The Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP) remains on tenterhooks, with Burma’s Union Election Commission (UEC) sitting on the approval. Following a second appeal, the party has been asked to wait.
The KSPP, which is keen to contest the elections, sent two delegates to meet UEC officials in Naypyitaw, the country’s capital on June 16, according to party officials in Myitkyina, Burma’s northern Kachin State. The party has been asked to await a decision.
Earlier, the KSPP was told the same thing by the UEC, when four party delegates led by Dr. Manam Tu Ja appealed to it for approval on May 7.
Jun 19, 2010
Weekly Business Roundup
By WILLIAM BOOT
South Korea Bids for More Burma Gas Development
The South Korean government is promoting greater involvement in exploration and production of gas in Burma by Korean companies.
Agreement has been reached in principle for Korean lead development of two more blocks, one offshore and one onshore, while six other potential blocks are under discussion, said the semi-official South Korean news agency Yonhap this week.
It follows a visit to Burma by leading politicians from South Korea’s governing political party.
It’s understood that go ahead has been given by the state-run Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) for Korean firms to take over development of the A-7 offshore block in the Bay of Bengal and the B-2 onshore block in northwestern Sagaing Division.
South Korea Bids for More Burma Gas Development
The South Korean government is promoting greater involvement in exploration and production of gas in Burma by Korean companies.
Agreement has been reached in principle for Korean lead development of two more blocks, one offshore and one onshore, while six other potential blocks are under discussion, said the semi-official South Korean news agency Yonhap this week.
It follows a visit to Burma by leading politicians from South Korea’s governing political party.
It’s understood that go ahead has been given by the state-run Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) for Korean firms to take over development of the A-7 offshore block in the Bay of Bengal and the B-2 onshore block in northwestern Sagaing Division.
Parties Seek Allies to Meet Election Expenses
By KO HTWE
Short on funds and with limited manpower at their disposal, several political parties in Burma are looking to pool their resources ahead of this year's election.
The parties, among the dozens that have so far received permission to run in the election, say they are facing severe financial constraints that limit their ability to function effectively. Among other things, they say they can barely afford to publish campaign materials such as political pamphlets and journals.
“Our weak point is our lack of time, money and human resources. That's why we need to cooperate with other parties,” said Phyo Min Thein, the chairman of Union Democratic Party (UDP), adding that his party is now discussing possible tie-ups with ethnic and democratic parties.
Short on funds and with limited manpower at their disposal, several political parties in Burma are looking to pool their resources ahead of this year's election.
The parties, among the dozens that have so far received permission to run in the election, say they are facing severe financial constraints that limit their ability to function effectively. Among other things, they say they can barely afford to publish campaign materials such as political pamphlets and journals.
“Our weak point is our lack of time, money and human resources. That's why we need to cooperate with other parties,” said Phyo Min Thein, the chairman of Union Democratic Party (UDP), adding that his party is now discussing possible tie-ups with ethnic and democratic parties.
UN Group Accuses Malaysia Police of Torture, Abuse
By JULIA ZAPPEI / AP WRITER
KUALA LUMPUR—A United Nations delegation accused Malaysian police officers on Friday of torturing and abusing detainees to obtain confessions, saying suspects prefer prison rather than police custody and immigrant detention centers.
The government must also set up prompt and independent investigations into deaths in police custody, and should repeal or change strict security laws that allow indefinite detention without trial, the five-member UN group said at the end of its two-week visit.
Malick Sow, the delegation head, told reporters it found detainees were “subject to torture or ill-treatment in order to obtain confession or evidence in police detention.”
KUALA LUMPUR—A United Nations delegation accused Malaysian police officers on Friday of torturing and abusing detainees to obtain confessions, saying suspects prefer prison rather than police custody and immigrant detention centers.
The government must also set up prompt and independent investigations into deaths in police custody, and should repeal or change strict security laws that allow indefinite detention without trial, the five-member UN group said at the end of its two-week visit.
Malick Sow, the delegation head, told reporters it found detainees were “subject to torture or ill-treatment in order to obtain confession or evidence in police detention.”
Jun 17, 2010
Relocated Myitsone villagers face health problems in new place
Myitsone villagers forced to relocate by the Burmese junta in Northern Burma, Kachin State are now suffering from varied illness and lack of health care facilities in their new place, said local people.
Children are the worst sufferers and their lives are threatened because there is no facility for treatment, said a source who visited the place.
Lungga Zup relocation place, 18 miles north of Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State.
“Almost all the poor children are sick,” said the local pastor quoting a nurse who is visiting the place.
Children are the worst sufferers and their lives are threatened because there is no facility for treatment, said a source who visited the place.
Lungga Zup relocation place, 18 miles north of Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State.
“Almost all the poor children are sick,” said the local pastor quoting a nurse who is visiting the place.
No Let Up in Human Trafficking from Burma
By LAWI WENG
There has been no let up in the level of human trafficking from Burma to Thailand, according to a Thai rights group.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Wednesday, Sompong Srakaew, the director of the Labour Rights Promotion Network (LPN), which is based at the port of Mahachai near Bangkok, said, “We have rescued 70 victims of human trafficking this year. Ninety percent were Burmese.
“The brokers brought the workers from the [Thai-Burmese] border and sent them to the south of Thailand,” he said. “Many victims were sold onto fishing boats which were bound for Indonesia, Malaysia and South Africa. The women were sent to work in brothels.”
There has been no let up in the level of human trafficking from Burma to Thailand, according to a Thai rights group.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Wednesday, Sompong Srakaew, the director of the Labour Rights Promotion Network (LPN), which is based at the port of Mahachai near Bangkok, said, “We have rescued 70 victims of human trafficking this year. Ninety percent were Burmese.
“The brokers brought the workers from the [Thai-Burmese] border and sent them to the south of Thailand,” he said. “Many victims were sold onto fishing boats which were bound for Indonesia, Malaysia and South Africa. The women were sent to work in brothels.”
Jun 9, 2010
Cross-border rules ‘hampering’ ASEAN trade
By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESS
Southeast Asian nations must coordinate efforts to cut cross-border red tape and promote regional road transport as they move towards a common market, industry players said Monday.
Better links among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could reduce transport costs while boosting intra-regional trade and economic welfare, they said.
ASEAN, comprised of Burma, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei, is working towards establishing by 2015 a single market and manufacturing base of about 600 million people.
Southeast Asian nations must coordinate efforts to cut cross-border red tape and promote regional road transport as they move towards a common market, industry players said Monday.
Better links among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could reduce transport costs while boosting intra-regional trade and economic welfare, they said.
ASEAN, comprised of Burma, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei, is working towards establishing by 2015 a single market and manufacturing base of about 600 million people.
IAEA ‘assessing’ Burma nuclear claims
By FRANCIS WADE
The world’s leading nuclear energy watchdog has said it is investigating reports that Burma is looking to develop nuclear weaponry and may look for clarification from the military government.
“We have seen the related articles in the media and we are now assessing the information,” the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano, said on Monday. “And, if necessary, we will seek clarification from Myanmar [Burma].”
The world’s leading nuclear energy watchdog has said it is investigating reports that Burma is looking to develop nuclear weaponry and may look for clarification from the military government.
“We have seen the related articles in the media and we are now assessing the information,” the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano, said on Monday. “And, if necessary, we will seek clarification from Myanmar [Burma].”
J.W sha ni hte Miwa hpe kamhpa let sakhkrung ra ai prat de
Miwa Hkringmang Daju Wan Chya Bau a Myen mung de lahkawng ya, June praw 2 hte 3 ya shani sa du gawan ai hkrunlam gaw, 16 ning laman, Miwa HMD a shawng n’nan lang sa du gawan ai lam re.
Miwa gumsan magam Hu Jintao hte, Miwa asuya madu ai CPI, lit la galaw nga ai Jinghpaw mungdaw Mali-N'Mai Zup hka wanjak masing kaba.
Shaning 20 ning jan uphkang wa sai, N.W.T, N.A.Hp Myen hpyen asuya a lakhtak hta, Myen mungdan kata e, Miwa ni a ka-up hkrum mat ai hta, Miwa hte lamu ga jarit matut ai, Jinghpaw hte Sam mungdaw lahkawng gaw, grau sawng dik rai nga ai.
Jinghpaw mungdaw hta nga pra nga ai Jinghpaw Wunpawng sha ni, tinang mungdan kata na pru ai, manu dan ai nhprang sut rai ni hpe n madu lu ai, Miwa a lata de sha yawng du mat sai re.
Miwa gumsan magam Hu Jintao hte, Miwa asuya madu ai CPI, lit la galaw nga ai Jinghpaw mungdaw Mali-N'Mai Zup hka wanjak masing kaba.
Shaning 20 ning jan uphkang wa sai, N.W.T, N.A.Hp Myen hpyen asuya a lakhtak hta, Myen mungdan kata e, Miwa ni a ka-up hkrum mat ai hta, Miwa hte lamu ga jarit matut ai, Jinghpaw hte Sam mungdaw lahkawng gaw, grau sawng dik rai nga ai.
Jinghpaw mungdaw hta nga pra nga ai Jinghpaw Wunpawng sha ni, tinang mungdan kata na pru ai, manu dan ai nhprang sut rai ni hpe n madu lu ai, Miwa a lata de sha yawng du mat sai re.
China plundering natural resources in Burma
KNG
China was variously described as plunderer and arch destroyer of Burma’s natural resources on the 38th World Environment Day today, by local people and environmental activists.
Mindless logging and rampant mining in northern Burma by China for over two decades has led to widespread deforestation, pollution of rivers and land with Mercury used in gold mining. There is now varied ecological dysfunction that the country has to contend with.
China was variously described as plunderer and arch destroyer of Burma’s natural resources on the 38th World Environment Day today, by local people and environmental activists.
Mindless logging and rampant mining in northern Burma by China for over two decades has led to widespread deforestation, pollution of rivers and land with Mercury used in gold mining. There is now varied ecological dysfunction that the country has to contend with.
Jun 5, 2010
China begins on trans-Burma pipeline
By JOSEPH ALLCHIN
Shortly after China’s premier Wen Jiabao left Burma yesterday evening having signed a raft of agreements, work officially began on the 800-kilometer dual pipeline that will run from Burma’s west coast to Kunming, the capital of China’s southwestern Yunnan province.
The head of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Jang Jiemen, and the head of the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), signed several agreements confirming the CNPC as the controlling shareholder and leader in design.
Shortly after China’s premier Wen Jiabao left Burma yesterday evening having signed a raft of agreements, work officially began on the 800-kilometer dual pipeline that will run from Burma’s west coast to Kunming, the capital of China’s southwestern Yunnan province.
The head of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Jang Jiemen, and the head of the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), signed several agreements confirming the CNPC as the controlling shareholder and leader in design.
Expert says Burma ‘planning nuclear bomb’
By ROBERT KELLEY
A five-year investigation by DVB has uncovered evidence that Burma is embarking on a programme to develop nuclear weaponry. At the centre of the investigation is Sai Thein Win, a former defense engineer and missile expert who worked in factories in Burma where he was tasked to make prototype components for missile and nuclear programs.
Sai contacted DVB after learning of its investigation into Burma’s military programmes, and supplied various documents and colour photographs of the equipment built inside the factories. The investigation has also uncovered evidence of North Korean involvement in the development of Burmese missiles, as well as Russia’s training of Burmese nuclear technicians.
A five-year investigation by DVB has uncovered evidence that Burma is embarking on a programme to develop nuclear weaponry. At the centre of the investigation is Sai Thein Win, a former defense engineer and missile expert who worked in factories in Burma where he was tasked to make prototype components for missile and nuclear programs. Sai contacted DVB after learning of its investigation into Burma’s military programmes, and supplied various documents and colour photographs of the equipment built inside the factories. The investigation has also uncovered evidence of North Korean involvement in the development of Burmese missiles, as well as Russia’s training of Burmese nuclear technicians.
Jun 3, 2010
MASAT YAN (4) HPYEN DU SHALAT JAWNG, JAWNG YU LAMANG GALAW
Kachinnet
Wunpawng Mungdan Shanglawt Hpyen Dap, Hpyen Du Shalat Jawng a Masat Yan (4) jawng yu hpawng hte Daru Magam ahkang aya ap hpawng hpe 2010 ning May 29 ya shani Woi Chyai Bum, Daru Magam gawknu hta galaw ai lam chye lu ai.
Jahpawt hkying 7:30Am aten hta jawng yu lamang akyu hpyi ap hpawng, hkying 8:30Am aten hta jawng yu hpawng lamang ni hpe galaw ai.
Wunpawng Mungdan Shanglawt Hpyen Dap, Hpyen Du Shalat Jawng a Masat Yan (4) jawng yu hpawng hte Daru Magam ahkang aya ap hpawng hpe 2010 ning May 29 ya shani Woi Chyai Bum, Daru Magam gawknu hta galaw ai lam chye lu ai.
Jahpawt hkying 7:30Am aten hta jawng yu lamang akyu hpyi ap hpawng, hkying 8:30Am aten hta jawng yu hpawng lamang ni hpe galaw ai.
MASAT YAN (5) HPU-AWN SHALAT JAWNG YU HPAWNG GALAW
Masat Yan (5) Hpu-Awn Shalat Jawng yu hpawng hpe dai hpawt hkying 10:00Am aten Laiza Muklum, Sinpraw Majoi Manau Gawk Nu hta galaw ai lam chye lu ai.
Hpawng hpa awn lit hpe Mungchying Uphkang Dap Ningtau Lithkam rai nga ai Salang Kaba Npun Tu Zau Awng woi awn ai. Jawng yu mungga hpe Mungchying Uphkang Dap Lithkam Salang Kaba Lajawng Hkawng Lum kawn shatsam mat ai hta jawng ma ni yawng gaw myu tsaw myit masa majing hte magam lit bungli ni hpe shakut shaja apnawng gun hpai sa wa lu na matu num htet shatsam mungga shaga ai.
Hpawng hpa awn lit hpe Mungchying Uphkang Dap Ningtau Lithkam rai nga ai Salang Kaba Npun Tu Zau Awng woi awn ai. Jawng yu mungga hpe Mungchying Uphkang Dap Lithkam Salang Kaba Lajawng Hkawng Lum kawn shatsam mat ai hta jawng ma ni yawng gaw myu tsaw myit masa majing hte magam lit bungli ni hpe shakut shaja apnawng gun hpai sa wa lu na matu num htet shatsam mungga shaga ai.
Jun 1, 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.
KIO and junta officials meet again in Myitkyina
KNG
For the second time this month, senior officials of the Burmese junta and Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) met today in Myitkyina, capital of Kachin State in northern Burma, said local sources.
The officials met at the Northern Regional Command Headquarters in the morning. The meeting focused on maintaining friendship rather than thrashing out the differences between them, said KIO sources.
The meeting did not discuss the thorny junta proposal to the KIO to transform the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), its armed-wing to the Burmese Army-controlled Border Guard Force (BGF), added KIO sources.
For the second time this month, senior officials of the Burmese junta and Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) met today in Myitkyina, capital of Kachin State in northern Burma, said local sources.
The officials met at the Northern Regional Command Headquarters in the morning. The meeting focused on maintaining friendship rather than thrashing out the differences between them, said KIO sources.
The meeting did not discuss the thorny junta proposal to the KIO to transform the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), its armed-wing to the Burmese Army-controlled Border Guard Force (BGF), added KIO sources.
Junta officials into cattle theft to sell to China
KNG
Burmese military junta officials and the police are involved in stealing and selling hundreds of heads of cattle owned by civilians in eastern Kachin State to China, locals alleged.
Regime officials near the Sino-Burma border are in cahoots with some villagers, stealing and selling hundreds of heads of cattle, said a local source.
Burmese military junta officials and the police are involved in stealing and selling hundreds of heads of cattle owned by civilians in eastern Kachin State to China, locals alleged.
Regime officials near the Sino-Burma border are in cahoots with some villagers, stealing and selling hundreds of heads of cattle, said a local source.
Burma's Opposition Not Optimistic About US Sen Webb's Visit
Burma's opposition and ethnic group leaders do not believe that US Sen Jim Webb, who begins a three-day visit to to the country on June 4, will achieve any important progress for the people of Burma.
This will be the second trip to Burma within one year for Webb, who has played a key role in reshaping the Obama administration's Burma policy.
Webb's first trip to Burma came in August 2009, soon after the US instituted a policy of engagement with the Burmese junta. He met Snr-Gen Than Shwe and imprisoned political leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and also obtained the release of an American prisoner, John Yettaw.
This will be the second trip to Burma within one year for Webb, who has played a key role in reshaping the Obama administration's Burma policy.
Webb's first trip to Burma came in August 2009, soon after the US instituted a policy of engagement with the Burmese junta. He met Snr-Gen Than Shwe and imprisoned political leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and also obtained the release of an American prisoner, John Yettaw.
The Ghost of Elections Past
By KO KO THETT
Since the 1922 introduction of a “legislative council” election to Burma, the notion of elections has always been suspect to the Burmese populace. This is not surprising, for Burma’s ballot boxes have never served their purpose—the electing of people’s representatives whose constitutional mandate can change or enforce government’s policy. Under both the British colonial administration and subsequent post-colonial governments, Burma’s elections have never translated into genuine political change.
In the 1920s, the dyarchy in which 80 members of the 130-member legislative council were elected and the rest were appointed by the British fractured the Burmese nationalist movement.
Since the 1922 introduction of a “legislative council” election to Burma, the notion of elections has always been suspect to the Burmese populace. This is not surprising, for Burma’s ballot boxes have never served their purpose—the electing of people’s representatives whose constitutional mandate can change or enforce government’s policy. Under both the British colonial administration and subsequent post-colonial governments, Burma’s elections have never translated into genuine political change.
In the 1920s, the dyarchy in which 80 members of the 130-member legislative council were elected and the rest were appointed by the British fractured the Burmese nationalist movement.
What can gas transparency do for Burma?
By MATTHEW SMITH and NAING HTOO
International pressure continues to mount on the oil companies Total, Chevron, and PTTEP of Thailand to practice complete revenue transparency in connection to the controversial Yadana natural gas pipeline in Burma’s Tenasserim Division. Non-governmental organizations, scholars, labour unions, investment firms, and even world leaders have urged the companies to publish over 18 years of payments to the Burmese military regime, including taxes, fees, royalties, bonuses, and social benefits since the project’s first contracts were signed in 1992.
This raises the question: What will this type of transparency actually do, and not do, for Burma?
International pressure continues to mount on the oil companies Total, Chevron, and PTTEP of Thailand to practice complete revenue transparency in connection to the controversial Yadana natural gas pipeline in Burma’s Tenasserim Division. Non-governmental organizations, scholars, labour unions, investment firms, and even world leaders have urged the companies to publish over 18 years of payments to the Burmese military regime, including taxes, fees, royalties, bonuses, and social benefits since the project’s first contracts were signed in 1992.
This raises the question: What will this type of transparency actually do, and not do, for Burma?
Burmese armed groups eye ‘real Union’
By AYE NAI
Five Burmese ethnic armed groups have said they will work together to achieve a ‘real Union’ in Burma where equal rights and self-determination exist for all ethnicities.
The alliance spans Burma’s ethnic border regions, taking in the Chin National Front in northernmost Burma to the Karen National Union (KNU) in the east, close to Thailand. It also includes the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) and the Karenni National Progressive Party.
Five Burmese ethnic armed groups have said they will work together to achieve a ‘real Union’ in Burma where equal rights and self-determination exist for all ethnicities.
The alliance spans Burma’s ethnic border regions, taking in the Chin National Front in northernmost Burma to the Karen National Union (KNU) in the east, close to Thailand. It also includes the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) and the Karenni National Progressive Party.
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