Burmese Weekly : Vol 6 , W/E Sun 6th Jan '08

Myanmar’s economy fuels fears of unrest
12/31/2007
Source ::: AFP


snip

Sean Turnell, an expert on Myanmar's economy at Australia's Macquarie University, said the tourism business in the Southeast Asian nation has "completely collapsed" due to a plunge in demand after the September violence.

"The events of August are going to come back because the economy is getting worse, and the level of public anger in the country is still very high," said Turnell. "In Burma, big unrest always comes when people feel they have nothing much to lose," Turnell said.

thepeninsulaqatar.com


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After Killings of the Burmese Monks; The Writing is on the Wall

by May Ng


After the Burmese military junta attacked and killed the peaceful monks and protestors, it is still impossible to imagine how the powerful military can at last be dismissed. But it is even harder to see now how the military generals will survive the latest self inflicted blow, by killing the sons of Buddha in Burma.

mizzima.com


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“India should go to rescue of Nagas in Myanmar”
Special Correspondent

Nagaland Chief Minister meets Karunanidhi

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Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

WARM GREETINGS: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphi-u Rio in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: The Union Government should go to the rescue of Nagas living in Myanmar and influence the regime there to recognise them on the lines of what is done in India, Neiphi-u Rio, Nagaland Chief Minister, said here on Sunday.

snip

hindu.com


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13 Sidr Victims Returned to Bangladesh
12/31/2007

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Teknaf: Thirteen victims of cyclone Sidr who had been detained in the Maungdaw prison since the storm struck Bangladesh were repatriated to Bangladesh on Friday by Burmese border authorities, reports an official from Teknaf.

The official said that the thirteen arrived at Teknaf jetty from the western Burmese town of Maungdaw on board a ferry ship, and Bangladesh authorities received them at the jetty.

The group had been detained at Maungdaw prison for over a month after they arrived on Burmese soil; their fishing boats had sunk in the Naff River between the two countries during the attack of Sidr.

snip

narinjara.com


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Global Internet Report Volume 1
31.12.2007

Web 2.0 Revives Internet Economy 2007

This annual report offers a wealth of information on the worldwide development of the Internet economy.

Internet blogs and social networks are starting to provide significant social and political forums throughout Asia, sometimes offering an important alternative to the main stream media. This has become increasingly critical in those countries with repressive regimes. In September 2007, bloggers in Myanmar for example were getting important news to the world during the military junta’s violent crackdown on the peaceful demonstrations by monks and the wider population.

live-pr.com


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Three ultras killed in Assam encounter
December 31st, 2007


Guwahati, Dec 31 (ANI): Three ultras belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) were killed and another injured in an encounter with security forces in the Dibru-Saikhowa Reserve Forest area.

The deceased ultras were believed to be fresh recruits who had returned recently from Myanmar to carry out a major strike in the state.

snip

thaindian.com


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Prison labourers flee from project site
Monday, 31 December 2007


Myebon, Arakan: Three prisoners made to work as labourers fled from their workplace on the Akyab-Rangoon Highway road on December 28 at night.

snip

The work of repairing the road has been suspended.

"The security officer police sergeant Chit Htun was called to the western command office to investigate about the case and may be he will be punished for his carelessness," said a source close to the office.




Robbery in Maungdaw town by Bangladeshi robbers
Monday, 31 December 2007


Maungdaw, Arakan State: A burglary was committed in Maungdaw Township of Arakan State on December 10, by Bangladeshi robbers, according to a family member of Moulvi Anis.

snip

The next day morning, the police and Nasaka --- Burma's Border Security force--- went to the house and asked about the robbery and told the family members that the robbery will be reported to the Bangladesh authority for action.

Earlier, a number of robberies were committed in Maungdaw Township by Bangladeshi robbers, said a village elder.


kaladanpress.org


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Rev. Saboi Jum's Thanksgiving Party for Kachin and junta officials
December 31, 2007
KNG

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snip

Rev. Lahtaw Saboi Jum, former General Secretary of Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) and founder of Shalom Foundation successfully negotiated a ceasefire agreement between the main Kachin insurgent group, Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the ruling junta in 1994.

Rev. Saboi Jum had a very close relationship with former junta's deposed Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and he also has good relations with the current junta supremo Sr-Gen Than Shwe, local sources close to him said.

Criticism of the two brother peace negotiators, Rev. Saboi Jum and Hkun Myat are gradually mounting in Kachin community where it is being said "Their eyes are only on leaders of Burma's ruling junta and their personal businesses.", according to local sources.

kachinnews.com

About the author: The Kachin News Group (KNG) is a non-profit, an independent media organization and covering Kachin, Burma and regional issues.


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Government seizes farmland from locals
Reporting by Nan Kham Kaew


Dec 31, 2007 (DVB)–The Burmese government has seized over 1000 acres of privately-owned farmlands near Meikhtila airbase for an upcoming factory project, according to locals.

snip

"Most of the paddy rice produced in the district comes from these farmlands. They are vital food sources for all the people in the whole district."

The airbase authorities reportedly promised the farmers compensation of twelve times their farm tax rate for the loss of land.

The tax rate for each acre of farm is 1.50 kyat.



Missionaries give Christmas donation to prison inmates
Reporting by Thet Naing

snip

Kalay township residents said that the living condition for inmates in prison work camps in the area has been very poor, with prisoners shackled and given demanding farm work to do with no proper meals.


Death rates among prisoners have been on rise too, residents said.

english.dvb.no


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Faith, history unite two communities
Church opens hearts to Karen refugees

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The bride and groom approached the Frankfort Avenue church from opposite directions on a raw December morning as guitar-led minstrels serenaded them in their native Asian language of Karen.

snip

courier-journal.com


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Burmese monks led 2007 stories

Journalists who write about religion chose the Buddhist monks of Myanmar (Burma) and their pro-democracy struggle over Pope Benedict XVI, President Bush, and others as the top religion newsmakers of 2007.

snip

"More than half of those responding to the survey chose the monks over Pope Benedict XVI, President George W. Bush and US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, among others," the Religion Newswriters Association said in announcing the results of a survey of its members about the top religion stories of the year.

The story of the Myanmar monks itself was ranked sixth by the US journalists, who were asked to select their top 10 from 20 choices.

snip

speroforum.com


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buddhistchannel.tv

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“Imagine All the People Burma 2008”

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irrawaddy.org


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Burma: Person Of The Year 2007 Is U Gambira
Tuesday, 1 January 2008, 9:57 am
Press Release: Terry Evans


The influential Burmese website THE BURMA DIGEST yesterday announced the results of it's poll for Person of the Year 2007 in Burma.

U Gambira, who led Burma's Saffron Revolution in 2007 got highest number of votes; and accordingly was named as "The Person of the Year 2007 in Burma".

U Gambira, the 29-year old leader of the All-Burma Monks' Alliance that spearheaded nationwide protests in Burma in September, became a fugitive following the deadly Sept. 26-27 crackdown on protesters in Burma.

He made important announcements to the world outside Burma about the alliance's aims and in a climate of fear and arrests of pro-democracy activists, became one of the new leaders of Burma's freedom movement.

snip

scoop.co.nz


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Myanmar government quashes rumors of fuel rationing cuts
Published: January 1, 2008
The Associated Press


YANGON, Myanmar: Myanmar's ruling military, apparently wary of igniting another outbreak of mass demonstrations, tried to quash rumors Tuesday that fuel rations would be slashed in the face of rising global oil prices.

snip

A report in the state-owned New Light of Myanmar on Tuesday said that rationing of gasoline, diesel and compressed natural gas will remain the same.

As fuel prices increase worldwide, rumors have been rampant in Yangon that instead of increasing fuel prices, the government might reduce the ration for private-car owners to one gallon (3.8 liters) from two gallons (7.6 liters) a day.

snip

Gasoline and diesel has been sold under a rationing system in the country's major city, Yangon, since 1980.

Each car has a ration book, allowing car owners to purchase 227 liters (60 gallons) per month.

Since November, the government has slashed the gasoline and diesel quotas of senior civil servants by at least 75 percent.

snip

iht.com


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CNG to be sold as required according to runs Sale of fuel will remain as usual

YANGON, 31 Dec-With a view to ensuring the systematic sales of CNG to buses and trucks in Yangon Division, CNG will be sold with CNG purchasing books beginning 1 January 2008. And it will be sold as required according to runs of buses.

Moreover, the sale of fuel to petrol and diesel-used vehicles will remain as usual.

myanmar.com


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Border fencing suspended
Iboyaima Laithangbam
Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008


IMPHAL: The work on erecting a 10 km long border fencing near the Moreh market in Manipur has been suspended following objections raised by some military officers from Myanmar.

India and Myanmar have a common border 1,643 km long, of which 398 km is in Manipur .

snip

hindu.com


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State cooperatives evict local businesses
Reporting by DVB


Dec 31, 2007 (DVB)–Private stores opened on space rented from the Burmese government's cooperatives office in Pakokku have been ordered by the cooperatives headquarters to move out before the end of 2007.

snip

One business owner said that the store owners had written a letter of complaint to the minister of commerce and the divisional Peace and Development Council chairman, but had so far received no assistance.

"We rented this space from the cooperatives with a proper contract,” the owner said.

“It doesn't say anywhere that have to move when asked. We have spent a lot of money on setting up our shop here."



Government seizes farmland from locals
Reporting by Nan Kham Kaew


Dec 31, 2007 (DVB)–The Burmese government has seized over 1000 acres of privately-owned farmlands near Meikhtila airbase for an upcoming factory project, according to locals

snip

"Most of the paddy rice produced in the district comes from these farmlands. They are vital food sources for all the people in the whole district."

The airbase authorities reportedly promised the farmers compensation of twelve times their farm tax rate for the loss of land.

The tax rate for each acre of farm is 1.50 kyat.



Missionaries give Christmas donation to prison inmates
Reporting by Thet Naing

snip

Kalay township residents said that the living condition for inmates in prison work camps in the area has been very poor, with prisoners shackled and given demanding farm work to do with no proper meals.

Death rates among prisoners have been on the rise too, residents said.

english.dvb.no


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Bangladesh authorities arrest 14 Chins from Burma


31 December 2007 - Bangladesh authorities arrested 14 Chins from Burma in Rumana village in Bandarban district of Chittagong hill tracts in Bangladesh for distributing Bible tracks (booklet) on November 28, 2007.

snip

khonumthung.com

Details of those arrested here


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Sittwe Elders Dispute Junta's Report on Rally
12/31/2007


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snip


In their letters, the elders stated, "We, Arakanese people, have not supported the outcome of the government's national convention nor its road map, either past, present, or in the future, because it is not beneficial to Arakanese people."

The so-called rally held by the government was fabricated and had nothing to do with the desires of the Arakanese people, they further added.
An estimated 71,000 Arakanese people attended the rally organized by the government to demonstrate support for the national convention and its road map.




Exile Arakanese Mark 223 Years Since the Fall of Arakanese Sovereignty
1/1/2008

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Dhaka: The Arakanese community in exile in Bangladesh held a ceremony in Dhaka marking the 223rd anniversary of the downfall of Arakan's sovereignty and calling for national unity among Arakanese people in fighting against the Burmese military junta for self-determination and equal rights in Burma.

The ceremony was held in a hotel in Dhaka during the afternoon with many Arakanese, including politicians, women, and students, participating.

Arakanese leaders delivered speeches during the ceremony and called for unity among the Arakanese people in the fight against the Burmese military junta.

snip

narinjara.com


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Students face threat of Thai security crackdown
Kaowao: December 28, 2007


Only a handful of migrant students are able to attend their classes due to the Thai crack down on migrant workers, according to local sources in Maharchai, near Bangkok.

Mon teacher Nai Tun Wei in Maharchai, said, “Classes had been scheduled for every day with great success, students were happy to get some education, but the crack down has forced the students out of the classroom fearing imminent arrest by Thai security. We have only one class during the week now.”

Thai Mons and Nai Tun Wei founded the Thai-Mon Literature Promotion Club with the goal to help educate the migrant community and provide quality language instruction by teaching them Thai, Mon and English languages.

snip




Mon refugees arrested on Xmas Day in Malaysia
Kaowao: December 28, 2007

Kuala Lumpur -- Seven refugees were arrested on Christmas Day, December 25th by the Malaysian police while out visiting friends, according to a source from Mon Refugee Organization.

The police picked up the friends, Nai Shwe Kyar and Nai Khemar who hail from Durae of Ye Township and five other refugees from Mon State and have not been heard from since, say worried friends.

snip

kaowao.org


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Mya Than Htike and Ko Tut Pe's Trial
30 December 2007
Original report by Ye May Aung, DVB


Ko Mya Than Htike, member of the NLD Party, Thingun Gyun, Rangoon, was brought before court last Wednesday but there was no hearing and the case has been adjourned. He was shot at and arrested while reciting prayers with other protesters in September, before being detained in Insein Prison.

Ma Wa Wa Lwin, his sister said,' The next hearing date was given as 2nd January. He has been charged under Section 505b. He was both hand-cuffed and shackled. He was brought in by special police car. He looked fine. His gun shot wound is also healing well. We managed to send him medicines and other essential items.'

Similarly, Ko Tut Pe aka Ko Win Zaw, member, NLD Party, Thone Kwa, was brought before Thone Kwa Magistrate court for the trial. He has been arrested and detained since early September. However, it is reported that the hearing was held without informing his family.

snip



Health Concern For NLD Member
31 December 2007
Original report by Maung Too, DVB


Worrying news is reaching the family and friends that Ko Tut Pe aka Ko Win Zaw, who has been in custody for over 4 months is now unable to walk, after having to sleep on the concrete floor.

He is a member of NLD Party, Thone Kwa.

snip



Senior General Than Shwe Being Asked For Permission To See Ko Htin Kyaw
31 December 2007
Original report by Maung Too, DVB


The family and colleagues of Ko Htin Kyaw, the famous leader of instigating protests against increased fuel prices, have applied directly to Senior General Than Shwe for permission to see him as his health deteriorates rapidly after 32 consecutive days of hunger strike.

Ko Thein Myint Aung, a colleague of Ko Htin Kyaw said,' We have written to the Senior General for permission to see Ko Htin Kyaw, so that we could beg him to defer the hunger strike. The country is losing so many pro-democracy people and we intend to stop that'.

snip

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com

with thanxs to Goldie Shwe for the above translations :)


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How trio whistled to safety



Kota Kinabalu: Tired, cold and hungry from surviving on rainwater for five days, three crew members of MV Emerald which sank off Bintulu on Dec.26, could only muster a whistle as they clung to a piece of wood in the sea.

But it was enough - a fisherman forced to return home by bad weather on Sunday heard them whistling and rushed to their aid.

Myanmar nationals Phone Nyint Kyaw, 22, Zaw Min Htwe, 29 and 30-year-old Lin Zaw were spotted hanging onto a piece of timber by the fisherman at 6am, almost five days after their vessel had sunk.

snip

dailyexpress.com.my


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Rome shows support to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi


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Rome City Hall decorated its facade with posters of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and French-Colombian hostage, Ingrid Betancourt.

A giant poster depicting photo of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the democracy icon of Burma, has been on display in Italian capital, Rome.

The mayor of Rome has chosen to display the huge poster in front of the capital's town hall.

The picture shows the photo of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Ingrid Betancourt, a Colombian politician who has been taken hostage by a leftist rebel group since 2002.

The display is to reflect the support of Romans to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Burmese people in their struggle for democracy, said Cicilia Brighi, an Italian trade unionist who also has involved in the campaign.

She told the BBC Burmese Service that this campaign is important in pushing Italian government to pressure more on Burma's military government.

bbc.co.uk


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Human Rights Torch First to See Sun in 2008
By Sarah Matheson
Epoch Times Staff in Gisborne Jan 01, 2008

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Maori Performing Arts group Waka Toa perform at the Gisborne Torch Relay ceremony on New Years Eve 2007.
(Edward Dai/The Epoch Times)

The Human Rights Torch has come to the end of its journey in New Zealand, ushering in the New Year in style in Gisborne - the first city in the world to see the sun.

The Torch arrived in New Zealand on December 16 and travelled from Auckland to the Bluff, even travelling up the country's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Gisborne District Councilor Andy Hall received the torch on behalf of Gisborne. He thanked the organizers for the opportunity to stand up for human rights and freedom.

"We are standing up for those who don't have the ability to stand up tall in their own country," he said.


Burmese democracy advocate Naing Koko said the Chinese Communist Party continues to affect countries like Burma, Thailand, North Korea, Sudan and Zimbabwe.
"While people are celebrating the New Year we should not forget about the people suffering in the third world, particularly China," he said.

snip

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Gisborne District Councilor Andy Hall receives the Human Rights Torch for Gisborne on Monday.
(Edward Dai/The Epoch Times)
en.epochtimes.com


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Burma: Three months of quiet repression, arrests, censorship and propaganda
Tuesday, 1 January 2008, 10:55 pm
Press Release: Reporters Sans Frontieres

The military government has constantly hounded Burma's journalists during the three months that have gone by since 27 September 2007, the day that Japanese video reporter Kenji Nagai was murdered by a soldier in Rangoon, report RSF and the Burma Media Association.

The police and army continue to hunt for journalists and activists who photographed and filmed the crackdown on the pro-democracy demonstrations. At least nine have had to flee to Thailand. The privately-owned media have resumed publishing but the Censorship Board has stepped up its control.


"The impression that things are back to normal is false," the two organisations said. "The security services are still looking for the underground journalists who let the world know about the violence against monks and pro-democracy activists. We call for an end to the intimidation of the press and for the release of the six journalists currently held. The international community must find a way to get UN special rapporteur Sergio Pinheiro's recommendations implemented."

The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on Burma on 14 December that calls on the government to guarantee the freedom of the independent media. An RSF representative addressed the council, calling for the release of Burma's journalists and an end to the censorship.

Ko Aung Gyi, the former editor of the sports magazine "90 Minutes", is one of the latest journalists to be detained. It is not known why he was arrested in Rangoon. Two other former journalists, Ko Win Maw and Ko Aung Aung, have also been arrested without being charged. At least 15 other journalists have been arrested since September and then released. The six currently in prison include Win Tin, a prominent journalist held since July 1989.

People who have been arrested and then released say the police ask everyone for the names of the "cameramen," meaning the journalists who work clandestinely for foreign news media or Democratic Voice of Burma, an exile radio and TV station based in Oslo. Many photographers and cameramen who contributed to exile media have stopped working altogether for fear of being identified and some have even thrown away their equipment.

The Union Solidarity anda Development Association (USDA), a pro-government militia, continues to be hostile towards journalists. "The Myanmar Nation" photographer Aung Khine Nyunt was beaten by thugs believed to be USDA members while taking photos of a march on 21 October. In all, about 10 journalists were beaten or roughed up during the demonstrations.

At least nine Burmese journalists have fled the country because of the repression, and have sought refuge in Thailand. Most of them left the capital during the first wave of arrests at the end of September.

The Censorship Board has had no qualms about asserting itself. The weekly "News Watch" was banned for a week in mid-November after proposing the publication of photos that displeased the military. The military censors have even forced editors to resign. In early December, the authorities punished the magazine "Action" for failing to withdraw articles censored by the government. A censorship official publicly criticised "Action" for not being "constructive."

The newspaper "Middle Line" also got into trouble. It was suspended after its editor, Oo Swe, complained that some media were getting favourable treatment from the censors, according to the exile magazine and website "Irrawaddy".

To prevent Burmese from seeing reports and pictures of the crackdown in September, the military government has controlled the sale of foreign publications very strictly since mid-October. The magazines "Time" and "Newsweek" and Thai newspapers have not been seen in newsstands for the past few weeks. The Internet has been restored but surveillance has been stepped up in Internet cafés. For fear of reprisals, many Internet café owners have removed the programmes from their computers that allowed users to circumvent the government's filters.

Around 10 journalists suspected of sympathizing with the pro-democracy protests have been banned from being published or interviewed. They include sports reporter Zaw Thet Htwe, cartoonist Au Pi Kyee and writer Pe Myint. The censorship is not limited to political topics. The military government, for example, banned coverage of a new outbreak of bird flu on 20 October, although the outbreak was announced by the government agency responsible for dealing with it.

Anyone who criticises the government can be the target of repression. This is why the authorities banned a video of a show by the comic troupe "Say Young Sone." According to Democratic Voice of Burma, which decided to televise it, the DVD is selling very well on the streets of Rangoon. Similarly, a spokesman for the Zantila Rama monastery was sentenced to two years in prison in December for complaining that military personnel stole money during a search. Democratic Voice of Burma said he was found guilty of defamation. A Burmese rapper was arrested in November for paying tribute to the monks at a concert. And "Irrawaddy" reported in early November that Tin Yu, a resident of a Rangoon suburb, was arrested for "talking to foreign media."

The government media continue to pump out their propaganda, putting all of the activities of the military government's leaders on the front page. The government's TV stations have on several occasions vilified the reporting of the foreign media, such as the BBC, RFA and VOA, accusing them of trying to "destabilise" Burma. The government media have been ordered to praise the return to normality and the country's economic progress. At the end of November, the USDA militia announced the launch of a new daily newspaper to reinforce the public's support for the regime.

Finally, many Rangoon-based journalists have criticised Myat Khaine, the editor of the weekly "Snap Shot", for voluntarily giving the information ministry photos of protesters.

Français: Rapport Capsule: Trois mois de répression silencieuse: censure, propagande et détentions
ENDS

scoop.co.nz


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mid

from chat ...............

On Jan 2nd at the Myanmar Embassy in SG there will be pro-junta celebrations of Inderpendence Day celebrations .

Activites are seeking pictures of the attendees to name and shame on their blogs .

Boycott Appeal To Everyone Who Abhors Burma Junta


Please click here for the Boycott Appeal. and also here. Thank you.

---

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xs.to


TP Myanmar Students Announcement
Tuesday, January 1, 2008

We would like to announce that We, the Tamasek Myanmar Associations from Singapore Tamasek Polytechnic is not getting involve with the entertainment program by preformed by Burmese Students from various Polytechnics from Singapore; on the 2 January 2008 at the Singapore Mandarin Hotel(Orchard) for the Burma Independent Day Celebration( 4 January ..baydah) organized by Burmese Embassy in Singapore.


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Please United:

On 2 January 2008, Junta Collaborators, Traitors of the Burmese People and some Burmese Students from various Polytechnic in Singapore are participate in the entertainment program at Singapore Mandarin Hotel (Orchard Road) to mark the anniversary of Burma Independent Day,, organized by the Burmese Embassy in Singapore.

We want to warn all those entertainer not to forget the Monks, Students and Public who were sacrifice their lives in the recent September Saffron Revolution. Don't forget the cruelty and suppression of the Na-Ah-Pha(Junta).

While all the Burmese people are suppressing and suffering, to accept to participate in the Junta Entertainment is the act of supporting the Junta cruel suppression in last September 2007.

Ask yourself "who you are". Are you the collaborator of Junta? If not, then think carefully what to do before it is too late. Don't make yourself a person hated by the all Burmese People.

It is the responsibility of all patriotic Burmese to try to stop this Independence Day celebration organized by the Junta's embassy. Tell your friends not to go there if they are invited, Not to get involve.

Businessman and Students in Singapore and everywhere around the world, If you love your country, if you are patriotic Burmese, then don't go to this Celebration even you are invited by the Junta embassy..

Posted by ေဗ ဒါ Bay Dah


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Walking Campaign For Burma
Tuesday, January 1, 2008

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On 4 January 2008 Burma Independence Day, to commemorate this occasion, Burmese monks in Sri Lanka will walk 116 km Long Peace Walk starting from Galle City and end at in front of the UN Office at Colombo City on 8 January 2008 for the Freedom of Burma and the World Peace.

Posted by ေဗ ဒါ Bay Dah


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Burma : Human Rights Information
1 Jaunary 2008
Original report : DVB



Information on human rights violations in Burma can now be reported to United Nations Human Rights Commission, in the statement issued by 8888 generation students.

Every record of a photograph, medical report, court order, etc, concerning the human rights violation committed by any organisation including the SPDC government can now be emailed to hrhittaing@gmail.com and there is an appeal to all friends to distribute this email address and forms to everyone.

snip

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com

216

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U Gambira Photo

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(From the left) Sister, Mother, Brother, Friend Monk and U Gambira

ashinmettacara-eng.blogspot.com


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Sixty years after independence, Myanmar remembers in secret
Tue Jan 1

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A worker cleans beneath the bronze statue of General Aung San, national hero of Myanmar...

by Hla Hla Htay

YANGON (AFP) - Pausing in front of the fence around Yangon's main park, a man points through the iron bars to show his two young children the statue inside.

"This is Myanmar's independence leader General Aung San. He was a very honourable man," he said.

The children gazed at the 10-foot (three-meter) statue and started to ask a question when their father hushed them.

"I will tell you all about him once we get home," he said.

snip

news.yahoo.com


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Myanmar people urged to defend country from danger of subversive elements
2008-01-02
English_Xinhua

YANGON, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar state media Wednesday called on the country's people to defend the nation from the danger of internal and external destructive elements, while cherishing, valuing and safeguarding the independence and sovereignty which successive generations of ancestors managed to help the nation regain.

"Neo-colonialists and saboteurs with negative views persist in resorting to various means to intrude on the fruits the state is enjoying in the political, economic and social sectors," the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar warned in its editorial two days ahead of the country's 60th Anniversary Independence Day.

snip

xinhuanet.com


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Red carpet for Burma minister
By RAMESH RAMACHANDRAN


New Delhi, Jan. 1: New Delhi will look to make progress on the $100-million Kaladan multi-modal transport project and cement its bilateral ties with Burma when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Minister of external affairs Pranab Mukherjee hold talks with visiting Burmese minister of foreign affairs U. Nyan Win on Wednesday.

snip

asianage.com


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Satellite dish fees rocket in Myanmar
Wed, 02 Jan 2008


Yangon - Satellite dish owners in media-starved Myanmar got an unwelcome New Year surprise when they discovered that their annual license fees had climbed 166 times, Yangon residents said Wednesday.

Customers who expected to pay 6,000 kyats (4.60 dollars at the open market rate) at the local post office were shocked to be told to that the annual fee had increased to 1 million kyats (781 dollars), according to local residents.

snip

earthtimes.org


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33 Days Of Hunger Strike And Still No Family Visit
1 January, 2008
Original report by Maung Htoo, DVB


It is now 33 days since Ko Htin Kyaw started the hunger strike protest in Insein prison and despite the application from his family to be allowed to see him, the authorities are still refusing to act in any form of communication.

snip



'Do It Yourself' Without Violence, ABMA Urges People Of Burma
1 January 2008
Original report by Aye Nai, DVB


'We must be responsible for our own fate, while avoiding all violence', the All Burma Monks Alliance (ABMA) urged the people of Burma. In their announcement, issued today, the monks are also urged to continue with the boycott and also to be active and vigilant.

U Okkatta, the spokesperson of the Alliance, also beseeched everyone to join in the activities led by the ABMA in order to end the country's humanitarian sufferings.

'Please do not feel distressed. You must control your anger which can lead the tendency towards violence but let us concentrate on building our own future, in solidarity. With our joint forces of the public and monks together, we can resolve all our problems and troubles. We vow to continue with the boycott until every monk (and political prisoner) is released. Please try not to hate anyone and believe in love and affection, which is the only true winner.'



Statement Issued By The All Burma Monks Alliance
Date 01-01-08
1369 Na Daw La Sote 8th , Tuesday


We, the monks, members of the Buddhist Order, being mindful of sympathy and pity for the public and the donors, who were struggling to survive the deep trouble of poverty, decided to overturn the offering bowls, and paraded and marched peacefully. This was done in order to let the ruling government know about the public's suffering and basic struggle to survive.

However, the government, instead of taking responsiblility and resolving the issues and problems of the people and the country, hired criminals and convicts to conduct the brutal crackdown on the peaceful protesters including the monks, as the world has witnessed. Moreover, the government has;

snip

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com

with thanxs to Goldie Shwe for the above translations :)


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"Silent Peace Walk & Prayer Service"


https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif


Peace Walk from Marble Arch to Trafalgar Square

&

Prayers Service at Trafalgar Square

On Saturday, 5th of January 2008 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Burma's Independence Day

The Prayer Service will be led by The International Burmese Monks Organization (UK)


prayforfreedomburma.com


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https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
prayforfreedomburma.com


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Rohingyas flee from Northern Arakan
Written by Webmaster
Wednesday, 02 January 2008

Maungdaw, Arakan State: A number of Rohingyas fled from Northern Arakan for fear of being arrested after they clashed with Natala (model) villagers of the Buddhist community in Taungbro sub-border town of Burma - Bangladesh border on December 20.

snip

According to Kaladan news dated December 20, the authorities arrested 50 Rohingya people after the clash. Some of the injured were admitted at Taungbro government clinic.

But, the government authorities stated that the concerned authority (Nasaka ) had come on time and intervened to sort out the problem which had occurred between Natala villagers and local Rohingya villagers. No one was arrested, they claimed.

snip



BDR pushes back five Burmese nationals
Written by Webmaster
Wednesday, 02 January 2008


Teknaf, Bangladesh: Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) pushed back five Burmese nationals back to their country on January 1, after arresting them in Bangladesh territory on December 31, according to our correspondent.

snip


On January 1, the BDR also arrested a medicine carrier, Mohammed Sayed alias Rediwan (30), son of Mohammed Alam of Teknaf Moulvi Para under Cox's Bazaar district, with 50 boxes of different types of medicine from the check-post in Waykong under Cox's Bazaar district while he was going to Teknaf by bus. The concerned authorities’ suspect the medicines were to be smuggled into Burma, said a source close to BDR.



Border trade halted in Bangladesh-Burma Border
Written by Webmaster
Wednesday, 02 January 2008


snip


On December 29, at noon, Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) arrested two Burmese nationals including one Rakhine and one Rohingya while they were taking video clips of area surrounding the land port without permission from the concerned authority.

snip

The authorities in Burma closed the Burma-Bangladesh border trade indefinitely until matter is settled. Border businessmen said, "Rice, cattle, timber, goats and other things are imported from Teknaf land port along the corridor of Shaphuri Dip. If goods from Burma are not exported from the said points, Bangladesh will face many kinds of difficulties. So, the problem needs to be solved early, said a trader from Teknaf.



UNHCR distributes blankets in Burmese refugee camp
Written by Webmaster
Wednesday, 02 January 2008


Teknaf, Bangladesh: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) distributed blankets in Burmese refugee camps in Bangladesh from December 27 to January 1, says our correspondent.

snip

"We are very happy to get blankets as we will able to protect ourselves from the cold. It will prevent pneumonia, said a refugee Shoffi (80) of Nayapara camp.

"I am happy to get the blankets because I have spent sleepless nights for a week because of the cold," a refugee woman Jarina Khatun from Kutupalong camp said

kaladanpress.org


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Fresh Bird Flu Outbreak in Burma
By Saw Yan Naing
January 2, 2008




A ban on the sale of chickens and eggs was imposed in Tachilek on Tuesday after a fresh outbreak of bird flu was discovered in a village in Shan State’s Mongphyat Township in eastern Burma, according to sources in Tachilek.

A resident from the Thai-Burmese border town said, “The authorities have prohibited the sale of chickens since yesterday. They publicized the decision by setting up a sign in the town, advising vendors not to sell chickens or eggs.”

snip



Burmese Junta Not Interested in Dialogue with Opposition, EIU Says
By Wai Moe
January 2, 2008


https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Liaison officer Aung Kyi meets Aung San Suu Kyi on October 25, 2007

Burma’s junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), “fails to show any interest in talks” with Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said on Tuesday.

In its January 2008 report on Burma, the London-based EIU, an influential think tank, said the junta took a small step forward in October with the appointment of Aung Kyi, the labor minister, as a liaison officer to meet the detained leader of the opposition, Suu Kyi.

The liaison officer subsequently met with Suu Kyi three times. The most recent meeting was on November 19, and since then “the junta has shown no interest in holding a dialogue with the opposition.”

snip

irrawaddy.org


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Sri Lanka : Domestic gems & jewelry trade prospers
January 2, 2008

snip

In an exclusive interview with Fibre2fashion, Mr Ajith Perera, Acting Deputy Director General of National Gems and Jewellery Authority, stated, “The major factors supporting diamond and jewellery export is the quality of gems and jewellery which has gone up. In 2007, colored gems had posted a growth of 25 percent while diamond marked 19 percent as compared to 2006. We have already started doing promotion of gems and jewellery by participating into a number of fair and exhibitions like Shanghai gems and jewellery fair.”

gem stones are imported from countries like Madagascar, Myanmar :(

fibre2fashion.com


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Regional Commander's son exports illegal timber to China
January 2, 2008
KNG

In the case of the Burmese military junta it is one of hogging everything in sight. For instance the eldest son of Kachin State's Commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint controls a local logging company called Awng Mai and exports timber to China, said local loggers.

Kyaw Thura owns most of the shares of Awng Mai Company since last year and the company is a specially authorized to export timber from Northern Burma to China. The authorization comes from none other than his father Maj-Gen Ohn Myint, the loggers added.

A local logger close to the company told KNG today, the company is mainly exporting hardwood called Tarmalan and teak from areas between the Irrawaddy River and Mogaung Town to China. The timber is sent across a ferry-bridge near Sinbo in Irrawaddy River.

The timber is then transported to China by crossing Laiza, the headquarters of Kachin ceasefire Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) controlled areas on the Sino-Burma border, the sources said.

From early last month, hundreds of new Chinese log trucks with workers have been entering those areas and the teak and hardwood are transported to the Sino-Burma border, according to eyewitnesses.

snip

kachinnews.com


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Workers Suffer As Factories Close Down
1 January 2008
Original report by Naw Say Paw, DVB, Thailand


About 1000 employees from New Wave shoe factory, Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Estate, Rangoon are now suffering because the factory is closed. After sacking 200 workers for demonstrating in September as they protested for being denied workers' rights, the owner of the factory closed it down in late October.

According to one employee, the reason for the closure is the unavailability of supplies. It has also been learnt that worker are not getting the proper partial payment during the period of closure.

snip

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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India nudges Myanmar to hasten political reform
Wed Jan 2, 2008


snip

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told visiting Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win that there was a "greater urgency in bringing about political reform and national reconciliation", Indian foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

"This process had to be broadbased to include all sections of society including Aung San Suu Kyi and various ethnic groups in Myanmar," he told reporters.

snip

uk.reuters.com

332

:1st: hi,mid

Cow and Buffalo Electricity! Animals are tortured in Burma as well.
Source Niknayman’s Blog Niknayman
translated by Sit Mone
Yangon Dec 15

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
xs.to

“Environmentally friendly” electrical production using animal power will be implemented in ninety villages in the Rangoon division. Won Toil Co Ltd is a pioneer company producing electricity by using Animal Power for the villages in the Rangoon Division.

A Cow or a Buffalo can produce one Kilo Watt of Electricity, which can produce enough power for 200 Fluorescent lights.

There will be a computer monitoring system to monitor the level of exhaustion of the animals, so that the engineers will be able to change the animals before complete break down. After the successful implementation of the systems, villagers are expected to use the Animal Electricity for internet and cellular phone usage. https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

burmasitmone.wordpress.com


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Myanmar reopens ancient palace to attract tourists
2008-01-03


YANGON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has reopened an ancient palace in Bagan, northern part of the country, to attract more tourists in a bid to promote the development of tourism, the state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported Thursday.

The Thiri Zeya Bumi Bagan Golden Palace of Myanmar's first ancient empire King Anawratha is among the four ancient palaces rebuilt after 1988, based on its original architectural style and is claimed as the most glorious one. The other three are Kambawzathadi Palace in Bago, Shwebon Yadana Mingalar Palace in Shwebo and Mya Nann San Kyaw Palace in Mandalay.

snip

news.xinhuanet.com


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Thiri Zeya Bumi Bagan Golden Palace of King Anawrahta opens

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

NAY PYI TAW, 2 Jan - Hailing the 60th Anniversary Independence Day, the opening ceremony of Thiri Zeya Bumi Bagan Golden Palace of King Anawrahta, who founded the First Myanmar Empire, was held at the Palace in Bagan Archaeological Region, NyaungU, Mandalay Division, this morning.

myanmar.com


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Senior General Than Shwe sends message of condolence to King of Thailand

NAY PYI TAW, 2 Jan-Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of condolence to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on the demise of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, elder sister of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 2 Janauary 2008.

myanmar.com


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Journalists Telephones Switched Off (But "We" Didn't Do It!)
2 January 2008
Original report : DVB


Journalists, who reported the September's Golden Colour Revolution protests, have had their telephones switched off by the "authorities". Fixed line and mobile phones of some journalists, who work for international media firms such as NHK, GG and Reuters, as well as some employees of foreign embassies, have been switched off by the Ministry of Communications, it is reported.

When the telephone subscribers, who have paid full service fees, made enquiries at Myanmar Communication Cooperative about the censorship, they were told that it has been an order from their superiors (presumably the "authorities?"). Subsequent enquiries were made at Ministry of Communications, Post & Telegraph, Ministry of Information and Ministry of Home Affairs, and all three refused to take responsibility, just saying 'It wasn't us' ("authorities again?").

snip



Protesters End Hunger Strike
2 January, 2008
Original News by Aye Nai, DVB


Ko Htin Kyaw, the fuel protest leader and 2 others, who were staging a hunger strike while in custody in Insein prison, demanding the release of all political prisoners including monks, have called off their demonstration, it is reported.

All three; Ko Htin Kyaw, Ko Myo Thant (member of HRDP net work) and Ko Zin Lin Aung ( a university student) have resumed eating solid food again, according to Ma Thi Thi Soe, sister of Ko Myo Thant, who visited him in the prison last Monday.

snip



Burmese people in Singapore who support cruel Burmese Junta
2 January, 2008
Original source : Ko Htike's blog


snip

Every Burmese resident in Singapore, had been notified of the pro-junta's Independence Day celebration in the Mandarin Hotel on 2 January. Exiled pro-democracy and anti-junta bloggers had put out appeals to boycott the event and most people from Burma managed to avoid it. However, the evidence of these photos proves that there are many thick-skinned shameless and selfish people who expose themselves as most disloyal to their own country and their own race and people, and in favour of the mass murderers, military junta robbers of the country's resources . These disloyal maggots, who are feeding on the putrescent junta are all recorded in these photos. Their dishonourable names will be published soon.

above translations by Goldie Shwe

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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Myanmar Cracks Down on Ethnic Minorities
By DENIS D. GRAY
January 3, 2008


MAE SARIANG, Thailand - Myanmar's army has moved reinforcements into ethnic minority areas for the probable renewal of an offensive whose past human rights violations have been far greater than those against urban protesters that riveted world attention last fall, aid and rebel groups say.

The groups provide continuing reports of killings of civilians, rapes, forced labor, burning of crops and mass relocations as Myanmar troops attempt to wipe out die-hard guerrillas of the Karen National Union and other ethnic rebel forces.

While urban tensions may have eased since the crackdown on September's pro-democracy demonstrations in Yangon, "nothing has changed" regarding the conflict in the east of the country also known as Burma, says Htoo Kli, who helps Karen refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border.

snip

newsday.com


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DVB TV broadcasts daily from 4 January


The Democratic Voice of Burma will be airing television broadcasts every day from 4 January 2008.

The daily broadcasts will begin at 7pm Burmese time and will be repeated for 24 hours.

In addition to DVB’s regular programming, the broadcasts will include daily updates on international news, human interest stories from around the world, English language teaching and computer skills training, among other programmes.

DVB would like to thank our co-workers inside and outside Burma, and our audiences and supporters who have been with us since our first television broadcast on 27 May 2005.

We are committed to maintaining the high quality of our broadcasting as we improve and expand our service to viewers.

DVB’s television broadcasts can be found at: Telestar 10/Apstar 2R C 76.5°E MHz 3840 Symbol rate 27500 Video PID 2008 Audio PID 3008 PCR PID 2008

english.dvb.no


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Revoking ousted PM's passport a tough job : Nitya
Tue, January 1, 2008


In spite of no new policy initiatives, the military-installed government has laid a strong foreign affairs platform for the new government, outgoing Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said recently.

snip

This has led to a lack of confidence by Surayud's government in forming new foreign policy initiatives. It was unable to react quickly to the bloody crackdown on street protests in neighbouring Burma until Asean under Singaporean chairmanship took a tough stance.

The Foreign Ministry is not a single agency which can form policy towards neighbouring countries, notably Burma, but has to refer to other agencies including the National Security Council that also have their input, Nitya said.

The best thing this government can do on Burma is to act in conjunction with Asean members in supporting the United Nations secretary general and his special envoy Ibrahim Gambari.

Despite also being a military installed regime, Burma, which has a Bt4billion loan extended during Thaksin's administration, does not get along with the current Thai government.

snip

nationmultimedia.com


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Hle' Dan 5's Charges Have Been Changed
2nd January 2008
Original report by Aye Nai, DVB


Charges against protesters Ko Than Zaw Mying, Ko Saw Win, Ko Thant Zin Myo , another protester and Ko Kyaw Soe Win, known as Hle' Dan 5 had been changed, on the day they were due to appear before court, it is reported.

snip

However, on 31 December, the day the five were due to appear before court, they were visited by a judge, in their prison cells, who told them that the charges against them have now been changed. Instead of section 147, they are now charged with section 143: for acting and participating in an illegal organisation and the trial will be on 14 January.

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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Who Advised To Kill The Monks?
Posted by Ashin Mettacara
Thursday, January 3, 2008


https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/01/91.jpg

Mr. Ant Maung (Former Director General of Religious Affairs ) is a State Adviser in Myanmar who first advised to SPDC to kill the Buddhist monks in last uprising. I was trying to get his photos to mention on my blogs, but it was not easy. Therefore I have to take long time. Now I got some of his photos with the help of my friends who came from Burma recently. He can be confirmed first the key player who advised to SPDC.

Here is the sources: During the Prime Minister of Sein Lwin, Some of the monks were killed under the authorit of government. The key player was Mr. Ant Maung(ex-monk) ,he , himself told the monks while he was teaching at the Mahasandhisukha Temple. The intention of killing was to identify the Sangha(monks) who is the real Buddhist monk or not for the benefit of Sasana.

He was also a Buddhist monk before. But during the monkhood, he got his girlfriend pregnant and they got married. Later he became the Director General of Religious Affairs . Then he was accuse of corruption and malpractice. As a result of that he was relegated to State Adviser up to the present day.

Now we all Burmese Buddhist Monks dare to say that he was the first key player who advised to SPDC after Kya Khat Wine Sayardaw(abbot in Burmese) who is the abbot of Kya Khat Wine Monastery in Pegu.


The Murderer Monk

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/01/92.jpg

The Murderer Man

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/01/93.jpg
In conclusion, we can confirmed there are two advisers to kill the Buddhist Monks: Mr. Ant Maung and Kya Khat Wine Sayardaw.

ashinmettacara-eng.blogspot.com


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Four NLD Members Being Remanded Repeatedly
3 January 2008
Original report by Aye Nai, DVB


The 4 members of National League for Democracy Party, Magwe' State, who are being detained in Thayet prison, appeared before court today. However, their cases were adjourned and they were remanded in custody again, for the 6th time, according to friends of families.

U Myint Oo - the secretary, Magwe' NLD,
U Thar Cho - member, Ye Nan Chaung NLD,
U Htay Win - a private tutor, Nat Mauk and
Ko Htun Htun Nyein - member, NLD Youth, Chauk were all arrested during the September protests and were accused of committing several 'serious' offences such as 'defaming the government', 'frightening the public' and 'following the parading mass'.

Yesterday, they appeared before court, which was being held in a recreation room in Thayet prison but the case was adjourned due to the non-appearance of the prosecution witnesses, it is learnt.

Posted by Goldie Shwe

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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Army Dependents Forced to Work
1/3/2008

Kyaukpyu: Many dependents in the Burmese army, such as the wives, parents, or siblings of personnel, have been forced by the army authority to work on several army projects throughout Arakan State, reports a sergeant from Light Infantry Battalion 34 on the condition of anonymity.

snip

The army high authority also warned soldiers in the battalion that if any of their dependents is absent from the work, they will not receive their distributed rations from the battalion.




Three Unidentified Bodies Found Near Gas Drilling of Arakan Coast
1/3/2008


Kyaukpyu: Burmese authorities have recovered three unidentified bodies from the sea near a gas drilling project off the Arakan coast on Monday, reports a police official from Kyaukpru.

snip

The area has been restricted by the Burmese military government for exploration of gas by a Chinese company and Korea's Daewoo, which are currently drilling gas in the area, said the police officer.

narinjara.com


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Four Rangoon Lawyers Reportedly Blacklisted for Forging Documents
By Min Lwin
January 3, 2008


Four well-known Rangoon lawyers reportedly have been blacklisted by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower and other governmental bodies for forging documents, according to sources in Singapore and Rangoon.

One of the lawyers, Kyaw Tun Aung, when contacted by The Irrawaddy on Wednesday, confirmed that he had been blacklisted by the Ministry of Manpower, but declined to say on what grounds.

snip

A Burmese woman in Singapore who applied for an S-pass in December said her application was rejected because one of the three lawyers who can not be named forged an education certificate.

snip



Burma’s 60th Independence Anniversary: Where’s the Independence?
By Kyaw Zwa Moe
January 3, 2008


“Let us rejoice at the independence which has come to us today, the result of sacrifices undergone by us and those who preceded us in the years that have passed.”

Those are the words of Burma’s first president, Sao Shwe Thaike, in his independence message on January 4, 1948.

What has the 60th anniversary of Burma’s independence brought in 2008? Did it bring freedom, prosperity and happiness?

Sadly, little of the above can be found in the country today. Instead, we find more oppression, poverty and misery

snip



‘What Independence?’ Say Burma’s Youth
By Wai Moe
January 3, 2008

snip

Nwe Nwe, 25, is a heath worker in Rangoon. She feels that whether Burma is independent or not makes no difference to most Burmese. She says that people are suffering more under the Burmese military junta than they would under a colonial regime. Although Burma is independent, she said, it is still not developed and people are constantly facing hardships. “I say 60 years is too much time to wait. I do not believe in our independence,” she added.

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Independence Monument in downtown Rangoon is no more than a tombstone for Burmese people.

irrawaddy.org


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Forty villagers tortured for their possessions
Thu 03 Jan 2008
IMNA

About 40 villagers were beaten up by Burmese troops from No -299 in Mon State southern Burma when they tried to get back wood from their house after the Burmese soldiers forced them to relocate from their village.

snip

Burmese troops accused the villagers of supporting the Mon rebels and passing on information to media organizations. They ordered them to inform about the movement of rebel groups.

monnews-imna.com


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https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Burmese activists protest against the Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win's visit to India in down town New Delhi, India on January 3, 2008. Nyan Win and his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee held talks to boost bilateral trade and energy including the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport project.
Photo: Huai Pi/Mizzima.

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Burmese activists protest against the Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win's visit to India in down town New Delhi, India on January 3, 2008. Nyan Win and his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee held talks to boost bilateral trade and energy including the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport project.
Photo: Huai Pi/Mizzima.


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KNG's Kachin heroes for 2007

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif


Lahpai Awng Wa

An 88 generation Kachin students' leader and activist Lahpai Awng Wa organized the University students' poster movement against the Burma's military junta's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) before the Buddhist monk-led September Saffron Revolution in Kachin State, Northern Burma.

Ms. Pan Tsun or Ja Awng Lu

She conducted a civilian signature campaign for halting the Irrawaddy dam project in Mali-N'mai Zup (Myitsone) for
hydroelectric power, 26 miles north of Myitkyina by the junta.

Tangbau Kam Li

Tangbau Kam Li is a president of the Kachin Refugee Center (KRC) and he has been helping Kachin refugees and illegal
migrant workers in Malaysia.

kachinnews.com


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News : Ladies In Prison
3 January 2008
Original report by Maung Too, DVB


Ma Su Su Nwe, who was arrested while sticking posters in front of Mya Yeit Nyo Hotel, Rangoon and Ma Lay Lay Mon, the 8888 generation student were both put in solitary confinement in Insein prison where they have been detained, it is learnt.

Lay Lay Mon was due to appear before court but she was not taken out from her isolation cell. ( Ko Bo Bo Win Hlaing, who was arrested together with Ma Su Su Nwe on 14 Novermber, has also been denied a family visit.)

Ma Khin Sanda Win, a student from Daw Pone, who was arrested on 12 October is also in bad health. She has been placed in the same cell with women, who have been charged with offences related to prostitution.

Ma Mee Mee, Ma Nobel Aye, Ma Sanda Min aka Shwii all of who are 8888 generation students,

Daw Khin Aye and Daw Myint Thein, both NLD members and

Daw Khin Mar Cho of Burmese Housewives Union are all still remanded in custody.

Posted by Goldie Shwe

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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Become a sister for a woman political prisoner in

Burma!

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
xs.to.

http://www.freewebs.com/maisoong/FreeMySisterNOW.pdf

lannaactionforburma.blogspot.com

461

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:1st:

Here's some scandalous moment of popular people in Asia:

You can watch the video here:

Malaysian Health Minister Sex Video Tape
e-channel.blogspot.com/2008/01/chua-soi-lek-malaysias-health-minister.html

and another Indonesian Celebrity:
Maria Eva
prettywomens.blogspot.com/2008/01/maria-eva-indonesias-celebrity-sx-video.html

Finally Just in case you didn't watch the Vietnamese TV Star Hoang Thuy Linh Sex scandal here's the Video:
prettywomens.blogspot.com/2007/10/hoang-thuy-linh-16-minutes-full-video.html

Burma to Mark 60th Year of Independence Amid Criticism
By VOA News
03 January 2008


Burma is preparing to mark the 60th anniversary of its independence from Britain, while the international community continues to urge the country's military rulers to democratize.

The Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, Karel Schwarzenberg, Thursday sent a letter to Burma's ruling authorities, asking for the release of all political prisoners.

An editorial in a Burma-focused news magazine, the Irrawaddy, criticizes the government's so-called Seven-Step road map to democracy, noting the recently-conlcuded first step, the National Convention, took 14 years..

One Burmese ally, North Korea, sent a warm anniversary greeting to military ruler General Than Shwe, expressing a hope that friendly relations between their two countries would expand.

snip

voanews.com


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Counsellor of Myanmar embassy in Moscow found dead
03.01.2008


https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gifhttps://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gifMOSCOW, January 3 (Itar-Tass) -- The third counsellor of the Myanmar Embassy in Moscow was found dead at the embassy premises in downtown Moscow, a source in the Moscow police told Itar-Tass on Thursday.

Doctors said in a preliminary diagnosis report that the diplomat died of intestinal poisoning and acute heart attack.

snip

itar-tass.com


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Myanmar junta calls for discipline as country marks 60 years of independence
Published: January 4, 2008


YANGON, Myanmar: Myanmar's military rulers celebrated the 60th anniversary of independence from Britain on Friday with a simple flag-hoisting ceremony and a message from the junta chief calling for more discipline in the country.

The annual message from junta leader Senior Gen. Than Shwe did not directly mention the pro-democracy street rallies that were violently suppressed by troops in September, but he reiterated that the military-ruled government will make democratic reforms according to its own so-called road map.

Than Shwe called for the country's cooperation in building a "discipline-flourishing democratic state."

His comments came in a speech published in Myanmar's three state-run newspapers and read aloud by an official at an annual flag-raising ceremony in a Yangon park beside the city's famed Shwedagon Pagoda.

Police and soldiers were deployed around Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, during the ceremony amid rumors of possible protests and violence.

Security was removed after the ceremony ended.

snip

iht.com


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HEALTH-BURMA: Bird-Flu Awareness Campaigns Show Results
By Marwaan Macan-Markar

BANGKOK, Jan 4 (IPS) - An outbreak of bird flu virus among poultry in Burma’s eastern Shan State, close to the Thai border, is being greeted with a mix of concern and relief.

The cause for relief stems from the flow of information in the military-ruled country that triggered the alarm following the death of nearly 1,000 chickens, 20 ducks and a few geese infected by the H5N1 strain of the virus in late December.

Farmers in the affected areas notified local animal and public health authorities as soon as they spotted dead birds in their backyards.

snip

ipsnews.net


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Security Council presidency will be a ‘challenge’ for Libya, says its Ambassador

snip

On Myanmar, he said he would consult with the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari on whether he intends to brief the Council, should he return to the troubled South-East Asian nation in the coming weeks.


un.org


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Junta blocks information flow by hiking Sat TV fees
Nem Davies

snip

Son Moe Wai, Secretary of Burma Media Association, said, the junta might have been scared of the power that the Satellite TV broadcast revealed during the recent protests. Therefore it is hiking the fees.

"They [the junta] may be sacred that the same thing would be repeated.

Though they have hiked the fees of Satellite TV, it is impossible to place curbs on technology. But this shows that the junta is trying every means at its disposal to close the eyes and ears of the people," Son Moe Wai added.

Similarly, authorities have blocked the WebPages of international news agencies including Reuters and the Bangkok Post.

"Whenever we open these sites, 'Block by MPT' message is displayed on the screen. It has been about two months now," a foreign correspondent based in Rangoon said.

Earlier, the Burmese authorities informed tours and travel agents, which use internet for their online ticketing and marketing, to be careful in its internet usage and warned that severe punishment would befall them if they are found using it for anti-government purposes.

"It might be difficult for those viewing Satellite TV, but the junta cannot completely shut-off information flow as people, who are thirsty for information would find ways to receive news and information," Son Moe Wai said.

mizzima.com

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Six More NLD Members Arrested
3 January 2008
Original report by Naw Say Paw, DVB


Member of Parliament and 5 of his colleagues, all of them, members of National League for Democracy Party were arrested and detained last night, it is reported.

Dr Aung Moe Nyo, MP, Pwint Hpu, Magwe, Ko Htay Myint, U Than Tun, U Ko Oo and a teacher U Sein Win (all from Nyaung Pin Sat Village) and Ko Nay Myo Kyaw from Saku were preparing to travel to attend the 60th Anniversary of Burma's Independence Day celebration at the home of U Khin Win, Chairman, NLD Party, Ye' Nan Chaung, when they were arrested.

snip

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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Who Is U Win Tin?
Friday, 4 January 2008

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seapa.files.wordpress.com

U Win Tin, one of political mentors of Nobel Peace Prize winner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, continues to serve his 20 years prison sentence. He is regularly offered freedom in exchange for a signed promise to give up all political activities. But Saya (Teacher) as his friends call him, has always refuse to cut such a deal and break his ties with National League for Democracy, which was cheated out of its landslide victory at the 1990 general elections.

He was convicted of 'subversion' and 'anti-government propaganda'. In 1996, he was held for 5 months in a dog-kennel at Rangoon's Insein prison. He has since had two heart attacks and lost most of his teeth. Now 75,he has been shuttling back and forth between his cell and the spartan prisoners' wing of Rangoon hospital for the past few years. To view the original source and to sign the petition for the release of Saya U Win Tin, please click here.

Posted by Goldie Shwe
whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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FBR: Photo Essay from Karen State
Karen State, Burma
31 December, 2007

The pictures here are of new teams with displaced people in attacked areas in Nyaunglebin District, Western Karen State, Burma, in December, 2007.

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At an IDP site

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Chin GLC counselor with IDP children

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Children at an IDP school

For more information, please visit www.freeburmarangers.org


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Bangladesh Importing Rice from Burma
1/4/2008

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Chittagong: Bangladesh is now importing rice from Burma after being hit by a food shortage and drastic increase in rice prices, according to an official report.

The report said that tomorrow, the cargo ship Asrar E Mostafa is scheduled to reach Bangladesh's Chittagong port with a load of rice from Burma.

snip




TV Satellites Taken Down in Maungdaw
1/4/2008

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Maungdaw: Many television satellite dishes were taken down from the roofs in Maungdaw Township by their owners after satellite licensing fees were increased by the government to one million kyat, reports one satellite dish owner.

"The TV satellite dish was taken off my house yesterday because we are unable to pay one million kyat for the annual licensing fee," the man said.

snip

narinjara.com


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EU wants Myanmar at top of int'l agenda
Friday, January 4, 2008


NEW YORK — The European Union's special envoy on Myanmar said Thursday the world should maintain its focus on Myanmar despite recent events that are capturing headlines and he also believes China could play an even greater role in solving the situation in the country.

"There is a risk of attention to Burma, to Myanmar, being lowered in international public opinion," Piero Fassino, told Kyodo News, explaining that recent events such as the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and other brewing crises threaten to divert attention from the country.

"I think that the first goal is to keep Myanmar as a top item on the international agenda."

snip

japantoday.com


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Myanmar Opposition Party Slams Junta Over Suu Kyi Talks -AFP


YANGON (AFP)--Myanmar's opposition party on Friday criticized the ruling junta for "pretense" over meetings with its detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying the talks were merely a bid to ease pressure on the regime.

The 62-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner and Myanmar Labor Minister Aung Kyi, who was appointed in October by the junta to liaise with her, have so far held three meetings.

But since their latest talks on Nov. 19, no further date has been set, and details of their meetings have not been disclosed.

Nyan Win, a spokesman for the National League for Democracy, said the talks have made little progress and called the meetings a "pretense" by the junta.

"This is just pretense by the junta. We have not seen any progress since Nov. 19. We don't know when they are going to meet again," Nyan Win said.

snip

nasdaq.com


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Myanmar timeline

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1948 – Burma gains independence from Britain with nationalist leader U Nu as prime minister

1962 – Coup led by General Ne Win overthrows democratically elected government, establishes "Burmese Way to Socialism"

1974 – New constitution transfers military power to People's Assembly led by Ne Win

1988 – Military crushes pro-democracy student demonstration, thousands reportedly killed and hundreds jailed.

1989 – State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) declares martial law, arrests pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, changes country name to Myanmar

1990 – Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy records landslide victory in national elections, but military refuses to recognise results

1992 – Reclusive General Tan Shwe takes over as head of military government

1995 – Aung San Suu Kyi released from house arrest after six years. She is repeatedly placed under house arrest later

1997 – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) admits Myanmar into regional grouping

2003 – PM Khin Nyunt proposes new constitution as part of "road map" to democracy

2004 – Government and major ethnic rebel movement Karen National Union call a truce

2006 – Nation's capital moved from Yangon to remote town of Naypyidaw

2007 – Sudden massive hike in fuel prices triggers biggest show of public dissent since 1988. After weeks of protests military launches violent crackdown against demonstrators, sparking world outrage

english.aljazeera.net

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Myanmar deploys riot police for Independence Day
Fri 4 Jan 2008, 9:39 GMT
By Aung Hla Tun


YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's junta deployed riot police and fire trucks at potential flashpoints in Yangon on Friday to prevent pro-democracy protests on the 60th anniversary of independence from Britain.

Riot police took up positions outside the former capital's City Hall and the Shwedagon and Sule pagodas -- all key locations in mass anti-junta protests that erupted in September.

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One government official, who did not want to be named, said local authorities had also been ordered to prepare gangs of "Swan-Arr-Shin", or "Masters of Force", thugs in case pro-democracy activists tried to demonstrate.

snip

Myanmar was one of Asia's brightest prospects when it won independence from Britain in 1948. However, its economy has stagnated under four decades of military rule and a disastrous attempt at home-grown socialism.
(Editing by Ed Cropley and Alex Richardson)

africa.reuters.com


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Myanmar Monks in Sri Lanks start Long Peace Walk
Source: Ashin Mettacarra Blog (link here)
Myanmar Monks in Sri Lanka Start Campaign



Myanmar Student Monks in Sri Lanka have started walking campaign 7 am in this morning. Welcomed by the authority of Galle City and will be guarded by the Sri Lanka security on the long way.

This walking campaign is dedicated to Myanmar Independence Day and to keep peace in the whole world including inside Burma. This news will be posted with the photos sooner or later.

Walking Campaign for Burma

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lanka-msma.blogspot.com

updates avaible here Ashin Mettacara: Arrives Hikkaduwa City

Now the procession arrived Hikkaduwa City and the monks are walking in the city. Proudly, the Sri Lanka National Television programs are continuously showing our walking campaign.


Posted by Ashin Mettacara


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from chat ....................

4 Jan 08, 11:26
Bay Dah: Today noon time in Rangoon, at Shwe gon dine Road, People wearing prisoner clothes and doing walking protest carrying banner demanding to release political prisoners

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xs.to

drlunswe.blogspot.com

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Swan Arr Shin members given riot control training

Jan 4, 2008 (DVB)–Swan Arr Shin members in New Dagon and Hlaing Tharyar townships, Rangoon division, have been taking part in riot control and weapons training, while military deployments to Rangoon have increased, locals said.

A Dagon township resident said that Swan Arr Shin members in Ywar Thar Gyi, Lay Daunt Kan, Shan Tal Gyi, Yay Kyaw, Kyar Ni Kan, Kyi Su and Sit-pin villages were taking part in the training.

The resident said that local authorities were running the sessions covertly, and had been instructing the Swan Arr Shin members in the use of mêlée weapons and on how to make arrests.

"The riot control training is being given to local Swan Arr Shin members secretly during the night," the Dagon resident said.

“We have seen them being trained with sticks.”

Meanwhile, a resident of Rangoon said that the number of soldiers deployed in the formal capital has increased, with more units from artillery and other technical divisions.

snip

english.dvb.no


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Gems, Jade Sale Planned for Rangoon
By William Boot / Bangkok
January 4, 2008

The Burmese government is to stage another gems sale—just a few weeks after a major auction in Rangoon netted tens of millions of US dollars.

The new sale is being managed by state-controlled Myanmar [Burma] Economic Holdings and will take place over five days in Rangoon, starting January 15.

snip

irrawaddy.org


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January 4, 2008.

Seventy two Rohingya Muslim ethnic minorities from Burma at Kura Buri district police station in northern Thailand, after being caught by the Thai Navy on January 2, 2008.

Police said the 72 Rohingyas were arrested near Kura Buri district and were handed over to Ranong police station.

However, it is still not clear when they will be deported to Burma.

mizzima.com


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Reconciliation call on independence day
January 04, 2008
From correspondents in London


BRITISH Foreign Secretary David Miliband called for national reconciliation in Myanmar in a statement marking the country's 60th anniversary of independence from Britain.

"Today marks the 60th anniversary of Burma's independence. We congratulate the people of Burma on this historic landmark," Mr Miliband said.

"But for 45 of the last 60 years Burma has been under military rule. The brutal suppression of peaceful demonstrations last autumn was a sad reminder of the extent to which the Burmese people's aspirations for democracy, stability and prosperity have been frustrated. They deserve far better.

theaustralian.news.com.au


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Diamonds Wedding Video 'Criminals' Release Hopes
2 January 2008
Original report by Naw Say Paw, DVB


The wife of Ko Tin Htay, who was serving a 2 year jail term, because he dared to watch video recording of the wedding of senior general Than Shwe's daughter, known in Burma as 'Diamonds Decorated Wedding' (there are 24 of them), is hoping that her husband could be in the list of pardoned release of prisoners on 4 January, the Independence Day.

'A lot of people are now travelling all over the country, to wait at the gates of prisons where their loved ones are held, in the hope that they might be released. My husband commited no crime. Two years jail for just watching the video is unbelievable. Our family has lost so much, just for that, so I am hoping that he will be released as soon as possible', said Ma Lwin Lwin Mar, Ko Tin Htay's wife.

snip

whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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Burma's Financial Crisis
By Rory Byrne and Wido Schlicting
Rangoon
03 January 2008


snip

Debbie Stothard is the co-ordinator of the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma. She explains, "When the price of rice doubles overnight you're basically facing a situation where most families don't even have money to feed their children. They cannot afford to even feed their children -- that's how bad it became and that's why people took to the streets."

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Bruma's economic situation is dire for some

Years of neglect have crippled Burma's healthcare system. Modern medicines, if available at all, are often fake, or out of date.
Many people rely on traditional cures, made from plants and roots. Burma's life expectancy is one of the lowest in the world -- averaging less than 60 years.

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A hospital in Burma

Everything is repaired countless times -- nothing is wasted.
Many children are forced to work full-time jobs, seven days a week, earning less than a dollar a day.

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Nothing is wasted. Here, a man repairs an umbrella

voanews.com


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Officials demand money to boost electricity supply
Reporting by Maung Too


Jan 4, 2008 (DVB)–Officials in Thone Gwa township, Rangoon division, have been demanding up to 30,000 kyat from households to pay for improvements to the electricity supply.

Thone Gwa township Peace and Development Committee chairman U San Hlaing and Electric Power Corporation director major Myint Thu reportedly formed a committee for neighbourhood lighting, which has been collecting 20,000-30,000 kyat from every household with an electricity meter, according to a local resident.

snip

The township PDC and EPC refused to comment on the claims.

snip



NLD members kept from independence celebrations
Reporting by Naw Say Phaw

Jan 4, 2008 (DVB)–Six members of the National League for Democracy in Pwint Phyu township, Magwe division, were detained on 2 January, reportedly to stop them attending independence day celebrations in a nearby township.

snip

english.dvb.no


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Junta Refuses to Reregister Three Ethnic Cultural Groups
By Shah Paung
January 4, 2008


The Burmese military government has refused to renew the registration of three ethnic cultural groups, effectively closing them down.

Ethnic cultural groups have to renew their registration annually with the Ministry of Home Affairs, but three organizations representing Mon, Karen and Shan communities say the authorities have refused to accept their applications, giving no reason for the action.

snip



No Freedom, No Independence
By Saw Yan Naing
January 4, 2008


Today, Burma celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence. But very few people in the country are in a celebratory mood.

Nyan Win, a spokesperson for the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy, said, “From my 20s until now—my 60s—I feel there is no independence in Burma, because people feel they are not free.”

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Independence hero Gen Aung San’s statue in Rangoon

At the party headquarters, the NLD held a solemn ceremony with 600 people in attendance.

It seems many Burmese feel they are now slaves or prisoners of the military leaders who have ruled the country since 1962.

On Friday, about 12 NLD members held a brief vigil in front of the party’s headquarters wearing convicts’ white uniforms and calling for the release of all political prisoners. Burma currently detains more than 1,000 political prisoners.

snip

irrawaddy.org

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REUTERS/Aung Hla Tun
Fri Jan 4, 9:54 AM ET

A Buddhist monk attends the ceremony to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Independence Day at the National League for Democracy (NLD) party headquarters in Yangon, Janurary 4, 2008.

About 350 people, comprising party members, veteran politicians and leaders of ethnic political parties and elected representatives attended the ceremony.


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Burma: New Year ushers in rise in fuel, commodity prices
Nem Davies

January 4, 2008 - The Burmese military regime's promise notwithstanding that fuel prices will remain pegged at the last rise, vendors in various parts of Burma said fuel price in the black market has been on the increase.

While the authorities officially set the price of petrol per gallon at 2500 kyat, and diesel per gallon at 3000 kyat, in the black market the actual prices are double the government's rates, vendors said.

snip

Mizzima News (Mizzima News - Specialising in Burma-Related News and Multimedia)

611

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Nasaka Commander arrested for taking bribe
Written by Webmaster
Thursday, 03 January 2008

Maungdaw, Arakan State: A Commander of Nasaka Burma’s border security force was arrested on December 28, 2007, for taking bribe from parents of a student.

He took the payment to ensure that the student was not expelled from school and was not arrested for getting involving in a quarrel with a female student, according to an aide of Nasaka.

snip



Land confiscation in Arakan by Burma’s security force
Written by Webmaster
Thursday, 03 January 2008

Buthidaung, Arakan State: Nasaka, Burma’s border security force confiscated farm lands from Rohingya villagers in Buthidaung Township in Arakan State for maintaining their families and their business.

snip



Price of rice touching new high in Bangladesh-Burma border
Written by Webmaster
Friday, 04 January 2008

Teknaf, Bangladesh: Consumers from lower and middle income brackets have been hard hit by the skyrocketing price of rice in the last two days in Teknaf border areas because Burma stopped exporting rice to Bangladesh after arresting two Bangladeshis who were taking photographs on January 1, according to our correspondent.

snip

kaladanpress.org


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from the blog world ...............

Condition of the Political Prisoners Seriously Deteriorate
Source: Dr. Lun Swe:
4 January 2008

Link:

URGENT ACTION NEEDED

Burmese Bloggers, Your Help is much Needed !
The condition of Political Prisoners at Insein Prison is Seriously Deteriorating, all the media and the blogs please spread this news as much as possible and as soon as possible, to get the world wide attention for taking action and help.

(This was requested by Political Prisoners Watch Group inside Burma.)


At Blk 1, Ko Minn Ko Naing, Ko Jimmy, Ko Tin Htu Aung, Ko Zaw Lin Aung, Ko Myo Thant and Ko Pud Khan Kwar are held together with others criminals and Junta appointed the Kywe Gyi aka Khin Maung Thaik who was a 2 times murder case criminal as the supervisor of that Blk 1.

At Blk 2, Ko Ko Gyi, Ko Mya Aye, Ko Myo Khin aka Mone Khet and Ko Kyaw Kyaw Htwe aka Mar Kee are held together with death sentence criminals.

At Blk 3, Ko Dee Nyein Linn and Ko Thein Swe are held together with death sentence criminals.

At Blk 5, Ko Htwe Kywe is held together with other 30 criminals.

At Prison Hospital, Ko Hla Myo Aung and Ko Htin Kyaw are held together with ex army officer Hla Win Aung who is already mentally abnormal and another mad criminal.

Ko Myo Khin is going to sentence under Section 505/143 and Ko Thein Swe is going to sentence under Section 6.

Posted by Dr. Lun Swe


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Think Piece

Why there is tightened security in Burma

When people are engaged in something they are not proud of, they do not welcome witnesses.

Saying and Words of Wisdom in English, Chulalongkorn University Press (2005)


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'Authorities' Try To Stop Independence Day Celebrations
3 January 2008
Original report by Naw Say Paw and Maung Too, DVB


The chairman of National League for Democracy Party, Ye' Nan Chaung and one of his colleagues were advised not to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Independence Day by the chief police official of Magwe', it is reported.

snip



Eight More Arrested
4 January 2008
Original report : DVB


Miss Htet Htet Aung from South Dagon and Ko Kyaw Kyaw Linn from Dawbone, both members of the National League for Democracy (Youth) Party were arrested this morning, it is reported. They were taken away for questioning and the families are still waiting for their return.

Similarly, Ko Ko Maung from Mingala Don and Ko Min Han from North Okkalapa were arrested on 2nd January.

Three other people and a monk were also arrested on 3nd January, it is reported.

Posted by Goldie Shwe
whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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Thailand, UN form 'Friends of Burma' group


New York (dpa) - UN special envoy for Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, plans to visit China and India next week to continue discussion on building up efforts to bring democracy to Burma, an official of the European Union said Friday.

Gambari intends to seek another visit to Burma following talks in Beijing and New Delhi, Piero Fassino, the EU special envoy for Burma, told reporters at UN headquarters following lengthy talks with Gambari and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Fassino said a group of so-called "friends of Myanmar" was created before Christmas which aims to end the Burma crisis.

The group includes the five UN Security Council permanent members - the US, Russia, China, France and Britain - the European Union and the main Asian nations like Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

snip

bangkokpost.com


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Suu Kyi Plea Raised on Myanmar Holiday
Friday, January 04, 2008

YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar's Independence Day was marked Friday by opposition calls for the freeing of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners as the military rulers urged national discipline.

"The essential first step toward building a democratic state and achieving national reconciliation is the process of political dialogue," said a statement by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy at its party headquarters. It called for the immediate release of all political prisoners, and monks who "peacefully demonstrated their beliefs and wishes" in last year's pro-democracy protests.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel peace laureate, has been under house arrest for 12 of the past 18 years.

About 300 party members, diplomats and activists attended an NLD gathering as plainclothes officers videotaped their arrival and departure from across the street.

Two NLD youth members of were arrested on the eve of the holiday, bringing the total of jailed NLD members to 97, said party spokesman Nyan Win.

snip

foxnews.com


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Martial Arts Odyssey: Part Two Training with Shan State Army
By Dante Scott

In the latest episode of “Martial Arts Odyssey” host, Antonio Graceffo, returns to the war zone of Burma, and goes on a jungle patrol with the Shan State Army (SSA) rebels.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=x5cxsI7pvLg

At the edge of the Shan controlled area, Antonio could see into the camps of three other armies, including the enemy’s.

“The Burmese army guns are pointed into the camp twenty-four hours per day. Every man woman and child living on the SSA headquarters, at Loi Tailang, knows that the shooting could start at any minute.”

In spite of the horrors they have seen and the constant threat of attack, the refugees, soldiers, and families try to go on with their normal life.

snip

shanland.org


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Myanmar then and now

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Despite widespread poverty, families of Myanmar's military elite live a lavish lifestyle

At independence...

One of the richest countries in South-East Asia with highly educated population

World's largest rice exporter, regarded as "rice basket of Asia"

Largest teak exporter, producing about 75 per cent of world's teak

...and 60 years on

One of Asia's poorest nations, with rising poverty levels and sky-rocketing inflation

One-third of all children are malnourished, with 132,000 children under five dying every year because of avoidable diseases according to Save the Children

Major heroin trafficker and world's second-largest opium producer

Designated "least developed country" status by UN since 1987

Ranked world's most corrupt country in 2007 Transparency International index

english.aljazeera.net

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Yunnan opens methadone clinics in border areas
Updated: 2008-01-05 19:08
(Xinhua)


KUNMING - Southwest China's Yunnan Province set up seven more methadone mobile clinics in 2007 in the rural areas bordering the Golden Triangle in an effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The province had intended to open 22 new clinics early last year but only 14 were set up by the end of 2007, bringing the total number of methadone clinics to 67 including eight mobile ones, said Zhang Ruimin, deputy director of the Yunnan Provincial Institute for Drug Abuse.

The seven new mobile clinics provide treatment for people in Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Dehong, Hani-Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Honghe, Lincang City and Baoshan City, which cover most of the rural border areas.

Bordering the Golden Triangle drug-producing area which covers parts of Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, Yunnan has suffered from crippling heroin addiction in recent years.

snip

chinadaily.com.cn

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A warm thank-you to mid for keeping this ongoing travesty on our doorstep in the spotlight.

Keep up the good work!

The Junta Carries Out New Year Arrests
Original report by Maung Too, DVB
5 January 2008


More than 10 pro-democracy activists, including a monk, have been arrested by the military junta since New Years Day, in Rangoon alone, it is reported.

NLD (Youth) members Miss Htet Htet Aung from South Dagon, Ko Kyaw Kyaw and Ko Kyaw Zin Win from Dawbone were all arrested yesterday according to U Nyan Win, member, information team, National League for Democracy Party.

On 3rd January, a monk and 4 poeple were arrested at 'Sate Taing Kya' Teashop in Lewis Road. On separate occasion, Ko Ko Maung and Ko Min Han were also arrested. Both men were former political prisoners of 8888 generation, according to the leader Ko Soe Tun.

The house, where Kyaw Ko Ko, leader of All Burma Student Union was staying was surrounded and searched but he escaped. Details of the arrests were not known.

Some NLD members of Ye' Nan Chaung, who were arrested and detained during the Independence Day celebration period have been all released.

The military junta has been carrying out these arrests despite the requests and appeals from International organisations including the United Nations.

Posted by Goldie Shwe
whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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Burma to Attend Bimstec Meeting on Poverty Alleviation
1/5/2008


Dhaka: Burmese ministerial level delegates will attend a meeting in Dhaka of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or Bimstec, on poverty alleviation in the region, on 10 January 2008, according to an official report.

Burma's senior officials will arrive in Dhaka on 8 January to prepare the agenda for the ministerial meeting that will be held on Thursday. There are no reports of which ministers from Burma will be in attendance.

snip




Bangladeshi Monks United for Saffron Revolution in Burma
1/5/2008


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Dhaka: A leading monk organization working on Burmese monk affairs was formed by five monks' organizations in Bangladesh on Friday at a monastery in the Chittagong Hill Tract area in Bangladesh, said U Thiha, the spokesperson of the new organization.

He said, "All monk organizations agreed in a meeting to form an umbrella monk organization to lead Bangladeshi monks in cooperating with Burmese monks for carrying out their religious purpose in Burma."

The meeting was held at Mazi Para monastery in Rangamati District of Bangladesh, with 42 monk delegates from five organizations in attendance.

snip

narinjara.com


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Singaporeans hiring more maids from Thailand, India and Myanmar
Posted : Sun, 06 Jan 2008
Author : DPA

Singapore - Increasing numbers of maids are being hired from Thailand, India and Myanmar by Singaporean employers claiming their temperaments are sweeter and they are better behaved than Filipinos and Indonesians, a newspaper reported on Sunday.

Those from Thailand, India and Myanmar account for 6 per cent of the 170,000 domestic workers in the city-state. Agencies said the numbers are rising.

snip

The Myanmarese have become particularly popular. "From employer feedback, the problems of Myanmarese maids are less complicated," Kwang Fend Fang, owner of United Channel Employment Agency, was quoted as saying.

Those who are university graduates can read and understand English even if they do not speak it well, agencies said.

With the recent political upheavals in Myanmar, 23-year-old Nang Kham Kyein said she welcomes the opportunity to work overseas. Her employer has a household of six.

Agencies said the average monthly salary for maids is 300 Singapore dollars (208 US dollars).

snip

earthtimes.org


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Land Customs Stations to be upgraded to boost border trade
6 Jan, 2008


NEW DELHI: With a view to boost border trade, over a dozen Land Customs Stations (LCSs) along India's borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal will be upgraded into Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in next three years for providing better facilities to businessmen.

snip

economictimes.indiatimes.com


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Scrounging for the generals' scraps
Jan 06, 2008 04:30 AM
Paul Watson
Los Angeles Times

Burmese pay heavily to pan for gold, using mercury that poisons them and river's fish

KHARBAR, Burma–Squatting along rocky banks of the Nmai Hka River, villagers labour dawn till dusk over large wooden pans, scrounging for crumbs from the junta's table.

Children barely big enough to swirl the heavy silt toil beside adults, doing backbreaking work that exposes them to toxic mercury.

Every few minutes, they pause and tilt their dripping pans to catch the sunlight, hoping for the glint from a few golden flecks not scooped up with the rest of Burma's vast mineral wealth by the ruling generals and their cronies.

On a recent day by the river, Ja Bu, 46, strained to shovel loads of silt as a 10-year-old boy, ankle-deep in cold, muddy water, worked a pan big enough for him to bathe in.

About 95 kilometres west, Ja Bu's younger brother searched for jade in the drainage ditch of a mine exhausted years ago by the junta.

The few dollars Ja Bu and her brother scratch together each day from the generals' leavings buys food, clothes and shelter for 10 people.

snip

thestar.com


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Myanmar sanctions pass
Sunday, January 6, 2008


The Senate has passed legislation to further tighten economic sanctions on the military junta in Myanmar, also known as Burma.

The legislation, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Biden, a presidential hopeful, awaits final action in the House.

courier-journal.com


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Myanmar suspends business of some customs clearing companies, agents in 2007
2008-01-06


YANGON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar finance authorities revoked the business licenses of two customs clearing companies and 18 customs agents in 2007, according to Monday's edition of the local journal Voice published in advance on Sunday.

These companies and agents, allegedly linked with corruption, were temporarily stopped to run their business for a period of up to six months, the Director-General of the Customs Department was quoted as saying.

snip

news.xinhuanet.com


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Quote:

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A hospital in Burma

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Myanmar sets up herbal park to promote traditional medicines


Yangon : Myanmar has set up the first national herbal park in the new capital of Nay Pyi Taw to grow herbal and medicinal plants, the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported Sunday.

The herbal park is part of the government's efforts to protect and preserve the time-tested herbs from depletion and extinction and to keep alive the country's traditional system of medicines.

Over 20,000 herbal and medicinal plants of over 700 species from some 10 states and divisions for producing medicines used in treating diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hypertension, diabetes, malaria and tuberculosis are being grown in the 81-hectare park, the report said.

snip

indianmuslims.info


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National Herbal Park opens in Nay Pyi Taw

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 Jan - Hailing the 60th Anniversary Independence Day the National Herbal Park was opened at the park, here, yesterday.

myanmar.com


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from the blog world ............

Burmese Activist was called up by Singapore Police
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Source: To protect the identity of the Activist I don't want to reveal the source.


According to the Burmese Activist who participated in the protest at the Orchard during the ASEAN summit was called up by the Singapore police just recently and was advised to come to Tanglin Police Station for "interview".(Orchard area is the vicinity of Tanglin Police Station).

This information was posted on that Activist's Blog in Burmese.

The Activist mentioned that the phone call from the police caught the activist by surprise because it was quite some time ago. The police asked the activist when will the activist be able to come to the police station for interview regarding the Protest issue. According to the activist, the police talked quite nicely on the phone.

The activist was not sure about how many Burmese Activists who participated Orchard Road Protest during ASEAN summit were called up by the police.

(If I get more information, I will post as soon as possible .. Bay Dah)

baydah.blogspot.com


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Petition Starts In Rakhine
Original report by Aye Nai, DVB
5 January 2008


Thousands of people signed the petition in Rakhine State, Western Burma, the first of the mass movements for 2008.

About 7000 people signed in the petition for the release of U Khin Hla, secretary, NLD Party , Rakhine and Ko Min Aung, treasurer, which is to be sent to authorities, it is reported.

Both gentlemen were arrested and imprisoned for reporting the prevalence of forced labour and forced recruitment of child soldiers. This is in direct contravention of the Supplementary Understanding reached on 26 February 2007 between the ILO (International Labour Organisation) and the junta.

Ko Moe Naing Soe, an NLD Party promotional team member, said, ' Signatures from all over the state have been collected and we have had about 7000, altogether. The petition will be sent off to senior general Than Shwe, in a few days' time.'

U Khin Hla is serving 4 years sentence and Ko Min Aung 2 years in Than Dwe' prison.

There have been some other petitions in Rangoon and other areas.

To read the agreement of the 26 February 2007 (a Supplementary Understanding between the ILO and Myanmar government, please click here.

Posted by Goldie Shwe
whoiswhoinburma.blogspot.com


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