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