Nobody in Asia Supports Sanctions Against Myanmar: Singapore PM

Source: Channel News Asia

Nobody in Asia supports sanctions against Myanmar, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in an interview with CNBC Asia ahead of the ASEAN summit.

He also revealed that Myanmar's Prime Minister Thein Sein agreed to have UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari brief the East Asian Summit leaders about his discussions with Myanmar's leaders.

Mr Lee, who opposed sanctions against Myanmar, said, "Even if you do cause pain in Myanmar through sanctions, you're only causing that to the population, to (the) poor and helpless who are already suffering and miserable. You're not going to succeed in causing pain to the leadership or causing the leadership to seriously sit down and talk about reconciliation and work out arrangements which is going to work for Myanmar because regime change sounds good as a slogan but I don't think it's that good as a policy. It's been tried in Iraq and nobody wants to have an Iraq in Southeast Asia."

For the full report, please click here.

CNN's Interview with Gambari

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

CNN broadcast an interview with Un Special Envoy Mr Ibrahim Gabari on Tuesday regarding his recent trip to Burma to bring about national reconciliation.

DASSK and NLD Members Hold Discussion Prior to Meeting with Junta

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

U Nyan Win, a spokesman for National League for Democracy, Friday said that a meeting was held between 3 NLD members and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, from about 130 to 230pm at a government guest house. The discussion focussed on the four conditions that the junta imposed in order to stage two-party dialogue, said U Nyan Win. In addition, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with junta-appointed liaison minister, Aung Kyi, twice Friday afternoon.

DVB finds out more about details of the meetings and the future of the country in an interview with U Nyan Win.

UNW: Daw Aung San Su Kyi met with three members of the NLD this afternoon from about 1pm at a building in the compound of the government guest residence. The members are namely, Chairman U Aung Shwe, Secretary General U Lwin, and U Nyunt Wai. The meeting lasted for about two hours. They addressed the role and the direction of NLD in bringing about national reconciliation, in detail.

DVB: Could you share the details?
UNW: The discussion was mainly about the conditions, or requirements, imposed by junta. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has earlier decided to discuss these four conditions with NLD members before making any comments. The outcome of this discussion will influence her communication with the liaison minister.

DVB: Among the four conditions, there are conditions beyond Daw Aung San Su Kyi's control. So if you are going to make some compromises, what will be the compromise?
UNW: This has been discussed in the meeting. However, I'm unable to tell you now as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi herself has yet to speak out.

DVB: We received information that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also met with the liaison minister? Were you (NLD members) in that meeting as well?
UNW: No. It was a separate meeting. We think it was after our meeting with her.

DVB: Do you have any information on what was discussed during that meeting?
UNW: No.

DVB: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi released a statement through UN Envoy, Mr Gambari. How does NLD feel about the contents of the statement?
UNW: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has explained the contents to the members, and on our part, we agree with what she had said.

DVB: In the statement, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that it is crucial for everyone, including the ethic groups, to be united. So can we presume that issues relating to ethinic minorities will be also be taken into consideration in the dialogue? From an early point?
UNW: We plan to incorporate the concerns of ethnic groups in our dialogue. We have drawn up some plans regarding the issues currently facing ethnic groups. We will inform the public when these plans have been put into action.

DVB: Many of the political parties representing ethnic groups have been made to disband. So, at this point in time, among ethnic leaders, whom do you hope to include in the dialogue?
UNW: We will propose to include those who are true representative of their peoples. In addition, we will hold discussions with foreign-based groups and we intend to take their suggestions and concerns seriously.

DVB: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has said earlier that negotiations should be got over with and real dialogue should start as soon as possible. What is your opinion on the current situation?
UNW: We believe that junta is serious about holding dialogue with us, and so we will carry on in order to achieve our objective.

DVB: During the second trip of Mr Gambari, the response from junta has been lukewarm. Analysts are also suspicious over the real intention of junta. What is your view?
UNW: Our meeting only focussed on important issues. We will not condemn nor start a verbal war with the other party. We will continue doing our job; what is to be done.

Women Resort to Selling Their Hair to Survive in Burma

Souce: Democratic Voice of Burma

DVB interviewed Daw Le Le, a member of the National League for Democracy, regarding her experience in custody since being detained on the 29th of Septenber.

During the interview, she revealed that she met a fellow NLD member in prison who told her that she had to sell her daughter's hair in order to put up a deposit for a trishaw. She received about 20,000 kyats (~ 15 USD) in payment. However, as she was detained on that very day, she had to use this money.

While Daw Le Le did not mention explicitly what the money was being used for, she mentioned that it was possible to get the prison staff to buy basic provisions for them. She also mentioned that the stay in prison was tougher for those who were not anticipating their arrests, and had no money or extra clothing with them.

Her cell mate had a similar story to share; Daw Le Le noticed that clumps of her hair were missing. The woman told her that she had to sell her hair to get by because her family was in financial difficulties.

For the original article in Burmese, please click here.

Former USDA Member Arrives at Border After Joining Protests

Source: Democratic Voice Of Burma

A member of the USDA, who joined the protesters after witnessing the violent retaliation of the junta, has arrived at he Thai-Burmese border.

The man identified himself as Ko Khin Maung Swe, a member of the USDA from South Dagon Township, Rangoon. He told DVB that he quit the organisation after the violent crush of the August protests when people took to the streets over rising fuel prices.

He said he joined public protests after he witnessesd the monks marching on 18th of September. He left Rangoon after authorities raided his home on the 28th of September.

In the interview with DVB, he said he felt compelled to join the people, after seeing the true colours of junta.

KMS: I was a member of the USDA. When they wanted to quell the protests, they told us, "The oranges are ripe for plucking". The words bothered me. I was still with USDA when they crushed the August protests. I wasn't affected much then, though I knew it was unfair. Also, I was alone in my thinking and there was nothing I could do at that time.
On my way home, I saw the monks in the rain, putting their hands together in prayer, saying prayers for us, the people. That touched me. So I decided to leave USDA, and join the people.

DVB: In the past, as a member of the USDA, you had to use force against protesters. Now that the USDA has used force against the sangha, how did it make you feel?
KMS: What really compelled me to switch sides was the sight of the monks being beaten up by security forces. That, I couldn't take lying down. As buddhists, we grew up under the guidance of the sangha, and we have always revered them so it was unbearable to have to witness such a thing. Also, they made the monks leave the monasteries. I used to see about 4 to 5 monks every morning on alms rounds. Now, they're all gone. There are no more monks in Rangoon. I only see monks again after I come to the border.

DVB: So you joined the protests from the 19th of September?
KMS: Yes, until the 26th. From the 27th onwards, the protests were put to a stop.

DVB: As a former member of the USDA, weren't you worried that the authorities would punish you more severely than they do ordinary citizens?
KMS: At that time, I told myself that it was either jail or death; I was beyond worrying. I'm proud to have been a part of this movement. Most people condemned my involvement. They tell me it has nothing to do with me. So I tell them that it is for my religion, and my people.

DVB: Do you regret that you had to leave your family behind because of your involvement?
KMS: Not at all. Not at all.

DVB: In the video clips of the crackdown, we hear that the security forces in civilian clothing are members of the USDA.
Have you seen those clips?
KMS: Yes. A lot of them are USDA members. Also, I heard that they (the authorities) used convicts who were serving life sentences.

DVB: Where did you get that information? Is it confirmed?
KMS: It was insider information from my superiors. That's all I can tell you. I joined the USDA because I had the impressionthat it was really an organisation for the people. Their mission statement impressed me. They sent me for courses and I even won awards. But when they started the crackdown, it was when I realised their true colours.

DVB: You joined USDA thinking it was a humantarian organisation, then you realised that it was in fact a pro-junta group. How did that make you feel?
KMS: I was filled with regret. I'm too ashamed to tell people that I am a member of the USDA.

For the original article in Burmese, please click
here.

Interview with Zarganar: Movement Simmers Under Ashes

Source: Mizzima News

Mizzima interviews renowned comedian, actor and director Ko Zargana (Tweezers) who was released from detention on the 17th this month. He was arrested on September 25 in connection with offering alms to the protesting monks in their Ex-Communicative Boycott of the junta at Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon on September 24, 2007.

For the full report, please follow this link: http://mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/Interview/01-Oct-2007.html

Interview with U Tayzabawtha, a Former Detainee

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

Monks who have been released from detention told DVB that junta's disrespect and cruel treatment of sangha was beyond forgiveness. They added that the Ministry of Religious Affairs was committing yet another sin by telling fabricated lies (to excuse their actions) to the Sangha Council. These monks also felt that the monks of the Council are at fault for not seeing through the junta, and accepting their lies.

In the next few weeks, DVB will be conducting interviews with monks who have been released, and will be broadcasting them. In today's article, DVB interviewed U Tayzabawtha from Pegu. U Tayzabawtha was arrested on 26th of September and was only released Thursday.

DVB: How did you get started in the protests?
U Tayzabawtha: We heard about Pakokku. So we went over there to check out the situation; three monks were tied down, beaten and arrested. We came back and sent a request to junta asking for lower petrol and diesel prices. We told them that if the transport fees go up, commodity prices will go up, and asked them to do something about it. But they didn't back down. So we went out on the streets on the 18th. After that, we took a break. During that period, we sent the request again but no response came. So from 24th to 26th, I organised some rallies. On the 26th, I was arrested in front of Sule Pagoda."

DVB: How did they try to defrock you?
U Tayzabawtha: It was at the racecourse. They brought some monks from the Sangha Council. But I told them they cannot defrock me without my will so they left. Later though, I was forced to change into civilian clothes by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The police stood by with sticks. I had no choice. But I still comported myself as a sangha. I also did not eat anything they (riot police) gave me.. the whole month. I was on hunger strike against them. Occasionally, the prison officers offered me some food during interrogation, such as porridge or instant noodles, and I took it.

DVB: Did they assault you verbally or physically?
U Tayzabawtha: Not me but some of the other monks were assaulted. They beat them up. Not the guys interrogating, but the ones who arrested us.

DVB: Were you handcuffed or foot-chained?
U Tayzabawtha: Yes, we were handcuffed behind our backs, and our feet were also chained. From GTI, we were transferred to Palae. We were allowed to sleep after we reached there. The conditions were very bad. The place was buzzing with mosquitoes, and there were no blankets.

DVB: Could you tell us what you witnessed regarding the treatment of the monks?
U Tayzabawtha: They beat the monks. They always had their sticks at the ready. At GTI, at the Racecourse, and the Unit 8 Camp. They are inhuman. They have no compassion whatsoever.

For the original article in Burmese, please click here.

Junta Coerces Detained Women to Confess to Sexual Relations With Leaders of the Saffron Revolution

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

DVB reported that two of the women detained were put under duress by the Home Affairs Ministry to confess to having improper relationships with the monks who led the Saffron Revolution and the Patta-nikkujanna against the junta. They were promised monetary incentives to become prosecutor witnesses to testify against the monks.

DVB interviewed Ma Ohnmar, a member of the opposition party National League for Democracy, to confirm this information and also about her experience as a detainee; she was arrested on the 25th of September and was only released a few days ago.

DVB: Can you tell us how they first arrested you?
MO: They came to my house at about 2 am on the 25th ofSeptember. An officer from Home Affairs identified himself saying they needed to search my house. They even confiscated the currency notes with General Aung San's photos. They took me at 330 in the morning. After about 4 days in a concentration camp, they transferred me to Insein Jail and I was released on the 25th of October.

DVB: What did they interrogate you about? How did they do it?
MO: They would wake us up in the middle of the night. As I'm a volunteer with the HIV patients, they asked me about the funds, how we use it, if I got any of the money for personal use. They also asked me if I knew any of the 88-Generation student leaders. As I was also involved in the march past Daw Aung San Su Kyi's house on the 22nd of October, they asked me who planned this route, if it was by the NLD leaders. What is interesting is that as the prison got more crowded, we had to share two to a room. Next to my cell were two women who were in the news for admitting having improper relations with monks in the monasteries.

MO: These women were forced to confess to such allegations. One is called Ma Ei. She was in the news for allegedly having sexual relations with U Pyi Kyaw. The other one, Hnin Hnin, from Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery.. she was videotaped making her confession, with one person teaching her what to say to the camera. She is still in prison now. They want to use her as a prosecutor witness.

DVB: So these accusations are actually made up by the authorities?
MO: Yes, it looks like they want to fabricate proof that these monks involved in the revolution are fake monks. Ma Ei was released earlier because she made the confession under duress.

DVB: Did Ma Ei herself tell you that she had no such relationships with the monks? That she was forced to make such confessions?
MO: Yes, she did.

DVB: During interrogations, did they use any torture methods?
MO: They did not physically assault me, but they witheld food and water. I was in ill health, but they denied me any treatment saying there're no medication or doctors to attend to me. Finally, late at night, they gave me some water, but the water was very dirty. There were hair, leaves, and even dead ants in it.

DVB: Did you meet anyone in the concentration camps or prison?
MO: Yes, there're currently 7 women left in prison that I know of. One is Daw Lei Lei from NLD. She's 60 years old, and has very high blood pressure and heart problems. There is also May Mee Oo, who is 4 months pregnant. She has been detained for a month. For the sake of her unborn baby, she is trying to get a nutritious diet, but it is really difficult in prison. It is crucial that these two women are released soon.

DVB: Is there anyone who was released together with you?
MO: Yes, there were 10 of us. One is an old lady, Aunty Daw Khin Pyone Yi. She was from Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery. She was there when the monastery was raided, and the Buddhist flag fell as the pole broke. So she held it up to prevent it from touching the ground. Immediately, she was surrounded by riot police and Swan Arr Shin (pro-junta thugs) who tied her hands behind her back, and beat her up nonstop as they dragged her away. By the time she got to the concentration camp, her blood pressure has shot up and she has lost consciousness. So she was admitted to Rangoon General Hospital and stayed there for 5 days. We saw her back; it was full of criss-crossed black bruises. Her back has not even healed on the day she was released.

MO: Another lady, Ma Hla Hla Nyunt, is actually from USDA. And her husband is from Swan Arr Shin group. This couple was asked by the authorities to get information by mingling with the protesters. They were promised 3000 kyats a day, and the officials also promised to help them clear all their debts. But the woman was mistakenly arrested. Even after the woman informed them that she was from USDA, she was not released. The authorities acted as if they did not send such spies. So she was only finally released together with me after submitting an appeal letter to the authorities.

DVB: In the prison, did you hear anything about the muslims who were detained, and tortured?
MO: Yes, I heard that they were severely tortured just because they are foreigners. They would also swear vulgarities at them. They said these muslims should mind their own business instead of getting involved in the protests. One of the youths was made to kneel down on rocks. After an hour, when he told them he couldn't bear with it any longer, they slapped him til his cheeks were swollen, and they forced him to ride on a motorbike for 2 hours.

DVB: So this youth was released?
MO: Yes, I was in the same bus with him after our release, and he told me about it.

DVB: Who are the people who interrogate you? Prison officials?
MO: No, it is the ones in-charge of the concentration camps. They say they're from SB. Home Affairs.

DVB: Is there something you want to highlight about your experience, after spending a month in concentration camp and in prison?
MO: (To secure my release)I had to sign a letter saying that I understand that I can be subjected to questioning at any time in the future. But what really bothers me is that in that document, there was a statement that said that I understood that I have been released only due to the compassion of the nation (sic). This is something I absolutely cannot accept. If they were so compassionate, why did they detain us in the first place?

DVB: How do you think is the feeling among the women who have been detained, and released together with you?
MO: It varies. Some have been tortured so badly that they're very much frightened now. But others, like the woman from USDA, now see things more in black and white, about how unfair and oppressive the junta is. They (junta) spread rumours that NLD is instigating unrest while they've got their own people on the inside. And when their people are mistakenly arrested, they pretend that these people do not exist. So this lady has finally seen the junta for who they are, and she has promised us never to repeat her actions again.

DVB: What plans do you have for the future?
MO: I will continue being an activist. Our country needs us. Our leaders, the 88-Generation leaders are now all in prison. If we stop now, the people will have no way out. In the concentration camp, they questioned us about our plans, and I told them that I would continue.

To listen to the interview in Burmese, please follow these links:
Part 1: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2608
Part 2: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2609

Interview with Comedian Zarganar

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

DVB had a chance to speak with comedian Zarganar who had been detained since last month for making alm offerings to protesting monks. Zarganar is well-known for his spot-on sarcasm about the junta, and in the past twenty years, he has been detained more frequently than not.

In the interview, Zarganar told DVB that monks in custody have been forced to defrock. However, the three monks he met continue to meditate and observe the rules of Sangha. He said the monks told him that the conditions in concentration camps were terrible; the monks in custody were made to squat, urinate, and pass motion in the same confined space. They were also not given any food.

One of the monks he met in prison, U Tilawbartha, a 76-year-old sayadaw (senior monk) was kicked in the ribs during the arrests. He was also told by a friend that another monk was shot in the spine and had to be admitted to the prison hospital. He said that such treatment of the monks saddened him so much that he would rather not be reborn as a Buddhist ever again.

He also told DVB that prison facilities and healthcare were grossly inadequate. Due to the unscrupulous crackdown, the prison was overcrowded and there was a severe lack of hygiene. Prisoners have to sleep, eat, and pass motion in the same small space; no soap was provided. As winter sets in, prisoners are expected to face worse conditions as they have not been given any warm clothing or blankets. Families are also denied the chance to see the prisoners or pass them medication that they require.

One of the members of the opposition party, National League for Democracy (NLD), U Hla Pe, an 81 year old who has previously broken his leg, can only walk with the aid of a walking stick, and hence is having a hard time under such harsh conditions. Other elderly NLD members are also said to be suffering from gastritis and high blood pressure, with one who he felt has already had a mild stroke.

Zarganar said that the prison could not provide appropriate medication for these people. He said that the officials were also restricted by the fact that these prisoners are not directly in their custody, and they were required to seek permission from officers controlling the concentration camps before giving any aid or medical treatment to the prisoners.

To listen to the interview in Burmese, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2552