Today's news - 27 February 2008

Indonesia wants Suu Kyi in democracy process
Wirayuda said that Indonesia, the largest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations - to which Myanmar also belongs - should along with Asean still engage with the regime to push for an inclusive political process.
Indonesia welcomed the announcement of the May constitutional referendum and 2010 elections, but Indonesia is still advocating an engagement by Asean with Myanmar,â€‌ Wirayuda told a press briefing.
He said Indonesia supported the mission of UN envoy to Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari, who is UN chief Ban Ki-moon's pointman on promoting national reconciliation in Myanmar.

Burmese Authorities Close Weekly Magazine
A media rights group says Burma's military government has ordered the weekly magazine Myanmar Nation to stop publishing and has arrested two of its employees.

The International Freedom of Expression Exchange said Wednesday that the arrests of Thet Zin and Sein Win show that Burma continues to crack down on the independent media, despite plans for a constitutional referendum and other promises of reform. The group said the two are being held without charge.

Burma's allure places travelers in ethical dilemma
Activists say tourist dollars support the military junta, but many Burmese say they need the income.

Out of the motorized canoe, through a bamboo grove, up wooden stairs to the jungle, and there they are – thousands of stupas and shrines of Indein Village, their pinnacles rising into a cloudless sky.

Japan Backs UN Special Envoy's Efforts on Burma
Senior Japanese government officials Wednesday expressed Tokyo's intention to fully support UN special envoy to Myanmar [Burma] Ibrahim Gambari's efforts to promote democratization in the military-ruled country, the Foreign Ministry said.

Gambari explained to Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka and Deputy Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae that he intends to urge the junta during his visit to Myanmar in early March to engage in substantive talks with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest.