News & Articles on Burma-Sunday, 06 February, 2011

News & Articles on Burma
Sunday, 06 February, 2011
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Militia recruitment begins in northeastern command
UN chief calls on Burma to recognise opposition
Than Shwe Confounds Gamblers
Myanmar strongman lurks behind new politics, say experts
Vietnam congratulates new Myanmar leadership
Myanmar media asserts junta head’s position
Chinese leaders congratulate newly elected Myanmar leaders
Burma appoints junta figure as president
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Militia recruitment begins in northeastern command
Friday, 04 February 2011 16:22 Hseng Khio Fah

Village headmen in area under Northeastern Region Command in Shan State North have been instructed to recruit people in their area concerned and send them to its command’s headquarters based in Lashio within a week, according to local sources.

Each village tract is assigned to provide 60 men whether they are new men or serving men for military training. They all must arrive at the regional HQ by 7 February, according to a village headman.

“However, we cannot still fill up the number they [the top officers] demanded. Some people, mostly youth, started fleeing when they heard about recruitment order,” he said.

Village tracts that received the order were Tapong, Mong Tame, Mongyang, Markkhinu, Konghsa and Hopeuk. All of these village tracts are facing the same difficult to get full-quota as required by the military junta, said another village headman.

Last month, the Northeastern Region Command had picked up 60 men from each infantry battalion under its command for the newly installed military command in Southern Shan State, which requires 1,500 officers and men. As soon as the selection was issued, some soldiers applied for retirement from military service in order to avoid going to the new command.

The Burma Army had installed a new military command “Middle East” with the purpose of overseeing areas between Shan State South’s Taunggyi and Shan State East’s Kengtung. Its HQ will be based at Kali, 8 miles east of Kunhing township. One of its battalions so far is a newly formed Infantry Battalion (IB) # 151.

Elderly people in the villages shared their views on this new recruitment that the military junta is likely to rush to block the movements of rebel groups, especially the Shan State Army (SSA) ‘North’s First Brigade.

Many local people predicted that Burma Army’s major operations against non-Border Guard Forces (BGF) program is like to begin after the new government is formed.

The new president of the country is expected to be officially announced today.

Many people see Thein Sein is almost certain to be elected as President, Tin Aung Myint Oo as Vice President-1 and Sai Mawk Kham as Vice President-2. http://www.shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3449:militia-recruitment-begins-in-northeastern-command&catid=86:war&Itemid=284
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UN chief calls on Burma to recognise opposition
February 6, 2011
www.Livemocha.com

UN LEADER Ban Ki-moon has called on the Burmese junta to use the naming of a new government to open up to opposition parties.

The junta named Prime Minister Thein Sein as president on Friday after a new national assembly, dominated by allies of the ruling generals, sat for the first time last week.

Mr Ban has ''taken note'' of the announcement of the election of the new president and vice-presidents, said spokesman Farhan Haq in a statement.

''The secretary-general hopes that this announcement marks the beginning of a change in the status quo. It represents an important opportunity for Myanmar.

''He hopes that it leads to the formation of a more inclusive civilian government that is broadly representative of all parties relevant to national reconciliation and more responsive to the aspirations of the people of Myanmar.''

Burma held elections in November, which were widely criticised by Western nations and the opposition as a sham.

Thein Sein (pictured), a key ally of junta strongman Than Shwe, retired from the army to contest the election as head of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which claimed an overwhelming majority in the poll.

''It is what we had expected,'' Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi said.

Ms Suu Kyi's party won the previous elections in 1990 but was blocked at the time from taking power by the military. The party boycotted November's vote, calling it unfair.

Agence France-Presse http://www.smh.com.au/world/un-chief-calls-on-burma-to-recognise-opposition-20110205-1ahnw.html
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Than Shwe Confounds Gamblers
By WAI MOE Saturday, February 5, 2011

Much as the presidential elections in Burma's new parliament have been stage-managed by junta supremo Snr-Gen Than Shwe, many local political observers and businessmen did not anticipate his choice of Thein Sein for president and, as a result, lost money betting on Than Shwe or junta No.3 ex-Gen Shwe Mann for president.

“Burmese usually love to bet on European football matches or the last two numbers on Thailand’s daily stock exchange,” said a businessman in Rangoon. “But this time, a lot of people were betting on who would be the new president.
“A well-known businessman who runs a private journal lost 10 million kyat (about US $10,000) to his friend after betting on Than Shwe,” he said.

Before the weekend, a majority of government officials, journalists, businessmen and INGO staffers said they assumed Than Shwe would either assume the presidential position or hand it to one of his closest aides, such as Shwe Mann.

“We [my friends and I] predicted that the senior general would taken the presidency since—under the 2008 constitution—the Head of State is the President,” said an automobile dealer in Rangoon. “I certainly had my money on him. Others bet on U Shwe Mann.”

Expectations were running high among many gamblers that Shwe Mann would “win” because Than Shwe reportedly introduced him to Chinese counterparts in September during a state visit to Beijing.

However, it is an open secret that Than Shwe likes to keep everyone guessing. Not even his closest allies pretend to know his next move.

Shwe Mann was not only considered a safe bet by several pundits, but he was also backed by some executives of a well-known NGO in Rangoon. Many said they believed the 63-year-old general could bring about some positive developments.

Leaked information from Naypyidaw at the weekend and on Monday suggested Than Shwe was going to nominate Prime Minister Thein Sein, not himself or Shwe Mann.

This came true on Friday when Parliament announced the appointment of Thein Sein as President and another top junta official, ex-Gen Tin Aung Myint Oo, as Vice President alongside Sai Mauk Kham, a Shan MP from the junta’s proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Shwe Mann was elected by the Lower House as its speaker on Monday.

But although political observers and gamblers were interested in who would become President, most Burmese citizens were not.

“Whoever becomes the president, everything will be the same,” said a 53-year-old schoolteacher from Rangoon. “We Burmese will be still under the military rule of Snr-Gen Than Shwe. It is unimportant who is appointed President.” http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=20678
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Myanmar strongman lurks behind new politics, say experts
Posted: 06 February 2011 1244 hrs

BANGKOK: Myanmar may have announced a new president this week, but analysts say the country's ageing junta chief will still pull the strings in the new political system.

Than Shwe, who began his authoritarian rule in 1992, will try to ensure his own safety by maintaining his influence behind the scenes after the rise of his key ally Thein Sein to president, according to experts.

The exact retirement plans of the ageing postman turned psychological warfare officer remain shrouded in mystery.

But if anyone was under the impression that he had quietly faded into the background with the selection of a new political leader, a prominent message on the front of the main state newspaper served to underline his strength.

The squat septuagenarian was pictured Saturday in full military uniform, chest bristling with medals but without the customary dark glasses, above the announcement of the country's new president.

"Maybe whoever is in charge of the newspaper they just wanted to confirm that Than Shwe is still the boss," said Thailand-based Myanmar expert Aung Naing Oo.

Described by critics as brutal, paranoid and heavily influenced by astrology, Than Shwe swept his enemies from key positions after taking power, including purging Prime Minister Khin Nyunt in October 2004.

Avoiding a similar fate and ensuring the security of those close to him will therefore be at the forefront of his plans, analysts said.

The "crucial question" is whether he will relinquish his hold on the armed forces, said Maung Zarni, of the London School of Economics.

"My answer is categorically no," he said, adding that the junta chief "needs to live by his sword".

Other analysts say Than Shwe will step back from the army, relying on trusted members of the military hierarchy now in positions of power.

"He has a weak and loyal president, Thein Sein, whom he can control easily from behind," said US-based analyst Win Min.

Thein Sein, chosen as president on Friday, shed his army uniform to contest November's election as head of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which claimed an overwhelming majority in the poll. Sources say he will remain prime minister.

Other key allies include former junta number three Thura Shwe Mann, who Win Min said is likely to "control the parliament" as lower house speaker.

Both Thein Sein and Shwe Mann are "lapdogs of Than Shwe", according to Maung Zarni.

The formation of a national assembly in Naypyidaw, convened for the first time last week, takes the country towards the final stage of the junta's so-called "roadmap" to a "disciplined democracy".

A quarter of the parliamentary seats were kept aside for the military even before the country's first poll in 20 years, which was marred by the absence of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and claims of cheating and intimidation.

Despite the dominance of retired generals in the new political system, some believe there is a chink of hope.

In addition to the national parliament, there are also 14 regional assemblies run by ministers whose roles could bring them into competition with local army chiefs -- and perhaps chip away at military domination.

Trevor Wilson, an academic and former Australian ambassador to Myanmar, said the country had "definitely reached the first stage of a transitional regime".

"I think he is preparing for his departure, it's not going to be sudden, he will be around in the background," he said.

Than Shwe could move from the army to a protected position within the USDP, Aung Naing Oo said, adding that if he does not have a formal role and "does not participate in day-to-day issues there is a possibility there will be more openings".

Win Min also sees the junta number one taking up a position in the party he created, predicting a retreat to purpose-built headquarters in the hills overlooking the capital Naypyidaw.

"Than Shwe will retire from the military when he feels comfortable pulling strings from behind as patron of the USDP party, which is the position he created by himself for his future," he said. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1109111/1/.html
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Vietnam congratulates new Myanmar leadership
Last updated: 2/6/2011 12:00

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (L) and Thein Sein, the then prime minister of Myanmar, shake hands during a meeting in 2009.
Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Saturday sent a joint message of congratulations to Myanmar’s newly-elected President Thein Sein.

A government report cited the Vietnamese leaders as saying that they believe Myanmar, under the leadership of President Thein Sein, will “attain greater achievements in the national construction and development, actively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.”

The report said Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan has also sent a congratulatory message to the new Vice President of Myanmar, Tin Aung Myint Oo, on Saturday.

Former Prime Minister Thein Sein, a general who retired from the army in April last year, was chosen on Friday to become the president of Myanmar, AFP reported.
Source: Thanh Nien http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20110206120503.aspx
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Myanmar media asserts junta head’s position
Sunday, 06 February 2011 02:28

BANGKOK: Myanmar’s junta chief appeared on the front of the main state newspaper yesterday, above news that a retired general had been made president, in what one analyst said was an apparent assertion of strength.

Than Shwe, the junta number one who has ruled Myanmar with an iron fist since 1992, was pictured in full military uniform and described as senior general and commander-in-chief of defence services in a prominent announcement.

The item in the New Light of Myanmar, entitled “Various national races share joys and sorrows”, appeared to be reprinted from an earlier proclamation on the country’s unity.

It was positioned above a report on the appointment of prime minister Thein Sein, a key ally of the army chief, as Myanmar’s head of state.

“Maybe whoever is in charge of the newspaper, they just wanted to confirm that Than Shwe is still the boss,” said Myanmar expert Aung Naing Oo.

While Than Shwe has not taken up the top political role in the country’s new political system, many analysts have long expected him to try to keep some control behind the scenes.

Thein Sein’s appointment was seen as supporting fears that the regime has engineered the political process to hide military power behind a civilian facade.

The 65-year-old former junta number four became a civilian to contest the November election as head of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which claimed an overwhelming majority in the poll.

Despite the selection of a president, a government has not yet been formed and key regime figures remain in their positions.

The formation of a national assembly in Naypyidaw, convened for the first time on Monday, takes the country towards the final stage of the junta’s so-called “roadmap” to a “disciplined democracy”.

A quarter of the parliamentary seats were kept aside for the military even before the country’s first poll in 20 years, which was marred by the absence of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and claims of cheating and intimidation.

AFP http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/s.-asia/philippines/141592-myanmar-media-asserts-junta-heads-position-.html
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Chinese leaders congratulate newly elected Myanmar leaders
09:15, February 05, 2011

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday sent a congratulatory letter to U Thein Sein on his election as Myanmar's president.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping sent congratulatory messages to Dr. Sai Mauk Kham and Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo on their election as Myanmar's vice presidents.

Thein Sein was elected president by Myanmar's new parliament from among the three designated vice presidents earlier Friday.

Source: Xinhua http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/7280105.html
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Burma appoints junta figure as president

Associated Press
The Associated Press February 5, 2011 04:00 AM

Burma's newly elected parliament named a key figure in the long-ruling military junta as president Friday, ensuring that the first civilian government in decades will be dominated by the army that has brutally suppressed dissent.

The appointment of Thein Sein, 65, a former army general, was the latest step in Burma's self-declared transition to democracy following elections in November, but critics, including recently freed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, have slammed the process as a sham intended to cement military rule.

"This is not surprising. It is what we had expected," Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi told reporters Friday. Suu Kyi's party won the previous elections in 1990 but was blocked at the time from taking power by the military. The party boycotted November's vote, calling it unfair.

Suu Kyi spent 15 of the last 21 years in prison or under house arrest and was released late last year after the vote was held.

The military's delegates in parliament and their civilian allies hold an 80 percent majority in the new legislature, which hand-picked the new president from a pool of three vice presidents named Thursday. Thein Sein is the most prominent of the three and was seen as a shoe-in for the head of government.

The future role of junta chief Senior Gen. Than Shwe, who has wielded absolute power since 1992, remains unclear. But he is expected to remain a dominant force in Burma, also known as Myanmar.

The army has held power in Burma since 1962. There has been general curiosity in Burma about who will become the next president, but there is also a widespread perception that the military cheated in the elections and that the new government will not bring democratic change.

This article appeared on page A - 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/02/05/MN6M1HITRV.DTL#ixzz1DAzXzl5L