By WAI MOE
In a statement on Monday, the European Union (EU)’s current presidency called for dialogue between the Burmese junta and the opposition, the release of political prisoners and the lifting of restrictions on political parties.
“The Presidency of the EU strongly calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and detainees, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, lifting all restrictions on political parties, and all-inclusive dialogue between the authorities and the democratic forces, including ethnic groups,” the statement said.
From January to June 2009, the Czech Republic holds the presidency of the EU, followed by Sweden in the second half of the year. The Czech Republic is known to be sympathetic toward Burma’s pro-democracy movement. Its former president, Václav Havel, nominated Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi for the Nobel Peace Prize, which she won in 1991.
The EU Presidency recalled the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution which said the political process in Burma is “not transparent, inclusive, [or] free and fair; and that the procedures established for the drafting of the constitution resulted in the de facto exclusion of the opposition from the process.”
The EU Presidency also said that it shared the view by UN Special Envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari, saying now is the time for the Burmese junta to demonstrate its commitment to addressing concretely the issues of concern to the international community.
Since 1996, the EU has had a common position on Burma. This includes economic sanctions, an arms embargo and visa bans on Burmese military officials and their family members, as well as restricting visits to Burma by high-level officials from EU member states. It tightened its sanctions on Burma following the junta’s crackdown on monk-led demonstrators in September 2007.
Although the EU still retains sanctions against the Burmese junta, the European Commission provided Euro 39 million (US $50 million) for the initial Cyclone Nargis recovery project in 2008.
The European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner previously addressed a Burma conference in October 2008 saying, “Some positive political signals [in Burma] can be perceived, such as the continuation of the political process—the ‘Road Map.’ However, much more needs to be achieved.”
Observers say the “Road Map” is the Burmese junta’s plan to enshrine military rule in Burma rather than encourage a process of democratization.
Ferrero-Waldner said Burma is in “dire need” of democratic reforms, release of political prisoners and good governance. She also said that the EU, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the UN had taken an “active role in fostering a dialogue on political reforms” in the country.
Last week, Burma’s main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), called for political dialogue without preconditions between the junta head Snr-Gen Than Shwe and the NLD leader, Suu Kyi.
February 24, 2009
Junta Urged to Send Positive Signals: Ban
By LALIT K JHA
WASHINGTON — Welcoming the recent amnesty of some 6,000 prisoners, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Burma’s military government to send positive signals to the international community at this time.
"This is the time for Myanmar to seize the opportunity before it to send positive signals," Ban told reporters on Monday after a meeting with the Group of Friends on Burma at the United Nations in New York.
"It would be disappointing if this were not followed now by meaningful steps in response to the specific recommendations made by the United Nations in the context of my good offices," Bans said, following the meeting to discuss the current situation in Burma after the visit of special envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Burma early this month.
This was the eighth meeting of the Group of Friends of Burma since it was created by Ban in late 2007. Besides five permanent members of the Security Council, other members of the group include Burma’s neighbors India, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand and major donor countries such as like Japan.
Reiterating his call to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the resumption of dialogue between the junta and the political opposition without delay and preconditions, Ban said he reminded all participating countries that they have an important role to play, in particular neighboring countries and Asean nations, which are best placed to appreciate and help address the challenges and opportunities facing Burma, he said.
"It is in the interest of the international community as a whole, however, that we should collectively find ways to encourage Myanmar to move towards meeting the expectations and concerns of the international community," he said.
Ban said he disagreed with the viewpoints of several members of the UN Security Council, who this week described Gambari's trip as a failure.
"The recent visit by Prof Ibrahim Gambari made a positive contribution to our on-going negotiations and consultations with the Myanmar authorities," he said.
Asked about his proposed trip to Burma, which has been pending since last year, Ban remained noncommittal.
"I will try to visit, but there may be some issues—first of all, I have to discuss with the Myanmar government about timing, about agendas which I would be able to discuss, but nothing has yet been discussed," he said.
"As a matter of principle, I am telling you that I am willing to make a return visit to build upon what I had discussed last May, including the political issues," Ban said.
Asked if he would visit Burma only if there is tangible progress in terms of the release of prisoners, national reconciliation and more inclusive government, Ban said: "It is the expectation of the whole international community that we see the full democratization of Myanmar [Burma]."
He said the military junta should take the necessary measures, on the basis of what they have committed to, including the release of all political prisoners. The international community is ready to provide necessary support, socio-economic support to Burma, and there should be positive measures taken by Burma, he said.
"But I would not say there should be any preconditions for my visit. This is a part of on-going consultation and negotiations and efforts by the international community, and also entrusted to me by the General Assembly," Ban said.
"Therefore, as I said, there are a broad range of issues which will be very beneficial for the Myanmar authorities to discuss with me during my visit, if that visit is realized," he said.
Gambari also briefed the participating member countries on his trip to Burma. "The Group of Friends continues to express unified support for the continuation of our good offices efforts," he said.
Ban said, "Our Myanmar interlocutors have also indicated the importance they attach to the good offices' work. My special adviser is prepared to extend the UN's political facilitation with both the government and the opposition to build on these efforts."
Ban noted that following Gambari's visit, the junta announced an amnesty which included some 23 political prisoners, including some individuals whose names Gambari had discussed with junta officials during his visit.
WASHINGTON — Welcoming the recent amnesty of some 6,000 prisoners, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Burma’s military government to send positive signals to the international community at this time.
"This is the time for Myanmar to seize the opportunity before it to send positive signals," Ban told reporters on Monday after a meeting with the Group of Friends on Burma at the United Nations in New York.
"It would be disappointing if this were not followed now by meaningful steps in response to the specific recommendations made by the United Nations in the context of my good offices," Bans said, following the meeting to discuss the current situation in Burma after the visit of special envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Burma early this month.
This was the eighth meeting of the Group of Friends of Burma since it was created by Ban in late 2007. Besides five permanent members of the Security Council, other members of the group include Burma’s neighbors India, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand and major donor countries such as like Japan.
Reiterating his call to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the resumption of dialogue between the junta and the political opposition without delay and preconditions, Ban said he reminded all participating countries that they have an important role to play, in particular neighboring countries and Asean nations, which are best placed to appreciate and help address the challenges and opportunities facing Burma, he said.
"It is in the interest of the international community as a whole, however, that we should collectively find ways to encourage Myanmar to move towards meeting the expectations and concerns of the international community," he said.
Ban said he disagreed with the viewpoints of several members of the UN Security Council, who this week described Gambari's trip as a failure.
"The recent visit by Prof Ibrahim Gambari made a positive contribution to our on-going negotiations and consultations with the Myanmar authorities," he said.
Asked about his proposed trip to Burma, which has been pending since last year, Ban remained noncommittal.
"I will try to visit, but there may be some issues—first of all, I have to discuss with the Myanmar government about timing, about agendas which I would be able to discuss, but nothing has yet been discussed," he said.
"As a matter of principle, I am telling you that I am willing to make a return visit to build upon what I had discussed last May, including the political issues," Ban said.
Asked if he would visit Burma only if there is tangible progress in terms of the release of prisoners, national reconciliation and more inclusive government, Ban said: "It is the expectation of the whole international community that we see the full democratization of Myanmar [Burma]."
He said the military junta should take the necessary measures, on the basis of what they have committed to, including the release of all political prisoners. The international community is ready to provide necessary support, socio-economic support to Burma, and there should be positive measures taken by Burma, he said.
"But I would not say there should be any preconditions for my visit. This is a part of on-going consultation and negotiations and efforts by the international community, and also entrusted to me by the General Assembly," Ban said.
"Therefore, as I said, there are a broad range of issues which will be very beneficial for the Myanmar authorities to discuss with me during my visit, if that visit is realized," he said.
Gambari also briefed the participating member countries on his trip to Burma. "The Group of Friends continues to express unified support for the continuation of our good offices efforts," he said.
Ban said, "Our Myanmar interlocutors have also indicated the importance they attach to the good offices' work. My special adviser is prepared to extend the UN's political facilitation with both the government and the opposition to build on these efforts."
Ban noted that following Gambari's visit, the junta announced an amnesty which included some 23 political prisoners, including some individuals whose names Gambari had discussed with junta officials during his visit.
US Demands Release of all Burmese Political Prisoners
By LALIT K JHA
WASHINGTON — The US State Department on Monday welcomed the Burmese regime’s release of some political prisoners in Saturday’s amnesty but added: “A lot more needs to be done.”
"The release of any political prisoners is something we would welcome, but a lot more needs to be done," said State Department Acting Spokesman Robert Wood. "We call on the Burmese to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. We'll have to see if indeed this leads to more releases."
Wood confirmed that Washington is reviewing its Burma policy in order to assess the best approach to achieve its goals. "We're trying to figure out a way to better influence the behavior of the regime, particularly with regard to political prisoners," he said.
Wood drew reporters’ attention to recent statements on the subject by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "You know, as the Secretary has said, sanctions really haven't worked."
Wood said Clinton and all at the State Department were “frustrated [that] things have not progressed the way we'd like to have seen them progress."
During her just concluded Asia tour, Clinton said the sanctions adopted by the Bush administration against Burma had not worked. "Sanctions aren't working and others in the world who have tried to deal with the Burmese regime can't figure out how to engage them, so we're going to have a policy review about Burma," she told reporters in Seoul.
Wood told Monday’s Washington press briefing that there were other aspects of the Bush administration’s Burma policy, and also of the international community’s approach, that had not worked.
"We need to find a way to make our policy effective, and we're going to be looking for ways to try to do that," Wood said, adding this would be done in consultation with Washington’s allies, the UN and others.
"We've got to try to figure out a way to move the Burmese Government in the direction that we want them to move in. You know, it's something the Secretary [Clinton] cares very deeply about," Wood said.
During her Asia tour, Clinton commented on the Burma issue several times. At one discussion with journalists, she said: "How we can try to help the people of Burma deal with the terrible human rights violations that go on there every day and the political prisoners, and Aung San Sui Kyi's valiant struggle for freedom and democracy—what will work?"
WASHINGTON — The US State Department on Monday welcomed the Burmese regime’s release of some political prisoners in Saturday’s amnesty but added: “A lot more needs to be done.”
"The release of any political prisoners is something we would welcome, but a lot more needs to be done," said State Department Acting Spokesman Robert Wood. "We call on the Burmese to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. We'll have to see if indeed this leads to more releases."
Wood confirmed that Washington is reviewing its Burma policy in order to assess the best approach to achieve its goals. "We're trying to figure out a way to better influence the behavior of the regime, particularly with regard to political prisoners," he said.
Wood drew reporters’ attention to recent statements on the subject by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "You know, as the Secretary has said, sanctions really haven't worked."
Wood said Clinton and all at the State Department were “frustrated [that] things have not progressed the way we'd like to have seen them progress."
During her just concluded Asia tour, Clinton said the sanctions adopted by the Bush administration against Burma had not worked. "Sanctions aren't working and others in the world who have tried to deal with the Burmese regime can't figure out how to engage them, so we're going to have a policy review about Burma," she told reporters in Seoul.
Wood told Monday’s Washington press briefing that there were other aspects of the Bush administration’s Burma policy, and also of the international community’s approach, that had not worked.
"We need to find a way to make our policy effective, and we're going to be looking for ways to try to do that," Wood said, adding this would be done in consultation with Washington’s allies, the UN and others.
"We've got to try to figure out a way to move the Burmese Government in the direction that we want them to move in. You know, it's something the Secretary [Clinton] cares very deeply about," Wood said.
During her Asia tour, Clinton commented on the Burma issue several times. At one discussion with journalists, she said: "How we can try to help the people of Burma deal with the terrible human rights violations that go on there every day and the political prisoners, and Aung San Sui Kyi's valiant struggle for freedom and democracy—what will work?"
February 23, 2009
UDP Leader Involved in Drugs, Money Laundering, Says Ex-agent
By WAI MOE
The leader of a Burmese political party has again been tied to drug dealing and money laundering by a former official in Burma’s military intelligence, in a Voice of America (VOA) Burmese program on Sunday.
Maj Aung Linn Htut, a former intelligence officer who currently lives in the United States, said during a VOA interview that Kyaw Myint, also known as Michael Hua Hu, the executive vice chairman of the United Democratic Party of Myanmar (UDP), that the allegations took place when Kyaw Myint was a leader of the United Wa State Army’s (UWSA) treasury department in the 1990s. Kyaw Myint now lives in Canada.
He said Kyaw Myint ran a company, Myanmar Kyone Yeom, which was involved in money laundering in the 1990s. The former agent said the Wa political faction backed at least four commercial banks in Burma at the time.
Asiaweek magazine reported in January 1998 that Myanmar Kyone Yeom was accused of acting as a “money-washing machine” for the UWSA.
The company was blacklisted by the Burmese regime because “Michael Hua Hu (a.k.a. Col Kyaw Myint), who claimed to be a deputy minister of finance for the UWSA, openly and brazenly flouted Burmese business laws and regulations,” Jane’s Intelligence Review reported in November 1998.
After the ouster of Burmese intelligence chief Gen Khin Nyunt in October 2004, Aung Linn Htut sought political asylum in the US while he served at the Burmese embassy in Washington DC.
The former agent said complaints leveled by Brig-Gen Maung Maung, the secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission, led to a 10-year prison sentence in Burma against Kyaw Myint.
“Actually, he is a fugitive [in Burma] because he broke jail when he was serving his prison term at a labor camp and escaped to Thailand,” Aung Linn Htut said in the radio interview.
Kyaw Myint came into the spotlight in Canada recently when trading in Future Canada China Environment Inc. was halted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in late January, when the value of the company’s stock rose rapidly to more than US $1 billion.
The price jumped on the strength of a proposed merger with a company that appears to be connected to Michael Hua Hu [Kyaw Myint], according to a report in The Vancouver Sun newspaper.
“The commission temporarily suspended trading in the securities of Future Canada China Environment Inc. because questions have arisen concerning recent trading activities in the company’s stock during which its share price increased from US $ 0.92 to US $ 28.50,” the US Securities and Exchange Commission announced on January 28.
The commission cautioned brokers, dealers, shareholders and prospective purchasers that they should carefully consider the foregoing information along with all other currently available information and any information subsequently issued by the company.
“The company has negligible assets and no operating business. Its stock price ostensibly jumped on strength of a proposed merger with a company that appears to be connected to Michael Hua Hu, a former Burmese businessman now living in Vancouver,” The Vancouver Sun reported on February 4.
It said that with 38 million shares outstanding, the company had a total stock market value of US $1.1 billion.
“That's quite a premium to the company's book value, which was negative $55,000 at last count,” the newspaper said.
According to The Vancouver Sun, Kyaw Myint is also involved in NAH Development Group Inc., a company based in Canada.
Kyaw Myint denied allegations of drug dealing and money laundering in a statement responding to an article published in The Irrawaddy in late December. “I, U Kyaw Myint, have never conducted or been involved in the illegal drug business or money laundering business in my life,” said the statement, published on his Web site.
Kyaw Myint said in the statement, “All my businesses in North America and Asia are legal.”
Recently, Kyaw Myint has sought to play a role in the 2010 Burmese elections by forming the UDP in Burma.
In late January, a party statement said that Thu Wai, a veteran politician, and Ye Tun, a well-known businessman, in Rangoon, were named chairman and vice chairman.
Burmese exiles say Kyaw Myint is the financial backer of the party, and he wants to attract prominent politicians to the party.
The UDP stirred up a minor controversy when Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, the daughter of former minister Kyaw Nyein, publicly denied she had any role in the party.
Htun Aung Gyaw, a former Burmese student leader, also denied reports he was involved in the party.
Aung Linn Htut told VOA that he believed Kyaw Myint wanted to play a significant role in politics in the 2010 election and perhaps gain an amnesty from the Burmese military government.
The leader of a Burmese political party has again been tied to drug dealing and money laundering by a former official in Burma’s military intelligence, in a Voice of America (VOA) Burmese program on Sunday.
Maj Aung Linn Htut, a former intelligence officer who currently lives in the United States, said during a VOA interview that Kyaw Myint, also known as Michael Hua Hu, the executive vice chairman of the United Democratic Party of Myanmar (UDP), that the allegations took place when Kyaw Myint was a leader of the United Wa State Army’s (UWSA) treasury department in the 1990s. Kyaw Myint now lives in Canada.
He said Kyaw Myint ran a company, Myanmar Kyone Yeom, which was involved in money laundering in the 1990s. The former agent said the Wa political faction backed at least four commercial banks in Burma at the time.
Asiaweek magazine reported in January 1998 that Myanmar Kyone Yeom was accused of acting as a “money-washing machine” for the UWSA.
The company was blacklisted by the Burmese regime because “Michael Hua Hu (a.k.a. Col Kyaw Myint), who claimed to be a deputy minister of finance for the UWSA, openly and brazenly flouted Burmese business laws and regulations,” Jane’s Intelligence Review reported in November 1998.
After the ouster of Burmese intelligence chief Gen Khin Nyunt in October 2004, Aung Linn Htut sought political asylum in the US while he served at the Burmese embassy in Washington DC.
The former agent said complaints leveled by Brig-Gen Maung Maung, the secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission, led to a 10-year prison sentence in Burma against Kyaw Myint.
“Actually, he is a fugitive [in Burma] because he broke jail when he was serving his prison term at a labor camp and escaped to Thailand,” Aung Linn Htut said in the radio interview.
Kyaw Myint came into the spotlight in Canada recently when trading in Future Canada China Environment Inc. was halted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in late January, when the value of the company’s stock rose rapidly to more than US $1 billion.
The price jumped on the strength of a proposed merger with a company that appears to be connected to Michael Hua Hu [Kyaw Myint], according to a report in The Vancouver Sun newspaper.
“The commission temporarily suspended trading in the securities of Future Canada China Environment Inc. because questions have arisen concerning recent trading activities in the company’s stock during which its share price increased from US $ 0.92 to US $ 28.50,” the US Securities and Exchange Commission announced on January 28.
The commission cautioned brokers, dealers, shareholders and prospective purchasers that they should carefully consider the foregoing information along with all other currently available information and any information subsequently issued by the company.
“The company has negligible assets and no operating business. Its stock price ostensibly jumped on strength of a proposed merger with a company that appears to be connected to Michael Hua Hu, a former Burmese businessman now living in Vancouver,” The Vancouver Sun reported on February 4.
It said that with 38 million shares outstanding, the company had a total stock market value of US $1.1 billion.
“That's quite a premium to the company's book value, which was negative $55,000 at last count,” the newspaper said.
According to The Vancouver Sun, Kyaw Myint is also involved in NAH Development Group Inc., a company based in Canada.
Kyaw Myint denied allegations of drug dealing and money laundering in a statement responding to an article published in The Irrawaddy in late December. “I, U Kyaw Myint, have never conducted or been involved in the illegal drug business or money laundering business in my life,” said the statement, published on his Web site.
Kyaw Myint said in the statement, “All my businesses in North America and Asia are legal.”
Recently, Kyaw Myint has sought to play a role in the 2010 Burmese elections by forming the UDP in Burma.
In late January, a party statement said that Thu Wai, a veteran politician, and Ye Tun, a well-known businessman, in Rangoon, were named chairman and vice chairman.
Burmese exiles say Kyaw Myint is the financial backer of the party, and he wants to attract prominent politicians to the party.
The UDP stirred up a minor controversy when Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, the daughter of former minister Kyaw Nyein, publicly denied she had any role in the party.
Htun Aung Gyaw, a former Burmese student leader, also denied reports he was involved in the party.
Aung Linn Htut told VOA that he believed Kyaw Myint wanted to play a significant role in politics in the 2010 election and perhaps gain an amnesty from the Burmese military government.
Burmese Media Gather in Chiang Mai
By WAI MOE
Burmese journalists have gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to discuss issues at the Burma Media Conference’s 6th anniversary.
The conference, organized by the Burma Media Association (BMA), was held from February 21 to 23. About 150 Burmese journalists, writers, poets and bloggers from various countries attended the conference.
The three-day conference included recorded video messages from Burma by well-known writer Dagon Tayar and veteran journalists Win Tin and Ludu Sein Win.
“Accuracy is important for us,” Ludu Sein Win told the conference. “The Burmese media in exile must report truthfully. There is no substitution for the truth.
“In Burma, the media should be biased on behalf of the oppressed. In the Burmese conflict, there is only a choice between two—the people who bully and those who are bullied,” he said, adding: “Good journalism means being biased toward the truth.”
During the first day of the conference, Eint Khaing Oo, a young female journalist who is in prison in Burma, was presented in absence with the “Kenji Nagai Award," in memory of the Japanese video journalist who was killed by Burmese troops during a crackdown on demonstrators in Rangoon on September 27, 2007.
Shawn W Crispin, of the Committee to Protect Journalists, told the conference on Sunday that military-ruled Burma is one of the worst places in the world for journalists.
On the second day of the conference, Soe Myint, the editor-in-chief of exiled news agency Mizzima, spoke about his organization’s experiences of virus attacks over the last two years.
Later, the managing editor of The Irrawaddy, Kyaw Zwa Moe, spoke on the ethical dilemmas inherent in journalism.
Larry Jagan, a British journalist who specializes on Burma, said that the Burmese media in exile plays a significant role. He said he had learned from military families in Burma that the ruling generals regularly read the exiled media.
A Burmese blogger, Mr Thinker, shared the history and role of Burmese bloggers in recent years. “The military junta sees bloggers as enemies,” he said. “That’s why they arrested Nay Phone Latt.”
The conference was originally due to be held in late 2008, but had to be postponed until February because of the unstable political situation in Thailand.
Burmese journalists have gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to discuss issues at the Burma Media Conference’s 6th anniversary.
The conference, organized by the Burma Media Association (BMA), was held from February 21 to 23. About 150 Burmese journalists, writers, poets and bloggers from various countries attended the conference.
The three-day conference included recorded video messages from Burma by well-known writer Dagon Tayar and veteran journalists Win Tin and Ludu Sein Win.
“Accuracy is important for us,” Ludu Sein Win told the conference. “The Burmese media in exile must report truthfully. There is no substitution for the truth.
“In Burma, the media should be biased on behalf of the oppressed. In the Burmese conflict, there is only a choice between two—the people who bully and those who are bullied,” he said, adding: “Good journalism means being biased toward the truth.”
During the first day of the conference, Eint Khaing Oo, a young female journalist who is in prison in Burma, was presented in absence with the “Kenji Nagai Award," in memory of the Japanese video journalist who was killed by Burmese troops during a crackdown on demonstrators in Rangoon on September 27, 2007.
Shawn W Crispin, of the Committee to Protect Journalists, told the conference on Sunday that military-ruled Burma is one of the worst places in the world for journalists.
On the second day of the conference, Soe Myint, the editor-in-chief of exiled news agency Mizzima, spoke about his organization’s experiences of virus attacks over the last two years.
Later, the managing editor of The Irrawaddy, Kyaw Zwa Moe, spoke on the ethical dilemmas inherent in journalism.
Larry Jagan, a British journalist who specializes on Burma, said that the Burmese media in exile plays a significant role. He said he had learned from military families in Burma that the ruling generals regularly read the exiled media.
A Burmese blogger, Mr Thinker, shared the history and role of Burmese bloggers in recent years. “The military junta sees bloggers as enemies,” he said. “That’s why they arrested Nay Phone Latt.”
The conference was originally due to be held in late 2008, but had to be postponed until February because of the unstable political situation in Thailand.
Time for NLD to Step Up to the Plate
By YENI
Burma's military government last week announced it would release more than 6,300 prisoners, of whom just 23 were classified as political prisoners—including nine Buddhist monks. State-run television in Burma reported that the prisoners were being released for the "social consideration of their families" and to take part in the 2010 elections.
The statement coincided with a five-day visit to Burma by the United Nations’ human rights envoy, Tomás Ojea Quintana, and occurred at a time when the UN Security Council was meeting to hear a firsthand account from that other special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, on his recent visit and meeting with detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and leaders of the military junta. The announcement was also timely in that it came just one week ahead of an Asean summit in Thailand.
Whatever cosmetic appearance the junta was trying to solicit, most observers agreed that the release of prisoners represented the regime’s rather futile attempt to prevent—or at least reduce—the international criticism on their poor human rights record which raises its ugly head any time regional or global bodies meet to discuss Burmese issues.
Meanwhile, global diplomacy has failed yet again in Burma by its inability to produce any movement on the key Burmese issues: opening dialogue between Suu Kyi and junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe; releasing her and some 2,200 other political prisoners; and ensuring that the elections scheduled for next year will include all opposition parties and minority groups.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on a trip through Asia, lamented last week that neither US sanctions nor engagement by regional nations have convinced the junta. "It is an unfortunate fact that Burma seems impervious to influences from anyone," Clinton said. "The path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn't influenced the Burmese junta, but ... reaching out and trying to engage them has not influenced them either."
The Burmese generals in Naypyidaw know only too well that the overseas criticisms are no more than the toothless growls of a paper tiger. Their unilateral decision to hold elections next year will be little more than a pantomime to rubber stamp the junta’s new constitution guaranteeing the military a quarter of the seats in both the upper and lower houses of parliament.
However, sitting on the sidelines, some so-called "experts" have naively come to believe that the election in 2010 could represent a major turning point in Burmese politics, opening a space from which the pro-democracy groups will take initiatives for gradual economic and political reform.
In fact, Than Shwe has still not approved the election law. Rumors are circulating in Rangoon that no consensus has been reached in Naypyidaw on which officers will be given parliamentary seats and which will continue in military service.
If we compare the situation to Zimbabwe, we see that—like it or not—the grip of the African nation’s strongman Robert Mugabe and his ruling Zanu-PF party has not weakened because of any international or regional pressure, but due to the effects of drought, HIV/AIDS and economic meltdown.
After months of deadlock, Mugabe has finally been forced to confront the division of ministries in a planned national unity government with the opposition. In the wake of Zimbabwe's economic collapse and spiraling humanitarian crisis, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was sworn in as prime minister with Mugabe remaining president, despite Western leaders calling on Mugabe to step down.
Likewise in Burma, after 20 years of struggle for national reconciliation and talk of rebuilding the failed nation, political leaders and policymakers in Burma must come up with more effective and pragmatic ways to deal with Burmese armed forces, or Tatmadaw.
To persuade the military to engage, the Burmese opposition should focus not only on its demand to free political prisoners, but to exploit the stagnation of the domestic economy and the humanitarian crisis. The NLD, in particular, has to date been too slow to react and has tiptoed around the issues. It needs to let the people know that it is capable of tackling the economic challenges that Burma will face in a post-dictatorial world.
Burma's military government last week announced it would release more than 6,300 prisoners, of whom just 23 were classified as political prisoners—including nine Buddhist monks. State-run television in Burma reported that the prisoners were being released for the "social consideration of their families" and to take part in the 2010 elections.
The statement coincided with a five-day visit to Burma by the United Nations’ human rights envoy, Tomás Ojea Quintana, and occurred at a time when the UN Security Council was meeting to hear a firsthand account from that other special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, on his recent visit and meeting with detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and leaders of the military junta. The announcement was also timely in that it came just one week ahead of an Asean summit in Thailand.
Whatever cosmetic appearance the junta was trying to solicit, most observers agreed that the release of prisoners represented the regime’s rather futile attempt to prevent—or at least reduce—the international criticism on their poor human rights record which raises its ugly head any time regional or global bodies meet to discuss Burmese issues.
Meanwhile, global diplomacy has failed yet again in Burma by its inability to produce any movement on the key Burmese issues: opening dialogue between Suu Kyi and junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe; releasing her and some 2,200 other political prisoners; and ensuring that the elections scheduled for next year will include all opposition parties and minority groups.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on a trip through Asia, lamented last week that neither US sanctions nor engagement by regional nations have convinced the junta. "It is an unfortunate fact that Burma seems impervious to influences from anyone," Clinton said. "The path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn't influenced the Burmese junta, but ... reaching out and trying to engage them has not influenced them either."
The Burmese generals in Naypyidaw know only too well that the overseas criticisms are no more than the toothless growls of a paper tiger. Their unilateral decision to hold elections next year will be little more than a pantomime to rubber stamp the junta’s new constitution guaranteeing the military a quarter of the seats in both the upper and lower houses of parliament.
However, sitting on the sidelines, some so-called "experts" have naively come to believe that the election in 2010 could represent a major turning point in Burmese politics, opening a space from which the pro-democracy groups will take initiatives for gradual economic and political reform.
In fact, Than Shwe has still not approved the election law. Rumors are circulating in Rangoon that no consensus has been reached in Naypyidaw on which officers will be given parliamentary seats and which will continue in military service.
If we compare the situation to Zimbabwe, we see that—like it or not—the grip of the African nation’s strongman Robert Mugabe and his ruling Zanu-PF party has not weakened because of any international or regional pressure, but due to the effects of drought, HIV/AIDS and economic meltdown.
After months of deadlock, Mugabe has finally been forced to confront the division of ministries in a planned national unity government with the opposition. In the wake of Zimbabwe's economic collapse and spiraling humanitarian crisis, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was sworn in as prime minister with Mugabe remaining president, despite Western leaders calling on Mugabe to step down.
Likewise in Burma, after 20 years of struggle for national reconciliation and talk of rebuilding the failed nation, political leaders and policymakers in Burma must come up with more effective and pragmatic ways to deal with Burmese armed forces, or Tatmadaw.
To persuade the military to engage, the Burmese opposition should focus not only on its demand to free political prisoners, but to exploit the stagnation of the domestic economy and the humanitarian crisis. The NLD, in particular, has to date been too slow to react and has tiptoed around the issues. It needs to let the people know that it is capable of tackling the economic challenges that Burma will face in a post-dictatorial world.
Scenes of Poverty Banned from Burmese Films
By KYI WAI
New regulations governing Burma’s film industry instruct producers to avoid making movies that depict scenes of poverty.
The regulations have been published by the Myanmar (Burma) Picture Association, but details are still unknown.
Sources said Burma’s film censorship board was concerned that movies depicting poverty would tarnish the country’s image. All movies and video films produced in Burma have to be approved by the board before being shown publicly.
A Rangoon film director said movies dealing with the everyday life of rural people and workers were popular in Burma.
Another Rangoon film director said: “It is a big surprise for me that we now have to avoid making movies about poor people. The new regulations even prevent us using locations which show poverty.”
The new regulations are regarded by moviemakers as a serious blow to a film industry already hamstrung by the lack of adequate finance and shortages of modern equipment. Burma produced only 10 movies in 2007.
In a further development illustrating the sorry state of Burma’s film industry, women were completely absent from this year’s equivalent of the Academy Awards. Only male actors and directors were honored.
One reason being advanced by those in the industry is that the regime followed astrological advice not to allow the selection of women for any of the awards.
New regulations governing Burma’s film industry instruct producers to avoid making movies that depict scenes of poverty.
The regulations have been published by the Myanmar (Burma) Picture Association, but details are still unknown.
Sources said Burma’s film censorship board was concerned that movies depicting poverty would tarnish the country’s image. All movies and video films produced in Burma have to be approved by the board before being shown publicly.
A Rangoon film director said movies dealing with the everyday life of rural people and workers were popular in Burma.
Another Rangoon film director said: “It is a big surprise for me that we now have to avoid making movies about poor people. The new regulations even prevent us using locations which show poverty.”
The new regulations are regarded by moviemakers as a serious blow to a film industry already hamstrung by the lack of adequate finance and shortages of modern equipment. Burma produced only 10 movies in 2007.
In a further development illustrating the sorry state of Burma’s film industry, women were completely absent from this year’s equivalent of the Academy Awards. Only male actors and directors were honored.
One reason being advanced by those in the industry is that the regime followed astrological advice not to allow the selection of women for any of the awards.
Relatives of Unreleased Prisoners Go Home Disappointed
By MIN LWIN
When Burma’s state-run media announced an amnesty for more than 6,000 prisoners on Saturday, the families of many political detainees flocked to the prison gates chasing a faint glimmer of hope. On Monday morning, some were still there—clinging to what they knew was a futile dream of reuniting with their loved ones.
“We came to Insein Prison on Saturday because we thought our son might be among those released,” said Soe Soe Thaw, mother of Kyaw Ko Ko, a student activist who is serving a three-year sentence for his leading role in the outlawed All Burma Federation of Student Unions.
“Unfortunately, Kyaw Ko Ko was transferred from Insein Prison to Taunggyi Prison while we were waiting for his release,” she said. Taunggyi, in Shan State, is about 440 km northeast of Rangoon, where Insein, Burma’s most notorious prison, is located.
Like Soe Soe Thaw, the families of the vast majority of Burma’s estimated 2,100 political prisoners went home disappointed after their weekend vigils. Of the 6,313 prisoners released since the announcement was made (some local media carried the news late on Friday), only 23 have so far been identified as prisoners of conscience.
Dr Zaw Myint Maung, an elected member of parliament from Amarapura Township, Mandalay Division, and Thet Wai, chairman of the Sanchaung Township branch of the National League for Democracy (NLD), were among only three members of the country’s main opposition confirmed to have been released as part of the amnesty.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP), Dr Zaw Myint Maung, who has been in prison since 1990, when he won a seat for the NLD in an election that the country’s ruling junta refused to honor, was released from Myitkyina Prison in Kachin State. Thet Wai was released from Insein Prison.
A third NLD prisoner, Pe Sein, a township organizer for the party in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, was released from Myitkyina Prison, where he had been serving a two-year sentence that was due to end soon.
Among the other political prisoners known to have been released are Tin Htay and Than Htun, who were freed from Kalay Prison in Sagaing Division late Saturday evening, according to Lwin Lwin Mar, wife of Tin Htay.
Tin Htay and Than Htun were sentenced to two years and four and a half years, respectively, by a court in Nyaungdon Township, Irrawaddy Division. Their offense was possession of a video revealing the extravagant wedding of the daughter of Burma’s top military leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe.
According to AAPP, a total of 16 political prisoners were released from Insein, Burma’s largest prison, including nine monks, while another seven were freed from more remote prisons in the country’s extensive gulag.
When Burma’s state-run media announced an amnesty for more than 6,000 prisoners on Saturday, the families of many political detainees flocked to the prison gates chasing a faint glimmer of hope. On Monday morning, some were still there—clinging to what they knew was a futile dream of reuniting with their loved ones.
“We came to Insein Prison on Saturday because we thought our son might be among those released,” said Soe Soe Thaw, mother of Kyaw Ko Ko, a student activist who is serving a three-year sentence for his leading role in the outlawed All Burma Federation of Student Unions.
“Unfortunately, Kyaw Ko Ko was transferred from Insein Prison to Taunggyi Prison while we were waiting for his release,” she said. Taunggyi, in Shan State, is about 440 km northeast of Rangoon, where Insein, Burma’s most notorious prison, is located.
Like Soe Soe Thaw, the families of the vast majority of Burma’s estimated 2,100 political prisoners went home disappointed after their weekend vigils. Of the 6,313 prisoners released since the announcement was made (some local media carried the news late on Friday), only 23 have so far been identified as prisoners of conscience.
Dr Zaw Myint Maung, an elected member of parliament from Amarapura Township, Mandalay Division, and Thet Wai, chairman of the Sanchaung Township branch of the National League for Democracy (NLD), were among only three members of the country’s main opposition confirmed to have been released as part of the amnesty.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP), Dr Zaw Myint Maung, who has been in prison since 1990, when he won a seat for the NLD in an election that the country’s ruling junta refused to honor, was released from Myitkyina Prison in Kachin State. Thet Wai was released from Insein Prison.
A third NLD prisoner, Pe Sein, a township organizer for the party in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, was released from Myitkyina Prison, where he had been serving a two-year sentence that was due to end soon.
Among the other political prisoners known to have been released are Tin Htay and Than Htun, who were freed from Kalay Prison in Sagaing Division late Saturday evening, according to Lwin Lwin Mar, wife of Tin Htay.
Tin Htay and Than Htun were sentenced to two years and four and a half years, respectively, by a court in Nyaungdon Township, Irrawaddy Division. Their offense was possession of a video revealing the extravagant wedding of the daughter of Burma’s top military leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe.
According to AAPP, a total of 16 political prisoners were released from Insein, Burma’s largest prison, including nine monks, while another seven were freed from more remote prisons in the country’s extensive gulag.
At Least 23 Political Prisoners Freed in Amnesty
By MIN LWIN
After serving 18 years in prison, a leading member of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) was among the political prisoners released in Saturday’s amnesty of 6,313 prisoners.
Dr Zaw Myint Maung, a victor in the 1990 general election, was freed from Myitkyina prison, Kachin State, after 18 years and three months of incarceration there and in Rangoon’s Insein Prison.
“Concentrating on a commitment to democracy kept us mentally and physically fit in prison,” said the 56-year-old physician after his release.
After winning the right to represent Amarapura Township, Mandalay Division, in the 1990 election, Zaw Myint Maung was arrested later that year and charged with trying to form a provisional government in Mandalay, contrary to Article 122 (1) of the Penal Code. He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
Zaw Myint Maung was sentenced to a further 12 years after he and other political prisoners, including Win Tin, produced a magazine entitled New Blood Wave, marking the 75th anniversary of Rangoon University, and after attempting to report on human rights violations in the prison.
In 1997, the government transferred Zaw Myint Maung and other political prisoners to remote prisons. “We were the first to be transferred to the furthest prisons from Rangoon,” he said.
Zaw Myint Maung and other political prisoners suffered severe privations in prison, and his wife, Dr Yu Yu May, said his health deteriorated there. “It was very hard,” her husband confirmed.
Zaw Myint Maung graduated from Mandalay Institute of Medicine in 1973 and worked at Mandalay University prior to the 1988 nationwide pro-democracy uprising.
After serving 18 years in prison, a leading member of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) was among the political prisoners released in Saturday’s amnesty of 6,313 prisoners.
Dr Zaw Myint Maung, a victor in the 1990 general election, was freed from Myitkyina prison, Kachin State, after 18 years and three months of incarceration there and in Rangoon’s Insein Prison.
“Concentrating on a commitment to democracy kept us mentally and physically fit in prison,” said the 56-year-old physician after his release.
After winning the right to represent Amarapura Township, Mandalay Division, in the 1990 election, Zaw Myint Maung was arrested later that year and charged with trying to form a provisional government in Mandalay, contrary to Article 122 (1) of the Penal Code. He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
Zaw Myint Maung was sentenced to a further 12 years after he and other political prisoners, including Win Tin, produced a magazine entitled New Blood Wave, marking the 75th anniversary of Rangoon University, and after attempting to report on human rights violations in the prison.
In 1997, the government transferred Zaw Myint Maung and other political prisoners to remote prisons. “We were the first to be transferred to the furthest prisons from Rangoon,” he said.
Zaw Myint Maung and other political prisoners suffered severe privations in prison, and his wife, Dr Yu Yu May, said his health deteriorated there. “It was very hard,” her husband confirmed.
Zaw Myint Maung graduated from Mandalay Institute of Medicine in 1973 and worked at Mandalay University prior to the 1988 nationwide pro-democracy uprising.
Asean Pledges to Protect Falling Currencies
By MICHAEL CASEY / AP WRITER
BANGKOK — Asian finance ministers pledged on Sunday to uphold free trade and investment in the midst of the global economic slowdown and said they would allocate an additional $40 billion to protect falling currencies.
The ministers from 10 Southeast Asian nations as well as China, Japan and South Korea agreed to boost funding for the Chiang Mai Initiative—an arrangement forged after the 1997 Asian financial crisis to address foreign reserve deficits through bilateral currency swaps—from $80 billion to $120 billion.
The 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will provide 20 percent of funding, with 80 percent from China, Japan and South Korea.
The plan is expected to be approved at an Asean summit in Hua Hin, Thailand, from February 27 to March 1.
"We reaffirm our determination to dedicate ourselves to increasing the free flow of trade and investment, to standing firm against protectionist measures which would worsen the economic downturn," the ministers said in a statement.
The commitment to free trade echoed comments made earlier in the day by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
"I hope that Asean will send a signal that in this economic downturn it will not favor protectionism," Abhisit said. "Asean will not survive alone while causing trouble to other countries."
In October, Asean finance ministers expressed confidence that the group would weather the global downturn, noting its economic fundamentals remained sound even though growth might not match last year's 6.7 percent.
But in recent months, many countries have begun to feel the effects of the downturn on their export-driven economies.
Thailand reported on Thursday that exports posted their steepest fall in 12 years in January as demand for the country's cars, hard drives and electrical goods evaporated amid the global slump.
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines have all announced multibillion-dollar stimulus packages that include a mix of infrastructure projects, cash handouts or tax cuts aimed at creating jobs and boosting consumer demand.
Asean was founded during the Cold War as an anti-communist political coalition, later evolving into a trade bloc. It consists of Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
BANGKOK — Asian finance ministers pledged on Sunday to uphold free trade and investment in the midst of the global economic slowdown and said they would allocate an additional $40 billion to protect falling currencies.
The ministers from 10 Southeast Asian nations as well as China, Japan and South Korea agreed to boost funding for the Chiang Mai Initiative—an arrangement forged after the 1997 Asian financial crisis to address foreign reserve deficits through bilateral currency swaps—from $80 billion to $120 billion.
The 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will provide 20 percent of funding, with 80 percent from China, Japan and South Korea.
The plan is expected to be approved at an Asean summit in Hua Hin, Thailand, from February 27 to March 1.
"We reaffirm our determination to dedicate ourselves to increasing the free flow of trade and investment, to standing firm against protectionist measures which would worsen the economic downturn," the ministers said in a statement.
The commitment to free trade echoed comments made earlier in the day by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
"I hope that Asean will send a signal that in this economic downturn it will not favor protectionism," Abhisit said. "Asean will not survive alone while causing trouble to other countries."
In October, Asean finance ministers expressed confidence that the group would weather the global downturn, noting its economic fundamentals remained sound even though growth might not match last year's 6.7 percent.
But in recent months, many countries have begun to feel the effects of the downturn on their export-driven economies.
Thailand reported on Thursday that exports posted their steepest fall in 12 years in January as demand for the country's cars, hard drives and electrical goods evaporated amid the global slump.
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines have all announced multibillion-dollar stimulus packages that include a mix of infrastructure projects, cash handouts or tax cuts aimed at creating jobs and boosting consumer demand.
Asean was founded during the Cold War as an anti-communist political coalition, later evolving into a trade bloc. It consists of Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Refugees to be Victims of Economic Collapse: UN
By ROD McGUIRK / AP WRITER
CANBERRA — The global economic crisis will create more refugees and fuel xenophobia in some countries, the United Nations refugee chief warned on Monday.
Antonio Guterres, the world body's high commissioner for refugees, told reporters in the Australian capital of Canberra that refugees and migrants can expect to be blamed for economic problems that are deepening in many countries.
"In my experience as a politician, I'd say that when things go wrong in a country, there are two potential targets: one is the government, the other is the foreigners," the former Portuguese prime minister said.
He described the economic crisis as a "generator of xenophobia" in some countries. He did not name any country.
"Xenophobia is an inevitable trend in many parts of the world when the economic situation deteriorates," Guterres said.
Guterres, in Australia to discuss refugee issues with government officials, also described the global slowdown as "an accelerating factor" that enhances the instability and conflicts that displace refugees.
Countries such as Indonesia were not doing enough to prevent human traffickers from smuggling asylum seekers in the Asia-Pacific region, he said.
He also said he would travel to Bangkok next month to discuss international concerns about Thailand's treatment of migrants from Burma.
The Thai government acknowledged this month that authorities towed boats carrying ethnic Rohyingya migrants, who are denied citizenship in their native Burma, out to sea.
Rescued migrants have alleged they were hauled out to the high seas in boats with no engines by the Thai navy and left to drift with little food and water.
Officials in the Indian navy, who rescued some in the Andaman Sea, believed on the basis of survivors' accounts that hundreds may have perished at sea.
"The recent events with the ... Rohyingya boat people were very, very, very worrying for us, and we hope that it will not be repeated," Guterres said.
Australia announced on Monday that it will increase its aid to international efforts to resettle refugees this fiscal year by 4.4 million Australian dollars (US $2.9 million) to AU $14.3 million ($9.3 million).
CANBERRA — The global economic crisis will create more refugees and fuel xenophobia in some countries, the United Nations refugee chief warned on Monday.
Antonio Guterres, the world body's high commissioner for refugees, told reporters in the Australian capital of Canberra that refugees and migrants can expect to be blamed for economic problems that are deepening in many countries.
"In my experience as a politician, I'd say that when things go wrong in a country, there are two potential targets: one is the government, the other is the foreigners," the former Portuguese prime minister said.
He described the economic crisis as a "generator of xenophobia" in some countries. He did not name any country.
"Xenophobia is an inevitable trend in many parts of the world when the economic situation deteriorates," Guterres said.
Guterres, in Australia to discuss refugee issues with government officials, also described the global slowdown as "an accelerating factor" that enhances the instability and conflicts that displace refugees.
Countries such as Indonesia were not doing enough to prevent human traffickers from smuggling asylum seekers in the Asia-Pacific region, he said.
He also said he would travel to Bangkok next month to discuss international concerns about Thailand's treatment of migrants from Burma.
The Thai government acknowledged this month that authorities towed boats carrying ethnic Rohyingya migrants, who are denied citizenship in their native Burma, out to sea.
Rescued migrants have alleged they were hauled out to the high seas in boats with no engines by the Thai navy and left to drift with little food and water.
Officials in the Indian navy, who rescued some in the Andaman Sea, believed on the basis of survivors' accounts that hundreds may have perished at sea.
"The recent events with the ... Rohyingya boat people were very, very, very worrying for us, and we hope that it will not be repeated," Guterres said.
Australia announced on Monday that it will increase its aid to international efforts to resettle refugees this fiscal year by 4.4 million Australian dollars (US $2.9 million) to AU $14.3 million ($9.3 million).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)