Source: Agence France-Presse via Yahoo News
China is pivotal to strengthening UN efforts to bring about reform in Myanmar and must push the military junta to talk with the democratic opposition, France's foreign minister told AFP.
In an interview before leaving here for China, where he was to meet Premier Wen Jiabao, Bernard Kouchner urged Beijing to use its influence to create real dialogue between the regime and detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
He said the international community must support UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari, who has been tasked with dealing with Myanmar, to ensure there is a sustained contact with the reclusive regime.
"A national dialogue must be established," Kouchner insisted, adding it was "illusory" to imagine there could be an immediate regime change.
For the full report, please click here.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
China Key to Reform in Burma French FM
Hatred Not Enough to Unseat Burma's All-powerful Military
Source: Earth Times
US professor and Myanmar expert David Steinberg said he has witnessed a new development in the past month in the South-East Asian country. "It is the first time ever that people actually said, 'I hate the military.' I had never heard it like that before," the director of Asian studies at Washington's Georgetown University said on a visit to Singapore.
The deepening loathing of the military, which has ruled Myanmar since 1962, came after the regime's deadly crackdown in September on peaceful demonstrations led by the country's revered monks.
But even before those protests, love was not the word to describe the relationship between the people and the ruling military junta, which has been cited as one of the most repressive regimes in the world, guilty of a raft of human rights violations.
For the full report, please click here.
UN Confirms Gambari to Arrive in Burma Saturday
Source: Agence France-Presse via Inquirer.net
UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday said that the upcoming return visit to Myanmar by his special envoy Ibrahim Gambari would have to yield substantive results.
Ban said he would meet with Gambari, who is currently in southeast Asia, in Turkey Friday to discuss strategy for the envoy's five-day visit due to start Saturday.
Ban is to attend a ministerial meeting on Iraq in Istanbul later this week.
Gambari, a seasoned UN troubleshooter, was sent to Myanmar in September to convey international outrage after the ruling junta's bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, in which at least 13 people were kille
The secretary general said that this time Gambari's visit "will have to bring substantive results."
For the full report, please click here.
Britain Government Bows to Pressure to Boost Aid for Burma
Source: Guardian Unlimited
The government has promised to double the amount it gives in aid to Burma after coming under pressure from MPs, but will still provide only half the funding the Tories have pledged.
Douglas Alexander, the international development secretary, announced Britain's support for health, education and humanitarian support schemes would rise from £9m this year to £18m by 2010.
For the full report, please click here.
Suspend Burma, Dissidents Tell Asean
Source: Big News Network
Myanmar dissidents Thursday urged the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) to suspend Myanmar's membership if the country's leadership continued to ignore international calls for launching a meaningful national reconciliation process.
Leaders of the 88 Generation Students -- remnant dissidents from the 1988 anti-military movement in Myanmar -- issued a letter to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong and Foreign Minister George Yeo urging Asean to take steps to increase pressure on Myanmar's military to start a political dialogue with opposition forces.
For the full story, please click here.
Burma: Children Bought and Sold by Army Recruiters
Source: Progressive Community Newswire
Facing a military staffing crisis, the Burmese government is forcibly recruiting many children, some as young as age 10, into its armed forces, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.
Burmese military recruiters target children in order to meet unrelenting demands for new recruits due to continued army expansion, high desertion rates and a lack of willing volunteers. Non-state armed groups, including ethnic-based insurgent groups, also recruit and use child soldiers, though in far smaller numbers.
“The brutality of Burma’s military government goes beyond its violent crackdown on peaceful protestors,” said Jo Becker, children’s rights advocate for Human Rights Watch. “Military recruiters are literally buying and selling children to fill the ranks of the Burmese armed forces.”
Based on an investigation in Burma, Thailand and China, the 135-page report, “Sold to Be Soldiers: The Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers in Burma,” found that military recruiters and civilian brokers receive cash payments and other incentives for each new recruit, even if the recruit clearly violates minimum age or health standards.
For the full report, please click here.
Defiant Monks March Again in Burma
Source: Associated Press
More than 100 Buddhist monks marched peacefully Wednesday in a northern Myanmar town noted for its defiance of the country's military rulers, the first large protest since the junta violently crushed a wave anti-government demonstrations.
The monks marched for nearly an hour in the town of Pakokku, chanting a Buddhist prayer that has come to be associated with the pro-democracy cause. They did not carry signs or shout slogans, but their action was clearly in defiance of the military government, as one monk spelled out in a radio interview.
"We are continuing our protest from last month as we have not yet achieved any of the demands we asked for," the monk told the Democratic Voice of Burma, a Norway-based short-wave radio station and Web site run by dissident journalists.
"Our demands are for lower commodity prices, national reconciliation and immediate release of (pro-democracy leader) Aung San Suu Kyi and all the political prisoners," said the monk, who was not identified by name.
For the full report, please click here.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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.
To All People of Conscience Worldwide: End Violent Oppression in Burma
Source: Christian Today
Christian Today published a statement from the World Evangelical Alliance condemning the violent oppression of peaceful protesters in Burma.
To read the full statement, please click here.
Brian McCartan: The Loss of Burma's Democratic Voice
Source: Asia Times
Myanmar's ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has received strong international condemnation for its crackdown on anti-government protestors in September, with the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations all calling on the junta to open dialog with the opposition and move towards democracy. But even if the SPDC were willing to compromise, which despite the international pressure seems unlikely, it's not clear with whom the junta should really be negotiating.
For the full report, please click here.
Anuj Chopra: Stumbling Through Burma's New Capital
Source: The Christian Science Monitor
Hacked out of malarial jungle, Burma's new capital is a medley of mammoth buildings and quiet zones, built by an army of poor laborers, says Anuj Chopra, who made a trip to Nay Pyi Daw.
For the full report, please click here.
Bush, Ban Seek Revival of Burma's Democracy
Source: Agence France-Presse via IOL
United States President George Bush and United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon agreed on Tuesday that Myanmar's military rulers must work with anti-junta activists to revive their country's democracy, the White House said.
Bush telephoned Ban to discuss the situation in Myanmar amid international efforts to push dialogue between the government and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, said spokesperson Dana Perino.
For the full report, please click here.
Burmese Junta Frees Six More Politicians
Source: Reuters
Myanmar's junta has freed six prominent politicians arrested during last month's crackdown, including three senior members of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, a party official said on Tuesday.
"They were taken from Insein Central Prison to their homes at about 10 p.m.," NLD spokesman Nyan Win said.
Among those released was veteran politician Win Naing who was arrested on September 25 at the height of protests led by monks against 45 years of army rule in the former Burma.
The other five were detained on September 27 as the army crushed the biggest anti-junta protests in two decades. Official media reported 10 people were killed, but Western governments say the real toll is likely to be far higher.
For the full report, please click here.
Immediate Change in Burma Impossible, says French Minister
Source: Agence France-Presse via The Peninsula
France and Thailand said yesterday that immediate radical change in Myanmar was impossible, and the world had to work more closely together to bring democracy to the military-run country.
"We don't want to change the regime immediately, overnight. This is impossible, ridiculous and counter-productive," French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said after meeting with Thai officials over the Myanmar crisis.
"Let's start having a new spirit, a new movement, a new strength and we will succeed, believe me. This is the beginning of a successful process ... something is moving," he added.
Kouchner was in Bangkok on the second leg of an Asian tour to step up international pressure on Myanmar's junta.
For the full report, please click here.
Burmese Children Bought and Sold by Army Recruiters
Source: Agence France-Presse
Children as young as 10 are being forcibly recruited into the Myanmar army, bought and sold by military recruiters desperate to swell their ranks, Human Rights Watch said in a report Wednesday.
The junta, plagued by high desertion rates and a lack of volunteers, is enabling the practice with military recruiters and civilians getting cash and other incentives for each new recruit, the rights group said.
"The government's senior generals tolerate the blatant recruitment of children and fail to punish perpetrators," said Jo Becker, children's rights advocate for Human Rights Watch.
"In this environment, army recruiters traffic children at will."
For the full report, please click here.
RPT-Singapore Distancing Itself from Burma - Analysts
Source: Reuters
While opposing sanctions against Myanmar in public, Singapore's government and its banks in particular appear to be quietly distancing themselves from the ruling junta, analysts and bankers said on Tuesday.
Officially, Singapore has not deviated from the line given by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a month ago, at the height of the junta's bloody crackdown on democracy protests, that sanctions would be unlikely to shunt Myanmar towards political reform.
But gradually, signs are emerging of institutions in the city-state pulling back from involvement with the generals, for whom Singapore is a top medical and leisure destination -- and widely believed to be home to their off-shore bank accounts.
"What's going on behind the scenes, particularly on the financial side, is de facto sanctions," said Sean Turnell, author of the Burma Economic Watch journal at Sydney's Macquarie University.
For the full report, please click here.
Germany, India urge Myanmar to Release Political Prisoners, Hold talks
Source: International Herald Tribune
India and Germany urged Myanmar's military rulers Tuesday to free all political prisoners and hold talks with the United Nations, following a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.
For the full report, please click here.
Malaysia: Keep Burma Politics out of Asean-EU Free Trade Talks
Source: Associated Press via Irrawaddy News
Burma's political crisis should not be used an excuse to hold up a proposed free trade pact between Europe and Southeast Asian nations, Malaysia's trade minister has said.
Negotiations must be free of political meddling and a constructive engagement is a better way to persuade military-ruled Burma to open up, Rafidah Aziz was quoted by national news agency Bernama as saying Monday while on a trade mission in Frankfurt.
For the full report, please click here.
Klose Htoo: What Shapes the Mind of A Soldier
Source: Mizzima News
Klose Htoo on 29th October wrote an insightful article about the make-up of the Burmese army, its recruitment drives, and the conditioning of the soldiers. Mizzima has translated into English, the essence of the opinion piece.
To read the article in English, please follow this link: http://mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/EdOp/2007/Oct/16-Oct-07.html
For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://www.mizzimaburmese.com/content/view/152/4/
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Updates from Burmese Blogs: 30th October 2007
Source: Nik Nayman
1003 hrs:
Words "Killer Than Shwe" were found sprayed on the road in white paint at 5 locations along a stretch of road near ZeeKone Township, Pegu. The words occupied the entire width of the road. Sheets of paper with the same words were also found littered on the road. Police reportedly took pictures, and subsequently cleaned up the road.
Matthew Swibel and Soyoung Ho: The Sanctions Myth
Source: Forbes.com
For the full report, please follow this link: http://members.forbes.com/global/2007/1029/028a_print.html
Opposition Leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Meets With UN Human Rights Group
Source: SoneSeaYar
SoneSeayar reported yesterday afternoon that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had a meeting with 4 members of the visiting UN Human Rights Group led by Mr. Pinheiro at Sedona Hotel in
British Parliament Had a Long Debate on Burma
Source: BBC
British Parliament held a debate about
International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander rejected the road map by Burmese military leaders was bound to be a failure for it was excluded the opposition and ethnic minorities.
International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander rejected the road map by Burmese military leaders was bound to be a failure for it was excluded the opposition and ethnic minorities.
The minister also explained the efforts by the British government to support people in need of humanitarian help in
Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague told the British parliament the need to maintain pressure on
Members of Conservative party also urged the British government to increase cross border aid for the Burmese refugees and displaced persons on the eastern border of
To listen to the report in Burmese, please follow this link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/burmese/news/story/2004/12/041201_tuesday_dawn.shtml
In Disgust For the Junta, Burmese People Are United
Source: International Herald Tribune
By Burmese standards, life has been good for the three friends, buddies from the
Still, when their late-afternoon chat in a
"When I was an army officer, my soldiers and I went out every day to fight Communists," said one of the men, who runs a factory in southern
For the full report, please follow this link: http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=8094931
Zarganar Taken in For Questioning
Source: Democratic Information Department Blog and Myo Chit
Comedian Zarganar was reportedly taken away by the authorities yesterday at 3pm. Myo Chit
Zarganar was earlier detained on the 25th of September for making alms offering to the protesting monks, and only released on the 17th of October.
Lanka MSMA Calls for Boycott of Swan Arr Shin Artistes
Source: Lanka MSMA
Lanka MSMA yesterday urged the public to boycott singers and artistes who performed in concerts organized by authorities on the 1-month anniversary of the brutal crackdown against protesters.
The post contains the list of artistes who performed at two venues, Pioneer Club, and KanDawGyi.
They are: Sai Sai Khan Hlaing, Yatha, Jamie and Ye Lay who performed at Pioneer Club, and Alex, Ringo, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, Maung Maung Zaw Latt, Big Bag, Black Hole, and The Ants, who performed at KanDawKyi. Concert tickets were reportedly priced at 4500 kyats (approximately 3.50 USD).
Lanka MSMA urged the public to boycott what it called “Swan Arr Shin artistes” by refraining from distributing or buying their music.
For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://lanka-msma.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post_6696.html
The information on the concerts was first published by Democratic Information Department Blog.
Two Monks from The Saffron Revolution Arrives in Bangladesh
Source: Mizzima News
After an arduous journey to escape the persecution by Junta, two Arakanese monks who participated in The Saffron Revolution have arrived at the Bangladesh Border on the 29th of October. The two are 26-year old U Eindra Pyinyar and 21-year old U Margainda. They were students of Theology at the Yarzajo Moastery in South Okkalapa, Rangoon when the Saffron Revolution started and they had participated in the marches for 5 days before junta initiated the crackdown.
[Note: Monasteries in South Okkalapa were one of the main targets of junta during the brutal crackdown.]
Mizzima interviews U Eindra Pyinyar about his experiences.
Mizzima: When did you leave Rangoon?
U Eindra Pyinyar: We left on the 11th of October. There were some security checks along the way but they let us go.
Mizzima: How did you make your way here?
U Eindra Pyinyar: We took a coach from Rangoon to TaungKote. From there, we took a smuggling boat to cross the border, with the help of a devotee.
Mizzima: Did you encounter any difficulties along the way?
U Eindra Pyinyar: There were security checks at TaungKote. During the journey, we couldn’t stay at any of the monasteries so we had to stay at inns. Police came to check a few times. The journey was more difficult than usual because of the news about protests, and the police tightened checks.
Mizzima: What role did you play in the protests?
U Eindra Pyinyar: We started marching on the 19th September. Until the 26th.
Mizzima: Were you a leader in the protests?
U Eindra Pyinyar: No, I was just a participant. But I participated almost everyday.
Mizzima: Did the authorities raid your monastery?
U Eindra Pyinyar: We heard that they were going to carry out raids. And they did make their rounds, like they were monitoring us. But by the time, they came with the military trucks, we’d gone into hiding.
Mizzima: How do you feel about the protests?
U Eindra Pyinyar: The protests should bring some changes. There have also been major losses on the part of the public. The monasteries in Rangoon are empty. Our monastery used to have 80 monks. But I doubt there’s any left. There has been much suffering and sacrifices have been made. I believe this will bring peace.
Mizzima: What plans do you have?
U Eindra Pyinyar: Living there was difficult, and we loathe the rule of the regime. So when we decided to leave, there were people who were willing to help us. We have no immediate plans yet.
Mizzima: Would you like to comment on the current situation?
U Eindra Pyinyar: A government should love (sic) its people. It should also be credible enough for the people to rely on. People will continue revolting until it acquires such qualities. We got involved in the protests because we ourselves were not getting enough alms offerings and we could feel the pain of the people. I would like to urge the monks who’re still in Burma to continue boycotting the regime. One effective way would be to stop taking the theological exams organized by the government bodies.
Mizzima also reported that the two monks are being looked after by the Opposition Force of Burma (Bangladesh).
For the original article in Burmese, please click here.
Burmese Americans Question US on Sanctions Policy
Source: Mizzima News
In a revealing letter to the US Chargé d'Affaires in
The Burmese American citizens, in a letter to the
The group, which cannot be contacted, in the letter sent on October 28 said, several family members of the ruling generals and their associates are living in the US and are helping the generals transfer money for businesses through their bank accounts.
Besides, a few generals are stated to have visited the
For the full report, please follow this link: http://mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2007/Oct/113-Oct-2007.html
Note: Last week, Nik Nayman called for sanctions against close associates and relatives of Tay Za, in a post which featured photographs of these people and identifying each of them. They include friends and a cousin of the sons of Tayza.
Burma Conference Calls for Stronger Action
Source: Mizzima News
Participants at a
"
For the full report, please follow this link: http://mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2007/Oct/111-Oct-2007.html
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
For the full report, please follow this link: http://mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/Interview/01-Oct-2007.html
Monday, October 29, 2007
Suspected Helpers of Ko Htay Kywe Detained
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
Authorities have detained the owner and workers of the rubber plantation where 88-Generation Student Leader, Ko Htay Kywe, was found.
Ko Htay Kywe was arrested on the 13th of October at a rubber plantation near Pegu, owned by a man named Ko Aung Gyi. The police team who arrested Ko Htay Kywe subsequently detained Ko Aung Gyi and his workers. The policemen are currently stationed at the rubber plantation and have sold off all the properties of Ko Aung Gyi and the neighbours are also being questioned, said a resident.
"They ask us for things like liquor and chicken. We had to give them. They sold off all the things from Ko Aung Gyi's house, rice, oil, even glass bottles."
The resident added that the family members of those detained were worried as they have not been informed of the whereabouts of the detainees.
Meanwhile, the officer of the team responsible for the arrest of Ko Htay Kywe, has reportedly received a monetary reward of 250,000 from one of the Majors, and 50,000 each from other superiors. DVB also reported that he was in line for a promotion.
For the full article in Burmese, please click here.
Missing NLD Member Found Dead
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
A member of the National League for Democracy in Arakan who had been reported missing by his family members has been found dead, said his colleagues.
Nyi Pu Lay was member of the NLD in Taunggok township, and was an enthusiastic participant in last month's protests.
He had been in hiding from arrest for nearly 20 days before his dead body was found decomposing in a creek near the township on 19 October, according to Arakan NLD's joint-secretary U Thein Hlaing.
For the full report, please click here.
Kouchner: Sanctions Against Myanmar Should Be Coupled with Incentives
Source: Associated Press via Pravda
Sanctions against Myanmar ’s militia are not enough, France’s Foreign Minister said, adding that there must be incentives to encourage the regime to work for national reconciliation.
The European Union and the United States have pressed for expanded sanctions against Myanmar in recent weeks, after the junta arrested thousands of people following pro-democracy protests, shooting dead at least 10.
"Do we believe that (the sanctions) will be enough? No. Will it be useful? I hope so," French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said before meeting with Singaporean officials.
"But we also have to work on the political offer, and on incentives for the Burmese people to be part of." Myanmar is also known as Burma.
For the full report, please click here.
Sittwe Security Tightened After Rumors of Demonstrations
Source: Nirinjara News
Security in Sittwe has been tightened over the last week after rumors spread among the people that monks are preparing to stage demonstrations in the state capital, said a government teacher on the condition of anonymity.
"The authority had deployed many police forces in key places in Sittwe, such as Bara Gri temple and Aye Zaydi monastery, since a rumor came out that monks were preparing to stage another demonstration in Sittwe," he said.
For the full report, please click here.
Astrologer's Prediction: Military to Get a New Leader By 21st November
Source: Mizzima News
Mizzima today published an astrological prediction regarding the ongoing events in Burma. The astrologer, who calls himself Saya Gyi U Than Shwe (Maha Guru U Than Shwe), said that according to astrology, there will be a change in the leadership of the regime in late november.
According to the release, the astrologer says that the brutal crackdown is going to continue until mid november. Subsequently, however, the military is expected to turn against the regime leaders, and the regime is expected to fall, prompting a change in leadership.
Under this new leadership, Burma will be able to work towards democratic reforms and will emerge in April as a new democratic nation, he predicted.
For the original article in Burmese, please click here.
Note: Flaming Peacocks have earlier reported about predictions of a blood bath in November by Burmese astrologers. Please click here to read this report.
Taiwan to Work For Democracy in Burma
Source: Mizzima News
Taiwan will establish a task force under its representative office in Thailand to provide help to the people of Burma in their striving for democracy, according to the Taipei Times.
The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry said in a press release that one of the task force's main functions would be to observe the political situation in Burma.
Vice President Annette Lu said the decision to defend freedom and democracy in Burma has been positively received.
For the full report, please click here.
Singapore Pursues Policy, Not Regime Change
Source: Mizzima News
Singapore has reaffirmed that its priorities in Burma, in alignment with those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), are stability and policy change, and not the ousting of the military regime.
Speaking to reporters in Tokyo following meetings with both Japanese and Chinese officials, on Saturday and Friday, respectively, Singapore's Foreign Minister, George Yeo, said he believes his country's approach to confronting the situation inside Burma is consistent with both ASEAN and United Nations initiatives.
"If nothing is done, the situation is potentially explosive, therefore we should work together to help the Myanmar people and embark on fresh approach to national reconciliation," stated Yeo on Saturday.
For the full report, please click here.
Petition to the US, UK and French Troops to Save People in Burma
Z. Z. Aung started an online petition to urge troops from the
To read/sign the petition, please follow this link: http://www.petitiononline.com/thanshwe/petition.html
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sober times for Myanmar's comics
Source: International Herald Tribune
MANDALAY, Myanmar: Par Par Lay goes to India to seek relief for a toothache. The Indian dentist wonders why the Burmese man has come all that way to see him.
"Don't you have dentists in Myanmar?" he asks.
"Oh, yes, we do, doctor," says Par Par Lay. "But in Myanmar, we are not allowed to open our mouths."
That's a favorite joke of Par Par Lay, a third-generation practitioner of a-nyeint pwe, the traditional Burmese vaudeville featuring puppets, music and slapstick comedy tinged with in-your-face political satire - all performed in a country where cracking the wrong joke can land you in jail.
And Par Par Lay, the 60-year-old leader of the Mustache Brothers troupe, appears to be paying dearly for it.
For the full report, please click here.
Note: Flaming Peacocks on Friday posted a video interview released from CNN which features one of the Mustache Brothers. Click here for the link.
Burma Step Up Propaganda War Against 'Loudmouthed Bully' US
Source: Associated Press via International Herald Tribune
Myanmar's military government stepped up its propaganda campaign against the United States on Sunday, accusing Washington of inciting last month's pro-democracy demonstrations in a bid to install a puppet government.
"Recent protests in the country were created by the loudmouthed bully, using the exiled dissidents and traitors together with communists, internal and external anti-government destructionists," said a commentary Sunday in the Myanmar-language Myanma Ahlin (Light of Burmese People) daily.
For the full report, please click here.
Burmese Regime Officials in Moscow for Military Cooperation Talks
Source: BurmaNet News
Representative of Myanmar’s military junta, which four weeks ago brutally cracked down on pro-democracy protests led by Buddhist monks, are in Moscow for talks on cooperation with Russian security services, reports said Sunday.The week-long talks will be specifically focussed on a proposed programme to have Myanmar officers trained in Russian military facilities, news agency Interfax cited Russian Ground Forces spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying.
For the full report, please click here.
Announcement by The Promoting Committee for National Movement in Burma
Source: Ko Htike
The Korean arm of The Promoting Committee for National Movement in Burma (PCNMB) announced that it has remitted 20,000 US dollars to the Bangkok office of All Burma Student Democratic Front (ABSDF) on the 24th of October.
In the statement, PCNMB also appealed to all Burmese to support the fight against junta by making contributions towards organising peace rallies and purchase of weapons.
For the original article in Burmese, please click here.
Air Bagan Using Smaller Planes
A passenger on Air Bagan told Flaming Peacocks that Air Bagan was now flying smaller planes for the Rangoon-Singapore route. The passenger said that she also encountered problems checking in at the Singapore Changi Airport.
"The flight was supposed to be at 4.10. But at 2 plus, there was no check-in row assigned even though flights with later departure times already had their check-in row numbers displayed. Finally, about 2.30, we approached an airport staff who told us we could check in at Row 8."
The passenger was not sure if the delay was due to Air Bagan shutting down its international routes in a week's time. She also told FP that her travel agent in Burma called her home in Rangoon to tell her about the air line ceasing its operations from November 5th onwards for international flights.
"My agent said I should contact the local office, and they'll help me arrange for a seat with other airlines."
She also added that the plane's departure was delayed due to the heavy rain which started just before take-off.
"The plane is very small. There're only 5 seats in each row, about 100 seats in total. So we were delayed for a long time. I think they didn't dare to fly in such bad weather. We were just sitting in the plane, waiting for take-off. There was also a lot of turbulence during the flight."
She also told FP that contrary to rumours that immigration staff at Rangoon airport were checking on people returning home, she did not encounter any problems at all. Earlier, there has been reports that airport officials were checking people returning against photographs of people involved in overseas protests.
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.
Soldiers Actively Involved in Brutal Crackdown Defect
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
DVB reported Saturday that some soldiers who played an active role in the bloody crackdown against the monks have been psychologically affected by their own actions, resulting in defections and suicides.
One of those severely effected was a soldier from Riot Police Unit 6, which was stationed at KaMarYut Township, Rangoon. On the 16th of October at 9pm, he threw himself into Inya Lake and committed suicide, said sources. He was said to have been involved in the crackdown at ShweDagon on the 26th of September and regretted his actions.
In Mandalay, some soldiers in platoons assigned to crush protests have defected as they loathed to carry out such orders against monks and the public. These soldier were stationed at the Indoor Stadium and the prison offices.
For the original article in Burmese, please click here.
Burmese Desperate for Health Care
Source: Associated Press
They travel for days though checkpoints, across dangerous roads and past Myanmar's bribe-hungry soldiers to make it to the Thai border. They're not refugees fleeing the junta - they simply want to see a doctor.
Myanmar has one of the world's worst health care systems, with tens of thousands dying each year from malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, dysentery, diarrhea and a litany of other illnesses.
While there are hospitals in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation also known as Burma, only a few can afford to pay hospital workers the various "fees" in the tightly controlled nation fueled by corruption.
"Even if you use the toilet in the hospital you have to pay money," said a 70-year-old man from Phyu Township, who journeyed two days by bus to see a doctor at the Thai border town of Mae Sot and have a cataract removed. He declined to give his name for fear of reprisals.
"They never think of improving health care," he said. "They only pull the trigger. Because they are holding the guns, we have to live like this."
For the full story, please click here.
Myanmar's monks, veterans of 1988 democracy uprising united by goal of ousting junta
Source: AsiaOne News
It fell to Buddhist monks, normally nonpolitical advocates of loving kindness, to lead Myanmar's recent uprising, taking over from veteran activists who had secretly organized and planned to confront the ruling military.
"We had to stand up and lead," said U Kovida, a young monk who was a key protest organizer and fled to Thailand recently, joining members of a generation bloodied as young students in Myanmar's 1988 pro-democracy uprising.
The "88 Generation" decided this summer that the time had come to again take on their country's junta.
The uprising, which persisted for several weeks before being brutally put down by the military late last month, was portrayed at first as a protest against a government hike in fuel prices.
In fact, protest leaders say, the marches were orchestrated by longtime activist groups that feared progress in the government's so-called "road to democracy" would cement the military's power for generations more.
"The army was preparing to rule the country for a long time, through the lives of our sons and grandsons. We knew we had to act," said Hlaing Moe Than, 37, a 1988 protest leader who spent eight years in prison, where he says he was tortured.
Hlaing Moe Than is among a handful of leaders who, along with associates, have emerged recently on the Thai side of the 1,800-kilometer (1,100-mile) border with Myanmar. They fled their homeland during the recent government crackdown, often making harrowing escapes.
Though welcoming pressure on the junta from the United Nations, the United States and others, the protest leaders say they cannot count on the outside world to end the military rule that began in 1962 in Myanmar, also known as Burma.
"The struggle will have to be won from inside, but we need favorable international conditions," Hlaing Moe Than said.
For the full story, please click here.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
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
FT In Depth: Burma's Junta Exports Lose Sparkle
Source: Financial Times
For centuries, Burma’s gem mines have supplied some of the world’s best rubies, jade and other gemstones coveted by couture jewellers and their wealthy customers. In recent years, these stones have also been a key source of foreign exchange for a cash-starved junta, which last year earned about $300m (€209m, £146m) from state gem auctions.
But after watching television images of Burmese soldiers attacking civilians and monks, executives at Cartier, the French luxury brand, decided it was time to take a stand. Within days, they were telling their cut-stone suppliers that they would not buy any more gems mined in Burma and would conduct random checks to ensure that the stones they did buy were not coming from there.
“While it was clear before that Burma was not a democratic regime, what we were witnessing was organised state violence. This was, in a way, an emotional response for us,” says Pamela Caillens, Cartier’s corporate responsibility director.
For the full report, please click here. You will need to register with the site for full access. Registration is free.
FT In Depth: Burma Regime’s Cronies Feel Sanctions
Source: Financial Times
In early September, Tay Za, a charismatic Burmese businessman accused of having close links to the military junta, was in Singapore to launch a daily service between the city state and Rangoon for his airline, Air Bagan. The three-year-old carrier, which does most of its business within Burma, had launched daily Bangkok flights and hoped to make an ambitious regional expansion.
The right to operate an airline was just the latest in a series of lucrative concessions secured by Burma’s most powerful businessman, whose extensive interests range from hotels to logging and mobile phones.
But Air Bagan on Thursday announced it had been forced to suspend its Singapore flights starting on November 4, a move that came after Tay Za, his wife, his son, and his companies were blacklisted by the US as key supporters of the military regime.
The move was evidence that the international response to the military’s violent crackdown on peaceful protesters last month is beginning to pinch the Burmese businessmen who until now have profited from their association with the generals who control the economy.
“They must be starting to feel a little bit encircled,” said Sean Turnell, an Australian economist who edits the journal Burma Economic Watch. “These things hurt them because they want to be seen as legitimate.”
For the full report, please click here. You will need to register with the site to have full access. Registration is free.
Panty Power Campaign: The Phillipines Movement
Source: Mizzima News
Women workers in Philippines on Friday "attacked" the Burmese embassy in Makati by hurling panties in a demonstration against the junta's brutal crackdown on Burmese protesters in September.
The protest organized by Free Burma Coalition-Philippines and Alliance of Progressive Labor, had over 60 women activists on Friday pelting panties at the Burmese embassy condemning it for its brutality against its own people.
For the full story, please click here.
Australia Releases Blacklist
Australia updated its blacklist 24th October. The list, entitled, Burma Annex:
Burmese regime figures and supporters, can be found on the Reserve Bank of Australia website.
Please click here to access the list.
Singapore, Japan seek stability in Myanmar
Source: Agence France Presse via ABC-CBN News
Singapore's foreign minister said Saturday the city-state and Japan were seeking a change in policy but not of regime in military-run Myanmar, according to a report.
Foreign Minister George Yeo was visiting Tokyo, a key donor to Myanmar, in the wake of the junta's crackdown on anti-government protests that left at least 13 people dead.
"We had a meeting of minds on all the main issues, that what we seek is not a regime change but a change of policy," Yeo told Kyodo News after talks with his Japanese counterpart Masahiko Komura.
"As neighboring countries, we'll be affected if Myanmar dissolves into chaos, so we have a very strong interest in seeing stability and progress leading to democracy and development," he was quoted as saying.
For the full report, please click here.
S Africa Welcomes Regime's Talks with Suu Kyi
Source: Hindu News
South Africa has welcomed the recent talks between Myanmar's military regime and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, hoping that it would bring about a solution to the "challenges" faced by the country.
For the full story, please click here.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Announcement: Let's Protest Against Burmese Junta - 27th October 2007
27th October marks one month of the violent crackdown on protesters. Supporters of the Saffron Revolution all over the world are urged to unite and protest against the brutal actions of the military junta, and push them towards democratic reforms.
Time: Any time
Location: Burmese and Chinese Embassies Worldwide
Not convinced? Click here to see the latest photos of injured protesters sent from Rangoon's General Hospital.
Note: Link contains disturbing images.
Tay Za’s Son Ridicules US Sanctions
Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine
According to an email obtained by The Irrawaddy on Friday, the son of one of the Burmese junta’s biggest cronies, Tay Za, has ridiculed the actions of Western democracies, particularly the US sanctions targeting Burmese military officials’ bank accounts and assets. The email, however, has not been independently confirmed as authentic.
For the full report, please click here.
Read the full email and see more photos of Htet Tayza at Nik Nayman's blog.
Ethnic Leaders Dismiss Talk of Burma's Collapse Should Junta Fall
Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine
Influential Burmese leaders contacted by The Irrawaddy have dismissed a possible “nightmare scenario" raised by some Burma experts who say that—should the junta fall—the country might collapse because of a lack of civilian leaders with experience in government.
Some Western experts and one Burmese historian suggested the fall of the military junta could bring about ethnic insurgencies, gutted institutions, clashes among leaders with no experience in democracy and continuing aftershocks from the junta’s ruinous economic policies in one of the world’s poorest nations, The Associated Press reported this week.
All of the ethnic leaders, veteran politicians and scholars contacted by The Irrawaddy disagreed.
For the full report, please click here.
Gloomy Start to Festival of Lights
Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine
Rangoon residents said the eastern gate of Burma's landmark Shwedagon Pagoda and Sule pagodas—the city's top religious shrines and the focus of the recent protests—and some leading monasteries were tightly guarded by police and pro-government groups
For the full report, please click here.
Yellow Colour Worshipers at Shwedagon
Source: Mizzima News
A month after the monk-led protests' in September, several people in yellow clothes gathered today in the Shwedagon pagoda in Rangoon, eyewitnesses said.
Local residents, who visited the shrine, said several people came in the evening to Shwedagon, which was the central location during last month's protests, with yellow coloured candles to pray for peace.
For the full report, please click here.
Military Trucks Back on the Streets of Rangoon
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
Residents say that military trucks have reappeared in key spots in Rangoon after being withdrawn from the streets of Rangoon about a week ago. They are seen stationed near ShweDagon and Sule Pagodas, City Hall, and major junctions downtown.
It appears that the authorities are pre-empting the crowds that are expected to turn up at pagodas for worship to mark the end of Buddhist lent.
DVB has unconfirmed news that monks from All Burma Monks' Alliance are planning to stage demonstrations on the 1st month anniversary of the crackdown on the Saffron Revolution.
For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link:http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2598
Government Troops Clash with Ethnic Rebels
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
Fights between the Burmese government army and ethnic rebels have been on the increase in Karen and Karenni states as the government tries to clear land for a road-building project.
For the full story, please follow this link: http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=619
CNN Video: Life in Fear
Source: CNN
CNN last week broadcast a video in which Burmese people risk their lives to speak out about the military junta. One of those interviewed is 90-year-old Ludu Daw A Mar, a well-known and respected author.
To watch this video, please click here.
Junta Frees NLD Supporters
Source: CNN
Junta freed about 50 of the National League for Democracy members on Thursday.
Thousands of people worshiped at ShweDagon today to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent.
For the full report, please click here.
Flaming Peacocks: Double Taxation, The Bane of Overseas Burmese Workers
Double taxation has been a bane for all Burmese citizens working abroad. While the Burmese government has agreements with host countries not to impose double taxation on its people, it is an unwritten regulation that the Burmese continue to pay tax to both the host country and
Anyone who needs to renew their passport is required to pay tax or produce proof that he or she is a dependent of a tax payer. Similarly, anyone returning home will have to produce a tax receipt upon arrival in
In order to bypass the agreement with other countries, the Burmese embassy instructs its tax payers to submit a signed proposal to allow him or her to pay tax to the mother land, out of moral obligations. This compulsory double taxation has driven the majority of the Burmese citizens to under-declare their income to the embassies as they struggle to start afresh in foreign countries. Many immigrant families live on single income, and have borrowed heavily in order to secure a passport which they see as a ticket out of hell. Others, more comfortable, detest the idea of giving their hard-earned money to junta.
In January this year, Burmese living in
Raised Taxes for Burmese PR in Singapore (Unconfirmed)
Source: Myo Chit Myanmar
A Burmese citizen residing in
Flaming Peacocks are currently unable to independently verify this information.
Updates from Burmese Blogs: 25th October 2007
Source: Nik Nayman
1952 hr:
The destruction at Nwge Kyar Yan monastery in
1915 hr:
There will be prayer services on Friday, 26th at ShweDagon Pagoda and Sule Pagodas in memory of those who lost their lives in the bloody crackdown last month. The public is urged to participate by visiting pagodas for worship.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Event: Lights Festival in Singapore's Burmese Buddhist Temple
There will be an event marking the 1 month anniversary of the Saffron Revolution at the Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore on the 26th of October, Friday.
Details as follow:
Time: 1700 hrs
Event: Alms offering to monks and nuns
Time: 1900 hrs
Event: Lights festival
This also coincides with the Full Moon Day of Tha Din Kyut (the end of the Buddhist lent) when devotees traditionally offer alms to sangha , and young people pay respect to their elders. This year, the celebrations in Burma will be very much muted as the country and its sangha are still reeling from the crackdown just one month ago.
Reshuffles in Junta Top Posts
Source: Mizzima News
As expected, the military junta appointed Lt. Gen Thein Sein as prime minister on Wednesday, state-run media reported.
The former Secretary 1 of the State Peace and Development Council, Thein Sein, had been serving as acting prime minister since May, for the now deceased and previously ailing Gen. Soe Win.
For the full story, please click here.
MAI to Resume Operations in November
Source: Mizzima News
An official from Myanmar Airways International told Mizzima that the airline is expected to resume operations in November. MAI has earlier been forced to stop operating when its insurance companies refused to continue the partnership.
For the full story, please click here.
Forced Rallies Continue
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
Mya Wadi, Karen State: Authorities issued an order for each household to send one representative to the pro-government rallies held this morning at the town's sports stadium. Any household defying this order will have to pay a fine consisting a bag of cement mix, and 8000 kyats (~ USD 6.00).
A participant said:
"In one neighbourhood, they herded the people up the truck like they were animals. The roads have been closed since 6am. Everyone's unhappy".
A resident told DVB that officials and USDA members shouted vulgarities at households who were unable to send representatives. In some instances, people were forcibly asked to go to the town council offices immediately.
The resident also said that it was pointless to force the public to attend such rallies against their will and that people earning daily wages are especially affected.
For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2584
Peace for Burma Activists Held Demonstations In Front Of PTT Offices
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
Peace for Burma activists held demonstrations in front of Thai gas giant PTT offices on Thursday. Activists also submitted a written request to PTT to withdraw from Burma for the time being, and to only resume its operations in Burma after democratic reforms.
Demonstrators held banners with slogans such as "No more investment in Burma". A spokesman from Peace for Burma, Ko Macy, told DVB that current investments in Burma not only benefit the junta, but also make things much worse for the country and its people.
"We would like to request investors to look at the situation in Burma, to consider the well-being of the people, and stop their investments until the democratic reforms are in place."
Peace for Burma activists also demonstrated yesterday in front of the Chinese embassy in bangkok to protest against 12 years of house arrest for pro-democratic leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2584
Tax Raised on Loudspeakers - By 100 times
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
Aung Lan: taxes on loudspeakers, commonly used in the locality for community functions and announcements, have been raised from 150 kyat to 15,000 kyats.
For the full story, please follow this link: http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=610
China Promises to Support UN in Burma
Source: Agence France Presse via The Bangkok post
China on Wednesday praised the "remarkable" work by United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari to improve the situation in Burma and promised support for his mediation efforts.
"China will continue to give all-out support to your work," the official Xinhua news agency quoted Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei as saying before he began formal talks with Gambari.
For the full story, please click here.
U.N.'s Pinheiro Vows To Go Where He Wants in Myanmar
Source: Reuters
The United Nations expert on human rights in Myanmar vowed on Wednesday he would not be constrained by the military junta when he visits the country next month to report on the recent crisis.
For the full story, please click here.
Air Bagan Ceases Operations
Source: Nik Nayman, Myo Chit Myanmar, Democratic Voice of Burma
Air Bagan issued a letter to travel agencies telling them that they will cease operating from 4th November until further notice.
To read this letter, please click here.
For a complete report, please follow this link: http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=612
Burmese Junta's minister meets with Daw AungSanSuKyi
It is confirmed that 3 government vehicles picked up Daw AungSanSuKyi from her residence around 2pm Burma time on 25,Oct. The government's newly appointed Minister for Diplomancy,Gen Aung Kyi met with DASSK at a government buililding according to the foreign diplomat society and other sources.
These steps of the Junta are welcomed by some hoping that it would develop into dialogue for real change. Others doubt that the junta is just trying to show fake steps to reduce the international attention and to trick UN and EU into not taking serious actions.
Mr Gambari is right now at Japan to talk with the Japanese officials about Burma case. During the past days, he also talked with the officials of China and Russia. As always, offcials of both countries said that they support Gambari's actions for Burma.
source->http://english.dvb.no/
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Gambari set to return to Burma Earlier
Source: Mizzima News
United Nations Special Envoy to
For the full story, please follow this link: http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2007/Oct/89-Oct-2007.html
Updates from Burmese Blogs: 24th October 2007
Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com
0745 hr:
Zarganar led a group of artists in making alms offerings to 80 monks and 30 nuns from Barkarar Monastery. This monastery has been reported to be still carrying out the Patta-nikkujjana against the junta and its lackeys. It is reported that artists and journalists will continue with such offerings to all monasteries under the vow of Patta-nikkujjana.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
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
The Swiss Join South African Businesses in Boycotting Burmese Products
Source: Irrawaddy News
Following reports that a South African company was banning burmese clothing imports, Swiss businesses are rejecting seafood imported from Burma. This has benefited the country's population as the rejected seafood finds its way to the local market at reduced prices.
For the full report, please click here.
Campaign: Panties for Peace
In the absence of what they see as effective action by UN and neighbouring countries, people around the world have been thinking up various means to continue condemning the actions of the junta, to show their dissent.
In the latest campaign, Lanna Action for Burma has called for women to send their used underwear to Burmese embassies. This, the group and its supporters, believe is a good tactical move against the superstitious generals.
Related articles:
1. Associated Press: Women Send Panties to Myanmar in Protest
2. Niknayman's Blog: Panty Power
India Silent on Burma's Crackdown
Source: Associated Press
India has come under the spotlight as UN special envoy Mr Gambari visits the nation to urge the country to take a firmer stand against the actions of the junta.
For the full report, please click here.
Human rights expert to visit Burma: UN
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
Burma has agreed to a visit by the United Nations expert on human rights there, who has not been allowed into the country for four years, UN spokeswoman Michele Montas says.
In a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday, Foreign Minister Nyan Win suggested that the visit by special rapporteur Paulo Sergio Pinheiro take place before a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations scheduled to open on November 17, Montas told a news briefing.
Pinheiro, a Geneva-based Brazilian law professor who reports to the UN Human Rights Council, visited Burma six times after being asked to check on its human rights performance in 2000.
But he has not been allowed back since November 2003, despite repeated requests.
For the original article, please click here.
Daw Aung San Su Kyi Moved From Her House
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
Daw Aung San Su Kyi was reportedly moved from her house yesterday evening by officials. It is not known where she has been taken to.
For the full report, please follow this link: http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=599
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monks Might Resume Protests in Late October
Source: Irrawady via BurmaNet.org
A leading monk—one of four being hunted down by the junta—told The Irrawaddy from his hiding place that monk-led demonstrations may resume in Burma in late October, in spite of the fact that at least 100 monks killed during pro-democracy demonstrations and about 1,200 monks arrested.
The monk, U Obasa, added that many monks are still missing and their whereabouts are unknown.
About 50 nuns were also arrested during the junta’s crackdown on the Sangha in Rangoon, which started on September 26. He said he believes reports that some nuns were raped and sexually harassed by soldiers at detention centers.
For the full report, please click here.
Promotions and Commendations for Personnel Involved in Crackdown
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
DVB reported Sunday that military and police personnel in Sitwe, Arakan State, who were actively involved in the brutal crackdown last month received promotions and commendation letters.
A member of USDA also told DVB that there were similar plans for the personnel in Rangoon. The source requested to remain anonymous.
Earlier, DVB have reported that members of USDA involved in the crackdown were being handed out land parcels and seed money to start businesses.
For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2533
Current Situation in Rangoon and Mandalay
Source: Radio Free Asia
21st October 2007
RFA reported Sunday that while the curfew has been lifted in Rangoon and Mandalay, the situation remains tense in both cities with the presence of army troops in the pagodas and other major locations.
Many people were reported to have been arrested for breaking the curfew since last month when it was first issued. Among them were people who had to travel to their homes in the suburbs after work. Several others who needed emergency medical treatment in the night were also required to obtain permission from town councils.
In Rangoon, the armed forces are still keeping their foothold at KyaikaSan Race Course, and security forces remain at ShweDagon and other pagodas. At KyaikaSan Pagoda, flower sellers are seeing little business due to the presence of troops. A resident living nearby also told RFA that the troops have been killing fish and turtles, kept as pets within the pagoda premises, for food.
In Mandalay, 24-hour eateries and downtown restaurants are said to be back in business. Also, security forces stationed at pagodas and major teaching monasteries also have been withdrawn.
However, residents of both cities told RFA that the monasteries are still largely deserted.
For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://www.rfa.org/burmese/news/2007/10/21/situation_in_rangoon_mandalay/
Female Detainees Sexually Harrassed
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma
21st October 2007
More than 100 women remain in custody since the crackdown on protesters started in the last week of September, said detainees who have been released. Among those arrested were women from the provinces who were staying as guests in the monasteries which were raided; they were in Rangoon to seek medical treatment.
Those released also told DVB that the authorities were using two methods of interrogating the women; they were either being severely beaten or sexually harrassed. DVB is expected to release detailed accounts from the women soon, along with the names of the those who were responsible for the abuse.
For the list of women who are still in custody, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2528
Related Reports:
On October 17, RFA released a news report about the way women in custody were treated by their jailers. Read the report here: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2007/10/17/burma_women/
South Africa's Clothing Company Bans Burmese Clothing Imports
Source: Business Report
Mr Price Group, one of South Africa's biggest clothing retailers, will no longer source garments from Myanmar, where the recent outcry over human rights violations by that country's military regime has led to calls for sanctions.
For the full report, please follow this link: http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4088420
