May 1, 2016

BROUK President Tun Khin Receive LEADERSHIP AWARD

BROUK President Tun Khin received Richard C. Holbrooke Leadership award from Refugees International in Washington DC at Refugees International 36th Anniversary Dinner on 28th April 2015. The anniversary ceremony was took place at Andrew W.Mellon Auditorium at Washington DC. Matt Dillon, American Film actor Director, Queen Noor of Jordan, many ambassadors from Washington DC, Many high level US Officials, BROUK’s General Secretary Ahamed Jarmal and More than 500 dignitaries attended.

At First the American Film Actor Matt Dillon host as Master of Ceremony and Opening remarks were given President of Refugees International and Queen Noor of Jordan.

In the evening Along with Tun Khin, Senator Coons, a Champion for Human Rights in Senate Foreign Relations Committee honoured with Congressional Leadership Award. Maureen Orth, who has dedicated long time for Columbian people honoured with Humanitarian award. (Courtesy of Rohingya Vision TV)

Major quake may strike NE due to pressure build-up along the Arakan-Yuma region: Experts

The Arakan Mountains (Arakan Range, Rakhine Range, Rakhine Yoma , Arakan Yoma, Rakhine Roma, Arakan Roma is a mountain range in western Burma (Myanmar), between the coast of Rakhine State and the Central Burma Basin, in which flows the Irrawaddy River.

It is the most prominent of a series of parallel ridges that arc through Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Burma.

Prof Sarbeswar Kalita, head of the Department of Environmental Science, Gauhati University(GU) observed that the Arakan Yoma area has stressed so much which may lead to a major seismic event. (Courtesy of thenortheasttoday.com)

Cafe culture sprouting in Myanmar

A recent wave of foreign coffee chains opening shops in Myanmar is changing the local food culture, giving many in the Southeast Asian country a new look at the brew. And for some, cafes are more than just a place to get a cup of joe.

In March, with much fanfare, Australian coffee chain Gloria Jean's Coffees opened its first shop in Myanmar in Myanmar Plaza, a large, commercial complex built by a Vietnamese company late last year. The shopping center sits in one of Myanmar's busiest commercial districts, Yankin Township. On weekdays, the coffee shop is crowded with locals who work for foreign companies in the same office building complex.

The hot item on offer is chocolate coffee, priced at 4,800 kyat ($4.12). The shop welcomes about 100 customers a day, explained a 24-year-old staffer in a crisp, light green uniform, who was handing out questionnaires soliciting opinions on flavor and service. The shop sells about 40 kinds of drinks, mostly coffee, and is dedicated to providing varieties with a rich aroma. One local man who works for a foreign company likes the shop because he can enjoy a rich and delicate brew that is different from the sugary kind commonly found in Myanmar. (Courtesy of Nikkei Asian Review)

Burma Thirsts for Bottled Water, But Quality Leaves Bad Taste

When Myo Arkar returned to his home in Rangoon’s North Dagon Township after working through a long, hot day, he opened a cold bottle of purified water to quench his thirst, but as he drank he sensed a rusty smell and taste, and then noticed brown particles swirling in the bottle.

Disgusted, he threw it away. “I informed everyone I know of this incident, and reminded them not to drink that brand,” he said of the water, which is produced at a small purifying facility in Shwepyithar Township.

Many residents in Burma’s towns and cities consume bottled water that they presume is properly purified. But a rapid growth in demand for such water and a lack of government oversight means many small, unlicensed operators produce questionable quality water that regularly leaves consumers with a bad taste in their mouths.

“I have used more than four brands of drinking water last year. The new brand that I am using now has had no problem yet,” remarked Thura, a taxi driver from Sanchaung Township, who said he switches brands after drinking bad quality water, rather than file a formal complaint with health authorities. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)

Bangladesh steps up public diplomacy with ‘new’ Myanmar

The relations with the new democratic Myanmar are of strategic importance, as they are the gateway to China and ASEAN economies, besides spelling a potential supply of natural gas.

In its latest move, the Bangladesh embassy on Saturday showcased the cultural linkages between the two countries, flying in Bangladesh’s tribal cultural troupes, mostly from the Marma, Chakma, and Tripura tribes.

They rendered their traditional performances, featuring the cultural similarities, to celebrate Bangla New Year at the chancery in Yangon in front of high-profile ruling party politicians, among others.

Chief Patron of the ruling National League of Democracy (NLD) U Tin Oo and Chief Minister of Yangon U Phyo Min Thein were among the guests. They were welcomed with a splash of water, a tradition in New Year celebrations in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and in Bangladesh’s tribal communities. (Courtesy of bdnews24.com)

Wa rebels meet NLD in Panghsan

A United Wa State Army (UWSA) leader has confirmed that the group met National League for Democracy (NLD) representatives in Panghsan, northern Shan State, on April 28.

Xiao Ming Liang, vice-chairman of the UWSA in Panghsan, led the Wa delegation but the group refused to give further details. Win Htein, a central executive member of the NLD, said no one had been sent to meet the Wa but added that the party had many members.

The long-time personal physician to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Dr Tin Myo Win, attended the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee in Nay Pyi Taw on April 28 and is being tipped as a future peace negotiator.

The UWSA said it had already agreed a ceasefire with the previous government although it did not sign the national ceasefire agreement last October. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)