In an important move that is being cautiously welcomed by human rights organizations who work on Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi has announced the creation of an Advisory Commission to find “lasting solutions” to the manifold issues affecting Western Rakhine State.
Much of the coverage of the creation of the commission has focused on the appointment of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which provides it a semblance of independence and neutrality. What hasn’t been commented upon is the fact that not a single Rohingya Muslim leader or representative has been appointed to the commission.
Instead, the true purpose of the commission has been called into question, as Suu Kyi has made two controversial choices to represent the Rakhine: U Win Mra and Saw Khin Tint. Both Rakhine representatives have “engaged in denial of mass atrocity crimes committed by extremist Buddhist nationalists.” (Courtesy of chicagomonitor.com)
August 31, 2016
UN Chief Addresses Rohginya Issue Ahead of Peace Talks
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on Burma to improve living conditions for its Rohingya Muslim minority on Tuesday, ahead of peace talks between leader Aung San Suu Kyi and many of the country’s ethnic armed rebel groups.
Burma’s 1.1 million Rohingya will not be represented at the conference starting on Wednesday, but the fact Ban raised their plight—and used the term for the group that is divisive in Burma—may add to international pressure on Suu Kyi to address the issue.
“The government has assured me about its commitment to address the roots of the problem,” Ban told a news conference in the capital Naypyidaw. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Burma’s 1.1 million Rohingya will not be represented at the conference starting on Wednesday, but the fact Ban raised their plight—and used the term for the group that is divisive in Burma—may add to international pressure on Suu Kyi to address the issue.
“The government has assured me about its commitment to address the roots of the problem,” Ban told a news conference in the capital Naypyidaw. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Ban Ki-moon tells Myanmar world concerned about Rohingya
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told Myanmar on Tuesday that the world is very concerned about the tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees who have been living for more than four years in camps in northern Rakhine state after fleeing violence from the Buddhist majority.
“They deserve hope,” Ban said at a joint news conference with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. “All of Myanmar’s people, of every ethnicity and background, should be able to live in equality and harmony, side by side with their neighbors.”
Ban is in Myanmar to attend peace talks aimed at ending half a century of conflict between the government and the country’s many armed ethnic minority groups. The talks begin Wednesday in Naypyitaw, the capital. About 2,000 delegates and guests are expected to attend the opening ceremony. (Courtesy of wtop.com)
“They deserve hope,” Ban said at a joint news conference with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. “All of Myanmar’s people, of every ethnicity and background, should be able to live in equality and harmony, side by side with their neighbors.”
Ban is in Myanmar to attend peace talks aimed at ending half a century of conflict between the government and the country’s many armed ethnic minority groups. The talks begin Wednesday in Naypyitaw, the capital. About 2,000 delegates and guests are expected to attend the opening ceremony. (Courtesy of wtop.com)
Myanmar group targets Kofi Annan; uses Morgan Freeman photo
A prominent anti-Muslim group of Buddhist nationalists in Myanmar is criticizing former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan on social media, and accidentally taking actor Morgan Freeman down with him.
Myanmar’s government announced last week that Annan will lead an advisory panel aimed at finding “lasting solutions” to the conflict in Rakhine state, where human rights groups have documented widespread abuses against minority Rohingya Muslims. The group Ma Ba Tha, led by Buddhist monks, has been accused of helping to incite violence in the region that left hundreds of Muslims dead in 2012.
Ma Ba Tha condemned Annan’s involvement in a Facebook post Monday that called him “a funny-looking and disrespectful person cannot talk about our own issues in the country.” It also called Annan, who is from Ghana, a “kalar,” a slur used in Myanmar against Muslims and Indians. (Courtesy of wtop.com)
Myanmar’s government announced last week that Annan will lead an advisory panel aimed at finding “lasting solutions” to the conflict in Rakhine state, where human rights groups have documented widespread abuses against minority Rohingya Muslims. The group Ma Ba Tha, led by Buddhist monks, has been accused of helping to incite violence in the region that left hundreds of Muslims dead in 2012.
Ma Ba Tha condemned Annan’s involvement in a Facebook post Monday that called him “a funny-looking and disrespectful person cannot talk about our own issues in the country.” It also called Annan, who is from Ghana, a “kalar,” a slur used in Myanmar against Muslims and Indians. (Courtesy of wtop.com)
Myanmar army attacks SSPP/SSA ahead of Panglong Conference
Less than a week ahead of Myanmar’s historic 21st Century Panglong Conference, the Myanmar army has launched an offensive against the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) in northern Shan State's Lashio District, according to an SSPP/SSA official.
Maj. Sai Hsu, the spokesperson of the SSPP/SSA, said that the fighting broke out yesterday near the village of Kong Ark Lieng in Mong Gao tract of Tangyan Township, Lashio District, when a Myanmar government unit under the control of North Eastern Command violated SSPP/SSA territory.
“A Tatmadaw [government forces] unit under command of Tangyan attacked us,” he said. “The fighting lasted from 4:15pm to 6pm on Sunday. And then at 7pm, they attacked us again with artillery.” (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
Maj. Sai Hsu, the spokesperson of the SSPP/SSA, said that the fighting broke out yesterday near the village of Kong Ark Lieng in Mong Gao tract of Tangyan Township, Lashio District, when a Myanmar government unit under the control of North Eastern Command violated SSPP/SSA territory.
“A Tatmadaw [government forces] unit under command of Tangyan attacked us,” he said. “The fighting lasted from 4:15pm to 6pm on Sunday. And then at 7pm, they attacked us again with artillery.” (Courtesy of mizzima.com)
Myanmar to hold historic peace talks with ethnic armies
Peace talks aimed at ending more than half a century of conflict between Myanmar's army and an array of armed ethnic rebel groups are due to start in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Wednesday.
The talks are the first formal peace negotiations since Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party swept elections last November and took office in April, vowing that national unity would be its top priority.
Suu Kyi is expected to address the five-day conference, along with the powerful head of the nation's military, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and representatives of at least 17 of the 20 main armed groups. Hundreds of delegates are expected to attend. (Courtesy of bigstory.ap.org)
The talks are the first formal peace negotiations since Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party swept elections last November and took office in April, vowing that national unity would be its top priority.
Suu Kyi is expected to address the five-day conference, along with the powerful head of the nation's military, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and representatives of at least 17 of the 20 main armed groups. Hundreds of delegates are expected to attend. (Courtesy of bigstory.ap.org)
Myanmar and China – Is Daw Suu Kyi The Pivot?
Myanmar’s State Counsellor and head of the National League for Democracy (NLD) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has just concluded a five- day (Aug 17-21) official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese premier Li Keqiang. She was accorded the protocol of a visiting prime minister of a country that the Chinese leaders see not only as being of economic importance but also of great strategic interest.
Is the Chinese leadership viewing her as more acceptable than Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw?Some have questioned whether Su Kyi is a rising star or a fading beacon. The Chinese seem to regard her as a rising star, for at least the near future. Suu Kyi remains debarred from the post of president of Myanmar by the 2008 constitution. Despite the huge victory of the NLD in the last election, the army retained by law 25 per cent of the seats in parliament to block any amendments to the constitution. Nevertheless, Suu Kyi was confident enough to say, even before the president was elected, that she would control the presidency. President U Htin Kyaw, a long time aide of Su Kyi, was handpicked by her without opposition. Her power and acceptance by the people is palpable. She chose her official position as State Counsellor, a post that did not exist before. After deliberations she also chose to become foreign minister. These two posts give Suu Kyi a very wide range of powers both internally and internationally. Even if much is mentioned in the international media about her one must remember that she is a Nobel Laureate for peace, and has an international status above just politics. (Courtesy of slguardian.org)
Is the Chinese leadership viewing her as more acceptable than Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw?Some have questioned whether Su Kyi is a rising star or a fading beacon. The Chinese seem to regard her as a rising star, for at least the near future. Suu Kyi remains debarred from the post of president of Myanmar by the 2008 constitution. Despite the huge victory of the NLD in the last election, the army retained by law 25 per cent of the seats in parliament to block any amendments to the constitution. Nevertheless, Suu Kyi was confident enough to say, even before the president was elected, that she would control the presidency. President U Htin Kyaw, a long time aide of Su Kyi, was handpicked by her without opposition. Her power and acceptance by the people is palpable. She chose her official position as State Counsellor, a post that did not exist before. After deliberations she also chose to become foreign minister. These two posts give Suu Kyi a very wide range of powers both internally and internationally. Even if much is mentioned in the international media about her one must remember that she is a Nobel Laureate for peace, and has an international status above just politics. (Courtesy of slguardian.org)
PM Narendra Modi: ‘Road map and action agenda’ with Myanmar now evolved
Leaders of India and Myanmar held extensive talks on Monday to bring a new momentum in cooperation in agriculture, banking, power and energy sectors between the two countries. Both countries also agreed to work towards a long-term and a mutually beneficial arrangement for trade in pulses.
Four agreements, including the agreement pertaining to the construction of 69 bridges on the Tamu-Kalewa section of the trilateral highway connecting India, Myanmar and Thailand, were inked at the end of talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw.
The two sides signed MoUs to boost cooperation in areas of connectivity, medicine and renewable energy. (Courtesy of financialexpress.com)
Four agreements, including the agreement pertaining to the construction of 69 bridges on the Tamu-Kalewa section of the trilateral highway connecting India, Myanmar and Thailand, were inked at the end of talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw.
The two sides signed MoUs to boost cooperation in areas of connectivity, medicine and renewable energy. (Courtesy of financialexpress.com)
Almost 1.3 million child labourers in Myanmar: survey
The Myanmar Labour Force, Child Labour and School to Work Transition Survey 2015 was released yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw.
More than 10 percent of the nation’s minors, or 1,278,909 children, are employed across the informal and informal sectors, including as unpaid labour for family businesses such as farming.
Numbering 676,208, boys account for a larger share of this workforce than girls, who the survey found to number 602,701.
While the figures are large, more than 75pc, or 966,758 children, are 15 to 17 years old, an age range where employment is legal across most of the developed and developing world. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
More than 10 percent of the nation’s minors, or 1,278,909 children, are employed across the informal and informal sectors, including as unpaid labour for family businesses such as farming.
Numbering 676,208, boys account for a larger share of this workforce than girls, who the survey found to number 602,701.
While the figures are large, more than 75pc, or 966,758 children, are 15 to 17 years old, an age range where employment is legal across most of the developed and developing world. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
India promises whole-hearted support to Myanmar
India on Monday extended its support to Myanmar in organising a peace conference, which is due to begin on August 31 and will comprise major insurgent groups, some of which operate from areas along the border between the two countries.
The development comes close on the heels of China's support to Myanmar's peace initiatives with the insurgent groups.
India announced its support for the '21st Century Panglong Conference' beginning Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met visiting Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw, who is on his maiden trip abroad after becoming head of state. (Courtesy of economictimes.indiatimes.com)
The development comes close on the heels of China's support to Myanmar's peace initiatives with the insurgent groups.
India announced its support for the '21st Century Panglong Conference' beginning Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met visiting Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw, who is on his maiden trip abroad after becoming head of state. (Courtesy of economictimes.indiatimes.com)
August 30, 2016
Ban Ki-moon tells Myanmar world concerned about Rohingya
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told Myanmar on Tuesday that the world is very concerned about the tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees who have been living for more than four years in camps in northern Rakhine state after fleeing violence from the Buddhist majority.
“They deserve hope,” Ban said at a joint news conference with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. “All of Myanmar’s people, of every ethnicity and background, should be able to live in equality and harmony, side by side with their neighbors.”
Ban is in Myanmar to attend peace talks aimed at ending half a century of conflict between the government and the country’s many armed ethnic minority groups. The talks begin Wednesday in Naypyitaw, the capital. About 2,000 delegates and guests are expected to attend the opening ceremony. (Courtesy of washingtonpost.com)
“They deserve hope,” Ban said at a joint news conference with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. “All of Myanmar’s people, of every ethnicity and background, should be able to live in equality and harmony, side by side with their neighbors.”
Ban is in Myanmar to attend peace talks aimed at ending half a century of conflict between the government and the country’s many armed ethnic minority groups. The talks begin Wednesday in Naypyitaw, the capital. About 2,000 delegates and guests are expected to attend the opening ceremony. (Courtesy of washingtonpost.com)
'Sensitivity' plea to Myanmar
India today sought sensitivity towards its strategic interests from Myanmar, articulating concerns over China's growing influence there during key talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw today.
Modi thanked Kyaw for making India his first foreign destination since taking over as the official head of state of his country five months ago.
But Kyaw remains, in the view of most observers, a titular leader of a government actually controlled by foreign minister and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy came to power defeating the military junta in elections late last year. A constitution passed when the junta was in power forbids Suu Kyi from holding the President's office, but Kyaw was her pick.
Modi said Kyaw agreed with him on the need for the neighbours to demonstrate sensitivity towards each other, after talks that lasted over an hour. (Courtesy of telegraphindia.com)
Modi thanked Kyaw for making India his first foreign destination since taking over as the official head of state of his country five months ago.
But Kyaw remains, in the view of most observers, a titular leader of a government actually controlled by foreign minister and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy came to power defeating the military junta in elections late last year. A constitution passed when the junta was in power forbids Suu Kyi from holding the President's office, but Kyaw was her pick.
Modi said Kyaw agreed with him on the need for the neighbours to demonstrate sensitivity towards each other, after talks that lasted over an hour. (Courtesy of telegraphindia.com)
Organizing Committee Reviews Final Preparations For Myanmar's Panglong Conference
The organizing committee for Myanmar's Panglong Conference held a meeting in the capital Naypyidaw on Monday to discuss the final preparations for major negotiations with armed ethnic groups in a bid to end decades of ethnic separatist civil wars.
Leaders from the country’s various ethnic armies have already arrived in the city for the five-day 21st-Century Panglong Conference, also called the Union Peace Conference, which begins on Wednesday.
The members of the Joint Conference Organizing Committee said they were still discussing the possible participation of three groups that began fighting together against government troops last year in the Kokang region of the northern part of Myanmar’s Shan state—the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance party (MNDAA), and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). (Courtesy of rfa.org)
Leaders from the country’s various ethnic armies have already arrived in the city for the five-day 21st-Century Panglong Conference, also called the Union Peace Conference, which begins on Wednesday.
The members of the Joint Conference Organizing Committee said they were still discussing the possible participation of three groups that began fighting together against government troops last year in the Kokang region of the northern part of Myanmar’s Shan state—the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance party (MNDAA), and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). (Courtesy of rfa.org)
Upcoming peace conference an opportunity to transform Myanmar – UN rights expert
Speaking ahead of a major peace conference in Myanmar, a United Nations independent expert has urged its participants to prioritise human rights issues in their discussions over the coming days, and to do more to ensure the process is fully inclusive.
“A lot is at stake with this Panglong Conference,” the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, said in a news release issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). “As with the peace process generally in Myanmar, this is the opportunity to transform the country, into a state that the people of Myanmar have wanted for several decades. But to do so it must be fully inclusive.”
In the release, she added that discrimination, land rights and equitable sharing of natural resources are at the heart of the Southeast Asian nation’s conflict and, therefore, must also be at the heart of the peace discussions and solutions. “It is only by addressing and prioritising these issues that the durable peace desired by the people of Myanmar can be achieved,” she said.
The 21st Century Panglong Conference, which will take place in the country’s capital, Naypyidaw, from 31 August to 5 September, is the first major peace conference held in Myanmar since Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy assumed power in late March 2016, according to OHCHR. (Courtesy of un.org)
“A lot is at stake with this Panglong Conference,” the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, said in a news release issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). “As with the peace process generally in Myanmar, this is the opportunity to transform the country, into a state that the people of Myanmar have wanted for several decades. But to do so it must be fully inclusive.”
In the release, she added that discrimination, land rights and equitable sharing of natural resources are at the heart of the Southeast Asian nation’s conflict and, therefore, must also be at the heart of the peace discussions and solutions. “It is only by addressing and prioritising these issues that the durable peace desired by the people of Myanmar can be achieved,” she said.
The 21st Century Panglong Conference, which will take place in the country’s capital, Naypyidaw, from 31 August to 5 September, is the first major peace conference held in Myanmar since Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy assumed power in late March 2016, according to OHCHR. (Courtesy of un.org)
Govt hits back at Rakhine commission rumours
The government of Myanmar is underwriting the entire cost of its proposed Advisory Committee on Rakhine State, a spokesman said on Monday, in response to rumours spread on social media that the body would be funded by the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation.
U Zaw Htay, a spokesman for State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, added that committee chair Kofi Annan, a former United Nations secretary-general, was working on a voluntary basis and would not be remunerated by either the Myanmar government or foreign donors.
“There is no foreign financial aid for the commission. Kofi Annan’s work is purely voluntary and at the request of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The Myanmar government is bearing all the expenses for the Rakhine Commission,” he told Frontier. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
U Zaw Htay, a spokesman for State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, added that committee chair Kofi Annan, a former United Nations secretary-general, was working on a voluntary basis and would not be remunerated by either the Myanmar government or foreign donors.
“There is no foreign financial aid for the commission. Kofi Annan’s work is purely voluntary and at the request of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The Myanmar government is bearing all the expenses for the Rakhine Commission,” he told Frontier. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
UN chief urges Myanmar to respect human rights
Myanmar's new leadership must overcome discrimination and promote inclusive development with "full respect" for human rights, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday on the eve of a visit to the country.
Ban said elections last November, won overwhelmingly by Aung San Suu Kyi's political party, had opened the way to include various ethnic groups in Myanmar's newfound democracy.
The recent setting up of an advisory panel on Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan is an "encouraging step", Ban said, speaking in Singapore at an event organised by the Singapore Management University at the start of a two-day visit to the city-state. (Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)
Ban said elections last November, won overwhelmingly by Aung San Suu Kyi's political party, had opened the way to include various ethnic groups in Myanmar's newfound democracy.
The recent setting up of an advisory panel on Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan is an "encouraging step", Ban said, speaking in Singapore at an event organised by the Singapore Management University at the start of a two-day visit to the city-state. (Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)
India, Myanmar sign 4 agreements
India and Myanmar today signed four pacts, mostly in the field of infrastructure development and for the cooperation in renewable energy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw witnessed the signing of the agreement after the two sides have a delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House here. The agreements include facilitating construction and upgrade of 69 bridges, Kaleva-Yargi road section of trilateral high project and an MoU on traditional system of medicine. (Courtesy of news.webindia123.com)
Human rights activist denied bail in Sittwe
Ko Khaing Myo Htun has been remanded in Sittwe Prison on incitement charges for his alleged role in documenting military human rights abuses, according to a Friday statement by EarthRights International.
The ethnic Rakhine activist, 34, a deputy information officer for the Arakan Liberation Party, was arrested on July 25 and will next appear before Sittwe Township Court on September 2. He faces a maximum four-year prison sentence if convicted.
Denying a bail application on Friday, the presiding judge referred to the sensitivity of the case against Khaing Myo Htun and noted the defendant had failed to respond to two earlier court summons.
EarthRights said Khaing Myo Htun, a former student of the advocacy group’s human rights and environmental activism school, had been travelling in the weeks before his arrest and had not been informed of the requests to present himself to the court.(Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
A refuge of monastic discipline in Mandalay
HUNDREDS OF monks and novices are walking side-by-side in a long, silent procession along a wide lane, eyes downcast and clasping black offerings bowls. The lane is lined with tamarinds and other big shady trees common in central Myanmar.
About 100 tourists of all ages and nationalities have gathered under the shade of the trees. Nearby, on tables at the entrance of a dining hall are large aluminium tubs of food. As the monks and novices quietly accept their late morning meal, offered by donors, the tourists take pictures.
The sight of such a large number of monks gathered together in a quiet and orderly manner is rare, even in a Buddhist country such as Myanmar. It is the main reason why the Mahagandayon Monastery, at the former royal capital of Amarapura, just south of Mandalay, has been a famous sarthintaik, or Dhamma school, for more than 100 years. The monastery has become a destination for foreigners interested in seeing how Myanmar has perpetuated Theravada Buddhism for thousands of years. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
About 100 tourists of all ages and nationalities have gathered under the shade of the trees. Nearby, on tables at the entrance of a dining hall are large aluminium tubs of food. As the monks and novices quietly accept their late morning meal, offered by donors, the tourists take pictures.
The sight of such a large number of monks gathered together in a quiet and orderly manner is rare, even in a Buddhist country such as Myanmar. It is the main reason why the Mahagandayon Monastery, at the former royal capital of Amarapura, just south of Mandalay, has been a famous sarthintaik, or Dhamma school, for more than 100 years. The monastery has become a destination for foreigners interested in seeing how Myanmar has perpetuated Theravada Buddhism for thousands of years. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
August 29, 2016
Govt Justifies International Involvement in Arakan Issue
Amid criticism of former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan’s appointment to chairman of the new Arakan State Advisory Committee, the deputy-director general of the State Counselor’s Office said the choice was made in response to international pressure.
Deputy director-general U Zaw Htay told reporters at a press conference on the government’s 100-day plan in Naypyidaw on Friday that the decision to include international representatives followed outside pressure, after previous local commissions failed to resolve the Arakan State issue.
The nine-member team includes three international representatives, including Kofi Annan, and six from Burma—including two Buddhist Arakanese members, two Rangoon-based Muslim members and two government representatives. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Deputy director-general U Zaw Htay told reporters at a press conference on the government’s 100-day plan in Naypyidaw on Friday that the decision to include international representatives followed outside pressure, after previous local commissions failed to resolve the Arakan State issue.
The nine-member team includes three international representatives, including Kofi Annan, and six from Burma—including two Buddhist Arakanese members, two Rangoon-based Muslim members and two government representatives. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The Annan Commission needs to be successful
On Friday, 19 August 2016, the first World Rohingya Day demonstrations took place around the world. Rallies and demonstrations took place in London, UK; Washington DC, Toronto, Canada, New York, Chicago; Stockholm, Sweden; Boston; Los Angeles; and many other places. The speakers demanded end to the ongoing genocide of Rohingya people who are indigenous people of Myanmar (formerly Burma) living in their ancestral lands.
The Rohingyas of Myanmar are a stateless people who are the most persecuted people in our time. They have been facing genocidal campaigns, especially since 2012, which saw a series of ethnic cleansing drives by the Rakhine Buddhists of Arakan – planned and aided by the local and central government and organized and mobilized by racist politicians and bigoted monks. It was a national project put into practice for the elimination of the Rohingya, who differ in ethnicity and religion from the majority Buddhists in this country of 55 million people. As a result, probably thousands were lynched to death, a quarter million lost their homes, tens of thousands were forced to choose exodus from this Buddhist den of intolerance and hatred, and an estimated 140,000 Rohingya internally displaced persons were caged in concentration camps in and around Sittwe (formerly Akyab). (Courtesy of asiantribune.com)
The Rohingyas of Myanmar are a stateless people who are the most persecuted people in our time. They have been facing genocidal campaigns, especially since 2012, which saw a series of ethnic cleansing drives by the Rakhine Buddhists of Arakan – planned and aided by the local and central government and organized and mobilized by racist politicians and bigoted monks. It was a national project put into practice for the elimination of the Rohingya, who differ in ethnicity and religion from the majority Buddhists in this country of 55 million people. As a result, probably thousands were lynched to death, a quarter million lost their homes, tens of thousands were forced to choose exodus from this Buddhist den of intolerance and hatred, and an estimated 140,000 Rohingya internally displaced persons were caged in concentration camps in and around Sittwe (formerly Akyab). (Courtesy of asiantribune.com)
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi faces test at ethnic peace conference
Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi faces what could be the toughest test of her leadership yet when she opens a major ethnic peace conference Wednesday aimed at ending wars that have blighted the country since its independence.
The five-day talks will bring hundreds of ethnic minority rebel leaders to the capital, along with military top brass and international delegates such as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
The conference is Suu Kyi’s flagship effort to quell the long-running rebellions rumbling across Myanmar’s impoverished frontier states, fueled in part by the illegal drugs, jade and timber trades. (Courtesy of newsinfo.inquirer.net)
The five-day talks will bring hundreds of ethnic minority rebel leaders to the capital, along with military top brass and international delegates such as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
The conference is Suu Kyi’s flagship effort to quell the long-running rebellions rumbling across Myanmar’s impoverished frontier states, fueled in part by the illegal drugs, jade and timber trades. (Courtesy of newsinfo.inquirer.net)
August 28, 2016
Myanmar for balanced ties with India, China
With Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw began a four-day visit to India from Saturday on the heels of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's day-long visit to that country on Monday, Yangon is seeking to find some kind of a balance in its ties between two large neighbours, India and China.
This will be the first presidential visit from Myanmar after Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) assumed power in March this year. Suu Kyi, who spent a considerable part of her early life in India and was educated at Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi, however chose to make Beijing her first port of call after she became the country's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister. She was in Beijing last week.
After the NLD assumed power, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Myanmar as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 16, and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman earlier led a high-level business delegation to the eastern neighbour for the India-Myanmar Business Conclave on May 18-20. (Courtesy of thehansindia.com)
This will be the first presidential visit from Myanmar after Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) assumed power in March this year. Suu Kyi, who spent a considerable part of her early life in India and was educated at Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi, however chose to make Beijing her first port of call after she became the country's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister. She was in Beijing last week.
After the NLD assumed power, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Myanmar as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 16, and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman earlier led a high-level business delegation to the eastern neighbour for the India-Myanmar Business Conclave on May 18-20. (Courtesy of thehansindia.com)
Myanmar President offers prayers at Mahabodhi temple
Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw today arrived at Bodh Gaya in Biharand offered prayers at the revered Mahabodhi temple here.
Kyaw, who is here on a two-day visit, offered special prayers at the Mahabodhi temple, Mahabodhi tree under which Lord Buddhais said to have attained enlightenment, Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee member ArvindKumar Singh said.
He also visited a Burmese monastery besides visiting a 80-feet tall Lord Buddha's statue and offered prayer there. (Courtesy of business-standard.com)
Kyaw, who is here on a two-day visit, offered special prayers at the Mahabodhi temple, Mahabodhi tree under which Lord Buddhais said to have attained enlightenment, Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee member ArvindKumar Singh said.
He also visited a Burmese monastery besides visiting a 80-feet tall Lord Buddha's statue and offered prayer there. (Courtesy of business-standard.com)
Actor jailed for overpass protest
Actor Tun Nge has been sentenced to two years and nine months in jail by Kamayut Township Court on August 26 for displaying a religious and national flag on his car, along with spray-painted abuse about the military. On March 1 he blocked Hledan overpass in Kamayut Township.
The actor was convicted under Section 505(b), Section 294, Section 295 and Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 16 of the Union Flag Law. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
The actor was convicted under Section 505(b), Section 294, Section 295 and Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 16 of the Union Flag Law. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
USDP plays nationalist card on Annan commission
The Union Solidarity and Development Party issued a statement on August 25 criticising the formation of the advisory commission for Rakhine State ethnic tensions led by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan.
The State Counsellor's Office is due to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Kofi Annan Foundation soon to establish the study of Buddhist-Muslim tensions in Rakhine State. It should include two other foreigners and six Myanmar nationals.
The former ruling party statement said: "The Rakhine issue is an internal affair only. Successive governments have been working on the restoration of peace and stability in Rakhine State. The inclusion of foreigners on the commission brings it to the international stage. The commission’s work will prioritise human rights and humanitarian aid, turning a blind eye to national affairs and state security," the statement said. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
The State Counsellor's Office is due to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Kofi Annan Foundation soon to establish the study of Buddhist-Muslim tensions in Rakhine State. It should include two other foreigners and six Myanmar nationals.
The former ruling party statement said: "The Rakhine issue is an internal affair only. Successive governments have been working on the restoration of peace and stability in Rakhine State. The inclusion of foreigners on the commission brings it to the international stage. The commission’s work will prioritise human rights and humanitarian aid, turning a blind eye to national affairs and state security," the statement said. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Rebels still waiting for Panglong invite
The government is yet to invite the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Arakan Army (AA) to attend next week's Panglong conference, according to Colonel Tar Phone Kyaw, general secretary of the TNLA, on August 25.
“The TNLA is ready to participate in the 21st-century Panglong conference. But, there was no official invitation from the government,” said Tar Phone Kyaw.
MNDAA and AA have also said they wish to participate in Panglong on August 31.
“We have had no negotiations with the government’s commission but only discussed it with other armed groups. We have had no direct discussion, only via other groups,” said Tar Phon Kyaw. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
“The TNLA is ready to participate in the 21st-century Panglong conference. But, there was no official invitation from the government,” said Tar Phone Kyaw.
MNDAA and AA have also said they wish to participate in Panglong on August 31.
“We have had no negotiations with the government’s commission but only discussed it with other armed groups. We have had no direct discussion, only via other groups,” said Tar Phon Kyaw. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
August 18, 2016
Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims banned from teaching Holy Quran to their children
Myanmar authorities have recently decided to prevent Rohingya Muslim minority from teaching the Holy Qur'an and principles of the Islamic religion to their children, in an escalating move described by local observers as a risk to the future of the Islamic presence in Arakan State.
Arakan News Agency reported that the authorities summoned dozens of Rohingya teachers in a number of neighborhoods, south of Maungdaw city, and forced them to sign a written pledge not to engage in the future in teaching the Qur'an or anything related to Islamic religion even inside their homes.
The agency stated that the authorities have threatened to punish the teachers with more than 10-year imprisonment in the event of violating this decision, and that they would remain under monitoring over the next period. It added that there are indications of the authorities' pursuit to circulate this decision to other neighborhoods and cities in Arakan State. (Courtesy of ummid.com)
Arakan News Agency reported that the authorities summoned dozens of Rohingya teachers in a number of neighborhoods, south of Maungdaw city, and forced them to sign a written pledge not to engage in the future in teaching the Qur'an or anything related to Islamic religion even inside their homes.
The agency stated that the authorities have threatened to punish the teachers with more than 10-year imprisonment in the event of violating this decision, and that they would remain under monitoring over the next period. It added that there are indications of the authorities' pursuit to circulate this decision to other neighborhoods and cities in Arakan State. (Courtesy of ummid.com)
August 17, 2016
MP David Anderson in Myanmar with International Delegation
Local MP David Anderson is in Myanmar from August 16th until the 20th.
Anderson is traveling as part of an international delegation which will address threats to the right of freedom of religion in the country.
The trip is based around a report of a Muslim minority group in Myanmar being persecuted.
The Member of Parliament says reports of witnesses calling the persecution a "Genocide" and "Ethnic Cleansing" is a very serious matter to address. (Courtesy of swiftcurrentonline.com)
Anderson is traveling as part of an international delegation which will address threats to the right of freedom of religion in the country.
The trip is based around a report of a Muslim minority group in Myanmar being persecuted.
The Member of Parliament says reports of witnesses calling the persecution a "Genocide" and "Ethnic Cleansing" is a very serious matter to address. (Courtesy of swiftcurrentonline.com)
Sittwe included in ‘ambitious’ Indian pipelines plan
India is planning to lay nearly 7,000 kilometres of gas pipelines linking West Bengal and many of its northeastern states with Bangladesh and Myanmar, media reports said last week.
The “ambitious” plan was outlined by the executive director of India’s state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Mr S.C. Soni, during a visit to the Tripura capital, Agartala, on August 13, the Hindustan Times reported.
He told reporters up to 6,900 km of pipelines would link Siliguri and Durgapur in West Bengal, most northeastern states, Sittwe in Rakhine State and the Bangladesh port of Chittagong.
The pipelines project was part of India’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 policy to double oil and natural gas production in the northeastern states and make more effective use of the energy.
Large quantities of gas at fields in the energy-rich northeast were being burned off because it could not be piped to consumers, Soni said. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
The “ambitious” plan was outlined by the executive director of India’s state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Mr S.C. Soni, during a visit to the Tripura capital, Agartala, on August 13, the Hindustan Times reported.
He told reporters up to 6,900 km of pipelines would link Siliguri and Durgapur in West Bengal, most northeastern states, Sittwe in Rakhine State and the Bangladesh port of Chittagong.
The pipelines project was part of India’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 policy to double oil and natural gas production in the northeastern states and make more effective use of the energy.
Large quantities of gas at fields in the energy-rich northeast were being burned off because it could not be piped to consumers, Soni said. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Myanmar to complete demarcation of its borders
Diplomatic negotiations are under way to finalise demarcation and posting of Myanmar's borders with Thailand and India, vice minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Tin told the lower house on Monday.
“In order to leave a good legacy for the next generation, we have been trying to start defining the border as fast as we can,” he said. An agreement had been reached to reboot border-defining efforts in the south, as a result of Aung San Suu Kyi’s recent visit to Thailand as Union minister for foreign affairs. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
“In order to leave a good legacy for the next generation, we have been trying to start defining the border as fast as we can,” he said. An agreement had been reached to reboot border-defining efforts in the south, as a result of Aung San Suu Kyi’s recent visit to Thailand as Union minister for foreign affairs. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
Myanmar joins global payment network
Another step in the effort to better connect Myanmar to the global financial system has been taken, with AYA Bank becoming the first lender to offer bank cards with a stamp from global payment network provider JCB.
The bank is issuing debit and credit cards with a joint stamp from Japan’s JCB and Myanmar Payment Union (MPU), meaning it can be used in Myanmar and across a JCB network spanning some 31 million merchants in 190 countries and territories.
“It’s a move that will connect Myanmar’s card system with [those in] other countries,” said U Zaw Lin Htut, CEO of MPU, at a signing ceremony between AYA Bank, MPU and JCB yesterday.
U Zaw Zaw, founder and chair of AYA Bank, noted that an earlier lack of infrastructure and resources had held Myanmar’s banking system back from being able to join worldwide payment networks like JCB’s. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
The bank is issuing debit and credit cards with a joint stamp from Japan’s JCB and Myanmar Payment Union (MPU), meaning it can be used in Myanmar and across a JCB network spanning some 31 million merchants in 190 countries and territories.
“It’s a move that will connect Myanmar’s card system with [those in] other countries,” said U Zaw Lin Htut, CEO of MPU, at a signing ceremony between AYA Bank, MPU and JCB yesterday.
U Zaw Zaw, founder and chair of AYA Bank, noted that an earlier lack of infrastructure and resources had held Myanmar’s banking system back from being able to join worldwide payment networks like JCB’s. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Myanmar Authorities Close Hundreds of Cases Against Activists
Authorities in Myanmar have closed more than 450 cases against activists following requests from the nation’s top two leaders, Tin Myint, permanent secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, said Tuesday.
“We have closed 457 cases against activists because of requests from [State Counselor] Aung San Suu Kyi and President Htin Kyaw,” he said at a press conference in the capital Naypyidaw, where representatives from four ministries discussed what they had accomplished during the new civilian-led government’s “100-day” reform plan.
Other permanent secretaries from the home affairs, construction, transportation and communication, and social welfare, relief and resettlement ministries were also on hand.
“These cases are different from those of the activists freed during the presidential amnesty,” he said, in a reference to the civilian-led government’s release of up to 200 political prisoners, including political activists and students facing trials for their involvement in a protest against the National Education Law. (Courtesy of rfa.org)
“We have closed 457 cases against activists because of requests from [State Counselor] Aung San Suu Kyi and President Htin Kyaw,” he said at a press conference in the capital Naypyidaw, where representatives from four ministries discussed what they had accomplished during the new civilian-led government’s “100-day” reform plan.
Other permanent secretaries from the home affairs, construction, transportation and communication, and social welfare, relief and resettlement ministries were also on hand.
“These cases are different from those of the activists freed during the presidential amnesty,” he said, in a reference to the civilian-led government’s release of up to 200 political prisoners, including political activists and students facing trials for their involvement in a protest against the National Education Law. (Courtesy of rfa.org)
No debate, decisions at Panglong conference
No decisions will be made at the 21st Century Panglong conference, negotiators said on Monday, after they conceded that there was not enough time to make the necessary changes to the political dialogue framework.
Members of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee agreed at a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on August 15 that the meeting would be all-inclusive, with all ethnic armed groups allowed to attend. Participants will focus on presenting their respective policies, UPDJC members told Frontier.
“It will be held according to the principle of all-inclusiveness. Each party can present its own policy but there won’t be any discussion or decisions made,” said Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, a deputy chairman of the UPDJC representing ethnic armed groups. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Members of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee agreed at a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on August 15 that the meeting would be all-inclusive, with all ethnic armed groups allowed to attend. Participants will focus on presenting their respective policies, UPDJC members told Frontier.
“It will be held according to the principle of all-inclusiveness. Each party can present its own policy but there won’t be any discussion or decisions made,” said Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, a deputy chairman of the UPDJC representing ethnic armed groups. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
ANP to present framework at peace conference
The Arakan National Party is preparing a framework to be submitted at the Union Peace Conference, also known as the 21st Century Panglong Conference, which is scheduled for August 31, the party’s general-secretary Tun Aung Kyaw told the Daily Eleven yesterday.
The framework provides for discussions on political affairs, the people’s basic needs and economic rights. The ANP formed a seven-member committee of lawmakers at its sixth central executive committee meeting in order to prepare the framework.
“The committee is tasked with drafting a political framework. We will seek approval from the CEC one week ahead of the peace conference. The framework will also include the Kyaukphu Special Economic Zone project, ethnic affairs and Union affairs,” he added. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
The framework provides for discussions on political affairs, the people’s basic needs and economic rights. The ANP formed a seven-member committee of lawmakers at its sixth central executive committee meeting in order to prepare the framework.
“The committee is tasked with drafting a political framework. We will seek approval from the CEC one week ahead of the peace conference. The framework will also include the Kyaukphu Special Economic Zone project, ethnic affairs and Union affairs,” he added. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
No sustainable economy without peace: Suu Kyi
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi gave the opening speech at yesterday’s UPDJC meeting in Nay Pyi Taw, saying Myanmar’s economy cannot be sustained without peace in the long term.
“This meeting is very important for all of us. Only peace can make our people harmonious and progressive. If there is no peace, any economy would collapse, no matter how highly developed it is. No economy can be sustained if there is no peace in the long term. That’s why peace is very important for us. However, we will not disregard social and economic sectors because of the peace process. We will handle them concurrently,” she said.
“We want to build a strong and genuine Union. For that, support from all ethnic people is the key,” Suu Kyi said. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
“This meeting is very important for all of us. Only peace can make our people harmonious and progressive. If there is no peace, any economy would collapse, no matter how highly developed it is. No economy can be sustained if there is no peace in the long term. That’s why peace is very important for us. However, we will not disregard social and economic sectors because of the peace process. We will handle them concurrently,” she said.
“We want to build a strong and genuine Union. For that, support from all ethnic people is the key,” Suu Kyi said. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Challenge of criminalising hate speech
Since the government was installed earlier this year, the Ministry of Information (MOI) website has made clear that there is no place for hate speech in Myanmar society. MOI website statements have also urged all Myanmar people to avoid hate speech and to “live in unity within diversity”. The Ministry has called for “retributive action” against those who “make” hate speech.
U Aung Ko, the Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs, recently referred to plans for a new Hate Speech Law – which would criminalise verbal attacks on other religions besides Buddhism – being developed in consultation with “interfaith groups” comprising members of Myanmar’s various religious communities. Such a law, whose precise contents are not yet known to the public, would empower ordinary citizens to report discriminatory speech.
Article 364 of Myanmar’s 2008 constitution prohibits the “abuse of religion for political purposes” and “any act which is intended or is likely to promote feelings of hatred, enmity or discord between racial or religious communities or sects”. It allows for the “promulgation of laws to punish such activity”. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
U Aung Ko, the Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs, recently referred to plans for a new Hate Speech Law – which would criminalise verbal attacks on other religions besides Buddhism – being developed in consultation with “interfaith groups” comprising members of Myanmar’s various religious communities. Such a law, whose precise contents are not yet known to the public, would empower ordinary citizens to report discriminatory speech.
Article 364 of Myanmar’s 2008 constitution prohibits the “abuse of religion for political purposes” and “any act which is intended or is likely to promote feelings of hatred, enmity or discord between racial or religious communities or sects”. It allows for the “promulgation of laws to punish such activity”. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
August 16, 2016
China must participate in Myanmar’s peace process: SNLD
Khun Tun Oo, chairman of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), urged for China's participation in Myanmore peace process at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon on August 13. He made the request to Mr Song Tao, the visiting Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
SNLD officials proposed that the visiting Chinese minister should participate in Myanmar’s peace process, according to Sai Leik, the first joint-secretary of the SNLD, who spoke to the Daily Eleven.
“We focus on party relations. Youths will be sent to training to exchange views. Cooperation will lead to close relations. We demand that the Chinese government participate in our peace-building with the right attitude. Most ethnic armed groups in our border areas have to rely on China. In this state, China’s right attitude is a decisive factor in our peace process,” Sai Leik said. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
SNLD officials proposed that the visiting Chinese minister should participate in Myanmar’s peace process, according to Sai Leik, the first joint-secretary of the SNLD, who spoke to the Daily Eleven.
“We focus on party relations. Youths will be sent to training to exchange views. Cooperation will lead to close relations. We demand that the Chinese government participate in our peace-building with the right attitude. Most ethnic armed groups in our border areas have to rely on China. In this state, China’s right attitude is a decisive factor in our peace process,” Sai Leik said. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Myanmar monsoon floods kill eight, disrupt lives of 400,000
Floods caused by monsoon rains have killed at least eight people and disrupted the lives of 400,000 across Myanmar, the government said, a year since the worst floods in decades left thousands homeless and inundated vast tracts of farmland.
Weeks of torrential rains have flooded more than 400,000 acres of paddy fields, exacerbating last year's damage, a senior Agriculture Ministry official said on Monday.
With a per capita gross domestic product of $1,244, Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in East Asia and the Pacific. Parts of Myanmar are flooded annually at the peak of the monsoon season, but the damage this year is being watched closely because reconstruction from last year is still under way. (Courtesy of reuters.com)
Weeks of torrential rains have flooded more than 400,000 acres of paddy fields, exacerbating last year's damage, a senior Agriculture Ministry official said on Monday.
With a per capita gross domestic product of $1,244, Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in East Asia and the Pacific. Parts of Myanmar are flooded annually at the peak of the monsoon season, but the damage this year is being watched closely because reconstruction from last year is still under way. (Courtesy of reuters.com)
August 15, 2016
US-Based Burmese Muslim Group Calls on NLD Govt to End Rohingya Persecution, Restore Rights
In a conference held in Los Angeles on Saturday by the Burmese American Muslims Association (BAMA), an international panel of speakers condemned the ongoing persecution of Burma’s Rohingya minority, placing it within the framework of genocide, and calling on the country’s current government to restore the marginalized group’s rights.
The event, entitled Myanmar Muslims Genocide Awareness Convention 2016, was broadcast live online and featured speeches by Shwe Maung, a former Rohingya member of Burma’s Parliament, civil rights activist Htay Lwin Oo, and Maung Zarni, a scholar and non-resident research fellow with Cambodia’s Sleuk Rith Institute.
Former United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma, Tomás Ojea Quintana, and president of Genocide Watch, Gregory Stanton, delivered pre-recorded talks. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The event, entitled Myanmar Muslims Genocide Awareness Convention 2016, was broadcast live online and featured speeches by Shwe Maung, a former Rohingya member of Burma’s Parliament, civil rights activist Htay Lwin Oo, and Maung Zarni, a scholar and non-resident research fellow with Cambodia’s Sleuk Rith Institute.
Former United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma, Tomás Ojea Quintana, and president of Genocide Watch, Gregory Stanton, delivered pre-recorded talks. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi to visit China
Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi will pay an official visit to China from Aug 17 to 21 at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced on Aug 15.
Aung San Suu Kyi is the first Myanmar leader to visit China since the Southeast Asian nation’s new government was formed late March.
“It holds great significance to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between both countries in the new phase,” Lu said.
Chinese leaders will meet with her and exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Apart from Beijing, Aung San Suu Kyi will visit other Chinese cities, according to Lu. (Courtesy of english.gov.cn/news)
Aung San Suu Kyi is the first Myanmar leader to visit China since the Southeast Asian nation’s new government was formed late March.
“It holds great significance to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between both countries in the new phase,” Lu said.
Chinese leaders will meet with her and exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Apart from Beijing, Aung San Suu Kyi will visit other Chinese cities, according to Lu. (Courtesy of english.gov.cn/news)
‘Nobody plays with our children’
Ko Aung Kyaw Hein, 16, has just passed his matriculation exam with distinction and is keen to leave the compound where he lives with his family on the outskirts of Pakokku, a dusty town on the Ayeyarwady River in Magway Region.
“I don’t want to say why, but I want to leave here,” Aung Kyaw Hein told Frontier at the compound, about a 15-minute motorbike ride from downtown Pakokku.
His mother, Daw Mu Mu Aye, 47, knows why her son wants to leave what’s known as the Seven Villas compound. It is the stigma of living there. Seven Villas was established in 1937 for people suffering from leprosy. Aung Kyaw Hein does not have the disease and neither do his four siblings nor his parents. But both his maternal grandparents did and they were moved to Seven Villas when it opened. The family never left. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
“I don’t want to say why, but I want to leave here,” Aung Kyaw Hein told Frontier at the compound, about a 15-minute motorbike ride from downtown Pakokku.
His mother, Daw Mu Mu Aye, 47, knows why her son wants to leave what’s known as the Seven Villas compound. It is the stigma of living there. Seven Villas was established in 1937 for people suffering from leprosy. Aung Kyaw Hein does not have the disease and neither do his four siblings nor his parents. But both his maternal grandparents did and they were moved to Seven Villas when it opened. The family never left. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Myanmar remains country of ‘grave concern’ in US religious freedom report
The committee’s report, a comprehensive assessment that tracks restrictions on religious freedom and provides recommendations to the US government for protecting human rights around the world, came out on August 10.
Since the committee’s inception in 1998, Myanmar has remained a Tier 1 “country of particular concern”. The four “race and religion” laws passed under then-president U Thein Sein’s rule, and military tensions with ethnic dissident groups in upper Myanmar, continue to restrict the rights and freedoms of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State and Christians in Kachin and Shan states respectively, the report said.
Introducing the report, David Saperstein, US ambassador-at-large, said the committee “expressed grave concern that large numbers of them [Rohingyas] have had citizenship stripped from them … Often they are in camps where they can’t return to their home communities, they can’t establish mosques.” (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Since the committee’s inception in 1998, Myanmar has remained a Tier 1 “country of particular concern”. The four “race and religion” laws passed under then-president U Thein Sein’s rule, and military tensions with ethnic dissident groups in upper Myanmar, continue to restrict the rights and freedoms of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State and Christians in Kachin and Shan states respectively, the report said.
Introducing the report, David Saperstein, US ambassador-at-large, said the committee “expressed grave concern that large numbers of them [Rohingyas] have had citizenship stripped from them … Often they are in camps where they can’t return to their home communities, they can’t establish mosques.” (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Hopefully Suu Kyi’s China visit will show positive attitude toward Myitsone dam
It seems the China-funded Myitsone dam, a symbolic project for Sino-Myanmar cooperation that was suspended in 2011, is coming to a turning point ahead of Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi's China visit. Media reports over the weekend announced that Myanmar had set up a committee to review hydropower station projects in the country's Kachin state, including the long-suspended Myitsone dam.
This move is widely viewed as a signal that the project will resume and is believed to be indicative of the new administration's attitude toward Sino-Myanmar economic ties and toward the geopolitical rivalry between the West and China in Southeast Asia. More good news is expected during Suu Kyi's upcoming trip as the new administration may eventually begin touching upon the most sensitive parts of bilateral economic ties, but it may be not realistic that the long standing issue of Myitsone dam will be entirely resolved during Suu Kyi's visit.
Diversified opinions over the construction of the Myitsone dam have been expressed by different groups in Myanmar, including the new government, local armed forces, non-governmental organizations and local residents. Although the government has offered an olive branch to China and may hope to restart the long-suspended Myitsone project, it will not be smooth sailing if Chinese investors can not win support from a wide range of political and public groups. (Courtesy of globaltimes.cn)
This move is widely viewed as a signal that the project will resume and is believed to be indicative of the new administration's attitude toward Sino-Myanmar economic ties and toward the geopolitical rivalry between the West and China in Southeast Asia. More good news is expected during Suu Kyi's upcoming trip as the new administration may eventually begin touching upon the most sensitive parts of bilateral economic ties, but it may be not realistic that the long standing issue of Myitsone dam will be entirely resolved during Suu Kyi's visit.
Diversified opinions over the construction of the Myitsone dam have been expressed by different groups in Myanmar, including the new government, local armed forces, non-governmental organizations and local residents. Although the government has offered an olive branch to China and may hope to restart the long-suspended Myitsone project, it will not be smooth sailing if Chinese investors can not win support from a wide range of political and public groups. (Courtesy of globaltimes.cn)
Myanmar offers indefinite tax waiver to export businesses
Aung Naing Oo, director-general of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA), announced that the waiver would be for life under new investment policies. According to Aung Naing Oo, any business approved by the Myanmar Investment Commission would be allowed to enjoy multiple tax exemptions, regardless of their nature. "The new regulations look to support the current national objectives, which means refining those privileges to better suit exporters," the director-general said.
"It's not going to be three years. If they want 10 years, 20 years or 50 years, they will get full tax exemptions as long as all of their products are for export. For example, other businesses that import raw materials will need to pay customs duties. But exporters that have found a place in the international market will get refunds equivalent to the amount they paid [in taxes] while importing raw materials," said Aung Naing Oo.
An official at DICA disclosed that the exemptions would be extended to both local and foreign-owned businesses. "Regardless of the location of factories and ownership, whether locally- or foreign-owned, the factories are entitled to enjoy tax exemptions for an unlimited period, as long as they export all the products from their factories," said the official who asked not to be named. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
"It's not going to be three years. If they want 10 years, 20 years or 50 years, they will get full tax exemptions as long as all of their products are for export. For example, other businesses that import raw materials will need to pay customs duties. But exporters that have found a place in the international market will get refunds equivalent to the amount they paid [in taxes] while importing raw materials," said Aung Naing Oo.
An official at DICA disclosed that the exemptions would be extended to both local and foreign-owned businesses. "Regardless of the location of factories and ownership, whether locally- or foreign-owned, the factories are entitled to enjoy tax exemptions for an unlimited period, as long as they export all the products from their factories," said the official who asked not to be named. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
6,900 km gas pipelines to connect Bangladesh, Myanmar, India
The government has ambitious plan to lay 6,900 km of gas pipelines linking Bangladesh, Myanmar, most north-eastern states, and West Bengal, ONGCBSE 1.13 % Executive director S.C. Soni said here.
"As part of Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North-eastern region, 6,900 km pipelines would be laid connecting Sitwe (Myanmar), Chittagong (Bangladesh), most north-eastern states, Siliguri and Durgapur," Soni told reporters on Saturday.
Currently, large quantities of gas is flared (burned) in the north-eastern region because it can't be piped to the consumers, he said. (Courtesy of economictimes.indiatimes.com)
"As part of Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North-eastern region, 6,900 km pipelines would be laid connecting Sitwe (Myanmar), Chittagong (Bangladesh), most north-eastern states, Siliguri and Durgapur," Soni told reporters on Saturday.
Currently, large quantities of gas is flared (burned) in the north-eastern region because it can't be piped to the consumers, he said. (Courtesy of economictimes.indiatimes.com)
‘Countries Evolve in Stages’: Norway’s Outgoing Ambassador to Burma
In the three years since I took up the post as the Norwegian Ambassador to Myanmar in October 2013, the relationship between Myanmar and Norway has developed at an incredibly fast pace. Fruitful relations exist on many levels—the political level but also the people-to-people level. For a long time, Norway and Myanmar have had a special, although informal, relationship.
In June this year, friends of Myanmar in Norway named a park after Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Froland, in the south of Norway, to honor her. This is one example of how longstanding, informal relationships have contributed to creating the trust that today is fundamental to the bilateral relationship. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
In June this year, friends of Myanmar in Norway named a park after Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Froland, in the south of Norway, to honor her. This is one example of how longstanding, informal relationships have contributed to creating the trust that today is fundamental to the bilateral relationship. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
A satisfactory first 100 days
IT IS more than 100 days since the National League for Democracy-backed government took office. A few days after the change of power the nation took a 10-day holiday for Thingyan, the traditional New Year festival, so the first 100 days seems to have passed quickly.
Analysis and commentary from various points of view about the performance of the new government in its first 100 days have begun to appear. Much has been said about the government’s shortcomings and challenges, but I’m going to focus instead on the achievements of the NLD government during its first 100 days in power – achievements that have not always received due recognition.
Before the NLD took office after its decisive election victory, a major concern both in Myanmar and among the international community was whether it could develop a smooth relationship with the Tatmadaw. It would be difficult for the NLD government to implement its agenda without good relations with the Tatmadaw, which controls three ministries, including police force. The cooperation of the Tatmadaw is also essential for progress in the NLD’s effort to achieve peace with ethnic minorities and its endeavours for national economic development. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Analysis and commentary from various points of view about the performance of the new government in its first 100 days have begun to appear. Much has been said about the government’s shortcomings and challenges, but I’m going to focus instead on the achievements of the NLD government during its first 100 days in power – achievements that have not always received due recognition.
Before the NLD took office after its decisive election victory, a major concern both in Myanmar and among the international community was whether it could develop a smooth relationship with the Tatmadaw. It would be difficult for the NLD government to implement its agenda without good relations with the Tatmadaw, which controls three ministries, including police force. The cooperation of the Tatmadaw is also essential for progress in the NLD’s effort to achieve peace with ethnic minorities and its endeavours for national economic development. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
August 14, 2016
Myanmar eases foreign investment rules to clear housing glut
MYANMAR has taken steps to reduce an oversupply of high-end residential property units by relaxing rules on foreign investment, according to a recent report by real estate services firm Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL).
JLL explained that with the liberalization of the economy and transfer of political power from the military to civilian control, the focus of developers has been on lucrative luxury units over the past few years, encouraged in large part by Myanmar’s rapid economic growth after the lifting of global sanctions.
The economy is expected to grow at a rapid 8.4-percent pace this year. (Courtesy of manilatimes.net)
JLL explained that with the liberalization of the economy and transfer of political power from the military to civilian control, the focus of developers has been on lucrative luxury units over the past few years, encouraged in large part by Myanmar’s rapid economic growth after the lifting of global sanctions.
The economy is expected to grow at a rapid 8.4-percent pace this year. (Courtesy of manilatimes.net)
Three Chin parties to combine
The Chin Progressive Party, Chin National Democratic Party and Chin League for Democracy are going to unify with the name to be announced later this month, according to the Progressive secretary Salai Shein Tun.
Salai Shein Tun said: “We will meet again to choose a name and draft principles and rules. The chairs, secretaries and members of executive committees of the three parties will attend the meeting. After we have approved the unification, a name will be chosen and the executive committee will be announced.”
The Chin ethnic parties have been discussing unification since the 2015 election. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Salai Shein Tun said: “We will meet again to choose a name and draft principles and rules. The chairs, secretaries and members of executive committees of the three parties will attend the meeting. After we have approved the unification, a name will be chosen and the executive committee will be announced.”
The Chin ethnic parties have been discussing unification since the 2015 election. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Chinese diplomat meets NLD bosses
Song Tao, head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China, has met leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) at its Yangon headquarters on August 13.
NLD patron Tin Oo and executive committee members Nyan Win and Hanthar Myint attended the meeting to discuss the peace process and how to improve bilateral relations.
Song Tao met State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and former president Thein Sein, chairman of Union Solidarity and Development Party, separately in Nay Pyi Taw on August 11. He also met Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
NLD patron Tin Oo and executive committee members Nyan Win and Hanthar Myint attended the meeting to discuss the peace process and how to improve bilateral relations.
Song Tao met State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and former president Thein Sein, chairman of Union Solidarity and Development Party, separately in Nay Pyi Taw on August 11. He also met Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Non-ceasefire signatories invited to join Panglong preparations
Dr Salai Lian Hmung of the preparation committee for the so-called 21st Century Panglong conference says non-signatories of last October's ceasefire will be invited to help set up this month's summit.
The decision would be approved on August 15, he said. The event is due to be held on August 31.
Salai Lian Hmung said: “We agreed to reform the preparation committee for Panglong to involve the non-signatories. We believe the Union Peace Summit [Panglong] will be successful. It is satisfying that it involves ceasefire signatories, non-signatories, political parties, the government and military. Discussions of the political framework are almost complete. Discussions will continue after the event.” (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
The decision would be approved on August 15, he said. The event is due to be held on August 31.
Salai Lian Hmung said: “We agreed to reform the preparation committee for Panglong to involve the non-signatories. We believe the Union Peace Summit [Panglong] will be successful. It is satisfying that it involves ceasefire signatories, non-signatories, political parties, the government and military. Discussions of the political framework are almost complete. Discussions will continue after the event.” (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
August 13, 2016
Aung San Suu Kyi Pressured Over Slow Pace of Change in Myanmar
Barely six months into a five-year term, Aung San Suu Kyi’s government is facing a barrage of criticism at home and abroad over everything from the slow pace of change in the country to the democracy icon’s handling of Myanmar’s ethnic conflicts.
The fledgling government, which Friday marked 100 days of policy-making, is responding with a renewed attempt at engagement: a series of press conferences aimed at explaining its agenda.
“People’s expectations [for the government] are too high,” U Kyaw Zay Ya, a spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Friday, though he added that he was happy with the government’s performance so far. (Courtesy of wsj.com)
The fledgling government, which Friday marked 100 days of policy-making, is responding with a renewed attempt at engagement: a series of press conferences aimed at explaining its agenda.
“People’s expectations [for the government] are too high,” U Kyaw Zay Ya, a spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Friday, though he added that he was happy with the government’s performance so far. (Courtesy of wsj.com)
August 12, 2016
Baseless Allegation of Bangladeshi media, over the arrest of Humanitarian workers
Bangladeshi media known as Daily Star have accused various baseless allegations over persecuted Rohingyas whom are taking sheltering in UN registered camps in Bangladesh over the arrest of three humanitarian workers.
The victims are identified to be Ahmed Saleh – a Saudi national, Hafez Salaul Islam – a Rohingya and Moulavi Ibrahim – A Bangladeshi, whom were arrested from Teknaf by BGB with false accusation of holding a secret meeting.
Bangladeshi Medias are accusing victim Hafez Salaul Islam as a separatist RSO leader, who is an innocent Religious teacher in reality.
Organization known as RSO (Rohingya Solidarity Organization) have been long back uprooted, where no evidence of existence have been found and many international renowned reporters, journalists and Bangladesh Border guard authorities quoted on the fake existence of RSO. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
The victims are identified to be Ahmed Saleh – a Saudi national, Hafez Salaul Islam – a Rohingya and Moulavi Ibrahim – A Bangladeshi, whom were arrested from Teknaf by BGB with false accusation of holding a secret meeting.
Bangladeshi Medias are accusing victim Hafez Salaul Islam as a separatist RSO leader, who is an innocent Religious teacher in reality.
Organization known as RSO (Rohingya Solidarity Organization) have been long back uprooted, where no evidence of existence have been found and many international renowned reporters, journalists and Bangladesh Border guard authorities quoted on the fake existence of RSO. (Courtesy of rvisiontv.com)
August 11, 2016
Burma’s Rohingya Need International Help Now More Than Ever
Earlier this year the United Nations published a report ‘Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar’, which concluded that human rights violations against us could amount to crimes against humanity.
The report also stated that the government of Burma needed to take urgent action to end the anti-Rohingya policies of past governments. The response of the NLD led government and rest of the international community was silence. Once again, evidence of violations of international law have been provided, and once again no action has been taken. Our suffering goes on.
Worse, the day after the UN report was published, European Union diplomats based in Burma announced that in response to a demand by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to avoid using the word Rohingya, they would also not use the word Rohingya when talking about Rohingya people. (Courtesy of huffingtonpost.co.uk)
The report also stated that the government of Burma needed to take urgent action to end the anti-Rohingya policies of past governments. The response of the NLD led government and rest of the international community was silence. Once again, evidence of violations of international law have been provided, and once again no action has been taken. Our suffering goes on.
Worse, the day after the UN report was published, European Union diplomats based in Burma announced that in response to a demand by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to avoid using the word Rohingya, they would also not use the word Rohingya when talking about Rohingya people. (Courtesy of huffingtonpost.co.uk)
Walton, Schissler and Phyu Phyu Thi -- Behind Myanmar's religious tensions
July 2016 brought a remarkable fall from grace for Ma Ba Tha, the Buddhist "race and religion protection" organization that has become internationally infamous for promoting anti-Muslim sentiment in Myanmar.
Members of Myanmar's National League for Democracy government have led the charge, followed by religious leaders, social activists and ordinary people across the country. Behind this remarkable rush of sentiment, we believe an examination of the dynamics preceding these events can both help to explain them and underscore concerns for the future.
Despite the pushback against Ma Ba Tha, anti-Muslim sentiment remains prevalent in Myanmar and more consistent action on the part of the state will be required to reverse the permissive environment for inter-religious violence that took root under the previous regime. (Courtesy of asia.nikkei.com)
Members of Myanmar's National League for Democracy government have led the charge, followed by religious leaders, social activists and ordinary people across the country. Behind this remarkable rush of sentiment, we believe an examination of the dynamics preceding these events can both help to explain them and underscore concerns for the future.
Despite the pushback against Ma Ba Tha, anti-Muslim sentiment remains prevalent in Myanmar and more consistent action on the part of the state will be required to reverse the permissive environment for inter-religious violence that took root under the previous regime. (Courtesy of asia.nikkei.com)
New Open Hluttaw website aims to help voters engage with parliamentarians
“Hluttaw represents the people,” and, “You can communicate directly with parliamentarians who represent your constituency or township,” says the new Open Hluttaw website, OpenHluttaw.com.
The website, initiated by Myanma Fifth Estate and the Open Myanmar Initiative, went online August 6. It aims to foster easy communication between MPs and the people, and to collect data and information about the parliament.
“It is not enough for the government just to release more information [through press releases],” said Ko Htin Aye, co-founder of Open Hluttaw. “The information needs to be distributed and made available in different ways – in the way that people receive information and can use it without any [practical] limitations.”
Currently, the website has profiles of MPs with their phone numbers, email addresses, Facebook profiles, and details about their involvement in committees. The goal is to progressively add more information about the day-to-day activity in parliament, according to a statement on the website. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
The website, initiated by Myanma Fifth Estate and the Open Myanmar Initiative, went online August 6. It aims to foster easy communication between MPs and the people, and to collect data and information about the parliament.
“It is not enough for the government just to release more information [through press releases],” said Ko Htin Aye, co-founder of Open Hluttaw. “The information needs to be distributed and made available in different ways – in the way that people receive information and can use it without any [practical] limitations.”
Currently, the website has profiles of MPs with their phone numbers, email addresses, Facebook profiles, and details about their involvement in committees. The goal is to progressively add more information about the day-to-day activity in parliament, according to a statement on the website. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Former Speaker, ethnic MPs push solidarity through literacy
Particular attention should be paid to the country’s more remote regions, using internet to overcome transportation difficulties, he said.
U Khin Aung Myint (USDP; Mandalay 8) told the Amyotha Hluttaw on August 5 that the government should “consider a special project to reduce illiteracy, [so that students can] access higher education, and to develop ethnic literature for all ethnic races.”
The former Speaker stressed the need to improve opportunities for hill communities, long considered to face restricted opportunities because of their remoteness. Information and communications are now advanced to the point where these problems can be overcome, he said. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
U Khin Aung Myint (USDP; Mandalay 8) told the Amyotha Hluttaw on August 5 that the government should “consider a special project to reduce illiteracy, [so that students can] access higher education, and to develop ethnic literature for all ethnic races.”
The former Speaker stressed the need to improve opportunities for hill communities, long considered to face restricted opportunities because of their remoteness. Information and communications are now advanced to the point where these problems can be overcome, he said. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Suddenly, there was an explosion
IN 2001, Ko Aung and two farmer friends were walking home after a day in the fields near a village in Bago Region’s Phyu Township.
“Suddenly, there was an explosion,” said Aung. He did not immediately realise he had trodden on a landmine. “My friend told me, ‘Don’t look down.’ But when I looked down I saw that I did not have a right foot anymore. It was severed at the ankle.”
Aung was unable to work as a farmer after losing his foot and moved to Yangon to make a living as a beggar. He spends most of time on Pansodan Road, near Yangon Central Railway Station, a prosthetic limb by his side.
The blast shattered the bone to the knee and Aung had to have the lower part of his right leg amputated. After the incident, while he was still in Bago, Aung said an organisation that he did not know the name of provided him with the prosthesis and covered the cost of travelling to and from hospital. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
“Suddenly, there was an explosion,” said Aung. He did not immediately realise he had trodden on a landmine. “My friend told me, ‘Don’t look down.’ But when I looked down I saw that I did not have a right foot anymore. It was severed at the ankle.”
Aung was unable to work as a farmer after losing his foot and moved to Yangon to make a living as a beggar. He spends most of time on Pansodan Road, near Yangon Central Railway Station, a prosthetic limb by his side.
The blast shattered the bone to the knee and Aung had to have the lower part of his right leg amputated. After the incident, while he was still in Bago, Aung said an organisation that he did not know the name of provided him with the prosthesis and covered the cost of travelling to and from hospital. (Courtesy of frontiermyanmar.net)
Myanmar begins repatriation of 2,000 migrants from Malaysia
Beginning this week, the Myanmar government will be beginning the process of taking home some 2,000 of its people who have been detained for months in Malaysia, Myanmar Times reported today.
The whole process could take up to a month with at least 10 chartered flights, each carrying 130 migrants on board, according to the report.
“We have plans go through this repatriation process more than 10 times, chartering flights with more than 130 on board each time,” Myanmar’s labour and immigration ministry permanent secretary U Myo Aung was quoted saying.
Migrant workers from Myanmar were detained by Malaysian authorities, reportedly for various offences, including expiration of their visas.
However, the newspaper also reported criticisms against the Myanmar embassy for allegedly taking too long to approve visa extensions for the migrant workers, which led to their detention by authorities here. As such, they were unable to return even after their citizenship had been confirmed. (Courtesy of themalaymailonline.com)
The whole process could take up to a month with at least 10 chartered flights, each carrying 130 migrants on board, according to the report.
“We have plans go through this repatriation process more than 10 times, chartering flights with more than 130 on board each time,” Myanmar’s labour and immigration ministry permanent secretary U Myo Aung was quoted saying.
Migrant workers from Myanmar were detained by Malaysian authorities, reportedly for various offences, including expiration of their visas.
However, the newspaper also reported criticisms against the Myanmar embassy for allegedly taking too long to approve visa extensions for the migrant workers, which led to their detention by authorities here. As such, they were unable to return even after their citizenship had been confirmed. (Courtesy of themalaymailonline.com)
August 10, 2016
Chinese cultural show held in Myanmar Foreign Language University
A Chinese cultural show and China-Myanmar youths cultural exchange were launched in Myanmar's University of Foreign Languages here on Tuesday.
The event was jointly sponsored by the Chinese Language Department of Myanmar's University of Foreign Languages and visiting Chinese Students Research Association with the support of the Chinese Embassy involving local Chinese languages institutes.
Chinese Embassy Cultural Councilor Tian Shanting and Deputy Rector of the Myanmar University of Foreign Languages Dr. Daw Yi Yi Maw delivered speeches at the event. (Courtesy of news.xinhuanet.com)
The event was jointly sponsored by the Chinese Language Department of Myanmar's University of Foreign Languages and visiting Chinese Students Research Association with the support of the Chinese Embassy involving local Chinese languages institutes.
Chinese Embassy Cultural Councilor Tian Shanting and Deputy Rector of the Myanmar University of Foreign Languages Dr. Daw Yi Yi Maw delivered speeches at the event. (Courtesy of news.xinhuanet.com)
August 9, 2016
Myanmar carriers converge on Mandalay-Bangkok route
Mandalay residents eager to visit Bangkok will have a bevy of new flight options next month.
Myanmar National Airways (MNA) will begin offering thrice-weekly flights from Aug 31, just a day before Myanmar Airways International (MAI) is scheduled to begin its own Mandalay-Bangkok route, the Myanmar Times reported on Tuesday.
Competition is intense in Myanmar’s airline industry, which comprises the two international carriers – MNA and MAI – and nine firms that offer only international flights. Those nine internal airlines mostly fight over the same routes with similar schedules and fare structures.
The two international carriers, meanwhile, compete against each other, along with budget and national carriers in other regional countries. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
Myanmar National Airways (MNA) will begin offering thrice-weekly flights from Aug 31, just a day before Myanmar Airways International (MAI) is scheduled to begin its own Mandalay-Bangkok route, the Myanmar Times reported on Tuesday.
Competition is intense in Myanmar’s airline industry, which comprises the two international carriers – MNA and MAI – and nine firms that offer only international flights. Those nine internal airlines mostly fight over the same routes with similar schedules and fare structures.
The two international carriers, meanwhile, compete against each other, along with budget and national carriers in other regional countries. (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)
21st Century Panglong Conference to begin August 31
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi announced on her Facebook page yesterday that the first meeting of the Union Peace Conference, also known as the 21st Century Panglong Conference, will start on August 31.
Speaking to the central committee for holding the 21st Century Panglong Conference at the President's Office in Nay Pyi Taw, Suu Kyi called on officials to cooperate to ensure the success of the conference.
Members of the central committee and the working committee reported to the state counsellor on their preparations for the conference. The meeting ended with remarks from Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the chair of central committee. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Speaking to the central committee for holding the 21st Century Panglong Conference at the President's Office in Nay Pyi Taw, Suu Kyi called on officials to cooperate to ensure the success of the conference.
Members of the central committee and the working committee reported to the state counsellor on their preparations for the conference. The meeting ended with remarks from Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the chair of central committee. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)
Hundreds of thousands displaced in Myanmar flooding
Around 360,000 people have been temporarily displaced in Myanmar as of Tuesday with the low-lying regions of the country continuing to see an increase in water levels.
Incessant downpours over the past five weeks have brought floods to eight regions along the three main rivers of the country, including the Ayeyawady -- the country's main inland waterway that flows from north to south.
Though the level of the Ayeyawady has gradually dipped, the numbers of flood victims have been on the rise as some regions in the central and southern parts remain underwater.
“Some relief camps in upper parts of the country are closed, but the dangerous water levels in the lower parts affect more and more people,” Soe Aung, the permanent secretary of Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Incessant downpours over the past five weeks have brought floods to eight regions along the three main rivers of the country, including the Ayeyawady -- the country's main inland waterway that flows from north to south.
Though the level of the Ayeyawady has gradually dipped, the numbers of flood victims have been on the rise as some regions in the central and southern parts remain underwater.
“Some relief camps in upper parts of the country are closed, but the dangerous water levels in the lower parts affect more and more people,” Soe Aung, the permanent secretary of Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday. (Courtesy of aa.com.tr)
Mandalay activists mark pro-democracy revolt with tributes, eye toward future
Participants in the event took advantage of an atmosphere of greater openness under the National League for Democracy government to talk politics and read out papers on the upcoming 21st-century Panglong Conference, which will convene on August 31 as the administration seeks to jumpstart the nation’s peace process.
“The 28th anniversary of the quadruple-eight event included a discussion unlike past years. To be a help to the Panglong Conference, which is to be held soon, political groups of Mandalay held a discussion concerned with that,” said U Nyein Chan, a member of the event’s organising committee. “Holding such events is intended to raise the awareness of youth about Myanmar political activities.”
The gathering, in the hall at the corner of 84th and 31st streets in Myanmar’s second-largest city, was opened with a morning donation of meals to Buddhist monks. The program later included tributes to martyrs of the popular uprising, singing of political songs and discussion of the late-August peace summit. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
“The 28th anniversary of the quadruple-eight event included a discussion unlike past years. To be a help to the Panglong Conference, which is to be held soon, political groups of Mandalay held a discussion concerned with that,” said U Nyein Chan, a member of the event’s organising committee. “Holding such events is intended to raise the awareness of youth about Myanmar political activities.”
The gathering, in the hall at the corner of 84th and 31st streets in Myanmar’s second-largest city, was opened with a morning donation of meals to Buddhist monks. The program later included tributes to martyrs of the popular uprising, singing of political songs and discussion of the late-August peace summit. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
‘8888 Uprising’ remembered in Yangon
This year, as in years past, the commemoration evoked sombre reflection for many.
“I joined the ceremony in remembrance of fallen friends. I am really sad to recall all those scenes,” said U Nyunt Thaung, a 76-year-old National League for Democracy member from Thingangyun township, who was among 500 people packed into a monastery in the commercial capital for a commemoration ceremony.
Yesterday’s event at the Dhamma Piya Monastery was held to mark August 8, 1988, when student-led protests and a general strike spread that would, in the weeks that followed, bring hundreds of thousands of people out into the streets, posing arguably the greatest threat to decades of iron-fisted military rule in Myanmar. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
“I joined the ceremony in remembrance of fallen friends. I am really sad to recall all those scenes,” said U Nyunt Thaung, a 76-year-old National League for Democracy member from Thingangyun township, who was among 500 people packed into a monastery in the commercial capital for a commemoration ceremony.
Yesterday’s event at the Dhamma Piya Monastery was held to mark August 8, 1988, when student-led protests and a general strike spread that would, in the weeks that followed, bring hundreds of thousands of people out into the streets, posing arguably the greatest threat to decades of iron-fisted military rule in Myanmar. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Aung Sun Suu Kyi moves to clean up Myanmar's murky jade trade
Myanmar’s new government has announced ground-breaking reforms to its $31bn (£23.7bn) jade industry in a move campaigners claim could signal “a new era of fundamental change” in a business long dominated by abuse, corruption and cronyism.
The decision to freeze any renewals of existing jade permits, and to suspend the licensing of new ones, follows a series of deadly landslides in resource-rich Kachin state, widespread protests against lack of regulations, and extensive NGO and media reports exposing social and environmental abuses in Myanmar’s jade trade.
“It is really significant that the new government is taking a stand on jade licensing,” says Juman Kubba, senior campaigner at Global Witness. “If Aung San Suu Kyi is to change how Myanmar is seen by the rest of the world, this is a really good place to start: jade is so symbolic of the legacy of cronyism, corruption and abuse left by decades of ruthless military dictatorship.” (Courtesy of theguardian.com)
The decision to freeze any renewals of existing jade permits, and to suspend the licensing of new ones, follows a series of deadly landslides in resource-rich Kachin state, widespread protests against lack of regulations, and extensive NGO and media reports exposing social and environmental abuses in Myanmar’s jade trade.
“It is really significant that the new government is taking a stand on jade licensing,” says Juman Kubba, senior campaigner at Global Witness. “If Aung San Suu Kyi is to change how Myanmar is seen by the rest of the world, this is a really good place to start: jade is so symbolic of the legacy of cronyism, corruption and abuse left by decades of ruthless military dictatorship.” (Courtesy of theguardian.com)
Police Injuries and Burma Army Casualties Reported After Clashes With KIA
Clashes have broken out in several areas in Kachin State between members of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burma Army along the highway connecting Mogaung and Hpakant townships. According to local sources, government forces suffered casualties and police officers were wounded in the fighting.
Locals said that KIA soldiers from Battalion 6 reportedly ambushed a convoy of Burma Army trucks using the road on Monday, destroying two vehicles—one near the village of Nam Sheng, and one near Gauri.
Lt-Col Naw Bu, a spokesperson for the KIA, told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday, “We heard that fighting broke out on the highway from Mogaung to Hpakant. We heard that two [Burma] army trucks were destroyed in Kamaing.” Kamaing is a town in Hpakant Township. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Locals said that KIA soldiers from Battalion 6 reportedly ambushed a convoy of Burma Army trucks using the road on Monday, destroying two vehicles—one near the village of Nam Sheng, and one near Gauri.
Lt-Col Naw Bu, a spokesperson for the KIA, told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday, “We heard that fighting broke out on the highway from Mogaung to Hpakant. We heard that two [Burma] army trucks were destroyed in Kamaing.” Kamaing is a town in Hpakant Township. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
How Will Burma Remember Its Political Prisoners?
The dollhouse-sized replica of Insein Prison, Burma’s most infamous correctional facility, is painted red and white and covered in paper labels: “Main Gate,” “Hospital,” “Woman Ward.”
Between the buildings there are little plastic bushes and palm trees. The circular shape of the sprawling complex looks like the real facility, which is still operational. Kyaw Soe Win, a genial, soft-spoken 48-year-old, stands over the model. “This hall, I was here,” he says, pointing to an annex where he was locked up for six years in the 1990s for distributing leaflets and communicating with exile groups.
Kyaw Soe Win is standing in the cluttered exhibition room at the offices of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) in Rangoon, Burma’s biggest city. Insein prison lies a few townships to the west. The exhibit, which was set up in March, is small but leaves an impression. A royal blue prison uniform hangs on one wall. There are images of stress positions used by guards as a form of torture: the “airplane,” the “motorcycle.” (Courtesy of time.com)
Between the buildings there are little plastic bushes and palm trees. The circular shape of the sprawling complex looks like the real facility, which is still operational. Kyaw Soe Win, a genial, soft-spoken 48-year-old, stands over the model. “This hall, I was here,” he says, pointing to an annex where he was locked up for six years in the 1990s for distributing leaflets and communicating with exile groups.
Kyaw Soe Win is standing in the cluttered exhibition room at the offices of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) in Rangoon, Burma’s biggest city. Insein prison lies a few townships to the west. The exhibit, which was set up in March, is small but leaves an impression. A royal blue prison uniform hangs on one wall. There are images of stress positions used by guards as a form of torture: the “airplane,” the “motorcycle.” (Courtesy of time.com)
Suu Kyi Happy With Workload and ‘Full of Vigor’: Win Htein
State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi is not overburdened with steering the cabinet and performing her various high-level executive functions, National League for Democracy (NLD) spokesperson Win Htein told The Irrawaddy.
Win Htein was speaking in response to concerns flagged in a report by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group released at the end of last month: that Suu Kyi is shouldering an overwhelming array of responsibilities and must learn to delegate more authority, and consult more widely, in pursuing her reform agenda.
“I don’t think she feels pressured by her workload because she is merely applying now what she has learned throughout her life. She always seems to be at ease whenever I see her. Sometimes, she even cracks jokes,” said Win Htein. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Win Htein was speaking in response to concerns flagged in a report by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group released at the end of last month: that Suu Kyi is shouldering an overwhelming array of responsibilities and must learn to delegate more authority, and consult more widely, in pursuing her reform agenda.
“I don’t think she feels pressured by her workload because she is merely applying now what she has learned throughout her life. She always seems to be at ease whenever I see her. Sometimes, she even cracks jokes,” said Win Htein. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Suu Kyi to Visit China Next Week
Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s state counselor and foreign minister, is scheduled to visit China for four days from next week, according to the President’s Office.
President’s Office spokesman Zaw Htay confirmed that Suu Kyi would travel to China on Aug. 17. He declined to offer further details, saying that more would be announced soon.
China’s Minister of State Security Geng Huichang invited her to visit China during a meeting in the Burmese capital of Naypyidaw on July 8.
It will be her first foreign visit since her name appeared on a (unverified) “hit list” sent to police in Malaysia on August 1, which purported to be from the Islamic State terrorist group. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
President’s Office spokesman Zaw Htay confirmed that Suu Kyi would travel to China on Aug. 17. He declined to offer further details, saying that more would be announced soon.
China’s Minister of State Security Geng Huichang invited her to visit China during a meeting in the Burmese capital of Naypyidaw on July 8.
It will be her first foreign visit since her name appeared on a (unverified) “hit list” sent to police in Malaysia on August 1, which purported to be from the Islamic State terrorist group. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Veteran Activists Call for August 8 to be Burma’s ‘Democracy Day’
88 Generation Peace and Open Society—an activist group led by former student leaders of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising—have called on the government to formally recognize August 8 as Burma’s “Democracy Day.”
The call was made at a ceremony commemorating the 28th anniversary of the general strike that launched the uprising, held on Monday morning at the Dhamma Piya Monastery in Rangoon.
The 88 Generation statement said that the movement, known as “8-8-88” to mark the date on which it was launched—when hundreds of thousands of people, led by students, hit the streets to call for an end to the 26-year military dictatorship of Ne Win—was of great historic but also symbolic importance to Burmese society. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The call was made at a ceremony commemorating the 28th anniversary of the general strike that launched the uprising, held on Monday morning at the Dhamma Piya Monastery in Rangoon.
The 88 Generation statement said that the movement, known as “8-8-88” to mark the date on which it was launched—when hundreds of thousands of people, led by students, hit the streets to call for an end to the 26-year military dictatorship of Ne Win—was of great historic but also symbolic importance to Burmese society. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
August 6, 2016
How social media became Myanmar’s hate speech megaphone
Behind the selfies and the stickers, social media platforms like Facebook have become fertile new ground for hate speech – with an audience growing by the day.
Dissemination of hate speech, or what human rights group Article 19 succinctly calls “the advocacy of hatred based on nationality, race or religion”, has a long history in this country.
And although the medium may have shifted through the decades, much of the sentiment has remained the same.
One popular song from 1930s Burma included clunky yet vicious lyrics that accused Indians and Muslims of “exploiting our economic resources and seizing our women [putting us] in danger of racial extinction”. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Dissemination of hate speech, or what human rights group Article 19 succinctly calls “the advocacy of hatred based on nationality, race or religion”, has a long history in this country.
And although the medium may have shifted through the decades, much of the sentiment has remained the same.
One popular song from 1930s Burma included clunky yet vicious lyrics that accused Indians and Muslims of “exploiting our economic resources and seizing our women [putting us] in danger of racial extinction”. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
August 5, 2016
No relaxation of citizenship law for Kokang: minister
Union Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population U Thein Swe told the Amyotha Hluttaw that he refused to relax the provisions of the controversial 1982 Citizenship Law when it came to identifying Kokang residents. The minister said the risk of “false representation or concealment” by those applying for citizenship was too great.
He was responding to a question from U Kyaw Ni Naing (USDP; Shan 11), who had asked about the possibility of relaxing the rules when issuing new identity cards for ethnic Kokang residents.
Kokang was ruled by the Communist Party of Burma for more than 30 years and its ethnic leaders signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in 1989, said U Kyaw Ni Naing. He said that as a Myanmar ethnic group, the people of Kokang should enjoy the same rights as those of other ethnic minorities under the constitution. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
He was responding to a question from U Kyaw Ni Naing (USDP; Shan 11), who had asked about the possibility of relaxing the rules when issuing new identity cards for ethnic Kokang residents.
Kokang was ruled by the Communist Party of Burma for more than 30 years and its ethnic leaders signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in 1989, said U Kyaw Ni Naing. He said that as a Myanmar ethnic group, the people of Kokang should enjoy the same rights as those of other ethnic minorities under the constitution. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
A Legacy of Military Land Grabs in the Delta: a Test for the New Govt
By the standards of her village in Burma’s swampy Irrawaddy Delta, Than Shin was a prosperous woman. She had 20 acres of farmland on which her family grew rice.
But her fortunes changed in 2000 when the military government informed her it was taking possession of her land. Over the next year, Than Shin watched as the fields that for decades had provided her family with a living were cleared to make way for fish farms.
Today, Than Shin and her family live in a thatched shack along the main road leading to Burma’s commercial capital Yangon. Her 67-year-old husband goes door to door on his bicycle selling soybeans. “We depended on that land our whole lives. When they grabbed it, we had nothing, no income. We had to eat curry made from leaves,” she told Reuters. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
But her fortunes changed in 2000 when the military government informed her it was taking possession of her land. Over the next year, Than Shin watched as the fields that for decades had provided her family with a living were cleared to make way for fish farms.
Today, Than Shin and her family live in a thatched shack along the main road leading to Burma’s commercial capital Yangon. Her 67-year-old husband goes door to door on his bicycle selling soybeans. “We depended on that land our whole lives. When they grabbed it, we had nothing, no income. We had to eat curry made from leaves,” she told Reuters. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
KBZ Bank Opens Office in Bangkok
Kanbawza Bank (KBZ Bank) has opened a representative office in Bangkok, the first Burmese bank to establish an international presence.
Earlier this year, KBZ Bank officially received a licence from the Bank of Thailand to open the office in the capital. The bank also recently obtained a representative licence to open an office in Singapore, continuing its planned expansion within the Asean region. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Earlier this year, KBZ Bank officially received a licence from the Bank of Thailand to open the office in the capital. The bank also recently obtained a representative licence to open an office in Singapore, continuing its planned expansion within the Asean region. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Govt Seeks Work Permits for Undocumented Domestic Workers Abroad
Burma’s government will seek the cooperation of concerned labor ministries to issue official work permits for undocumented Burmese domestic workers in foreign countries, said Thein Swe, minister of labor, immigration and population.
“We will cooperate with concerned embassies and labor ministries to make a list of illegal Burmese domestic workers in foreign countries so we can provide legal protection and guarantee their fundamental rights,” said Thein Swe.
The decision follows labor rights defenders’ request to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi to take care of Burmese domestic workers in Thailand, during her visit to the country in July. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
“We will cooperate with concerned embassies and labor ministries to make a list of illegal Burmese domestic workers in foreign countries so we can provide legal protection and guarantee their fundamental rights,” said Thein Swe.
The decision follows labor rights defenders’ request to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi to take care of Burmese domestic workers in Thailand, during her visit to the country in July. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
August 4, 2016
Analysis: China’s More Proactive Policy Could Hold the Key to Peace in Burma
So that they could attend the summit in the border town of Mai Ja Yang in Kachin State, the Chinese authorities allowed ethnic armed group leaders to travel freely through Chinese territory from the Muse border in northern Shan State—a marked departure from previous practice.
In 2011, senior Karen National Union leader Mann Nyein Maung was detained by Chinese immigration officers while also transiting through China—to reach the border town, and Kachin Independence Army headquarters, of Laiza in Kachin State—and was handed over to the Burmese authorities. Sentenced to life imprisonment, he was released in a 2012 amnesty.
China had also been steadfast in its support for Burma’s military regime prior to the 2011 handover to a nominally civilian government, lending the country an economic lifeline while it remained isolated by stringent sanctions from Western countries.
As the ethnic armed group leaders crossed the border into China at Muse, they were reportedly treated courteously by Chinese immigration officials and allowed to proceed freely on the one hour drive to the border connecting Mai Ja Yang in Kachin State. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
In 2011, senior Karen National Union leader Mann Nyein Maung was detained by Chinese immigration officers while also transiting through China—to reach the border town, and Kachin Independence Army headquarters, of Laiza in Kachin State—and was handed over to the Burmese authorities. Sentenced to life imprisonment, he was released in a 2012 amnesty.
China had also been steadfast in its support for Burma’s military regime prior to the 2011 handover to a nominally civilian government, lending the country an economic lifeline while it remained isolated by stringent sanctions from Western countries.
As the ethnic armed group leaders crossed the border into China at Muse, they were reportedly treated courteously by Chinese immigration officials and allowed to proceed freely on the one hour drive to the border connecting Mai Ja Yang in Kachin State. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Kachin's civilians: From violence to hopelessness
Morning arrives slowly at Pan Kha Kho refugee camp. It takes a moment for the lemon sun to creep over the horizon, pausing before rising to reveal rows of corrugated-iron roofs lining the valley ahead.
Pan Kha Kho is one of nearly 200 camps for internally displaced people in Myanmar's northernmost Kachin State. These temporary shelters are now home to more than 100,000 people, forced to flee their villages owing to violent clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (or Tatmadaw) and a group of fighters known as the Kachin Independence Army(KIA).
Following the collapse of a 17-year ceasefire, the two forces resumed fighting in 2011. In response, the Tatmadaw banned aid agencies from entering KIA territory, cutting off access to humanitarian support for the local population.
"We had no choice. The soldiers came and they took over my home," said Jing Qwan, 36, a midwife from Maumo township. (Courtesy of aljazeera.com)
Pan Kha Kho is one of nearly 200 camps for internally displaced people in Myanmar's northernmost Kachin State. These temporary shelters are now home to more than 100,000 people, forced to flee their villages owing to violent clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (or Tatmadaw) and a group of fighters known as the Kachin Independence Army(KIA).
Following the collapse of a 17-year ceasefire, the two forces resumed fighting in 2011. In response, the Tatmadaw banned aid agencies from entering KIA territory, cutting off access to humanitarian support for the local population.
"We had no choice. The soldiers came and they took over my home," said Jing Qwan, 36, a midwife from Maumo township. (Courtesy of aljazeera.com)
Myanmar migrants warned of possible raids and surprise check
The Irrawaddy online quoted the notice as saying that the moves are part of a an extensive security clampdown by police and the military.
The Myanmar nationals, living or visiting Thailand for any reason, should exercise extra caution while working and traveling as well as to carry the required immigration documents with them at all times.
They are also suggested to calmly submit the documents if asked by police, the online reported.
The notice also provided contact numbers for the embassy, and invited calls from any Burmese national in Thailand requiring assistance. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
The Myanmar nationals, living or visiting Thailand for any reason, should exercise extra caution while working and traveling as well as to carry the required immigration documents with them at all times.
They are also suggested to calmly submit the documents if asked by police, the online reported.
The notice also provided contact numbers for the embassy, and invited calls from any Burmese national in Thailand requiring assistance. (Courtesy of nationmultimedia.com)
Burmese Bank Signs Trade Financing Agreement With ADB
The United Amara Bank (UAB) signed off on a trade finance agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday at Rangoon’s Sedona Hotel that allows UAB a letter of credit (LC) insuring them for US$4 million for each international transaction the bank makes.
The LC is a bank guarantee service for those involved in import-export business ventures. When a cash payment must be made, a third party (the ADB) makes a guarantee on behalf of the service provider (the UAB). An LC process can adopt varying time frames, with some banks specifying that one transaction is allowed every two to three months, according to Kyawt Kay Khaing, UAB’s Chief Business Officer.(Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The LC is a bank guarantee service for those involved in import-export business ventures. When a cash payment must be made, a third party (the ADB) makes a guarantee on behalf of the service provider (the UAB). An LC process can adopt varying time frames, with some banks specifying that one transaction is allowed every two to three months, according to Kyawt Kay Khaing, UAB’s Chief Business Officer.(Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
A tale of two teens, as Panglong awakens at last
And so as Bogyoke Aung San and other ethnic leaders inked the crucial agreement that promised to bring peace and federalism to Burma, U Tun Shwe was doing nothing except loitering on a Panglong street corner.
“The saopha told the head of the village, ‘We’ll have a meeting here.’ So just a few people went to watch. Most people just got on with farming. They weren’t so interested or didn’t understand.”
“I was a teenager. I knew I just wanted to walk around the streets. My big brother saw them, but he wasn’t that interested either. We never talked about it at the time,” said U Tun Shwe, now a spritely 88-year-old.
At the time, he recalls, the town was a fraction of its current size and surrounded by jungle. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
“The saopha told the head of the village, ‘We’ll have a meeting here.’ So just a few people went to watch. Most people just got on with farming. They weren’t so interested or didn’t understand.”
“I was a teenager. I knew I just wanted to walk around the streets. My big brother saw them, but he wasn’t that interested either. We never talked about it at the time,” said U Tun Shwe, now a spritely 88-year-old.
At the time, he recalls, the town was a fraction of its current size and surrounded by jungle. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
August 3, 2016
Embassy Warns Burmese in Thailand About Pre-Referendum Crackdown
The Burmese embassy in Bangkok has sent warning notices to Burmese migrants in Thailand alerting them of a surge in raids and surprise checks by Thai police and the army on migrants’ workplaces and living quarters.
These interventions are part of a an extensive security clampdown by the Royal Thai Police and the Royal Thai Army ahead of an August 7 referendum on the new draft constitution drafted by the ruling military junta.
The notice, issued by the embassy on Monday, warned Burmese nationals living or visiting Thailand for any reason to exercise extra caution while working and traveling, to carry the required immigration documents with them at all times, and to calmly submit to inspections from the Thai police. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
These interventions are part of a an extensive security clampdown by the Royal Thai Police and the Royal Thai Army ahead of an August 7 referendum on the new draft constitution drafted by the ruling military junta.
The notice, issued by the embassy on Monday, warned Burmese nationals living or visiting Thailand for any reason to exercise extra caution while working and traveling, to carry the required immigration documents with them at all times, and to calmly submit to inspections from the Thai police. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Bill Committee Moves to Abolish Controversial Emergency Provisions Act
A new bill that would repeal Burma’s controversial 1950 Emergency Provisions Act was submitted to the Lower House of Parliament on Monday; the move was met with divergent opinions from lawmakers.
The bill, which proposes the abolishment of the 66-year-old law, was drafted and submitted to the Parliament by the Lower House Bill Committee. Tun Tun Hein, committee chair, argued that the Emergency Provisions Act had been used by previous governments to stifle political dissent.
“It is not safe for citizens as long as this act exists. We therefore propose annulling the act for the sake of public security,” Tun Tun Hein told the reporters after the parliamentary session. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The bill, which proposes the abolishment of the 66-year-old law, was drafted and submitted to the Parliament by the Lower House Bill Committee. Tun Tun Hein, committee chair, argued that the Emergency Provisions Act had been used by previous governments to stifle political dissent.
“It is not safe for citizens as long as this act exists. We therefore propose annulling the act for the sake of public security,” Tun Tun Hein told the reporters after the parliamentary session. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Human Rights Group Presses Govt to Suspend Extraction Projects in Ethnic States
A Shan human rights group has pressed the Burmese government to immediately suspend all resource extraction projects in ethnic states that have been ravaged by conflict and to end Burma Army offenses against civilians.
The group stated that such projects should only be considered after a federal peace settlement has been reached, granting local communities ownership and usage rights of natural resources in their regions.
The Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) documented detailed accounts of Burma Army abuses against civilians during military action to secure the local coal mines in Shan State’s Hsipaw Township in May. The group’s recent “Killing for Coal” report highlighted arbitrary arrest, looting, torture and killing.
In operation since the 1990s, the Nam Ma coal mines in Hsipaw Township have contributed to environmental destruction and the loss of crops in nearby villages, according to a SHRF representative.
Sai Kheun Mai, SHRF spokesperson, said, “more than 30 acres of farmland have been destroyed because of the project and more than 100 acres are likely to be affected in Kho Lang Pha, about five kilometers south of Nam Ma.” (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The group stated that such projects should only be considered after a federal peace settlement has been reached, granting local communities ownership and usage rights of natural resources in their regions.
The Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) documented detailed accounts of Burma Army abuses against civilians during military action to secure the local coal mines in Shan State’s Hsipaw Township in May. The group’s recent “Killing for Coal” report highlighted arbitrary arrest, looting, torture and killing.
In operation since the 1990s, the Nam Ma coal mines in Hsipaw Township have contributed to environmental destruction and the loss of crops in nearby villages, according to a SHRF representative.
Sai Kheun Mai, SHRF spokesperson, said, “more than 30 acres of farmland have been destroyed because of the project and more than 100 acres are likely to be affected in Kho Lang Pha, about five kilometers south of Nam Ma.” (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Bagan Bids for UNESCO World Heritage Status
Burma’s branch of the World Heritage Site Committee announced its plans to nominate the Bagan Archaeological Zone for UNESCO’s list of culturally significant sites in 2017 for reconsideration the following year.
The planning follows a meeting held in Mandalay in July between officials from the divisional government, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, engineering experts and representatives of the committee. A separate nomination committee was formed following the meeting with the aforementioned officials along with the Bagan Heritage Trust.
Than Zaw Oo, director of Burma’s branch of the World Heritage Site Committee, explained that if the draft report and the draft management plan needed for the nomination could be submitted by September 2017, committee representatives would visit the site in 2018. Bagan’s nomination would then be brought up for deliberation at UNESCO’s 2019 World Heritage Site convention. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The planning follows a meeting held in Mandalay in July between officials from the divisional government, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, engineering experts and representatives of the committee. A separate nomination committee was formed following the meeting with the aforementioned officials along with the Bagan Heritage Trust.
Than Zaw Oo, director of Burma’s branch of the World Heritage Site Committee, explained that if the draft report and the draft management plan needed for the nomination could be submitted by September 2017, committee representatives would visit the site in 2018. Bagan’s nomination would then be brought up for deliberation at UNESCO’s 2019 World Heritage Site convention. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
August 2, 2016
E-Ticketing Comes to Rangoon’s Public Transit
A local company teamed up with a Singapore-based land transportation management company to implement an electronic ticketing service for Rangoon’s public transportation system, according to the companies’ representatives.
The local company, Integrated Smart Solutions Co. Ltd (ISS), and MSI Global Pte Ltd—a subsidiary of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore, announced the partnership at their formal signing ceremony held on Sunday, where they introduced “anypay”—a new e-ticketing system for buses in Burma’s most populated city. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
The local company, Integrated Smart Solutions Co. Ltd (ISS), and MSI Global Pte Ltd—a subsidiary of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore, announced the partnership at their formal signing ceremony held on Sunday, where they introduced “anypay”—a new e-ticketing system for buses in Burma’s most populated city. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Refugee Return Centers to Be Opened on Thai-Burma Border
Service centers providing support for Burmese refugees returning home voluntarily are to be established in all nine Burmese refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border later this month.
Refugees can declare their intention to return home at these “Voluntary Repatriation Centers,” where they can also receive advice, counseling and provisions for their return, and be formally processed in coordination with the Thai authorities.
The establishment of these centers is part of a refugee repatriation process being prepared by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Refugees can declare their intention to return home at these “Voluntary Repatriation Centers,” where they can also receive advice, counseling and provisions for their return, and be formally processed in coordination with the Thai authorities.
The establishment of these centers is part of a refugee repatriation process being prepared by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Aung Htoo: ‘Equality’ and the Demand For a Federal Union
Ethnic delegates discussed the draft constitution produced in 2008 by the Federal Constitution Drafting and Coordination Committee (FCDCC). That draft envisages that the country would have eight states, instead of the current seven, with the addition being a Bamar (Myanmar) ethnic state incorporating some of the existing divisions. For many ethnic people, this is a question of equality. What is your view?
My view is that it is a necessity. Over the course of history, ethnic nationalities have lived independently in this country. Powerful Myanmar kings established Myanmar empires during some historical periods, but basically, other ethnic nationalities lived independently until the British colonized the country.
We need to consider the historical background of our country. The 40-year war between Mon and Myanmar [from 1384 to 1424] is a significant chapter in this. Arakanese people formerly lived independently. So did Kachin and Shan people. The British could not even colonize the Karenni. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
My view is that it is a necessity. Over the course of history, ethnic nationalities have lived independently in this country. Powerful Myanmar kings established Myanmar empires during some historical periods, but basically, other ethnic nationalities lived independently until the British colonized the country.
We need to consider the historical background of our country. The 40-year war between Mon and Myanmar [from 1384 to 1424] is a significant chapter in this. Arakanese people formerly lived independently. So did Kachin and Shan people. The British could not even colonize the Karenni. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
UNFC Will Not Sign Ceasefire Unless All Members Included
The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), a nine-member ethnic alliance that opted out of signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) with the previous government, said it would not sign the agreement unless all of the member groups were permitted to join.
UNFC leaders reiterated their all-inclusive policy on Friday, the fourth day of the Mai Ja Yang ethnic summit in Kachin State.
“We have adopted a stance that UNFC members will only sign the NCA if all groups can sign,” said Nai Hong Sar, vice chair of the UNFC.
Ethnic leaders said on Friday they were not yet clear on whether the new government wanted them to sign the NCA before or after the upcoming Union Peace Conference.
Burma’s military has officially stated that it would not allow the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), or the Arakan Army (AA) to sign the agreement unless the three groups officially released a statement saying that they would disarm. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
UNFC leaders reiterated their all-inclusive policy on Friday, the fourth day of the Mai Ja Yang ethnic summit in Kachin State.
“We have adopted a stance that UNFC members will only sign the NCA if all groups can sign,” said Nai Hong Sar, vice chair of the UNFC.
Ethnic leaders said on Friday they were not yet clear on whether the new government wanted them to sign the NCA before or after the upcoming Union Peace Conference.
Burma’s military has officially stated that it would not allow the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), or the Arakan Army (AA) to sign the agreement unless the three groups officially released a statement saying that they would disarm. (Courtesy of irrawaddy.com)
Canada must pressure Burma to end abuse of Muslim minority
“They are trying to transform Myanmar into a Muslim state,” says Ashin Wirathu, a Buddhist monk dubbed by Time as the “The Face of Buddhist Terror.” Human rights activists claim Wirathu and his group, called 969, are the main forces behind riots that have killed scores and displaced thousands of Rohingya (a million strong ethnic Muslim minority living among more than 50 million Buddhists) since 2012.
Disturbingly, evidence suggests his hate movement has significant support in the country and even the acquiescence of the government. In fact, decades before Wirathu, described by some as the “Buddhist Bin Laden,” came on the scene, various state policies existed singling out the Rohingya.
The Canadian government may be finally forced to take a serious look. (Courtesy of thestar.com)
Disturbingly, evidence suggests his hate movement has significant support in the country and even the acquiescence of the government. In fact, decades before Wirathu, described by some as the “Buddhist Bin Laden,” came on the scene, various state policies existed singling out the Rohingya.
The Canadian government may be finally forced to take a serious look. (Courtesy of thestar.com)
Wa, Mongla armies hopeful after meeting with state counsellor
Two powerful ethnic armed groups from the Wa and Mongla special regions are optimistic that the government’s much-touted 21st-century Panglong Conference late this month can begin the process of healing decades-old ethnic divisions, according to U Zaw Htay, deputy director general for the President’s Office.
“They hold out much hope for the 21st-century Panglong Conference regarding the peace-making process and collaboration with the Union government,” the deputy director general said after he and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with representatives from the two groups on July 29.
Both groups are non-signatories to the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement and enjoy administrative autonomy over the regions they control along the border with China in Shan State. The Wa Special Region is run by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the country’s largest non-state armed groups, with estimates putting its troop strength at 20,000 to 30,000. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
“They hold out much hope for the 21st-century Panglong Conference regarding the peace-making process and collaboration with the Union government,” the deputy director general said after he and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with representatives from the two groups on July 29.
Both groups are non-signatories to the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement and enjoy administrative autonomy over the regions they control along the border with China in Shan State. The Wa Special Region is run by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the country’s largest non-state armed groups, with estimates putting its troop strength at 20,000 to 30,000. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
Yangon heritage building to become national library
The books will be moved from their current location on Thiri Mingalar Yeikthar Road in Yankin township to the former Burma Oil Company headquarters on Merchant Street, after the building has been renovated by YHT.
“This will be a great step forward for the rejuvenation of the old downtown. The library will also be far more accessible to the general public,” wrote YHT chair U Thant Myint-U on the group’s Facebook page.
He thanked U Thant Thaw Kaung, chief librarian at Yangon University Central Library.
The Ministry of Energy tendered the building late last year for long-term rent. Daw Shwe Yin Mar Oo, public relations manager for YHT said she could not yet provide additional details. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
“This will be a great step forward for the rejuvenation of the old downtown. The library will also be far more accessible to the general public,” wrote YHT chair U Thant Myint-U on the group’s Facebook page.
He thanked U Thant Thaw Kaung, chief librarian at Yangon University Central Library.
The Ministry of Energy tendered the building late last year for long-term rent. Daw Shwe Yin Mar Oo, public relations manager for YHT said she could not yet provide additional details. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)
August 1, 2016
Myanmar to deport Pakistanis for giving mosque sermon
Authorities in Myanmar have detained two Pakistan nationals for giving sermons at mosques in the commercial capital of Yangon
The detentions come amid a spike in the number of cases of religious intolerance in the country, with several mosques and religious buildings attacked in the last month alone.
Officials from the country's official Muslim body said Sunday that the men did little more than visit the mosques and conduct sermons, calling the arrests an oppression of the right to prayer.
A Yangon police officer told Anadolu Agency on Sunday that Amed Zulfiqar, 63, and his 29-year-old son Amed Saifullah were arrested after arriving in the commercial capital July 26, and giving sermons in Panbetan, Kyauktada and Mingala Taungnyunt Townships without seeking permission from authorities. (Courtesy of worldbulletin.net)
The detentions come amid a spike in the number of cases of religious intolerance in the country, with several mosques and religious buildings attacked in the last month alone.
Officials from the country's official Muslim body said Sunday that the men did little more than visit the mosques and conduct sermons, calling the arrests an oppression of the right to prayer.
A Yangon police officer told Anadolu Agency on Sunday that Amed Zulfiqar, 63, and his 29-year-old son Amed Saifullah were arrested after arriving in the commercial capital July 26, and giving sermons in Panbetan, Kyauktada and Mingala Taungnyunt Townships without seeking permission from authorities. (Courtesy of worldbulletin.net)
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