News & Articles on Burma-Wednesday, 08 December, 2010

News & Articles on Burma
Wednesday, 08 December, 2010
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Second Panglong Would Do 'More Harm than Good': State Media
Suu Kyi unhappy with Indian investment
Suu Kyi Gives Alms to Monks and Nuns
Suu Kyi to Sell Postcards of Own Paintings for Social Work
Myanmar junta accuses Suu Kyi of "cheap stunt"
Junta accuses Suu Kyi of 'cheap stunt'
Border gate reopens after 3-year closure
Mongla’s Shan New Year celebrations crowded but without junta participation
Michelle Yeo to star in Suu Kyi film
Voter turnout at 77%: Myanmar

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Second Panglong Would Do 'More Harm than Good': State Media
By HTET AUNG Wednesday, December 8, 2010

In the first official response to recent calls for talks to address Burma's ethnic divisions—billed as a “second Panglong Conference”—the country's state-run media warned that such moves risk putting the opposition on a collision course with the ruling regime.

In an article published on Wednesday, the Burmese-language Myanmar Ahlin newspaper said that calls by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others to revive the “Panglong spirit” would go against the junta's current seven-step political road map and “bring more harm than good.”

Aung San, center, with ethnic delegates to the Panglong Conference in 1947.
Suu Kyi's father, independence leader Aung San, led the original Panglong Conference in 1947, eventually reaching an agreement with Burma's ethnic leaders that set the stage for an end to colonial rule the following year.

The agreement guaranteed ethnic nationalities the right to self-determination within the framework of a federal union, but was scrapped by Burma's military when it seized power in 1962.

“Parliament is the best place to strengthen the already gained national unity,” the article said. “If they [the opposition] choose to follow this idealistic way while ignoring the best way [parliament], they should be aware that that it will bring more harm than good to the country.”

The article also warned that “without the Tatmadaw [armed forces], a conference like the Panglong Conference will be manipulated by organizations that oppose the government and its seven-step political road map, even if it is carried out with good will.”

However, ethnic leaders denied that they are trying to exclude the Burmese military from the process.

“The Panglong spirit is about achieving national unity, and this can't be done without the Tatmadaw,” said Pu Cin Sian Thang, a spokesman for the United Nationalities Alliance, a group consisting of ethnic representatives who were elected in 1990 but never allowed to claim their seats in parliament.

“From the time we first started discussing the idea of holding a second Panglong Conference, we have never said that we wanted to exclude the military from the process. The article is merely trying to distort our message,” said Pu Cin Sian Thang, speaking to The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.

Although the article doesn't refer to Suu Kyi by name, she is widely seen as a key figure in efforts to revive talks aimed at resolving Burma's ethnic divisions.

Late last month, she agreed to work together with ethnic leaders after they gave her a copy of the Kale Declaration, a document signed by 109 democratically elected politicians, including both Burmans and ethnic minorities, that calls for what Suu Kyi described as “an ethnic conference in conformity with the 21st century.”

Analysts say that the Burmese regime often uses the state-run media to warn its opponents against following a course of action it disapproves of. They said the article probably signaled that a crackdown is likely if opposition leaders continue to pursue their plans to hold a Panglong-type meeting.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=20275
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Suu Kyi unhappy with Indian investment
By JOSEPH ALLCHIN
Published: 8 December 2010

Aung San Suu Kyi has criticised the financial angle of India’s engagement with the Burmese junta during an interview with an Indian news agency.

The opposition leader told the Press Trust of India yesterday that the world’s largest democracy should be doing more to pressure the ruling generals, who last month held controversial elections which Suu Kyi was barred from competing in.

“We would like India to play a more active role in trying to help in the process of democratisation of Burma and I would like the Indian government to engage more with us…who are working more with democracy,” she said.

The Nobel Laureate, herself an Indian resident for two years when she studied there prior to returning to Burma, did not say however that the Indian government should stop engaging with the Burmese junta, but was critical of its growing investment.

“India’s role in previous decades has been aided firmly by its reputation as the biggest democracy and it has taken pride in this, but, perhaps, more attention has turned towards the commercial side.”

India had been enormously supportive of the pro-democracy movement in Burma, even allegedly providing funding to anti-government armed groups such as the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF).

But this all changed in the late 1990s after the Narashima Rao administration seemingly did an about turn, taking the country from outspoken opposition to the military, through ‘engagement’, and towards the current warm relations – largely a result of strategic and economic interests.

This will have likely distressed Suu Kyi, whose father, General Aung San, was among the Burmese independence icons who developed close ties with India, seen then as a natural ally given its own democratic political culture.

Test cases of the current relationship range from a new manufacturing plant for Indian vehicle giant Tata Motors in Burma, to the inking of major hydropower projects. But perhaps most tellingly was India’s alleged betrayal of around 40 ethnic freedom fighters who were offered asylum on the Indian Andaman islands, only to be detained, and some killed.

Ultimately, Suu Kyi is asking India’s leaders to look beyond the race with China for economic supremacy in the region, which was typified by the lavish welcome given to junta chief Than Shwe when he visited India earlier in the year, controversially paying homage to Indian independence icon, Mahatma Gandhi.

With bilateral trade at around $US1 billion per year, and India’s important role in Burma’s soaring pulse exports, the financial incentives for both governments are clearly attractive.

Added to this is India’s interest in developing the hydro-electric potential of the Chindwin river in western Burma, which runs close to their shared border. Plans have also been mooted to connect India’s isolated northeastern states to the Bay of Bengal, with a ship route along the dredged Kaladan river given the go ahead earlier in the year.

But despite such robust economic relations, Suu Kyi will see India’s dynamic democracy as more fertile ground for mustering local support.
http://www.dvb.no/news/suu-kyi-unhappy-with-indian-investment/13293
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Suu Kyi Gives Alms to Monks and Nuns
By THE IRRAWADDY Wednesday, December 8, 2010

RANGOON — Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi offered alms to hundreds of Buddhist monks and nuns on Wednesday—the first major meeting between her and the Buddhist Order since her release last month.

About 780 Buddhist monks and 119 nuns showed up to receive cash and material donations at Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party office in Rangoon.

An NLD party member said that although Suu Kyi planned to donate to as many as 150 monks, other monks and nuns from across the former capital also joined the occasion.
“We could not offer robes to all the monks. So, we had to donate slippers and cash to them instead,” he said.

Win Htein, an NLD official, said that many of the monks who showed up today are the same ones who go on alms rounds in front of the party office every Tuesday, which is Suu Kyi's birth date.

“I saw an old monk dropping tears from his eyes when she [Suu Kyi] offered a robe to him. Then the monk gave jasmine flowers to her,” a witness told DPA, the German press agency.

On Tuesday, Suu Kyi bid farewell to her youngest son, Kim Aris, who left Burma after meeting with his mother for the first time in more than ten years. Party members said that when Kim returns to Burma again, Suu Kyi, a devout Buddhist, will arrange for his ordination into the monkhood for a short period, a widely practiced ritual among Burmese Buddhist families.

On Friday, Suu Kyi is scheduled to meet with visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joseph Yon, NLD spokesman Nyan Win said earlier.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=20272
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Suu Kyi to Sell Postcards of Own Paintings for Social Work
By THE IRRAWADDY Wednesday, December 8, 2010

RANGOON — Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi will sell postcards of seven paintings she drew while in detention to raise funds for social welfare activities, according to party sources.

Phyu Phyu Thin, an HIV/AIDS activist and youth-in-charge of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), told The Irrawaddy that the pro-democracy leader will sell postcards of her art work to raise funds for the party's social activities including helping HIV/AIDS patients who are under the care of the NLD.

“Aunty [Suu Kyi] will make seven paintings postcards for sale. They are what she drew on her computer while under house arrest. The postcards will be sold widely both inside and outside the country,” said Phyu Phyu Thin.

Aung San Suu Kyi gives a speech during a function marking World AIDS Day at the National League for Democracy headquarters in Rangoon. (Photo: Getty Images)
She said some of the paintings are about the weather and named “Spring, Summer and Winter.” Suu Kyi will sign the postcards as well, she said.
The NLD's care centers for HIV/AIDS patients, located in Rangoon's South and North Dagon townships, which host more than 100 patients on a regular basis, reportedly needs a million kyat [US $1,143] per month in operating expenses.

An NLD youth member at the South Dagon center said the center struggles to meet its expenses each month.

“Those who have received medicine or felt better go home and others arrive so we have more than 100 patients regularly. Many of them come from other parts of the country,” she said.

Since 2002, the NLD has reportedly been able to take care of more than 3,000 HIV/AIDS patients.

An NLD Social Welfare Committee member said the party cannot accept financial assistance from international donors because its a political organization and has to depend on self-funding in order to take care of HIV/AIDS patients. He said, however, that the antiretroviral drug (ARV) for patients has been provided free of charge by INGOs and local NGOs while the NLD helps them with counseling and sheltering.

After her release from house arrest, Suu Kyi visited HIV/AIDS patients living in the NLD's care center in South Dagotn Township. Local authorities tried to evict the patients from the center following her visit.

A number of celebrities also visited the center later were banned by the authorities from future performances on State-own TVs and radios.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=20271
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Myanmar junta accuses Suu Kyi of "cheap stunt"
Reuters: Dec 8, 2010

Myanmar's military rulers on Wednesday dismissed plans by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to revive an agreement to give autonomy to ethnic groups as a "cheap political stunt" that threatened peace. Skip related content

Commentaries carried by state newspapers did not refer to the recently released Suu Kyi by name, but they said a move to strike a deal with armed ethnic groups without the military's involvement was unconstitutional and suggested those behind it should not have boycotted the political process.

A commentary entitled "Don't rock the boat" carried in the New Light of Myanmar, one of the junta's mouthpieces, said Myanmar's political situation was "very sensitive and delicate" and if there was any attempt to pursue a new agreement "the whole boat will break into pieces and sink completely."

"If one really wants to engage in politics in order to serve the state's interest, one should act simply, legally and honestly within the framework of the constitution," it said.

Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party -- which has been formally disbanded by the junta -- have pledged to work towards a "second Pinlong Agreement," with the backing of ethnic groups that have long been in conflict with the regime.

The Pinlong Agreement was drafted in 1947 and backed by Suu Kyi's late father, General Aung San, who was instrumental in securing the former Burma's independence from Britain a year later.

It prescribed regional autonomy for three ethnic groups within a federal republic. The agreement was never put into effect.

The NLD and most ethnic political organisations refused to take part in a November 7 election and are regarded as "unlawful associations" by the government. The election was won by a landslide by an army-backed party.

Many analysts say the regime is unlikely to make peace with the armed ethnic groups and expect the army to launch a series of offensives to try to take full control of the country for the first time in its five-decade rule.

Such a scenario would trouble neighbours Thailand and China, Myanmar's biggest investors and key political allies, which face a deluge of refugees and disruption to border trade if fighting breaks out.

The commentaries were the first public criticism of Suu Kyi since her release from seven years of house arrest on November 13.

"Without the participation of the military, which is leading today's transition process, and political parties elected in the 2010 election, this would be nothing more than a cheap political stunt," said another commentary in Burmese-language dailies.
(Reporting by Aung Hla Tun; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Alan Raybould)
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20101208/tpl-uk-myanmar-politics-ethnic-81f3b62.html?
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Dec 8, 2010
Junta accuses Suu Kyi of 'cheap stunt'

Myanmar's military rulers dismissed plans by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (above) to revive an agreement to give autonomy to ethnic groups. -- PHOTO: AFP

YANGON - MYANMAR'S military rulers on Wednesday dismissed plans by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to revive an agreement to give autonomy to ethnic groups as a 'cheap political stunt' that threatened peace.

Commentaries carried by state newspapers did not refer to the recently released Ms Suu Kyi by name, but they said a move to strike a deal with armed ethnic groups without the military's involvement was unconstitutional and suggested those behind it should not have boycotted the political process.

A commentary entitled 'Don't rock the boat' carried in the New Light of Myanmar, one of the junta's mouthpieces, said Myanmar's political situation was 'very sensitive and delicate'and if there was any attempt to pursue a new agreement 'the whole boat will break into pieces and sink completely'.

'If one really wants to engage in politics in order to serve the state's interest, one should act simply, legally and honestly within the framework of the constitution,' it said.

Ms Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party - which has been formally disbanded by the junta - have pledged to work towards a 'second Pinlong Agreement', with the backing of ethnic groups that have long been in conflict with the regime.

The Pinlong Agreement was drafted in 1947 and backed by Ms Suu Kyi's late father, General Aung San, who was instrumental in securing the former Burma's independence from Britain a year later. -- REUTERS http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_611666.html?
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Border gate reopens after 3-year closure
Comments (0)By THUREIN SOE
Published: 8 December 2010

A Burmese soldier mans a checkpoint in Payathonzu, opposite Three Pagodas Pass (Reuters)
Officials have unexpectedly opened the Burmese side of the Three Pagodas Pass border crossing with Thailand more than three years after it was closed.

Merchandise can now be legally transported between the town and Thailand’s Sangkhla Buri, one trader said, adding that the reopening had caught them by surprise.

The majority of the goods, such as lead and furniture, that used to pass through the crossing were legal, he said, although its closure had fuelled a clandestine trade in unreported merchandise.

Burmese officials are now reportedly collecting $US1 per person and $US1.30 per car crossing over from Thailand, while it is free for Burmese heading into Thailand.

The Three Pagodas Pass, or Payathonzu in Burmese, is not an essential trade point for the two countries, given that access routes on the Burmese side of the border from Rangoon and Mandalay are in poor condition.

Although locals claim the reopening was unexpected, it comes days after secret talks were held between Burmese foreign minister Nyan Win and his Thai counterpart, Kasit Piromya.

There had been speculation that the Monday meeting in the Burmese town of Tachilek would focus on negotiations over the reopening of the key Mae Sot crossing, which was closed in July following a dispute over Thailand’s construction of defensive walls on its side of the Moei river.

Thailand’s countrywide border trade generates around US$4.3 billion each year for the developing economy. There are upwards of 20 official and unofficial trade points along its border with Burma. http://www.dvb.no/news/border-gate-reopens-after-3-year-closure/13289?
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Mongla’s Shan New Year celebrations crowded but without junta participation
Tuesday, 07 December 2010 16:43 Hseng Khio Fah

Mongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), led by Sai Leun, one of the 6 ceasefire groups that refused to disarm as demanded by the ruling military junta in late September, has reportedly invited no junta officials to participate in the celebrations of the Shan New year which fell today 7 December 2010, according to local sources.

“The reason was because we have no contact since relations between us turned sour following our refusal to disarm,” a source from Mongla group said. “Another reason was because no junta personnel remain here as they have withdrawn from Mongla.”

The group started the celebrations on 30 November and will conclude this evening. It was held in Mai Hoong Hsarm Ton (Three Banyan Trees) of Mongla and was presided over by Sai Hseng La, the new General Secretary of NDAA. In previous year, Sai Leun, Chairman of the group himself had participated, but he was not seen in this year’s event, participants said.

Thousands of people, both Shans and non Shans alike, from the surrounding areas including the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and Shan State Army (SSA) North’s First Brigade participated in the event.

The Wa group was led by Sao Peti and the First Brigade group by Chief Administrative Officer Lt-Colonel Hsai Fa.

The aims for celebrating the Shan New Year this year, according to Sai Hseng La are 1) To imbues the people, especially the new generation, with a sense of tradition, 2) To promote unity and friendship among the allies, and 3) resist all oppressions in unity.

Samples of Shan traditional houses and utensils were also displayed in the event, locals reported.

The Shan/Tai reside mainly in Shan State (Burma), Yunnan Province (China), Northern Thailand, Assam Province (India). They are known as Shan in Myanmar, Dai in China, Thai Yai in Thailand and Tai Ahoms in India. Thai and Laotians are included in the family of Tai. The Tai language is spoken by 90 million people, 13th most spoken in the world and the 6th most spoken in Asia, according to Linguasphere 2000. http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3353:monglas-shan-new-year-celebrations-crowded-but-without-junta-participation&catid=91:culture&Itemid=289
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Michelle Yeo to star in Suu Kyi film
Posted: 08 December 2010 1431 hrs

BANGKOK: Hollywood star Michelle Yeoh is to play the role of Aung San Suu Kyi in a film about the life of Myanmar's pro-democracy champion, industry sources said Wednesday.

Yeoh visited the Nobel Peace Prize winner on Monday and spent the whole afternoon at her crumbling lakeside mansion in Yangon, said Nyan Win, a spokesman for Suu Kyi.

Malaysian-born former Bond girl Yeoh has been shooting scenes with French director Luc Besson in Thailand for the production, titled "Dans La Lumiere", said Wanasiri Morakul, director of the Thailand Film Office.

"The film is about Aung San Suu Kyi. We approved it a long time ago and they have shot in several locations," said Wanasiri, whose government agency deals with foreign film-makers operating in Thailand.

Suu Kyi was freed last month after seven straight years of house arrest. The 65-year-old has won international acclaim for her peaceful resistance in the face of oppression.

In 1990 she led her National League for Democracy (NLD) party to a landslide election win that was never recognised by Myanmar's military rulers, who have locked her up for most of the past two decades.

Her struggle has come at a high personal cost: her husband, a British academic, died in 1999, and in the final stages of his battle with cancer the junta refused him a visa to see his wife.

Forty-eight-year-old Yeoh, a former Miss Malaysia, shot to international fame when she co-starred with Pierce Brosnan in the 1997 James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies" as a tough but beautiful Chinese spy.

She then starred in Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" -- a Chinese-language martial arts epic that was an international hit -- and "Memoirs of a Geisha" based on the best-selling novel by Arthur Golden.

Besson is best known for films including "Le Grand Bleu", "Leon" and "The Fifth Element". http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1097965/1/.html?
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Dec 8, 2010
MYANMAR ELECTIONS
Voter turnout at 77%: Myanmar

YANGON (Myanmar) - MYANMAR'S Election Commission has announced voter turnout a month after widely criticized elections, saying that 77 per cent of the country's 29 million eligible voters cast ballots.

Myanmar's main military-backed political party overwhelmingly won the country's first election in two decades, though official results have yet to be released.

Official media reported over the weekend that the Union Solidarity and Development Party won 882 of 1,154 parliamentary seats in Nov 7 polls.

All three official newspapers published the voter turnout on Wednesday.

Opponents as well as many foreign governments have dismissed the vote as neither free nor fair. -- AP http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_611638.html?