July 25, 2008
by Jared Genser
In an appearance at the annual Asean summit, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice described the Burmese junta’s plan for the gradual restoration of democracy to Burma as a “mockery which is going nowhere.” While this condemnation may have grated on some of the participants as not sufficiently diplomatic, it is the cold, hard, indisputable truth. Lest anyone forget, it has been 18 long years since Burma’s 1990 elections when the National League for Democracy and its allies won 82% of the parliamentary seats, and were never allowed to take office.
The most powerful symbol of the Burmese people’s resilience has been the revolving-door house arrest of the world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate, NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Flouting its own law, the Burmese junta recently extended her most recent stint in her dilapidated home to a sixth straight year. Over the course of some 12 years of detention over the last 18, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has ruled four times that her detention is illegal, and is in clear violation of international law. A fifth petition before this body is pending. And yet the junta continues to detain her, and ignore the popular will of its own people.
While the U.N. Secretary-General, the Burmese regime, and allies of the junta have urged that the question of humanitarian aid in the wake of Cyclone Nargis not be “politicized,” the regime itself has taken every advantage of the cyclone to make permanent its grip on power to the exclusion of helping its own people. As is often the case, distraction and delay in discussing the fundamental issues in Burma only serve the interests of the regime.
The junta itself insists that it is on a seven-step roadmap to democracy. In the days following the cyclone -- which left more than 140,000 dead or missing and millions without the most basic levels of subsistence -- the regime focused on conducting its sham constitutional referendum, designed to cement its hold on power and then claimed victory by implausible margins.
The junta has also brazenly used the cyclone to its further advantage. The United Nations recently reported that aid groups have lost some 20% of the money they have brought in to Burma because of arbitrary foreign exchange rules imposed by the junta. Not only does the junta retain these funds as its own “tax” on relief operations, but this also reduces the aid provided to those most in need.
So what can really be done with such a seemingly intractable conflict?
During last fall’s Saffron Revolution, the U.N. Security Council unanimously agreed on a statement outlining a practical roadmap for a restoration of democracy to Burma. While that roadmap had been shelved after the cyclone, it is time for it to be dusted off and put into practice. In particular, the statement made clear that the solution to the problems of Burma required the following key features: (1) personal engagement by the UN Secretary-General; (2) early release of all political prisoners; (3) the Burmese junta entering into an inclusive process of national reconciliation with Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic groups; (4) the need for commitments to be followed by action; and (5) ongoing engagement by the international community.
Currently, U.N. Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari is scheduled to return to Burma in August to pave the way for a return visit of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon later this year. The time has come for the United Nations to measure success by outcomes alone, not merely by the engagement in process. Were success to be measured by engagement alone, it would have already been achieved. Special envoys and rapporteurs have made literally dozens of trip to Burma over the years, with minimal effect.
Unless tangible and specific outcomes are actually achieved from this visit -- including the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, which is a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue -- then it is time for the Security Council to take further action. Specifically, it should escalate the pressure on the junta by adopting a binding resolution to transform its recommendations from its presidential statement into demands. Pressure has been increasing from numerous Asean countries, which now view Burma as holding back the development of the bloc. And pressure has been sustained by the United States, United Kingdom and France. But all members of the Security Council -- including China, Russia, and South Africa, which had opposed prior action on Burma -- must be reminded of their subsequent agreement with this roadmap.
There have never been any easy answers to the problems in Burma. And that continues to be the case. In the meantime, the Burmese people draw strength from the grace, dignity, and spirit of Aung San Suu Kyi and the perseverance of their fellow citizens. And they hope and pray that we will use, as she has said, our freedom to promote theirs.
Mr. Genser is President of Freedom Now, represents Aung San Suu Kyi, and is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.
Source: Far Eastern Economic Review
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Intelligence: General Thura Shwe Mann is not tough enough?
BDD
Sources close with General Shwe Mann said that their boss would get a pink slip (lay off) from the regime top generals. Because of he has taken initiative to improve the image of SPDC after post Nargis cyclone.
However, hardliners within hard-line group opposed his initiative from day one. He (Shwe Mann) tired to be quiet at the first but things may not have done smoothly without getting support and coordinating from ASEAN and UN.
He has wider perspective and far sided person. Politically,he is smarter than others, sources claimed. He proposed to contain US and Western countries intervention should be traded with the ASEAN and UN participation. However, many key players refused to accept at the beginning.
He reportedly allowed the local donors to provide aids for victims as a bridge before UN and ASEAN reaching agreement. However, a different group requested Sen-Gen Than Shwe to take more harder line to refuse the international aid that might change the Burma’s political landscape.
Sources said that he has no benefits from relief effort but his intention is to prevent US and other Western intervention. His son businesses in Delta were safe and because his sons' businesses are quite a bit far away from hard-hit area.
Now he is facing criticism of not being tough enough for SPDC leading role, perhaps he should not be fit in the C-in-C position after senior general leaving from the post. Source close to SPDC second man general Maung Aye, said that this is not a power struggle but they need a leader who is decisive and strong minded to defend the Burma army from the foreign interference.
However, there have no sign of seniors level generals have taken own initiative to run the country without instruction of senior general. After they witnessed general Khin Nyunt faced severe punishment and none of the generals in the SPDC wanted to follow their former colleague.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Top Story: UN Ponders Intervention
dpa
The Security Council will decide whether it will hold an emergency session to discuss an escalating border spat between Thailand and Cambodia over an ancient Hindu temple.
On Monday Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, claiming he feared an "imminent state of war," appealed to the 15-member UN Security Council to intervene in the Thai-Cambodian dispute over conflicting claims to territory adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple, perched on a cliff that partly defines the two neighbouring countries' common border.
Thailand has informed the UN of its preference to resolve the dispute through bilateral talks, Thailand's Ambassador to the UN Don Pramudwinai confirmed in an interview with the state-run Thai News Agency (TNA).
The UN will decide on whether to hold an emergency session over the border row on Thursday, said Don. "The council will call a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) and we will see to it whether or not the council will hold an emergency session upon Cambodia's request," he told the TNA.
Cambodian Defence Minister Teah Banh and Thai Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niempradit met at the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet on Monday in an attempt to defuse the temple dispute bilaterally but failed to find a solution to the legal obstacles involved.
The problem dates back to a map drawn up in 1908 by French cartographers to define the Thai-Cambodian border when Cambodia was still a French colony. Although the French insisted the border should be defined according to the watershed - where the rain water falls in opposite directions - along the Dongrak mountain range, in their map the ancient Preah Vihear, perched on the tip of a 525 metre high cliff that is a steep fall on the Cambodian side and a gradual slope on the Thai one, oddly ended up on the Cambodian side of the watershed.
Thailand's failure to officially object to the questionable map-making led to their losing the temple in 1962 when a dispute over the temple's ownership was settled in the Hague at the International Court of Justice.
Source: Bangkok Post
The Security Council will decide whether it will hold an emergency session to discuss an escalating border spat between Thailand and Cambodia over an ancient Hindu temple.
On Monday Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, claiming he feared an "imminent state of war," appealed to the 15-member UN Security Council to intervene in the Thai-Cambodian dispute over conflicting claims to territory adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple, perched on a cliff that partly defines the two neighbouring countries' common border.
Thailand has informed the UN of its preference to resolve the dispute through bilateral talks, Thailand's Ambassador to the UN Don Pramudwinai confirmed in an interview with the state-run Thai News Agency (TNA).
The UN will decide on whether to hold an emergency session over the border row on Thursday, said Don. "The council will call a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) and we will see to it whether or not the council will hold an emergency session upon Cambodia's request," he told the TNA.
Cambodian Defence Minister Teah Banh and Thai Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niempradit met at the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet on Monday in an attempt to defuse the temple dispute bilaterally but failed to find a solution to the legal obstacles involved.
The problem dates back to a map drawn up in 1908 by French cartographers to define the Thai-Cambodian border when Cambodia was still a French colony. Although the French insisted the border should be defined according to the watershed - where the rain water falls in opposite directions - along the Dongrak mountain range, in their map the ancient Preah Vihear, perched on the tip of a 525 metre high cliff that is a steep fall on the Cambodian side and a gradual slope on the Thai one, oddly ended up on the Cambodian side of the watershed.
Thailand's failure to officially object to the questionable map-making led to their losing the temple in 1962 when a dispute over the temple's ownership was settled in the Hague at the International Court of Justice.
Source: Bangkok Post
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Bangkok Post: Another Burma promise
Singapore - Burma ratified the charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Monday and vowed to uphold its democratic ideals, but dashed hopes of releasing opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi within the next six months.
The country, vilified for its dictatorial government and human rights abuses, became the seventh of the 10-member regional grouping to ratify the document, which was signed by the leaders in November last year.
"Myanmar's ratification of the charter demonstrates our strong commitment to embrace the common values and aspirations of the peoples of Asean," Foreign Minister Nyan Win said, using the military dictators' new name for Burma.
"It is my honest hope that with the growing momentum of ratification, our common goal and commitment to complete ratification of the charter by all member states will be realized at the time of our leaders' summit in Bangkok" in December, he added.
While foreign ministers attending the 41st Asean Ministers Meeting watched, Nyan Win handed over the document to Asean Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, to the applause of observers.
Burma was also among the Asean countries which unanimously set up a high-level panel on an Asean human rights body, and endorse its terms of reference.
"We urged Myanmar to take bolder steps towards a peaceful transition to democracy in the near future," and work towards the holding of free and fair general elections in 2010," said the minister's communique at the end of the meeting.
"We reiterated our calls for the release of all political detainees, including Suu Kyi, to pave the way for meaningful dialogue involving all parties concerned."
In a separate statement, Singapore Minister for Foreign Af`fairs George Yeo said Ngan Win had clarified that Suu Kyi would not be released in the next six months, but six months from May 2009, the expiry date of the existing one-year detention order.
Yeo, who is also Asean chairman, and other foreign ministers "misunderstood the point made by the Burmese foreign minister on the limit of the detention period," a statement said.
The "clarification" was made at the ministers' meeting Monday afternoon.
Suu Kyi has spent 13 years in detention since 1989. Her house arrest was recently extended.
Surin said he was sure the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia would soon ratify the charter and that he expected the ratification process to be completed by December.
"The charter will help us building an Asean community we can all be proud of," he said.
The document, which will turn the 41-year-old regional grouping into a legal entity, was initially opposed by the ruling junta because of its inclusion of human rights.
Several Philippine senators said they would oppose the ratification of the charter until the military junta that has ruled Burma since 1962 institutes democratic reforms.
In opening the meeting, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Asean had decided to press on with the charter's implementation without waiting for all 10 members to ratify it.
"The internal processes of member countries are different and some will be more difficult than others, Lee said.
The Burmese ratification occurred a day after Asean ministers expressed their "deep disappointment" over the continued detention of Suu Kyi and undetermined numbers of political prisoners.
Asean comprises Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Source: Bangkok Post
The country, vilified for its dictatorial government and human rights abuses, became the seventh of the 10-member regional grouping to ratify the document, which was signed by the leaders in November last year.
"Myanmar's ratification of the charter demonstrates our strong commitment to embrace the common values and aspirations of the peoples of Asean," Foreign Minister Nyan Win said, using the military dictators' new name for Burma.
"It is my honest hope that with the growing momentum of ratification, our common goal and commitment to complete ratification of the charter by all member states will be realized at the time of our leaders' summit in Bangkok" in December, he added.
While foreign ministers attending the 41st Asean Ministers Meeting watched, Nyan Win handed over the document to Asean Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, to the applause of observers.
Burma was also among the Asean countries which unanimously set up a high-level panel on an Asean human rights body, and endorse its terms of reference.
"We urged Myanmar to take bolder steps towards a peaceful transition to democracy in the near future," and work towards the holding of free and fair general elections in 2010," said the minister's communique at the end of the meeting.
"We reiterated our calls for the release of all political detainees, including Suu Kyi, to pave the way for meaningful dialogue involving all parties concerned."
In a separate statement, Singapore Minister for Foreign Af`fairs George Yeo said Ngan Win had clarified that Suu Kyi would not be released in the next six months, but six months from May 2009, the expiry date of the existing one-year detention order.
Yeo, who is also Asean chairman, and other foreign ministers "misunderstood the point made by the Burmese foreign minister on the limit of the detention period," a statement said.
The "clarification" was made at the ministers' meeting Monday afternoon.
Suu Kyi has spent 13 years in detention since 1989. Her house arrest was recently extended.
Surin said he was sure the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia would soon ratify the charter and that he expected the ratification process to be completed by December.
"The charter will help us building an Asean community we can all be proud of," he said.
The document, which will turn the 41-year-old regional grouping into a legal entity, was initially opposed by the ruling junta because of its inclusion of human rights.
Several Philippine senators said they would oppose the ratification of the charter until the military junta that has ruled Burma since 1962 institutes democratic reforms.
In opening the meeting, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Asean had decided to press on with the charter's implementation without waiting for all 10 members to ratify it.
"The internal processes of member countries are different and some will be more difficult than others, Lee said.
The Burmese ratification occurred a day after Asean ministers expressed their "deep disappointment" over the continued detention of Suu Kyi and undetermined numbers of political prisoners.
Asean comprises Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Source: Bangkok Post
Intelligence: Mid-July Review
BDD
Through the use of compartment strategies comprised of different political and socio-economic core groups, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) attempts to achieve a comprehensive goal: solidifying its rule and power in Burma.
By establishing the SPDC’s cronies, including pro-SPDC civil society groups, as the “legal” political parties for the sham 2010 Election in Burma, the SPDC will rig the Election results and ensure that only cronies “win” seats in the 2010 Election. Because 25% of the representatives must be uniform military congressmen, the SPDC will register pro-SPDC groups as political parties so that they can control the remaining 75% of the seats. Thus, the SPDC will fix the process as well as the results and prevent anti-SPDC and pro-democracy groups from winning any seats. Therefore, the SPDC will solidify its rule.
The SPDC is engineering the sham “election process” by encouraging cronies to become political parties so that they can “build the country post-election.” Additionally, the SPDC is pushing ceasefire groups to enter these “party politics” in order to prevent potential threats. However, ceasefire groups must obey all orders from the Commander in Chief, and the new sham constitution allows only one army in Burma. Therefore, to maintain existence after the 2010 Election, ceasefire groups may only exist as political parties, as they will likely become localized under the Burma army.
Cyclone Nargis has revealed the SPDC’s two conflicting ideologies. One SPDC faction believed that prohibiting international assistance would increase internal dissatisfaction; whereas, using UN-ASEAN humanitarian aid would foster political legitimacy prior to the 2010 Election. However, the other SPDC faction believed in nationalism and national pride and in prohibiting international humanitarian assistance programs.
This hardliner faction promoted “self-sufficient” programs by internal donors. They used TV and SPDC-controlled media and journals to showcase their “domestic” and “self-reliant” programs in order to falsely claim that they could handle Cyclone Nargis relief efforts domestically and without international assistance.
Slowly, the SPDC has gained international support for its Nargis recovery efforts. Looking ahead to the 2010 Election, the compartment strategy group led by U Aung Thaung, Major General Khin Ye, Major General Kyaw San, received praise and gained support from Senior General than Shwe.
However, evidence demonstrates the SPDC’s internal conflicts and factions. For example, last month, the former Lieutenant General Ye Myint’s anger and frustration sparked a crisis within the SPDC. The exposure of his family’s involvement with the illicit drug trade in Burma has the potential to foster a future power struggle or palace coup. Now, sources said SPDC has considered post Than Shwe’s political consequences.
As history has shown, the family of the late dictator Ne Win was sentenced to death when the late General Ne Win’s grandson insulted General Maung Aye’s daughter. Twenty years ago, a local teashop dispute changed Burma’s entire political landscape by sparking the 1988 nationwide uprising. Only time will tell what will result from the internal power struggles that the SPDC faces today.
Through the use of compartment strategies comprised of different political and socio-economic core groups, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) attempts to achieve a comprehensive goal: solidifying its rule and power in Burma.
By establishing the SPDC’s cronies, including pro-SPDC civil society groups, as the “legal” political parties for the sham 2010 Election in Burma, the SPDC will rig the Election results and ensure that only cronies “win” seats in the 2010 Election. Because 25% of the representatives must be uniform military congressmen, the SPDC will register pro-SPDC groups as political parties so that they can control the remaining 75% of the seats. Thus, the SPDC will fix the process as well as the results and prevent anti-SPDC and pro-democracy groups from winning any seats. Therefore, the SPDC will solidify its rule.
The SPDC is engineering the sham “election process” by encouraging cronies to become political parties so that they can “build the country post-election.” Additionally, the SPDC is pushing ceasefire groups to enter these “party politics” in order to prevent potential threats. However, ceasefire groups must obey all orders from the Commander in Chief, and the new sham constitution allows only one army in Burma. Therefore, to maintain existence after the 2010 Election, ceasefire groups may only exist as political parties, as they will likely become localized under the Burma army.
Cyclone Nargis has revealed the SPDC’s two conflicting ideologies. One SPDC faction believed that prohibiting international assistance would increase internal dissatisfaction; whereas, using UN-ASEAN humanitarian aid would foster political legitimacy prior to the 2010 Election. However, the other SPDC faction believed in nationalism and national pride and in prohibiting international humanitarian assistance programs.
This hardliner faction promoted “self-sufficient” programs by internal donors. They used TV and SPDC-controlled media and journals to showcase their “domestic” and “self-reliant” programs in order to falsely claim that they could handle Cyclone Nargis relief efforts domestically and without international assistance.
Slowly, the SPDC has gained international support for its Nargis recovery efforts. Looking ahead to the 2010 Election, the compartment strategy group led by U Aung Thaung, Major General Khin Ye, Major General Kyaw San, received praise and gained support from Senior General than Shwe.
However, evidence demonstrates the SPDC’s internal conflicts and factions. For example, last month, the former Lieutenant General Ye Myint’s anger and frustration sparked a crisis within the SPDC. The exposure of his family’s involvement with the illicit drug trade in Burma has the potential to foster a future power struggle or palace coup. Now, sources said SPDC has considered post Than Shwe’s political consequences.
As history has shown, the family of the late dictator Ne Win was sentenced to death when the late General Ne Win’s grandson insulted General Maung Aye’s daughter. Twenty years ago, a local teashop dispute changed Burma’s entire political landscape by sparking the 1988 nationwide uprising. Only time will tell what will result from the internal power struggles that the SPDC faces today.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Food for thought: Regime's new game is on the way
BDD
Internal political landscape is seemed to be tighter control because of uprising season is on the way. Political activists and activists should prepare to push whatever we have to gain an inch.
If we consider we are still in the struggle,we need a unity and how to work among us and which part we could do for the best for the country. Indeed, we have to be careful about regime’s push and pull strategy and just telling when they do allow DASSK to be free again.
Some politicians feel that this is opportunity, but some thought that this is a trap and regime needs a room to play.
Optimism is good but things are so difficult to predict, they promised ASEAN for getting Nargis funds. Who will get the most benefits from funds? Usual suspect; the generals and cronies-for their companies and construction industry. Do they think that DASSK is worth more than they would expect from international donors without freeing her?
Freeing DASSK is not a reward for the movement; she was never supposed to get ambush by USDA, and never supposed to get house arrest. Freeing her is not a solution of Burma or reward, what NLD and SPDC would negotiate for future Burma and democratization process. But not freeing her is a problem for the country.
Internal political landscape is seemed to be tighter control because of uprising season is on the way. Political activists and activists should prepare to push whatever we have to gain an inch.
If we consider we are still in the struggle,we need a unity and how to work among us and which part we could do for the best for the country. Indeed, we have to be careful about regime’s push and pull strategy and just telling when they do allow DASSK to be free again.
Some politicians feel that this is opportunity, but some thought that this is a trap and regime needs a room to play.
Optimism is good but things are so difficult to predict, they promised ASEAN for getting Nargis funds. Who will get the most benefits from funds? Usual suspect; the generals and cronies-for their companies and construction industry. Do they think that DASSK is worth more than they would expect from international donors without freeing her?
Freeing DASSK is not a reward for the movement; she was never supposed to get ambush by USDA, and never supposed to get house arrest. Freeing her is not a solution of Burma or reward, what NLD and SPDC would negotiate for future Burma and democratization process. But not freeing her is a problem for the country.
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19th July at NLD
General Aung San and Ethnic leaders in Pan Long accord, Shan State on 12th Feb 1947
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Our heroes never die from history
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NLD members are scared?
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USDA and government sponsored terrorists at the other side of the NLD headquarters
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Bravery is not only attacking others but you have to resist
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NLD youths are ready to defend the democracy and human rights from evil
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Intelligence: Three personal secretariat officials of BSO are being charged
BDD
Former chiefs of the Bureau of Special Operations [BSO] Lt. Generals Ye Myint’s, Maung Bo’s and Kyaw Win’s PSOs are being charged by the SPDC military criminal court and later transferred to special investigation for civil criminal court sources said.
Frist, there was no political motive before Lt. General Ye Myint’s son was arrested for illicit drug charges.
However, sources said that Lt. General Ye Myint was very angry because his son was targeted. Later tension mounted between he and vice senior general Maung Aye. But there were no physical dispute reported.
General Than Shwe ordered to investigate after he was told that his grandson, Pho La Paye (Maung Full Moon) addicted to illicit drug that ever realized the major reshuffle within Burmese army last month.
Former chiefs of the Bureau of Special Operations [BSO] Lt. Generals Ye Myint’s, Maung Bo’s and Kyaw Win’s PSOs are being charged by the SPDC military criminal court and later transferred to special investigation for civil criminal court sources said.
Frist, there was no political motive before Lt. General Ye Myint’s son was arrested for illicit drug charges.
However, sources said that Lt. General Ye Myint was very angry because his son was targeted. Later tension mounted between he and vice senior general Maung Aye. But there were no physical dispute reported.
General Than Shwe ordered to investigate after he was told that his grandson, Pho La Paye (Maung Full Moon) addicted to illicit drug that ever realized the major reshuffle within Burmese army last month.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Economic Review: Businessmen on pilgrimages for relationships with new BSO chiefs
BDD
“If you want to be triumphant Burmese businessman, you must be well connected to one of the chiefs of the Bureau of Special Operations [BSO]. If you do not have direct access to the First Lady, then the Zoning Warlord and the BSO Chief are the most important contacts for any business,” a Rangoon businessman whispered.
Smaller and more conservative businesses struggle, as business owners contend with corruption and being forced to pay authorities at the local, district, and state levels. Business owners are unable to make a profit through conventional methods such as buying and selling inventory, which are too time-consuming under these circumstances. Additionally, the extremely high inflation prevents businesses from making a profit. Regardless of the investment or business idea, the only way to generate a profit from business in Burma is to be well connected to senior BSO officials.
A recent shakeup by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) replaced the BSO Chiefs, and as a result many middle-sized businessmen suffered. Before the reshuffle, select leading businesses were well connected to BSO Chiefs due to the annual fees these businesses paid as well as their providing one time gift of shares in the company. In fact, before the shakeup, one of Burma’s well-known business tycoons paid half a million US dollars to improve his influence and for greater business opportunities. However, now this influence with the previous BSO chiefs means nothing.
In the past, BSO officials were known as an entrance to a gold mine. As an employee responsible for business finances explained, “whether expanding a business or getting export and import opportunities, businesses had to give 15% to 20% loyalty fees to BSO. How do can someone expect to make this? These costs must be paid by consumers.”
As a result of these fees, Burma has some of the most expensive motor vehicles and cellular phones in the world. For example, in Burma a Toyota Land Cruiser is sold for $600,000 USD, and one cell phone costs $3,000 USD. According to a Burmese scholar, “more than 95% of the population has never even touched a cell phone.”
Recently, an economist stated that “when the Regime introduced its open market economy in 1988, many efficient and business savvy people wanted to start various private enterprises. However, more than 90% of the people failed and didn’t make it.” Some of these people were imprisoned while others escaped.
Nevertheless, new faces made their fortune using different strategies; they became well connected with the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) ministers in the early 1990s. However, when many former SLORC ministers were locked under house arrest in 1997, many businessmen left the business community, and only a few survived.
The entire medium-sized business community tries to deal with top officials. “However, there are few gatekeepers at the gate, and these people have monopolized all major money making industries. Additionally, all respective ministers have been doing well since 1988. No wonder these generals are so loyal to the Senior General. I should have joined the army” a Doctor turned businessman declared.
Now, in order to maintain successful businesses in Burma, business owners must once again develop the right connections with authorities. These strategic relationships must be developed with the officials who are in the position to provide business opportunities and who are looking to share the profits. In addition to these officials, business owners must also develop relationships with the people, from school teachers to astrologers, who are acting as middlemen for the new business opportunities and lucrative connections.
Currently, existing business owners are working to create and secure new business opportunities through forming relationships with the new BSO chiefs, the new ministers, and the new regional commanders. “We have to wait a few months for the dust to settle because newcomers may not dare to do it right away. After three months, there will be more opportunities, as October’s Full Moon Day brings the Burmese’ ritual Lighting Festival, when people pay respect to elders or authorities, and this might create opportunities for us because they want to a same fortune as the past officials.” A businessman stressed.
“If you want to be triumphant Burmese businessman, you must be well connected to one of the chiefs of the Bureau of Special Operations [BSO]. If you do not have direct access to the First Lady, then the Zoning Warlord and the BSO Chief are the most important contacts for any business,” a Rangoon businessman whispered.
Smaller and more conservative businesses struggle, as business owners contend with corruption and being forced to pay authorities at the local, district, and state levels. Business owners are unable to make a profit through conventional methods such as buying and selling inventory, which are too time-consuming under these circumstances. Additionally, the extremely high inflation prevents businesses from making a profit. Regardless of the investment or business idea, the only way to generate a profit from business in Burma is to be well connected to senior BSO officials.
A recent shakeup by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) replaced the BSO Chiefs, and as a result many middle-sized businessmen suffered. Before the reshuffle, select leading businesses were well connected to BSO Chiefs due to the annual fees these businesses paid as well as their providing one time gift of shares in the company. In fact, before the shakeup, one of Burma’s well-known business tycoons paid half a million US dollars to improve his influence and for greater business opportunities. However, now this influence with the previous BSO chiefs means nothing.
In the past, BSO officials were known as an entrance to a gold mine. As an employee responsible for business finances explained, “whether expanding a business or getting export and import opportunities, businesses had to give 15% to 20% loyalty fees to BSO. How do can someone expect to make this? These costs must be paid by consumers.”
As a result of these fees, Burma has some of the most expensive motor vehicles and cellular phones in the world. For example, in Burma a Toyota Land Cruiser is sold for $600,000 USD, and one cell phone costs $3,000 USD. According to a Burmese scholar, “more than 95% of the population has never even touched a cell phone.”
Recently, an economist stated that “when the Regime introduced its open market economy in 1988, many efficient and business savvy people wanted to start various private enterprises. However, more than 90% of the people failed and didn’t make it.” Some of these people were imprisoned while others escaped.
Nevertheless, new faces made their fortune using different strategies; they became well connected with the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) ministers in the early 1990s. However, when many former SLORC ministers were locked under house arrest in 1997, many businessmen left the business community, and only a few survived.
The entire medium-sized business community tries to deal with top officials. “However, there are few gatekeepers at the gate, and these people have monopolized all major money making industries. Additionally, all respective ministers have been doing well since 1988. No wonder these generals are so loyal to the Senior General. I should have joined the army” a Doctor turned businessman declared.
Now, in order to maintain successful businesses in Burma, business owners must once again develop the right connections with authorities. These strategic relationships must be developed with the officials who are in the position to provide business opportunities and who are looking to share the profits. In addition to these officials, business owners must also develop relationships with the people, from school teachers to astrologers, who are acting as middlemen for the new business opportunities and lucrative connections.
Currently, existing business owners are working to create and secure new business opportunities through forming relationships with the new BSO chiefs, the new ministers, and the new regional commanders. “We have to wait a few months for the dust to settle because newcomers may not dare to do it right away. After three months, there will be more opportunities, as October’s Full Moon Day brings the Burmese’ ritual Lighting Festival, when people pay respect to elders or authorities, and this might create opportunities for us because they want to a same fortune as the past officials.” A businessman stressed.
Burma Update: The World Bank decided to cooperation with SPDC without financial aid
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
BDD
After one week of meetings and visited Irrawaddy delta region, the World Bank experts concluded that they are unable to assist any financial needs but to support the ASEAN-UN let humanitarian assistance and rebuilding the livelihoods. The WB mission also reviewed what Burmese officials estimate caused $11 billion in damage to the needy in Irrawaddy delta, five member of WB team decided to provide technical assistance and other suggestions for SPDC.
Sources said reflection of Burma current political situations and regime showed it’s reluctant of international humanitarian assistance in poor country; WB mission needs further negotiation with regime and opposition party NLD. Without political stability, the WB is unable to provide any funds for isolated country.
Regardless of strong suggestions from ASEAN, the World Bank has clear mission; a country with political crisis, but able to conduct the free assessment, design and support the country development. However, country’s current situation is not met to the international recipient standard, sources said.
During the first time in post Nargis emergency meeting in Singapore, ASEAN ministers believed that Burma might corporate with international agencies and ASEAN was able to lead international relief and reconstruction efforts.
ASEAN officials and international aid agencies created a framework that could open the way for foreign relief to enter the country from different donors, mainly from West. In terms of having a major devastated, ASEAN-UN and SPDC estimated that 75 percent of schools, 60 percent of economy were destroyed or damaged in areas.
ASEAN ministers expected the International Financial Institutions is only a source to reconstruct the country needs. ASEAN and UN officials wanted to see a major role of the World Bank and the ADB, Asian Development Bank.
ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan flew to Washington D.C. to meet with World Bank President Robert Zoellick in June but he didn’t get assurance from the World Bank, sources said. The World Bank expectation is to avoid SPDC restrictions, unstable policies and different regulations from different ministries.
During the visit, the WB mission meeting with NLD officials and they did get the real picture of SPDC and unable to provide any financial assistance. NLD offered discussed the issue of regime intolerance against the relief effort. The WB mission worried that current arrest of individuals donors and leading Nargis relief coordinator Zarganar.
The WB mission might have seen the SPDC’s too much politicized the relief issues; allowing only cronies and its civil groups are able to do for their long term political and economic benefits.
Other NGOs reportedly met WB mission but they were unable to convince the WB to review to provide a financial assistance. Yet, the WB has not received any request for financial support from regime, sources said.
One of the regime’s close associates that able to get access to the international community and aid agencies has got frustrated. But this group didn’t give up and try through ASEAN, and planned to meet with ASEAN top secretariat in Bangkok this week, sources said.
BDD
After one week of meetings and visited Irrawaddy delta region, the World Bank experts concluded that they are unable to assist any financial needs but to support the ASEAN-UN let humanitarian assistance and rebuilding the livelihoods. The WB mission also reviewed what Burmese officials estimate caused $11 billion in damage to the needy in Irrawaddy delta, five member of WB team decided to provide technical assistance and other suggestions for SPDC.
Sources said reflection of Burma current political situations and regime showed it’s reluctant of international humanitarian assistance in poor country; WB mission needs further negotiation with regime and opposition party NLD. Without political stability, the WB is unable to provide any funds for isolated country.
Regardless of strong suggestions from ASEAN, the World Bank has clear mission; a country with political crisis, but able to conduct the free assessment, design and support the country development. However, country’s current situation is not met to the international recipient standard, sources said.
During the first time in post Nargis emergency meeting in Singapore, ASEAN ministers believed that Burma might corporate with international agencies and ASEAN was able to lead international relief and reconstruction efforts.
ASEAN officials and international aid agencies created a framework that could open the way for foreign relief to enter the country from different donors, mainly from West. In terms of having a major devastated, ASEAN-UN and SPDC estimated that 75 percent of schools, 60 percent of economy were destroyed or damaged in areas.
ASEAN ministers expected the International Financial Institutions is only a source to reconstruct the country needs. ASEAN and UN officials wanted to see a major role of the World Bank and the ADB, Asian Development Bank.
ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan flew to Washington D.C. to meet with World Bank President Robert Zoellick in June but he didn’t get assurance from the World Bank, sources said. The World Bank expectation is to avoid SPDC restrictions, unstable policies and different regulations from different ministries.
During the visit, the WB mission meeting with NLD officials and they did get the real picture of SPDC and unable to provide any financial assistance. NLD offered discussed the issue of regime intolerance against the relief effort. The WB mission worried that current arrest of individuals donors and leading Nargis relief coordinator Zarganar.
The WB mission might have seen the SPDC’s too much politicized the relief issues; allowing only cronies and its civil groups are able to do for their long term political and economic benefits.
Other NGOs reportedly met WB mission but they were unable to convince the WB to review to provide a financial assistance. Yet, the WB has not received any request for financial support from regime, sources said.
One of the regime’s close associates that able to get access to the international community and aid agencies has got frustrated. But this group didn’t give up and try through ASEAN, and planned to meet with ASEAN top secretariat in Bangkok this week, sources said.
Post Nargis development: Generals’ cronies were encouraged in a wrong place to invest?
BDD
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sources close to SPDC and Business tycoons stressed that many businessmen have faced uncertainty of high profits and long term projects from Nargis cyclone. Sources continued that SPDC top generals suggested their cronies to plan their projects in cyclone Nargis's most affected areas for constructions, rebuilding villages and other logistic needs.
Nepotism is common in Burma business circle but time is slowly running out without cash flowing from donors and SPDC.
After referendum, senior general Than Shwe visited and inspected showcase refugee camps in cyclone affected area with a handful of businessmen. He reportedly instructed his businessmen to start preparing to re-build the roads, villages, towns, schools and other logistic needs to speed up the reconstruction phase.
However, one month after donors meeting in Rangoon, SPDC’s game plan might have to change it, in terms of donors carefully reviewing the regime’s proposals and that would not prove any accountability and worries of their tax payers money might not go to the needy. Indeed, donors didn’t promise to provide a blank-check to the regime. “There will be more check and balance mechanism if any major projects would be placed” ASEAN diplomat stressed.
Furthermore, UN itself even faces fund shortage to deliver emergency relief with airlift. UN’s promising two hundred million USD project has only fifty million in hands and would take few time to raise the rest. Donors wanted more efficiency and accountability issues are top of that.
Major dilemma is now within SPDC. SPDC’s proposal of eleven billions to realize the reconstruction and rebuilding for two and half millions peoples’ way of lives and their future, prevention of next round of major cyclone, raising one hundred feet high roads to prevent fifteen meters high sea waves if another storm would come.
Sources said few high fly companies are now facing funding needs to run these uncertain projects from SPDC and foreign donors. These companies have opened their relief centers and front-line offices in many cities and towns in Irrawaddy delta. They are ready to start doing their construction business.
Both SPDC generals and cronies expected high cash flows after post cyclone, the generals issued the special regulations for donations, lifting restrictions and regulations for this purpose. “But now things are different,” one of the high fly companies’ employees said, “their boss demanded not to spend cash and wait for day by day instructions”.
One of the SPDC close associates said “companies may never lose, senior general would let them recover their lost from different money making fields; oil drilling, gold mines, timber and fishing rights, don’t worry about it.”
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sources close to SPDC and Business tycoons stressed that many businessmen have faced uncertainty of high profits and long term projects from Nargis cyclone. Sources continued that SPDC top generals suggested their cronies to plan their projects in cyclone Nargis's most affected areas for constructions, rebuilding villages and other logistic needs.
Nepotism is common in Burma business circle but time is slowly running out without cash flowing from donors and SPDC.
After referendum, senior general Than Shwe visited and inspected showcase refugee camps in cyclone affected area with a handful of businessmen. He reportedly instructed his businessmen to start preparing to re-build the roads, villages, towns, schools and other logistic needs to speed up the reconstruction phase.
However, one month after donors meeting in Rangoon, SPDC’s game plan might have to change it, in terms of donors carefully reviewing the regime’s proposals and that would not prove any accountability and worries of their tax payers money might not go to the needy. Indeed, donors didn’t promise to provide a blank-check to the regime. “There will be more check and balance mechanism if any major projects would be placed” ASEAN diplomat stressed.
Furthermore, UN itself even faces fund shortage to deliver emergency relief with airlift. UN’s promising two hundred million USD project has only fifty million in hands and would take few time to raise the rest. Donors wanted more efficiency and accountability issues are top of that.
Major dilemma is now within SPDC. SPDC’s proposal of eleven billions to realize the reconstruction and rebuilding for two and half millions peoples’ way of lives and their future, prevention of next round of major cyclone, raising one hundred feet high roads to prevent fifteen meters high sea waves if another storm would come.
Sources said few high fly companies are now facing funding needs to run these uncertain projects from SPDC and foreign donors. These companies have opened their relief centers and front-line offices in many cities and towns in Irrawaddy delta. They are ready to start doing their construction business.
Both SPDC generals and cronies expected high cash flows after post cyclone, the generals issued the special regulations for donations, lifting restrictions and regulations for this purpose. “But now things are different,” one of the high fly companies’ employees said, “their boss demanded not to spend cash and wait for day by day instructions”.
One of the SPDC close associates said “companies may never lose, senior general would let them recover their lost from different money making fields; oil drilling, gold mines, timber and fishing rights, don’t worry about it.”
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Provides Support
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Washington, DC, June 23, 2008 - The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction
and Recovery (GFDRR) has agreed to provide grant finance to support the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to strengthen its capacity to
rapidly respond to disasters throughout the region - the initial focus will
be on helping to assess the impact and damage caused by Cylone Nargis in
Myanmar.
A grant of $850,000 has been made to support the ASEAN Secretariat in
responding to Cyclone Nargis, which has left 77,738, people dead and 55,917
people still missing. ASEAN is currently leading teams of international
experts in conducting the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment, in partnership with
the United Nations and supported by Bank technical staff. The grant will be
used for training in damage and loss assessment techniques, technical
assistance in disaster recovery, and exchange on regional experiences
amongst ASEAN members, such as post-Tsunami community-based recovery
approaches.
The GFDRR is a partnership of Australia, Canada, Denmark, European
Commission, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway,
USAID/OFDA, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, UNISDR and the World Bank.
It aims to help countries undertake disaster risk and climate change impact
assessments, to formulate and implement risk mitigation strategies and
reduce the impact of natural disasters or recover from the effects. The
support to ASEAN is part of a first tranche of contributions received from
Australia and Sweden.
Source: IFI-Burma
Washington, DC, June 23, 2008 - The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction
and Recovery (GFDRR) has agreed to provide grant finance to support the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to strengthen its capacity to
rapidly respond to disasters throughout the region - the initial focus will
be on helping to assess the impact and damage caused by Cylone Nargis in
Myanmar.
A grant of $850,000 has been made to support the ASEAN Secretariat in
responding to Cyclone Nargis, which has left 77,738, people dead and 55,917
people still missing. ASEAN is currently leading teams of international
experts in conducting the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment, in partnership with
the United Nations and supported by Bank technical staff. The grant will be
used for training in damage and loss assessment techniques, technical
assistance in disaster recovery, and exchange on regional experiences
amongst ASEAN members, such as post-Tsunami community-based recovery
approaches.
The GFDRR is a partnership of Australia, Canada, Denmark, European
Commission, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway,
USAID/OFDA, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, UNISDR and the World Bank.
It aims to help countries undertake disaster risk and climate change impact
assessments, to formulate and implement risk mitigation strategies and
reduce the impact of natural disasters or recover from the effects. The
support to ASEAN is part of a first tranche of contributions received from
Australia and Sweden.
Source: IFI-Burma
News Hour: Two NLD women members were detained
BDD
June 26, 2008
Source close to NLD said two NLD women members were arrested by the special branch and local township police last night. Ma Cho of Lan-madaw Township and Ma Thengi from Thar kay-ta were separately arrested from their homes at midnight.
Two NLD women activists actively participated during Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 63rd birthday at NLD headquarters on 19th June, when SPDC special police forces backed USDA and Swin Arr-shin, civil militias attacked and arrested four DASSK supporters before its headquarters.
Ma Cho and Ma Thengi had also been doing for the NLD humanitarian relief committee functions since last month.
NLD women members have taken responsibility to invite and logistic of four hundred Buddhist Nuns from different townships for Lady’s birthday celebration at NLD head office. There have no further information about why they have been arrested and where they have been since last night.
June 26, 2008
Source close to NLD said two NLD women members were arrested by the special branch and local township police last night. Ma Cho of Lan-madaw Township and Ma Thengi from Thar kay-ta were separately arrested from their homes at midnight.
Two NLD women activists actively participated during Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 63rd birthday at NLD headquarters on 19th June, when SPDC special police forces backed USDA and Swin Arr-shin, civil militias attacked and arrested four DASSK supporters before its headquarters.
Ma Cho and Ma Thengi had also been doing for the NLD humanitarian relief committee functions since last month.
NLD women members have taken responsibility to invite and logistic of four hundred Buddhist Nuns from different townships for Lady’s birthday celebration at NLD head office. There have no further information about why they have been arrested and where they have been since last night.
Intelligence: One hundred and fifty officials were purged during shake up within SPDC
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sources close to regime said that one hundred and fifty senior military officials included high level generals were forced to retire or resign recent reshuffle. Four BSO heads and naval chief and few generals were also purged.
Senior general reportedly said during military council meeting, “During his life time, he never gets this kind of embarrassment because of lack of information from his men,” military source quoted saying. This major reshuffle, he lost many of his trusted men.
Burma's army observers speculated that senior general Than Shwe sacrificed many generals who failed to report him after past cyclone, who believed to criticize him for Nargis handling and other power struggle between him and his second man, general Maung aye.
Interestingly, new regional commanders are used to be heads of different military staff collage and training schools. How these new regional commanders getting positions while other field commanders waiting? This time, management skills and reevaluation of their performance were behind the new positions, sources positively said.
Another source predicted that senior general agreed to let shaking up because General Maung Aye. Outgoing Bureau of Special Operation heads were very senior persons and very closed with senior general Than Shwe. But he had to agree with General Maung Aye for new setup in terms of his intended to keep two men’s unity and compromising included.
Sources close to regime said that one hundred and fifty senior military officials included high level generals were forced to retire or resign recent reshuffle. Four BSO heads and naval chief and few generals were also purged.
Senior general reportedly said during military council meeting, “During his life time, he never gets this kind of embarrassment because of lack of information from his men,” military source quoted saying. This major reshuffle, he lost many of his trusted men.
Burma's army observers speculated that senior general Than Shwe sacrificed many generals who failed to report him after past cyclone, who believed to criticize him for Nargis handling and other power struggle between him and his second man, general Maung aye.
Interestingly, new regional commanders are used to be heads of different military staff collage and training schools. How these new regional commanders getting positions while other field commanders waiting? This time, management skills and reevaluation of their performance were behind the new positions, sources positively said.
Another source predicted that senior general agreed to let shaking up because General Maung Aye. Outgoing Bureau of Special Operation heads were very senior persons and very closed with senior general Than Shwe. But he had to agree with General Maung Aye for new setup in terms of his intended to keep two men’s unity and compromising included.
News Hour: Sayadaw Ashin Nyannissara is preaching in Mae Sot for Nargis Fund Raising
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
BDD
Burmese well-known Buddhist clergy Sayadaw Ashin Nyannissara provided a Buddhist preaching to Mae Sot Burmese community from all works of society included pro-democracy movement and migrant community at Taw Ya monastery, Mae Sot, Thailand this evening. Sayadaw was traveling from Bangkok this afternoon and funding raising for Nargis victims. This is part of his fund raising tour starting from Thailand and he is planning to travel to Tokyo, Japan.
His tremendous relief work in Irrawaddy delta since 8th May 2008, just six days after Nargis destroyed unknown numbers of property and one hundred and forty thousand people lost their lives and more than two million homeless.
He started moving his Sitagu relief mission towards Boka-lay, the most effective area with five thousand bags of rice, twenty tons of medicine and water, one hundred millions of cash to the people who couldn’t be reached by the government.
His main objective is to repair two thousands of monasteries in the delta because five hundred thousand refugees are depending on Buddhist monasteries there. Sayadaw’s next mission is to support local medical clinics and monastic schools.
BDD
Burmese well-known Buddhist clergy Sayadaw Ashin Nyannissara provided a Buddhist preaching to Mae Sot Burmese community from all works of society included pro-democracy movement and migrant community at Taw Ya monastery, Mae Sot, Thailand this evening. Sayadaw was traveling from Bangkok this afternoon and funding raising for Nargis victims. This is part of his fund raising tour starting from Thailand and he is planning to travel to Tokyo, Japan.
His tremendous relief work in Irrawaddy delta since 8th May 2008, just six days after Nargis destroyed unknown numbers of property and one hundred and forty thousand people lost their lives and more than two million homeless.
He started moving his Sitagu relief mission towards Boka-lay, the most effective area with five thousand bags of rice, twenty tons of medicine and water, one hundred millions of cash to the people who couldn’t be reached by the government.
His main objective is to repair two thousands of monasteries in the delta because five hundred thousand refugees are depending on Buddhist monasteries there. Sayadaw’s next mission is to support local medical clinics and monastic schools.
News Hour: Regime deported a foreigner who visited NLD Headquarters
BDD
Monday, June 23, 2008
One of foreign freelance journalists was deported yesterday after she visited NLD headquarters and interviewed with NLD seniors. Nowadays, SPDC has been watching all foreigners who are being in Rangoon and tailing what they are doing where they are going.
Special Branch policemen tailed her from NLD office to her hotel and the few days later, police rated the hotel room and searched her belonging and they questioned why she had been in Rangoon. There were few different units also followed her. During her investigation another group showed up but they backed off after they learnt that she was being questioned by one group.
During investigation, she realized that she was asked to cooperate or she must be sent to the detention center for visiting NLD. Policemen said all tourists are not allowed to visit there (NLD office), she replied do you have any official tourist information and instructions of restricting to visit NLD office?
She called her embassy after her situation was very tense. Later, embassy staff came to her hotel and informed her that she has to leave from the country immediately. She was lucky enough to keep pictures and her hand writing notes that SB policemen did only search her language. One hour later, she was escorted by policemen to the airport and flew out from Burma.
She noted that country is more complicated and more hardship for the people even in Rangoon, there were more plainclothes security personnel near the NLD office. She witnessed the NLD youth and members demonstrated at Lady’s birthday and civil militia stormed the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi supporters. She said the reality and what international aid agencies said was totally different, Burma is not normal.
Her main intention was to follow the news of well known social activist and movie director Ko Zarganar’s detention, but nobody knows where he is and development of NLD political role after referendum, she said.
Monday, June 23, 2008
One of foreign freelance journalists was deported yesterday after she visited NLD headquarters and interviewed with NLD seniors. Nowadays, SPDC has been watching all foreigners who are being in Rangoon and tailing what they are doing where they are going.
Special Branch policemen tailed her from NLD office to her hotel and the few days later, police rated the hotel room and searched her belonging and they questioned why she had been in Rangoon. There were few different units also followed her. During her investigation another group showed up but they backed off after they learnt that she was being questioned by one group.
During investigation, she realized that she was asked to cooperate or she must be sent to the detention center for visiting NLD. Policemen said all tourists are not allowed to visit there (NLD office), she replied do you have any official tourist information and instructions of restricting to visit NLD office?
She called her embassy after her situation was very tense. Later, embassy staff came to her hotel and informed her that she has to leave from the country immediately. She was lucky enough to keep pictures and her hand writing notes that SB policemen did only search her language. One hour later, she was escorted by policemen to the airport and flew out from Burma.
She noted that country is more complicated and more hardship for the people even in Rangoon, there were more plainclothes security personnel near the NLD office. She witnessed the NLD youth and members demonstrated at Lady’s birthday and civil militia stormed the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi supporters. She said the reality and what international aid agencies said was totally different, Burma is not normal.
Her main intention was to follow the news of well known social activist and movie director Ko Zarganar’s detention, but nobody knows where he is and development of NLD political role after referendum, she said.
Intelligence: Power struggle within SPDC
Friday, June 20, 2008
Burmese military regime announced the cabinet reshuffle list today and this is a result of cabinet meeting in Naypyidaw in past two weeks ago.
However, two close men of Than Shwe won the point man positions to deal with the international aid agencies and UN, while Navy commander in chief was purged.
Sources close to SPDC said that Navy commander Soe Thein became a scapegoat between senior general Than Shwe’s and General Maung Aye’s differences. After senior general was pleased that Hyine Gyi Island naval base vessels were able to escape from Cyclone Nargis after navy commander in chief ordered to sail out all costal and sea going ships to Zadadgyi naval base which is far south of Burma and outside of cyclone path. On the other hand, General Maung Aye blamed that navy commander in chief could have informed the military council and people should be informed to prepare for the cyclone Nargis.
Normally, navy chief position is transferred as a deputy prime minister post if they are almost age of sixty five, but this time he was appointed as minister of heavy industry means he was punished.
One of the different sources said that he had provided very warm reception towards US navy and air force personnel at the Rangoon international airport. But source also said that without senior general’s instruction; he wasn’t able to do so. His warm reception created unhappy for General Maung Aye apparently.
General Maung Aye, second man of SPDC busted as a devil role and opposed Cyclone relief operations, angrily criticized failure of light infantry (66)’s mobility to delta area that took a few weeks, and navy vessels posting at off shore of Irrawaddy delta to watch the movement of US, French and UK navy groups.
One source stressed that General Maung Aye had no intention to challenge Than Shwe but he was eager to get a recognition from other generals that he is a second in command. But other said both decided to disengage a normal conversation after office hour is very noticeable, sources said.
Burmese military regime announced the cabinet reshuffle list today and this is a result of cabinet meeting in Naypyidaw in past two weeks ago.
However, two close men of Than Shwe won the point man positions to deal with the international aid agencies and UN, while Navy commander in chief was purged.
Sources close to SPDC said that Navy commander Soe Thein became a scapegoat between senior general Than Shwe’s and General Maung Aye’s differences. After senior general was pleased that Hyine Gyi Island naval base vessels were able to escape from Cyclone Nargis after navy commander in chief ordered to sail out all costal and sea going ships to Zadadgyi naval base which is far south of Burma and outside of cyclone path. On the other hand, General Maung Aye blamed that navy commander in chief could have informed the military council and people should be informed to prepare for the cyclone Nargis.
Normally, navy chief position is transferred as a deputy prime minister post if they are almost age of sixty five, but this time he was appointed as minister of heavy industry means he was punished.
One of the different sources said that he had provided very warm reception towards US navy and air force personnel at the Rangoon international airport. But source also said that without senior general’s instruction; he wasn’t able to do so. His warm reception created unhappy for General Maung Aye apparently.
General Maung Aye, second man of SPDC busted as a devil role and opposed Cyclone relief operations, angrily criticized failure of light infantry (66)’s mobility to delta area that took a few weeks, and navy vessels posting at off shore of Irrawaddy delta to watch the movement of US, French and UK navy groups.
One source stressed that General Maung Aye had no intention to challenge Than Shwe but he was eager to get a recognition from other generals that he is a second in command. But other said both decided to disengage a normal conversation after office hour is very noticeable, sources said.
Regional: CAMBODIAN PROSECUTOR REQUESTS TEMPORARY LIFTING OF SAM RAINSY
6-21-2008
Ek Cheng Hout, deputy prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Court sent a letter to the president of the National Assembly on 16 June, 2008 requesting temporary lifting of Mr. Sam Rainsy's parliamentary immunity.
In his letter, prosecutor Ek Cheng Hout claims that following preliminary investigation, evidence gathered indicates that Mr. Sam Rainsy can be suspect of defamation, according to Articles 62 and 63 of UNTAC Criminal Law.
Source: CALD
Posted by BURMA DEMOCRACY
Ek Cheng Hout, deputy prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Court sent a letter to the president of the National Assembly on 16 June, 2008 requesting temporary lifting of Mr. Sam Rainsy's parliamentary immunity.
In his letter, prosecutor Ek Cheng Hout claims that following preliminary investigation, evidence gathered indicates that Mr. Sam Rainsy can be suspect of defamation, according to Articles 62 and 63 of UNTAC Criminal Law.
Source: CALD
Posted by BURMA DEMOCRACY
Intelligence: Is this a beginning of discipline democracy?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Military area commander forced Abbot (Sayadaw) of Shwegonding Parnita Rama monastery to cancel his acceptance to attend the NLD Headquarters’ plan for offering (Swan) meal for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday in the early morning of 19th June.
Source said Rangoon area (3) commander had threatened abbot that if he dared to paid visit to NLD office and have a meal, his monastery would be sealed off the same day. Then, Abbot had to cancel his arrangement and he requested NLD officials to bring meal instead.
Moreover, Military area (3) commander colonel Tint Sann played a big role to threaten NLD members, ordered USDA members to arrest supporters and he was road-side overseeing USDA and Swan Arr-Shin to block the both sides of the road, sources said.
After USDA and Swan Arr-shin stormed the NLD supporters and members, four plainclothes military personnel showed up to meet with the NLD leaders, U Aung Shwe, NLD chairman and few NLD seniors met them at the office.
After negotiation, NLD was able to hold the ceremony at 1 PM and regime security personnel reopened the road blocks both ends of the NLD Headquarters, sources said.
However, U Tun Myint (Bahan NLD) and U Maung Maung Thein (Mingalardon NLD), a Buddhist monk and a woman whom were arrested before NLD headquarters around 11 AM and driven to the unknown location.
Military area commander forced Abbot (Sayadaw) of Shwegonding Parnita Rama monastery to cancel his acceptance to attend the NLD Headquarters’ plan for offering (Swan) meal for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday in the early morning of 19th June.
Source said Rangoon area (3) commander had threatened abbot that if he dared to paid visit to NLD office and have a meal, his monastery would be sealed off the same day. Then, Abbot had to cancel his arrangement and he requested NLD officials to bring meal instead.
Moreover, Military area (3) commander colonel Tint Sann played a big role to threaten NLD members, ordered USDA members to arrest supporters and he was road-side overseeing USDA and Swan Arr-Shin to block the both sides of the road, sources said.
After USDA and Swan Arr-shin stormed the NLD supporters and members, four plainclothes military personnel showed up to meet with the NLD leaders, U Aung Shwe, NLD chairman and few NLD seniors met them at the office.
After negotiation, NLD was able to hold the ceremony at 1 PM and regime security personnel reopened the road blocks both ends of the NLD Headquarters, sources said.
However, U Tun Myint (Bahan NLD) and U Maung Maung Thein (Mingalardon NLD), a Buddhist monk and a woman whom were arrested before NLD headquarters around 11 AM and driven to the unknown location.
Breaking News: SPDC thugs daringly attacked NLD members and supporters at the Lady’s 63rd Birthday
BDD
6-19-2008
Sources close to NLD said that USDA and Swan Arr-Shin (SPDC militia) backed by military intelligence units approached and trying to arrest several NLD members who were shouting "Free Daw Aung San Suu kyi and Long Live Daw Aung San Suu Kyi” while arrested five members included two Buddhist monks and one woman near NLD Headquarters around 11 AM Burmese Standard Time.
Unconfirmed sources said more than 90 supporters were pushed and asked to leave by SPDC thugs. Regime has stepped up pressure and clearly showed that they have to deal with any opposition members with violent means.
Recently, regime's special police units have rounded up and arrested ten NLD and 88 generation members and two prominent social activists within last week.
Sources close to SPDC said that regime military council and civil militia groups were reportedly very angry with the individual donors and relief workers for Nargis Cyclone relief effort. In fact, all credits go to the religious leaders who work for Nargis and individuals. But regime lost its propaganda and no one believes that regime's showcase refugee camps, its relief functions and military council copycatted Chinese model of relief programs, a well-known media activist said.
Regime TV and media openly accused the international and Burmese language media caused country's instability and misleading the citizens. SPDC added propaganda notice on MRTV 1,3 and 5 requested that people not to listen to BBC, VOA and RFA.
6-19-2008
Sources close to NLD said that USDA and Swan Arr-Shin (SPDC militia) backed by military intelligence units approached and trying to arrest several NLD members who were shouting "Free Daw Aung San Suu kyi and Long Live Daw Aung San Suu Kyi” while arrested five members included two Buddhist monks and one woman near NLD Headquarters around 11 AM Burmese Standard Time.
Unconfirmed sources said more than 90 supporters were pushed and asked to leave by SPDC thugs. Regime has stepped up pressure and clearly showed that they have to deal with any opposition members with violent means.
Recently, regime's special police units have rounded up and arrested ten NLD and 88 generation members and two prominent social activists within last week.
Sources close to SPDC said that regime military council and civil militia groups were reportedly very angry with the individual donors and relief workers for Nargis Cyclone relief effort. In fact, all credits go to the religious leaders who work for Nargis and individuals. But regime lost its propaganda and no one believes that regime's showcase refugee camps, its relief functions and military council copycatted Chinese model of relief programs, a well-known media activist said.
Regime TV and media openly accused the international and Burmese language media caused country's instability and misleading the citizens. SPDC added propaganda notice on MRTV 1,3 and 5 requested that people not to listen to BBC, VOA and RFA.
Breaking News: Major Operations Against Pro-Democracy Groups on the Eve of the Lady’s Birthday
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Rangoon
SPDC security was beefed up over the eve of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 63rd Birthday in Rangoon and other major cities, said sources close to the NLD inside Burma. Prominent NLD leaders and former NLD leaders have been watched and tailed 24/7, sources said.
Near the NLD headquarters, other prominent NLD leaders have been watched and followed by plainclothes police and USDA members. The regime authorities were ordered to keep peace and stability before Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Birthday celebration on June 19th. Shwedagon Pagoda, a major political focal point of Burma’s independence and anti-dictatorship movement since 1920, has been patrolled tightly by police and military personnel, witnesses said.
Two issues have been the main focus for pro-democracy activists recently, said a former NLD member and movie director. The pro-democracy activists from the NLD and other groups have been working mainly on Cyclone Nargis and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi issues lately.
Sources close to the NLD said that regime would be ready to arrest prominent NLD members on the eve of the Lady’s Birthday. This would be a form of testing the water, a way for the regime to see the reaction from the international community and domestic activists such as the social and religious community.
Rangoon
SPDC security was beefed up over the eve of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 63rd Birthday in Rangoon and other major cities, said sources close to the NLD inside Burma. Prominent NLD leaders and former NLD leaders have been watched and tailed 24/7, sources said.
Near the NLD headquarters, other prominent NLD leaders have been watched and followed by plainclothes police and USDA members. The regime authorities were ordered to keep peace and stability before Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Birthday celebration on June 19th. Shwedagon Pagoda, a major political focal point of Burma’s independence and anti-dictatorship movement since 1920, has been patrolled tightly by police and military personnel, witnesses said.
Two issues have been the main focus for pro-democracy activists recently, said a former NLD member and movie director. The pro-democracy activists from the NLD and other groups have been working mainly on Cyclone Nargis and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi issues lately.
Sources close to the NLD said that regime would be ready to arrest prominent NLD members on the eve of the Lady’s Birthday. This would be a form of testing the water, a way for the regime to see the reaction from the international community and domestic activists such as the social and religious community.
Breaking News: One of the 88 generation student leaders was arrested
BDD
Monday, June 16, 2008
Ko Myat Thu, 88 generation leader was arrested at his mother's home in Kan Daw Ka Lay area in Rangoon at the night of 14th June 2008. He is one of the student leaders who were most effective 88 generation leaders' agitatation during historical Saffron Revolution in September 2007. He was on the run from military intelligence and Special Branch police. He was able to escape from regime special police until 14th evening where his hide out was rated.
Source close to 88 generation leaders stressed that Ko Myat Thu’s mother has been sick and family members are being watched by three plain coat police and USDA members 24 hours a day at near family home.
Other 88 generation student leaders like ko Tun Myint Aung and others would be in danger because SPDC military intelligence joint operation to arrest more student leaders before August 2008.
Sources said that 88 generation leaders in hiding are also actively involving in the part of the Nargis emergency relief effort behind. Regime seemed to be very serious about blocking pro-democracy activists who are directly or indirectly involving in Nargis relief.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Ko Myat Thu, 88 generation leader was arrested at his mother's home in Kan Daw Ka Lay area in Rangoon at the night of 14th June 2008. He is one of the student leaders who were most effective 88 generation leaders' agitatation during historical Saffron Revolution in September 2007. He was on the run from military intelligence and Special Branch police. He was able to escape from regime special police until 14th evening where his hide out was rated.
Source close to 88 generation leaders stressed that Ko Myat Thu’s mother has been sick and family members are being watched by three plain coat police and USDA members 24 hours a day at near family home.
Other 88 generation student leaders like ko Tun Myint Aung and others would be in danger because SPDC military intelligence joint operation to arrest more student leaders before August 2008.
Sources said that 88 generation leaders in hiding are also actively involving in the part of the Nargis emergency relief effort behind. Regime seemed to be very serious about blocking pro-democracy activists who are directly or indirectly involving in Nargis relief.
Breaking News: Ko Zarganar is being questioned at his residence
BDD
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Ko Zarganar, a comedian and movie director, is being faced interrogation by the Special Branch police in his Rangoon residence at 8:30 PM Rangoon time.
His house is being searched by police but wasn’t clear what is the motive. He is very well known and respected about Nargis individual relief workers and people around the country donated emergency relief materials, food, clothing and medicine for Nargis refugees. His house turned to be a relief center and storage place for Nargis victims.
On the other hand, he openly criticized the government lies and propagandas to the Burmese radio interviews in terms of lack of government provided relief works and aids from UN and international agencies.
He recently returned from Delta and delivered the relief goods to the very remote villages by small boats with media and movie industry colleagues.
Sources said his lead volunteer works in Nargis relief works and very supportive from the domestic donors all over Burma. Police are still at his house and questioning him and others.
"Regime has been annoyed by he and other Burmese celebrities devoted actions for the refugees", one of the movie directors stressed.
In fact, dead bodies are floating in the rivers and creeks nearby houses in villages and even banks of Bogalay, Latputta and Pya Pone towns that could seen in his last video. “How come government announced that emergency relief works was over while dead bodies are still floating and no one from government comes and collect them and they dare to call its over?”
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Ko Zarganar, a comedian and movie director, is being faced interrogation by the Special Branch police in his Rangoon residence at 8:30 PM Rangoon time.
His house is being searched by police but wasn’t clear what is the motive. He is very well known and respected about Nargis individual relief workers and people around the country donated emergency relief materials, food, clothing and medicine for Nargis refugees. His house turned to be a relief center and storage place for Nargis victims.
On the other hand, he openly criticized the government lies and propagandas to the Burmese radio interviews in terms of lack of government provided relief works and aids from UN and international agencies.
He recently returned from Delta and delivered the relief goods to the very remote villages by small boats with media and movie industry colleagues.
Sources said his lead volunteer works in Nargis relief works and very supportive from the domestic donors all over Burma. Police are still at his house and questioning him and others.
"Regime has been annoyed by he and other Burmese celebrities devoted actions for the refugees", one of the movie directors stressed.
In fact, dead bodies are floating in the rivers and creeks nearby houses in villages and even banks of Bogalay, Latputta and Pya Pone towns that could seen in his last video. “How come government announced that emergency relief works was over while dead bodies are still floating and no one from government comes and collect them and they dare to call its over?”
Intelligence: What they said and thought at the cabinet meeting in Naypyidaw
BDD
30-05-2008
Naypyidaw's super cabinet meeting ended with tougher line to against any colonialism and decided to resist the any foreign interfering in a social-political situations in Burma, sources close to regime said. Senior-general Than Shwe chaired the two days meeting with cabinet and military council members two days ago was renewing last cabinet meeting in July 2007.
Mainly, cabinet members who belong to hard-liner camp had accused the US, UK, France and EU for having irresponsible pressure over Burma. Group close to Than Shwe said Burmese are able to survive without international assistance for relief effort.
The whole meeting was heading to programs of re-construction and rebuilding. They calculated how much international would assist to their programs, because generals in military council lost millions of dollars after cyclone Nargis. Previously regime claimed 11 billion was gone and they are eager to netback their lost with the help from international community. They did not mention people lost their lives and possible disaster if failed to assist.
Interestingly, cabinet meeting divided into two groups; who lost their wealth and who tended to refuse pressure from UN and ASEAN because they had no interest in the Delta and Rangoon from their personal interest, source said. One group sounded to get aid and another said imposable to accept the conditional request from UN-ASEAN.
However, both side agreed not to free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and she might be another trouble with internal issue. None of the cabinet members decided or suggested what they were willing to do with her but eager to approve senior general’s final decision.
Country’s hope and future is uncertain, approving or new constitutions, preparing for transitional period, country’s prosperity and all of the meeting agendas had full with lies, sources said.
Interest groups from business and military councils weighted Than Shwe to decide accepting assistance from international community. His first trip to cyclone effective area with businessmen and military officials but no one from cabinet included.
Sources said he was unhappy with UN chief diplomat because he expected reconstruction issue from UN but UN chief did say much about relief issue.
30-05-2008
Naypyidaw's super cabinet meeting ended with tougher line to against any colonialism and decided to resist the any foreign interfering in a social-political situations in Burma, sources close to regime said. Senior-general Than Shwe chaired the two days meeting with cabinet and military council members two days ago was renewing last cabinet meeting in July 2007.
Mainly, cabinet members who belong to hard-liner camp had accused the US, UK, France and EU for having irresponsible pressure over Burma. Group close to Than Shwe said Burmese are able to survive without international assistance for relief effort.
The whole meeting was heading to programs of re-construction and rebuilding. They calculated how much international would assist to their programs, because generals in military council lost millions of dollars after cyclone Nargis. Previously regime claimed 11 billion was gone and they are eager to netback their lost with the help from international community. They did not mention people lost their lives and possible disaster if failed to assist.
Interestingly, cabinet meeting divided into two groups; who lost their wealth and who tended to refuse pressure from UN and ASEAN because they had no interest in the Delta and Rangoon from their personal interest, source said. One group sounded to get aid and another said imposable to accept the conditional request from UN-ASEAN.
However, both side agreed not to free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and she might be another trouble with internal issue. None of the cabinet members decided or suggested what they were willing to do with her but eager to approve senior general’s final decision.
Country’s hope and future is uncertain, approving or new constitutions, preparing for transitional period, country’s prosperity and all of the meeting agendas had full with lies, sources said.
Interest groups from business and military councils weighted Than Shwe to decide accepting assistance from international community. His first trip to cyclone effective area with businessmen and military officials but no one from cabinet included.
Sources said he was unhappy with UN chief diplomat because he expected reconstruction issue from UN but UN chief did say much about relief issue.
Breaking News: Fifteen NLD youth being arrested for 18th anniversary election wining day
BDD
Sources closed to the NLD said that 15 NLD youth members who were arrested while marching toward Daw Auung San Suu Kyi's Residence. There were arrested by soldiers and special branch police near her residence.
They have distributed leaflets, shorting slogans while they were marching towards her residence before being arrested. They were marching from NLD HQs while on lookers cheering the NLD youth during marching.
Sources closed to the NLD said that 15 NLD youth members who were arrested while marching toward Daw Auung San Suu Kyi's Residence. There were arrested by soldiers and special branch police near her residence.
They have distributed leaflets, shorting slogans while they were marching towards her residence before being arrested. They were marching from NLD HQs while on lookers cheering the NLD youth during marching.
View: Post Cyclone
Monday, May 26, 2008
Kay Latt & NOM
"Burma seemed back to normal" MRTV shows with normality but now facing grave situations by Cyclone Nargis that could cause 2.5 million people still have lack of proper assistances, according to the international NGOs said 20 % of 2.5 million have received some relief aid while generals have been doing special occasions and ceremonies while electricity and drinking water are more than enough in Naypyidaw.
Generals looked very tired because they had paid too much attention of its preset wining results and tended to show it proudly than nothing while more than hundred thousand sacrificed their lives and two million people must wait the regime’s free and appropriate time to assist them.
We do not talk about unfairness, we want to talk about Burmese people deserve to live another day. But the world still ignores our people of Burma are facing lack of fundamental rights and uneasy to approach generals with carrot and stick policy.
Civilize world could see real ground situation without interfering?
“If someone dare to treat your family funnel like inhuman, would you accept it?” a very powerful and influential Buddhist clergy angrily noted after he learned that SPDC local authorities and USDA members pushed the death bodies into the rivers instead of collecting them to cremate and burn. One of the regime cabinet members quoted saying “our responsibility could be backed by fishes”.
Burma may not be the same as yesterday for another decade, people have no hope and no idea what they are supposed to do if regime treats them as usual.
Burmese generals and cabinet members are supposed to meet today and tomorrow in jungle capital and the result might not be many different, one of the exile scholars noted. They perhaps would discuss to keep Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from the public for another few more years.
French’s anger might not be counted after regime’s refusal and INGOs negotiated French warship to unload relief materials near Bangkok instead of Rangoon harbor. Quiet of R2P, UN may not be very popular after regime’s zigzag strategy, delaying tactics of military defensive strategy may play upper hand with INGOs.
Interest groups will lobby for SPDC senior general without having in a regime payroll list. In the mean time, Burmese people who lost their homes, jobs, businesses, tend to explore fund for bus fare to migrate neighboring countries. So much donation will go to the cronies, SPDC might not have any responsibility because people of Burma who want to leave from motherland without consultation with local authorities and inpatient to wait the help from government.
The generals have a different view but that also a different than rest of the world!
Kay Latt & NOM
"Burma seemed back to normal" MRTV shows with normality but now facing grave situations by Cyclone Nargis that could cause 2.5 million people still have lack of proper assistances, according to the international NGOs said 20 % of 2.5 million have received some relief aid while generals have been doing special occasions and ceremonies while electricity and drinking water are more than enough in Naypyidaw.
Generals looked very tired because they had paid too much attention of its preset wining results and tended to show it proudly than nothing while more than hundred thousand sacrificed their lives and two million people must wait the regime’s free and appropriate time to assist them.
We do not talk about unfairness, we want to talk about Burmese people deserve to live another day. But the world still ignores our people of Burma are facing lack of fundamental rights and uneasy to approach generals with carrot and stick policy.
Civilize world could see real ground situation without interfering?
“If someone dare to treat your family funnel like inhuman, would you accept it?” a very powerful and influential Buddhist clergy angrily noted after he learned that SPDC local authorities and USDA members pushed the death bodies into the rivers instead of collecting them to cremate and burn. One of the regime cabinet members quoted saying “our responsibility could be backed by fishes”.
Burma may not be the same as yesterday for another decade, people have no hope and no idea what they are supposed to do if regime treats them as usual.
Burmese generals and cabinet members are supposed to meet today and tomorrow in jungle capital and the result might not be many different, one of the exile scholars noted. They perhaps would discuss to keep Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from the public for another few more years.
French’s anger might not be counted after regime’s refusal and INGOs negotiated French warship to unload relief materials near Bangkok instead of Rangoon harbor. Quiet of R2P, UN may not be very popular after regime’s zigzag strategy, delaying tactics of military defensive strategy may play upper hand with INGOs.
Interest groups will lobby for SPDC senior general without having in a regime payroll list. In the mean time, Burmese people who lost their homes, jobs, businesses, tend to explore fund for bus fare to migrate neighboring countries. So much donation will go to the cronies, SPDC might not have any responsibility because people of Burma who want to leave from motherland without consultation with local authorities and inpatient to wait the help from government.
The generals have a different view but that also a different than rest of the world!
Concerning immediate requirement of the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Statement of the National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
Date: May 25, 2008
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, general secretary of the National League for Democracy, has been under house arrest for exactly 5 years. She was attacked by members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and thugs backed by the military during the massacre near the town Depayin. The massacre took place during an organizational tour on 30th May 2003.
Since then, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had been put under house arrest for the so called reason of "protective custody" under the article 10(b) of the Burma State Protection Law 1975, which permits the authorities to detain a person who is deemed to be "a threat to the sovereignty and security of the State and peace of the people" for up to five years only.
Continuing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s detainment would constitute a violation of the very law under which she was arrested. During the current emergency in our country from the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis, it is imperative that the SPDC release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and cooperate with her for good of our country. Burma needs immediate international assistance for cyclone victims and long-term reconstruction for individual lives and the state economy, but such assistance cannot be provided under the current political situation.
The root cause of the economic deterioration, poverty and lack of proper development is the junta’s failure to engage in a political dialogue. Effective international assistance will not be possible until the junta supports genuine democratic change, as desired by the Burmese people. The economic, social and political situation will continue to deteriorate so long as the present regime maintains its current course of action. The junta must meet and cooperate with political leaders and ethnic national leaders to solve the political, social, and economic problems of the country.
Only after the junta has released Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and begun a genuine dialogue with her and other political leaders, including ethnic leaders and student leaders, can the international community provide the political and economic support that Burma needs to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by Nargis. Therefore, we call for the S.P.D.C to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi immediately and unconditionally and to work with her to solve Burma’s immediate problems, as well as underlying causes for the deteriorating situation in Burma.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
Statement of the National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
Date: May 25, 2008
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, general secretary of the National League for Democracy, has been under house arrest for exactly 5 years. She was attacked by members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and thugs backed by the military during the massacre near the town Depayin. The massacre took place during an organizational tour on 30th May 2003.
Since then, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had been put under house arrest for the so called reason of "protective custody" under the article 10(b) of the Burma State Protection Law 1975, which permits the authorities to detain a person who is deemed to be "a threat to the sovereignty and security of the State and peace of the people" for up to five years only.
Continuing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s detainment would constitute a violation of the very law under which she was arrested. During the current emergency in our country from the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis, it is imperative that the SPDC release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and cooperate with her for good of our country. Burma needs immediate international assistance for cyclone victims and long-term reconstruction for individual lives and the state economy, but such assistance cannot be provided under the current political situation.
The root cause of the economic deterioration, poverty and lack of proper development is the junta’s failure to engage in a political dialogue. Effective international assistance will not be possible until the junta supports genuine democratic change, as desired by the Burmese people. The economic, social and political situation will continue to deteriorate so long as the present regime maintains its current course of action. The junta must meet and cooperate with political leaders and ethnic national leaders to solve the political, social, and economic problems of the country.
Only after the junta has released Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and begun a genuine dialogue with her and other political leaders, including ethnic leaders and student leaders, can the international community provide the political and economic support that Burma needs to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by Nargis. Therefore, we call for the S.P.D.C to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi immediately and unconditionally and to work with her to solve Burma’s immediate problems, as well as underlying causes for the deteriorating situation in Burma.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
Intelligence: SPDC politicizing its’ sham referendum with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sources close to regime said that Lt Gen Ye Myint of (head of Sa Ya Pha or military intelligence) called all the ceasefire armed ethnic organizations and forced them to sign a paper stating that the referendum was successfully conducted on 24th May 2008.
Sources continued that the regime is now arranging for these ethnic leaders who signed the statement to meet the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and give the letter and also state that they approved of the referendum yesterday. BDD is still trying to confirm this is reality and time and location.
Source said this event is showing that SPDC is not interested in saving the cyclone victims but to make sure UN chief to approve its sham referendum and is litigate, and they are clearly politicizing with UN chief diplomat. But close to the UN source did not approve this event.
Sources close to regime said that Lt Gen Ye Myint of (head of Sa Ya Pha or military intelligence) called all the ceasefire armed ethnic organizations and forced them to sign a paper stating that the referendum was successfully conducted on 24th May 2008.
Sources continued that the regime is now arranging for these ethnic leaders who signed the statement to meet the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and give the letter and also state that they approved of the referendum yesterday. BDD is still trying to confirm this is reality and time and location.
Source said this event is showing that SPDC is not interested in saving the cyclone victims but to make sure UN chief to approve its sham referendum and is litigate, and they are clearly politicizing with UN chief diplomat. But close to the UN source did not approve this event.
Breaking News: Than Shwe promises to allow all aid workers
BDD
Friday, May 23, 2008
UN secretary general is reportedly saying that Than Shwe allows all international aid workers. However, the generals will allow or not on the US, UK and French humanitarian assistance ships to provide urgent relief to the needy people just off shore of Irrawaddy delta. U Maung Maung, General Secretary of NCUB said “we need monitoring mechanism from Non-ASEAN countries that these countries could check the SPDC's zigzag strategy.”
There is not clear UN secretary general would bring more political intervention that UN has established the goodwill mission to Burma after regime bloody crackdown on Buddhist monks and students in September 2007, and prolong dialogue process between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and regime.
UN secretary general’s goodwill visit to Burma is understandable for urgent humanitarian assistance but political deadlock would not provide any better for the people in long run.
Friday, May 23, 2008
UN secretary general is reportedly saying that Than Shwe allows all international aid workers. However, the generals will allow or not on the US, UK and French humanitarian assistance ships to provide urgent relief to the needy people just off shore of Irrawaddy delta. U Maung Maung, General Secretary of NCUB said “we need monitoring mechanism from Non-ASEAN countries that these countries could check the SPDC's zigzag strategy.”
There is not clear UN secretary general would bring more political intervention that UN has established the goodwill mission to Burma after regime bloody crackdown on Buddhist monks and students in September 2007, and prolong dialogue process between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and regime.
UN secretary general’s goodwill visit to Burma is understandable for urgent humanitarian assistance but political deadlock would not provide any better for the people in long run.
Intelligence: Army personnel missing for their love ones in Irrawaddy delta
BDD
May 21 2008
Unconfirmed sources said few dozen military personnel are missing with their guns, ammunitions last weekend from their posts from lower Burma after Nargis. Source said that the army is unable to contact or search them.
Sources close to regime rebutted that deserter issue is here and there and it is a common issue in the military institution.
However, unconfirmed sources said that they are believed to go back to the delta region to search their love ones. Noticeably, senior general Than Shwe has recently limited himself from visiting major effective area and he went to makeup refugee camp near Rangoon, and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has planned to visit the cyclone effective area.
May 21 2008
Unconfirmed sources said few dozen military personnel are missing with their guns, ammunitions last weekend from their posts from lower Burma after Nargis. Source said that the army is unable to contact or search them.
Sources close to regime rebutted that deserter issue is here and there and it is a common issue in the military institution.
However, unconfirmed sources said that they are believed to go back to the delta region to search their love ones. Noticeably, senior general Than Shwe has recently limited himself from visiting major effective area and he went to makeup refugee camp near Rangoon, and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has planned to visit the cyclone effective area.
Burma's next wave of dying
By Chris Beyrer and Jared Genser | May 21, 2008
THE UNITED NATIONS estimates that more than 100,000 people may have been killed in the devastating cyclone in Burma and that some 220,000 are reported missing. But approaching three weeks after the storm, some 75 percent of the 3 million or more severely affected have yet to receive any food, water, shelter, medication for the sick, or means of escape from flooded regions. The Burmese junta has denied access for the delivery of humanitarian aid to all but a handful of outsiders.
The next wave of dying is already underway, from thirst, starvation, untreated injuries, and infectious diseases. Major health threats for survivors include water-borne diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, cholera, and e. coli; food-borne diseases from eating poor or rotten food, compounded by the lack of cooking fuel and equipment; and the mosquito-borne diseases malaria and dengue fever, now compounded by the huge numbers of people sleeping outside and surrounded by water.
The international community is at a crucial moment of choice: Should the sovereignty of a regime bent on self-preservation trump the lives of those hundreds of thousands of civilians who are in serious peril because of its life-threatening actions?
Under the new doctrine of the "responsibility to protect," unanimously adopted by the General Assembly and Security Council, inherent in each state's sovereignty is a corresponding duty to protect one's own citizens from the most serious of human-rights abuses, including crimes against humanity. If a state is either unwilling or unable to protect its own citizens, the international community has an obligation to step in.
By its policy choices, the Burmese junta is magnifying the extent of the tragedy in a manner that is designed to sacrifice its own people on the altar of its very survival. Such conduct presents a prima facie case of crimes against humanity, under the category of so-called "other inhumane acts" intentionally causing great suffering or death. So far, Burma's allies on the Security Council, including China, Russia, and South Africa, have protected the junta from a robust international response.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon travels to Burma tomorrow to press the regime for greater access. Nevertheless, he has yet to receive any response from General Than Shwe to his calls and letters. ASEAN foreign ministers met Monday and issued a statement claiming that Burma agreed to allow swift access. But the international community should not be fooled by symbolic gestures from the junta such as approving nine helicopters from the World Food Program to fly in relief or granting visas to dozens of aid workers from surrounding countries. Progress is being made at a snail's pace in comparison to the massive need. What is required now is both a massive inflow of supplies and the expert aid workers needed to deliver relief on the scale this storm demands.
While these political discussions drag on and millions suffer, the junta is using the tragedy to its every advantage. ASEAN is now hosting what the Burmese have described as a "reconstruction" conference in Rangoon on Sunday. Yet how can one talk about reconstruction before the most basic needs of the people have yet to be met? And holding this conference on the same day that the house arrest of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi must be extended will no doubt be spun in junta propaganda as expressions of international approval for their policies.
If Ban and ASEAN cannot persuade the junta to yield in swift and meaningful ways then the United States, United Kingdom, and France need to press for a multilateral intervention supporting countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore in delivering massive quantities of aid, which Burma has purportedly agreed to allow. Such an Asian intervention should be less threatening than a Western one. But an intervention with or without the support of the junta is desperately needed.
While the Burmese junta has no qualms about sacrificing its own people, to stand idly by as thousands suffer and die would leave all of us with blood on our hands.
Chris Beyrer, a medical epidemiologist, directs the Center for Public Health and Human Rights at Johns Hopkins University. Jared Genser is president of Freedom Now and attorney for Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest in Burma.
Source: Boston Globe
THE UNITED NATIONS estimates that more than 100,000 people may have been killed in the devastating cyclone in Burma and that some 220,000 are reported missing. But approaching three weeks after the storm, some 75 percent of the 3 million or more severely affected have yet to receive any food, water, shelter, medication for the sick, or means of escape from flooded regions. The Burmese junta has denied access for the delivery of humanitarian aid to all but a handful of outsiders.
The next wave of dying is already underway, from thirst, starvation, untreated injuries, and infectious diseases. Major health threats for survivors include water-borne diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, cholera, and e. coli; food-borne diseases from eating poor or rotten food, compounded by the lack of cooking fuel and equipment; and the mosquito-borne diseases malaria and dengue fever, now compounded by the huge numbers of people sleeping outside and surrounded by water.
The international community is at a crucial moment of choice: Should the sovereignty of a regime bent on self-preservation trump the lives of those hundreds of thousands of civilians who are in serious peril because of its life-threatening actions?
Under the new doctrine of the "responsibility to protect," unanimously adopted by the General Assembly and Security Council, inherent in each state's sovereignty is a corresponding duty to protect one's own citizens from the most serious of human-rights abuses, including crimes against humanity. If a state is either unwilling or unable to protect its own citizens, the international community has an obligation to step in.
By its policy choices, the Burmese junta is magnifying the extent of the tragedy in a manner that is designed to sacrifice its own people on the altar of its very survival. Such conduct presents a prima facie case of crimes against humanity, under the category of so-called "other inhumane acts" intentionally causing great suffering or death. So far, Burma's allies on the Security Council, including China, Russia, and South Africa, have protected the junta from a robust international response.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon travels to Burma tomorrow to press the regime for greater access. Nevertheless, he has yet to receive any response from General Than Shwe to his calls and letters. ASEAN foreign ministers met Monday and issued a statement claiming that Burma agreed to allow swift access. But the international community should not be fooled by symbolic gestures from the junta such as approving nine helicopters from the World Food Program to fly in relief or granting visas to dozens of aid workers from surrounding countries. Progress is being made at a snail's pace in comparison to the massive need. What is required now is both a massive inflow of supplies and the expert aid workers needed to deliver relief on the scale this storm demands.
While these political discussions drag on and millions suffer, the junta is using the tragedy to its every advantage. ASEAN is now hosting what the Burmese have described as a "reconstruction" conference in Rangoon on Sunday. Yet how can one talk about reconstruction before the most basic needs of the people have yet to be met? And holding this conference on the same day that the house arrest of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi must be extended will no doubt be spun in junta propaganda as expressions of international approval for their policies.
If Ban and ASEAN cannot persuade the junta to yield in swift and meaningful ways then the United States, United Kingdom, and France need to press for a multilateral intervention supporting countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore in delivering massive quantities of aid, which Burma has purportedly agreed to allow. Such an Asian intervention should be less threatening than a Western one. But an intervention with or without the support of the junta is desperately needed.
While the Burmese junta has no qualms about sacrificing its own people, to stand idly by as thousands suffer and die would leave all of us with blood on our hands.
Chris Beyrer, a medical epidemiologist, directs the Center for Public Health and Human Rights at Johns Hopkins University. Jared Genser is president of Freedom Now and attorney for Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest in Burma.
Source: Boston Globe
Monday, July 14, 2008
Cambodia confiscates 'Burma Daily'
Phnom Penh (dpa) - The Cambodian government on Monday confiscated the Cambodia Daily newspaper from newsstands over a supplement called The Burma Daily, the Information Ministry and the newspaper's publisher said.
The official ministry explanation was that the confiscation was ordered because The Burma Daily, which had appeared since last week as a four-page insert with an identical masthead as its sister publication, was not licensed.
But publisher Bernard Krisher argued that the paper did not need a license because it was a supplement and the decision to confiscate the English- and Khmer-language daily, which has a circulation of about 5,000, reflected badly on the government.
He vowed to continue to print The Burma Daily for several more days as planned even if it were confiscated. After its printing is finished, it is to become an online and mail publication for distribution in Burma.
"The Burma Daily has no political agenda," he said by telephone. "It is designed to introduce to the Burmese people what a free and responsible newspaper looks like."
Krisher said he had not spoken to the ministry about the reasons for confiscating the paper, which is viewed by expatriates as a primary source of daily news in English.
"I don't have to explain to anyone," he said. "The New York Times does not explain to President [George W] Bush."
Media analysts speculated that the government might fear that the often anti-government Cambodia Daily might embarrass it by taking a similar approach to the Burmese military junta.
Cambodia and Burma have maintained warm relations despite an international outcry over the junta's appalling human rights record.
The nation's largest journalism association, the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said it was investigating the confiscation of the newspapers.
Information Minister Khieu Kanharith was not available for comment Monday.
Source: Bangkok Post Breaking News
The official ministry explanation was that the confiscation was ordered because The Burma Daily, which had appeared since last week as a four-page insert with an identical masthead as its sister publication, was not licensed.
But publisher Bernard Krisher argued that the paper did not need a license because it was a supplement and the decision to confiscate the English- and Khmer-language daily, which has a circulation of about 5,000, reflected badly on the government.
He vowed to continue to print The Burma Daily for several more days as planned even if it were confiscated. After its printing is finished, it is to become an online and mail publication for distribution in Burma.
"The Burma Daily has no political agenda," he said by telephone. "It is designed to introduce to the Burmese people what a free and responsible newspaper looks like."
Krisher said he had not spoken to the ministry about the reasons for confiscating the paper, which is viewed by expatriates as a primary source of daily news in English.
"I don't have to explain to anyone," he said. "The New York Times does not explain to President [George W] Bush."
Media analysts speculated that the government might fear that the often anti-government Cambodia Daily might embarrass it by taking a similar approach to the Burmese military junta.
Cambodia and Burma have maintained warm relations despite an international outcry over the junta's appalling human rights record.
The nation's largest journalism association, the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said it was investigating the confiscation of the newspapers.
Information Minister Khieu Kanharith was not available for comment Monday.
Source: Bangkok Post Breaking News
Judgment Day: Should world let massive deaths by man-made disaster?
Nyo Ohn Myint
Tuesday, 13 May 2008 18:32
(Commentary)
One has to wake up from the nightmare of allowing Burma's brutal regime's final episode of ignoring its own people dying in post cyclone Nargis. Having an ineffective UN good office and international disagreement over Burma's latest political development, the world indeed witnesses with its own eyes the brutal generals' heartless decision over storm survivors. Now the World Theater shows "We don't care for Burmese people who are suffering and dying, our intention is to approve our sham referendum by all means."
On behalf of the Burmese people, the National League for Democracy has begged the International Community to intervene helplessly dying Burmese people that they do not deserve to die. On the contrary, regime generals had urged China to block along with other eight council members at the UN Security Council's any concrete initiatives by USA, UK and France's efforts of allowing UN and others to humanitarian action.
This is not a time to argue and reject who would get political advantage or lose influence over people and their brutal regime, the point here is how to save a human life. China and other pro-SPDC should not enjoy and recognize the regime's mouthpiece MRTV shamelessly showing generals donating storm victims UN relief goods. ASEAN, China and other pro-SPDC neighbours should drop their notion of Burma being balkanized in terms of accepting the regime in power. These countries' reaction over Burma would be very late if Burma reaches the level of Rwanda "wasting human lives because of an undecided nature" a Burmese scholar angrily said.
Eleven days after the destructive and deadly cyclone, the international community still needs to wait for the regime's top general who committed crime against humanity through Burma's neighbours' statesmen's mediation. Interestingly, none pro-SPDC in and out of the region has said the generals are right to have a referendum or congratulated the senior general. Than Shwe showed no feeling over the tens of thousands deaths and those millions waiting for help from anywhere.
If this is not the last episode for Than Shwe, Burmese people would be in hell in the next decade, said a Burmese in Rangoon. Sources close to the regime said no one in the regime dared to suggest to Than Shwe to call off the referendum. All the manpower has been used in his useless legacy of cheating in the referendum on 10th May no matter who is dying or already dead.
But one thing is for sure, there is not uniting to ignore the tragedy in the heart of Burma. This is not a collective anti Daw Aung san Suu Kyi's and NLD challenging their power or monks and students led uprising within the past twenty years. This is a national humanitarian crisis for the country. Many military personnel's loved ones and properties were also killed or destroyed by the deadly storm, and how long would they allow the senior general and his hardliners to ruin their own interests?
Now the time is ticking away and people are dying. The international community should not wait and play a political game and on a case by case basis by the regime until Burma's becomes a Rwanda like the manmade human disaster in world history put political differences aside, measured human rights value between US and China, and allow our Burmese to have one more day to survive.
Source:Mizzima News Online
Tuesday, 13 May 2008 18:32
(Commentary)
One has to wake up from the nightmare of allowing Burma's brutal regime's final episode of ignoring its own people dying in post cyclone Nargis. Having an ineffective UN good office and international disagreement over Burma's latest political development, the world indeed witnesses with its own eyes the brutal generals' heartless decision over storm survivors. Now the World Theater shows "We don't care for Burmese people who are suffering and dying, our intention is to approve our sham referendum by all means."
On behalf of the Burmese people, the National League for Democracy has begged the International Community to intervene helplessly dying Burmese people that they do not deserve to die. On the contrary, regime generals had urged China to block along with other eight council members at the UN Security Council's any concrete initiatives by USA, UK and France's efforts of allowing UN and others to humanitarian action.
This is not a time to argue and reject who would get political advantage or lose influence over people and their brutal regime, the point here is how to save a human life. China and other pro-SPDC should not enjoy and recognize the regime's mouthpiece MRTV shamelessly showing generals donating storm victims UN relief goods. ASEAN, China and other pro-SPDC neighbours should drop their notion of Burma being balkanized in terms of accepting the regime in power. These countries' reaction over Burma would be very late if Burma reaches the level of Rwanda "wasting human lives because of an undecided nature" a Burmese scholar angrily said.
Eleven days after the destructive and deadly cyclone, the international community still needs to wait for the regime's top general who committed crime against humanity through Burma's neighbours' statesmen's mediation. Interestingly, none pro-SPDC in and out of the region has said the generals are right to have a referendum or congratulated the senior general. Than Shwe showed no feeling over the tens of thousands deaths and those millions waiting for help from anywhere.
If this is not the last episode for Than Shwe, Burmese people would be in hell in the next decade, said a Burmese in Rangoon. Sources close to the regime said no one in the regime dared to suggest to Than Shwe to call off the referendum. All the manpower has been used in his useless legacy of cheating in the referendum on 10th May no matter who is dying or already dead.
But one thing is for sure, there is not uniting to ignore the tragedy in the heart of Burma. This is not a collective anti Daw Aung san Suu Kyi's and NLD challenging their power or monks and students led uprising within the past twenty years. This is a national humanitarian crisis for the country. Many military personnel's loved ones and properties were also killed or destroyed by the deadly storm, and how long would they allow the senior general and his hardliners to ruin their own interests?
Now the time is ticking away and people are dying. The international community should not wait and play a political game and on a case by case basis by the regime until Burma's becomes a Rwanda like the manmade human disaster in world history put political differences aside, measured human rights value between US and China, and allow our Burmese to have one more day to survive.
Source:Mizzima News Online
Intelligence: Than Shwe planned to visit the selected Cyclone effective area
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Senior general Than Shwe and vice senior general Maung Aye were planning to visit the Cyclone effective area, sources close to SPDC but date was not set yet. General Thura Shwe Mann would accompany with them during this tour and they were planning to visit less effective area. Sources said Prime Minister Thein Sein would debrief the development of humanitarian assistance by army, USDA and other pro-government companies and how they deliver the international assistance.
He was very pleased the outcome of the referendum and he reportedly thanked to his men of the results. This approving referendum is one of his ultimate goals regardless of steeling votes, threaten, and unlawful activities by his men and lower level thugs. (Burmadd also obtained the USDA referendum projection report said that 92 % or more would vote Yes nationwide in first week of April 2008; see at the side breaking news)
One of the sources said SPDC has a reason for not allowing foreign relief and aid workers, but did not deliberate further.
Rumors came from close SPDC associates also said Than Shwe was told by his fortune teller that if there would be white men with leather weapons touch on Burma, his power might be faded away.
Senior general Than Shwe and vice senior general Maung Aye were planning to visit the Cyclone effective area, sources close to SPDC but date was not set yet. General Thura Shwe Mann would accompany with them during this tour and they were planning to visit less effective area. Sources said Prime Minister Thein Sein would debrief the development of humanitarian assistance by army, USDA and other pro-government companies and how they deliver the international assistance.
He was very pleased the outcome of the referendum and he reportedly thanked to his men of the results. This approving referendum is one of his ultimate goals regardless of steeling votes, threaten, and unlawful activities by his men and lower level thugs. (Burmadd also obtained the USDA referendum projection report said that 92 % or more would vote Yes nationwide in first week of April 2008; see at the side breaking news)
One of the sources said SPDC has a reason for not allowing foreign relief and aid workers, but did not deliberate further.
Rumors came from close SPDC associates also said Than Shwe was told by his fortune teller that if there would be white men with leather weapons touch on Burma, his power might be faded away.
NLD Formed Cyclone Crisis Release Committee
Friday, May 9, 2008
National League for Democracy
No. (97/b) West Shwegondine Street
Bahan Township, Yangon
Letter No: 022(Org:) /05/08
Date: 7 May 2008
Subject: Forming Storm Crisis Relief Committee
Because of the unprecedented storm that hit Irrawaddy, Rangoon, Pegu Divisions, Mon and Karen States on 2nd and 3rd May, hundreds of thousand people died and people's properties were damaged.
Therefore, in order to help a variety of people's social troubles and fulfill people's needs, National League for Democracy formed the following committee. Number of Committee member is subject to situation.
Storm Crisis Relief Committee
U Ohn Kyaing Chairperson
Dr. Than Win Vice Chairman
Ko Khin Tun Member
U Sein Hla Oo Member
U Soe Win Member
U Hla Thein Member
U Win Myint Member
Dr Win Naing Member
Dr Myo Nyunt Member
Ko Myint Htay Member
U Thein Oo Member
Dr Aye Kyu Member
Ko Aye Tun Member
Daw Myint Myint Sein (To hold responsible for financial matters besides member)
Daw May Hnin Kyi (To hold responsible for financial matters besides member)
Daw Le Le (To hold responsible for financial matters besides member)
Daw Aye Aye Mar (To hold responsible for financial matters besides member)
As per the decision of the Central Executive Committee meeting hold on 08/05/08,
Signed
Chairman person
National League for Democracy
Distribution
-Karen and Mon States and Pegu, Irrawaddy, Yangon Divisions Organizational Committee
-Persons concerned
National League for Democracy
No. (97/b) West Shwegondine Street
Bahan Township, Yangon
Letter No: 022(Org:) /05/08
Date: 7 May 2008
Subject: Forming Storm Crisis Relief Committee
Because of the unprecedented storm that hit Irrawaddy, Rangoon, Pegu Divisions, Mon and Karen States on 2nd and 3rd May, hundreds of thousand people died and people's properties were damaged.
Therefore, in order to help a variety of people's social troubles and fulfill people's needs, National League for Democracy formed the following committee. Number of Committee member is subject to situation.
Storm Crisis Relief Committee
U Ohn Kyaing Chairperson
Dr. Than Win Vice Chairman
Ko Khin Tun Member
U Sein Hla Oo Member
U Soe Win Member
U Hla Thein Member
U Win Myint Member
Dr Win Naing Member
Dr Myo Nyunt Member
Ko Myint Htay Member
U Thein Oo Member
Dr Aye Kyu Member
Ko Aye Tun Member
Daw Myint Myint Sein (To hold responsible for financial matters besides member)
Daw May Hnin Kyi (To hold responsible for financial matters besides member)
Daw Le Le (To hold responsible for financial matters besides member)
Daw Aye Aye Mar (To hold responsible for financial matters besides member)
As per the decision of the Central Executive Committee meeting hold on 08/05/08,
Signed
Chairman person
National League for Democracy
Distribution
-Karen and Mon States and Pegu, Irrawaddy, Yangon Divisions Organizational Committee
-Persons concerned
UN humanitarian chief urges getting aid into Myanmar quickly
UNITED NATIONS, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations humanitarian chief on Thursday underlined an urgency to get international aid into cyclone-hit Myanmar, warning of a "worse tragedy" if failing to do so.
"There's a real danger that an even worse tragedy may unfold if we cannot get the aid that's desperately needed in quickly," John Holmes, undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told a UN briefing.
He said that while there had been a little bit of progress in gaining access to the country since he last briefed the press yesterday, much more was needed in terms of the granting of visas and easing of regulations, given the "increasingly desperate situation" on the ground.
"Frustrations have been growing that this humanitarian response is being held back because of difficulties of access in different ways," he said, noting that many visas are still pending.
"I do appeal very strongly indeed to the government of Myanmar both to step up their own relief efforts to help people on the ground and to change their attitude completely to the efforts that we are making to get these relief supplies in," he said.
He added that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is attempting to talk to Senior General Than Shwe to urge him to facilitate access.
Meanwhile, the UN chief said he has noted the government's decision to proceed with the constitutional referendum scheduled for May 10, while postponing it in some of the areas most affected by the cyclone.
"Due to the scope of the disaster facing Myanmar today, however, the secretary-general believes that it may be prudent to focus instead on mobilizing all available resources and capacity for the emergency response efforts," said a statement issued by Ban's press office.
"There's a real danger that an even worse tragedy may unfold if we cannot get the aid that's desperately needed in quickly," John Holmes, undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told a UN briefing.
He said that while there had been a little bit of progress in gaining access to the country since he last briefed the press yesterday, much more was needed in terms of the granting of visas and easing of regulations, given the "increasingly desperate situation" on the ground.
"Frustrations have been growing that this humanitarian response is being held back because of difficulties of access in different ways," he said, noting that many visas are still pending.
"I do appeal very strongly indeed to the government of Myanmar both to step up their own relief efforts to help people on the ground and to change their attitude completely to the efforts that we are making to get these relief supplies in," he said.
He added that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is attempting to talk to Senior General Than Shwe to urge him to facilitate access.
Meanwhile, the UN chief said he has noted the government's decision to proceed with the constitutional referendum scheduled for May 10, while postponing it in some of the areas most affected by the cyclone.
"Due to the scope of the disaster facing Myanmar today, however, the secretary-general believes that it may be prudent to focus instead on mobilizing all available resources and capacity for the emergency response efforts," said a statement issued by Ban's press office.
NLD Special Statement 9th English Version
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
National League for Democracy
No. (97/b) West Shwegondine Street
Bahan Township, Yangon
Special Statement 9/05/08
Date: 7 May 2008
In statement No. 4/2008, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) declared a State of Emergency in Irrawaddy, Yangon, and Pegu Divisions and Karen and Mon States as a result of Cyclone Nargis’s devastating destruction on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2008.
Because of the storm, hundreds of thousand of people have died and remain missing. The storm caused catastrophic and unprecedented damage of people’s property in Burma. Victims and their relatives, including ethnic nationalities, are overwhelmed by their loss. Under these circumstances, people have no desire to vote in the upcoming referendum. However, in spite of the people’s plight, authorities adamantly plan to hold the referendum. As authorities neglect people’s basic needs and struggles for food, shelter, and clothing, they continue to work with supporting organizations to coerce people to vote “yes” in the referendum in support of their constitution.
On 6 May 2008, the Referendum Convening Commission of the Union of Burma issued Statement 8/2008 confirming that the referendum will be held on 10 May 2008 in all states and divisions except 40 townships in Yangon division and 7 townships in Irrawaddy division. It further declared that the referendum for the remaining 47 townships will be held on 24 May 2008. Aid needs and reconstruction work in these States of Emergency will not be finished by 24 May 2008.
Authorities continue to exploit people's difficulties. The Referendum should be postponed in all parts of the country, not only in some parts. Convening the referendum under these dire conditions is deplorable. Therefore, the NLD demands that the referendum be held simultaneously in all parts of the country once the conditions in the country have improved.
NLD reprimands authorities for prioritizing approval of their constitution over people's lives and basic survival needs.
At the present time, victims of the storm need immediate international aid, including aid from the United Nations. On behalf of the people, the NLD denounces the authorities’ attempt to hold a referendum instead of accepting disaster relief aid for the suffering victims of this disaster.
As per the decision of Central Executive Committee held on 7 May 2008.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
Yangon
(Unofficial translation)
National League for Democracy
No. (97/b) West Shwegondine Street
Bahan Township, Yangon
Special Statement 9/05/08
Date: 7 May 2008
In statement No. 4/2008, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) declared a State of Emergency in Irrawaddy, Yangon, and Pegu Divisions and Karen and Mon States as a result of Cyclone Nargis’s devastating destruction on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2008.
Because of the storm, hundreds of thousand of people have died and remain missing. The storm caused catastrophic and unprecedented damage of people’s property in Burma. Victims and their relatives, including ethnic nationalities, are overwhelmed by their loss. Under these circumstances, people have no desire to vote in the upcoming referendum. However, in spite of the people’s plight, authorities adamantly plan to hold the referendum. As authorities neglect people’s basic needs and struggles for food, shelter, and clothing, they continue to work with supporting organizations to coerce people to vote “yes” in the referendum in support of their constitution.
On 6 May 2008, the Referendum Convening Commission of the Union of Burma issued Statement 8/2008 confirming that the referendum will be held on 10 May 2008 in all states and divisions except 40 townships in Yangon division and 7 townships in Irrawaddy division. It further declared that the referendum for the remaining 47 townships will be held on 24 May 2008. Aid needs and reconstruction work in these States of Emergency will not be finished by 24 May 2008.
Authorities continue to exploit people's difficulties. The Referendum should be postponed in all parts of the country, not only in some parts. Convening the referendum under these dire conditions is deplorable. Therefore, the NLD demands that the referendum be held simultaneously in all parts of the country once the conditions in the country have improved.
NLD reprimands authorities for prioritizing approval of their constitution over people's lives and basic survival needs.
At the present time, victims of the storm need immediate international aid, including aid from the United Nations. On behalf of the people, the NLD denounces the authorities’ attempt to hold a referendum instead of accepting disaster relief aid for the suffering victims of this disaster.
As per the decision of Central Executive Committee held on 7 May 2008.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
Yangon
(Unofficial translation)
Junta called 'inhuman' for planning poll in wake of disaster
Monday, May 5, 2008
By Mungpi
Monday, 05 May 2008 21:37
New Delhi – Critics blasted Burma's military regime for going ahead with plans to conduct a referendum on the country's draft constitution amidst the devastation and mourning of Cyclone Nargis.
"It is senseless to conduct a referendum while people are filled with sorrow and worries," said Nyo Ohn Myint, the foreign affairs in-charge of the exiled National League for Democracy (Liberated Area).
Calling the decision "inhuman," Nyo Ohn Myint said the ruling generals have no sympathy for the people, who are now struggling to re-build homes and finding ways to survive.
He added that the junta appears to be taking advantage of the survivors' inability to focus on the referendum, slated for Saturday.According to the junta's referendum law announced in February, the constitution will be approved if more than 50 percent of those who cast votes say "yes.""So, the fewer the voters, the better the chance to win in the referendum," said Nyo Ohn Myint said, explaining that the junta had already mobilised its supporters.
In a statement carried by the official newspaper, Burma's military junta, which has ruled the country for nearly two decades, on Monday indicated that the impact of the cyclone would not alter the date for the nationwide vote.
"The referendum is only a few days away and the people are eagerly looking forward to voting," the junta said.According to state-owned media, nearly 4,000 people were killed by Cyclone Nagris, which swept through Burma over the weekend. Many more were left injured and homeless, and the death toll was expected to rise.
In Rangoon, Burma's former capital city, reports said roads remained blocked by trees, electric poles were uprooted, and electricity and telephone lines remained cut-off. Internet connections were reportedly severed by the storm.
Following the cyclone, commodities skyrocketed. The price of one egg, which earlier cost 60 to 70 kyat, rose to 400 kyat while a liter of clean water shot up to 4,000 kyat from what was normally 700 to 800 kyat.Pictures posted on several news agencies' websites showed people busy cleaning up debris and re-building their homes. Five regions of Burma were declared disaster zones: Rangoon, Pegu, Irrawaddy division, and Mon and Karen states.
Tanet Charoenmuang, professor in the Department of Political Science at Chiang Mai University, said the Burmese junta, like every other authoritarian government, does not want to delay the process of the referendum, as it is the only way to legitimize their rule."The Burmese military junta already knows the outcome of the referendum and just want to go ahead as fast as they could without any delays," Tanet added.
Win Min, a Burmese analyst in Thailand, however, said the junta is being insensitive."If they just postpone the dates for the referendum and engage in relief works, they are more likely to gain the peoples' appreciation," he said.Win Min said Senior General Than Shwe, who is superstitious like other military dictators of Burma, is being stubborn in postponing the referendum as he has already chosen the date after consulting with astrologers."How can people think of going to the poll booths and casting their votes while their homes and lives are devastated? It could even provoke the people's anger," Win Min added.
Cases of postponing elections
Many precedents exist for postponing elections after natural disasters.In 2007, Jamaica delayed a general election by a week when a deadly hurricane lashed the country.After the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami, the Maldives government postponed a parliamentary election for three weeks. And local elections were delayed in the U.S. states of Alabama and Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Relief first
In order for the junta to go ahead with its referendum, it must ensure that people in the disaster-impacted regions get relief first, said Human Rights Watch (HRW).David Scott Mathieson, Burma Consultant of the HRW said, "The government must first help clean the devastation and mess and help the people who are starving." "The government has to show responsibility. There must be a kind of mechanism in place so that these people can cast their votes," he added.
Nyo Ohn Myint said he and his NLD-LA party have asked the NLD to stop any kind of political activities but to concentrate on relief work."There is nothing more important that relief work at this moment," said Nyo Ohn Myint.
"There is no point in conducting any kind of political activities when people are dying, starving and are homeless."
Source: Mizzima News Online
By Mungpi
Monday, 05 May 2008 21:37
New Delhi – Critics blasted Burma's military regime for going ahead with plans to conduct a referendum on the country's draft constitution amidst the devastation and mourning of Cyclone Nargis.
"It is senseless to conduct a referendum while people are filled with sorrow and worries," said Nyo Ohn Myint, the foreign affairs in-charge of the exiled National League for Democracy (Liberated Area).
Calling the decision "inhuman," Nyo Ohn Myint said the ruling generals have no sympathy for the people, who are now struggling to re-build homes and finding ways to survive.
He added that the junta appears to be taking advantage of the survivors' inability to focus on the referendum, slated for Saturday.According to the junta's referendum law announced in February, the constitution will be approved if more than 50 percent of those who cast votes say "yes.""So, the fewer the voters, the better the chance to win in the referendum," said Nyo Ohn Myint said, explaining that the junta had already mobilised its supporters.
In a statement carried by the official newspaper, Burma's military junta, which has ruled the country for nearly two decades, on Monday indicated that the impact of the cyclone would not alter the date for the nationwide vote.
"The referendum is only a few days away and the people are eagerly looking forward to voting," the junta said.According to state-owned media, nearly 4,000 people were killed by Cyclone Nagris, which swept through Burma over the weekend. Many more were left injured and homeless, and the death toll was expected to rise.
In Rangoon, Burma's former capital city, reports said roads remained blocked by trees, electric poles were uprooted, and electricity and telephone lines remained cut-off. Internet connections were reportedly severed by the storm.
Following the cyclone, commodities skyrocketed. The price of one egg, which earlier cost 60 to 70 kyat, rose to 400 kyat while a liter of clean water shot up to 4,000 kyat from what was normally 700 to 800 kyat.Pictures posted on several news agencies' websites showed people busy cleaning up debris and re-building their homes. Five regions of Burma were declared disaster zones: Rangoon, Pegu, Irrawaddy division, and Mon and Karen states.
Tanet Charoenmuang, professor in the Department of Political Science at Chiang Mai University, said the Burmese junta, like every other authoritarian government, does not want to delay the process of the referendum, as it is the only way to legitimize their rule."The Burmese military junta already knows the outcome of the referendum and just want to go ahead as fast as they could without any delays," Tanet added.
Win Min, a Burmese analyst in Thailand, however, said the junta is being insensitive."If they just postpone the dates for the referendum and engage in relief works, they are more likely to gain the peoples' appreciation," he said.Win Min said Senior General Than Shwe, who is superstitious like other military dictators of Burma, is being stubborn in postponing the referendum as he has already chosen the date after consulting with astrologers."How can people think of going to the poll booths and casting their votes while their homes and lives are devastated? It could even provoke the people's anger," Win Min added.
Cases of postponing elections
Many precedents exist for postponing elections after natural disasters.In 2007, Jamaica delayed a general election by a week when a deadly hurricane lashed the country.After the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami, the Maldives government postponed a parliamentary election for three weeks. And local elections were delayed in the U.S. states of Alabama and Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Relief first
In order for the junta to go ahead with its referendum, it must ensure that people in the disaster-impacted regions get relief first, said Human Rights Watch (HRW).David Scott Mathieson, Burma Consultant of the HRW said, "The government must first help clean the devastation and mess and help the people who are starving." "The government has to show responsibility. There must be a kind of mechanism in place so that these people can cast their votes," he added.
Nyo Ohn Myint said he and his NLD-LA party have asked the NLD to stop any kind of political activities but to concentrate on relief work."There is nothing more important that relief work at this moment," said Nyo Ohn Myint.
"There is no point in conducting any kind of political activities when people are dying, starving and are homeless."
Source: Mizzima News Online
At least 15,000 killed in violent cyclone in Myanmar
YANGON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 15,000 people have been killed in two divisions of Yangon and Ayeyawaddy in a violent cyclone storm Nargis that swept Myanmar's five divisions and states on last Friday and Saturday, according to official sources Monday evening.
It is estimated that the casualties in Ayeyawaddy division's Bogalay alone will exceed 10,000 and at least 1,000 in Laputta in the same division.
Earlier official figures show that 3,880 people were killed in Ayeyawaddy division including 20 in Bogalay and excluding Laputta, and 59 in Yangon division. The sources said that 2,375 people in Ayeyawaddy division and 504 in Yangon division are missing.
In Haing Kyi island in the Ayeyawaddy division alone, nearly 20,000 houses were destroyed, leaving 92,706 people homeless, earlier report said. The deadly cyclone, which occurred over the Bay of Bengal, hit five divisions and states -- Yangon, Bago, Ayeyawaddy, Kayin and Mon.
Myanmar has declared the five divisions and states as disaster-hit regions.
The government has formed a national central committee for prevention of natural disaster to promptly and effectively carry out relief and resettlement tasks.
It is estimated that the casualties in Ayeyawaddy division's Bogalay alone will exceed 10,000 and at least 1,000 in Laputta in the same division.
Earlier official figures show that 3,880 people were killed in Ayeyawaddy division including 20 in Bogalay and excluding Laputta, and 59 in Yangon division. The sources said that 2,375 people in Ayeyawaddy division and 504 in Yangon division are missing.
In Haing Kyi island in the Ayeyawaddy division alone, nearly 20,000 houses were destroyed, leaving 92,706 people homeless, earlier report said. The deadly cyclone, which occurred over the Bay of Bengal, hit five divisions and states -- Yangon, Bago, Ayeyawaddy, Kayin and Mon.
Myanmar has declared the five divisions and states as disaster-hit regions.
The government has formed a national central committee for prevention of natural disaster to promptly and effectively carry out relief and resettlement tasks.
Burma latest: Rangoon seemed ghost town
Sunday, May 4, 2008
BDD
Witnesses said Rangoon seems slowly coming back from ghost town but many roads and streets were still covered with fallen trees and people seemed to be still scare for another round of storm and heavy wind.
One of the witnesses said there are very much look alike in 1988, no buses, taxi, and private vehicles. Junta's TV and radio asked people to join in the cleaning process, cutting the trees and collecting trashes on the streets and roads.
Regime first announced that respective ministers are on the way but close to the regime said that there were not able to move to another. Army and other security forces were not being trained to face this kind of natural disaster, regime close source said. Regime called USDA members to help the people who also wounded, in traps, and need medical treatment in Rangoon, but failed to show up.
Sources close to diplomats in Rangoon said that most of the missions’ cell phones and other landlines are not able to use and unable to reach to the Burmese government’s ministry of foreign affairs and unable to offer the help. Junta totally lost civil administration and ironically soldiers and polices forces stationing in Rangoon for referendum are not being instructed by superior to join the disaster assistance program.
Locals whom we could reach requesting medicine, food, drinking water, blankets and tents were immediately needed.
BDD
Witnesses said Rangoon seems slowly coming back from ghost town but many roads and streets were still covered with fallen trees and people seemed to be still scare for another round of storm and heavy wind.
One of the witnesses said there are very much look alike in 1988, no buses, taxi, and private vehicles. Junta's TV and radio asked people to join in the cleaning process, cutting the trees and collecting trashes on the streets and roads.
Regime first announced that respective ministers are on the way but close to the regime said that there were not able to move to another. Army and other security forces were not being trained to face this kind of natural disaster, regime close source said. Regime called USDA members to help the people who also wounded, in traps, and need medical treatment in Rangoon, but failed to show up.
Sources close to diplomats in Rangoon said that most of the missions’ cell phones and other landlines are not able to use and unable to reach to the Burmese government’s ministry of foreign affairs and unable to offer the help. Junta totally lost civil administration and ironically soldiers and polices forces stationing in Rangoon for referendum are not being instructed by superior to join the disaster assistance program.
Locals whom we could reach requesting medicine, food, drinking water, blankets and tents were immediately needed.
Special Statement
Saturday, May 3, 2008
The National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) shockingly learnt that people in Burma died, wounded and lost because of the Cyclone Nargis. Due to this natural disaster, not only people's lives and properties were lost, but agricultural products and economic properties are also damaged. The National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) calls for international organizations and government concerned to support the victims of disaster in order to reconstruct their lives.
(1) We call for international community to provide humanitarian emergency assistance for present natural disaster.
(2) The National League for Democracy needs to help reconstruction assistance to reach victims of the disaster in a right way.
(3) We also warn the State Peace and Development Council to tackle the problems correctly, and not to use assistance for their own benefit or political interest.
(4) We request international organizations to find out some ways and means to support people directly by cooperating with the National League for Democracy.
The National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) will connect with international organizations and governments in order to have humanitarian assistance immediately for the requirement of Burmese people's emergency situation.
Central Committee
National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
The National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) shockingly learnt that people in Burma died, wounded and lost because of the Cyclone Nargis. Due to this natural disaster, not only people's lives and properties were lost, but agricultural products and economic properties are also damaged. The National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) calls for international organizations and government concerned to support the victims of disaster in order to reconstruct their lives.
(1) We call for international community to provide humanitarian emergency assistance for present natural disaster.
(2) The National League for Democracy needs to help reconstruction assistance to reach victims of the disaster in a right way.
(3) We also warn the State Peace and Development Council to tackle the problems correctly, and not to use assistance for their own benefit or political interest.
(4) We request international organizations to find out some ways and means to support people directly by cooperating with the National League for Democracy.
The National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) will connect with international organizations and governments in order to have humanitarian assistance immediately for the requirement of Burmese people's emergency situation.
Central Committee
National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
Breaking News: Rangoon and Irrawaddy, Pagu Division are being hard hit by storm
BDD
3-05-2008
Former capital Rangoon and Irrawaddy division are being hit by storm very hard. Rangoon was hit around 5 AM this morning and most of the houses' roofs were gone and satellite dishes were seen on the roads and streets. Heavy rain and winds devastated many city commercial and residential areas.
Regime announced five states and divisions: Irrawaddy, Rangoon, Pagu, Mon and Karen as emergency natural disaster area and likely to postpone its sham referendum on 10th May in these areas. Then Sein, PM of SPDC was placed as chair of the assisting committee, however, regime mouthpiece TV only shows propagandas of vote yes campaign while major part of the country is under emergency condition.
NLD is planning to call its members to help needy citizens at these five states.
Unconfirmed sources said that more than ten thousand people were killed in Irrawaddy division alone.
3-05-2008
Former capital Rangoon and Irrawaddy division are being hit by storm very hard. Rangoon was hit around 5 AM this morning and most of the houses' roofs were gone and satellite dishes were seen on the roads and streets. Heavy rain and winds devastated many city commercial and residential areas.
Regime announced five states and divisions: Irrawaddy, Rangoon, Pagu, Mon and Karen as emergency natural disaster area and likely to postpone its sham referendum on 10th May in these areas. Then Sein, PM of SPDC was placed as chair of the assisting committee, however, regime mouthpiece TV only shows propagandas of vote yes campaign while major part of the country is under emergency condition.
NLD is planning to call its members to help needy citizens at these five states.
Unconfirmed sources said that more than ten thousand people were killed in Irrawaddy division alone.
Breaking News: NLD MPs; U Win Myint Aung and U Han Thar Myint were arrested
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
U Win Myint Aung, NLD elected MP from Depayin constituent 2 was arrested along with U Han Thar Myint from his house, regime special police on April 27th. While Minister Aung Thaung was in Sagang division for Vote Yes Campaign. Police also confiscated Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s speeches, videos and other NLD party statements from U Win Myint Aung home.
U Han Thar Myint, also MP elect from Butalin, Sagang Division and one of the NLD spokespersons was detained from U Win Myint Aung's house during raided by police. After two days questioning, U Han Thar Myint was freed. He managed to arrive back to Rangoon this morning.
NLD sources said that the regime has planned to attack the NLD leaders who have been on the Vote No Campaign tour in upper Burma or arrest them before referendum.
Sources from regime said that U Aung Thuang instructed to arrest all NLD leaders who are on the Vote No Campaign tour while he has been doing Vote Yes Campaign in Sagang Division at the same time.
U Win Myint Aung, NLD elected MP from Depayin constituent 2 was arrested along with U Han Thar Myint from his house, regime special police on April 27th. While Minister Aung Thaung was in Sagang division for Vote Yes Campaign. Police also confiscated Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s speeches, videos and other NLD party statements from U Win Myint Aung home.
U Han Thar Myint, also MP elect from Butalin, Sagang Division and one of the NLD spokespersons was detained from U Win Myint Aung's house during raided by police. After two days questioning, U Han Thar Myint was freed. He managed to arrive back to Rangoon this morning.
NLD sources said that the regime has planned to attack the NLD leaders who have been on the Vote No Campaign tour in upper Burma or arrest them before referendum.
Sources from regime said that U Aung Thuang instructed to arrest all NLD leaders who are on the Vote No Campaign tour while he has been doing Vote Yes Campaign in Sagang Division at the same time.
Intelligent news: Cross Road for Senior General
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Naypyidaw
Regime close associates predicted that if regime’s referendum would fail, there would be major changes within SPDC. Regional commanders have been instructed not to order any regiments leaving from their previous location without knowledge from Defense Ministry in Naypyidaw, sources said.
Vice-senior general Maung Aye’s recent visit to India was translated that Maung Aye cared about military’s future while senior general’s allies have been busy with referendum. Sources said he was assured by Indian military top brasses to provide advance military hardware as well as technology to the Burma army.
Indian government was pleased that government oil industry could sign three major contracts through Sliver Waves company which registered in Singapore that they almost lose to Chinese.
Another source said that Than Shwe and Maung Aye are likely to retire and new generation will take over after 2010. But hardliners floated that senior general should be a next president of Burma after 2010 election but group closes to Maung Aye were reluctant to accept it.
Approving a new constitution is extremely important for senior general’s future than any others, sources stressed. If senior general fails to secure Yes Vote, he might follow late senior general Saw Maung whom he terminated.
Naypyidaw
Regime close associates predicted that if regime’s referendum would fail, there would be major changes within SPDC. Regional commanders have been instructed not to order any regiments leaving from their previous location without knowledge from Defense Ministry in Naypyidaw, sources said.
Vice-senior general Maung Aye’s recent visit to India was translated that Maung Aye cared about military’s future while senior general’s allies have been busy with referendum. Sources said he was assured by Indian military top brasses to provide advance military hardware as well as technology to the Burma army.
Indian government was pleased that government oil industry could sign three major contracts through Sliver Waves company which registered in Singapore that they almost lose to Chinese.
Another source said that Than Shwe and Maung Aye are likely to retire and new generation will take over after 2010. But hardliners floated that senior general should be a next president of Burma after 2010 election but group closes to Maung Aye were reluctant to accept it.
Approving a new constitution is extremely important for senior general’s future than any others, sources stressed. If senior general fails to secure Yes Vote, he might follow late senior general Saw Maung whom he terminated.
EUROPE: Sanctions on Burma To Be Extended
By David CroninBRUSSELS, Apr 23 (IPS) -
Sanctions imposed by the European Union on Burma look set to be extended for an extra year because of the lack of progress on human rights in the military-ruled country.EU foreign ministers meeting Apr. 28 will review the measures they introduced against Burma in October last year, following the brutal crackdown on Buddhist monks who took part in street protests that have become known as the Saffron Revolution.
These measures included a ban on the import of gemstones, timber and precious metal. Slovenia, the current holder of the EU's rotating presidency, expects the sanctions to be renewed for another 12 months. Janez Lenarcic, Slovenia's state secretary for European affairs, said he also expects the EU to formally exhort the Burmese authorities to begin planning for a "legitimate civil government" and to release political prisoners, including the iconic pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Yet some campaign groups have argued that it would not be sufficient to merely prolong the EU's sanctions. Human Rights Watch is urging both that existing sanctions should be bolstered and supplementary ones added. While the EU has frozen the assets of Burmese generals, Human Rights Watch contends that these financial measures should be made more comprehensive. In particular, it wants any use of bank clearing-houses or the conduct of any other financial transactions within the EU's jurisdiction by members of the junta to be forbidden. The organisation also wants to broaden the range of targets for sanctions.
At present, oil and gas exports from Burma remain unaffected by the sanctions, as do contracts signed by the French energy giant Total for exploiting the Yadana gas field in southern Burma. Human Rights Watch is arguing that the sanctions should be extended to cover companies that finance the Burmese military, such as the state-run Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
Lotte Leicht, Brussels director with Human Rights Watch, argued that sanctions can have an influence on the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), as the Burmese government calls itself, but only if their application is monitored vigorously. "The way forward for an effective sanctions regime on Burma is to think small and adaptive," she said. "Go after the real perpetrators and profiteers of Burma's military rule and target their ability to access international financial networks to hide their profits, to buy arms and other repressive tools. And do it constantly with updated information and listing of key SPDC officials and military controlled companies. "The EU must cooperate with other sanctioning states such as the U.S. and Australia, and share information and coordinate action. To do anything less makes sanctions a hollow tool, and plays directly into the hands of the military regime who are accustomed to hard talk and soft measures as a result of divergent international approaches." Members of the European Parliament have called, too, for tougher sanctions during an Apr. 23 debate. Plans by the Burmese junta to hold a referendum on a new constitution next month were denounced by MEPs.
Brian Crowley, a representative of Fianna Fáil, Ireland's largest party, noted that the constitution would reserve one-quarter of all seats in the Burmese parliament for the military and that Aung San Suu Kyi would not be allowed seek election "because she is married to a foreigner." Hélène Flautre, a French Green who chairs a parliamentary committee on human rights, said that while efforts to draft a constitution may initially have appeared positive, they "very quickly turned into a Machiavellian scheme." Richard Howitt from the British Labour Party argued that a U.S. ban on banking and financial transactions by the Burmese authorities has denied them foreign currency. He urged the EU to take similar action. Some MEPs also exhorted the EU to press China to use its influence with Burma, in which it invests heavily, so that human rights are respected there.
Ten members of the European Commission, the EU's executive, are visiting China this week, including José Manuel Barroso, the institution's president. One of the commissioners remaining in Europe, Jacques Barrot, said his colleagues would be raising the situation in Burma during their trip.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International said that if Barroso's visit will have any meaningful result, he must obtain firm commitments from the Chinese government to allow free expression ahead of this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing. Among the commitments being sought by Amnesty are an end to the harassment of Chinese human rights activists, guarantees that journalists will be allowed work unrestricted, and greater transparency about how many executions are carried out. "Such a high level visit one hundred days before the start of the Olympics is a crucial opportunity to press the Chinese government to change its tactics," said Amnesty spokeswoman Natalia Alonso. "The EU's commitment to include human rights concerns into all its policies is at stake." (END/2008)
Sanctions imposed by the European Union on Burma look set to be extended for an extra year because of the lack of progress on human rights in the military-ruled country.EU foreign ministers meeting Apr. 28 will review the measures they introduced against Burma in October last year, following the brutal crackdown on Buddhist monks who took part in street protests that have become known as the Saffron Revolution.
These measures included a ban on the import of gemstones, timber and precious metal. Slovenia, the current holder of the EU's rotating presidency, expects the sanctions to be renewed for another 12 months. Janez Lenarcic, Slovenia's state secretary for European affairs, said he also expects the EU to formally exhort the Burmese authorities to begin planning for a "legitimate civil government" and to release political prisoners, including the iconic pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Yet some campaign groups have argued that it would not be sufficient to merely prolong the EU's sanctions. Human Rights Watch is urging both that existing sanctions should be bolstered and supplementary ones added. While the EU has frozen the assets of Burmese generals, Human Rights Watch contends that these financial measures should be made more comprehensive. In particular, it wants any use of bank clearing-houses or the conduct of any other financial transactions within the EU's jurisdiction by members of the junta to be forbidden. The organisation also wants to broaden the range of targets for sanctions.
At present, oil and gas exports from Burma remain unaffected by the sanctions, as do contracts signed by the French energy giant Total for exploiting the Yadana gas field in southern Burma. Human Rights Watch is arguing that the sanctions should be extended to cover companies that finance the Burmese military, such as the state-run Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
Lotte Leicht, Brussels director with Human Rights Watch, argued that sanctions can have an influence on the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), as the Burmese government calls itself, but only if their application is monitored vigorously. "The way forward for an effective sanctions regime on Burma is to think small and adaptive," she said. "Go after the real perpetrators and profiteers of Burma's military rule and target their ability to access international financial networks to hide their profits, to buy arms and other repressive tools. And do it constantly with updated information and listing of key SPDC officials and military controlled companies. "The EU must cooperate with other sanctioning states such as the U.S. and Australia, and share information and coordinate action. To do anything less makes sanctions a hollow tool, and plays directly into the hands of the military regime who are accustomed to hard talk and soft measures as a result of divergent international approaches." Members of the European Parliament have called, too, for tougher sanctions during an Apr. 23 debate. Plans by the Burmese junta to hold a referendum on a new constitution next month were denounced by MEPs.
Brian Crowley, a representative of Fianna Fáil, Ireland's largest party, noted that the constitution would reserve one-quarter of all seats in the Burmese parliament for the military and that Aung San Suu Kyi would not be allowed seek election "because she is married to a foreigner." Hélène Flautre, a French Green who chairs a parliamentary committee on human rights, said that while efforts to draft a constitution may initially have appeared positive, they "very quickly turned into a Machiavellian scheme." Richard Howitt from the British Labour Party argued that a U.S. ban on banking and financial transactions by the Burmese authorities has denied them foreign currency. He urged the EU to take similar action. Some MEPs also exhorted the EU to press China to use its influence with Burma, in which it invests heavily, so that human rights are respected there.
Ten members of the European Commission, the EU's executive, are visiting China this week, including José Manuel Barroso, the institution's president. One of the commissioners remaining in Europe, Jacques Barrot, said his colleagues would be raising the situation in Burma during their trip.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International said that if Barroso's visit will have any meaningful result, he must obtain firm commitments from the Chinese government to allow free expression ahead of this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing. Among the commitments being sought by Amnesty are an end to the harassment of Chinese human rights activists, guarantees that journalists will be allowed work unrestricted, and greater transparency about how many executions are carried out. "Such a high level visit one hundred days before the start of the Olympics is a crucial opportunity to press the Chinese government to change its tactics," said Amnesty spokeswoman Natalia Alonso. "The EU's commitment to include human rights concerns into all its policies is at stake." (END/2008)
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