Burma has appointed Htin Lynn as the permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations, according to a statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry on Wednesday.
Previously acting as a director-general of the ministry’s international organizations and economic department and deputy permanent representative to the UN, he has served with the ministry for more than three decades, Aye Aye Soe, ministry spokesperson and member of the consular and legal affairs department, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
July 27, 2016
Muslims not welcome at Ethnic Youth Conference in Myanmar’s Shan State
Despite somewhat confusing attempts to suspend it, Myanmar’s Ethnic Youth Conference in Shan State went ahead on Tuesday in Panlong Town, the historic site of the 1947 peace deal between independence leader Aung San and ethnic rebel groups.
But amid the last-minute questions of whether the conference, involving hundreds of young people from a number of Myanmar’s ethnic groups, would proceed or not, another depressing drama was playing out behind the scenes.
Two Muslims attached to the ethnic Burmese delegation were being pushed out. (Courtesy of yangon.coconuts.co)
But amid the last-minute questions of whether the conference, involving hundreds of young people from a number of Myanmar’s ethnic groups, would proceed or not, another depressing drama was playing out behind the scenes.
Two Muslims attached to the ethnic Burmese delegation were being pushed out. (Courtesy of yangon.coconuts.co)
July 26, 2016
Signs of Myanmar peace grow stronger
Myanmar's ethnic armed groups are edging closer to participating in the planned peace summit at the end of next month. The Union Peace Conference was proposed earlier this year by the country's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in an attempt to bring together all ethnic groups and with the military and the government to lay the foundations for a re-invigorated peace process -- which would in turn lead to creating a democratic and federal state, bringing lasting peace to the country.
Increasing rapprochement between the country's top army chief, Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has raised hopes that the military -- which many ethnic leaders accuse of dragging its feet -- has formed a new working relationship which augurs well for the success of the peace process. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
Increasing rapprochement between the country's top army chief, Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has raised hopes that the military -- which many ethnic leaders accuse of dragging its feet -- has formed a new working relationship which augurs well for the success of the peace process. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
Myanmar takes steps towards university autonomy
How is the ongoing reform programme in Myanmar impacting on higher education?
Some of the answers were provided by Kevin MacKenzie, British Council country director there from August 2012 until 1 July this year, during a recent briefing in London.
He arrived 15 months after the military junta was dissolved, during “the early days of the reform agenda”. The election of Aung San Suu Kyi as a member of parliament and an amnesty of political prisoners in 2012 “helped convince sceptics the government was serious”, although it was still dominated by “the same faces without military uniforms”. It was a time of “power cuts, empty roads, taxis with holes in the floor and scarce mobile phones”.
Much has obviously happened over the past four years. Mr MacKenzie mentioned “a notable change in basic infrastructure” and the election of a government led by Ms Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy in 2015, even if three of the main ministries and a quarter of the parliamentary seats are still controlled by the military. (Courtesy of timeshighereducation.com)
Some of the answers were provided by Kevin MacKenzie, British Council country director there from August 2012 until 1 July this year, during a recent briefing in London.
He arrived 15 months after the military junta was dissolved, during “the early days of the reform agenda”. The election of Aung San Suu Kyi as a member of parliament and an amnesty of political prisoners in 2012 “helped convince sceptics the government was serious”, although it was still dominated by “the same faces without military uniforms”. It was a time of “power cuts, empty roads, taxis with holes in the floor and scarce mobile phones”.
Much has obviously happened over the past four years. Mr MacKenzie mentioned “a notable change in basic infrastructure” and the election of a government led by Ms Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy in 2015, even if three of the main ministries and a quarter of the parliamentary seats are still controlled by the military. (Courtesy of timeshighereducation.com)
Latest Oredoo marketing programme under fire
The Myanmar branch of the Qatar-based telecom giant’s Oredoo have been receiving heavy criticism for their latest marketing programme.
Oredoo Myanmar’s latest program, dubbed “Khu Phyay Khu Htaw” – which translates into “Answer now, get rich now”, have also earned a direct order from the xxx to stop the aforementioned programme until further notice the program was illegal; neither there was state permission nor the authorities were informed in advance.
The program involves a multiple choice quiz that Oredoo users can participate in with a daily prize money of Ks 30 lakhs (~US$2,564) per day. Users are charged Ks 200 for agreeing to participate in the quiz and KS 200 thereafter for every SMS sent to the number 777.
The users are given points for every correct answer they get. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Oredoo Myanmar’s latest program, dubbed “Khu Phyay Khu Htaw” – which translates into “Answer now, get rich now”, have also earned a direct order from the xxx to stop the aforementioned programme until further notice the program was illegal; neither there was state permission nor the authorities were informed in advance.
The program involves a multiple choice quiz that Oredoo users can participate in with a daily prize money of Ks 30 lakhs (~US$2,564) per day. Users are charged Ks 200 for agreeing to participate in the quiz and KS 200 thereafter for every SMS sent to the number 777.
The users are given points for every correct answer they get. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
After harsh censorship, Myanmar’s booksellers face new challenges
37th Street, a narrow street in Kyauktada township downtown Yangon, has experienced tremendous cultural and social changes over the last 5 years.
With colourful walls and weather-beaten pavements, several roadside bookstalls have become a living part of this modest street. Every morning from 9 to 11, roadside bookstalls on 37th Street open their door in succession, at the same time peddlers begin to stack books on makeshift shelves or spread them on the road.
Harsh media censorship under the former military regime covered books on various subjects - not only newspapers or political books, but also entertainment, sports, and even the lottery. Yet, since June 2011, with the first effects of political reform, censorship of publications has gradually relaxed. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
With colourful walls and weather-beaten pavements, several roadside bookstalls have become a living part of this modest street. Every morning from 9 to 11, roadside bookstalls on 37th Street open their door in succession, at the same time peddlers begin to stack books on makeshift shelves or spread them on the road.
Harsh media censorship under the former military regime covered books on various subjects - not only newspapers or political books, but also entertainment, sports, and even the lottery. Yet, since June 2011, with the first effects of political reform, censorship of publications has gradually relaxed. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
Martyrs’ Day: a wake-up call for reconciliation in Myanmar
For the first time, it was held under a National League for Democracy-backed government. After several decades of absence, it was also the first time the commander-in-chief attended.
And, for the first time since 1988, this Martyrs’ Day people heard the sound of sirens and stood still at 10:37am, when the martyrs were assassinated in 1947. For two minutes, people of all faiths, races and ideologies united under one siren call.
But most importantly, this year’s Martyrs’ Day was a wake-up call for national reconciliation in Myanmar. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
And, for the first time since 1988, this Martyrs’ Day people heard the sound of sirens and stood still at 10:37am, when the martyrs were assassinated in 1947. For two minutes, people of all faiths, races and ideologies united under one siren call.
But most importantly, this year’s Martyrs’ Day was a wake-up call for national reconciliation in Myanmar. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Civil society readies for upcoming Panglong Conference
Civil society groups are gearing up for the so-called 21st-century Panglong Conference, next month’s much-anticipated peace summit.
The National Ethnic Youth Conference, scheduled to be held in Loilin township’s Panglong town from July 27 to 31, will strive to cultivate a sense of unity among Myanmar’s younger generations.
“We aim to discuss the federal union and peace among all ethnic groups,” said Sai Aung Myint Oo, a member of the conference’s coordination committee. “We also expect to talk about unity, friendship and understanding among ethnic youths.” (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
The National Ethnic Youth Conference, scheduled to be held in Loilin township’s Panglong town from July 27 to 31, will strive to cultivate a sense of unity among Myanmar’s younger generations.
“We aim to discuss the federal union and peace among all ethnic groups,” said Sai Aung Myint Oo, a member of the conference’s coordination committee. “We also expect to talk about unity, friendship and understanding among ethnic youths.” (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
July 25, 2016
Economic policy due soon: ministry
He said he has submitted a draft to planning and finance minister U Kyaw Win for review, but did not want to reveal details. “Minister-level senior officials are going to discuss the policy and for now the information is confidential,” he said.
Broadly, the ministry will make the tax structure more transparent and direct revenue toward priority areas such as health, education and infrastructure, he said. It will also aim to allocate the budget more effectively, rather than reducing spending.
He said the ministry also plans to switch from a manual to a computerised system this year. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Broadly, the ministry will make the tax structure more transparent and direct revenue toward priority areas such as health, education and infrastructure, he said. It will also aim to allocate the budget more effectively, rather than reducing spending.
He said the ministry also plans to switch from a manual to a computerised system this year. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Qatar Charity brings relief to needy families in Myanmar
Qatar Charity has provided a new batch of food aid to people displaced in camps in Myanmar as part of its ongoing aid relief efforts since the end of 2013.
The organisation said in a press statement yesterday that 5,568 people have benefited from this programme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries of Qatar Charity’s relief in these camps to 198,564 people over almost three years. (Courtesy of gulf-times.com)
The organisation said in a press statement yesterday that 5,568 people have benefited from this programme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries of Qatar Charity’s relief in these camps to 198,564 people over almost three years. (Courtesy of gulf-times.com)
US approves $21m assistance to Myanmar
The United States will provide an additional US$21 million (Bt730 million) in assistance to Myanmar, to promote economic growth and capacity building for long-term development in the country.
The initiative will support the government's goal of tripling exports in five years; strengthen the ability of the government and the legal system to provide accountable and transparent oversight; and help modernise the agriculture sector which will be the driver of employment over the next 10 years, said Ben Rhodes, US deputy national security adviser.
Rhodes was on his fifth visit to Myanmar last week. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
The initiative will support the government's goal of tripling exports in five years; strengthen the ability of the government and the legal system to provide accountable and transparent oversight; and help modernise the agriculture sector which will be the driver of employment over the next 10 years, said Ben Rhodes, US deputy national security adviser.
Rhodes was on his fifth visit to Myanmar last week. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
ANP Alleges Govt ‘Wrongly’ Issued Citizenship in Arakan State
The Arakan National Party (ANP) and several Arakanese legal experts held a press conference on Sunday alleging that Burma’s previous government had wrongly issued citizenship documents to over 1,000 Muslims in Arakan State’s Myebon Township.
The Arakanese political and legal representatives say that the 97 individuals issued Citizenship Scrutiny Cards—or “pink cards,” which denote full citizenship—and 917 people granted naturalized citizenship, received these statuses in violation of Burma’s controversial 1982 Citizenship Law. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The Arakanese political and legal representatives say that the 97 individuals issued Citizenship Scrutiny Cards—or “pink cards,” which denote full citizenship—and 917 people granted naturalized citizenship, received these statuses in violation of Burma’s controversial 1982 Citizenship Law. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The case of French aid worker Moussa Tchantchuing
Kamdem Tchantchuing was taking his mother's car to a mechanic in Paris when he received a phone call from his brother Georges. Their younger brother, Moussa Tchantchuing, had been arrested in Bangladesh, where he frequently travels as a humanitarian working with Rohingya refugees in the region.
"I thought it was impossible," said Kamdem, 31. "I had just spoken to [Moussa] two days before and he was fine."
Watch: Nowhere To Go
But social media posts by the NGO Moussa worked for, Barakacity, confirmed the arrest. News began to spread that the Bangladeshi authorities were investigating Moussa over alleged links to "terrorism". (Courtesy of aljazeera.com)
"I thought it was impossible," said Kamdem, 31. "I had just spoken to [Moussa] two days before and he was fine."
Watch: Nowhere To Go
But social media posts by the NGO Moussa worked for, Barakacity, confirmed the arrest. News began to spread that the Bangladeshi authorities were investigating Moussa over alleged links to "terrorism". (Courtesy of aljazeera.com)
The Lady and the Generals
It takes two to tango, say Burma-watchers trying to make sense of the relationship burgeoning between the new government and the armed forces. This last week, some intriguing gestures have passed between the two.
On July 19—Burma’s Martyrs’ Day, commemorating the assassination of independence hero Aung San and eight of his colleagues in 1947—Commander-in-Chief Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing became the first armed forces commander in decades to take part in the annual ceremony at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in Rangoon. This is bound to become protocol for Min Aung Hlaing’s successors. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
On July 19—Burma’s Martyrs’ Day, commemorating the assassination of independence hero Aung San and eight of his colleagues in 1947—Commander-in-Chief Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing became the first armed forces commander in decades to take part in the annual ceremony at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in Rangoon. This is bound to become protocol for Min Aung Hlaing’s successors. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Burma: U.S. embassy apologizes over ‘bomb scare’
AFTER triggering a bomb scare in the Burmese (Myanmar) capital of Yangon, the United States embassy in the country has apologized over a tear gas training exercise incident which prompted emergency services to be dispatched to the scene.
The embassy made the public apology after a tear gas grenade exploded Sunday night during a security exercise, sending fumes out onto the street and sparking rumors of a bomb.
The embassy said in a statement Monday that no one was injured in the incident and that its operations were continuing normally. (Courtesy of asiancorrespondent.com)
The embassy made the public apology after a tear gas grenade exploded Sunday night during a security exercise, sending fumes out onto the street and sparking rumors of a bomb.
The embassy said in a statement Monday that no one was injured in the incident and that its operations were continuing normally. (Courtesy of asiancorrespondent.com)
Peace advocates rally support for Panglong
The demonstrators held signs with pictures of peace activists and famous writers, including Thakin Kodaw Hmaing and U Thant.
“All the citizens are longing for peace and they want the wars to stop immediately so they are supporting the 21st-century Panglong Conference,” said U Myat Kyaw, the spokesperson for the demonstrators. “We want to show the government, the hluttaw, the Tatmadaw, the ethnic groups and also the international organisations that we support peace.”
The demonstrators also collected signatures from participants and from those in the park who want to support the peace process. More than 360 signatures were collected during the event, which ended at about 11:30am, said Daw Linkar Thit, a volunteer from Tarmwe township. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
“All the citizens are longing for peace and they want the wars to stop immediately so they are supporting the 21st-century Panglong Conference,” said U Myat Kyaw, the spokesperson for the demonstrators. “We want to show the government, the hluttaw, the Tatmadaw, the ethnic groups and also the international organisations that we support peace.”
The demonstrators also collected signatures from participants and from those in the park who want to support the peace process. More than 360 signatures were collected during the event, which ended at about 11:30am, said Daw Linkar Thit, a volunteer from Tarmwe township. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Despite NLD's rise, activists still under surveillance
PROMINENT activist Ko Tin Htut Paing, who was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment in 2009 and released under a presidential amnesty in 2012, might have had reason to believe there would be greater freedom under the National League for Democracy government.
On the evening of June 15 this year, he received a phone call from a man claiming to work for Yangon-based media group Mizzima. The man wanted to know about some workers on trial whom Tin Htut Paing was helping.
“Because I had some doubts about who had called me, I contacted some acquaintances from Mizzima and asked about him. They told me that there was no person by that name at their organisation,” said Tin Htut Paing, leader of the civil society group Generation Youth. He believes the call came from someone in the government who was trying to get information about his movements or those of the workers. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
On the evening of June 15 this year, he received a phone call from a man claiming to work for Yangon-based media group Mizzima. The man wanted to know about some workers on trial whom Tin Htut Paing was helping.
“Because I had some doubts about who had called me, I contacted some acquaintances from Mizzima and asked about him. They told me that there was no person by that name at their organisation,” said Tin Htut Paing, leader of the civil society group Generation Youth. He believes the call came from someone in the government who was trying to get information about his movements or those of the workers. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
July 24, 2016
On Daw Suu, migrant workers and Thai nationalists
WHEN State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited Thailand last month she signed an agreement aimed at ensuring better protection, rights and working conditions for the millions of Myanmar migrant labourers in the neighbouring country.
Agreements on labour cooperation and cross border affairs were also signed during the visit by Aung San Suu Kyi, who was in Thailand in her capacity as State Counsellor.
The situation of Myanmar workers in Thailand was a focus of Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit and it included a trip to a coastal town near Bangkok to meet some of the thousands of her compatriots who work in seafood factories.
Since Aung San Suu Kyi returned home, extreme Thai nationalists have been campaigning against Myanmar workers. They accuse Myanmar workers of making unemployment worse among Thais and say they should not have the same rights as Thai employees. They also say that Myanmar workers should not have jobs that labour laws say are restricted to Thais. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Agreements on labour cooperation and cross border affairs were also signed during the visit by Aung San Suu Kyi, who was in Thailand in her capacity as State Counsellor.
The situation of Myanmar workers in Thailand was a focus of Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit and it included a trip to a coastal town near Bangkok to meet some of the thousands of her compatriots who work in seafood factories.
Since Aung San Suu Kyi returned home, extreme Thai nationalists have been campaigning against Myanmar workers. They accuse Myanmar workers of making unemployment worse among Thais and say they should not have the same rights as Thai employees. They also say that Myanmar workers should not have jobs that labour laws say are restricted to Thais. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Nur Jazlan: Migrants at detention centres get proper care
There have been no deaths due to lack of care at detention centres nationwide although several migrants have succumbed to pre-existing illnesses, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, said yesterday.
He said those detained received proper medical care despite allegations to the contrary by illegal Myanmar nationals who returned home recently.
He said detention centres were not meant to be “too comfortable” but were designed to humanely detain those without valid documents.
“Detention centres in the country are fit for service and adequately equipped for illegal migrants,’’ he said. (Courtesy of themalaymailonline.com)
He said those detained received proper medical care despite allegations to the contrary by illegal Myanmar nationals who returned home recently.
He said detention centres were not meant to be “too comfortable” but were designed to humanely detain those without valid documents.
“Detention centres in the country are fit for service and adequately equipped for illegal migrants,’’ he said. (Courtesy of themalaymailonline.com)
Myanmar's Lady cosies up to the General
Myanmar's democratic icon, Aung San Suu Kyi, has had a rocky start since she took the reins of government at the beginning of April. But in the past week there have been some significant developments that suggest she is in fact on the verge of making a major step in the country's transition to a more democratic and peaceful state. Myanmar analyst Larry Jagan explains why.
At the heart of this apparent breakthrough is an improved relationship with the military - the very same institution that kept her under house arrest for nearly two decades.
Last Sunday, she met several senior ethnic rebel leaders, from armed groups that have being fighting for regional autonomy for some 60 years, in an effort to secure their participation in her planned national peace summit scheduled for the end of August. (Courtesy of bbc.com)
At the heart of this apparent breakthrough is an improved relationship with the military - the very same institution that kept her under house arrest for nearly two decades.
Last Sunday, she met several senior ethnic rebel leaders, from armed groups that have being fighting for regional autonomy for some 60 years, in an effort to secure their participation in her planned national peace summit scheduled for the end of August. (Courtesy of bbc.com)
Aung San Suu Kyi to attend her first ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi will attend her first ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting from Sunday (Jul 24).
Expectations are high on what she will say at the meeting in Vientiane, Laos, and some are advising her to take this moment to get acquainted with ASEAN's processes first.
An issue that threatens to divide ASEAN is the South China Sea, which is likely to be a key discussion topic at the meeting. Myanmar is not a claimant state, but many will be keen to hear what Ms Suu Kyi has to say on the issue. (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
Expectations are high on what she will say at the meeting in Vientiane, Laos, and some are advising her to take this moment to get acquainted with ASEAN's processes first.
An issue that threatens to divide ASEAN is the South China Sea, which is likely to be a key discussion topic at the meeting. Myanmar is not a claimant state, but many will be keen to hear what Ms Suu Kyi has to say on the issue. (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
Rakhine chief makes corruption pledge
Nyi Pu, the Rakhine State chief minister, has pledged to fight corruption among the state's ministers.
He made the declaration at a Rakhine government committee meeting held at the Kitsapa Nati Hall, Kyauktaw Township, on July 20.
“We must unite for the development of Rakhine State. The new government committee is going to fight corruption. Action will be taken against ministers without favour,” said Nyi Pu.
He said public participation was essential and those in government must remember their job was to serve the people. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
He made the declaration at a Rakhine government committee meeting held at the Kitsapa Nati Hall, Kyauktaw Township, on July 20.
“We must unite for the development of Rakhine State. The new government committee is going to fight corruption. Action will be taken against ministers without favour,” said Nyi Pu.
He said public participation was essential and those in government must remember their job was to serve the people. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Myanmar: China Gets The Wrong Answer
There is general agreement that there should be a major effort to expand the 2015 NCA (nationwide ceasefire agreement) to include all rebel groups operating along the northern and eastern border areas. To that end another meeting of all groups involved (government, army, most rebels) will be held in August. The NCA effort has been going on since the 1990s but has had problems with finding ceasefire terms that everyone can agree to and, more importantly, that the army can be trusted to abide by. Decades of military rule ended in 2011 but many of the rebel tribes didn’t believe it meant soldiers would behave in tribal areas. They were right because in the border areas the military still did as they pleased. The elected government has made some progress in curbing the military misbehavior and the August NCA meeting is supposed to take advantage of that. This is not a sure thing as there have been NCA meetings in 2012, 2013 and 2015 and none of those deals were completely effective. That said, since 2011 there has been more peace and less army misbehavior in the border areas where lawlessness was long the norm. This is costing corrupt army officers a lot of money as they got rich by “taxing” or controlling a lot of illegal activities (mining, lumbering, smuggling in general). The corrupt officers also arranged for the illegal removal of tribes on land that had been “sold” to the Chinese for major development projects (mines, hydroelectric dams, pipelines). A new and improved NCA doesn’t make the Chinese happy either but officially they can’t express that because the official Chinese attitude is that they are doing everything legally. (Courtesy of strategypage.com)
Suu Kyi plans visits to China, US and Bangladesh
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s staff are making plans for her to visit China and the USA.
“Other countries have invited her to visit. We will announce dates when they are confirmed,” said Aye Aye Soe, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She is planning to visit China first, before going to the USA, Bangladesh and Malaysia later this year. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
“Other countries have invited her to visit. We will announce dates when they are confirmed,” said Aye Aye Soe, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She is planning to visit China first, before going to the USA, Bangladesh and Malaysia later this year. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Myanmar: Missteps or new directions?
When the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its iconic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, swept to power at the 2015 elections, the international community roared in approval. Now, some 100 days after the NLD took power, many foreign pundits are becoming more critical.
There were expectations that The Lady would be a beacon for human rights in the region and for progress on the issue of Muslims in the Rakhine state. Foreign investors hoped that the NLD government would speed up the opening of this frontier economy started by the preceding administration.
So far, there does not seem to be progress on either front. From the outside, the new government appears uncertain and hesitant. (Courtesy of themalaymailonline.com)
There were expectations that The Lady would be a beacon for human rights in the region and for progress on the issue of Muslims in the Rakhine state. Foreign investors hoped that the NLD government would speed up the opening of this frontier economy started by the preceding administration.
So far, there does not seem to be progress on either front. From the outside, the new government appears uncertain and hesitant. (Courtesy of themalaymailonline.com)
EU steps up with new strategy to support Myanmar's transition
European Union Ambassador Roland Kobia is upbeat about prospects of stepped up engagement between the EU and Myanmar following the new Myanmar government coming to power.
In the following interview conducted recently with Mizzima Editor-in-Chief SoeMyint, EU Ambassador Kobia talks about engagement, trade and investment, the peace process, and the development of Myanmar.
The 28 European Union foreign ministers recently adopted a new strategy for the EU relations with Myanmar. Can you tell us more about this new EU strategy on Myanmar? What are the changes or what are the key areas? (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
In the following interview conducted recently with Mizzima Editor-in-Chief SoeMyint, EU Ambassador Kobia talks about engagement, trade and investment, the peace process, and the development of Myanmar.
The 28 European Union foreign ministers recently adopted a new strategy for the EU relations with Myanmar. Can you tell us more about this new EU strategy on Myanmar? What are the changes or what are the key areas? (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
Buddhism still dominant in Myanmar
Buddhism still rules in Myanmar despite the increasing popularity of other religious faiths.
According to a report, Muslim population constitutes 4.3 per cent with the addition of an estimated 1.09 million Muslims in Rakhine State, compared to 3.9 per cent in the census conducted in 1973 and 1983.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population’s report on religion was released subsequently to the 2014 census. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
According to a report, Muslim population constitutes 4.3 per cent with the addition of an estimated 1.09 million Muslims in Rakhine State, compared to 3.9 per cent in the census conducted in 1973 and 1983.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population’s report on religion was released subsequently to the 2014 census. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
German ambassador congratulates journalism graduates
This week the German Ambassador to Myanmar congratulated graduates of the Myanmar Journalism Institute saying they had chosen a noble profession.
Speaking at the event on July 21 at the institute German Ambassador Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch said the foreign partners of Myanmar Journalism Institute, including the German Embassy, are proud of their commitment and success.
“You have chosen a noble guild. After all, it makes a difference whether one sells news or nuts,” he said. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
Speaking at the event on July 21 at the institute German Ambassador Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch said the foreign partners of Myanmar Journalism Institute, including the German Embassy, are proud of their commitment and success.
“You have chosen a noble guild. After all, it makes a difference whether one sells news or nuts,” he said. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
Hindu numbers constant in Myanmar over 40 years
The proportion of Hindus in Myanmar has remained constant at around
0.5 per cent over the forty year period, according to Myanmar Census
2014 Report on Religion released this month.
In Myanmar’s enumerated population, there were 252,763 (0.5%) Hindus. Largest number of Hindus, 100,166 (2.0% of Region’s enumerated population), were in Bago Region (southern-central part of the country); while smallest number of Hindus, only 106, were in Chin State (least developed area of the country) in western Myanmar.
Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, urged Myanmar Hindus to continue with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc.; and keep on contributing to the progress of Myanmar. (Courtesy of oyetimes.com)
In Myanmar’s enumerated population, there were 252,763 (0.5%) Hindus. Largest number of Hindus, 100,166 (2.0% of Region’s enumerated population), were in Bago Region (southern-central part of the country); while smallest number of Hindus, only 106, were in Chin State (least developed area of the country) in western Myanmar.
Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, urged Myanmar Hindus to continue with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc.; and keep on contributing to the progress of Myanmar. (Courtesy of oyetimes.com)
July 23, 2016
Malaysian activists call on Aung San Suu Kyi to meet Rohingya refugees
Aung San Suu Kyi is set to visit Malaysia in August and a local activist group, the Tenaganita movement is calling on her as the Burmese Foreign Minister to meet with a group of Rohingya refugees, the Muslim minority persecuted in Myanmar.
Reached by Free Malaysia Today Aegile Fernandez, co-director of Tenaganita, points out that the NGO is available to arrange a face-to-face meeting between the Nobel Peace Laureate and a group of Rohingya refugees. "It would be wonderful - she added - because they could tell their side of the story".
In the past, Aung San Suu Kyi, icon of human rights and democracy in Myanmar, has been heavily criticized for failing to come to the defense of the Muslim minority. Recently, during a meeting with the UN special representative on human rights, the NLD leaders said they did not want to even use the term "Rohingya" because it is considered a source of controversy in the Asian country. (Courtesy of heraldmalaysia.com)
Reached by Free Malaysia Today Aegile Fernandez, co-director of Tenaganita, points out that the NGO is available to arrange a face-to-face meeting between the Nobel Peace Laureate and a group of Rohingya refugees. "It would be wonderful - she added - because they could tell their side of the story".
In the past, Aung San Suu Kyi, icon of human rights and democracy in Myanmar, has been heavily criticized for failing to come to the defense of the Muslim minority. Recently, during a meeting with the UN special representative on human rights, the NLD leaders said they did not want to even use the term "Rohingya" because it is considered a source of controversy in the Asian country. (Courtesy of heraldmalaysia.com)
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar work together on quake prediction
Efforts are on by Indian seismologists and geologists to jointly carry out studies with Bangladesh and Myanmar and form a common geodetic network to verify fresh data and sort out discrepancies over earthquake-related research in the region.
In a recent paper in Nature Geoscience, a group of scientists published new evidence of the increasing strain building beneath Bangladesh, where two tectonic plates underlie the vast delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
They estimate that at least 140 million people in the region could be affected if the boundary ruptures. (Courtesy of daijiworld.com)
In a recent paper in Nature Geoscience, a group of scientists published new evidence of the increasing strain building beneath Bangladesh, where two tectonic plates underlie the vast delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
They estimate that at least 140 million people in the region could be affected if the boundary ruptures. (Courtesy of daijiworld.com)
Thai firm to invest in Mawlamyine power plant
The company has set up a wholly owned Singaporean subsidiary Siam Gas Power, which signed a sales and purchase agreement on July 18 to invest $48 million (1.68 billion baht) in the 230-megawatt project.
The plant joined the national grid system earlier this year, and is operated by Myanmar Lighting under the government’s independent power producer (IPP) system. Myanmar Lighting contracted Singaporean firm Asiatech Energy to build the plant.
The Myanmar government rolled out its IPP system in 2011 to encourage private investment in electricity production, especially in areas off the national grid, hoping to produce more power and alleviate shortages. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
The plant joined the national grid system earlier this year, and is operated by Myanmar Lighting under the government’s independent power producer (IPP) system. Myanmar Lighting contracted Singaporean firm Asiatech Energy to build the plant.
The Myanmar government rolled out its IPP system in 2011 to encourage private investment in electricity production, especially in areas off the national grid, hoping to produce more power and alleviate shortages. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Myanmar consumers slow to adopt debit cards
Kinks inherent in the system are preventing a rapid growth in the number of users, which has hovered at around 1.8 million, says U Zaw Lin Htut, CEO of Myanmar Payment Union (MPU).
“People are starting to use cards issued by banks and brands, and are finding it increasingly convenient as the number of stores that take cards increases,” he said.
But while international customers use their cards when they need to buy something and leave the rest of their money in their account, Myanmar users typically use cards to withdraw their entire salary at an ATM every payday, he said, adding, “We would like to encourage them to refrain.” (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
“People are starting to use cards issued by banks and brands, and are finding it increasingly convenient as the number of stores that take cards increases,” he said.
But while international customers use their cards when they need to buy something and leave the rest of their money in their account, Myanmar users typically use cards to withdraw their entire salary at an ATM every payday, he said, adding, “We would like to encourage them to refrain.” (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Myanmar expands fibre optic cable to 31,000 kilometres
Myanmar had only used the SEA-ME-WE 3 fibre optic cable previously, but people in the country will be able enjoy the benefits of the SEA-ME-WE 5 and AAE1 cables soon.
The inland fibre optic cables link Muse and Myawady to Thailand, and in the 2015-16 fiscal year, a new inland fibre optic cable linked Tachilek to Thailand.
Three phone service providers operate in Myanmar.
International bandwidth has reached to over 200 Gbps in 2016, which is nearly seven times the country's capacity in 2013. Although the number of telecommunication towers in Myanmar was under 3,000 before the foreign were introduced, the number of telecommunication towers in Myanmar reached over 11,700 in 2016, sources say. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
The inland fibre optic cables link Muse and Myawady to Thailand, and in the 2015-16 fiscal year, a new inland fibre optic cable linked Tachilek to Thailand.
Three phone service providers operate in Myanmar.
International bandwidth has reached to over 200 Gbps in 2016, which is nearly seven times the country's capacity in 2013. Although the number of telecommunication towers in Myanmar was under 3,000 before the foreign were introduced, the number of telecommunication towers in Myanmar reached over 11,700 in 2016, sources say. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
July 22, 2016
Myanmar census data undercuts Buddhist hardliner claims
Muslims make up just over two per cent of Myanmar's population, government census figures showed on Thursday (Jul 21), undercutting claims by Buddhist hardliners that Islam poses a threat to the dominance of their faith.
Full details from the 2014 count, the first of its kind in decades, was withheld for almost a year to avoid stirring tensions in the Buddhist-majority nation ahead of elections that propelled Aung San Suu Kyi's pro-democracy party to power.
Islamophobia has rippled across Myanmar in recent years, with Buddhist nationalists sending alarmist messages about the growth of the Muslim population. (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
Full details from the 2014 count, the first of its kind in decades, was withheld for almost a year to avoid stirring tensions in the Buddhist-majority nation ahead of elections that propelled Aung San Suu Kyi's pro-democracy party to power.
Islamophobia has rippled across Myanmar in recent years, with Buddhist nationalists sending alarmist messages about the growth of the Muslim population. (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
Myanmar military admits soldiers killed villagers during interrogation
Five villagers have been killed by soldiers during an interrogation in Myanmar, a senior general said, in a rare admission by the country’s powerful military which promised to prosecute the perpetrators.
Witnesses have told Reuters that soldiers rounded up dozens of men in a remote part of the northern Shan state – an area riven by a long-running ethnic insurgency – on 25 June and led five men away. The bodies of the five were found in a shallow grave a few days later.
Lieutenant General Mya Tun Oo, one of Myanmar’s highest-ranking officers and the chief of military intelligence, told a news conference in Yangon that a court martial was under way and that the verdict would be made public. (Courtesy of theguardian.com)
Witnesses have told Reuters that soldiers rounded up dozens of men in a remote part of the northern Shan state – an area riven by a long-running ethnic insurgency – on 25 June and led five men away. The bodies of the five were found in a shallow grave a few days later.
Lieutenant General Mya Tun Oo, one of Myanmar’s highest-ranking officers and the chief of military intelligence, told a news conference in Yangon that a court martial was under way and that the verdict would be made public. (Courtesy of theguardian.com)
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi accepts Obama's invitation to visit US
Myanmar government leader Aung San Suu Kyi has accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the United States, the government said on Thursday, in what would be her first trip to America since she won an election in November.
Suu Kyi planned to travel at a "mutually convenient time", a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said. Another government source said the trip was likely to coincide with the U.N. General Assembly session in New York in September.
Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, swept to power in a historic election in November after decades of campaigning against military rule.
It took over the running of the country after a transition from semi-civilian rule in April.
"She accepted President Obama's invitation to visit the U.S. before his presidency ends," said Aye Aye Soe, a spokeswoman at the foreign ministry, which is run by Suu Kyi.
Visiting U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes delivered Obama's invitation during a meeting with Suu Kyi in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Wednesday. (Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)
Suu Kyi planned to travel at a "mutually convenient time", a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said. Another government source said the trip was likely to coincide with the U.N. General Assembly session in New York in September.
Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, swept to power in a historic election in November after decades of campaigning against military rule.
It took over the running of the country after a transition from semi-civilian rule in April.
"She accepted President Obama's invitation to visit the U.S. before his presidency ends," said Aye Aye Soe, a spokeswoman at the foreign ministry, which is run by Suu Kyi.
Visiting U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes delivered Obama's invitation during a meeting with Suu Kyi in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Wednesday. (Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)
Myanmar frees BBC reporter from jail after appeal
A journalist from the BBC's Myanmar-language service walked free from prison on Thursday after a court accepted his appeal against a three-month sentence handed down in June for striking a policeman.
“I'm in good health and I'm very thankful to those who expressed concerns and worked for my release,” the journalist, Nay Myo Lin, told Reuters by telephone.
Thein Than Oo, his lawyer, told Reuters the court in Mandalay, the country's second largest city, accepted Mr. Nay Myo Lin's appeal and he was freed from prison soon afterwards.
Photographs uploaded to the BBC Myanmar-language Facebook page showed a smiling Mr. Nay Myo Lin walking out of prison beside his pregnant wife. (Courtesy of thehindu.com)
“I'm in good health and I'm very thankful to those who expressed concerns and worked for my release,” the journalist, Nay Myo Lin, told Reuters by telephone.
Thein Than Oo, his lawyer, told Reuters the court in Mandalay, the country's second largest city, accepted Mr. Nay Myo Lin's appeal and he was freed from prison soon afterwards.
Photographs uploaded to the BBC Myanmar-language Facebook page showed a smiling Mr. Nay Myo Lin walking out of prison beside his pregnant wife. (Courtesy of thehindu.com)
July 21, 2016
Obama invites Suu Kyi to US
Ben Rhodes, US deputy national security adviser, has held talks on bilateral relations with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw.
Rhodes presented US President Barack Obama’s official invitation letter to Suu Kyi, also the foreign minister, inviting her to visit the USA. The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation, the peace process, tensions in Rakhine State and regional development, according to Aye Aye Soe, deputy director-general from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He asked about the US’s decision to extend sanctions against Myanmar and Suu Kyi said they would not have a great impact. The US representative said Washington would remove its sanctions when the country was on the right track, Aye Aye Soe added. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Rhodes presented US President Barack Obama’s official invitation letter to Suu Kyi, also the foreign minister, inviting her to visit the USA. The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation, the peace process, tensions in Rakhine State and regional development, according to Aye Aye Soe, deputy director-general from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He asked about the US’s decision to extend sanctions against Myanmar and Suu Kyi said they would not have a great impact. The US representative said Washington would remove its sanctions when the country was on the right track, Aye Aye Soe added. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Violence threatens new Myanmar
The recent destruction of a Muslim prayer hall in central Myanmar, and the burning of a mosque in the north, mark a rekindling of tensions that have been smouldering since the first large-scale attacks against Muslims in the country in 2012.
Those attacks, initially sparked by the rape and murder of a young Buddhist woman in June and followed by more coordinated attacks targeting Muslims in October, ended with 200 dead and 140,000 displaced, mostly Muslims. The timing of these most recent attacks, just as the new Aung San Suu Kyi-led government reached its first 100 days in power, is an inauspicious reminder of the dangers of not addressing those hate-driven dynamics. (Courtesy of policyforum.net)
Those attacks, initially sparked by the rape and murder of a young Buddhist woman in June and followed by more coordinated attacks targeting Muslims in October, ended with 200 dead and 140,000 displaced, mostly Muslims. The timing of these most recent attacks, just as the new Aung San Suu Kyi-led government reached its first 100 days in power, is an inauspicious reminder of the dangers of not addressing those hate-driven dynamics. (Courtesy of policyforum.net)
The name game and the blame game in Rakhine
RAKHINE State has been the tragic counterpoint to all the progress made in Myanmar over the past five years. The numbers are well known: more than 200 dead in communal violence; 140,000 initially displaced, of whom only 20,000 have been able to leave IDP camps; approximately 1 million stateless. Both Buddhist and Muslim communities remain desperately poor, with Rakhine State by some measures the most impoverished in the country. They are also deeply divided, with few immediate prospects for reconciliation.
But amid all the complexity – governance, nationalism, poverty, religion, migration, international relations and, more recently, ethnic insurgency – too much attention has been given to the issue of ethnic identity. The Rohingya/Bengali argument has sucked the air out of more worthy and important discussions on the future of the state. In many ways it reflects the equally unhelpful Burma vs Myanmar debate of years gone by.
For media organisations that value impartiality but also respect a person’s right to self-identify – a form of freedom of expression, something that we inherently hold dear – the issue of nomenclature is also a quandary. Because of the meaning invested in both terms, adopting one as a default will be perceived as choosing a side, of placing one community’s views above those of the other. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
But amid all the complexity – governance, nationalism, poverty, religion, migration, international relations and, more recently, ethnic insurgency – too much attention has been given to the issue of ethnic identity. The Rohingya/Bengali argument has sucked the air out of more worthy and important discussions on the future of the state. In many ways it reflects the equally unhelpful Burma vs Myanmar debate of years gone by.
For media organisations that value impartiality but also respect a person’s right to self-identify – a form of freedom of expression, something that we inherently hold dear – the issue of nomenclature is also a quandary. Because of the meaning invested in both terms, adopting one as a default will be perceived as choosing a side, of placing one community’s views above those of the other. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
High hopes for deserted trading town on Myanmar-China border
Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Myanmar National Democractic Alliance Army (MNDAA) broke out in early 2015, driving away the masons and the sugar-cane workers who had come from all over Myanmar to work for mainly Chinese business owners.
But now, though the government’s efforts to end armed conflict through the 21st-Century Panglong Conference have barely begun, prosperity, if not yet a stable peace, seems to have returned to the town, in northeastern Shan State’s troubled Kokang region.
For the long term, the border post is a vital node in China’s plan for a four-nation China-Myanmar-Bangladesh-India trade route. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
But now, though the government’s efforts to end armed conflict through the 21st-Century Panglong Conference have barely begun, prosperity, if not yet a stable peace, seems to have returned to the town, in northeastern Shan State’s troubled Kokang region.
For the long term, the border post is a vital node in China’s plan for a four-nation China-Myanmar-Bangladesh-India trade route. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
How can Rakhine move forward?
In 2012, U Khin Htwe Maung was building a house in downtown Sittwe, paid for with the pension he received for decades of military service.
When sectarian violence erupted in Rakhine State in June that year, he was in Yangon visiting family. He returned to his hometown three weeks later to find his under-construction home burned to the ground.
“I felt like not only my home had been torn down, but my life,” Khin Htwe Maung told Frontier in an interview at the Sat Roe Kya displacement camp, on the outskirts of Sittwe, where he has been living since 2012.
Sat Roe Kya is one of the few internally displaced persons camps for ethnic Rakhine who lost their homes in the violence four years ago. The UN says there are 3,482 people living in the camp, which also has a small Hindu population. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
When sectarian violence erupted in Rakhine State in June that year, he was in Yangon visiting family. He returned to his hometown three weeks later to find his under-construction home burned to the ground.
“I felt like not only my home had been torn down, but my life,” Khin Htwe Maung told Frontier in an interview at the Sat Roe Kya displacement camp, on the outskirts of Sittwe, where he has been living since 2012.
Sat Roe Kya is one of the few internally displaced persons camps for ethnic Rakhine who lost their homes in the violence four years ago. The UN says there are 3,482 people living in the camp, which also has a small Hindu population. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Nearly 70 Myanmar workers repatriated from ‘hell’ of detention in Malaysia
So far, 214 Myanmar citizens from camps around Malaysia have received paid trips home, according to U San Win, chair of the Kepong Free Funeral Services, including 62 in the first group, 84 in the second and 68 in the third. A further 120 paid for their own airfare.
The repatriations began on July 13, and U San Win added that the returns will continue so long as donations are maintained.
“Now, we have funding for over 250 people to return. We already handed over the funds to the embassy so officials could arrange the trip,” said U San Win. He added that the embassy had determined which of the detained citizens to repatriate. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
The repatriations began on July 13, and U San Win added that the returns will continue so long as donations are maintained.
“Now, we have funding for over 250 people to return. We already handed over the funds to the embassy so officials could arrange the trip,” said U San Win. He added that the embassy had determined which of the detained citizens to repatriate. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
MYANMAR CLERGY DENOUNCE MA BA THA AS ‘DIVISIVE’ MINORITY
Several revered Buddhist monks from across Myanmar have spoken out against the nationalist Ma Ba Tha movement, describing it as a minority group, and its actions as divisive and politicised.
The monks joined a growing chorus of criticism of the movement, which was recently disowned by the State Sangha, hit with legal complaints and warned by the National League for Democracy (NLD) government.
U Ariya Bhivamsa, an abbot at Myawaddi Mingyi Monastery in Mandalay, said some monks had initially viewed Ma Ba Tha as a protector of Buddhism, but most had come to realise that it was radical and close to the military-linked Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). (Courtesy of khaosodenglish.com)
The monks joined a growing chorus of criticism of the movement, which was recently disowned by the State Sangha, hit with legal complaints and warned by the National League for Democracy (NLD) government.
U Ariya Bhivamsa, an abbot at Myawaddi Mingyi Monastery in Mandalay, said some monks had initially viewed Ma Ba Tha as a protector of Buddhism, but most had come to realise that it was radical and close to the military-linked Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). (Courtesy of khaosodenglish.com)
July 20, 2016
Revisiting country risk for Myanmar
Expectations on Myanmar’s new government are sky high, but is it up to tackling the significant challenges the country faces? Trevor Wilson outlines the areas for optimism and those where pessimism prevails.
After Myanmar’s 2015 elections, the international credit rating agency, Moody’s, initially issued a very positive response to the results, describing the National League for Democracy’s (NLD’s) landslide victory as “credit positive”.
This judgment is consistent with the generally favourable response to the election outcome, which seemed to confirm the overall popularity of the NLD and its leader Aung San Suu Kyi. But is it more complicated than this? What is really known about the NLD’s likely policies and attitudes to defining and shaping the country, and what is known about their experience and likely competence in handling the complexity and pressures of governing? (Courtesy of policyforum.net)
After Myanmar’s 2015 elections, the international credit rating agency, Moody’s, initially issued a very positive response to the results, describing the National League for Democracy’s (NLD’s) landslide victory as “credit positive”.
This judgment is consistent with the generally favourable response to the election outcome, which seemed to confirm the overall popularity of the NLD and its leader Aung San Suu Kyi. But is it more complicated than this? What is really known about the NLD’s likely policies and attitudes to defining and shaping the country, and what is known about their experience and likely competence in handling the complexity and pressures of governing? (Courtesy of policyforum.net)
Rakhine State parliament to release report on damages caused by Chinese pipeline
A report on losses suffered by residents of Rakhine State’s Kyaukphyu and Ann townships caused by the nearby Chinese oil and natural gas pipeline will soon be submitted to the Rakhine State parliament.
MP Khin Maung Htay from Ann Township said the report will be based on interviews with residents who lost farmland and or suffered other damages associated with the construction of the pipeline.
He said local people expressed disgust at the irresponsible behaviour of officials visited the pipeline to gather information recently. He added that the report will also include information about compensation distributed for lands lost to the pipeline. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
MP Khin Maung Htay from Ann Township said the report will be based on interviews with residents who lost farmland and or suffered other damages associated with the construction of the pipeline.
He said local people expressed disgust at the irresponsible behaviour of officials visited the pipeline to gather information recently. He added that the report will also include information about compensation distributed for lands lost to the pipeline. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Aung San Suu Kyi, Military Chief Pay Tribute to Myanmar’s Independence Heroes
Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the country’s military commander-in-chief attended a commemorative ceremony on Tuesday in the commercial capital Yangon honoring the fallen heroes of the country’s independence movement, including her father, General Aung San.
The Martyrs’ Day national holiday is observed annually to commemorate the deaths of Aung San and seven other leaders of the pre-independence interim government who were assassinated on July 19, 1947, a year before Myanmar, then called Burma, gained its independence from British colonial rule.
On this day, top-level government officials visit the Martyrs’ Mausoleum, dedicated to Aung San and the others who were killed, near the northern gate of the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda in the commercial capital Yangon. (Courtesy of rfa.org)
The Martyrs’ Day national holiday is observed annually to commemorate the deaths of Aung San and seven other leaders of the pre-independence interim government who were assassinated on July 19, 1947, a year before Myanmar, then called Burma, gained its independence from British colonial rule.
On this day, top-level government officials visit the Martyrs’ Mausoleum, dedicated to Aung San and the others who were killed, near the northern gate of the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda in the commercial capital Yangon. (Courtesy of rfa.org)
Martyrs’ Day Openly Commemorated by Thousands Nationwide
Burma Army Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance at the annual commemoration of Martyrs’ Day in Rangoon on Tuesday generated hope for restoring relationships in the war-torn country, said representatives from the country’s ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD).
“It’s a good sign for national reconciliation,” said Nyan Win, one of the party’s central executive committee members. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
“It’s a good sign for national reconciliation,” said Nyan Win, one of the party’s central executive committee members. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
July 19, 2016
Myanmar Moves to Unveil New Economic Policy And End Religious Violence
Buddhist extremists! Surely an oxymoron. Yet according to an article by Reuters titled “After Violence, Myanmar Moves To Curb Religious Extremism”, that’s exactly what has been happening in Myanmar. We all, at least I do, associate Buddhism with peace and tranquility, not with the burning down of mosques or injuring people in the name of religion. However, earlier this month a large group of ‘peaceful’ Buddhists burnt down a prayer hall belonging to a Muslim community, causing the occupants to flee for their lives. I never thought I would live to see the day when the world’s most peaceful religion embraces violence.
There has always been tension between Muslim and Buddhist communities in Myanmar over the decades, but only after the military pulled back from governing the country a few years ago has violence escalated. As a foreign investor, and one who has been very bullish on Myanmar, I sincerely hope that the government of Aung San Suu Kyi puts an end to the tension immediately. If not, the economy will surely suffer. (Courtesy of fronteranews.com)
There has always been tension between Muslim and Buddhist communities in Myanmar over the decades, but only after the military pulled back from governing the country a few years ago has violence escalated. As a foreign investor, and one who has been very bullish on Myanmar, I sincerely hope that the government of Aung San Suu Kyi puts an end to the tension immediately. If not, the economy will surely suffer. (Courtesy of fronteranews.com)
Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes to visit Myanmar
US Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes will arrive in Myanmar on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the US embassy.
He will be in Myanmar from July 19 to 20 in order to meet government officials, businessmen and leaders of social organisations in Nay Pyi Taw.
Rhodes’s responsibilities include supporting the strategies employed by President Obama and writing election campaign speeches. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
He will be in Myanmar from July 19 to 20 in order to meet government officials, businessmen and leaders of social organisations in Nay Pyi Taw.
Rhodes’s responsibilities include supporting the strategies employed by President Obama and writing election campaign speeches. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Myanmar's Suu Kyi honours hero father
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi paid tribute to her independence hero father on Tuesday at a memorial attended for the first time by the army chief, a rare show of unity in the former junta-run country.
The 71-year-old, now steering Myanmar's first civilian government in decades, laid a wreath at the mausoleum dedicated to her father and eight others assassinated in 1947 during their struggle to win independence from Britain.
A heavy security presence surrounded the memorial in Yangon, as huge crowds gathered outside the gates to celebrate the fallen leaders. (Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)
The 71-year-old, now steering Myanmar's first civilian government in decades, laid a wreath at the mausoleum dedicated to her father and eight others assassinated in 1947 during their struggle to win independence from Britain.
A heavy security presence surrounded the memorial in Yangon, as huge crowds gathered outside the gates to celebrate the fallen leaders. (Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)
Coast Guard seizes suspected boat from Myanmar
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) apprehended a boat from Myanmar moving around Andamans late on Monday night. The boat was seized after two hours of chase by ICG ships.
According to officials, two ICG ships - Rajkamal and Bhikaji Cama - spotted the boat while they were on a routine patrol of the Northern Group of Islands.
"The boat did not respond to the maritime communication procedures and hence we grew suspicious over its presence," an ICG official told OneIndia on Tuesday.
The boat was finally seized from Narcondum, which is a small volcanic island in Andaman sea. The boat did not bear any country's flag nor had any registration number. (Courtesy of oneindia.com)
According to officials, two ICG ships - Rajkamal and Bhikaji Cama - spotted the boat while they were on a routine patrol of the Northern Group of Islands.
"The boat did not respond to the maritime communication procedures and hence we grew suspicious over its presence," an ICG official told OneIndia on Tuesday.
The boat was finally seized from Narcondum, which is a small volcanic island in Andaman sea. The boat did not bear any country's flag nor had any registration number. (Courtesy of oneindia.com)
Myanmar ignores ethnic divisions to honor Muslim martyr
Thousands of people of all faiths cast aside religious and ethnic differences early Thursday to pay respect to the country's heroes of independence at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in Myanmar’s commercial capital Yangon.
Each year on July 19, events take place countrywide, but for Myanmar's minority Muslim population Martyr's Day has taken on extra significance as many feel the secularism encouraged by one man is now under threat from a surge in Buddhist nationalism.
Of the eight men assassinated alongside the country’s founding father in 1947, one was a highly respected Muslim politician, Abdul Razak, who paved the way for what was initially a secular state in the majority Buddhist country. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Each year on July 19, events take place countrywide, but for Myanmar's minority Muslim population Martyr's Day has taken on extra significance as many feel the secularism encouraged by one man is now under threat from a surge in Buddhist nationalism.
Of the eight men assassinated alongside the country’s founding father in 1947, one was a highly respected Muslim politician, Abdul Razak, who paved the way for what was initially a secular state in the majority Buddhist country. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
July 18, 2016
India-Thailand road link to be a reality soon
In the near future, if you wish to visit Bangkok, one of the options on the table is likely to be taking a bus ride, as talks are in an advanced stage to implement a project promoted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to start a regular bus service between India and Thailand via Myanmar.
The bus service would be part of a transport agreement being negotiated by India, Thailand and Myanmar for completion of the historic 1,400-km highway currently under renovation.
Top ADB officials said the negotiations are expected to be concluded next year, as the Indian government has offered Myanmar financial assistance to upgrade bridges along the route linking India’s Northeast with Myanmar and Thailand. (Courtesy of assamtribune.com)
The bus service would be part of a transport agreement being negotiated by India, Thailand and Myanmar for completion of the historic 1,400-km highway currently under renovation.
Top ADB officials said the negotiations are expected to be concluded next year, as the Indian government has offered Myanmar financial assistance to upgrade bridges along the route linking India’s Northeast with Myanmar and Thailand. (Courtesy of assamtribune.com)
Myanmar's Suu Kyi holds landmark rebel talks
Myanmar's de facto premier Aung San Suu Kyi held landmark talks with senior rebel leaders on Sunday, as she strives to seal a ceasefire with a patchwork of ethnic minority militias that have battled the national army for decades.
Suu Kyi has made peace a flagship policy of her newly installed civilian-led government which replaced decades of brutal junta rule earlier this year.
It is a tall order in a country where the military, which is loathed and deeply distrusted by many ethnic rebel groups, still retains significant control.
A number of key rebel factions have yet to sign up to a national ceasefire agreement, something Suu Kyi's government hopes Sunday's talks might change. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
Suu Kyi has made peace a flagship policy of her newly installed civilian-led government which replaced decades of brutal junta rule earlier this year.
It is a tall order in a country where the military, which is loathed and deeply distrusted by many ethnic rebel groups, still retains significant control.
A number of key rebel factions have yet to sign up to a national ceasefire agreement, something Suu Kyi's government hopes Sunday's talks might change. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
Govt calls for rural mobile coverage
Although mobile penetration has reached about 90 per cent of the population, many rural areas are left without coverage, according to Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications.
“One of the objectives in the telecoms master plan was to provide mobile services to about 90 per cent of the population by 2020. Although the target has been reached, it is mostly in urban areas. The government is aiming for more balanced coverage,” said an official from the ministry.
According to the census, about 70 per cent of the 51 million citizens live in rural areas. About half of the north and east are covered by forest or are mountainous. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
“One of the objectives in the telecoms master plan was to provide mobile services to about 90 per cent of the population by 2020. Although the target has been reached, it is mostly in urban areas. The government is aiming for more balanced coverage,” said an official from the ministry.
According to the census, about 70 per cent of the 51 million citizens live in rural areas. About half of the north and east are covered by forest or are mountainous. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
As banks grow, cash is still king in Myanmar
Wait long enough in a bank, and you’ll see them arrive: teams of young men, with heavy plastic bags full of cash on their shoulders. Each bag contains the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars – sometimes more than $100,000, depending on the denomination. Often, they’ll dump the piles of notes on the floor and count the individual blocks – each one a bundle of 100 notes – in front of waiting customers. And nobody will bat an eyelid.
Look more closely and you’ll also notice air purification machines dotted around the branch. These are to protect customers and staff from the dust and mould that inevitably builds up on such a large amount of cash. Bank staff also typically wear face masks to protect their respiratory systems from the particles in the air.
“The K1,000 notes are the dirtiest, because they are the most used in everyday transactions. But these days, even K5,000 notes are getting dirtier,” one bank teller told Frontier. “One of my colleagues had to be hospitalised to clear the dust from her lungs because of the long-term exposure to these dirty notes.” (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Look more closely and you’ll also notice air purification machines dotted around the branch. These are to protect customers and staff from the dust and mould that inevitably builds up on such a large amount of cash. Bank staff also typically wear face masks to protect their respiratory systems from the particles in the air.
“The K1,000 notes are the dirtiest, because they are the most used in everyday transactions. But these days, even K5,000 notes are getting dirtier,” one bank teller told Frontier. “One of my colleagues had to be hospitalised to clear the dust from her lungs because of the long-term exposure to these dirty notes.” (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
July 17, 2016
China, Myanmar vow to boost cooperation
Premier Li Keqiang met with Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia on July 16.
The Premier first extended cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping to President U Htin Kyaw. Premier Li said that since China and Myanmar established diplomatic relations 66 years ago, the two countries had deepened their friendly relationship based on the jointly-proposed Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. (Courtesy of english.gov.cn)
The Premier first extended cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping to President U Htin Kyaw. Premier Li said that since China and Myanmar established diplomatic relations 66 years ago, the two countries had deepened their friendly relationship based on the jointly-proposed Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. (Courtesy of english.gov.cn)
ASEM leaders stand with Dhaka to fight terrorism
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) leaders have highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her strides to combat terrorism and assured that their countries would remain with Bangladesh in fighting the demon.
The appreciation came during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s meetings with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Myanmar President Htin Kyaw, Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the fringes of the ASEM Summit on Friday and yesterday.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haq briefed reporters after the meetings. PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim was also present. (Courtesy of dhakatribune.com)
The appreciation came during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s meetings with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Myanmar President Htin Kyaw, Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the fringes of the ASEM Summit on Friday and yesterday.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haq briefed reporters after the meetings. PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim was also present. (Courtesy of dhakatribune.com)
Suu Kyi still locked in a battle with the military
Last month, Aung San Suu Kyi visited Thailand for the first time as State Counsellor and Foreign Minister. She had two key motives for the visit. One was to talk with Thai authorities about giving fair and equal wages to Burmese workers who officially work in Thai industries and food chains. The second was to draw up an appropriate plan to resettle the Burmese refugees in Thailand, who have many ethnic backgrounds, such as Mon, Karen, Kayah, Shan and Burman.
On her three-day visit, she met Burmese migrant workers at Mahachai in Samut Sakhon. Thai officials decided only 500 workers could meet her, saying the limit was for her safety. But when she arrived, only 100 migrants were allowed to meet her - and they were selected by Thai authorities and factory owners, not Myanmar workers' associations. Thousands of people had hoped to see her and were willing to tell her about poor working conditions, but many were unable to do this. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
On her three-day visit, she met Burmese migrant workers at Mahachai in Samut Sakhon. Thai officials decided only 500 workers could meet her, saying the limit was for her safety. But when she arrived, only 100 migrants were allowed to meet her - and they were selected by Thai authorities and factory owners, not Myanmar workers' associations. Thousands of people had hoped to see her and were willing to tell her about poor working conditions, but many were unable to do this. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
July 16, 2016
Myanmar moves to curb religious extremism
Myanmar is cracking down on Buddhist extremism, aiming to curb ethnic and religious tension that saw two mosques destroyed and scores of Muslim residents fleeing their villages in recent weeks.
Nobel Peace Prize winner and government leader Aung San Suu Kyi has come under criticism from human rights activists and lawyers for not cracking down on the perpetrators of the attacks aimed at the Muslim minority.
In an apparent response to the criticism, the government has made a surprisingly decisive move against an organisation of radical nationalist monks, known as the Ma Ba Tha, threatening legal action if it spread hate speech and incites violence.
Yesterday, the government launched a task force to prevent violent protests as part of a broader push to stop religious violence.
Religious tension simmered in Buddhist-majority Myanmar for almost half a century of military rule, before boiling over in 2012 in the west of the country into clashes between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. (Courtesy of gulf-times.com)
Nobel Peace Prize winner and government leader Aung San Suu Kyi has come under criticism from human rights activists and lawyers for not cracking down on the perpetrators of the attacks aimed at the Muslim minority.
In an apparent response to the criticism, the government has made a surprisingly decisive move against an organisation of radical nationalist monks, known as the Ma Ba Tha, threatening legal action if it spread hate speech and incites violence.
Yesterday, the government launched a task force to prevent violent protests as part of a broader push to stop religious violence.
Religious tension simmered in Buddhist-majority Myanmar for almost half a century of military rule, before boiling over in 2012 in the west of the country into clashes between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. (Courtesy of gulf-times.com)
Crisis committee formed
A central emergency management committee has been formed to handle sudden crises, according to the President’s Office on July 15.
President Htin Kyaw signed the order to create the committee to allow cooperation between the government’s security forces, to manage rapid response with regional governments if there are riots, religious or ethnic demonstrations and other security issues. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
President Htin Kyaw signed the order to create the committee to allow cooperation between the government’s security forces, to manage rapid response with regional governments if there are riots, religious or ethnic demonstrations and other security issues. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Myanmar government criticizes Buddhist nationalist group
Myanmar's government has denounced an influential Buddhist nationalist group after failing to speaking against it strongly while others were accusing it of using hate speech and inspiring violence against Muslims.
The Ma Ba Tha organization's charismatic leader, the monk Wirathu, responded Wednesday by calling the country's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, a "dictatorial woman."
The Sangha Council, a state institution that oversees Buddhist monastic discipline, declared Tuesday that it did not recognize Ma Ba Tha as a member of the country's Buddhist order. Last week, the government's minister for Yangon, Phyo Min Thein, said the group shouldn't exist, rejecting Ma Ba Tha's demands on official policy toward the Muslim Rohingya minority. The group planned, then called a protest against the minister. (Courtesy of napavalleyregister.com)
The Ma Ba Tha organization's charismatic leader, the monk Wirathu, responded Wednesday by calling the country's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, a "dictatorial woman."
The Sangha Council, a state institution that oversees Buddhist monastic discipline, declared Tuesday that it did not recognize Ma Ba Tha as a member of the country's Buddhist order. Last week, the government's minister for Yangon, Phyo Min Thein, said the group shouldn't exist, rejecting Ma Ba Tha's demands on official policy toward the Muslim Rohingya minority. The group planned, then called a protest against the minister. (Courtesy of napavalleyregister.com)
Village Administrator Extorted Money From Arakanese Rohigyas in Maungdaw
Village administrator in Gojondiya village of southern Maungdaw extorted money from innocent Rohingya farmers with the promise of building barriers for their farmlands, which are under salty water now.
In the incident, since last 2 months up to 300 acre of farmlands of the villagers were under salty water, which prevented them from farming even in this rainy season, thus stopping their livelihoods.
When the situation was known to the village administrator Ibrahim S/O Jafar Ahmed (35), he promised to build barriers for every farm lands and extorted 20,000 Kyats from each house from the whole village, which is a home to 300 houses. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
In the incident, since last 2 months up to 300 acre of farmlands of the villagers were under salty water, which prevented them from farming even in this rainy season, thus stopping their livelihoods.
When the situation was known to the village administrator Ibrahim S/O Jafar Ahmed (35), he promised to build barriers for every farm lands and extorted 20,000 Kyats from each house from the whole village, which is a home to 300 houses. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
Escaped to India, but persecution goes on: Arakanese Rohingya Falsely accused
Picked up by National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Nov 14, 2014, from his residence in Royal Colony near Balapur, the Rohingya refugee was lodged for five months in Presidency Jail in Kolkata and then transferred to Cherlapally Jail in the city, where he was an inmate for six months.
Finally, as NIA could not prove allegations against him, Khaled got a conditional bail but city police booked him under a cheating case (Section 420, 458, 471 of IPC) and Section 14 of Foreigners Act for not being registered under UNHCR.
“The NIA wanted to make me an accused in the Burdwan blast case, but could not join the dots to prove their case,” said Khaled, father of a two-year old. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
Finally, as NIA could not prove allegations against him, Khaled got a conditional bail but city police booked him under a cheating case (Section 420, 458, 471 of IPC) and Section 14 of Foreigners Act for not being registered under UNHCR.
“The NIA wanted to make me an accused in the Burdwan blast case, but could not join the dots to prove their case,” said Khaled, father of a two-year old. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
Arakan committee establishes 142-point agenda
The Arakan (Rakhine) State Peace, Stability and Development Committee was established on May 30 by the president as an answer to ongoing tensions and human rights concerns in the restive western state, and has been tasked with formulating development initiatives.
Headed by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the 27-member committee held its second meeting yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw.
Amid continued pressure over conditions faced by largely Arakanese Rohingya who have seen no change to their circumstance in the first four months of the new administration, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urged all committee members yesterday to accelerate plans to improve Arakan (Rakhine) State. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
Headed by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the 27-member committee held its second meeting yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw.
Amid continued pressure over conditions faced by largely Arakanese Rohingya who have seen no change to their circumstance in the first four months of the new administration, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urged all committee members yesterday to accelerate plans to improve Arakan (Rakhine) State. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
July 15, 2016
Myanmar: Anti-Muslim monk now faces defamation charge
A notorious firebrand monk whose hate speech has helped fuel attacks on Myanmar's Muslim community faces a defamation charge, days after the ultranationalist group he belongs to was labeled an unlawful association under monastic law.
An official from Tarmwe Township’s police station confirmed to Anadolu Agency on Thursday that a community-based organization had filed a complaint against Wirathu for a speech in which he insulted a top United Nations official in 2015.
“Win Aung from from the so-called Thet Taw Saung [bodyguard] group asked us to open a defamation case against U Wirathu on Tuesday night,” he told Anadolu Agency by phone. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
An official from Tarmwe Township’s police station confirmed to Anadolu Agency on Thursday that a community-based organization had filed a complaint against Wirathu for a speech in which he insulted a top United Nations official in 2015.
“Win Aung from from the so-called Thet Taw Saung [bodyguard] group asked us to open a defamation case against U Wirathu on Tuesday night,” he told Anadolu Agency by phone. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
New Chief Minister sets out to modernise Yangon
The new Chief Minister of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, has defended making hardline decisions such as suspending some construction projects and tightening regulations against drinking establishments.
Phyo Min Thein believes this will in fact help to establish more systematic processes to develop Yangon further.
Under this Yangon administration, Phyo Min Thein has outlined several key priorities to tackle over his five-year term. These include improving electricity supply to residents, rehousing more than 400,000 squatters and reducing floods in Myanmar's largest city. (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
Phyo Min Thein believes this will in fact help to establish more systematic processes to develop Yangon further.
Under this Yangon administration, Phyo Min Thein has outlined several key priorities to tackle over his five-year term. These include improving electricity supply to residents, rehousing more than 400,000 squatters and reducing floods in Myanmar's largest city. (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
Religious Affairs Minister Says No Monk is Above the Law
Extremist Buddhist monk Wirathu could be charged if someone were to complain to the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, said Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs Aung Ko, who also criticized Ma Ba Tha for “making problems with other religions.”
He said that those charging Wirathu or other extremist monks would need to have “evidence” that a law had been violated.
The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, popularly known by the Burmese-language acronym “Ma Ha Na,” is a government-appointed clerical council that oversees Buddhist monastic discipline in Burma.
Wirathu, and the ultra-nationalist monks association Ma Ba Tha that he belongs to, have fronted hate campaigns against Muslims in Burma, and lobbied successfully last year for the passage of four “Protection of Race and Religion” laws—restricting religious conversion, religious intermarriage, polygamy and childbirth—widely interpreted as targeting Muslims. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
He said that those charging Wirathu or other extremist monks would need to have “evidence” that a law had been violated.
The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, popularly known by the Burmese-language acronym “Ma Ha Na,” is a government-appointed clerical council that oversees Buddhist monastic discipline in Burma.
Wirathu, and the ultra-nationalist monks association Ma Ba Tha that he belongs to, have fronted hate campaigns against Muslims in Burma, and lobbied successfully last year for the passage of four “Protection of Race and Religion” laws—restricting religious conversion, religious intermarriage, polygamy and childbirth—widely interpreted as targeting Muslims. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The state of ethnic affairs
When Myanmar gained independence in 1948, the promises of the new constitution and the previous year’s Panglong Agreement were still fresh in the minds of ethnic leaders. Famously, Bogyoke Aung San told them during the Panglong Conference in February 1947, “If Burma receives one kyat, you will also get one kyat.”
But these promises were never fulfilled. Politically, power remained centralised in the capital, and in the hands of ethnic Bamar leaders. Ethnic minority areas were – and some still continue to be – ravaged by decades of civil war.
Ethnic minorities were also blocked from sustaining and promoting their culture and language for more than five decades, said Mon National Party vice chairman Nai Ngwe Thein. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
But these promises were never fulfilled. Politically, power remained centralised in the capital, and in the hands of ethnic Bamar leaders. Ethnic minority areas were – and some still continue to be – ravaged by decades of civil war.
Ethnic minorities were also blocked from sustaining and promoting their culture and language for more than five decades, said Mon National Party vice chairman Nai Ngwe Thein. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
July 14, 2016
Suu Kyi and Committee Stakeholders Discuss Challenges in Arakan State
As head of the Central Committee for Arakan State Peace, Stability and Development, Aung San Suu Kyi invited stakeholders to discuss on Thursday in Naypyidaw the challenges they face when implementing local development projects, according to a statement from the State Counselor’s Office.
Arakan State suffers from severe underdevelopment after decades of neglect under former military-led governments, but at the forefront of the talks was the citizenship verification process and National Verification Cards (NVCs), which were handed out to those who would be scrutinized for citizenship eligibility under the 1982 Citizenship Law at a later date. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Arakan State suffers from severe underdevelopment after decades of neglect under former military-led governments, but at the forefront of the talks was the citizenship verification process and National Verification Cards (NVCs), which were handed out to those who would be scrutinized for citizenship eligibility under the 1982 Citizenship Law at a later date. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Wirathu faces possible court case as fortunes turn for Ma Ba Tha
After an extraordinary week in which government, military and religious figures rounded on Myanmar’s most notorious Buddhist nationalist group, one of its members now faces potential legal action over an infamous speech denouncing a United Nations representative.
The leader of a civil society group calling itself “National Bodyguard” lodged a complaint against U Wirathu, one of the most prominent and outspoken members of Ma Ba Tha, at the Tarmwe Township police station on Monday.
Meanwhile, as the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee met this week to consider whether or not to dissolve Ma Ba Tha, Wirathu took to Facebook on Wednesday to allege the government was conspiring to disband Ma Ba Tha and return him to prison. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
The leader of a civil society group calling itself “National Bodyguard” lodged a complaint against U Wirathu, one of the most prominent and outspoken members of Ma Ba Tha, at the Tarmwe Township police station on Monday.
Meanwhile, as the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee met this week to consider whether or not to dissolve Ma Ba Tha, Wirathu took to Facebook on Wednesday to allege the government was conspiring to disband Ma Ba Tha and return him to prison. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Myanmar's leading hardline monk calls Aung San Suu Kyi a 'woman dictator'
A firebrand monk slammed Aung San Suu Kyi as a "woman dictator" on Wednesday, accusing Myanmar's civilian-led government of trying to destroy an ultra-nationalist Buddhist group blamed for a surge in sectarian violence across the country.
The attack came after the body representing Myanmar's top monks distanced itself from the hardline Ma Ba Tha movement, a blow to its clerical legitimacy.
The Ma Ba Tha is a noisy, monk-led group at the forefront of virulently anti-Muslim protests in Myanmar in the three years since it was founded. (Courtesy of yangon.coconuts.co)
The attack came after the body representing Myanmar's top monks distanced itself from the hardline Ma Ba Tha movement, a blow to its clerical legitimacy.
The Ma Ba Tha is a noisy, monk-led group at the forefront of virulently anti-Muslim protests in Myanmar in the three years since it was founded. (Courtesy of yangon.coconuts.co)
UAB sues two Facebook pages for defamation
The United Amara Bank (UAB) has filed a lawsuit against two local Facebook pages under section 66(D) of the Telecommunications Law for spreading rumours that the bank will suspend money withdrawals as it struggles to maintain its situation after an organisation withdrew Ks 7 billion.
Thein Lwin, CEO of the UAB, in which Nay Aung, the son of former Union Minister Aung Thaung, holds a 90 per cent stake, said yesterday that if the authorities fail to arrest the offenders, the country's rule of law would be called into question.
The case was opened against a Facebook page titled ‘The Standard Time Daily’ and another one called ‘Myanmar News Update’ at the Bahan Township Police Station on Monday. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Thein Lwin, CEO of the UAB, in which Nay Aung, the son of former Union Minister Aung Thaung, holds a 90 per cent stake, said yesterday that if the authorities fail to arrest the offenders, the country's rule of law would be called into question.
The case was opened against a Facebook page titled ‘The Standard Time Daily’ and another one called ‘Myanmar News Update’ at the Bahan Township Police Station on Monday. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Myanmar: Army warned off extremist comment in Rakhine
Myanmar’s powerful army chief has warned military personnel to avoid expressing extreme views on religion during a visit to western Rakhine State, where communal violence between ethnic Buddhists and Muslim Rohingya has left dozens dead since 2012.
Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's visit comes as Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy government tries to rebuild relationships between the two communities, and boost the economy of one of the country's poorest areas.
On Wednesday, Min Aung Hlaing underlined to officials, soldiers and families the battle against extremism in a meeting in the western state's capital Sittwe, during an on-going rescue and relief operation for victims of the monsoon season. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's visit comes as Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy government tries to rebuild relationships between the two communities, and boost the economy of one of the country's poorest areas.
On Wednesday, Min Aung Hlaing underlined to officials, soldiers and families the battle against extremism in a meeting in the western state's capital Sittwe, during an on-going rescue and relief operation for victims of the monsoon season. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Hardline Myanmar monk blasts 'dictator' Aung San Suu Kyi
A firebrand monk slammed Aung San Suu Kyi as a "dictator"on Wednesday (Jul 13), accusing Myanmar's civilian-led government of trying to destroy an ultra-nationalist Buddhist group blamed for a surge in sectarian violence across the country.
The attack came after the body representing Myanmar's top monks distanced itself from the hardline Ma Ba Tha movement, a blow to its clerical legitimacy.
The Ma Ba Tha is a noisy, monk-led group at the forefront of virulently anti-Muslim protests in Myanmar in the three years since it was founded. Wirathu, the movement's most prominent figure, posted his scathing remarks on Facebook. (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
The attack came after the body representing Myanmar's top monks distanced itself from the hardline Ma Ba Tha movement, a blow to its clerical legitimacy.
The Ma Ba Tha is a noisy, monk-led group at the forefront of virulently anti-Muslim protests in Myanmar in the three years since it was founded. Wirathu, the movement's most prominent figure, posted his scathing remarks on Facebook. (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
Migrant workers detained in Malaysia return home
The organisation had planned to assist the workers’ return in time for State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 71st birthday on June 19 but the citizenship verification process was not finished in time.
U San Win, chair of Kepong Free Funeral Services, said they could assist about 250 detained Myanmar migrant workers based on donations they have received but will conduct the repatriations group by group, following embassy approval.
“We have already handed over all the donations to the embassy and the embassy arranged the plans. We are happy that we are able to assist them in their return home,” he said. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
U San Win, chair of Kepong Free Funeral Services, said they could assist about 250 detained Myanmar migrant workers based on donations they have received but will conduct the repatriations group by group, following embassy approval.
“We have already handed over all the donations to the embassy and the embassy arranged the plans. We are happy that we are able to assist them in their return home,” he said. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
They're Under Threat of Genocide, and Nobody Is Paying Attention
The reality facing the Rohingyas, a Muslim confessional ethnic group living in Rakhine province in western Myanmar, is the threat of genocide. Ever since Burma became independent in 1948 they have been targeted whenever ambitious (or desperate) politicians need to deflect attention from other matters. Both government officials and party leaders have called for their expulsion from their homeland, and the main opposition ignores their plight. The build up to the elections in late 2015 witnessed the final destruction of their civic rights in Myanmar (completing a process that began with the 1947 Constitution) and increasingly they are detained in what are now permanent internal refugee camps, where they are denied food, work and medical care. (Courtesy of alternet.org)
Suu Kyi Must Share Guilt for Rohingya Deaths, Suffering
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s democracy icon, now the effective head of her country’s government, being both state counselor and foreign minister, has taken into her own hands the job of achieving peace and development in the country’s northwestern state of Rakhine. There’s a lot of power in those hands. There’s also blood on them.
Recently President Htin Kyaw, Myanmar’s nominal head of government, appointed his de facto boss, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as chair of the Central Committee for Implementation of Peace and Development in Rakhine State.
The office of the state counselor said members of the committee would soon go on an inspection trip to Rakhine State but didn’t say exactly when or if Aung San Suu Kyi herself would be going. She did call to the capital city, Nay Pyi Taw, the chief minister of Rakhine and ministers of the national government for a meeting on peace and development. (Courtesy of rohingyablogger.com)
Recently President Htin Kyaw, Myanmar’s nominal head of government, appointed his de facto boss, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as chair of the Central Committee for Implementation of Peace and Development in Rakhine State.
The office of the state counselor said members of the committee would soon go on an inspection trip to Rakhine State but didn’t say exactly when or if Aung San Suu Kyi herself would be going. She did call to the capital city, Nay Pyi Taw, the chief minister of Rakhine and ministers of the national government for a meeting on peace and development. (Courtesy of rohingyablogger.com)
Magh (Rakhines) Brutally Injured An Arkanese Rohingya Fisherman in Kyauktaw
Mough villagers attacked a Rohingya fisherman while passing by Mough village on his way to fishing on 11th July,2016, according to an eyewitness.
The victim is identified to be Najim Uddin S/O Abdur Rahim who hails from khazifara village of Kyauktaw Township.
In the incident the innocent fisherman was passing by the Mough village as the way to his fishing was blocked due to the rise of water level of the stream. Therefore, he had to use the road beside Mough Village. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
The victim is identified to be Najim Uddin S/O Abdur Rahim who hails from khazifara village of Kyauktaw Township.
In the incident the innocent fisherman was passing by the Mough village as the way to his fishing was blocked due to the rise of water level of the stream. Therefore, he had to use the road beside Mough Village. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
July 13, 2016
Myanmar: Religion data release sparks fears
Census data that rights groups fear may lead to problems for Myanmar’s Muslim population is set to be released later this month, after being withheld along with ethnic data until after last year's election.
A government official told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that the region-by-region breakdown of religion in the country from a Population and Housing Census conducted in 2014 will be available July 21.
“However the release date for census data on ethnicity has yet to be decided,” added Mya Kyaing, the Labor, Immigration and Population Ministry’s permanent secretary. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
A government official told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that the region-by-region breakdown of religion in the country from a Population and Housing Census conducted in 2014 will be available July 21.
“However the release date for census data on ethnicity has yet to be decided,” added Mya Kyaing, the Labor, Immigration and Population Ministry’s permanent secretary. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Rumors abound Myanmar anti-Muslim group to be dissolved
An ultra-nationalist monk-led group in Myanmar has backed down from a demand for an apology from the ruling party, with social media rife with rumor that the anti-Muslim group may soon be disbanded.
During a trip to Singapore two weeks ago, Yangon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein publicly questioned the need for the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion (better known as Ma Ba Tha), while underlining that the country already had a government-sponsored committee -- the State Sangha Mahayanaka Committee -- tasked with regulating Buddhist orders.
Senior monks from Ma Ba Tha subsequently threatened a nationwide campaign against the minister July 7 if Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) failed to apologize. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
During a trip to Singapore two weeks ago, Yangon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein publicly questioned the need for the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion (better known as Ma Ba Tha), while underlining that the country already had a government-sponsored committee -- the State Sangha Mahayanaka Committee -- tasked with regulating Buddhist orders.
Senior monks from Ma Ba Tha subsequently threatened a nationwide campaign against the minister July 7 if Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) failed to apologize. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Could this be the end of Ma Ba Tha?
Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein met with the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (Ma Ha Na) on July 7 to discuss the possibility of dissolving the hardline Committee to Protect Nationality and Religion, known by its Myanmar-language acronym Ma Ba Tha.
The chief minister called the nationalist organisation unnecessary and redundant, as the State Sangha already exists.
“When he appealed to Ma Ha Na, he clarified that he had said in Singapore that Ma Ba Tha should be dissolved because there is already an official Sangha organisation … Ma Ha Na accepts this is the truth. The chief minister’s request is reasonable under the Sangha Organisation Law,” U Tun Nyunt, director of the Yangon Region religious department, told The Myanmar Times.(Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
The chief minister called the nationalist organisation unnecessary and redundant, as the State Sangha already exists.
“When he appealed to Ma Ha Na, he clarified that he had said in Singapore that Ma Ba Tha should be dissolved because there is already an official Sangha organisation … Ma Ha Na accepts this is the truth. The chief minister’s request is reasonable under the Sangha Organisation Law,” U Tun Nyunt, director of the Yangon Region religious department, told The Myanmar Times.(Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Myanmar cracks 60 human trafficking cases in six months
Myanmar authorities exposed nearly 60 human trafficking cases within the first half of 2016 and arrested 98 traffickers, official media reported Tuesday.
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division rescued nearly 130 victims who were sold into forced labor and forced marriage in neighboring countries. However, 67 others are on the lamb. (Courtesy of shanghaidaily.com)
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division rescued nearly 130 victims who were sold into forced labor and forced marriage in neighboring countries. However, 67 others are on the lamb. (Courtesy of shanghaidaily.com)
19 Myanmar trafficking victims rescued in Thailand
Nineteen Myanmar human trafficking victims have been rescued in Thailand, state media and an activist group said Tuesday, a rare policing success against criminal networks that dominate the region.
The group were discovered by Thai police locked up on an Indonesian-flagged fishing vessel off the coast of Thailand's southern Pattani district on Sunday, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
The raid was launched after the families of some of those on board managed to alert the Myanmar Association in Thailand, a local support group, about their plight. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
The group were discovered by Thai police locked up on an Indonesian-flagged fishing vessel off the coast of Thailand's southern Pattani district on Sunday, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
The raid was launched after the families of some of those on board managed to alert the Myanmar Association in Thailand, a local support group, about their plight. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
July 12, 2016
Myanmar Official Gets Online Support for Challenging Radical Buddhist Group
Phyo Min Thei, the chief minister of Myanmar’s Yangon City, made a daring statement last week when he declared that the radical Buddhist nationalist group Ma-Ba-Tha (Association of Race and Religion Protection) is “no longer needed” since the Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee of the government is already overseeing the country's Buddhist affairs.
Wirathu, the influential leader of Ma-Ba-Tha, has threatened to hold a nationwide protest if the government will not take action against Phyo Min Thein.
But Internet users have launched a campaign in support of the minister. (Courtesy of globalvoices.org)
Wirathu, the influential leader of Ma-Ba-Tha, has threatened to hold a nationwide protest if the government will not take action against Phyo Min Thein.
But Internet users have launched a campaign in support of the minister. (Courtesy of globalvoices.org)
Myanmar to deport Spanish tourist for Buddha tattoo
A Spanish tourist faces deportation from Myanmar over a Buddha leg tattoo that offended monks, police said Monday, in a country where the influence of religious hardliners is growing.
The man was initially detained in Bagan, an ancient town in central Myanmar where tourists flock to visit thousands of picturesque temples and pagodas.
"Monks in Bagan saw a Buddha tattoo on his right leg because he was wearing shorts. They informed us as it's not appropriate," a police officer in Bagan told AFP, requesting anonymity, adding that the Spaniard was promptly sent back to Rangoon. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
The man was initially detained in Bagan, an ancient town in central Myanmar where tourists flock to visit thousands of picturesque temples and pagodas.
"Monks in Bagan saw a Buddha tattoo on his right leg because he was wearing shorts. They informed us as it's not appropriate," a police officer in Bagan told AFP, requesting anonymity, adding that the Spaniard was promptly sent back to Rangoon. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
Myanmar gov't to ignore nationalist' demand for apology
A leading member of Myanmar's ruling party has said it will not respond to a demand for an apology from a powerful nationalist organization at the center of anti-Muslim sentiment in the country, after a senior official publicly doubted the monk-led group's need to exist.
The Association for the Protection of Race and Religion -- better known as Ma Ba Tha -- has been demanding Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein apologize after he publicly questioned the need for Ma Ba Tha while in Singapore last week, underlining that Myanmar already has a government-sponsored State Sangha Mahayanaka Committee, which is tasked with regulating Buddhist orders. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
The Association for the Protection of Race and Religion -- better known as Ma Ba Tha -- has been demanding Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein apologize after he publicly questioned the need for Ma Ba Tha while in Singapore last week, underlining that Myanmar already has a government-sponsored State Sangha Mahayanaka Committee, which is tasked with regulating Buddhist orders. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
500 anti-Rohingya activists hold illegal protest in Yangon
“We do not want illegal Bengalis to be called any other names,” chanted around 500 people who held a protest on 10 July at Bahan Township, Yangon.
They gathered to protest the government’s use of the term ‘Muslim community in Rakhine State’ and marched from Kyaythoon Pagoda in Bahan Township to Tamwe Township.
“We oppose the government’s decision to make a sweeping statement and use the term ‘Muslim Community in Rakhine State’ for the Bengalis. We are against the use of such a term. Rakhine will be called Rakhine; Bengali is Bengali. The truth should not be circumvented,” said Naung Taw Lay, one of the protest leaders. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
They gathered to protest the government’s use of the term ‘Muslim community in Rakhine State’ and marched from Kyaythoon Pagoda in Bahan Township to Tamwe Township.
“We oppose the government’s decision to make a sweeping statement and use the term ‘Muslim Community in Rakhine State’ for the Bengalis. We are against the use of such a term. Rakhine will be called Rakhine; Bengali is Bengali. The truth should not be circumvented,” said Naung Taw Lay, one of the protest leaders. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
President of Myanmar to Attend Asia-Europe Meeting in Mongolia
President of Myanmar Htin kyaw will pay an official visit to Mongolia and also attend the 11th Asian Europe Meeting (ASEM), to be held here from next Friday, said public sources today.
The program of the meeting has scheduled a meeting with Mongolia President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, who visited Myanmar last month, said the media. (Courtesy of plenglish.com)
The program of the meeting has scheduled a meeting with Mongolia President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, who visited Myanmar last month, said the media. (Courtesy of plenglish.com)
Tolerance in the time of terror
In Bangladesh and so many other places, extremists want to destroy multi-cultural and multi-religious societies. Most of us do not want to live under those terms; our response, therefore, requires a cool head.
For many extremist groups, a preferred strategy is to sow panic, seeking to strangulate tolerant instincts and set different groups against each other. The violence seen across the border in Bangladesh is purposeful in its barbarity.
When foreign investors get nervous, when development projects fail, when the middle class flees abroad and when tourists stay away, the extremists have secured their short-term victory. Their long game is to completely pollute the relationship between religious communities, in this case Muslims and non-Muslims, hoping that eventually there will be no alternative to all-out religious war. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
For many extremist groups, a preferred strategy is to sow panic, seeking to strangulate tolerant instincts and set different groups against each other. The violence seen across the border in Bangladesh is purposeful in its barbarity.
When foreign investors get nervous, when development projects fail, when the middle class flees abroad and when tourists stay away, the extremists have secured their short-term victory. Their long game is to completely pollute the relationship between religious communities, in this case Muslims and non-Muslims, hoping that eventually there will be no alternative to all-out religious war. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
President will not attend Martyrs’ Day event in Yangon
Those expecting to see Myanmar’s new president attend the first Martyrs’ Day commemoration since he took office will find themselves disappointed this year, but State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi does plan to again join the main ceremony in Yangon on July 19.
U Zaw Htay, a spokesperson for his office, said President U Htin Kyaw will stay in Nay Pyi Taw, where he will donate food to monks in honour of the national heroes celebrated annually later this month.
U Zaw Htay said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – the government’s de facto leader – will attend the ceremony in both her capacity as a government official and as the daughter of one of the martyrs, Bogyoke Aung San. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
U Zaw Htay, a spokesperson for his office, said President U Htin Kyaw will stay in Nay Pyi Taw, where he will donate food to monks in honour of the national heroes celebrated annually later this month.
U Zaw Htay said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – the government’s de facto leader – will attend the ceremony in both her capacity as a government official and as the daughter of one of the martyrs, Bogyoke Aung San. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
July 11, 2016
Human Rights Issues Make Slow Progress in Myanmar despite Civilian Government
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) highlighted on Sunday the slow advance of human rights issues in Myanmar during the first 100 days of a civilian government, after half a century of military rule.
The NGO urged the Myanmar government, run behind the scenes by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, for a national agenda on human rights and to urgently address key issues.
“In some human rights areas, progress has been slow; in others, key issues have remained unaddressed or been relegated to a low priority status. The government must not fall victim to complacency because of its extraordinary popular support,” FIDH President Karim Lahidji said in a statement.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) party achieved a landslide victory in the November elections that allowed it to form a government on its own on March 30, the first civilian government since 1962. (Courtesy of laht.com)
The NGO urged the Myanmar government, run behind the scenes by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, for a national agenda on human rights and to urgently address key issues.
“In some human rights areas, progress has been slow; in others, key issues have remained unaddressed or been relegated to a low priority status. The government must not fall victim to complacency because of its extraordinary popular support,” FIDH President Karim Lahidji said in a statement.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) party achieved a landslide victory in the November elections that allowed it to form a government on its own on March 30, the first civilian government since 1962. (Courtesy of laht.com)
22 rebel armies invited to summit
Twenty-one ethnic armed groups, including Wa, Mongla and Naga armies, and political parties, will be invited to the Mai Ja Yang summit, according to Pado Saw Kwel Htoo Win, vice-chair of the organising committee.
The Mai Ja Yang summit in Kachin State scheduled for July 26 to 29 aims to help encourage all groups to participate in the so-called 21st-century Panglong conference next month.
“We will invite all armed groups and political alliances, like the United Nationalities Alliance and Nationalities Brotherhood Federation, to the summit. Youth and women's groups will also be invited.” (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
The Mai Ja Yang summit in Kachin State scheduled for July 26 to 29 aims to help encourage all groups to participate in the so-called 21st-century Panglong conference next month.
“We will invite all armed groups and political alliances, like the United Nationalities Alliance and Nationalities Brotherhood Federation, to the summit. Youth and women's groups will also be invited.” (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Suu Kyi to attend Asean summit
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will visit Laos this month to attend the 49th Asean Foreign Ministers’ meeting from July 21 to 26 in Vientiane, said deputy director general Aung Myo Myint from the Asean Affairs Department.
“We will only discuss regional issues. Some Asean foreign ministers are newly elected and they will meet Suu Kyi,” said the deputy director general.(Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
“We will only discuss regional issues. Some Asean foreign ministers are newly elected and they will meet Suu Kyi,” said the deputy director general.(Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
July 10, 2016
US State Counselor coming to Myanmar
US State Department Counselor Kristie Kenney will travel to Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw July 12–14, to meet with her Myanmar government counterparts, civil society representatives, and YSEALI alumni, according to a US State Department report July 8.
She will also speak with business leaders and TechCamp alumni. Counselor Kenney’s visit underscores the U.S. commitment to Myanmar’s democratic transition, the value of people-to-people exchanges, and the role of US businesses in supporting inclusive, broad-based economic growth, according to a statement from her department. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
She will also speak with business leaders and TechCamp alumni. Counselor Kenney’s visit underscores the U.S. commitment to Myanmar’s democratic transition, the value of people-to-people exchanges, and the role of US businesses in supporting inclusive, broad-based economic growth, according to a statement from her department. (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
There is a fourth option on the Myitsone Dam
IN HIS column in the June 16 edition of Frontier, Sithu Aung Myint wrote that the Chinese Ambassador, Mr Hong Liang, with a delegation from China’s State Power Investment Cooperation, recently visited Kachin State to lobby for the resumption of work on the stalled Myitsone Dam.
The delegation apparently let the Kachin State government understand that Myanmar has three options regarding the project: 1) Cancel the project and be liable to pay US$800 million in compensation; 2) Resume work and earn $500 million a year in revenue when the dam is completed or; 3) Do nothing and pay $50 million in interest for as long as the project is suspended.
None of these options are attractive for either Myanmar or China. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
The delegation apparently let the Kachin State government understand that Myanmar has three options regarding the project: 1) Cancel the project and be liable to pay US$800 million in compensation; 2) Resume work and earn $500 million a year in revenue when the dam is completed or; 3) Do nothing and pay $50 million in interest for as long as the project is suspended.
None of these options are attractive for either Myanmar or China. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi: Falling star or beacon of hope
For nearly 30 years, Aung San Suu Kyi starred as arguably the world's most prominent and revered political prisoner, a courageous champion of human rights and democracy in her military-ruled nation.
As she completes her first 100 days in power, the Nobel Prize laureate's halo has all but vaporized on the global stage: Suu Kyi is being assailed for ignoring the plight of the oppressed Rohingya Muslims, failing to stop atrocities against other ethnic minorities and abetting moves to erase from collective memory the bloody history of the generals she replaced.
Some have even labelled her a "democratic dictator," an increasingly aloof one-person show who surrounds herself with close friends and loyalists without nurturing a vitally needed new generation of leaders. Gone are the days when the elegant hostess would charm visitors over informal teas and reduce hard-bitten reporters to voicing soft-ball questions. (Courtesy of bigstory.ap.org)
As she completes her first 100 days in power, the Nobel Prize laureate's halo has all but vaporized on the global stage: Suu Kyi is being assailed for ignoring the plight of the oppressed Rohingya Muslims, failing to stop atrocities against other ethnic minorities and abetting moves to erase from collective memory the bloody history of the generals she replaced.
Some have even labelled her a "democratic dictator," an increasingly aloof one-person show who surrounds herself with close friends and loyalists without nurturing a vitally needed new generation of leaders. Gone are the days when the elegant hostess would charm visitors over informal teas and reduce hard-bitten reporters to voicing soft-ball questions. (Courtesy of bigstory.ap.org)
Myanmar must wipe out religious violence to achieve development
Another mosque has been razed in Myanmar, the second in just over a week. The destruction has been blamed on rising Buddhist nationalism. That in itself is ironical. The intrinsic core of Buddhism is peace. The nation has been troubled by increasing incidents of rioting. The mosques that were destroyed were in Kachin and Bago, but Rakhine, where the minority Rohingya live, has seen senseless violence.
The government of Aung San Suu Kyi has stood a silent spectator as the rioting has intensified and the Rohingya have been increasingly targeted. The UN has expressed its concern, but little is being done to rein in this wave of Buddhist nationalism. This again is ironic because Suu Kyi, who has spent years in prison championing the cause of the oppressed, must understand the plight of the Rohingya and yet she has moved slowly to find a solution to their problems. The Rohingya are stateless, have no rights, and the Buddhists of Rakhine want to label them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. (Courtesy of gulfnews.com)
The government of Aung San Suu Kyi has stood a silent spectator as the rioting has intensified and the Rohingya have been increasingly targeted. The UN has expressed its concern, but little is being done to rein in this wave of Buddhist nationalism. This again is ironic because Suu Kyi, who has spent years in prison championing the cause of the oppressed, must understand the plight of the Rohingya and yet she has moved slowly to find a solution to their problems. The Rohingya are stateless, have no rights, and the Buddhists of Rakhine want to label them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. (Courtesy of gulfnews.com)
China security boss discusses military cooperation
For the promotion of Chinese strategic relations, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi meet Geng Huichang, China's minister of security, at the foreign ministry on July 8 and he invited her to visit to China.
The deputy director-general of the ministry Aye Aye Soe said: “Between Myanmar and China there are strategic ties. This visit aims to promote the relations between the two countries. The invitation to visit China comes from when Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Myanmar."
Suu Kyi spoke about the peace process and asked for assistance from China as a good neighbour while it was being implemented, she added. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
The deputy director-general of the ministry Aye Aye Soe said: “Between Myanmar and China there are strategic ties. This visit aims to promote the relations between the two countries. The invitation to visit China comes from when Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Myanmar."
Suu Kyi spoke about the peace process and asked for assistance from China as a good neighbour while it was being implemented, she added. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Govt called to respect prisoners' sacrifice
The government, for which political prisoners sacrificed a lot, should define the term, Lower House MP of the Arakan National Party Hpe Than said.
The Myebon, Rakhine State, MP asked whether the government had definitions for "political offence" and "political prisoner".
Military-appointed Deputy Home Affairs Minister General Aung Soe said there was no definition.
“The government should recognise them for their sacrifices. Political prisoners are just asking for appreciation their suffering. The government is responsible to define that,” said Hpe Than. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
The Myebon, Rakhine State, MP asked whether the government had definitions for "political offence" and "political prisoner".
Military-appointed Deputy Home Affairs Minister General Aung Soe said there was no definition.
“The government should recognise them for their sacrifices. Political prisoners are just asking for appreciation their suffering. The government is responsible to define that,” said Hpe Than. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
July 9, 2016
Mixed reviews on Myanmar government’s first 100 days
July 7 marked the 100th day in office for Myanmar’s National League for Democracy (NLD) government. The cabinet, led by State Counsellor, foreign minister and de facto leader of the nation Aung San Suu Kyi, has focused largely on trying to end armed conflicts in Myanmar and establishing a stronger rule of law.
However some political watchers Channel NewsAsia spoke to noted that the government has paid less attention to other important issues such as transport, social welfare and religious affairs. They also criticised the new administration for not addressing problems such as fresh communal violence and frequent power outages.
Khin Maung Zaw, a political analyst, said the administration could have made better use of its first months in office to articulate a clear direction for the country. “The first 100 days are important for a new government to give people the impression of how confident and reliable they are to lead and govern our country for the next five years. At that point, in my opinion, they lost that opportunity.” (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
However some political watchers Channel NewsAsia spoke to noted that the government has paid less attention to other important issues such as transport, social welfare and religious affairs. They also criticised the new administration for not addressing problems such as fresh communal violence and frequent power outages.
Khin Maung Zaw, a political analyst, said the administration could have made better use of its first months in office to articulate a clear direction for the country. “The first 100 days are important for a new government to give people the impression of how confident and reliable they are to lead and govern our country for the next five years. At that point, in my opinion, they lost that opportunity.” (Courtesy of channelnewsasia.com)
Students mark 54 years since massacre
Commemorative ceremonies have been held across the country to mark the 54th anniversary of the July 7, 1962, student massacre at the hands of the military.
Such ceremonies were banned in the past. Former and present student leaders and MPs attended.
A ceremony was held on the lawn of the student union building on Adipati Road at Yangon University.
The ceremony led by the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) displayed wreaths and flags.
No police were present. Previous governments had prohibited previous ceremonies. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Such ceremonies were banned in the past. Former and present student leaders and MPs attended.
A ceremony was held on the lawn of the student union building on Adipati Road at Yangon University.
The ceremony led by the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) displayed wreaths and flags.
No police were present. Previous governments had prohibited previous ceremonies. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Ma Ba Tha threatens ‘nationwide’ campaign against Yangon chief minister
Senior Ma Ba Tha members have demanded a total apology from the government’s two most senior leaders over comments made by the Yangon Region chief minister, in the latest fracas between the Buddhist nationalist movement and the National League for Democracy.
At an emergency meeting held on Thursday at the Insein Ywama Monastery, Ma Ba Tha’s Yangon headquarters, the association’s leaders said they would seek an apology from State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Htin Kyaw for comments made by Phyo Min Thein during a trip to Singapore.
Phyo Min Thein had told an audience of expatriate Myanmar nationals over the weekend that groups such as Ma Ba Tha were “not necessary” as the government-backed State Sangha Mahayanaka Committee already administered Buddhist orders in Myanmar, comments he repeated at Yangon Airport on Wednesday after his return home. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
At an emergency meeting held on Thursday at the Insein Ywama Monastery, Ma Ba Tha’s Yangon headquarters, the association’s leaders said they would seek an apology from State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Htin Kyaw for comments made by Phyo Min Thein during a trip to Singapore.
Phyo Min Thein had told an audience of expatriate Myanmar nationals over the weekend that groups such as Ma Ba Tha were “not necessary” as the government-backed State Sangha Mahayanaka Committee already administered Buddhist orders in Myanmar, comments he repeated at Yangon Airport on Wednesday after his return home. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Telenor goes 4G in Nay Pyi Taw
The move follows Ooredoo’s upgrade to 4G earlier this year, with the Qatari telco’s services now available in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, according to the company.
While Telenor’s 4G network is on in Nay Pyi Taw, the company targets reaching other cities “gradually”, according to CEO Petter Furberg.
The Norwegian telco had run 4G tests across the capital, as well as Yangon, Mandalay, Myawady and Muse, as previously reported by The Myanmar Times. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
While Telenor’s 4G network is on in Nay Pyi Taw, the company targets reaching other cities “gradually”, according to CEO Petter Furberg.
The Norwegian telco had run 4G tests across the capital, as well as Yangon, Mandalay, Myawady and Muse, as previously reported by The Myanmar Times. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Myanmar Muslims in Malaysia praise ambassador
Myanmar’s ambassador to Malaysia has been praised for joining Myanmar Muslims at an evening meal during the recent fasting month of Ramadan, Malaysian media reported.
U Zaw Myint joined about 80 members of the Myanmar Muslim Association of Malaysia at an iftar meal to break the daily fast at a restaurant near Kuala Lumpur on July 1, the Star Online reported on July 7.
It quoted association member and former Mandalay resident U Hatte Abdul Razak as hailing the occasion as a milestone. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
U Zaw Myint joined about 80 members of the Myanmar Muslim Association of Malaysia at an iftar meal to break the daily fast at a restaurant near Kuala Lumpur on July 1, the Star Online reported on July 7.
It quoted association member and former Mandalay resident U Hatte Abdul Razak as hailing the occasion as a milestone. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
From Myanmar's Rohingyas to Pakistan's Ahmadis, how nations change names to oppress minority groups
There was much hope associated with Aung San Suu Kyi. A mild looking woman taking on the Myanmarese military establishment, determined to restore democracy in her country. With her emphasis on non-violent political philosophy she was seen as a reincarnation of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr and Mahatma Gandhi. But then she came to power and the idealism constructed around her began to evaporate.
In October 2013 when she was pressed on her silence on the Rohingya issue in Myanmar by the BBC journalist Mishal Husain, she is believed to have muttered off-air, “No one told me I was going to be interviewed by a Muslim.” She caused another controversy a few weeks ago when the Foreign Ministry of Myanmar, of which she is in-charge, requested the international community to not refer to the persecuted Muslim minority of the country as Rohingya. (Courtesy of scroll.in)
In October 2013 when she was pressed on her silence on the Rohingya issue in Myanmar by the BBC journalist Mishal Husain, she is believed to have muttered off-air, “No one told me I was going to be interviewed by a Muslim.” She caused another controversy a few weeks ago when the Foreign Ministry of Myanmar, of which she is in-charge, requested the international community to not refer to the persecuted Muslim minority of the country as Rohingya. (Courtesy of scroll.in)
'Now is best time for the military to build trust'
THE TAGAUNG Institute of Political Studies was established in 2014 by nine former activists, including founding members of the Yangon School of Political Science. The institute closely monitors the Myanmar Armed Forces, and has released several papers about the Tatmadaw and the National Defence and Security Council, which is responsible for security and defence affairs in Myanmar.
Ko Ye Myo Hein, executive director of TIPS, spoke to Frontier about the relationship between the government and the military and how Myanmar can achieve lasting peace.
Why is it important to monitor the Tatmadaw, especially at this time?
As Myanmar is transitioning from a military junta to a civilian-led democracy, military affairs is a very important issue.
The transition can be impacted by what the military does. If we are not knowledgeable about military matters, then it makes the democratic transition difficult to understand. This is why we think it is important to study the civilian-military relationship.
We conduct international case studies and share our knowledge. And we also study the domestic military-related situations and contact key people involved in their own transitions [in other countries] and ask for their feedback. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Ko Ye Myo Hein, executive director of TIPS, spoke to Frontier about the relationship between the government and the military and how Myanmar can achieve lasting peace.
Why is it important to monitor the Tatmadaw, especially at this time?
As Myanmar is transitioning from a military junta to a civilian-led democracy, military affairs is a very important issue.
The transition can be impacted by what the military does. If we are not knowledgeable about military matters, then it makes the democratic transition difficult to understand. This is why we think it is important to study the civilian-military relationship.
We conduct international case studies and share our knowledge. And we also study the domestic military-related situations and contact key people involved in their own transitions [in other countries] and ask for their feedback. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Experts call for stronger property laws in Myanmar
At the "Property Report Congress Myanmar 2016", developers and bankers urged the government to improve infrastructure and regulatory reforms.
Tony Picon, managing director of Colliers International Myanmar, said the country needed to control property prices and concentrate on affordable housing.
"An apartment worth US$30,000 [Bt1 million] in Thailand covers around 30 square metres, but at the same price in Myanmar it covers about 15 square metres. We have to look at the actual price that we can afford - whether it is 20, 30 or 40 thousand dollars - and that has to change," he said. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
Tony Picon, managing director of Colliers International Myanmar, said the country needed to control property prices and concentrate on affordable housing.
"An apartment worth US$30,000 [Bt1 million] in Thailand covers around 30 square metres, but at the same price in Myanmar it covers about 15 square metres. We have to look at the actual price that we can afford - whether it is 20, 30 or 40 thousand dollars - and that has to change," he said. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
July 8, 2016
Sanctions Updates: Iran, Myanmar (Burma) and Cuba
With the rise of OFAC Sanctions enforcement and compliance issues, companies have to devote significant resources to following changes in OFAC Sanctions.
Over the last few years, the US government has significantly altered the sanctions landscape with the Iran Nuclear Treaty, and major changes in its relationship with Cuba and Myanmar (Burma). Since the major changes have been announced or implemented, there have been continuing tweaks and changes to the separate sanctions programs. Here is a summary of some of the more significant changes in recent months.
Iran Sanctions: On June 8, 2016, OFAC updated its list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to provide additional guidance on foreign entities that are owned or controlled by US persons and the modification of financial and banking sanctions. (Courtesy of lexology.com)
Over the last few years, the US government has significantly altered the sanctions landscape with the Iran Nuclear Treaty, and major changes in its relationship with Cuba and Myanmar (Burma). Since the major changes have been announced or implemented, there have been continuing tweaks and changes to the separate sanctions programs. Here is a summary of some of the more significant changes in recent months.
Iran Sanctions: On June 8, 2016, OFAC updated its list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to provide additional guidance on foreign entities that are owned or controlled by US persons and the modification of financial and banking sanctions. (Courtesy of lexology.com)
KNU creating jobs for Kayin refugee women
“Job opportunities were created in five administrative units after the ceasefire agreement was signed,” he said on July 3, referring to an October 2015 peace pact inked with the government and several ethnic armed groups. “Women suffered very much during the clashes. Now, they can support themselves without having to rely on support from others during the restoration period.”
The new jobs – so far more than 1000 households have benefited, the KNU says – are mainly in the agriculture and livestock-rearing sectors.
Activist Ma Sinthiyar Win from Hpa-an township said the initiative may help women recover from trauma due to the fighting. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
The new jobs – so far more than 1000 households have benefited, the KNU says – are mainly in the agriculture and livestock-rearing sectors.
Activist Ma Sinthiyar Win from Hpa-an township said the initiative may help women recover from trauma due to the fighting. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Border disputes causes closure of Myanmar-Lao friendship bridge
The newly built Myanmar-Lao Friendship Bridge remains closed as authorities on both sides struggle to agree on the issue of border demarcation.
Once opened, the bridge will boost commerce between the two nations and will also allow direct trade with Thailand, Vietnam and China, the Myanmar Times reported on Thursday. (Courtesy of indianexpress.com)
Once opened, the bridge will boost commerce between the two nations and will also allow direct trade with Thailand, Vietnam and China, the Myanmar Times reported on Thursday. (Courtesy of indianexpress.com)
Human rights: albinos in Malawi, activists in Bahrain and Rohingya in Myanmar
Parliament condemns recent crimes and widespread discrimination against albinos in Malawi, ongoing restrictions of fundamental democratic rights in Bahrain and practices that discriminate against Myanmar’s Muslim minority, in particular the Rohingya, in three resolutions voted on Thursday.
Crimes against people with albinism in Africa, notably in Malawi
MEPs express deep concern at the continuous and widespread discrimination and persecution faced by persons with albinism in Africa. In Malawi, where an estimated 10,000 people have albinism, the police have reported 69 attacks on them since November 2014, including 18 murders, four of which took place as recently as April 2016. One victim was a two-year-old baby. (Courtesy of europarl.europa.eu)
Crimes against people with albinism in Africa, notably in Malawi
MEPs express deep concern at the continuous and widespread discrimination and persecution faced by persons with albinism in Africa. In Malawi, where an estimated 10,000 people have albinism, the police have reported 69 attacks on them since November 2014, including 18 murders, four of which took place as recently as April 2016. One victim was a two-year-old baby. (Courtesy of europarl.europa.eu)
Myanmar´s state jade sale rakes in 530 million Euros
Myanmar´s annual jade and gems sale netted more than 530 million euros ($587 million), an official tally showed Thursday, as Chinese buyers continue to drive a shadowy industry linked with rebel conflicts and notorious for perilous working conditions.
Lusted after by wealthy Chinese, Myanmar´s jade mines were in the hands of the military and their ´crony´ elites during the junta years and are still believed to raise tens of billions of dollars in undeclared sales. (Courtesy of thenews.com.pk)
Lusted after by wealthy Chinese, Myanmar´s jade mines were in the hands of the military and their ´crony´ elites during the junta years and are still believed to raise tens of billions of dollars in undeclared sales. (Courtesy of thenews.com.pk)
EU Parliament slams Myanmar's anti-Rohingya practices
The European Parliament condemned Myanmar on Thursday for practices that discriminate against its minority Muslim community in western Rakhine State, home to around a million stateless Rohingya.
In a statement, the EU body expressed “deep concern about the plight of Rohingya in south-east Asia.”
The parliamentarians urged authorities through a non-legislative resolution to “ensure free and unimpeded access to Rakhine State, where some 120,000 Rohingya remain in more than 80 internal displacement camps, for humanitarian actors, the United Nations, international human rights organizations, journalists and other international observers.” (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
In a statement, the EU body expressed “deep concern about the plight of Rohingya in south-east Asia.”
The parliamentarians urged authorities through a non-legislative resolution to “ensure free and unimpeded access to Rakhine State, where some 120,000 Rohingya remain in more than 80 internal displacement camps, for humanitarian actors, the United Nations, international human rights organizations, journalists and other international observers.” (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
US Ambassador Meets ANP and Muslim Community in Sittwe
United States Ambassador Scot Marciel made his first trip to Arakan State on Wednesday. Talks were held in the state capital Sittwe with the Arakan National Party (ANP) and with stateless residents of a segregated Muslim ward, Aung Mingalar.
Tun Aung Kyaw, secretary of the ANP—which represents the interests of the Buddhist majority in Arakan State—told The Irrawaddy that they received the ambassador at their head office in Sittwe.
Scot Marciel, who started his post as US Ambassador to Burma in April, reportedly asked ANP leaders about their relationship with the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) and the ANP’s plans for developing Arakan State. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
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