By HTET AUNG
US Sen Jim Webb, who last August became the first high-profile American official in two decades to meet Burma's Snr-Gen Than Shwe, will start his second three-day visit to Burma on June 4.
The details of his trip remain veiled, and observers are wondering whether Sen Webb, the chairman of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will have another chance to meet the junta-chief.
May 30, 2010
Mali Zup hka madim a majaw, shawng n’nan mare langai htawt sit hkrum sai
KNG
Manghkang byin nga ai, Jinghpaw mungdaw Mali-N’Mai Zup hka madim masing hta, shawng n’nan Jinghpaw mare langai hpe, daini Myen hpyen asuya ahkaw ahkang lu ni atik anang htawt sit kau sai re.
Ndai gaw, mani sha, Htai mungdan daju J.W Bawngring Mahkri Shawn Hpung (KDNG) kawn Miwa gumsan magam Hu Jintao de laika hte Mali Zup hka madim masing hpe jahkring kau ya na matu hpyi lajin dat sai hte, galaw wa ai lam re.
Manghkang byin nga ai, Jinghpaw mungdaw Mali-N’Mai Zup hka madim masing hta, shawng n’nan Jinghpaw mare langai hpe, daini Myen hpyen asuya ahkaw ahkang lu ni atik anang htawt sit kau sai re.
Ndai gaw, mani sha, Htai mungdan daju J.W Bawngring Mahkri Shawn Hpung (KDNG) kawn Miwa gumsan magam Hu Jintao de laika hte Mali Zup hka madim masing hpe jahkring kau ya na matu hpyi lajin dat sai hte, galaw wa ai lam re.
First village forcibly relocated for Irrawaddy dam project
KNG
Things at the contentious Irrawaddy Myisone dam project in northern Burma have come to a head with the Burmese military junta forcibly relocating the first of the ethnic Kachin villages, said village sources.
The move comes a day after the Kachin Development Networking Group (KDNG) in an open letter to Hu Jintao, President of People’s Republic of China, requested yet again to put a stop to the dam project. He was urged to halt the project given apprehensions of the negative impact on millions of people downstream of the river.
Things at the contentious Irrawaddy Myisone dam project in northern Burma have come to a head with the Burmese military junta forcibly relocating the first of the ethnic Kachin villages, said village sources.
The move comes a day after the Kachin Development Networking Group (KDNG) in an open letter to Hu Jintao, President of People’s Republic of China, requested yet again to put a stop to the dam project. He was urged to halt the project given apprehensions of the negative impact on millions of people downstream of the river.
May 21, 2010
Rising Border Tension Threatens China-Burma Relations
By MITCH MOXLEY / IPS WRITER
BEIJING — When the military regime in Burma launched a campaign last August to disarm the ethnic rebels in the Kokang region, made up mostly of ethnic Chinese and where a two-decade long cease-fire had been in place, the push triggered an exodus of more than 37,000 refugees into China’s Yunnan Province.
The move, which frustrated the Chinese government in Beijing, sheds light on brewing troubles in China-Burma relations. China has a significant interest in a stable Burma and a greater influence over the xenophobic regime than perhaps any other power. But as an election approaches in Burma (officially known as Myanmar) that the ruling generals dubiously claim will be free and fair, China-Burma relations are growing increasingly strained.
BEIJING — When the military regime in Burma launched a campaign last August to disarm the ethnic rebels in the Kokang region, made up mostly of ethnic Chinese and where a two-decade long cease-fire had been in place, the push triggered an exodus of more than 37,000 refugees into China’s Yunnan Province.
The move, which frustrated the Chinese government in Beijing, sheds light on brewing troubles in China-Burma relations. China has a significant interest in a stable Burma and a greater influence over the xenophobic regime than perhaps any other power. But as an election approaches in Burma (officially known as Myanmar) that the ruling generals dubiously claim will be free and fair, China-Burma relations are growing increasingly strained.
Burma flag ‘erases ethnic armies’
By FRANCIS WADE
The new Burmese flag to be hoisted following elections this year is evidence of the ruling regime’s attempt to wipe out ethnic armies, Burma observers say.
An image of the new flag obtained by DVB shows a complete revamp of both colour, design and symbols: in place of a largely red flag with a blue square in the corner hosting a paddy ear, cog wheel and 14 stars comes a flag dominated by one single star in the middle, with three yellow, green and red stripes behind.
Analysts believe that the removal of the 14 stars, which signify the 14 divisions and states in Burma, or indeed their assimilation into one larger star, is further proof that citizens of a post-election Burma will live under the dominant control of the military government
The new Burmese flag to be hoisted following elections this year is evidence of the ruling regime’s attempt to wipe out ethnic armies, Burma observers say.
Analysts believe that the removal of the 14 stars, which signify the 14 divisions and states in Burma, or indeed their assimilation into one larger star, is further proof that citizens of a post-election Burma will live under the dominant control of the military government
Ban Ki-moon must stand tall
By BO KYI
At a recent press conference, the spokesperson for UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon asserted that “the United Nations has strongly encouraged the Myanmar [Burmese] authorities to invite regional and international monitors because we believe that that will inspire confidence in the elections”.
It is hard to imagine anything inspiring confidence in the elections. To speak of election monitors in Burma misses the point entirely. An election is more than just what happens on the day: to be effective, election observation must look at the entire electoral process over a long period of time, rather than at election-day proceedings only. For this to occur, there needs to be genuine support from the state, as occurred in Cambodia in 1993, where over 50,000 Cambodians were trained as election officials by the UN Transitional. Elections are a process and it is the process itself that is fundamental to democracy.
At a recent press conference, the spokesperson for UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon asserted that “the United Nations has strongly encouraged the Myanmar [Burmese] authorities to invite regional and international monitors because we believe that that will inspire confidence in the elections”.
It is hard to imagine anything inspiring confidence in the elections. To speak of election monitors in Burma misses the point entirely. An election is more than just what happens on the day: to be effective, election observation must look at the entire electoral process over a long period of time, rather than at election-day proceedings only. For this to occur, there needs to be genuine support from the state, as occurred in Cambodia in 1993, where over 50,000 Cambodians were trained as election officials by the UN Transitional. Elections are a process and it is the process itself that is fundamental to democracy.
Miwa hka madim gawgap masha n’nan 300, Mali Zup de bai du
Jinghpaw mungdaw, Mali-N’mai Zup hka madim masing hta bungli galaw na matu, Miwa amu galaw masha n’nan n law htum 300 gaw, daini lamu ga jarit kawn Myitkyina de du shang wa sai lam, myi-chyaw-mu buga masha ni tsun ai.
Miwa bungli galaw masha ni hte hka madim gawgap na hta lang na arung arai ni hpe htaw tawn ai, mawdaw kaba (truck) 30 gaw, dai ni Myitkyina de du wa ai re, nga ai.
“Mawdaw 30 hte Miwa bungli galaw ai masha 300 du ai, bilat ga ni, jak rai ni hte hpri ni (hka madim gawgap ai kaw lang na) mung htaw tawn da ai,” nga myichyaw mu buga masha ni tsun ai.
Miwa bungli galaw masha ni hte hka madim gawgap na hta lang na arung arai ni hpe htaw tawn ai, mawdaw kaba (truck) 30 gaw, dai ni Myitkyina de du wa ai re, nga ai.
“Mawdaw 30 hte Miwa bungli galaw ai masha 300 du ai, bilat ga ni, jak rai ni hte hpri ni (hka madim gawgap ai kaw lang na) mung htaw tawn da ai,” nga myichyaw mu buga masha ni tsun ai.
Fresh batch of 300 Chinese dam workers arrive in Myitkyina
A fresh batch of over 300 Chinese dam construction workers arrived in Myitkyina capital of Kachin State in northern Burma today, replacing an earlier lot, who fled to mainland China in the wake of the serial bomb blasts on April 17, said eyewitnesses.
The new arrivals have come a month after the blasts, which killed four and injured over 12 Chinese workers in Irrawaddy Myitsone dam construction site. They belong to Chinese state-owned China Power Investment Corporation (CPI).
“At least 30 trucks arrived in Myitkyina today transporting over 300 Chinese workers and construction material like cement and steel,” the eyewitnesses said.
The new arrivals have come a month after the blasts, which killed four and injured over 12 Chinese workers in Irrawaddy Myitsone dam construction site. They belong to Chinese state-owned China Power Investment Corporation (CPI).
“At least 30 trucks arrived in Myitkyina today transporting over 300 Chinese workers and construction material like cement and steel,” the eyewitnesses said.
Portraits of Independence of Kachins: An interview with Ryan Libre an American photojournalist
Ryan Libre, an American photojournalist from Northern California is organizing photo exhibitions around the globe about the life of Kachin ethnic people in northern Burma . He was interviewed by KNG by email on his journey to Kachin State and his work.
Ryan Libre in ethnic Kachin photo exhibition in FCCT from April 22 to May 30 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ryan Libre is currently based in Japan and Thailand and has been living in Asia for 9 years and has travelled at least three times to Kachin State for making documentaries which highlight the ethnic people’s life and that of the armed group the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/A).
He held a Photo Exhibition in the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Thailand (FCCT) from April 2 to May 30 on the topic “Portraits of Independence: A Look Inside the Kachin Independence Organization”. In Tokyo Nikon Salon-Japan, he held the exhibition “Portraits of Independence Inside the Kachin Independence Army” from April 27 to May 3.
Libre who has a degree in Peace Studies from U.S. Army Research Institute- Absence Without Leave (AWOL) and is a member of On Asia the leading source for Asian stock photography, plans more photo exhibitions about Kachins. There will be another show on August 8 to 14 at Osaka Nikon Salon- Japan.
KNG: Tell me about your journey in brief (including date-when you got there and how long you spent there) to Kachin State and how did you get those photos.
Ryan: I've been to Kachin state three times now, twice from China and once from Yangon (Rangoon). My last trip was in January this year. I've stayed for 14 weeks altogether so far.
Ryan Libre in ethnic Kachin photo exhibition in FCCT from April 22 to May 30 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ryan Libre is currently based in Japan and Thailand and has been living in Asia for 9 years and has travelled at least three times to Kachin State for making documentaries which highlight the ethnic people’s life and that of the armed group the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/A).
He held a Photo Exhibition in the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Thailand (FCCT) from April 2 to May 30 on the topic “Portraits of Independence: A Look Inside the Kachin Independence Organization”. In Tokyo Nikon Salon-Japan, he held the exhibition “Portraits of Independence Inside the Kachin Independence Army” from April 27 to May 3.
Libre who has a degree in Peace Studies from U.S. Army Research Institute- Absence Without Leave (AWOL) and is a member of On Asia the leading source for Asian stock photography, plans more photo exhibitions about Kachins. There will be another show on August 8 to 14 at Osaka Nikon Salon- Japan.
KNG: Tell me about your journey in brief (including date-when you got there and how long you spent there) to Kachin State and how did you get those photos.
Ryan: I've been to Kachin state three times now, twice from China and once from Yangon (Rangoon). My last trip was in January this year. I've stayed for 14 weeks altogether so far.
Saboi Jum’s Shalom imparts poll training
Totally in consonance with the Burmese military junta, Rev. Dr. Saboi Jum’s Shalom Foundation is imparting training to local people for the general elections and the 2008 constitution. Dr. Jum had mediated between the junta and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) for the ceasefire agreement.
Staff members of the Shalom Foundation also known as the Nyein Foundation are training hundreds of civilian elders and youth on the election since 2009 December under the topic of “Civic Education”, said a source who attended a training session.
“The training started last year December and saw to teaching mainly six subjects,” said an attendee.
The training is about the ‘Role of a Citizen, Good Governance, Different kinds of Constitution, Democracy, Communication and Facilitation and Voter Education.’
“There was another round of training from May 10 to 15 at the Shalom centre in Myitkyina where around 30 youth from Laiza (Sino-Burma border), the Headquarters of KIO participated,” said the source.
Every single session of the training was for six days with 30 trainees. The training was shifted to Myitkyina the capital of Kachin State in March after it was conducted in Rangoon former capital of Burma. It has been providing training to local people from the entire country.
The training was mostly attended by the leaders of the townships, villages and youth and it was held at the places where Shalom Foundation has its projects.
“It is good for us because it is something different,” said the trainees in Myitkyina.
Kachin Baptist pastor Rev. Dr. Saboi Jum is widely criticized by Kachin people for his role as a mediator and his close relationship with the regime generals.
The former General Secretary of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) Saboi Jum and his brother Hkun Myat have been looked after by the junta’s generals in terms of business interests in name of public service after the ceasefire agreement in 1994.
Saboi Jum continues as a mediator between the junta and KIO for transforming its armed wing to the Burma Army-controlled Border Guard Force (BGF). The KIO, one of strongest ethnic armed groups in military-ruled still refuses to accept the BGF.
He is advising and pressurizing the KIO to accept the BGF and on May 9, he lambasted the KIO for refusing the BGF proposal during a worship service in the Shatapru Kachin Baptist Church in Myitkyina.
He was granted 5,000 acres of land between Myitkyina and Bhamo by the Northern Burma’s Kachin State military commander, where common people cannot get even one acre of land.
Staff members of the Shalom Foundation also known as the Nyein Foundation are training hundreds of civilian elders and youth on the election since 2009 December under the topic of “Civic Education”, said a source who attended a training session.
“The training started last year December and saw to teaching mainly six subjects,” said an attendee.
The training is about the ‘Role of a Citizen, Good Governance, Different kinds of Constitution, Democracy, Communication and Facilitation and Voter Education.’
“There was another round of training from May 10 to 15 at the Shalom centre in Myitkyina where around 30 youth from Laiza (Sino-Burma border), the Headquarters of KIO participated,” said the source.
Every single session of the training was for six days with 30 trainees. The training was shifted to Myitkyina the capital of Kachin State in March after it was conducted in Rangoon former capital of Burma. It has been providing training to local people from the entire country.
The training was mostly attended by the leaders of the townships, villages and youth and it was held at the places where Shalom Foundation has its projects.
“It is good for us because it is something different,” said the trainees in Myitkyina.
Kachin Baptist pastor Rev. Dr. Saboi Jum is widely criticized by Kachin people for his role as a mediator and his close relationship with the regime generals.
The former General Secretary of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) Saboi Jum and his brother Hkun Myat have been looked after by the junta’s generals in terms of business interests in name of public service after the ceasefire agreement in 1994.
Saboi Jum continues as a mediator between the junta and KIO for transforming its armed wing to the Burma Army-controlled Border Guard Force (BGF). The KIO, one of strongest ethnic armed groups in military-ruled still refuses to accept the BGF.
He is advising and pressurizing the KIO to accept the BGF and on May 9, he lambasted the KIO for refusing the BGF proposal during a worship service in the Shatapru Kachin Baptist Church in Myitkyina.
He was granted 5,000 acres of land between Myitkyina and Bhamo by the Northern Burma’s Kachin State military commander, where common people cannot get even one acre of land.
May 10, 2010
Burma to enact anti-terror laws
By JOSEPH ALLCHIN
Burma is set to enact new anti-terror legislation in the next few months, Burma’s police chief told reporters yesterday following the arrest of a suspect in connection with the Rangoon bombings.
Few details of the laws were revealed by Khin Yi, and indeed most ‘enemies of the state’ are tried on spurious and unrelated charges, such as the Electronics Act.
Three bombs exploded at the ‘Thingyan’ new year water festival in Rangoon on 15 April, killing nine, and injuring senior police officer, Colonel Ohn Cho. The explosions happened at the X20 pavilion, where it is reported that Burmese junta chief Than Shwe’s grandson had been minutes prior.
Burma is set to enact new anti-terror legislation in the next few months, Burma’s police chief told reporters yesterday following the arrest of a suspect in connection with the Rangoon bombings.
Few details of the laws were revealed by Khin Yi, and indeed most ‘enemies of the state’ are tried on spurious and unrelated charges, such as the Electronics Act.
Three bombs exploded at the ‘Thingyan’ new year water festival in Rangoon on 15 April, killing nine, and injuring senior police officer, Colonel Ohn Cho. The explosions happened at the X20 pavilion, where it is reported that Burmese junta chief Than Shwe’s grandson had been minutes prior.
US Senate Urges Review of Burma Policy
By LALIT K JHA
WASHINGTON DC—Condemning the continued persecution of pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, the United States Senate has, in an unanimous resolution, urged the Obama administration to review its policy of engagement with the Burmese military junta as it has not yielded any positive move from the country’s authoritarian military rulers.
“I will continue working with my senate colleagues to send a clear message that the US expects the military regime to dramatically expand political participation and create an environment free from fear and intimidation before we will consider elections in Burma as anything but a farce,” Senator Judd Gregg, sponsor of the bipartisan resolution, said.
White Elephants Snubbed by Junta
White Elephants Snubbed by Junta
RANGOON—Three white elephants that were caught and celebrated under the rule of Burma's former Chief of Military Intelligence Gen Khin Nyunt have been largely ignored by the current generals and the number of visitors to the elephants' venue has decreased. |
| Yati Mala in a recent photo at the Royal White Elephant Garden. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) |
“When Gen Khin Nyunt was in office, division commanders, ministers and high-ranking army officers came here almost every day to observe the white elephants,” said a worker from the Forestry Department.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
