comes home to Montgomery Village Gazette.Net, Maryland - Gaithersburg News 08:44

Myanmar political prisoner returns home Gazette.Net, Maryland - Rockville News 08:43

Political prisoner returns home to Montgomery Village Gazette.Net, Maryland - Bethesda News 08:41

Political prisoner back home; spent six months in solitary Gazette.Net, Maryland - Poolesville News 08:39

Suu Kyi slams 'unjust' Myanmar vote Aljazeera.Net, Qatar - Asia Pacific 08:14

Supporting community-based emergency response at scale - Cyclone Nargis case study ReliefWeb 07:32

Suu Kyi against party registering for polls One World - South Asia 07:09

Prisoners' Group Celebrates 10th Anniversary The Irrawaddy - News 05:12

Myanmar opposition party to decide next week on contesting polls Monsters and Critics 04:59

Myanmar: Monthly Recovery Update - March 2010 ReliefWeb 04:57

Rohingya boat people stuck in limbo Aljazeera.Net, Qatar - Middle East 04:51

Suu Kyi against her party joining polls Himalayan Times 04:31

Soldiers Collapse At Burma Camp! Ghana Web 04:29

Myanmar poll to take center stage at summit Jakarta Post - Business 04:15

Myanmar International TV to be formally launched on March 31 TMCnet.com 03:01

World Briefing | Asia: Myanmar: Dissident Against Role in Next Elections The New York Times - Africa 01:32

Myanmar: Dissident Against Role in Next Elections The New York Times - Africa 01:25

Aung San Suu Kyi says her party should not run Irish Sun 00:10

Yesterday

Foreign GROs caught having sex with clients in hotel The Star Online 23:10 Tue, 23 Mar 10

UN to meet on Myanmar The Straits Times 22:29 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi won’t register party in Myanmar polls The Peninsula - Qatar 22:18 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi is opposed to registering for polls Gulf Times - Philippines/East Asia 21:05 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi against party joining elections The Statesman - World 20:47 Tue, 23 Mar 10

n Suu Kyi against registering party for polls Emirates Business 24/7 20:27 Tue, 23 Mar 10

UN to host informal meet on Myanmar this week Channel NewsAsia - AsiaPacific 19:49 Tue, 23 Mar 10

UKaid in Burma ReliefWeb 19:19 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi calls on party to abstain from elections Radio Netherlands 19:04 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi opposed to registering her party for elections Asian Tribune 18:47 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi against party joining polls The Daily Star, Bangladesh - International 18:47 Tue, 23 Mar 10

A step in the right direction The Daily Star, Bangladesh - Op-Ed 18:05 Tue, 23 Mar 10

CASE STUDY NO. 4 Supporting community-based emergency response at scale: innovations in the wake of... ReliefWeb 16:26 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Burma's Suu Kyi against party 'registering for poll' Bangkok Post - Asia 15:58 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi opposes party registering for polls Channel NewsAsia 14:22 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Detained San Suu Kyi Says Would Snub Myanmar Polls The Post Chronicle 14:17 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi opposes her party 'registering for polls' Bangkok Post - Asia 14:06 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi to snub Burma elections The Irish Times 13:57 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi against party register The Straits Times 13:49 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Detained Suu Kyi says would snub Myanmar polls Washington Post 13:48 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Against joining polls Expressbuzz.com 13:33 Tue, 23 Mar 10

MISC launches East India service Lloyd's List 13:02 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyers say she opposes registering her party for upcoming... San Diego Union-Tribune, California - North County 12:42 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Myanmar's Suu Kyi against party 'registering for poll' Yahoo! US - Asia 12:15 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Suu Kyi Against NLD Joining Elections The Irrawaddy - News 12:15 Tue, 23 Mar 10

Newsnow.co.uk Burma News

2010-03-23T10:05:00.000+11:00

In the last 2 hours

Tatas to set up truck plant in Myanmar The Times of India - Automobile Industry 21:18

In the last 4 hours

Fort Wayne police face Myanmar-language barrier The Courier Journal, Kentucky - Indiana 20:22

Proposal to redraw sea border with Bangladesh Gulf Times - SriLanka/Bangladesh 19:59

Boost trade ties with Myanmar The Hindu Business Line - Opinion 19:37

Buddhist Spectrum Lakehouse Daily News, Sri Lanka - Features 19:33

Tata Motors signs pact for truck plant in Myanmar The Hindu Business Line - Corporate News 19:33

In the last 8 hours

Tata Motors to set up Myanmar plant Hindustan Times - Business 15:17

Today

"Prison Is the Only Place where We Can Speak Freely" World Press Review - Asia 14:31

Burma’s New Jungle Capital Reflects Ruling Generals’ View of Democracy Jakarta Globe - Opinion 14:31

Survey for Burma-China gas pipeline has begun Alexander's Gas & Oil Connections - East & SE Asia 14:11

Myanmar to privatise fuel stations Alexander's Gas & Oil Connections - East & SE Asia 14:11

India: Tata plans heavy truck plant in Myanmar Automotive World 12:43

Political Parties Begin to Register in Naypyidaw The Irrawaddy - News 12:42

US Calls for Election Law Changes in Burma The Irrawaddy - News 12:31

Burma's long road Bangkok Post - News 11:57

India's Tata Motors invests in Myanmar Yahoo! US - Asia 10:52

BWI Concerned About the Undemocratic Nature of the Upcoming Elections in Burma Global Unions 10:17

Tata Motors to Build Heavy Truck Plant in Myanmar The Wall Street Journal - US Business 10:04

WSJ: Tata Motors to Build Heavy Truck Plant in Myanmar The Wall Street Journal 09:57

Tata Motors to set up heavy truck plant in Myanmar Deccan Herald 09:54

Tata Motors to Build Manufacturing Facility in Myanmar for Heavy... Bloomberg - India 09:48

MISC Expands Reach To Chennai And Yangon Bernama - Malaysian National News Agency 09:42

Indonesia's FM to visit Burma The Irrawaddy - News 09:18

Tata Motors to set up truck plant in Myanmar The Times of India - Automobiles 09:13

India Tata Motors to set up truck plant in Myanmar Reuters - India 09:10

Myanmar proposes re-drawing sea border with Bangladesh Irish Sun 09:01

South Korea To Help Myanmar Build Automobile Training Center Bernama - Malaysian National News Agency 07:19

Thailand losing battle on drugs Aljazeera.Net, Qatar - Middle East 05:37

Exiled Groups Seek UN Action on Burma The Irrawaddy - News 05:26

Burmese Media Blasts Critics The Irrawaddy - News 05:26

BANGKOK: The South China Sea will be next dispute to top Asean's agenda Asia News Network 02:12

Yesterday

1,025 Yaba tablets recovered, 5 held The Daily Star, Bangladesh 21:34 Sun, 21 Mar 10

Tale of two military-crafted statutes The Hindu - Todays Headlines 19:43 Sun, 21 Mar 10

MES cause upset to eliminate Burma The Nation - Sports 02:51 Sun, 21 Mar 10

Rebels blamed for mine blast in Myanmar The News International - World 01:31 Sun, 21 Mar 10

Charity cleared in funds probe Daily and Sunday Express 00:03 Sun, 21 Mar 10

myanmar news from dvb.no

2010-03-23T10:00:00.000+11:00

Junta steps up Kachin militia training

Fears over fighting in Burma's northernmost state increase as the Burmese army embarks on extensive training of local civilians for militias

Opposition party ‘obeys the junta’

Veteran left-wing journalist Ludu Sein Win blasts the National League for Democracy's “neglect of all crucial events in Burma”

Karen army blamed for mine blast

State media in Burma again accuses opposition Karen National Liberation Army of lethal mine blasts in volatile eastern state

News From Irrawaddy

2010-03-19T07:33:00.000+11:00

Newly-registered Parties Face Financing Problems
By KO HTWE
Political parties planning to participate in Burma's general election will have to pay large fees that some of them say will place heavy strains on their finances.

NEWS ANALYSIS
Party Registration Regulations Favor Wealthy
By HTET AUNG
Burma's Union Election Commission publishes the technical regulations for the registration of political parties, which favors elite candidates.

Mon to Move Weapons to New Base
By LAWI WENG
The Mon cease-fire group, the New Mon State Party (NMSP), will move some departments and its stockpile of weapons to a new undisclosed base.

Shan Rebels Say Junta Troops Killed in Clash
By SAW YAN NAING
About 20 Burmese junta soldiers are killed and eight injured during an ambush in Nam Zam Township in Shan State by Shan State Army-South soldiers.

Philippines Presses Burma on Suu Kyi
By JIM GOMEZ / AP WRITER
The Philippines vented its concern to Burma's top diplomat over pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's detention and exclusion from upcoming elections but got no hint of any change.

Nyi Nyi Aung Released
By THE IRRAWADDY
A Burmese-American activist who was sentenced to three years imprisonment in February has been freed, according to relatives.

Divisions over Party Registration Surfacing in NLD
By BA KAUNG
Some members of the National league for Democracy want to re-register as a party to contest this year's election, but others remain opposed.

Technical Regulations Favor Wealthy Candidates
By KYAW THEIN KHA
Technical regulations in Burma's forthcoming election have greatly increased the candidates' allowed campaign expenditure.

Gov't Ministers to Contest the Election
By KYAW THEIN KHA
More than 12 Burmese junta ministers are reportedly preparing to resign and to contest in the 2010 election.

Karen Leaders Forming Political Parties
By SAW YAN NAING
Several prominent Karen figures are reportedly busy forming political parties to contest this year's general election, while others are preparing to stand individually.

Australia Supports Considering UN Commission of Inquiry
By KO HTWE
The Australian government expresses support for investigating possible options to establish a United Nations commission of inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity in Burma.

mizzima news

2010-03-19T03:17:00.001+11:00

Freed Nyi Nyi Aung thanks fiancé
Burmese American citizen and political prisoner Nyi Nyi Aung was released ...,

Leaflets distributed in Rangoon condemning 2010 polls
In the first signs of blatant dissent towards the 2010 general elections, leaflets were secretly ...

Burmese-American freed from jail in Burma
In a sudden development, Burma-born American citizen and democracy activist Nyi Nyi Aung ...

Thai Princess inaugurates Yangon blood centre
Thailand's Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony of ...

taifreedom News

2010-03-18T04:58:00.000+11:00

Burmese Army detains eight KIA soldiers

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 19:14
The Burmese Army in Kachin state detained eight soldiers of the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) in the midst of mounting tension as chances of a confrontation with the ruling junta mounts, said sources close to the ethnic armed group.
Read more...

Human Right Violations in Shan State

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 11:10
On December 23, 2009, Burmese soldiers from IB 510 shot the villagers of Wan Nam Tao village, Murng Ywan tract, Murng Kern Township who were working at paddy filed of Wan Nam Kway village. It left 5 villagers injured and 5 horses were lost.
Read more...

20 Burmese Troops Killed, 8 Injured in SSA’s Ambush

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 15:00
Shan State Army (SSA) laid an ambush on a joint Burmese column in Nam Zarn Township which left 20 dead Burmese troops and 8 were wounded. SSA seized a large amount of arms and ammunitions.
Read more...

More Articles...

myanmar news from dvb.no

2010-03-18T04:25:00.001+11:00

Election views blocked in Burmese media

Only election opinions that fall within the government's censor board guidelines are permitted for publishing, newspaper editors complain

‘We’ve fallen for the generals’ tricks’

The international community is desperate to believe the lies of Burma's rulers, so in the coming weeks expect more so-called concessions from Naypyidaw

Burma a gateway for wildlife trade to China

Soaring demand for rare animal parts in China has created an 'invisible' wildlife black market in Burma, with cross-border transactions now moving to the internet

www.kachinnews.com News

2010-03-17T10:35:00.001+11:00

Burmese Army detains eight KIA soldiers

The Burmese Army in Kachin state detained eight soldiers of the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) in the midst of mounting tension as chances of a confrontation with the ruling junta mounts, said sources ... Read more...

Kachins in New Delhi protest Irrawaddy dam construction in Burma

KIO shifting important documents from Laiza

KIO delegates meet junta brass for the twelfth time on BGF

Kachins want political parleys rather than accept BGF now

Earthquake strikes central Burma

Burmese spy intrudes into KIA Chief-of-Staff’s home

Burmese women decry lack of women’s rights in Burma

Palms of Northern commander greased for illegal teak trade

Two Burmese Army battalions positioned near Kachin headquarters

Burmese Army detains five civilians as porters in Bhamo

With mounting tension KIA makes fresh recruitment

Newsnow.co.uk Burma News

2010-03-17T10:31:00.000+11:00

China proposes trans-Eurasian rail system from London to Beijing Boing Boing 21:57

In the last 4 hours

Burma Forest ATV trails closed Stevens Point Journal, Wisconsin - Opinions 21:03

WSJ: Kelley Currie: Burma's North Korea Gambit The Wall Street Journal - Europe Edition 19:40

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Guernica Reading, Mac McClelland of Mother Jones">A Guernica Reading, Mac McClelland of Mother Jones Guernica Magazine - Blogs 18:33

Burma a gateway for wildlife trade to China: report Bangkok Post - Asia 18:01

In the last 8 hours

Myanmar a gateway for wildlife trade to China: Report The Economic Times - Earth/Environment 16:01

Today

Sex and drugs in the Shan state (Jan 2005) The Economist - Asia 14:41

Steady hand on the till The Economist - Asia 14:41

Another Reason to Not Like Military Rule in Burma: Porous Border With China Enables Wildlife... TreeHugger 13:44

Burma, North Korea Defend their Human Rights Records The Irrawaddy - News 12:03

Thai Princess Visits Naypyidaw The Irrawaddy - News 09:12

Dodt Headlines Air Bagan Myanmar Open Asian Tour 08:44

Porous China-Myanmar border allowing illegal wildlife trade World Wildlife Fund (Press Release) 08:11

bAngladesh: Rohingya refugees starving to death Monday Morning 06:14

Myanmar: 14,086.52 acres of poppy plantations destroyed ReliefWeb 05:24

Philippines: Burma Broke Promise to Democratize The Irrawaddy - News 05:20

Suu Kyi’s party mulls running in polls The News International - World 00:22

mizzima news

2010-03-17T10:28:00.000+11:00

Philipino activists set three conditions for polls in Burma
Pro-democracy activists in the Philippines, keen to see democracy being ushered ...

Karen IDPs protest dam projects on Salween River
Hundreds of men, women and children thronged the sand bank of Salween river ...

Revisiting the political significance of Aung San Suu Kyi
(Commentary) For 20 years Burmese politics has remained relatively static, ...

News From Irrawaddy

2010-03-17T10:26:00.000+11:00

Burma, North Korea Defend their Human Rights Records

By WAI MOE

Burma and North Korea join in defending each other's human rights records before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

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