News & Articles on Burma Saturday, 28 January 2012 ----------------------------------------- 'Open door' Myanmar offers 8-year tax break to foreign firms Myanmar shift to democracy not over, more reforms ahead:minister Myanmar to sell Indonesia up to 200,000 tonnes rice a year Will Burma's press free after new media reform bill? KNU wants to hear expert advice and Karen voices on 'peacetalks' 10 Burma soldiers die in battle with KIA in Shan State Zoya Phan: Burma Needs Real Peace, Not Just A Pause in Conflict Burma's censorship dep't to be abolished? Up to 900 political prisoners may remain in Burmese jails Money exchange services start next month ----------------------------------------- 'Open door' Myanmar offers 8-year tax break to foreign firms Posted: 28 January 2012 2242 hrs DAVOS, Switzerland: Myanmar's government said Saturday it planned to offer eight-year tax exemptions to foreign investors as Western companies "rushed" to build ties with the one-time international pariah. Industry Minister U Soe Thane told reporters there had been huge interest in Myanmar from business leaders he had encountered at the World Economic Forum in Davos as the Southeast Asian country's reform process gathers pace. "They are rushing to us," he said. "We are just opening the door." The minister said that Myanmar expected its economy to grow by six percent in the coming year and that it should be an attractive location to foreign investors -- citing as proof his successful visit to Davos. "I have met with a lot of people -- not just ministers but CEOs. We have engaged with them, explained our potential, our location at the junction of China and India. Our location is very favourable. "We have a lot of hydro potential, we have lots of fishing potential, a big fisheries area. Also our people know the English language, it is easy to communicate," he said. Deputy railways minister Lwin Thaung said the government was looking to enact radical legislation to attract investors. "Presently we have a Myanmar investment law which is rather restrictive, but we are now revising it," he said. "We have hired foreign consultants ... and we have told them to draw up the law so as to be more attractive than our neighbours. "It will give tax exemptions for up to eight years and, if the enterprise is profitable for Myanmar, we will extend the incentive. We have already drafted the bill ... and at the end of February the law will come out." The European Union is considering lifting sanctions against Myanmar as soon as February, according to diplomats in Brussels, while Washington has promised further reforms will be met with US rewards. A few Western corporations such as French oil giant Total do have a presence because the sanctions framework permitted firms that were already operating in the country at the time they were imposed in the 1990s to stay. -AFP/ac http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world_business/view/1179623/1/.html ----------------------------------------- Myanmar shift to democracy not over, more reforms ahead:minister ReutersBy Tomasz Janowski and Michele Sani | Reuters -- DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Myanmar has already done a lot to reconnect with the international community and win investment, but the return to democracy is not complete and more political and economic reforms are needed, its trade minister said on Saturday. Myanmar has opened up to the outside world with astonishing speed since a civilian government took office last March after five decades of army rule, releasing political prisoners and launching democratic reforms. The prospect of the end of Western sanctions imposed for human rights abuses has prompted a surge of interest from investors who view the former Burma as one of Asia's last "frontier markets." But asked whether he thought Myanmar has done enough to get U.S. sanctions lifted, U Soe Thane told Reuters Television: "A lot of things we have done, but many more we have to do in the near future. The democratic process is not finished yet." "We have a lot of things to reform and lots of things have to change: laws, regulations and institutions, not only in the political sector but also in the economic sectors. But sanctions are up to them." U Soe Thane, who leads Myanmar's first official delegation at the World Economic Forum after five decades of isolation, said he was encouraged by dozens of meetings with leaders and executives at the annual gathering. "I met a lot of people here, other ministers and CEOs, more than 20, and we discussed co-development," he said. "Our location, our market and resource potential are very important for them so they are willing to invest in our country." Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi said in video address to the forum earlier this week that the minister's presence was a sign of positive changes in the country. She said that the nation has not yet reached its "great transformation," but an election in April could bring that point closer and preparations for the polls kept her from attending the summit. Years of economic mismanagement by the military coupled with U.S. and European sanctions have left the economy in tatters with infrastructure that is rudimentary at best and about a third of its 60 million people living on a dollar a day. But its rich gas deposits and other natural resources, large and young workforce, and a potential as a tourism destination barely touched by development are making it an attractive target for companies seeking to grow while mature economies struggle. Japan's trade minister led a group of executives at the start of the year and a similar delegation of U.S. businesses is expected to visit the country next month. Myanmar's energy minister earlier this week told Reuters energy companies from Norway, Brazil, Russia and Japan were all interested in investments in the sector. In Davos, Starwood Hotels & Resorts - which runs chains such as Westin, Sheraton and Le Meridien - and Marriott International both expressed interest in running hotels in Myanmar. (Writing by Tomasz Janowski; Editing by Peter Graff) http://news.yahoo.com/myanmar-shift-democracy-not-over-more-reforms-ahead-124819397.html ----------------------------------------- Myanmar to sell Indonesia up to 200,000 tonnes rice a year Published on Jan 28, 2012 YANGON (REUTERS) - Indonesia's state procurement agency, Bulog, is to sign an agreement on Saturday with Myanmar's Rice Industry Association (MRIA) under which it will agree to buy between 100,000 and 200,000 tonnes of rice a year from Myanmar, an industry official said. Bulog imported 1.9 million tonnes of rice last year from Thailand, Vietnam and India but said on Jan 5 it wanted to avoid imports this year. Indonesia aims to be self-sufficient, as it was in the early 1980s. 'Bulog and the MRIA will sign an agreement this evening, under which Indonesia will buy from 100,000 to 200,000 metric tons of 5 per cent broken Myanmar rice annually,' Ye Min Aung, secretary of the MRIA, told Reuters. He said a tonne of that grade of Myanmar rice fetched around US$500 (S$627) on the international market. --------------------------------------- Will Burma's press free after new media reform bill? By Zin Linn Jan 28, 2012 10:59PM UTC The third regular session of the first Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) and the third regular session of first Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) opened at the Pyithu Hluttaw Building in Nay-Pyi-Taw, Thursday. President of Myanmar (Burma) Thein Sein sent a message to the Speakers of the Lower and the Upper Parliaments, the New Light of Myanmar said Friday. The President says in his message, "In successfully reforming the all sectors of the nation for the sake of the people and the nation, we had to promulgate 15 new laws and make amendments and supplements." The junta-sponsored existing parliament allows 330 civilian seats in the 440-member House of Representatives (Lower House). Under the 2008 Constitution, the remaining 110 seats are filled with appointed military officers. In the 224-seat House of Nationalities (Upper House), 168 are elected and 56 are appointed by the boss of the armed forces. Remarkably, 77 percent of the parliamentary seats have been seized by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in the 2010 November polls which were distinguished for vote-rigging prescription. When the new parliament first started opening on January 31 in 2011, tight security had been set up around the parliament building as part of measures for a grand scale celebration. At that time, the area around the Naypyitaw was under surveillance and army units patrolling day and night. There were even restrictions on the members of parliament, according to invitations delivered to Members of Parliament calling them for the first parliament sessions. The new MPs were not allowed to carry cameras, computers, mobile phones, radios, voice recorders, electronic gadgets, handbags and miscellaneous items. During that first parliamentary session, even no visitors were allowed into the parliamentary compound. Uninvited guests might risk a prison term under rules made clear to lawmakers; whereas the authorized officials said even senior military officers were not permitted to go through without special permission. For the period of that first parliamentary session, 18 reporters from domestic and foreign news agencies arrived in Naypyidaw, according to the Mizzima News. But, the journalists did not received permission from the Information Ministry to cover the historic first sessions which assembled for the first time in 22 years on January 31, 2011. Additionally, reporters were not allowed to take photographs near the Parliament building. Only four reporters from state-run Myanmar Radio and Myawaddy TV were given permission to cover the Parliament. They even were not allowed to enter the Parliament and had to shoot video from a room surrounded by glass, Mizzima said. One remarkable thing is that on this latest third regular assembly of the first parliament sessions, the mobile phones were allowed to use in the parliament building, but agree holding devices without disturbance to the parliament discussion, the Eleven Media Group (EMG) news said Friday. Moreover, not only domestic correspondents but also foreign reporters have been allowed to cover the news on the parliament discussions during this House Sessions. Media personnel were placed at the top floor above the parliament assembly hall. They were also allowed carrying cameras, video-cameras, computers, voice recorders and other necessary papers. Apart from 26 domestic reporters, there are altogether eleven reporters from foreign news agencies, including Mr. Jason Szep (Southeast Asia Bureau Chief) from Reuters News of Britain, Mr.Toru Kitamura from Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), Mr.Tetsuo Okabe from Ji Ji News Agency Japan, Mr. Yuzo Yamashita from Nippon Television Network (NTV) and Ms.Lin Xi from China Central Television (CCTV), according to EMG news. Since the new President Thein Sein government came to power in March 2011 after controversial 2010 November elections, Burma's authorities have made a minor moderation of rigid censorship rules for some publications, while keeping a tight grip on news journals. In an interview by telephone on Wednesday, Tint Swe, director of the Press Scrutiny and Registration Department (PSRD) repeatedly told Radio Free Asia (Burmese Service) claiming freedom of expression in Burma will be better after the new Press Law, which is still in the process of being endorsed in the parliament. PSRD's director said that the press law had already been drafted by Burma's Ministry of Information and sent to the Attorney General's office for approval. After adopting the media reform bill, the role of Press Scrutiny and Registration Department will be finished, Tint Swe told RFA. http://asiancorrespondent.com/74808/will-burma%E2%80%99s-press-free-after-new-media-reform-bill/ -------------------------------------- CEASEFIRE: KNU wants to hear expert advice and Karen voices on 'peacetalks' January 28 | Author: Saw Blacktown | Karen News The Karen National Union (KNU) made public decisions at an emergency meeting by its Central Committee this week about recent and future 'peace talks' with the Burma government. The KNU emergency meeting, held at a secret location in Karen State was attended by a total of 38 representatives, 35 Central Committee members and three specially invited representatives. The KNU statement noted that in regard to the ceasefire talks with the Burma government its representatives on decided five key points. These were -- "1. Discussions between the KNU and the Burmese (Myanmar) government on the matter relating to ceasefire will be continued. 2. For building trust in the interest of ceasefire, dialogues and discussions will be undertaken on the matter of reduction/pulling out and positioning of Burmese government troops in the KNU areas. 3. For the effectiveness and smooth progress of negotiation, the KNU will seek the advice of experts. 4. The KNU will seek suggestions of the Karen people, inside and outside of the country, and encourage more participation of women in the negotiation process. 5. For the achievement of national (ethnic) equality and self-determination, the KNU will work together with the ethnic nationality forces, at the stage of political dialogue and negotiation." The KNU its statement concluded that it, "would like to state that in negotiation with the Burmese government, the KNU would strive ceaselessly for the establishment of durable peace, based on national equality and self-determination rights, after the establishment of a durable ceasefire." http://karennews.org/2012/01/ceasefire-knu-wants-to-hear-expert-advice-and-karen-voices-on-peacetalks.html/ ------------------------------------------ 10 Burma soldiers die in battle with KIA in Shan State DetailsCategory: News Created on Friday, 27 January 2012 21:47 Published Date Written by KNG A KIA sniper takes position near KIO Laiza headquarters in Kachin state, northern Burma. MUSE, Burma A short battle between the Burmese army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in northern Shan state ended Thursday morning with the death of at least 10 Burmese soldiers, including an officer, according to KIA official in the area. The brief but lethal firefight broke out when members of the Kachin resistance attacked a military convoy on the Kutkai-Tamonye road between Maw Han and Nong Cho, said the KIA official. Thursday also saw at least three additional clashes between Burmese troops and members of the KIA 4th Brigade's 9th Battalion take place in the area. According to KIA officials these incidents resulted in a number of Burmese soldiers sustaining serious injury. It is not known what battalion the Burmese troops belonged to, however they were accompanied by troops from the Kutkai Militia, led by U Hkun Myat, according to a KIA official who also said that none of his soldiers were injured during the day's fighting. A large part of northern Shan state is presently under the control of the KIAs 4th Brigade, including the northern section of the Mandalay-Muse road, one of the country's most important trading routes. The Shwe gas project's twin oil and gas pipelines are also slated to be built in a lengthy stretch of land now controlled by the 4th Brigade including Namtu, Kutkai, Mandong and Nam Hkam townships. All of these areas have seen heavy fighting in recent weeks. High numbers of injuries in Burma Army in Northern Shan State Sources in the central Shan state town of Lashio report that the local military hospital is currently treating more than 200 injured Burmese soldiers. The Lashio military hospital usually provides only minor care, soldiers with more severe injuries are sent to a better equipped facility in Pyin Oo Lwin. The Kachin News Group has also learned that least 400 injured soldiers have been transferred from Lashio to the military hospital in Pyin Oo Lwin, (also known as May Myo). http://www.kachinnews.com/news/2226-10-burma-soldiers-die-in-battle-with-kia-in-shan-state.html ----------------------------------------- Zoya Phan: Burma Needs Real Peace, Not Just A Pause in Conflict January 27, 2012 Whats the benchmark for real change in Burma? By Zoya Phan With the recent release of high profile political prisoners, and the agreement in principle of a ceasefire with the Karen National Union (KNU), there is no doubt that major developments are happening in Burma. The question is how genuine are these steps, and how far is the military-backed government willing to go forward for peace? International pressure does work. Burmese governments frequently raise the relaxation of sanctions as a reward for steps they are taking. When it became clear that the international community would not relax sanctions while conflict in ethnic areas was increasing, the government started talking about ceasefires. As an ethnic Karen woman forced to flee my home at just 14 when the Burmese Army attacked our village, many people expect me to be very excited about a potential ceasefire agreement with the KNU. The agreement does give me some hope, but I am also feeling very cautious. There are good reasons for this. The recent negotiations were the sixth time the KNU had met with the central governments in the past sixty-three years, sometimes they were democratic governments, sometimes dictatorships. Always though, the demands were the same. The KNU had to surrender, or as the government called it, return to the legal fold. Everything had to be on their terms, there was no compromise. Having a ceasefire doesnt solve the political problem that caused the conflict. The KNU is accountable to the Karen people, leaders could not be bought off with promises of gifts and business ventures. They were willing to compromise for the sake of peace, but insisted that there also be dialogue for solving political problems that are the root cause of the conflict. So far, no government in Burmacivilian, military, or the current mixed civilian/military governmenthave been willing to seriously discuss these political problems. They just see ethnic groups as a conflict problem, so if there is a ceasefire the problem is solved. The danger is, that seems to be how many governments around the world also look at the problem. If the ceasefire with the Karen is successful, it could be a positive step towards nationwide ceasefire and national reconciliation. But will the Burmese Army respect the ceasefire, when they have broken others in the past? Will they stop soldiers committing human rights abusesraping, looting and killing, as they do in other places where there are ceasefires? We must also not forget that while the government is in talks about ceasefires with the Karen, Chin, and the Shan, the Burmese Army is launching offensives against the Kachin and targeting civilians in those attacks, committing horrific human rights abuses. A ceasefire without a political solution is like a pressing pause button, not a stop button. It doesnt stop the human rights abuses committed by the Burmese Army, or grant rights and autonomy for the Karen and other ethnic nationalities in Burma. The international community is in danger of making a big mistake in Burma. They talk about certain benchmarks needing to be met before sanctions are liftedan end to conflict, for example. But just having a ceasefire doesnt solve the political problem that caused the conflict. The problem remains. The same mistake is made with political prisoners. There is pressure to release all political prisoners, but even if this happens it is possible around a thousand remain in jailthe unjust laws under which they were all jailed will still be in place. Human rights abuses in Burma are a symptom of an undemocratic political system. That political system remains unchanged. The military and military-backed government havent given up any powers. People such as myself who have been forced to flee from our homeland because of attacks by the Burmese Army wont be able to return home safely until there is a political settlement. That political settlement is a real benchmark for judging if there is real change in my country. ---------------------------------------- Burma's censorship dep't to be abolished? Friday, 27 January 2012 22:13 Mizzima News (Mizzima) -- The director of the Burmese Press Scrutiny and Registration Department (PSRD) repeated claims this week that the department would be abolished in coming months. Tint Swe of the Burmse press scrutiny and registration department. Photo: Mizzima"The new press law, which is still in the process of being enacted, will guarantee freedom of expression in Burma," Tint Swe told Radio Free Asia (RFA) in an interview on Wednesday. "It won't take too long to adopt the press law---it would just be a matter of months after discussions at the upcoming parliament session." Tint Swe made similar claims in November. Tint Swe told RFA that the law had already been drafted by Burma's Ministry of Information and sent to the Attorney General's office for approval. His remarks came as Rangoon journalists report that many prior censorship restrictions or advisories have been handed down in recent weeks. Among the items censored or advised to be toned down were calls by Aung San Suu Kyi and others for the release of all remaining political prisoners and comments by recently released 88-Generation student leaders. Other censored items involved the news of the eviction of a popular abbot for his outspoken political views and criticism of possible election irregularities by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) ahead of April 1 elections, according to RFA. Lawmakers in Parliament said this week that revisions to the country's press law would probably come up in this session of the Parliament, which opened this week. Burmese censorship rules have been modified in recent months and are now divided into two general categories: Group 1 includes nearly 200 publications focusing on sports, health, arts, children's literature, crime, business and technology, which don't need to pass articles through censors prior to publication, but must submit copies after publication. Group 2 includes around 160 publications focusing on news, economics, and religion, which must pass articles through censors prior to publication. http://www.mizzima.com/gallery/media-alert/6499-burmas-censorship-dept-to-be-abolished.html -------------------------------------------- Up to 900 political prisoners may remain in Burmese jails Friday, 27 January 2012 14:08 Nay Myo New Delhi (Mizzima) -- As many as 918 political prisoners may still be locked up in Burmese prisons, but an accurate list of the number is still incomplete, say groups working on the political prisoner issue. According to the list compiled by the Thai-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP-B), 918 political prisoners are still behind bars. According to the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, 388 are political prisoners are still being detained. The two groups use different criteria in defining a political prisoner. It is possible the exact number may never be known. The Burmese government does not claim to have an accurate list of political prisoners, because it denies that it has political prisoners in its jails. Occasionally, it refers to the numbers compiled by the AAPP and NLD. AAPP-B Secretary Teik Naing told Mizzima: "When we rechecked our list, we found that some of them were released but some were handed over to police and some were taken away by military units so that it is very difficult to make a complete list. We can confirm around 900 political prisoners are still behind bars." According to NLD spokesman Ohn Kyaing, the number of remaining political prisoners may likely increase and the NLD is still working on the exact numbers. "According to our list, there were 591 political prisoners, and we found that 303 prisoners were released," said Ohn Kyaing. "We are compiling a new list by collecting figures based on information from prisoners who were just released, and the new list is almost completed," A total of 651 prisoners are believed to have been freed during the January 13 presidential amnesty. At a press conference in Naypyitaw on January 14, Home Minister Ko Ko said, "There are only prisoners in the prisons who are convicted for the crimes they committed. If you know there are monks who were arrested, please give us an accurate list of them." Taik Naing said that the AAPP defined those who were arrested and imprisoned in connection with a political issue as political prisoners. "Some of these political prisoners were charged and framed up in criminal cases such as a narcotic drug cases, misappropriation cases, gambling cases, etc. But we saw them all as political prisoners because they were arrested for their political activities, and then charged with other cases and imprisoned," he said. Ohn Kyaing said the NLD considered those who were imprisoned in bomb blast cases and charged under the Unlawful Associations Act were regarded as political prisoners. "We list all of them who were charged in bomb blast cases, charged in the "saffron revolution" cases, those who were charged under sections of the Unlawful Associations Act in Taungoo, those who were charged under the Emergency Provisions Act and those who were charged with section 505 of Penal Code (causing disaffection to the State) as political prisoners. And some of them were charged with abetting these political prisoners. We list them also as the political prisoners," he said. http://www.mizzima.com/news/prisoner-watch/6495-up-to-900-political-prisoners-may-remain-in-burmese-jails.html ------------------------------------- Money exchange services start next month Friday, 27 January 2012 18:11 Mizzima News (Mizzima) -- Four Burmese private banks will provide money exchange services in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand starting in February, according to Rangoon media. The move is designed to begin foreign trade services with Asean members. The banks participating are the Cooperative Bank, Kanbawza Bank, Asian Green Development Bank and Ayeyawaddy Bank, said an article in the Yangon Times. The service will allow migrant workers in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to remit money to Burma. The Cooperative Bank will handle remittances from workers in Singapore; the Ayeyawaddy Bank in Malaysia; the Kanbawza Bank in Thailand; and Asian Green Development Bank in Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, recent economic changes exempted Burmese citizens living abroad from paying income tax for money earned in foreign currency starting Jan. 1. Changes in the banking sector in November last year now allow 11 private banks out of 19 to trade three foreign hard currencies -- U.S. dollar, Euro and Singapore dollar. The 11 private banks include Kanbawza Bank, Cooperative Bank, Myanmar Industrial Development Bank, Myawaddy Bank, Inwa Bank, Myanmar Oriental Bank, Asian Green Development Bank, Ayeyawaddy Bank, Myanmar Pioneer Bank, United Amara Bank and Tun Foundation Bank. There are three state-owned banks in Burma: Myanma Economic Bank, Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment Commercial Bank. The article said there are 15 foreign bank representative offices from nine countries operating in Burma; four from Singapore, two each from Bangladesh, Malaysia and Japan, and one each from Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam and China. http://www.mizzima.com/business/6497-money-exchange-services-start-next-month.html
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
News & Articles on Burma-Wednesday, 25 January 2012
News & Articles on Burma Wednesday, 25 January 2012 -------------------------------------------- Pakistan president honours Burma's Suu Kyi Sanctions Debate Heats Up in Naypyidaw Suu Kyi, 88 Generation Leaders Hold 'Family Reunion' NLD member to hire a lawyer for KNU's Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung KIO opens new Hpakant jade mining field in Kachin State Taileng plans to contest April election Press freedom ranking Myanmar Minister Says No Going Back on Reforms Burma-North Korea ties still unnerving US EU sanctions move triggers heated debate Pakistan wants closer oil and gas ties with Burma ----------------------------------------- BANGKOK POST Pakistan president honours Burma's Suu Kyi Published: 25/01/2012 at 08:32 PM Online news: Asia Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday presented Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi with an award in recognition of her long struggle for democracy as he visited the military-dominated country. Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari (left) meets with Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi at her house in Yangon. He presented her with an award in recognition of her long struggle for democracy. "I'm sure she will be this century's leader to be remembered by the coming generation," Zardari said as he bestowed on the opposition leader the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Award for Democracy, created in memory of Pakistan's assassinated former prime minister. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has spent most of the past two decades under house arrest. She was released from her latest stint of detention just days after 2010 elections, following half a century of outright military rule. "We want to stop as far as possible the suffering of families in our country," Suu Kyi said at the award presentation in Rangoon. "I hope the day will come when our two countries will be able to cooperate very closely to ensure that the rights of families and people everywhere are safeguarded by sound, secure values." Suu Kyi held about 45 minutes of talks with Zardari in private. Pakistan has been ruled by generals for around half its existence and Suu Kyi's past has resonated strongly with democracy advocates there. Zardari's own relations with Pakistan's military are increasingly tense amid allegations that a secret memo was written at his behest last May in a bid to prevent a feared military coup after US troops killed Osama bin Laden. Zardari is under huge pressure at home with the courts trying to re-open corruption cases against him in Switzerland and a probe into allegations that his government sought US help to curb the military. He held talks with Burma President Thein Sein in the capital Naypyidaw on Tuesday on upgrading relations, and promoting economic and trade cooperation. A new nominally civilian government took power in Burma last year but its ranks are filled with former generals. Even so, the regime has surprised observers with a series of reforms, including talks with Suu Kyi, who has been allowed to stand in April by-elections, and the release of hundreds of political prisoners. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/276823/pakistan-president-honours-burma-suu-kyi ----------------------------------------- Sanctions Debate Heats Up in Naypyidaw By THE IRRAWADDY Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Senior leaders in Naypyidaw are engaged in an increasingly intense debate over Western sanctions on Burma and Aung San Suu Kyis role in the process of getting sanctions eased or lifted, informed sources told The Irrawaddy. The 11-member National Defense and Security Council (NDSC), comprised of the inner circle of Burmas government and military leaders, reportedly discussed sanctions both in the run-up to US Senator John McCains visit to Burma this week and after his departure. McCain has been a staunch supporter of sanctions, but during his second visit to Burma in less than one year he said that the countrys successful completion of a free and fair by-election in April would help secure the lifting of US sanctions. There is no doubt in my mind, absolutely certain that if this is a free and fair election, there will be no problem coordinating with every other country in the world to bring the sanctions to a close," McCain said. "I have to say that I am still a bit skeptical, not a lot, a bit skeptical, but I will certainly try to keep an open mind as we go through this process. When McCain met Burmese President Thein Sein, he asked the president to allow international observers to monitor the by-electionin which Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party will contest for 46 seats in Parliament. It is still unknown whether Thein Sein will agree to the request and allow international observers. In 2010, the regime did not allow such observers, but rather sealed the country off from most international press, rigged the election and appointed ex-military leaders to the new quasi-civilian government. The US senator also asked the government to free all remaining political prisoners and allow the International Committee of the Red Cross access to Burmese prisons. We don't expect miracles, but we do expect progress in the right direction, McCain said in a press conference after he and three other US senators met with Suu Kyi. The US first imposed sanctions against Burma in 1997 and again in 2003. The sanctions include bans on imports from Burma and the severance of financial services ties. In 2007, after the Burmese military brutally suppressed the Buddhist monk-led uprising known as the Saffron Revolution, the US sanctions were extended to include a freeze on overseas assets held by certain Burmese individuals and a ban on new investment in Burma by US individuals and entities. Thus far, the US has maintained its tough economic sanctions but has rewarded Burmese reforms by first sending US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Naypyidaw to meet with Thein Sein, and most recently by announcing that it would restore full diplomatic relations with Burma. In an interview with The Washington Post newspaper, Thein Sein called for the West to lift sanctions, arguing that his government had met international calls for the release of political prisoners, holding of elections and granting of greater political freedom to Suu Kyi. Sanctions hurt the interest of our people. For that reason, there were no job opportunities in our country. If you would like to see democracy thrive in our country, you should take the necessary actions to encourage this by easing the sanctions that were placed on our country, said Thein Sein. US Senator Joseph Lieberman said that Washington would be looking to Suu Kyi for guidance regarding the timing for any easing of sanctions against Burma. Our reaction to what happens in Myanmar [Burma] will be greatly affected by the reaction of Aung San Suu Kyi I wouldnt say we were giving her total veto but to the extent that she has confidence in the process, we will have confidence in the process of change in Myanmar and as a result we will lift sanctions and grow closer to the government, said Lieberman. However, Suu Kyi told The Washington Post that the US will Engage and lift sanctions when they think the time is right. The US has laid out very clearly what the conditions are for the removal of sanctions. If this government wants sanctions to be removed, they will have to try and meet those conditions. Sources said that Suu Kyis answer raised doubt and concern in Naypyidaw, with some NDSC members using the statement to insist that she hasnt changed and isnt trustworthy, as well as to criticize Thein Sein, who invited the opposition leader to a meeting in Naypyidaw in August. The NDSC is comprised of 11 senior government leaders, 10 of whom were previously military generals, and holds sway over all of the countrys highest priority matters, including national security, the economy and the pace of democratic reform. The members of the NSDC are the president, two vice-presidents, commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the ministers of defense, home affairs, foreign affairs and border affairs, and the speakers of both houses of Parliament. The EU, which has imposed sanctions on Burma that are similar to those put in place by the US but not quite as restrictive, decided on Monday to lift a visa ban on top government leaders, including Thein Sein. Several countries in Europe, particularly Germany and France, have favored lifting sanctions, and some European diplomats in the region have said in private that Suu Kyis ability to single-handedly direct Western sanctions policy is undemocratic. Government sources in Naypyidaw said that they understand the US and EU policy of gradually easing sanctions, but said that lifting the visa ban is not their top priority. They said that sanctions of greater concern are those that restrict investments in Burma and the transfer of hard currency to the country from Western financial institutions. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22920 ---------------------------------------- Suu Kyi, 88 Generation Leaders Hold 'Family Reunion' By THE IRRAWADDY Wednesday, January 25, 2012 More than two decades after their last encounter, pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and recently released leaders of the 88 Generation Students group met on Tuesday for an evening that focused on reflections on the past and plans for the future. The gathering, which took place at Suu Kyi's lakeside home in Rangoon, was an intimate, casual affair, bringing together a generation of leaders who had been kept apart for most of the years since they rose to prominence during the heady days of Burma's nationwide pro-democracy uprising in 1988. It was like a family reunion, because we were apart for so long, said Ko Ko Gyi, one of the 88 Generation leaders who were freed on Jan. 13 as part of an amnesty declared by Burmese President Thein Sein, speaking to The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. In the years since their last meeting, Suu Kyi and the 88 Generation leaders have been in and out of detention repeatedly. During Suu Kyi's intermittent periods of freedom, the former student leaders were kept behind bars; when they were out of prison for a few years until their re-arrest in 2007, she was under house arrest. During the more than two hours that they spent together on Tuesday, Suu Kyi and her guests discussed the years they spent cut off from the outside world and their plans for the future. Suu Kyi, who at 66 is nearly two decades older than most of the former student leaders, also offered some motherly advice. She suggested that we should get married, said 88 Generation leader Ant Bwe Kyaw, who like most of his colleagues is in his late forties and single. When they weren't reflecting on their past experiences or discussing their personal plans for the future, the newly reunited group talked about social issues, said Mya Aye, who was among the nine who were invited to Suu Kyi's house for dinner. We didn't talk about politics last night, but we agreed that we shared the same political goals and should continue to meet and work together, said Mya Aye. At a press conference in Rangoon last Saturday, the 88 Generation leaders said they welcomed Suu Kyi's decision to contest the April 1 by-election and offered her their full support. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22921 -------------------------------------- UPDATE: NLD member to hire a lawyer for KNU's Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung January 25 | Author: Saw Thein Myint (KIC) | Posted in Articles, Recommended | Tags: KNU, Political prisoner, Thein Sein Government Naw Ohn Hla A National League for Democracy member, Naw Ohn Hla, told Karen News that she will find a lawyer for Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung, the jailed Karen National Union leader currently serving a 17-year jail sentence in Burma's notorious Insein Prison. Naw Ohn Hla said she met briefly with Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung at a special court session held in Insein to sentence him on January 19. Naw Ohn Hla detailed her brief meeting with the jailed KNU central executive member for Karen News. "I had a chance to give him a little food. We couldn't talk much as we met under the careful watch of the authorities. But I will try to arrange a lawyer for him as he is due to go to trial again in the coming week" Naw Ohn Hla said being kept in jail had affected Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung's health. "He looked and said he felt sick ... his face showed strain and he was unhappy about being handcuffed. I requested the jail authority to unlock the handcuffs so he could feed himself some rice. I told the authority that Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung will not try to escape and I would be his guarantee. After that they took the handcuffs off for a short while -- Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung told me needed medicine -- he looked miserable. " Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung told Naw Ohn Hla that he had read in the Burmese media that he would be released as a 'peace present' from the government to the KNU. Member of the KNU delegation who had attended the official 'peace talks' said that Railways Minister, Aung Min promised the KNU on January 12th at the meeting that Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung would be released. Interior Minister Lt. Colonel Ko Ko, went back on the 'promise' when he told reporters that authorities in charge of Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung case would deal with in 'accordance to the law'. Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung's problems started in July 2010 when Chinese immigration officials in Kunming arrested him while he was traveling on a Burmese passport. Earlier he had been refused entry to Thailand and was sent back to China from Bangkok. China then deported him to Burma in August, where he was taken into custody and later sentenced to 17-years in jail Rangoon's notorious Insein Prison. Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung was charged with violating immigration laws and having connections with illegal organizations -- the KNU and other ethnic opposition groups. In 1967, Padoh Mahn Nyein Mung was jailed and charged with political related crimes and sent to Ko Koe Kyun detention camp -- a notorious island in southern Burma in the Andaman Sea. Padoh Mahn Nyein Mung escaped with two other prisoners crossing the sea in a small boat. He has written and published a book about his experiences -- Against the storm, crossing the sea -- under his pen name of Ye Baw Shoune. http://karennews.org/2012/01/update-nld-member-to-hire-a-lawyer-for-knus-padoh-mahn-nyein-maung.html/ --------------------------------------- KIO opens new Hpakant jade mining field in Kachin State Category: News Created on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 17:40 Written by KNG A new jade mining field opening ceremony in Hpakant: Major Naw Rin, head of Jade Mine Management Committee of Battalion 6 invited all people to have business in new jade mining field. HPAKANT ---- Despite being engaged in a major armed conflict with the Burmese military, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) officially opened a jade field for mining yesterday in Kachin state Hpakant township. The opening of the Pangma Sut Chyai Maw field was marked by a traditional Chinese ceremony in which more 500 people attended including businessmen, jade miners and merchants. The field is located in territory controlled by the Kachin Independence Army's Sixth battalion and is situated near the upper Uru River. The jade field will be open for the general public and local artisanal miners rather than large-scale jade firms, said Maji Naw Rin, head of the Sixth battalion's Jade Mine Management Committee. The KIO decided to open the field because local miners are unable to get to their usual jade mining locations due to the ongoing conflict between the KIO and Burma's central government, said Naw Rin. During the opening ceremony the KIO announced that it will grant each miner a jade plot for a fee of 500,000 Kyat (US$649). The KIO resumed taxing the jade industry last year following the end of a 17 year ceasefire with the central government. Prior to the 1994 ceasefire, the KIO used royalties from the jade industry to transform itself into Burma's second strongest armed ethnic group, a position it still holds today. According to jade merchants familiar with the Pangma Sut Chyai Maw field, prior to the official opening yesterday, various types of jade stones mined in the field have already been auctioned at the government's jade emporium in Rangoon and Naypyitaw over the past few years. On January 4, all major roads connecting the Hpakant (also Hpakan) jade region were closed for civilian travel by the KIA Sixth Battalion after the Burmese army launched attacks in the area. Most of the roads were reopened on January 13 however travel in the area remains dangerous. According to official figures from 2010-2011, Burma's central government earned $2.2 billion from taxing the jade industry, one of the highest annual sources of revenue for the government. Much of the jade sold at the Burmese government's official jade sales comes from the Hpakant jade region.http://www.kachinnews.com/news/2224-kio-opens-new-hpakant-jade-mining-field-in-kachin-state.html ----------------------------------------- Taileng plans to contest April election Wednesday, 25 January 2012 18:15 S.H.A.N. 4 former members of Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) and 14 Taileng (Red Shan) stakeholders have formed a new political party Taileng Nationalities Development Party (TNDP). Founder of TNDP includes former members of SNDP Sai Htay Aung, Sai Kyaw Sway, Saw Win Tun and Saw Min Htin and the party has applied for party register to Naypyitaw on 20 January, said Sai Htay Aung. 18 members of TNDP represent Taileng communities in upper Burma and they are planning to contest upcoming April elections in the constituencies of Mogaung, Moe Hnyin, Hpakant, Myitkyina and Bhamo in Kachin State and Homalin, Eintaw, Khamty, Monywa in Sagaing division and also in the major of cities of Burma, Mandalay and Rangoon. The TNDP name was chosen by Taileng community in Mandalay on 19 January and the members decided to submit an application to Naypyitaw on the next day, said one of the founders, Sai Htay Aung. According to Sai Htay Aung, TNDP aims to represent not only Taileng people (Red Shan) but also other Shan communities those who are living in the areas, such as Tai Ner, Thai Khamti and others. If TNDP was approved by Naypyitaw, it will focus on the economic and regional development and also stand for the rights of Shan communities in the areas and organise all different Shans as one community, it said. Other than Taileng, many Shan are also living in Kachin State and other divisions such as Sagaing, Mandalay, Rangoon. http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4375:taileng-plans-to-contest-april-election&catid=85:politics&Itemid=266 ------------------------------------ Press freedom ranking Wednesday, 25 January 2012 18:58 Mizzima News . (Mizzima) Burma ranked 169, slightly higher than China and Vietnam, in the ranking of countries with a free press in an analysis by Reporters Without Borders. Burma was in the bottom 10 in countries with the most restrictive free speech and press. In 2010, Burma was ranked seven places lower, reflecting a slight improvement in a loosening of prior censorship laws. However, newspapers and journals are still required to have all articles approved by censors before publication. In its assessment of Burma, the report said: Burma showed signs of beginning to carry out reforms including partial amnesties and a reduction in prior censorship, but it remained largely under the control of an authoritarian government run by former members of the military junta reinvented as civilian politicians. Less than 10 of its journalists remain in prison at the start of 2012. Many arrests were made in Vietnam (172nd), the report said. In China (174th), the government responded to regional and local protests and to public impatience with scandals and acts of injustice by feverishly reinforcing its system of controlling news and information, carrying out extrajudicial arrests and stepping up Internet censorship. This years index sees many changes in the rankings, changes that reflect a year that was incredibly rich in developments, especially in the Arab world, said a press release. Control of news and information continued to tempt governments and to be a question of survival for totalitarian and repressive regimes. The past year also highlighted the leading role played by netizens in producing and disseminating news. This years index finds the same group of countries at its head, countries such as Finland, Norway and Netherlands that respect basic freedoms, said the report. This serves as a reminder that media independence can only be maintained in strong democracies and that democracy needs media freedom. Many arrests were made in Vietnam (172nd). In China (174th), the government responded to regional and local protests and to public impatience with scandals and acts of injustice by feverishly reinforcing its system of controlling news and information, carrying out extrajudicial arrests and stepping up Internet censorship. The United States (47th) also owed its fall of 27 places to the many arrests of journalist covering Occupy Wall Street protests. Assessing China, the report said: China, which has more journalists, bloggers and cyber-dissidents in prison than any other country, stepped up its censorship and propaganda in 2011 and tightened its control of the Internet, particularly the blogosphere. The first protest movements in Arab countries and the ensuing calls for democracy in Chinas main cities set off a wave of arrests with no end yet in sight. Its ranking of the Philippines said: In the Philippines (140th), which rose again in the index after falling in 2010 as a result of the massacre of 32 journalists in Ampatuan in November 2009, paramilitary groups and private militias continued to attack media workers. The judicial investigation into the Ampatuan massacre made it clear that the response of the authorities was seriously inadequate. For Indonesia, the report said: In Indonesia, an army crackdown in West Papua province, where at least two journalists were killed, five kidnapped and 18 assaulted in 2011, was the main reason for the countrys fall to 146th position in the index. A corrupt judiciary that is too easily influenced by politicians and pressure groups and government attempts to control the media and Internet have prevented the development of a freer press. http://www.mizzima.com/news/world/6481-press-freedom-index-20112012.html ------------------------------------ Myanmar Minister Says No Going Back on Reforms NEW DELHI January 25, 2012 (AP) Myanmar's foreign minister says the transition to democracy in the once-authoritarian southeast Asian country will be gradual and systematic. Myanmar Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin says, "There will be no turning back or derailment on the road to democracy." He spoke Wednesday in New Delhi, a day after he held talks with Indian leaders. Myanmar's military-backed but elected government has eased restrictions on political activity and released hundreds of political prisoners since it took office in March 2011. India has stepped up its ties with Myanmar as New Delhi competes to assert its influence in the region. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit Myanmar in May. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/myanmar-minister-back-reforms-15436624#.Tx_oI4Frq8E ------------------------------------ Burma-North Korea ties still unnerving US By AFP Published: 25 January 2012 US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says lifting sanctions hinges on Burma breaking ties with North Korea (Reuters) The top US Senate Republican on Tuesday said he could back easing sanctions on Burma if it advances a host of democratic reforms and breaks off any military relationship with North Korea. "We want reassurance that they're going to discontinue whatever military-to-military relationship they may have with North Korea," Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters. McConnell, newly returned from a trip to the country, said he favored sending a US ambassador to Burma, citing the new regime's plans to release political prisoners and hold a by-election on 1 April. "I recommended to them that they have international observers there. That's not uncommon in countries that are having first-time elections," said McConnell, who has long had an interest in relations between the two countries. "If that goes well, then we'll continue to take a look at what additional steps they need to take in order to warrant the removal of some or all of the sanctions," a step that requires congressional approval, he said. McConnell called the regime's ceasefire with the Karen ethnic minority "a good step" and urged a similar effort with Kachin rebels. Burma state media announced Friday that the government and the guerrillas have agreed to hold further negotiations in search of an end to a bloody conflict in the country's far north. And McConnell underscored worries in Washington about possible ties between North Korea and Burma and said he would be "looking for verification that those relationships, if they previously existed, don't exist any longer." http://www.dvb.no/news/burma-north-korea-ties-still-unnerving-us/19912 -------------------------------------- EU sanctions move triggers heated debate By HANNA HINDSTROM Published: 25 January 2012 National League for Democracy (NLD) spokesperson Nyan Win says end to EU visa ban could spur greater reforms (Reuters) The conclusions adopted by the EU Council on Burma are overly optimistic and ignore the challenges ahead, a leading campaign group warned days after the bloc opted to ease sanctions in response to reforms. In a briefing note released yesterday, Burma Campaign UK cautioned against further lifting of sanctions, including the arms embargo, before all EU benchmarks are met. Although it said the lifting of a visa ban on Burma's president and other senior officials was "proportional", the government still needed to release all political prisoners, end conflicts in the border regions and ensure April's by-elections are free and fair. The international community has been quick to embrace a series of democratic reforms instigated by President Thein Sein's pseudo-civilian government since March last year. But critics worry that reforms are only a ploy to have sanctions removed, rather than a sign of genuine political change. The opposition National League for Democracy, which will compete in the by-elections, is more optimistic however. Spokesperson Nyan Win told DVB that the party was confident that additional sanctions would only be in eased when the government provides concrete evidence of further progress. Moreover, he said, they could spur more gallant reform. "We feel the relaxing of sanctions can help to encourage the current government's reform efforts. We believe that as more [reforms] take place, sanctions will be lifted step by step and sector by sector." EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton earlier this week described recent events as "quite extraordinary" and said the bloc's decision had been guided by NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who will run for parliament in April. Her maiden entrance to official politics is being hailed as a key signifier of the government's evolving democratic credentials, but not all are confident that the April vote will usher in a new era in Burma. In the current climate, only the NLD, with its strong support based and public profile, is likely to win votes, as opposed to smaller, more marginalised parties. "Free and fair elections under Burma's laws are not possible," BCUK said. "In any case, the military-backed government wants the NLD in Parliament, to give it more credibility." Moreover, even if the NLD wins all 48 seats up for grabs in the by-election, the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party will still maintain its majority in parliament, begging the question of how much impact the revered pro-democracy icon can have. The EU first began its punitive policy to Burma in 1996 when it slapped a visa ban on senior members of the then-ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council. Over the years these were extended to include a freeze on assets owned by regime-aligned figures, and investment in enterprises associated with the military. The issue of sanctions on Burma, also maintained by the US, remains a contentious one: critics argue that such a poorly targeted policy is ineffective, even that it hurts Burmese people and hinders much-needed international aid from reaching the country. But with the government dominated by former or serving military men and attacks on ethnic minorities ongoing, proponents of sanctions say they should remain, but be finely-tuned to better target hawkish government officials and business cronies. Additional reporting by Ahunt Phone Myat http://www.dvb.no/news/eu-sanctions-move-triggers-heated-debate/19916 ------------------------------------------ Pakistan wants closer oil and gas ties with Burma Wednesday, 25 January 2012 12:38 Mizzima News (Mizzima) Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Burma for a two-day official visit on Tuesday to promote trade and economic cooperation. The Pakistani president planned to raise the issue of upgrading institutional relations with Asean to a full dialogue partnership. He will also meet with Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Zardari said in a statement that he wanted to congratulate her on what it called the beginning moments of her triumph as she reenters the political arena, seeking a seat in Parliament in the April 1 by-election. He met with his Burmese counterpart President Thein Sein Tuesday in Naypyitaw. Zardari and Thein Sein discussed increasing bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, according to press reports. http://www.mizzima.com/news/breaking-and-news-brief/6479-pakistan-wants-closer-oil-and-gas-ties-with-burma.html
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
News & Articles on Burma-Tuesday, 03 January 2011-uzl
News & Articles on Burma Tuesday, 03 January 2011 -------------------------------------- Myanmar's clemency falls short of expectations Burma's sham Amnesty keeps prominent political prisoners behind bars Dr Nay Win Maung: Burma to cut prison sentences Burma cuts prison terms on 'humanitarian grounds' Disappointment at Burma prison term cuts Disappointment at Myanmar prison term cuts Burma releases 32 political prisoners in amnesty Burma: Film festival to test promised freedom Myanmar company to launch cheap mobile phone service --------------------------------------- Myanmar's clemency falls short of expectations National / World News 6:01 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2012 By AYE AYE WIN The Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar --- Myanmar began releasing some prisoners on Tuesday, but activists and relatives said a government clemency fell short of national reconciliation promises and showed that political prisoners may remain behind bars for a long time. President Thein Sein signed a clemency order on Monday marking this week's 64th anniversary of independence. He said the sentence reductions were "for the sake of state peace and stability" and on "humanitarian grounds." Under the order, death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment, and prisoners serving more than 30 years will have their sentences cut to 30 years. Those serving 20 to 30 years will have their terms reduced to 20 years, while those with less than 20 years will have their sentences cut by one-fourth. Most political prisoners, both from the pro-democracy movement and from out-of-favor government factions, are serving long terms and will remain in prison. Last week, state-run media reported that the government-appointed National Human Rights Commission had appealed to Thein Sein to issue a general amnesty for prisoners. Thein Sein has pushed forward reforms since taking office last March, following decades of repression under previous military regimes. His government is still dominated by a military proxy party, but changes have been made in areas such as media, the Internet and political participation. "I am very disappointed and feel hopeless because the clemency order makes no difference to political prisoners. Only common criminals will be freed," student activist Phyo Min Thein said Tuesday. He said the decision will cause a loss of confidence in the 10-month-old nominally civilian government. Phyo Min Thein was released from prison in 2005 after serving 15 years. His brother-in-law, activist Htay Kywe, had his 65-year sentence reduced to 30 years with Monday's order, but still has 26 years to serve. "What families of political prisoners want is absolute freedom," said Kyi Kyi Nyunt, the sister of prominent student activist and political prisoner Min Ko Naing, whose 65-year term was also reduced to 30 years. "It is very disappointing and devastating. It is clear that political prisoners will not be freed for a long time," said Win Tin, 82, a prominent journalist and member of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party. "Such a move can cause political instability and the tempo of political demands will increase," he said. The prisoners reportedly freed Tuesday, including 11 political detainees, had little time remaining on their sentences. Well-known comedian and social critic Zarganar Thura said the government failed to deliver on its promise. "I once likened the situation of my friends in jail as being in the hands of Somali pirates. I now withdraw this comment. The Somali pirates keep their promise," he said on his Facebook page. Zarganar was released from three years in prison in an amnesty last October that freed 6,359 prisoners, including about 200 political detainees. Suu Kyi said in November that there were still about 600 political prisoners, but some human rights groups put the number at about 1,500. The release of political prisoners has been seen as a crucial step in the country's reforms, and a failure to free a substantial number is likely to be considered inadequate by the United States, the European Union and other nations. http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/myanmars-clemency-falls-short-1286921.html ------------------------------------------ Burma's sham Amnesty keeps prominent political prisoners behind bars Tue, 2012-01-03 01:55 --- editor News Comments By - Zin Linn Burma's state television and radio announced on Monday that President Thein Sein Government has announced to reduce the sentences of some prisoners who received severe punishments such as death sentence, life sentence and more than 20 to 30 years imprisonments. Those inmates will be released beginning on 3 January on humanitarian grounds. State-owned televisions and radios said Monday that President Thein Sein has already signed a leniency decree in order to mark the country's 64th anniversary of independence. According to the State-owned MRTV, the decree says that death sentences will be commuted to life term, while some prisoners serving above 30 years will have their punishments reduce to 30 years. The inmates serving between 20 to 30 years must be cut back equal to 20 years. Those serving less than 20 years will have their sentences cut by one-fourth. For instance, 20 years sentence will have to enjoy 5 years cutback. According to an official from the prison department, those inmates corresponding to the presidential decree will be freed starting from today. It was not clearly mentioned whether the authorities would take account of political prisoners. It seems the president's clemency order has been carefully implemented to keep in custody several prominent student activists who had been sentenced 65-year prison terms since September 2007. According to this so-called amnesty the political prisoners such as Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Jimmy, Htay Kywe, Pyone Cho, Khun Htun Oo and many more will have to spend 30 years behind bars. If current government were to say that they are the new civilian government, it has to free all political prisoners who were jailed by the previous junta. If the government thinks itself as a democratic one, then it must not allowed keeping political prisoners in prison. On 15 May 2011, President Thein Sein had signed a "general amnesty" order No. 28/2011 commuting death sentences to life imprisonment and cutting one year from prisoners' jail terms. Although over 14,600 inmates were released at that time, there were only a few political prisoners who had already served their jail-terms. Again on 11 October 2011, President Thein Sein government announced releasing 6,359 prisoners under an amnesty for elderly, ailing and obedient prisoners. As of 12 October, the several prisoners were released under general pardon. But, at the end of the day only about 200 political prisoners were freed. Even though prominent political prisoners Gen. Hso Ten, Zarganar and Su Su Nway were released, many other prominent student leaders such as Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Min Zeya, Htay Kywe and ethnic leader Khun Tun Oo have been languishing in tarnished jails in Burma. On that occasion, Ojea Quintana, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar (Burma), said some of the most significant dissidents had not been released and more than 1,000 prisoners of conscience remained behind bars. The UN rights investigator for the isolated country wants many more freed without delay. There are 42 prisons and 109 hard-labor camp under Burma's prison department. However, until now, President Thein Sein government continues to reject the existence of political prisoners in Burma. In keeping with this so-called 'amnesty', only the prisoners on death row will be commuted to life imprisonment. As for political detainees, there will not be positive deduction from their existing prison terms. If this is Thein Sein government's answer to the demand of people of Burma as well as the International Community including the UN, no one on earth will believe its political stance as a reform. - Asian Tribune -http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2012/01/02/burma%E2%80%99s-sham-amnesty-keeps-prominent-political-prisoners-behind-bars ---------------------------------------- Dr Nay Win Maung: Activist who attempted to accelerate the pace of reform in Burma Vicky Bowman Tuesday 03 January 2012 The death from a heart attack of Dr Nay Win Maung has robbed Burma of an intellectual and public policy analyst of great integrity. It is a particular loss given that Burma's politics are beginning to show positive signs, and the main protagonists -- the military leaders and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi -- are both adopting the more conciliatory approach which Nay Win Maung had advocated. The pace of reform is accelerating, and the US-led economic sanctions which he opposed are gradually being unwound. Born in 1962 to parents on the faculty of the e'lite Defence Services Academy, Nay Win Maung eschewed what might have been a natural step towards a military career, and studied medicine, graduating in 1988 just before the pro-democracy demonstrations which led to the long closure of Burmese universities. However, as with many steered by high grades into medicine, he chose to take advantage of Burma's initial market economy opening in the early 1990s. He began in the timber business, then set up Living Color magazine, which focussed on the economy and current affairs. The Living Colour Media Group, of which he became CEO, went on to launch two weekly papers, The Voice and Foreign Affairs, with a focus on domestic and international current affairs. These acted as a training ground for young journalists, who referred their boss as "Saya [Teacher] Nay". Each publication had to work within the strict confines of Burmese censorship, and regularly faced temporary suspension. His links with the military and business e'lite gave him a good insight into the economy and the regime's inner workings, and granted him some protection. But they attracted suspicion and resentment, particularly from the Burmese-exile media, who drew attention to Living Color being founded with the help of his friend Ye Naing Wynn, son of the former Prime Minister and military intelligence chief Khin Nyunt. (The connection ceased when Ye Naing Win and his father were arrested in 2004, but Living Color continued.) In 2004, Nay Win Maung spent some months in Yale as a "World Fellow", which strengthened his desire to build public policy capacity in Burma. In 2006, with friends in the business community he founded an NGO, think-tank and capacity-building centre, Myanmar Egress, with the aim of "developing identity, creating space, engaging society". Egress, which draws on foreign and Burmese diaspora academics, was the first capacity-building organisation in Burma to work above the radar training young people in strategy, management and communication, social entrepreneurship and economics. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in 2008, Egress students and alumni helped bring relief support to families in the delta area. As a result, Egress became increasingly supported by European donors and NGOs, leading to some resentment that they were too dominant in nascent Burmese civil society. For this, and other reasons, Nay Win Maung was a controversial figure. Although he built links with some leading opposition figures, such as the comedian Zargana, he did not align himself with the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy, criticising their refusal to contest the November 2010 election. His ideas for achieving a breakthrough included a proposal that the NLD party leader Aung San Suu Kyi should accept the military-written constitution as a goodwill gesture, and that the opposition should contest the 2010 election -- but only half of the seats, to avoid the landslide which had spooked the generals in 1990. That said, he was bitterly disappointed (and apparently blindsided) that the military could go on to so blatantly rig the results, and he continued to be concerned that the new government could be hijacked by the more corrupt military hardliners. He met Aung San Suu Kyi last January shortly after her release to discuss his ideas for reform. The Egress think-tank also continued to send in advice on the economy, politics and international affairs to the new government, and recently attempted to broker peace talks between the government and ethnic armed groups, still the biggest problem facing Burma today. The ground-breaking March 2011 inaugural address from the new President Thein Sein, which called for good governance and anti-corruption reforms, closely mirrored an op-ed published the previous month in The Voice. Again, Nay Win Maung attracted suspicion for his influence, despite the fact that the speech was widely viewed as a positive step. His approach was always neutral and bipartisan; at his funeral, wreaths from Aung San Suu Kyi and the Minister of Industry were placed prominently side by side. To some extent the personal attacks were a conducting rod for the tensions between the Burmese opposition in exile and those who tried to change the situation from within. Overlying these tensions is the trend by donors to shift funding for civil society capacity building from the exiles to in-country programmes. In an interview with Asia Times a few months ago Nay Win Maung portrayed Burmese exiles as increasingly irrelevant and out of touch with the country's new dynamic, calling the belief that regime change and democracy could be achieved through social upheaval "overly simplistic". Despite his intellectual approach, Nay Win Maung, a Buddhist, teetotal meditator (but heavy smoker) was also, like many Burmese, an amateur astrologer. He used a computer program which he claimed came from Nasa to cast horoscopes. His politico-astrological predictions were often overly optimistic and reflected in his glass-half-full editorials that irritated some. But by the time of his death it appeared that some of his hopes were beginning to materalise. His email to friends the day before he died eschewed horoscopes: "May I wish 2012 be the end of dark clouds and the beginning of a new era in Myanmar." Nay Win Maung, physician, businessman and pro-democracy activist: born 30 June 1962; married (four daughters); died 1 January 2012. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/dr-nay-win-maung-activist-who-attempted-to-accelerate-the-pace-of-reform-in-burma-6284148.html --------------------------------------- Last updated: January 3, 2012 5:17 am Burma to cut prison sentences By Gwen Robinson in Bangkok Burma's government has announced it will cut the sentences of some prisoners and commute some death sentences to life imprisonment, citing humanitarian grounds. State media on Monday said president Thein Sein had signed a clemency order to mark the country's 64th anniversary of independence. But it was unclear whether any of Burma's political prisoners would be included in the move. The issue of political prisoners and the country's harsh penal system is a significant stumbling block in relations between Burma and key western countries. In the first visit to Burma by a US secretary of state in five decades, Hillary Clinton last month signalled that Burma would have to make more progress on human rights before full relations could be restored. The US maintains economic sanctions that prevent its companies from operating in the country, although a handful have exemptions from their longstanding involvement in Burma. Thousands of Burmese prisoners were released in two amnesties in May and October 2011, as part of a government effort to open up the country after decades of isolation. But only several hundred of those released were political activists. Estimates vary of the exact number of political detainees in Burmese jails. Human rights groups put the number of political prisoners at 1,200 to 1,600 of an estimated total 200,000 or more people serving sentences in prison and labour camps throughout the country. Under Monday's clemency order, some death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment, while some prisoners serving sentences between 21 and 30 years will have their terms cut to 20 years, while some 20-year terms will be cut to 15 years. Human rights groups dismissed the latest government move as almost meaningless. "It's rather typical of the government to keep playing these games with prisoners, both common criminal and political. This announced clemency is no different from previous ones in which thousands of prisoners are set free or have sentences reduced while only a handful are political activists," said David Mathieson, Burma researcher with Human Rights Watch. Many leaders of the so-called 88 Generation Students Group, which led the 1988 protests that triggered a bloody crackdown by the military-led government, remain in jail serving long sentences. However, some western diplomats in Rangoon and Bangkok welcomed the clemency move, saying it reinforced hopes that the government would release more political detainees in the coming months. Mr Thein Sein has initiated various reforms in the economic sphere and reached out to the opposition National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The clemency order follows confirmation on Friday that Burma will hold a by-election on April 1 for 48 seats in its 664-seat parliament. Most of the 48 seats were vacated by MPs who became cabinet ministers after the 2010 general election. Ms Suu Kyi and her NLD party have said they will contest every one of the 48 seats. The NLD boycotted the 2010 vote in protest over restrictions that prevented her from standing, but those restrictions have now been lifted. http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/35fa49e2-35bd-11e1-a4ab-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1iPIDSUJz ---------------------------------------- Burma cuts prison terms on 'humanitarian grounds' Published: 3/01/2012 at 03:32 AM Online news: Asia Burma's army-backed regime announced Monday it was reducing the sentences of some prisoners to mark Independence Day, but made no mention of a much-anticipated release of political detainees. Myanmar's army-backed regime announced Monday it was reducing the sentences of some prisoners to mark Independence Day, but made no mention of a much-anticipated release of political detainees. All inmates, except those imprisoned for life, will see their prison terms cut in honour of the national celebrations on Wednesday, according to an order from President Thein Sein, pictured in 2011. All inmates, except those imprisoned for life, will see their prison terms cut in honour of the national celebrations on Wednesday, according to an order from President Thein Sein. The announcement, which said the decision was for "national solidarity and respecting humanitarian grounds", is likely to disappoint observers hoping that Burma would free scores of dissidents held behind bars in the country. Under the order, death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment, jail terms above 30 years will be reduced to 30 years, those between 20 and 30 years will be cut to two decades and shorter sentences will be cut by a quarter. It is unclear how many political prisoners will be released as a result of the move, particularly as most high-profile dissidents, like those from a failed student uprising in 1988, are serving decades behind bars. All releases will begin from Tuesday. Prisoner amnesties are a regular Independence Day event, but this year it comes amid heightened hopes that Burma would bow to international pressure and free more political prisoners, estimated by activists to number anywhere from 500 to more than 1,500. The new nominally civilian government, which in March replaced a long-ruling military junta, pardoned more than 6,300 prisoners -- including about 200 political detainees -- in a much-anticipated amnesty in October. But many top critics were left locked up, disappointing observers and Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition National League for Democracy party. Last week Aung Ko, chairman of the judicial and legal affairs committee of the lower house, told reporters that more prisoners of conscience would be freed on the national holidays of January 4 and February 12. Burma's opposition and foreign governments have welcomed a series of reformist gestures by Burma's new leadership, but have maintained pressure on the country to free its remaining political detainees. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton insisted on the release of all Burma's prisoners of conscience during a historic visit to the country earlier this month. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/273490/burma-cuts-prison-terms-on-humanitarian-grounds --------------------------------------- Bangkok Post Disappointment at Burma prison term cuts Published: 3/01/2012 at 01:32 PM Online news: Asia Activists and Burma's opposition expressed frustration on Tuesday after an order to cut jail terms for all inmates appeared to fall far short of hopes for an amnesty for political detainees. Female prisoners walk out of the Insein prison in Myanmar's Yangon in October 2011. About 200 political detainees were freed in October, but activists estimate there are still between 500 and more than 1,500 prisoners of conscience in Myanmar's jails and many key dissidents remain locked up. Prisoner releases were set to begin Tuesday after the army-backed government announced a general reduction to sentences, but failed to mention the plight of top dissidents. Nyan Win, spokesman for Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, said it was not yet clear whether any of the party's imprisoned members would be released as a result of the move. "We were hoping for a real amnesty," he said. Burma's political prisoners include former student protesters, monks, journalists and lawyers and their fate is a key concern of the international community. Under the order, death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment, jail terms above 30 years will be reduced to 30 years, those between 20 and 30 years will be cut to 20 years and shorter sentences will be cut by a quarter. Most high-profile dissidents, like those from a failed 1988 student uprising, are serving decades behind bars so would have little hope of immediate release as a result of the announcement, which was made to honour Independence Day on Wednesday. Aung Khaing Min, of the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), expressed disappointment that the order had not differentiated between political and criminal inmates. "It is not even an amnesty, it is very frustrating," he told AFP. He said it was "really chaotic" that the announcement was not in line with statements from some officials, who have indicated recently that more prisoners of conscience would be freed. Burma's new nominally civilian government, which in March replaced a long-ruling military junta, has shown signs that it is willing to reform in recent months by reaching out to the opposition and the West. About 200 political detainees were freed in October, but activists estimate there are still between 500 and more than 1,500 prisoners of conscience in Burma's jails and many key dissidents remain locked up. These include Gambira, a monk jailed for 63 years for his role in the 2007 cleric-led protests known as the "Saffron Revolution", and former student leader Min Ko Naing, who is serving a 65-year prison sentence. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/273525/disappointment-at-burma-prison-term-cuts ------------------------------------------ Disappointment at Myanmar prison term cuts By Hla Hla HTAY (AFP) 8 hours ago YANGON Activists and Myanmar's opposition expressed frustration on Tuesday after an order to cut jail terms for all inmates appeared to fall far short of hopes for an amnesty for political detainees. Around 300 people gathered outside Yangon's notorious Insein prison on Tuesday as prisoners, including women carrying children, emerged from the jail following an order to reduce most sentences. But the announcement failed to mention the plight of top dissidents, dashing expectations that Myanmar's army-backed government would free more political prisoners as part of recent reformist gestures. Nyan Win, spokesman for Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, said it was not yet clear whether any of the party's imprisoned members would be released as a result of the move. "We were hoping for a real amnesty," he said. Myanmar's political prisoners include former student protesters, monks, journalists and lawyers and their fate is a key concern of the international community. Under the order, death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment, jail terms above 30 years will be reduced to 30 years, those between 20 and 30 years will be cut to 20 years and shorter sentences will be cut by a quarter. Most high-profile dissidents, like those from a failed 1988 student uprising, are serving decades behind bars so would have little hope of freedom as a result of the order, which was made to honour Independence Day on Wednesday. A government official told AFP that it was still unclear how many inmates would be freed, but about 800 men and 130 women held in Yangon were set to be released. Lawyer Phyo Nin Thein, brother-in-law of jailed student leader Htay Kywe, slammed the announcement's focus on "ordinary criminals". "If there is another amnesty like this one, it will not help the country," he said. Aung Khaing Min, of the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), said it was "really chaotic" that the release was not in line with statements from some officials, who have indicated recently that more prisoners of conscience would be freed. "It is not even an amnesty, it is very frustrating," he told AFP. Myanmar's new nominally civilian government, which in March replaced a long-ruling military junta, has raised hopes in recent months by reaching out to the opposition and the West. About 200 political detainees were freed in October, but activists estimate there are still between 500 and more than 1,500 prisoners of conscience in Myanmar's jails and many key dissidents remain locked up. These include Gambira, a monk jailed for 63 years for his role in the 2007 cleric-led protests known as the "Saffron Revolution", and former student leader Min Ko Naing, who is serving a 65-year prison sentence. The country recently announced plans to hold by-elections on April 1, which could see Suu Kyi enter parliament, although would not threaten the dominance of the military and ruling army-backed party. Aung Thein, who has provided legal advice in several dissident trials, said the upcoming vote cannot be seen as "meaningful" while political prisoners remain locked up. "Prisoners of conscience need to be released at this very moment when the political situation is evolving," he told AFP. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gOZkDmrzAiJwRh1x6MYHjaCO14pA?docId=CNG.632441e3ed926966f2e9767e3508010c.4f1 ------------------------------------- BBC NEWS Burma releases 32 political prisoners in amnesty File image of people walking past Insein prison in Rangoon, Burma Insein jail, on the outskirts of Rangoon, has housed hundreds of political prisoners Burma's military-backed government has released at least 32 political prisoners, as part of a regular amnesty to mark independence celebrations. It comes one day after the government announced widespread reductions in prisoner sentences. Activists say no prominent dissidents serving long terms were freed. The main opposition group has expressed frustration and disappointment at the limited scale of the amnesty for political detainees. Most of those released were serving terms for criminal offences. The government released some 200 political prisoners last year. The BBC's Rachel Harvey in neighbouring Thailand says that in recent months there had been rising expectation that another mass prisoner release was imminent. In the event, the government reduced lengthy sentences to 30 years and cut shorter sentences by one quarter. Our correspondent says that the issue of political prisoners is a key point of contention between the Burmese government and Western nations that maintain sanctions on the country because of its poor human rights record. Political detainees include journalists, pro-democracy activists, government critics, monks involved in anti-government protests and members of Burma's ethnic groups fighting for greater autonomy. Western governments have indicated that more needs to be done before sanctions will be lifted. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16393965 --------------------------------------- Burma: Film festival to test promised freedom January 1, 2012 by Wei Mar Burma's democracy movement leader Aung San Suu Kyi, film director Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi, and former political prisoner and comedian Maung Thura aka Zarganar are pushing the boundaries of prevalent state censorship in the Arts of Freedom Film Festival in Rangoon, which began on 31 December will continue to 4 Jan. In a bid to open the gates on artistic expression, Burmese citizens regardless of age, qualifications and location were invited to submit a short film on the theme of "freedom." More than 180 films were submitted, despite the refusal of state-owned newspapers to carry the announcement, according to Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi, a poet and filmmaker and one of the organisers of the festival. The comedian Zarganar, who was released from prison in October is also another organiser of the festival, which is also sponsored by the well-known Burmese democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi. All three will be a part of the panel of judges. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi told Index that "it is the first time" for a festival with the theme of freedom to take place in Burma. He said that the organisers "did not ask for permission from the authority," but they are using the festival to test "the limit of the state," because they "want to know how much freedom will the state allow." Under the country's Television and Video Act 1996, all videos, with the expection of family recordings, must go through the Video Censor Board before distribution and screening for the public. Failure to comply may result in fines, imprisonment of up to three years and confiscation of property. The law stipulates that members of the Board shall consist of two representatives from the Myanmar Motion Pictures Enterprise, a number of representatives from government's organizations and "suitable citizens". The Information Ministry has the sole authority to form, appoint and dismiss member(s) of the Board. In early December, Minister of Information and Culture and former army general Kyaw Hsan reportedly said in a meeting with executives of the Myanmar Motion Picture Organization, the Board and professionals of movie industry that the censorship regime for press and motion pictures will be gradually relaxed. He also announced plans to allow the Chinese film industry and other international players to invest in the country's movie sector. The move is yet another in a series of changes by the military-backed government in 2011 to move towards democratisation, and the United States and European Union have responded with cautious optimism. However, despite claims of relaxed censorship laws, the Board reportedly seized some submissions sent via post from overseas. Organisers also faced challenges downloading overseas entries submitted online due to slow internet service in Burma. Still, the films have been well received and one of the short films has become a viral hit on YouTube and Vimeo. The 18-minute short entitled, "Ban that Scene!" is film director Htun Zaw Win's humorous look at the country's video censors. Htun Zaw Win, aka Wyne brought together veteran actors to play censors preoccupied with protecting their positions. He critiques the gluttonous and corrupt officials with scenes showing them ordering meals from high-scale restaurants before a vetting session, at the expense of filmmakers. In another scene, the censors brawl over disagreements about which scenes should be cut from the film during a screening, and eventually decide to cut all disputed scenes. The lone censor who favoured the film was intimidated and drowned out by the disagreements of his colleagues. "I tried to portray the state of censorship as realistically as possible in the most polite manner. What actually happens is much worse," Wyne told Index. "The present tight censorship suffocates creativity in the movie industry." Wyne, who has been in the industry for 22 years, said on Radio Free Asia Burmese Service on 27 December that the government should not censor the film if it is serious about democratisation. He admitted was unsure of the consequences for making the film. "If our country is really democratising as the government said, then bad practices of the censorship system should be changed too." According to Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi the festival started with interviews with filmmakers on 31 December, screenings of selected submissions from 1 Jan onwards, and an award ceremony on the country's Independence Day on 4 Jan. "We don't know how the authority will react. But we just have to do it." http://uncut.indexoncensorship.org/2012/01/burma-film-festival-to-test-promised-freedom/ ----------------------------------------- Myanmar company to launch cheap mobile phone service Jan 3, 2012, 10:39 GMT Yangon - A Myanmar telecommunications company on Tuesday announced plans to sell mobile telephone cards for 5,000 kyats (6 dollars), a hundred times cheaper than those currently available. 'At the first we will sell 1 million 3G SIM Cards for only 5,000 kyats, possibly in the first week of March,' said Lwin Naing Oo, chairman of Shwe Pyi Tagon Co Ltd. A SIM card to use the mobile phone network in Myanmar, which has been isolated for decades, currently costs around 500,000 kyat. Telecommunications are tightly controlled by the authorities, which were under a junta between 1988 and 2010, but are now under an elected regime. Lwin Naing Oo said the new mobile service will be 40-per-cent owned by the government, 30-per-cent by Shwe Pyi Tagon, and the remaining 30 per cent by other people. 'We start with 3G, then we will implement for 4G within one year. Within five years, we plan to produce 30 million 4G SIM cards for 100-per-cent communication coverage,' he told a press conference. It was not immediately clear whether the new service had received government approval, industry sources said. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/business/news/article_1683694.php/Myanmar-company-to-launch-cheap-mobile-phone-service
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
News & Articles on Burma-Monday, 02 January 2012-uzl
News & Articles on Burma Monday, 02 January 2012 ---------------------------------------- No political amnesty as Burma cuts prison terms Clemency in Myanmar falls short of expectations Burma announces a false Amnesty for the third time Myanmar reduces sentences for many prisoners, stops short of amnesty Energy prices hike as a New Year gift in Burma Gas prices rise 30 per cent in Myanmar for new year Myanmar, the US, China: Shifting sands Gosforth teen visits Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma Wa, Mongla agree to cooperate with Naypyitaw's defense forces ------------------------------------------ No political amnesty as Burma cuts prison terms RANGOON, BURMA - Jan 02 2012 14:26 Burma's President Thein Sein has commuted death sentences to life in prison and cut the terms to be served by other prisoners in a gesture to mark Independence Day, state media said on Monday, but it appeared no political prisoners would be freed. The nominally civilian government that took office in Burma last March has begun to implement gradual political and economic reforms. In October, it released around 230 political prisoners jailed by the former junta. Several hundred are still thought to be behind bars and some observers had suggested there could be an amnesty early in the New Year. Independence Day falls on January 4, marking the day when the country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948. Western governments that are keen to nurture the changes in Burma want to see political prisoners released before they will fully lift economic sanctions imposed during the period of military rule. State-owned MRTV-4 said the president had signed an order to commute death sentences and reduce prison terms. For example, prisoners with more than 30 years to serve would now have to serve "up to 30 years" and those facing 20 to 30 years would now have up to 20 years in jail. Many political prisoners, including Min Ko Naing, a prominent leader of a 1988 pro-democracy uprising, and colleagues have sentences with far longer than 30 years to run. "We didn't see the announcement ourselves but so far as we have heard from friends, we don't think he will be freed under this," said Min Ko Naing's father. A senior prison official, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said: "So far as I understand from the announcement, those sentenced to over 60 years cannot be expected to be freed under this amnesty." http://mg.co.za/article/2012-01-02-no-political-amnesty-as-burma-cuts-prison-terms/ ---------------------------------------- Clemency in Myanmar falls short of expectations Associated Press Jan 3, 2012 YANGON // Myanmar plans to reduce the sentences of many prisoners, the government said, in a clemency that fell short of the general amnesty many people were expecting. State television and radio said the president, Thein Sein, signed a clemency order to mark the country's 64th anniversary of independence. They said death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment and some prisoners serving more than 30 years will have their sentences cut to 30 years. Prisoners sentenced to 20 to 30 years will have their terms reduced to 20 years, while those serving less than 20 years will have their sentences cut by a quarter. It was not immediately clear how many prisoners would be affected or whether the order would apply to all political detainees. Some former student activists serving 65-year terms were included in the clemency. Last week, state-run media reported that the government-appointed National Human Rights Commission had appealed to Thein Sein to issue a general amnesty. The president has pushed forward reforms since taking office last March, following decades of repression under previous military regimes. His government is still dominated by a military proxy party, but changes have been made in areas such as media, the internet and political participation. More than 6,000 prisoners, including about 200 political detainees, received an amnesty last October. http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/asia-pacific/clemency-in-myanmar-falls-short-of-expectations --------------------------------------- Burma announces a false Amnesty for the third time By Zin Linn Jan 02, 2012 10:04PM UTC Burma's President Thein Sein Government has announced it has cut back on the sentences of some prisoners who got grave punishments such as death sentence, life sentence and more than 20 to 30 years imprisonments. Those inmates will be released beginning on 3 January on humanitarian grounds. State-owned televisions and radios said Monday that President Thein Sein has already signed a leniency decree in order to mark the country's 64th anniversary of independence. According to the Eleven Media Group (EMG), the decree says that death sentences will be commuted to life term, while some prisoners serving above 30 years will have their punishments reduce to 30 years. The inmates serving between 20 to 30 years must be cut back equal to 20 years. Those serving less than 20 years will have their sentences cut by one-fourth. For instance, 20 years sentence will have to enjoy 5 years cutback. According to an official from prison department, those inmates corresponding to the presidential decree will be freed starting tomorrow. It was not clearly mentioned whether the authorities would take account of political prisoners. It seems the president's clemency order has been carefully implemented to keep in custody several prominent student activists who had been sentenced 65-year prison terms since September 2007. According to this so-called amnesty the political prisoners such as Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Jimmy, Htay Kywe, Pyone Cho, Khun Htun Oo and many more will have to spend 30 years behind bars. If current government were to say that they are the new civilian government, it has to free all political prisoners who were jailed by the previous junta. If the government thinks itself as a democratic one, then it must not allowed keeping political prisoners in prison. On 15 May 2011, President Thein Sein had signed a "general amnesty" order No. 28/2011 commuting death sentences to life imprisonment and cutting one year from prisoners' jail terms. Although over 14,600 inmates were released at that time, there were only a few political prisoners who had already served their jail-terms. Again on 11 October 2011, President Thein Sein government announced releasing 6,359 prisoners under an amnesty for elderly, ailing and obedient prisoners. As of 12 October, the several prisoners were released under general pardon. But, at the end of the day only about 200 political prisoners were freed. Even though prominent political prisoners Gen. Hso Ten, Zarganar and Su Su Nway were released, many other prominent student leaders such as Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Min Zeya, Htay Kywe and ethnic leader Khun Tun Oo have been languishing in tarnished jails in Burma. On that occasion, Ojea Quintana, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar (Burma), said some of the most significant dissidents had not been released and more than 1,000 prisoners of conscience remained behind bars. The UN rights investigator for the isolated country wants many more freed without delay. There are 42 prisons and 109 hard-labor camp under the prison department of Burma. However, until now, President Thein Sein government continues to reject the existence of political prisoners in Burma. http://asiancorrespondent.com/73060/burma-announces-a-false-amnesty-for-the-third-time/ ------------------------------------------- Myanmar reduces sentences for many prisoners, stops short of amnesty By: Aye Aye Win, The Associated Press 2/01/2012 7:34 AM | Comments: 0 YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar's government announced Monday that it is reducing the sentences of many prisoners, but stopped short of declaring an amnesty that had been expected by many people. State television and radio said President Thein Sein signed a clemency order to mark the country's 64th anniversary of independence on Wednesday. They said death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment and prisoners serving more than 30 years will have their sentences cut to 30 years. Prisoners serving 20-30 years will have their terms reduced to 20 years, while those with less than 20 years will have their sentences cut by one-fourth. It was not immediately clear how many prisoners would be affected or whether the order would apply to all political detainees. Some former student activists serving 65-year terms were included in the clemency. Last week, state-run media reported that the government-appointed National Human Rights Commission had appealed to Thein Sein to issue a general amnesty. "This order cannot be called an amnesty. The limited nature ... indicates that the government has no intention to free the prisoners of conscience," activist lawyer Aung Thein told The Associated Press. A spokesman for pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party said the move fell short. "Many political prisoners will remain in detention," party spokesman Han Thar Myint said. "It is not satisfactory." Thein Sein has pushed forward reforms since taking office last March, following decades of repression under previous military regimes. His government is still dominated by a military proxy party, but changes have been made in areas such as media, the Internet and political participation. An amnesty in October freed 6,359 prisoners, including about 200 political prisoners, but many prominent detainees remained behind bars. Suu Kyi said in November that there were still about 600 political prisoners, but some human rights groups put the number at about 1,500. Most political prisoners, both from the pro-democracy movement and from out-of-favour government factions, are serving long prison terms that will keep them locked up for many more years. The detainees include prominent former student activists Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, who have been serving 65-year sentences, and ethnic Shan leader Hkun Htun Oo, who was given a 93-year term. The release of political prisoners has been seen as a crucial step in the country's reforms, and a failure to free a substantial number is likely to be considered inadequate by the United States, the European Union and other nations. http://www.brandonsun.com/world/breaking-news/myanmars-government-reduces-sentences-for-some-prisoners-136522613.html?viewAllComments=y ---------------------------------------- Energy prices hike as a New Year gift in Burma By Zin Linn Jan 02, 2012 1:55PM UTC Burma's President Thein Sein government has offered its people an extraordinary New Year present. The government has increased the gas prices from 2,500 kyat ($3.12) to 3,350 kyat ($ 4.18) per Imperial gallon (4.2 liters) without prior notice as of New Year occasion. It means fuel prices suddenly goes up more than 30 per cent for the New Year in depressed country and fears of inflation spread among the public as commodities prices starts rising as well. Bus and taxi drivers learnt about the new price at the fuel-pumps on Sunday when prices increased from 2,500 kyat to 3,350 kyat for every gallon. The government made no announcement. But with the fuel price hike, and a new 40 per cent electricity cost increase announced late last December, people are concerned about inflation of consumer goods, too. In fact, Burmese government's power production is not sufficient to meet domestic demand since most vehicles have to follow the authorities' quota system for per day consumption. At the same time, government has made an announcement that electricity prices will increase fifty percent in 2012. It will charge per unit for business use soar from 50 kyat ($ 0.06) to 75 kyat ($ 09), and 25 kyat ($ 0.03) to 35 kyat ($ 0.04) for domestic use. Those soaring charges will certainly hurt many small-scale home-industries in the country. Therefore the move will cause basic goods scarcity due to expensive electrical energy. The situation has caused upset among small business-owners and poor families who oppose the government's policy of seeking profit by exploiting the country's grassroots. Looking back into 2007, the then Burma's ruling junta raised a surprise hundred percent hike on fuel at state-owned fuel-pumps on 15 August. The junta did not give any reason for the increase. The action was followed by increases in bus fares and commodity prices. On August 19, an estimated hundred people, including prominent student-leaders of the '88 Generation student movement, gathered for a march in Rangoon to protest the fuel price increases. The march began with about 100 people swelled to more than 500 marchers as bystanders joined in and then all dispersed after walking about 9 kilometers or 5 miles. The protesters did not shout slogans or hold up placards. The regime countered on August 21 by arresting the leadership of the movement, including Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Min Zeya, Ko Jimmy, Ko Pyone Cho, Arnt Bwe Kyaw, Mya Aye, Mie Mie, Nilar Thein and Nobel Aye who were former '88 Generation students group. Most of them were sentenced to 65 years imprisonment each by a summary court in prison for their involvement in Saffron Revolution led by the Buddhist monks. The protesters demanded for lower fuel prices and lower commodity prices during the protest. To halt the protests, the junta arrested the activists on a daily basis. By end of August, more than 100 people had been detained, including several members of the NLD, On September 5, hundreds of Buddhist monks joined in the movement and marched down the streets of Pakokku, a religious center city in Mandalay division. The monks denounced the price hikes and chanted the Mitta Sutra walking around the town. Monks cheered by thousands of residents lining along the streets. The 2007 boycott began as small rallies in opposition to rising fuel and living costs but scaled up into massive anti-government protests led by gatherings of monks, whose remarkable apparel saw their movement dubbed the "Saffron Revolution". At least 31 people were killed by security police during cracked down on the demonstrators, while hundreds of protesters were apprehended. The brutal crackdown provoked international condemnation, including an extraordinary form of repulsion and demands for change from the UN Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Hence, government of Burma should review its economic policies that directly link with political stability to reduce the hyper-inflation in the country which declares starting of a democratic nation-building with genuine open-market. The government should also take lesson from the saffron revolution whenever it thinks about increasing of fuel and electrical energy. http://asiancorrespondent.com/73039/energy-prices-hike-as-a-new-year-gift-in-burma/ --------------------------------------- Gas prices rise 30 per cent in Myanmar for new year Published on Jan 2, 2012 YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - Gas prices unexpectedly rose more than 30 per cent for the new year in Myanmar and sparked fears of other goods costing more as well. Motorists learnt of the increase at the pump on Sunday when prices increased from 2,500 kyat (S$4.08) to 3,350 kyat per Imperial gallon (4.2 litres). The government made no announcement. But with the fuel price hike, and a new 40 per cent electricity cost increase announced late last year, people are concerned about inflation of consumer goods, too. Myanmar's energy production is not enough to meet domestic demand, and it imports petrol and other fuels. The government subsidizes gas prices and rations it to two Imperial gallons a day. -------------------------------- Myanmar, the US, China: Shifting sands Last updated on: January 02, 2012 16:18 IST Will Myanmar's journey forward be a slow crawl out of the Chinese umbrella, or in quick step, asks Brigadier S K Chatterji (retd). Amongst all the Southeast Asian countries, 2011 has witnessed one of the greatest changes in Myanmar. A military dictatorial regime in power for decades made way for an elected government; albeit not as per democracy's definition by the book, but, at least a transition towards a freer nation. The evening of 2011 also found US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton [ Images ] logging a historic visit to Myanmar that has also apparently been a success story for the new Myanmar regime. Interestingly, her visit was followed by the meeting of the Chinese ambassador to Myanmar with the enigmatic Myanmarese leader Aung San Suu Kyi [ Images ] within a week. Immediately thereafter, the Chinese councillor also visited Myanmar, to attend the Mekong river countries meet. He also met the Myanmarese leadership. Clinton's visit certainly catalysed a packed itinerary in December 2011 in Myanmar. Clinton's visit was widely reported upon globally. However, many an issue of import that would have actually been the greater priorities for the Americans were perhaps not given the same emphasis either at the media briefings or statements released during her visit. The Chinese councillor's visit hardly received any attention. Clinton focused on issues like a more democratic culture, an inclusive society, reforms in the political system, equation with North Korea -- not very different from what the Chinese councillor would have discussed in his meetings. However, the response both would have sought from the Myanmarese leadership would have been quite different in many cases. Delving deeper into the contrasts and confluences makes an interesting study, just as Myanmar's predicaments under the circumstances, do. Myanmar's calling off the Chinese-funded Myitsone dam and hydel power project just before Clinton's visit was a sound projection of the country adopting a more independent foreign policy. While it did serve as good preparation for Clinton's visit, it was also a blow to the Chinese. Notably, post her departure and before the Chinese councillor's visit for the Mekong meet, Naypaidaw had already stated that it was ready to reconsider the Myitsone project. Among Clinton's priorities were certainly Myanmar's nuclear programme and its relationship with North Korea. In fact, she stated unambiguously that the Americans would rather that Myanmar severs all military ties with North Korea. However, Myanmarese Prime Minister Thein Sein could embarrass the Chinese if he were to do so. The arterial economic linkages that Myanmar has developed over the years with China, also serve as hurdles for the former. The Chinese, on the other hand, would want the China-Myanmar-North Korea axis to remain a vibrant equation, especially now that North Korea could be in a state of flux with Kim Jong Il's death. With 25 percent members of all elected houses being from the armed forces, Myanmar's parliamentary structures at the national and regional levels are definitely not laudable edifices for nascent democracies to build upon. Will the current system continue till the next elections; be the format for the next; or be constitutionally amended earlier than both and re-elections held for the seats usurped by the armed forces is the moot question! The Chinese with their huge investment in Myanmar would rather prioritise stability in their mutual relationship over democracy in Myanmar. Clinton, in her talks with Thein Sein, would have favoured hastening the transformation. Clinton also met Aung San Suu Kyi and would have been keen about how she would assimilate the diverse militant ethnic groups into the nation-State should she head a democratic Myanmar. The Chinese also face resistance in their projects from these groups. Further, there is an influx from the Myanmar side, every time the Myanmar army launches a major offensive against groups inhabiting the Myanmar-Chinese border. There is scope of common ground between the Americans and the Chinese, on the issue. Suu Kyi's commitment to US and the West would have been Clinton's priority during the meeting. Having stood by her and helped all along, the West expects Suu Kyi to steer the country out of China's orbit. Within a week of Clinton's visit, the Chinese ambassador met Suu Kyi, at her request. What transpired between the two is not known. However, the ambassador would have certainly looked for Suu Kyi's support to the two nations continuing their close relationship. As of now, Suu Kyi will compete for elections to Myanmar's parliament, with her party having been granted recognition by the government. Whether she will be able to influence affairs of her nation in a decisive way will have to wait for the time being. Clinton would have wanted nothing better than to shift Myanmar's foreign policy's prime anchoring from being rooted in Beijing [ Images ] to a Westward shift. Her success can only be gauged over a period of time. Will Myanmar's journey forward be a slow crawl out of the Chinese umbrella, or in quick step; a strategic shift or a balancing act will take time to crystallise. What can definitely be visualised now is Myanmar being firmly on both US and Chinese radars, through 2012. http://www.rediff.com/news/column/myanmar-us-china-and-the-shifting-sands/20120102.htm ---------------------------------------------- Gosforth teen visits Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma by Chris Styles, Evening Chronicle Jan 2 2012 TEENAGER Declan Stokle travelled to Burma to honour a resistance leader with the Freedom of Newcastle. The 18-year-old, from Gosforth, Newcastle, met Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi as he travelled along the Thai border during a six-month tour helping orphans and refugees. While he stayed in Burma's capital Rangoon, the 18-year-old arranged a meeting with the 66-year-old leader of the country's National League for Democracy. Declan -- who is in Burma with his parents Tony, 51, a teacher, and Anne, 50, a nurse, to coach football and give English lessons -- presented her with a scroll marking her being awarded the Freedom of Newcastle earlier this year. Mrs Stokle said: "I explained what the certificate meant -- that it was the highest honour the City of Newcastle could give her and that she was now entitled to graze her cows on the Town Moor. "She said she didn't have cows but asked if it would it be possible to walk her dog there? It was an incredible experience to meet her. She was so normal, showing that it is ordinary people filled with great courage that can change the world." Suu Kyi became a figurehead for the democratic movement after studying at Oxford University and returning to Burma where she was placed under house arrest in July 1989. For the majority of the last 20 years she has spent her time in some form of detention because of her efforts to bring democracy to military-ruled Burma before being released last year. Her fight inspired Declan to highlight the plight of those living in Burma when he first visited the country as an eight-year-old. Since then he has visited the Burma-Thailand border eight times and has helped run the charity Burmalink, which raises money for the oppressed population. He also spoke on stage with the Pope during the Papal visit to the UK last year and was asked to make a recording of his speech for the BBC World Service. Speaking of the familys meeting with Suu Kyi, Mrs Stokle said: Aung San Suu Kyi wanted more people to get involved more good people and more young people looking to Declan to inspire young Burmese people. She thanked Declan for speaking out in London last year on the occasion of the visit of the Pope. She added: She was very normal after such a long time under house arrest. She talked about her two sons, Kim and Alexander, and her dog and family life in general. She was very focused and not distracted at all. She asked what the people of Newcastle are called and on hearing Geordies, she said: The Geordies are a very strong people. We were so proud. However, when asked about football we found out she was a Chelsea supporter, having lived near the ground when she was in London. Earlier this year, Declan left St Marys Catholic Comprehensive School in Longbenton, North Tyneside, with three As at A-level. He will take up a place on a medicine course at Newcastle University in 2012. During his six months on the border, Declan will take part in football coaching, English speaking lessons and travel to projects the family has supported. Suu Kyi joins Nelson Mandela, Bob Geldof and Andrei Sakharov in receiving the Newcastles highest honour. Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/01/02/gosforth-teen-visits-aung-san-suu-kyi-in-burma-72703-30047075/2/#ixzz1iJjpxGYN ----------------------------------------- Wa, Mongla agree to cooperate with Naypyitaw's defense forces Monday, 02 January 2012 14:11 S.H.A.N. The United Wa State Army (UWSA) and National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) had signed 6-point agreements with Naypyitaw's delegation led by U Aung Thaung and U Thein Zaw on 26 and 27 December, according to Sino-Burma border sources. Wa and Mongla, as the NDAA is commonly known, have met the Burmese delegation 3 times since September. Each meeting resulted in a new set of agreement. According to the latest one, both Wa and Mongla will discuss further on participation in the state and lower house legislatures. Each had also agreed to cooperate "with one mind and one stomach" with the national defense forces for national security and defense. Other points include: Implementation of the agreements signed in October Cooperation for the promotion of living standard and economic development of their respective territories Naypyitaw agrees to uplift the educational standards of both Wa and Mongla Naypyitaw agrees to boost the health standard of the people in both Wa and Mongla areas Wa continues to be dubbed Special Region #2 and Mongla Special Region #4 by Naypyitaw. Concerning the participation in the newly set up legislatures, a Mongla official said although its claim to Hsaleu in Mongyang township and Nampan in Mongyawng township continues to be ignored by Naypyitaw, "it seems we will be allowed to prove ourselves by contesting the parliamentary seats in Hsaleu and Nampan." Wa, apart from Hopang, Markmang, Pangwai, Mongmai, Panhsang and Napharn, is also claiming Mongpawk, a sub-township in Mongyang township. The township seat is under the control of the Burma Army. Shan State Army (SSA) South, meanwhile, has sent two delegates to Taunggyi for another pre-meeting before the actual meeting to be held some time this month. The group is the 4th armed movements that have signed a ceasefire pact with Naypyitaw, following the UWSA, NDAA and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4313:wa-mongla-agree-to-cooperate-with-naypyitaws-defense-forces&catid=85:politics&Itemid=266
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