Friday, August 17, 2012

Suu Kyi’s Silence on Rohingya Draws Rare Criticism


16-Aug-12
BANGKOK—She is known as the voice of Burma’s downtrodden but there 
is one oppressed group that Aung San Suu Kyi does not want to discuss.

Islamic group to take Rohingya issue to the UN


Thursday, 16 August 2012 12:23 Mizzima News
The Islamic summit meeting has decided to take the issue of Muslim 
Rohingyas in Burma to the United Nations, it said in a statement.

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Govt ‘Plotting Kachin Attack’ despite Peace Rhetoric


16-Aug-12
Amid apparent attempts to arrange peace talks, the Burmese military 
is preparing for a large scale offensive against Kachin rebels 
in northern Burma with large troop deployments at the frontline, 
according to local sources.

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Curfews Cut Back in Arakan State as Tensions Ease


16-Aug-12
Local authorities in Arakan State have shortened curfews in townships 
affected by clashes between Arakanese Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims 
as the situation appears to be returning to normal, according 
to government officials and local residents.

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Rakhine Aid Workers Freed


2012-08-16
Burmese authorities release local NGO staff held amid ethnic violence 
between Rohingyas and Rakhines.
Two local staff members of an international aid non-governmental 
organization detained during the height of ethnic violence in western 
Burma’s Rakhine state were released Thursday amid easing tensions 
but several more aid workers continue to languish in detention.

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Islamic body to take Rohingya issue to United Nations


16-Aug-12
The Islamic summit decided on Thursday to take the issue of Burma’s 
Muslim Rohingyas, displaced by deadly sectarian violence, to the United Nations.

Read More---


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Shan leader says Wa should help gov’t in anti-drug campaign


Wednesday, 15 August 2012 12:26 Mizzima News
The top Shan army leader says now is a “golden opportunity” for a top 
commander of the United Wa State Army who is wanted by the US on 
drug changes to cooperate in Nawpyitaw’s drug elimination policy.

Traffic police officer arrested for smuggling tons of jade


Wednesday, 15 August 2012 15:14 MHO
On August 11, deputy traffic police officer U Kyaw Soe Aung who is currently 
assigned to Muse City in Northern Shan State was reportedly arrested altogether 
with his two subordinates for illegally transporting jade.

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Drug abuse free-for-all on the Chinese border


15-Aug-12
Drugs are widely available in Namkham and the neighboring Kachin township 
of Manwiang but local authorities are taking no action against this state of affairs, 
report locals.

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Tech Schools Reopen in Rangoon and Mandalay


15-Aug-12
Institutes of Technology will reopen in Burma’s two biggest cities of Rangoon 
and Mandalay after being closed by the junta government 24 years ago.

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Turkey’s Arakan Access Shows Govt Sincere: UN


15-Aug-12
A top UN envoy says that the recent visit of Turkey Foreign Minister 
Ahmet Ahmet Davutoglu to violence-hit Arakan (Rakhine) State shows 
the Burmese government sincerely wants to solve the crisis.

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Kachin women demand Myanmar Human Right Commission hold in-depth investigation into Kachin abuses


15-Aug-12
The Kachin Women Association Thailand urged the Myanmar Human Right 
Commission to do a proper comprehensive and in-depth inquiry into the 
massive amount of people who have been displaced or made refugees 
by Burma Army offensives in Kachin State.

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Flooding Displaces Thousands in Delta Region


15-Aug-12
Massive flooding caused by ongoing heavy rain this week has forced 
thousands of people living in Irrawaddy Division and Karen State to flee their homes.

Read More---


Navy Chief Picked as VP


2012-08-15
Burma's newly appointed vice president is seen as politically moderate. Burma 
on Wednesday appointed a navy chief who has a reputation as a political 
moderate to be one of the country’s two vice presidents, replacing 
a hardliner who resigned for health reasons.

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MPs Want Tribunal Sacked


2012-08-15

Burma’s Lower House of Parliament says a ruling on affairs committees 

was unlawful.Burma’s Lower House of Parliament has called for the 

resignation of all members of the country’s Constitutional Tribunal for 

a ruling that will make it difficult for MPs to effectively oversee 

the activities of government entities.


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Foreign investment may be restricted under new laws


15-Aug-12
Burma’s new foreign investment law may be more restrictive than its predecessor, 
experts said, after an updated draft of the much-anticipated foreign direct 
investment (FDI) bill was leaked to Reuters last week.

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Jeddah Meeting Focuses on Syria, Muslims in Myanmar


14-Aug-12
Foreign ministers who convened in Jeddah ahead of an extraordinary 
meeting ofOIC discussed Syria and problems of Muslims in Myanmar.

Suu Kyi city visit in works


14-Aug-12
Fort Wayne's Burmese community is trying to arrange a visit to the city 
by Aung San Suu Kyi, the democracy leader of their native Myanmar.



Myanmar seeks help to build 21st century grid


14-Aug-12
Myanmar has started discussions with foreign companies in a bid to transform 
its dilapidated national electricity grid, a vital component of the country’s 
economic reforms.



Freed Rangoon bomber appeals guilty verdict


14-Aug-12
Phyo Wei Aung, who was controversially convicted of masterminding a bomb 
attack in Rangoon in 2010 but recently released from jail, has today appealed 
to the Supreme Court in Naypidaw to have his guilty verdict overturned.



Freed Rangoon bomber appeals guilty verdict


14-Aug-12
Phyo Wei Aung, who was controversially convicted of masterminding a bomb 
attack in Rangoon in 2010 but recently released from jail, has today appealed 
to the Supreme Court in Naypidaw to have his guilty verdict overturned.



Dawei project infrastructure funding again underway


Tuesday, 14 August 2012 14:43 Mizzima News
Funding for infrastructure in the Dawei Special Economic Zone project 
in southern Burma is being lined up,  according to government officials 
who spoke to members of Parliament last week.

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Japan to help Burma create a securities and exchange law


Tuesday, 14 August 2012 14:21 Than Htike Oo
Rangoon (Mizzima) - The Policy Research Institute of Japan and Central 
Bank of Myanmar will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 
Tuesday to create a Myanmar Securities and Exchange Law, said an 
official of the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Read More---

 


Japan to help Burma create a securities and exchange law


Tuesday, 14 August 2012 14:21 Than Htike Oo
Rangoon (Mizzima) - The Policy Research Institute of Japan and Central 
Bank of Myanmar will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 
Tuesday to create a Myanmar Securities and Exchange Law, said an 
official of the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Read More---

 


7-Day News Journal stands by electricity story


Tuesday, 14 August 2012 15:55 Myat Kyaw Thu
Rangoon (Mizzima) – The 7-Day News Journal in Rangoon has rejected 
allegations by the  Phontphyo Myanmar Company  that an article about 
delayed electricity service to a village in Sagaing Region is not accurate.

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Burma signs MoU for Rangoon power plant


Tuesday, 14 August 2012 13:21 Mizzima News
Burma has signed an agreement to conduct a study to build a natural gas-fired 
and combined cycle 100-megawatt power plant in Ahlone Township in Rangoon 
Region, official media reported on Sunday.

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UN says has no access to ‘tens of thousands’ in Rakhine, Kachin states


Tuesday, 14 August 2012 13:08 Mizzima News
The UN humanitarian affairs office has issued an appeal for US$ 32.5 million 
to provide humanitarian aid to Rakhine State in Burma, it said this week. 
The western state has been the site of ongoing community clashes 
involving Rakhine and Rohingya residents.

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Burmese political parties call for Quintana’s removal


Tuesday, 14 August 2012 12:50 Mizzima News
Twenty-four Burmese political parties say UN special rapporteur on human 
rights Tomas Quintana is biased in reporting on Burma’s ethnic conflicts 
and have called for his removal.

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Burma’s vice president calls peace deals fragile


Tuesday, 14 August 2012 12:38 Mizzima News
During a Union-level peacemaking committee meeting in Naypyitaw on Sunday, 
Vice President Sai Mauk Kham said signing cease-fire deals with ethnic groups 
does not create peace, and on-going negotiations are fragile and demand committment.

Read More---


American Muslims Launch ‘Burma Task Force USA’


14-Aug-12

WASHINGTON DC—Prominent Muslim American groups have come together 

to launch Burma Task Force USA with the objective of raising the profile of 

the Rohingya issue while speaking out against alleged atrocities and human 

rights violations which have forced thousands to flee and seek refuge in neighboring

 

Read More---


Media Objects to Interim Regulatory Body


14-Aug-12
Myanmar Journalists Association (MJA) representatives have told Information 
Minister Kyaw Hsan that they will not take part in the new 20-member 
Myanmar Core Press Council (MCPC) until changes are made 
to its powers and obligations.

Read More---


Burma to Pick New VP on Wednesday


14-Aug-12
Burma’s Parliament is set to choose a new vice president in Naypyidaw on 
Wednesday, with Gen Nyan Htun, the commander-in-chief of Burma’s navy, 
seen as the top pick of the legislature’s military appointees.

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FEC’s Days Are Numbered, but Demand Remains


14-Aug-12
The Burmese government’s plans to abolish Foreign Exchange Certificates 
(FECs) by early next year could face obstacles due to continuing demand from 
businesses that are required to use them for a range of transactions, according 
to officials in the private banking sector.

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Ministry delays interim press council’s debut


14-Aug-12
Information Minister Kyaw Hsan has been forced to postpone the formation 
of Burma’s new interim press council after being deluged with criticism from 
media organisations and journalists, according to the Myanmar 
Journalists Association (MJA).

Read More---


Monday, August 13, 2012

Development banks back Myanmar for credit


12-Aug-12
The opening of the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 
offices in Yangon has paved the way for Myanmar to regain access to financing 
from official development banks and foreign governments, Moody's 
Investors Service said.
 

Villagers being taxed by all armies


12-Aug-12
Boat travelers on the Zami waterways in the Three Pagoda and Kyain Seikgyi 
Township region of in Karen State claim they are tax targets of various armed soldiers.

Read More---


Opposition Leader Suu Kyi Meets President


12-Aug-12
RANGOON — Burma’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has met with 
the president for their first talks since the Nobel Peace Prize laureate 
became a member of parliament.

Read More---


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Development-Democracy-Human Security in Myanmar (Case Study July 2012)

Development-Democracy-Human Security in Myanmar (Case Study July 2012)

Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar (Case Study) 2012

Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar (Case Study) 2012

2012 August 10 NCUB statement on Ministers U Aung Min and U Soe Thein -English Version

2012 August 10 NCUB Statement on Ministers U Aung Min and U Soe Thein -English Version

Villagers face taxing time using Kawkareik Township waterways


10-Aug-12
Villagers in the Kawkareik Township area claim the Democratic Karen Buddhist 
Army and its political wing the Klohtoobaw Karen Organization is taxing boat 
travelers using the Haung Tha Raw River.

Read More---


About 20,000 people fined for illegally crossing roads


Friday, 10 August 2012 14:37 Yadanar Oo
Rangoon (Mizzima) – A total of 19,492 people were given citations for illegally 
crossing roads from January until late July, the Rangoon Region Supervisory 
Committee for Motor Vehicles reported this week.

Read More---

 


Thousands homeless after Karen State floods


Friday, 10 August 2012 14:20 Mizzima News
Up to 6,000 people are homeless after severe flooding in Hpa-an Township in Karen State.

Zaw Min, the Karen State chief minister, said that heavy rains since July have caused 

the Salween River to finally flood.


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EU asks Bangladesh to rescind aid ban on NGOs


Friday, 10 August 2012 13:47 Mizzima News
The European Union has urged Bangladesh to ensure humanitarian access 
to Rohingya refugees from Burma, and to allow humanitarian aid organizations 
“to do their work for the benefit of all communities.”

Read More---


People’s voice needed to establish rule of law

Friday, 10 August 2012 14:06 Aung Myat Tun
Rangoon (Mizzima) – Parliament Legal Affairs and Investigating Committee 
member Than Maung told a Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of 
Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) meeting this week that people must 
understand that the police, courts, public administrators and government 
staff are all public servants who are bound

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Three new wharfs planned for Ahlone Port


Friday, 10 August 2012 12:52 Theingi Tun
Rangoon (Mizzima) – The Ahlone Dockyard Port will significantly expand with 
the construction of three new wharfs valued at more than US$ 110 million.

Read More---

 


Burma looking to become world’s No. 1 rice exporter


Friday, 10 August 2012 12:20 Mizzima News
Burma could be poised to reclaim its No. 1 position as the world’s top rice exporter,
 perhaps within three years, say officials, if all goes well. Burma was the world's 
top rice exporter in the 1960s. A top priority is to give farmers better access 
to high-quality seeds and fertilizer, officials said.

Turkey foreign minister travels to Rakhine State


Friday, 10 August 2012 12:04 Mizzima News
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who is leading a delegation 
of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on a visit to Rakhine State, 
met with Burmese President Thein Sein in Naypyitaw on Thursday.

Thein Sein meets with Arakan leaders


10-aug-12
President Thein Sein and leaders from two major Arakanese parties met during 
informal talks on Wednesday and discussed the unrest in western Burma’s 
Arakan state that was rocked by sectarian rioting in June.

Read More---

 


World Bank grant could ‘exacerbate’ problems in border regions


10-Aug-12
Civil society groups have urged the World Bank to exercise caution before 
pressing ahead with their plans to pump $85 million into community projects 
in Burma’s conflict-torn border regions or risk “exacerbating” local problems.

Read More---


Friday, August 10, 2012

Burma’s president helps fund ’88 24th anniversary event


Thursday, 09 August 2012 12:41 Mizzima News
Burma’s President Thein Sein personally sent two cabinet minister to hand over 
a check to a former political prisoner to help fund a 24th anniversary 
commemoration event of the 1988 protest movement held in Mandalay on Wednesday.

Read More---


2012 Aug 10 Formation of Myanmar Core Press Council

2012 Aug 10 Formation of Myanmar Core Press Council

Burma army troops assault Kachin woman in northern Shan state


8-Aug-12
On the morning of August 2, a group of Burma army soldiers operating in northern 
Shan state entered the home of 48 year-old Lahtaw Ja Roi and proceeded to brutally 
beat her, according to the Kachin Voice news and website.

Read More---

 

KIO makes plans for return of refugees following China's request


 9-Aug-12
Local Chinese authorities have requested that Kachin refugees staying in the 
Nongdao district of Yunnan Province go back to Burma as soon as possible, 
the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has responded by building a 
new camp in its territory to house the displaced families, 
say aid workers based in the area.

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New Curfews Imposed in Arakan State


9-Aug-12
Three more townships in northern Arakan State imposed curfews on Wednesday 
following fresh clashes earlier this week between Buddhists and Muslims 
in the strife-torn region, where a total of nine townships are now under lockdown.

Read More---

Police Dump Homeless Children in Mountains


9-Aug-12
A group of homeless families including around 15 children were arrested 
by the local authorities in Prome (Pyay) in Pegu Division on Saturday 
and dumped at the foot of the Arakan Yoma mountain range 35 miles away, 
according to sources.

Read More---

 

KNU Doubts Govt Peace Efforts


9-Aug-12
The Burmese government is avoiding real political dialogue despite claiming 
that it wants to build peace with ethnic armed groups, claims 
the Karen National Union (KNU).

Read More---

Plans to Resume Kachin Peace Talks Stall over Choice of Venue


9-Aug-12
The Burmese government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) say 
they are ready to resume talks aimed at ending more than a year of fighting 
in northern Burma, but have yet to agree on a  place to meet.

Read More---

UN appeals to Bangladesh to allow aid groups to resume work


Thursday, 09 August 2012 14:45 Mizzima News
The UN Refugee Agency has called on Bangladesh to allow provision of 
humanitarian assistance to refugees that have entered its territory, a UN 
spokesman told reporters in New York on Tuesday.

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Oil, gas investments lead in Burma’s first five months



Thursday, 09 August 2012 14:21 Mizzima News
In the past two decades, a total of 477 foreign companies have invested in Burma, 
for a total of US$ 41.029 billion as of June 2012.

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Burma to abolish foreign exchange certificate in 2013


Thursday, 09 August 2012 13:39 Theingi Tun

Rangoon (Mizzima) – Burma’s Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) will be abolished, 

most likely in March 2013, Maung Maung Win, the vice chairman of the Central Bank 

of Myanmar, told Mizzma on Wednesday.


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Burma to consider allowing Islamic group to visit Rakhine State


Thursday, 09 August 2012 12:59 Mizzima News
Burma is considering a proposal to allow the Organization of Islamic Cooperation 
(OIC) secretary-general to assess the evetns surrounding the Rohingya Muslim 
ethnic group in strife-torn Rakhine State, according to Indonesian 
Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. 

Burma’s president helps fund ’88 24th anniversary event


Thursday, 09 August 2012 12:41 Mizzima News
Burma’s President Thein Sein personally sent two cabinet minister to hand over 
a check to a former political prisoner to help fund a 24th anniversary 
commemoration event of the 1988 protest movement held in Mandalay on Wednesday.

ASEAN mulls providing Rohingyas humanitarian aid


9-Aug-12
Southeast Asian nations are considering humanitarian assistance for Rohingya 
facing “pain and suffering” in Burma, the head of the ASEAN regional bloc
 said Wednesday.

Read More---