Monday, February 11, 2013

Political prisoner committee gives reason for hope and caution



9 Feb 2013

The announcement by the office of President Thein Sein that a committee 
will be formed to review political prisoner cases in Burma [Myanmar] 
could represent a major breakthrough in solving the issue of political prisoners. 
While hundreds of political prisoners have been released in the past two years,
 there have been disagreements about how many remain in jail. 
The figure is certainly in the hundreds, and could be much higher.

Investors who trample land rights risk bottom line: experts



10 Feb 2013

(Commentary) - Companies that invest in land and resources in emerging economies 
risk financial and public relations disasters if local inhabitants feel they are getting ripped off,
 consultants warned in a report last week.


UN should mediate talks, says Kachin peace broker



10 Feb 2013

The UN should mediate the upcoming peace talks between 
the Myanmar government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO,
 said Kachin peace broker San Aung.

Traditional Oil Drilling Supports Hundreds in Central Burma


8 Feb 2013

THAYET TOWNSHIP, Magway Division In the scorching midday heat of central Burma, 
dozens of families are hard at work.

In the shade of tarpaulins and thatched-roof huts, workers operate makeshift wooden
 drills and old engine blocks to dig wells in order to bring up
 that most coveted of energy sources: oil.

More >>>>>>>>>

Back in the Land of Green Ghosts


9 Feb 2013

After living for 24 years in exile, Pascal Khoo Thwe, a Burmese author known 
for his autobiography, “From the Land of Green Ghosts: A Burmese Odyssey,”
 is now visiting the country of his birth. He is an ethnic Karen and his 2002 book
 is about growing up in Burma under military rule. It was awarded the Kiriyama Prize, 
an international literary award given to books which will encourage greater
 understanding of and among the peoples and nations of the Pacific Rim and South Asia.
 He recently spoke to The Irrawaddy’s Kyaw Phyo Tha about his return to Burma.

More >>>>>>>>>>>

Myanmar expects NV extension


9 Feb 2013

Myanmar hopes Thailand will allow more time for documenting an estimated 
one million migrant workers if the nationality verification (NV) process 
can't be finished by the March 16 deadline.