News &Articles on Burma Saturday, 18 February 2010 ----------------------------------------------- Will Burma create a fair press law and a free press council? Burmas 1 April by-elections must be credible and transparent Aung San Suu Kyi's campaign trail begins in Pyapon township Thai opposition leader meets with Aung San Suu Kyi Burma soldier dies in Shan state battle with KIA Kuwait''s first resident ambassador to Myanmar takes office EU lifts admission restrictions on Myanmar president, others China arrests 12 drug trafficking suspects -------------------------------------------------- Will Burma create a fair press law and a free press council? By Zin Linn Feb 18, 2012 11:24PM UTC The people's parliament session of Myanmar (Burma) continued for the fifth day at People's Parliament Hall in Parliamentary Building in Nay Pyi Taw Friday, attended by Speaker of the People's Parliament (Lower House) Thura Shwe Mann and 346 Pyithu Hluttaw representatives, the state-owned media said today. At Friday's session, 11 questions were asked and answered, one proposal was discussed and one proposal submitted, according to the New Light of Myanmar newspaper. MP Tin Maung Oo of Shwe-pyi-tha Constituency made questions on "How to deal with the disappearance of one-side features of media houses which is the country's fourth estate, emergence of journals that can actually reflect the people's wishes and desires, getting rid of self-interested people for the publication of journals with affordable investments and measures to protect young reporters for promoting their skills and qualifications." The Deputy Minister for Information Soe Win replied that since the new government takes office, Ministry of Information has controlled the media sector through press scrutiny policies in order to disappear biased-writings in the country's fourth estate. He said that journalists on their parts are to do their works with the sense of liberty and accountability, rationality. When the press law comes out, media works have to obey the law and biased articles and news might disappear from media section if journalists and public do not accept it, the Deputy Minister said. Soe Win also said that there should be 'freedom and accountability' and 'freedom and rationality' in fourth estate publishing unbiased periodicals conveying the people's wishes with self-respect. Based on national interest, journalists must present an issue from various angles for public information. The Deputy Minister also explained that government has laid down five policies to ensure unity in democracy in the literary world. In the future, a 'Press Council' will be formed in harmony with the press law and it will supervise the journalistic work. When the new publishing law comes into force, people will have to be in charge of the literary sphere within its framework, he said. In addition, Deputy Minister Soe Win said that the Ministry of Information and Myanmar Writers and Journalist Association (MWJA) are in cooperation conducting basic journalism course, and special journalism course. International scholars as well as internal experienced journalists have been invited to give lectures. According to the deputy minister, three basic journalism courses have produced about 150 young journalists. Two basic writers' courses have also produced about 100 new writers. In the future, 'Press Council' and 'MWJA' will carry out journalism courses, workshops, seminars. Moreover, publishers and printing houses will also contribute to improve criterions of journalists. Journalists themselves will have to try hard with confidence for emergence of a proper fourth estate and professional journalists, the Deputy Minister Soe Win answered the respective questions. Although Soe Win said about the press law and the press council, he did not make clear of the procedure relating to the law and the council. In actual fact, there is no journalists' association in the country so as to promote and protect the rights of members of the media field. And the future press council should not be a government appointed club similar to the Myanmar Human Rights Commission. In January, the new media law, drafted by the Ministry of Information's Press Scrutiny and Registration Department (PSRD) was introduced at a two-day media workshop jointly organized by Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association and Singapore-based Asia Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC). Tint Swe, the deputy director general of the PSRD presented some hints of the draft law but not the subject matter of the press law. However, a source close to PSRD said that the draft law itself was adapted from the Printers and Publishers Registration Act enacted after the military coup by Ne Win in 1962. If the government has a plan to draw a press law, it should let the participation of experienced journalists, editors, producers and publishers from the respective media fields. Furthermore, the government should invite media law experts, journalism consultants, human rights defenders and members of media watchdog groups from the international circle in order to create a standardized press law and press council to honor the freedom of the press. Unless the government guarantees human rights including the freedom of expression and freedom of association, the international human rights watchdog groups will not believe that Burma is on the correct path of a democratic reform. http://asiancorrespondent.com/76322/will-burma-create-a-fair-press-law-and-a-free-press-council/ ------------------------------------------ Burmas 1 April by-elections must be credible and transparent By Zin Linn Feb 18, 2012 4:59PM UTC The Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General for Myanmar (Burma), Mr Vijay Nambiar, concluded a five-day visit (from 12 to 17 February 2012) at the invitation of the Government of Myanmar, according to a press statement on Friday by the United Nations Information Center, Yangon. In Naypyitaw, Mr. Vijay Nambiar was received by President Thein Sein, Speaker Shwe Mann, Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, and the Ministers of Labour and Social Welfare, Border Affairs, Industry, Railways, and Immigration, as well as the Union Peace Committee and Union Election Commission. The Special Adviser Mr. Vijay Nambiar, together with Vice-President Sai Mauk Kham, inaugurated the Conference on Development Options for Myanmar organized by the United Nations and the Government of Myanmar (Burma). Mr. Vijay Nambiar also met with the General Secretary of the USDP. He also met with the respective Chief Ministers and members of the State government and legislature and local ethnic representatives in Mon and Karen States. He also visited a field project of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and met with local civil society partners. The Special Adviser met again with NLD Chair Daw Aung San Suu Kyi In Yangon. He also held separate meetings with civil society, ethnic and business representatives. During his meetings the Special Adviser underscored three main concerns that describes domestic and international perceptions of the pace of reform which government has to carry out, according to a press release issued by United Nations Information Center Yangon. Three priorities along the lines of the reforms are mentioned as follow in the press statement. The first priority should be to ensure that both the process leading to, and the conduct of, by-elections on 1 April 2012 are credible and transparent to everybody. This includes ensuring conditions for a level playing field for all parties to compete openly and addressing complaints swiftly and transparently. The by-elections will be a critical test of the Governments commitment to broaden and enhance the credibility of the democratic process in the country, the Special Adviser says in his statement. The second priority is peace and national reconciliation which are essential to nations overall stability and development. It is closer than ever to a historic achievement after recent efforts to reach ceasefires and peace agreements by all parties. Progress is now needed with regard to the situation in Kachin State, including the needs of the displaced population. Overcoming decades of strife and mistrust through inclusive political dialogue remains an important prerequisite to building a durable peace, which the country requires in order to move forward as one, the press release says. The third priority in the Special Advisers statement says, It is urgent that the Government delivers on the socio-economic needs of the people so that they start benefitting in real terms from the reforms so far. Health, education and job creation remain key responsibilities for both central and local authorities in order to empower people to participate fully and equitably in the countrys development and growth. It also said that only through the implementation of good economic policies, the current transformation can be accelerated in the interest of the whole population of the nation. The press release points out that neither peace nor development can be sustained without respect for human rights and the rule of law. Mr. Vijay Nambiar has praised the Governments recognition of the importance of partnership with the UN helping Burma to meet the challenges and opportunities before it. According to him, the good offices of the United Nations are ready to work with all stakeholders in this important task. The Special Adviser said that he consider the international community must take action more forcefully to assist the people of Burma, especially to lift current restrictions on the UNs to-do list. The statement emphasized that it is the time to boost support and to adjust existing policies in order to help put together conditions for sustaining the reform and for the improvement of peoples of Burma. http://asiancorrespondent.com/76312/burma%e2%80%99s-1-april-by-elections-must-be-credible-and-transparent/ ---------------------------------- Aung San Suu Kyi's campaign trail begins in Pyapon township Published on Feb 18, 2012 Myanmar pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, (centre), receives flowers from supporters during her campaign trip in Pyapon township on Friday, Feb 17, 2012. -- PHOTO: APSmiling as she arrived at Hledon jetty, Myanmar's pro-democracy leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was greeted by throngs of supporters as she kicked off her campaign trail to Pyapon township in Ayeyarwady division on Feb 17. Flanked by Thein Swe, she was bestowed with a floral wreath and a bouquet of flowers as a welcoming gesture from her supporters. As she made her way through the swarming mass of thousands of cheering and tooting supporters, she received a kiss from a child. It was evident from the crowd's reaction that Ms Suu Kyi represents hope for her people in becoming a lawmaker in her country's parliament. Some supporters even went as far as to wait in a small boat to greet Ms Suu Kyi, who would be travelling on another to Pyapon township. http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_768153.html ------------------------------------------------ MCOT online news: 18 February 2012 Thai opposition leader meets with Aung San Suu Kyi BANGKOK, Feb 18 - Thailand's Opposition and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva on Saturday flew to Myanmar to meet with pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi. Mr Abhisit said before leaving for the neighbouring country that the meeting was arranged since his term as prime minister of Thailand. The meeting is aimed at boosting national reconciliation and democracy development in Myanmar, said the Democrat leader, adding that he will exchange ideas with the Nobel Peace Prize laureate over the directions of change within Myanmar. Mr Abhisit noted that Thailand's neighbour has changed rapidly and the phenomenon had an impact on the entire Southeast Asian region. The ex-premier added that he planned to follow up the development of democratic process in Myanmar, as well as help forge cooperation between the two countries and further strengthen the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in which Thailand and Myanmar are fellow member countries. The visit of the opposition leader came after Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra met with the National League for Democracy (NLD) party leader Aung San Suu Kyi last December, saying she supported the neighbouring countrys democratic process. Ms Yingluck praised Ms Suu Kyis spirit and strong determination to boost democratic development in Myanmar constructively. She said Thailand was an ally and a close friend of Myanmar and wanted to see its neighbour continue development in every field. (MCOT online news) http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/332503.html ---------------------------------------------------- Burma soldier dies in Shan state battle with KIA Created on Saturday, 18 February 2012 10:20 Published Date Written by KNG KIA soldiers who are resisting against offensive of Burma government troops in Northern Shan State. MUSE, Burma--- A Burmese soldier died on Thursday morning following a battle between the Kachin Independence Army's (KIA) new battalion near Mong Mit in northern Shan State. The soldier's body and his gun were retrieved by KIA troops following the end of a four hour firefight between government forces and KIA Battalion 34, according to local residents who witnessed the clash. Reached for comment officials from the KIA's 4th Brigade confirmed the clash and the involvement of Battalion 34, which was formed early last month. Yesterday also saw a similar skirmish break out between KIA Battalion 8 troops and government forces further south in the Namlet Bum area in Namtu Township, according to sources in the battalion. It is not yet clear if either side lost men during this fighting. Despite a strong push by the Burmese army to remove Battalion 8 from Namtu, Kutkai, Mandong, Namhkam and Muse townships the KIA has been able to regain some lost territory recently, according to a Battalion 8 officer on the ground in the area. The Shwe gas project's twin oil and gas pipelines are slated to be built in a lengthy stretch of Kachin Independence Organization territory in northern Shan state from Namtu to Muse. When completed the pipeline project will deliver fuel from Burma's Arakan coast to China's Yunnan province and provide millions in revenue for Burma's government. Although representatives of President Thein Sein had previously agreed to meet with their counterparts from the KIO for talks this week, this meeting is yet occur due to an apparent dispute over location. According to the KIO, the Burmese delegation refuses to meet again in China, site of two previous rounds of talks. http://www.kachinnews.com/news/2239-burma-soldier-dies-in-shan-state-battle-with-kia.html ----------------------------------------------- Kuwait''s first resident ambassador to Myanmar takes office 2/18/2012 1:32:00 PM | Kuwait News KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (KUNA) -- Issa Youssef Al-Shimali presented his credentials to President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Thein Sein, as Kuwait's first resident ambassador to the South Asian country. Al-Shimali conveyed the regards of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to President Sein, a statement by the embassy in Myanmar said, adding that bilateral relations at all levels were also discussed during the encounter. On his part, President Sein congratulated Al-Shimali on being designated as the first resident envoy in Myanmar, the statement noted. (end) sf.hb KUNA 181332 Feb 12NNNN http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2222163&language=en ------------------------------------------ EU lifts admission restrictions on Myanmar president, others BRUSSELS (Kyodo) -- The European Union on Friday suspended admission restrictions on 87 high-ranking government officials of Myanmar, including President Thein Sein, in response to developments in political reform in the Southeast Asian country. "We have seen historic changes in Burma/Myanmar and we strongly encourage the authorities to continue this process," Catherine Ashton, high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement. The EU is reviewing all restrictive measures on Myanmar, due to expire on April 30. Ashton said she will visit Myanmar shortly after the parliamentary by-elections slated for April 1. By then "I hope we will have had the chance to complete the review and to have made decisions at an EU level to respond to what I hope will be continued progress," she said. In January, the EU decided at its Foreign Affairs Council meeting that it will continue to ease its restrictive measures on Myanmar. The admission restrictions affect the president, the vice presidents, cabinet members and the speakers of the two houses of parliament and their family members, the EU said. The EU has slapped economic sanctions against Myanmar since the 1990s. Attention will shift to what the EU would do concerning its arms embargo and freeze on assets of key government officials and government-affiliated enterprises, in response to developments in Myanmar. (Mainichi Japan) February 18, 2012 http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20120218p2g00m0bu030000c.html ------------------------------------------------ China arrests 12 drug trafficking suspects Last Updated(Beijing Time):2012-02-17 21:27 Chinese police have in the past week cracked two major drug trafficking cases in southwestern Yunnan Province and seized a total of 12 suspects, including two Myanmar nationals, local authorities said Friday. Six suspects were caught on Feb. 10 handling 27 kg of methamphetamine in the county of Fengqing, local police said, adding that a pistol and seven rounds of ammunition were also confiscated. In another case, also on Feb. 10, six suspects were apprehended with 20 kg of heroin. Five of them were detained in Yunnan's Dali city and another in Lanzhou of northwestern China's Gansu Province, police said. Both cases are under further investigation. China has always taken a zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking, relentlessly cracking down on the crime. According to Chinese criminal law, those who smuggle, sell, transport or manufacture opium of more than 1 kg, or heroin or methamphetamine of more than 50 grams can be sentenced to 15 years in jail, life imprisonment or even death. Source:Xinhua http://en.ce.cn/National/Local/201202/18/t20120218_23083610.shtml __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (10)
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