News & Articles on Burma-Thursday, 31 March, 2011

News & Articles on Burma
Thursday, 31 March, 2011
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Burma's New Govt Fails to Inspire
U.N. Says Junta Must Show Its Move Genuine
Wider dialogue in Burma
Scant hope for change in Myanmar 'civilian' rule
China Urges Respect for New Burma Government
UN cautious, but sees a light
Over 3,000 Homeless after Shan State Earthquake
Finance chief to target Burma trade
Burma Petrol Prices Soar as Imports Double
US Dismisses Governmental Change in Burma as 'Immaterial'
Myanmar military rule ends, but army retains grip
President U Thein Sein delivers inaugural address
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Burma's New Govt Fails to Inspire
By KO HTWE Sunday, May 1, 2011

Burma's new “Union Government” may have been sworn in on Wednesday, but several leading members of opposition parties and ethnic armed groups are dubious that the civilian administration will provide the peace and democracy that the people of Burma seek.

In President Thein Sein's inaugural address to parliament on Wednesday, he urged all MPs “to cherish and protect at risk to life the constitution and the democratic nation to be built in line with the constitution.”

He also called on the entire nation to help build the Tatmadaw [Burma's army] into “a strong, efficient, modern and patriotic army.”

However, speaking to The Irrawaddy on Thursday, Win Tin, a leading member of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), said that the constitution was not in line with the wishes of the people.

“I cannot accept the Tatmadaw continuing to play a leading role in Burmese politics,” he said. “We [Thein Sein and I] are totally different in that I have no desire to protect the 2008 constitution.”

Thein Sein said his government will guarantee the rights of Burmese workers both inside and outside the country. He also said it will safeguard the rights of peasants by amending and revoking existing laws, and by adopting new resolutions as necessary to protect the fundamental human rights of Burma's citizens.

“What he said about the rights of farmers and workers is just rhetoric,” said Win Tin. “I'm sure it will raise eyebrows over at the ILO [International Labour Organization].”

The new government may be guaranteeing farmers' rights, but that won't stop the junta's companies from seizing land and jailing dissenters, he said.

However, NLD spokesman Nyan Win said that his party accepted the practical aspects of forming a new government, and said he hopes to be involved in talks with the government on the issue of national reconciliation.

“We accept the reality of the situation,” he said. “We will not criticize the new government simply because it came into effect based on the 2008 constitution which we disagree with.”

He said the NLD's desire to sit down at the negotiating table with the new government does not contradict the party's policy that called for a constitutional review.

Khin Maung Swe, one of the leading members of the National Democratic Front, also spoke to The Irrawaddy. He said that the the new president's speech carried both good and bad points. “However, one thing we can say for sure is that the junta has transfered power to a civilian government.”

Many parliamentary candidates have expressed frustration that they have not been kept appraised of many of the nation's most important affairs.

“The appointment of a new president is an important landmark in the country's history,” said an MP on condition of anonymity. “But the regime didn’t inform us about it. We only find out what's going on when we attend parliamentary sessions.”

Meanwhile, Shan State Army-South spokesman Sai Lao Hseng told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that the parliament has rejected a proposal to hold peace talks with the armed ethnic groups.

“The civil war will continue,” said Lao Hseng. “It is difficult for the new government to amend the 2008 constitution. And it does not represent the interests of the ethnic minorities.”

Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Thursday, Karen National Union Secretary-General Zipporah Sein said she believed nothing will change under the new government.

“We have never supported the 2008 constitution, the 2010 election or the 2011 government,” she said.

Many observers have said that the average person in Burma does not notice any difference in the political make-up of the country despite the fact that power has officially been transfered to a new civilian administration, and that all state/division level, district level, township level and ward/ village level offices of the previous ruling State Peace and Development Council have been closed and their administration dissolved under the orders of Burmese dictator Snr-Gen Than Shwe.

“I heard that Thein Sein has been appointed president, but I don't care!” said a taxi driver in Rangoon. “I'm still queuing for gasoline. Who cares about politics when you don't have enough money for food?”

A Rangoon businessman was also pessimistic. “We have been cheated again,” he said. “All those appointed to the new cabinet are close to the regime.”
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=21053
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U.N. Says Junta Must Show Its Move Genuine
Published on March 31, 2011

by NewsDesk - iWireNews ™

Myanmar authorities must show their latest transfer of power is a genuine move away from military rule, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon said.

"Responding to the long-standing aspirations of the Myanmar people for national reconciliation, democratization and respect for human rights remains essential to laying the foundations for durable peace and development in the country," the head of the world body said in a statement.

Ban's call followed Wednesday's appointment of what is claimed to be a civilian government in the isolated South Asian nation, which since 1962 has been under repressive military rule. The new government will be led by President Thein Sein, 65, a retired general and former prime minister under the Senior Gen. Than Shwe-led junta.

"The Myanmar authorities now have an opportunity and, indeed, an obligation to their people, to demonstrate that this change is one of substance and that it is the start of a genuine move away from almost 50 years of direct military rule," Ban said.

Myanmar's new Parliament convened in February after elections in November which were widely criticized as designed to keep the military in power.

The New York Times reported despite the latest change, the military will maintain its hold on power with Gen. Than Shwe pulling the strings from behind the scene. http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=9737
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Wider dialogue in Burma

Editorial Desk
The Straits Times
Publication Date : 31-03-2011

The military in Burma may or may not be ready for meaningful and inclusive dialogue with the opposition as it handed over power Wednesday (March 30) to the government elected last November. If it were so inclined, it could simply respond to the offer that pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi made last weekend for talks to clear up 'misunderstandings'. Even after the new, nominally civilian government takes office, the military - or Tatmadaw - will continue to wield dominant, if not ultimate, power. It is a reality that Suu Kyi has chosen not to ignore. At the same time that the Tatmadaw marked Armed Forces Day on Sunday (March 27), her National League for Democracy (NLD) also celebrated the resistance that her father, General Aung San, led against the Japanese 66 years ago.

Beyond that bit of shared history, the two sides remain far apart. The unconditional release of more than 2,100 political prisoners remains an NLD priority demand unlikely to be met soon. Now disbanded for boycotting what it considered an unfair election, the NLD has no seat in any of the new parliamentary houses. Yet, any attempt at conciliation will fail if the military continues to marginalise Suu Kyi and her movement. Now free from house arrest, she is keeping an open mind on whether the new government will bring change.

If the Tatmadaw adopts a similar attitude and is willing to resolve the undisclosed misunderstandings, better relations and prospects could well result. No matter how limited, the demilitarisation of rule has begun to diversify opinion. The National Democratic Force, which broke away from the NLD to contest the election, held talks last week with the United States' charge d'affaires Larry Dinger on lifting Western sanctions. If more voices are heard on this and other critical issues, in or outside parliament, a clearer articulation of Myanmar needs and interests would emerge.

The world would then find it easier to help the country along the road to conciliation even as it finds it harder to ignore the more excessive abuses. Western powers should not remain hung up on the perplexing sanctions question, but engage with even more groups, including those in the new political structure, ethnic minorities as well as the opposition. The US and the United Nations should appoint full-time envoys to coordinate and focus on conciliatory initiatives.

Although it has yet to meet with complete success, Asean's positive engagement policy has endured recent years in good shape. It is time for other countries to adopt similar approaches towards helping the Myanmar people build a peaceful and prosperous country.

http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=18222&sec=3
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Mar 31, 2011
Scant hope for change in Myanmar 'civilian' rule

YANGON - MYANMAR'S attempt to rebrand itself with a nominally civilian government was met with scepticism at home and abroad on Thursday, with critics fearing army power has merely moved into the shadows.

Newspapers were sold out on the streets of Yangon a day after former general Thein Sein was made president and the feared junta was disbanded following nearly half a century of military rule.

But while the new order provoked interest, there was little optimism.

Company manager Konaing said the new parliament, which is dominated by the army hierarchy and lacks the participation of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, was a 'hot issue' with ordinary people.

'But they do not think there will be changes in the country as the generals only changed their uniforms. We have not many expectations, not much hope,' he told AFP.

Wednesday's handover came after Myanmar's first elections in 20 years last November, which were slammed by critics as a sham to provide a civilian facade to army rule, and marred by the absence of Suu Kyi, and by claims of cheating. -- AFP
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_651493.html
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China Urges Respect for New Burma Government

Peter Simpson | Beijing March 31, 2011

China has praised Burma’s new government for promoting democracy. Beijing denounced other countries for criticizing its close neighbor’s new administration, which was sworn in this week.

Offering China’s congratulations to the new Burma government, which took office Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu was quick to warn other countries not to meddle in its neighbor's internal affairs.

Jiang says Beijing disapproves of those countries which claim the new civilian-led parliament in Burma is merely the old, military-led government in a new guise.

She praised the new administration for what she calls promoting democracy.

The United States has been among the nations which have dismissed the transfer of authority in Burma as a sham. U.S. officials said Wednesday they will continue to push for what they describe as proper reform.

The U.S. and other critics claim that retired and serving military generals from the old government, together with technocrats, are maintaining their tight grip on power. The new president, Thein Sein, is a former general who gave up the uniform just last year to run in widely criticized elections.

China has close political, military and economic ties with Burma and has long been a staunch defender of its close ally.

It has been a strong supporter of the outgoing military government, which ruled Burma since 1988 in what they described as a "disciplined democracy." Burma has been under one form or another of military rule since 1962.

Spokeswoman Jiang Yu says the international community should respect Burma’s democratically elected government. And, she says it should help Burma to move along the path of economic growth and development. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/southeast/China-Urges-Respect-for-New-Burma-Government-118979159.html
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UN cautious, but sees a light
By FRANCIS WADE
Published: 31 March 2011

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has tiptoed carefully around yesterday’s official transfer of power in Burma, but said that opportunities exist for the new government to push the pariah in the right direction.

A statement released yesterday by the Secretary General, shortly after the announcement in state media, said that he had “taken note” of the transition, and asserted the new government’s “opportunity and, indeed… obligation to their people, to demonstrate that this change is one of substance”.

“Responding to the longstanding aspirations of the Myanmar [Burmese] people for national reconciliation, democratisation and respect for human rights remains essential to laying the foundations for durable peace and development in the country.”

It marks a somewhat more tentative reaction to recent changes in Burma, after the 66-year-old was last month criticised for hailing as an “important step” the appointment of incumbent prime minister, Thein Sein, as the country’s new president.

Thein Sein yesterday officially took his post as the top politician, a predictable move for observers who claim his loyalty to Burma’s dictator, Than Shwe, makes him the obvious choice to act the middle man between the ailing strongman and the new government.

While Than Shwe’s position as commander-in-chief of the army has been taken over by General Min Aung Hlaing, the reclusive junta leader now takes a more backseat position in the State Supreme Council, a shadowy ‘advisory’ body to the government comprised of the eight most powerful generals, including Thein Sein.

Yet despite Ban’s pledge to “continue to work with all relevant actors toward building a stable and fully democratic” Burma, he faces an uphill battle in forcing any break with the past: the key parliamentary positions are all taken up by powerful former generals, while some 80 percent of seats are occupied by pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) members who will lead the new government.

The new political landscape also leaves little room for manoeuvring by Burma’s opposition, particularly the National League for Democracy which was outlawed as a party prior to the elections. Their calls yesterday for dialogue with the new government have so far gone unanswered.

The UN has long had difficulty influencing the Burmese junta, with Ban himself admitting in the past that the military had been “unresponsive” to his approaches.

Ban Ki-moon has also been no stranger to criticism: during his posting as South Korean foreign minister he described the controversial Shwe gas pipeline as a “win win” project for the Burmese military and the South Korean government, consequently drawing the ire of Burmese and international rights campaigners who claim it has led to egregious human rights violations.

A leaked memo last year from the UN’s former anti-corruption chief Inga-Britt Ahlenius also described his secretariat is in a “process of decay” and questioned the UN’s “capacity to protect civilians in conflict and distress” in countries such as Burma.
http://www.dvb.no/news/un-cautious-but-sees-a-light/15068
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Over 3,000 Homeless after Shan State Earthquake
By SAW YAN NAING Thursday, March 31, 2011

More than 3,000 people have been made homeless in Shan State following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that rocked the region on March 24, according to the latest joint report by aid agencies working in 90 affected villages.


Slide Show (View)
Released on Wednesday by the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in collaboration with several partners, the report said the most common illnesses reported are diarrhea and colds.

Among the 96 cases of diarrhea reported by World Vision on Tuesday, 48 have been confirmed by local health authorities but none are severe, according to the report.

The Myanmar Red Cross Society reported on Wednesday that 3,152 people in the region were made homeless by the earthquake.

Chris Herink, a World Vision spokesperson in Shan State, told The Irrawaddy that what is most urgently needed is safe drinking water. He said relief workers are continuing to distribute water purification tablets in the affected areas.

Initial findings of a rapid collaborated assessment indicate that at least 18,000 people residing in 90 villages have been affected by the earthquake. Most of those villages are located in Tarlay and Mong Lin townships. At least 150 people have been killed, according to local sources.

Local residents said that some of the affected areas are often inaccessible due to rains, and that there is an increased risk of landslides as the rainy season is due to start in a few weeks.

With regard to safe water, a main concern is the damaged gravity flow system in Tarlay, which supports the population in and around the town. However, further assessment on the extent of damages is still required, the report said, adding that the Tarlay authorities have estimated that 702 houses have been damaged.

According to the agencies' report, homeless villagers from Tarlay sub-township and Mong Lin (East) and Mong Lin (West) Village Tracts are in dire need of additional material support, particularly in terms of non-food items, such as tarpaulins, blankets and household utensils.

The agencies said that foodstuffs such as salt, cooking oil, noodles, dried fish, and cans of fish are being delivered. Tents, blankets, cooking utensils, plastic mats, mosquito nets, candles, water tanks, bottled water and water purification tablets are also being distributed by the humanitarian aid groups.
Many private donors have also been involved in distributing rice, instant noodles, cans of fish and beef, as well as fresh vegetables to those affected.

Some local residents said they found individual donations more effective than the government-channeled distribution of aid. They also claimed that government-monitored aid distributions have been delayed, and that supplies have been stolen.

Ca Mu, a Lahu resident in Yanshin village near Tachilek Township, said that local authorities such as the headmen of the villages and various paramilitaries control the aid, but don’t deliver it. “If they were really committed to the people, they would give us a helping hand,” he said.

“In my opinion, it doesn't matter whether the soldiers reach the affected villages or not, because even if they go there they do nothing significant for the people who need help,” he said. “In fact, it would be better if they didn't go at all—they make things worse.”

World Vision said it had identified a need to establish two warehouses in Tachilek and Tarlay to facilitate the ongoing relief and rehabilitation response. The World Food Program is also assessing the storage capacity in the areas, said the aid agencies’ statement.

On March 30, India announced an assistance package of US $1 million for the relief and rehabilitation of Burma's earthquake victims. Other assistance includes $500,000 from China, $100,000 from Thailand, and $50,000 from the Philippines.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/highlight.php?art_id=21051
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Finance chief to target Burma trade
By SHWE AUNG
Published: 31 March 2011

Burma’s new commerce minister has said that boosting trade will be made a priority of the new government as it looks to stem the tide of economic stagnation that has made it one of the world’s poorest countries.

Speaking to DVB yesterday shortly after power was officially handed over from the junta, Win Myint said that the revamped ministry will “do our best to increase commerce values, [and push] for faster and smoother commerce flows”.

Overseas investment in Burma is on an uphill trend thanks largely to China’s energy-hungry population, although it maintains significant trade relations with Thailand and Singapore. But rampant corruption and favouritism means that Burma remains Southeast Asia’s least developed country, despite boasting a spectacular bounty of natural resources.

Whether the transfer of power to what the junta claims is a civilian government will improve prospects there remains to be seen. Asked whether business should be hopeful of more freedom to trade in the new era, Win Myint’s answer was typical of the stonewalling epitomised by the previous junta:

“Thank you. I am a businessman and trader myself. I will get back to you when convenient.”

Prior to elections last year, swathes of industry nationalised by the former Ne Win regime were sold to private business, nearly all of which were headed by powerful cronies of the junta.

Like Win Myint, many of the former top-ranking generals who are now MPs in the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) oversaw the sale of properties such as banks and ports to well-connected tycoons, making the prospect of any change in the economic landscape slim.

One businessman in Rangoon said however that he hoped Win Myint’s experience and “connection with real business people” would engender the transition that traders are hungrily eyeing.

Prior to his recent appointment, Win Myint was president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Burma’s largest business federation which represents nearly 11,000 Burmese and 770 foreign companies in the military-ruled country

Proposals in parliament yesterday to reduce tax by 10 percent were reportedly snubbed, despite widespread protestations about the new government budget which allocates 24 percent of annual spending to the maligned military.

Rangoon-based Burmese economist Maw Than said that more factory jobs may open for Burma’s working class population if greater foreign investment arrives, and that it should use this opportunity to bring an end to international sanctions.

It was Win Myint who last year stressed the importance of increased trade between China and Burma, particularly in the agricultural sector which accounts for some 60 percent of the Burmese labour force’s income. Back then, border trade dominated Burma’s economic ties with China, but that is rapidly changing with the increased focus on the energy sector.

China’s total investments in its southern neighbour last year are thought to have topped $US10 billion, boosting total contracted foreign investment in Burma since 1988 by more than 50 percent.
http://www.dvb.no/news/finance-chief-to-target-burma-trade/15073
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Burma Petrol Prices Soar as Imports Double
By THE IRRAWADDY Thursday, March 31, 2011

MAE SOT—Exports of gasoline from Thailand to Burma through the Mae Sot-Myawaddy crossing have reportedly doubled in recent days, as the petrol price soars in Burma.

Thailand has been delivering more than 200,000 liters of petrol from Mae Sot to Myawaddy per day this month, according to Burmese traders.

Speaking to The Irrawaddy, a Burmese trader said, “before it was 200,000 liters export volume of petrol per two days, but it has been increased to double this since early March. This brings more money than before to fuel traders and organizations with import-licenses in Burma.”

22-wheel trucks with a 40,000-liter capacity are being used to transport fuel from Bangkok to Mae Sot. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)
The Border Guard Force led by Col Chit Thu—who is a former commander of DKBA (999) battalion—currently holds petroleum import-licenses at the border, along with local Burmese army battalions and business owners. They all act under guise of “raising funds” for the government.

A trader said that 22-wheel trucks with a 40,000-liter capacity are being used to transport fuel from Bangkok to Mae Sot. The contents of these trucks is then carried over the Moei River through temporary pipes to fuel tanks in Burma, situated on embankments in a village just north of the Friendship Bridge.

According to witnesses, there are around half-a-dozen 22-wheel trucks arriving in Mae Sot from the Thai capital every day. Exported gasoline from Thailand is high quality fuel which retails at 42.95 baht/liter in markets around Tak province, including Mae Sot.

In January 2010, the Fuel Oil Importers and Distributors Association was formed with Burmese top tycoon Tay Za as chairman. Aung Thet Mann, the son of the former Gen Thura Shwe Mann, is currently vice chairman. Burma's energy ministry later transferred the distribution of gasoline to privately-own companies.

The recent fresh wave of fuel price hikes in the world market has affected Burma. Even the junta's energy authority has recognized that the black market has become larger, making a wide price gap.

Speaking to the Upper House of Parliament on March 17, former Energy Minister Lun Thi said the government is selling petrol at a lower price than the “world market.”

The official cost for a gallon of gasoline at Burma's so-called “privatized” gasoline stations is 2,500 kyat (US $2.83) per gallon for normal petrol and 3,600 kyat ($4.08) per gallon for high octane fuel.

Although the government has officially announced that members of the public can buy gasoline at any station, motorists have to queue for lengthy periods, sometimes hours, to buy just two gallons of the fuel per day.

Many cannot wait, and decide to purchase at the small black market petrol pumps that are generally set up alongside the main roads in and out of cities.

Black market rates are now: 5,200 kyat ($ 6) per gallon in Mandalay and Sagaing; 5,600 kyat ($ 6.6) in Monywa; and 6,000 kyat ($ 7.14) in Sittwe of Arakan State, local sources told The Irrawaddy.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=21049
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US Dismisses Governmental Change in Burma as 'Immaterial'

David Gollust | State Department March 30, 2011

The United States Wednesday dismissed the nominal transfer of authority in Burma from military to civilian figures as "immaterial" and said military leaders remain in control. The State Department said the Obama administration will continue pushing for genuine reform.

The State Department is calling the nominal transfer of power to civilians in Burma at best a lateral move, and says the United States will continue pressing a two-track strategy of engagement with Burmese authorities and sanctions to try to promote real reforms.

The comments came after a ceremony in the Burmese parliament in which the long-ruling military junta was declared officially dissolved, and a new civilian government -- chosen in a widely-criticized election last November -- sworn into office.

The former prime minister in the military-led government, Thein Sein, an ex-general who gave up his military post only last year, became president of a self-described civilian government that includes other former military officials.

Asked at a news briefing if the development was an advance for Burma, State Department Acting Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said it was a step sideways, or even backwards, for the politically-isolated Southeast Asian state.

"There was a fundamentally flawed election process that’s now ensured that key military regime figures have continued to dominate the government and all decision-making. The fact that they’ve take off their uniforms and donned civilian clothes is immaterial. We remain deeply concerned about Burma’s repressive political environment," Toner said.

Spokesman Toner said the United States urges Burmese authorities to release all political prisoners, recognize the legitimacy of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party, the NLD, and to enter into a genuine, inclusive, dialogue with all democratic and ethnic-based opposition groups "as a first step toward reconciliation."

Aung San Suu Kyi’s party won Burmese elections in 1990 but the military ignored the results and kept the Nobel Peace laureate in detention for most of the last two decades.

She was freed from house arrest a few days after the November election, while the NLD was ordered disbanded for boycotting the election.

An NLD spokesman said the party is open to dialogue with the new government but remains concerned about continuing military control.

In his inaugural speech, new President Thein Sein accused Western countries of bullying Burma and said they should recognize positive changes and drop sanctions.

The Obama administration has sent senior envoys to Burma seeking dialogue, but also has kept long-standing sanctions, including a near-total trade ban, in effect.

The State Department spokesman said the administration remains committed to the two-track strategy of outreach and sanctions, but has always been "clear-eyed" about its expectations from the attempt at engagement. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/US-Dismisses-Governmental-Change-in-Burma-as-Immaterial-118959249.html
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Myanmar military rule ends, but army retains grip
March 31, 2011

Myanmar's military made way for a nominally civilian government after almost half a century in power Wednesday, as the junta was disbanded and a new president talked of a "changing era".

But the army hierarchy retains a firm grip on power in the resource-rich Southeast Asian country, and many analysts believe strongman Senior General Than Shwe will attempt to retain some sort of control behind the scenes.

The handover came after widely-panned elections last November -- the country's first in 20 years -- which were marred by the absence of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and claims of cheating and intimidation.

Quoting an order signed by Than Shwe, Myanmar state television reported the junta's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) "has been officially dissolved".

Than Shwe, who has ruled with an iron fist since 1992, is apparently no longer in the hitherto most powerful position of head of the army.

But Myanmar analyst Aung Naing Oo said: "Everyone will be required to report to him for quite some time." He added that the handover was similar to the slow withdrawal of Than Shwe's predecessor, late dictator Ne Win.

"We have not had any kind of democracy in the past 50 years so it is more like an experiment," the Thailand-based analyst said. "There are more questions than answers."

The SPDC, previously known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council, or SLORC, seized power in 1988, but Myanmar has been under military authority since 1962 and the generals continue to dominate the impoverished nation.

Former prime minister Thein Sein, a key Than Shwe ally, was sworn in as president at the parliament in Naypyidaw on Wednesday. Profile: Myanmar's president

He is among a slew of generals who shed their army uniforms to contest the elections last year and are now civilian members of parliament, which also had a quarter of its seats allocated to the military.

"We will reform the whole government system as part of the changing era while struggling to stand firm as a strong government," he told parliament in a rare public address.

In an apparent reference to Suu Kyi and her party, he said those that do not accept the new system "need to see us as their government".

An official said Wednesday's presidential inauguration was attended by General Min Aung Hlaing in a new guise as armed forces commander-in-chief, implying Than Shwe no longer holds the top military job.

But the official added that "it's not clear yet" whether Min Aung Hlaing has formally taken over the army.

The 54-year-old Min Aung Hlaing, is part of a younger generation of Myanmar generals.

He was head of the Defence Services Academy and a commander in the so-called Golden Triangle, a region near the country's borders with Laos and Thailand notorious for drug trafficking.

Across Myanmar moves to change signs on government buildings to reflect the new political system followed a quiet withdrawal by the junta in recent days.

Than Shwe's image and decrees have disappeared from the front page of government mouthpiece the New Light of Myanmar and Armed Forces day on Sunday was also a subdued affair.

"Symbolically, this is the army stepping into the background, even if the military elite are still running the show," said a Myanmar analyst in Yangon who asked not to be named.

"It's now the elite not the armed forces in charge."

The formation of a parliament, convened for the first time at the end of January, takes the country towards the final stage of the junta's so-called "roadmap" to a "disciplined democracy".

Thein Sein's junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) bagged 388 of the national legislature's 493 elected seats the election.

Suu Kyi has no voice in the new parliament. Her National League for Democracy party was disbanded for opting to boycott the vote because the rules seemed designed to bar her from participating.

The election, and Suu Kyi's release from house arrest a few days later, have reignited a debate about economic sanctions enforced by the United States and European Union because of Myanmar's human rights abuses.
Copyright http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=568282&ChannelId=4
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New Light of Myanmar : Thursday, March 31, 2011.

President U Thein Sein delivers inaugural address to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw

We have to strive our utmost to stand as a strong government while conducting changes and amendments in order to catch up with the changing world



NAY PYI TAW, 30 March-President U Thein Sein addressed the first regular session of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw today.

The following is the translation of his speech.

Mr Speaker and representatives,

May I extend my warmest greetings to Mr Speaker and representatives and wish you in physical and spiritual wellbeing.

After being elected the President, I am under a responsibility to present the policies of the new Union government as I shall be responsible to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and the Union government.

First and foremost, I would like to say that all the representatives including me are elected hluttaw members. So we are all duty-bound to honour and safeguard the constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar approved by the vast majority of the people.

So, I would like to call on you to cherish and protect at risk to life the constitution and the democratic nation to be built in line with the constitution.

As you know, national brethren remained united in the struggles to liberate the nation from the rule of the colonialists and regained independence.

But, in the postindependence period, national races involved in armed conflicts among them for about five decades due to dogmatism, sectarian strife and racism instead of rebuilding the nation. In consequence, the people were going through the hell of untold miseries.

The Tatmadaw with a strong sense of duty and loyalty saved the country several times whenever the country was close to collapse and loss of independence and sovereignty. Also in 1988, the Tatmadaw government saved the country from deteriorating conditions in various sectors and reconstructed the country.

Now, it has laid sound foundations to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

Now, the people have elected us and given mandate to continue building a stable, peaceful and developed nation, making good use of the foundations.

In order to accomplish the demanding duties, our new government will lay down new policies and programmes according to the objective conditions of the nation.

According to the historic events, Our Three Main National Causes: Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of national solidarity, and Perpetuation of sovereignty is the national duty not only present generations but also our posterity have to safeguard. So, our government will uphold this national duty.

Our country needs three types of might to accomplish these national causes. They are: (1) political might (2) economic might (3) military might Political might means national unity.

National solidarity is very crucial for our country, home to over 100 national races. If national unity is disintegrated, the nation will split into pieces. Therefore, we will give top priority to national unity.

Lip services and talks are not enough to achieve national unity. So, it is required to build roads, railroads and bridges to overcome the natural barriers between regions of national races; and to improve the education and health standards; to lay economic foundations to improve the socio-economic status of national races. We have to improve the living conditions for national brethren, using the roads, bridges, educational institutions, hospitals and health centres. The greater number of roads, railroads and bridges the nation sees, the smoother transport there will be between one region and another, and friendlier relations there will be among national races. In addition to material development, we will try to ensure the flourishing of Union Spirit, the fundamental requirement of national solidarity.

Regarding national reconsolidation, there are so many individuals and unlawful organizations inside and outside the nation that do not accept the State’s sevenstep Road Map and the constitution. They are all citizens of our country.

Therefore, they have to accept our government as their government constituted with national races of their own.

According to Chapter (XII), the people have been vested the rights to amend the constitution in line with procedures.

Therefore, every citizen has to avoid any activities and speeches that harm the image of the country and interests of the people.

D e s p i t e different ideas and concepts, the people of us have to work closely in matters of same views in the national interests.

If an individual or organization stands for election in accordance with the democratic practice to come to power in a justice way, that will be acceptable to everyone. Therefore, I would say our government will keep peace door open to welcome such individuals and organizations.

Regarding the economic might, we have to try for economic growth.

If our country is not economically strong, it will face underestimation and unfair treatment from other countries. National economy is associated with political affairs. If the nation enjoys economic growth, the people will become affluent, and they will not be under influence of internal and external elements.

Ours is an agro based country. Successive governments paid serious attention to agriculture, so the country has enjoyed surpluses of crops. Now, the nation has got sound foundations for agricultural farming such as dams and river water pumping stations for food security of the population of new years.

However, agricultural development alone is not enough for the country to become a developed one.

So, we must turn to national industrialization to transform country into a developed, rich one with a lot of employment opportunities and high per capita income.

Our country is rich in natural resources. However, we need capitals, energy and human resources. Our country has all sound foundations. So, if we try our best, without doubt, we will achieve our goal. Therefore, our government will try our best for national industrialization while scaling up agricultural development.

Regarding military might, we have to relay the duty to strengthen the nation from one generation to another for perpetuation of independence and sovereignty. If the nation does not have strong armed forces, our country will face hegemony of others. Our country stood tall with own monarchs and sovereignty for thousands of years. But, in late Konbaung Period, our country fell under the subjugation of the colonialists without any strong resistance. That was due to lack of a strong Tatmadaw. If we do not take national defence seriously, we will fall under the rule of neo-colonialists again. I am sure you understand well that neo-colonialists are anxious to interfere in the internal affairs of our country because our country occupies strategic position geographically and economically.

Therefore, our country needs a world-class Tatmadaw. The entire people have to build collectively present Tatmadaw into a strong, efficient, modern and patriotic Tatmadaw. Every citizen is responsible for defending the country. So, the people have to do their bit in national defence duties.

The constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, which was approved by the great majority of the people in 2008, has come into force. Our government will discharge duties in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

Mr Speaker and representatives, Necessary infrastructural buildings in the economic sector were built and necessary laws, rules and procedures were promulgated in recent years for evolution of the market economy. The country has made many constitutional reforms including privatization. Therefore, we will have to work harder than ever and make amendments to financial and tax policies as necessary for evolution of the market economy and improvement of the socio-economic status of the people.

We will practise the market economy as the economic policy for achievements in the economic programmes. The theme of the economic programmes is evolution of the market economy. In the process, we will make sure that all the economic forces such as the State, regional organizations, cooperatives and private enterprises can work in harmony in the framework of the market economy. In addition, we will give all-round encouragement to small and medium enterprises that play an important role in the economy of Myanmar, a developing country.

Regarding the market economy, we will open doors, make reforms and invite investments as necessary for development of the nation and the people. We will make sure that fruitful results of the prudent plans will go down to the grassroots level. In this regard, we will promulgate all necessary policies and laws so that the fruits will go down to the grassroots level and the entire people enjoy better socio-economic status.

There are different opinions and procedures regarding the market economy in the international community.

In some countries, the market is not under the control of the governments concerned. In some countries, the governments concerned take control over the market to an extent. We will exercise the market economy in which the government takes control over the market to a certain degree. It is because any capitalists, traders and privileged persons cannot monopolize the market, not because we intend to restrict the market economy. In this case, we will put national interests in the fore, and will control and restrict the market in minimum.

In the process, we have to ensure proper market economy designed to reduce the economic gap between the rich and the poor, and development gap between urban and rural areas.

We will attract foreign investments and establish special economic zones to create jobs and technical know-how, and we will provide assistance to national entrepreneurs for development of their industries and boost productivity.

If we want the nation to enjoy development and economic growth, we will have to focus on industrial development. That is why the Tatmadaw government tried its best for national industrialization. Now, the nation has taken a giant step to transform itself into an industrialized one. And there are signs of sustainable development of the nation. Therefore, we plan to transform the nation into a modern, industrialized one with the use of the benefits from the agricultural sector and internal and external investments.

We are also determined to improve the living conditions of peasants and workers. We will occasionally update the laws to safeguard the rights of peasants.

We will step up tasks for agricultural development, ensuring reasonable prices of agricultural produce, and improving the quality of agricultural produce. In particular, we will create employment opportunities, stabilize commodity prices and encourage welfare and social security for the convenience of workers and labourers. And we will ensure that minimum pay scale meets current living costs. We guarantee that national workers inside and outside the nation enjoy all rights.

Peasants and workers are the major class of the nation.

So, our government guarantees that they can enjoy the benefits derived from their labour in proportion to their contribution, and social security.

Mr Speaker and representatives,

We need more and more human resources of intellectuals and intelligentsia in building a modern, developed democratic nation. In this regard, a fundamental requirement is development of human resources including new generations who will take over State duties. Therefore, we will promote the nation’s education standard to meet the international level and encourage human resource development.

Regarding the education sector, the 24 regions for special development have been established with universities and colleges so that local youths can pursue higher education in their regions or states.

Rural areas have seen a massive number of basic education schools. In order to promote the nation’s education standard to the international level, we will practise free compulsory primary education system, improve the standards of present universities, colleges, and high, middle and primary schools, provide more teaching aids, sharpen the abilities and improve the socio-economic status of educational staff, and increase the enrolment rates in middle and high schools. In that regard, we will work in cooperation with international organizations including the UN, INGOs, and NGOs.

We will promulgate necessary laws for private education schools. Moreover, we will provide stipends for higher education abroad and stipends for outstanding students at home.

Regarding the health sector, we will improve quality of the hospitals opened over past two decades and skills of medical staff. In addition, we will improve the quality of rural health centres and medical staff. In the process, we will work together with international organizations including the UN, INGOs, and NGOs.

We have a plan to promulgate necessary laws to standardize the health care services of private health centres. We also have a plan to set up a health care system covering the participation of the State, the people and altruistic organizations to beef up community health care. We will work more closely with international organizations in pursuit of the national projects on control and prevention of the three diseases: AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Mr Speaker and representatives,

To safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens in line with the provisions of the constitution in the new democratic nation is high on our government’s list of priorities. We guarantee that all citizens will enjoy equal rights in terms of law, and we will reinforce the judicial pillar. We will fight corruption in cooperation with the people as it harms the image of not only the offenders but also the nation and the people. So, we will amend and revoke the existing laws and adopt new laws as necessary to implement the provisions on fundamental rights of citizens or human rights. Here, we will make reviews as soon as possible, and we will submit reports in order that Pyidaungsu Hluttaw can carry out legislative tasks based on the findings.

Another task we will have to implement is environmental conservation. In that regard, we will pay serious attention to conservation of forests and woodlands and take measures in various sectors to reduce air and water pollution, control dumping of industrial waste and conserve wildlife. We will lay down a new policy in which we will work for economic development in parallel with environmental conservation. We will mobilize participation of the people and social organizations in the tasks for environmental conservation and create renewable energy at low cost. We will review and amend laws and enact new laws on environmental conservation.

Therefore, I pledge that we will give top priorities to the policies on internal affairs to achieve sustainable development with maintenance of foundations, to build consolidated unity of the Myanmar society, and to guarantee fundamental rights of citizens.

In order to implement the policies on internal affairs that I have said, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will submit the following programmes to relevant hluttaws.

(1) To amend points of the existing laws that are against the constitution,

(2) To submit bills to safeguard fundamental rights of citizens in line with the constitution

(3) To increase the salaries of service personnel and pensions occasionally

(4) To study and compile the laws on rights of farmers and review existing laws for amendments as necessary

(5) To review the laws to create jobs and safeguard rights of workers for amendments as necessary

(6) To rewrite Public Health Care and Social Security Law to submit a bill

(7) To introduce bills to promote the education and health standards

(8) To amend some journalism laws in line with the provisions of the constitution

(9) To promulgate laws on environmental conservation and amend laws on industry and mining for environmental conservation

(10) To promulgate laws to amend the programmes for rescue and rehabilitation regarding natural disasters due to climate changes, and long-term preparedness against natural disasters.

Mr Speaker and representatives,

Now, I will present the foreign affairs policy.

From post-independence period to date, successive governments practised different political and economic policies and concepts. But, regarding the foreign affairs policy, they all exercised non-aligned, independent and active foreign affairs policy and dealt with other countries in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. In addition, they never came under the influence of any powers. They remained neutral in international relations. They never permitted any foreign troops to deploy within the borders of the Union. They never launched aggression against and interfere in the internal affairs of any other country. And they never posed threats to international and regional peace and security.

These points are the pride of for the Myanmar’s foreign affairs policy.

Our government will also adhere to this honourable foreign policy and continue the relations with all the countries. Moreover, our country will stand firm as a respected member of the global community while actively participating in the international organizations, including the UN, ASEAN, BIMSTEC and other regional organizations. This is why I invite and urge some nations wishing to see democracy flourish and the people’s socioeconomy grow in Myanmar to cooperate with our new government that emerged in line with the constitution by accepting and recognizing Myanmar’s objective conditions and ending their various forms of pressure, assistance and encouragement to the anti-government groups and economic manipulations.

Mr Speaker and representatives,

From now on, Myanmar has initiated democratic transition. There are many tasks ahead after the multi-party democracy general elections, the first step of the process. Not only do we have to continue to work constitutionally and democratically in the nation’s legislative, executive and judicial affairs. But we have to build mutual cooperation and understanding between
the Union Government and Region/State Government and between Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and Region/ State Hluttaw. Moreover, it is still necessary to show our genuine goodwill towards those who have not accepted the constitution because of being skeptical about the seven-step Road Map in order that they can discard their suspicions and play a part in the nationbuilding tasks. Likewise, we need to convince some nations with negative attitude towards our democratization process that Myanmar has been committed to see the interests of the nation and the people to serve those interests only in the constitutional framework and not to try to disrupt democratization process outside the constitutional framework and harm peace, stability and the rule of law. The Union Government will welcome all actions done within the constitutional framework but prevent and take necessary action against all actions done outside the constitutional framework.

Democracy will promote only hand in hand with good governance. This is why our government responsible for Myanmar’s democracy transition will try hard to shape good administrative machinery.

Mr Speaker and representatives,

Today, the onus is upon all of us to achieve democracy that must be practised in harmony with a sense of duty and freedom. The people have trustily given this duty to the Hluttaw representatives. Again, the representatives have entrusted me and the Union Government with this responsibility to take charge of the executive sector. So, we need to cooperate with all to accomplish the tremendous duty.

I would like to advise the political parties to work together in the national interests as common ground although they may have different outlooks and views. Similarly, I urge the Hluttaw representatives of various political parties to follow the wishes of the majority and respect the wishes of the minority in accordance with democratic practices. Particularly, I would like to exhort all to work together in the national interests ignoring any negative attitude such as the government and the opposition, which was conventional in Myanmar politics.

For development and peace and stability of a nation, it is necessary for government’s administrative mechanism to cover all parts of that nation. It is needed to make administrative mechanism reign in the nation as well as respected in the international community.

Therefore, we have to strive our utmost to stand as a strong government while conducting changes and amendments in order to catch up with the changing world.

Mr Speaker and representatives,

The State Peace and Development Council has built political, economic and social foundations necessary for future democracy since 1988 to date. So, we sincerely thank all the people, all the Tatmadaw members and all service personnel for achieving peace, stability and the rule of law and building development infrastructures instrumental to a democratic nation. I urge the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw to put such endeavours on record.

In conclusion, respecting the people's decision to elect our government, we will try our best for Myanmar to be able to stand as a democratic nation in the long run with justice, freedom and equality while steadfastly shouldering the State duties. At the same time I would like to urge and invite all the people to work together with the government in the interests of the nation.
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