Archive for February 12th, 2008
World Focus on Burma (12 Feb 08)
Myanmar opposition stages small street protest urging return to …
The Canadian Press -
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been under military rule since 1962 and has not had a constitution since 1988, when the army brutally suppressed earlier …
Fake Malaria Drugs Made In China: Tracking Down The Threat To …
Science Daily (press release) -
In countries with a large burden of malaria, such as Myanmar (Burma), the Lao PDR, Cambodia and Viet Nam, as many as half of all artesunate tablets — one …
Science Daily (press release) -
In countries with a large burden of malaria, such as Myanmar (Burma), the Lao PDR, Cambodia and Viet Nam, as many as half of all artesunate tablets — one …
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Moscow praises Myanmar referendum, election plans
RIA Novosti, Russia - Myanmar’s Constitution was suspended almost 20 years ago when the military junta seized control of the country. Myanmar, also known as Burma, … |
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Aung San Suu Kyi’s party calls for ‘fair political climate’ in Myanmar
AFP - The party released the statement at its headquarters in Yangon to mark Union Day, which commemorates a declaration of unity among Myanmar’s many ethnic … |
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´Disciplined Myanmar Democracy´: Another Hoax
American Chronicle, CA - It is a public relations spin following last year´s fuel price hike riots and it has nothing to do with democracy, said Burma Campaign UK. … |
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Mixed international response to junta’s election plans
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway - Ban Ki-moon also stressed that UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari should be allowed to return to Burma as soon as possible. Gambari has said he is negotiating … |
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Burmese leader stands by election plans
ABC Online, Australia - The leader of Burma’s military junta, General Than Shwe, has hit back at critics of his plan to hold a constitutional referendum in May and general … |
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Pro-Democracy Supporters Protest In Myanmar
eFluxMedia - By Matthew Williams Just days after the Myanmar government said it will hold two elections, supporters of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi took the … |
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Union Day Protest in Rangoon
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - Union Day marks the date of the Panglong Agreement signed by Burma’s central government and representatives of various ethnic groups, such as Shan, … |
Elections, Generals and Broken Hearts
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
The generals’ National Unity Party, a reincarnation of late dictator Ne Win’s Burma Socialist Program Party which ruled the country with an iron fist until …
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
The generals’ National Unity Party, a reincarnation of late dictator Ne Win’s Burma Socialist Program Party which ruled the country with an iron fist until …
Just Say ‘No’ to Junta’s Constitution
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
By AUNG MOE ZAW Burma’s military regime announced on February 9 that a national referendum would be held in just three months’ time. …
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
By AUNG MOE ZAW Burma’s military regime announced on February 9 that a national referendum would be held in just three months’ time. …
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Junta Tightens Passports for NGO Staff
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - The Myanmar Passport Issuing Office was not available for comment when contacted by The Irrawaddy. The office is run by the Police Special Branch, … |
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KNPP Challenges Child Soldiers Report
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - By VIOLET CHO Burma’s Karen National Progressive Party (KNPP) on Tuesday challenged a UN report claiming its armed wing, the Karenni Army, is recruiting … |
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Opinions on SPDC’s constitution and announced election
Mizzima.com, India - It is clear that the people inside Burma have reached the limits of their tolerance. The regime is worrying about the roadblocks on their so-called road map … |
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Mixed Reactions from UN, US on Junta Election Plan
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - “The secretary-general believes this latest development also makes it essential that a visit to Myanmar [Burma] by his special adviser, Ibrahim Gambari, … |
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Pro-Democracy Protest in Myanmar
The Associated Press - Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been under military rule since 1962 and has not had a constitution since the last one was scrapped in 1988, when the army … |
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Reluctant democrat
Frontline, India - Myanmar’s long-surviving military junta has, after having successfully asserted its sense of self-importance as a sovereign but intransigent player at a … |
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Myanmar charter vote a first step – ASEAN
Reuters India, India - The announcement by the military, which has ruled the former Burma in various guises since 1962, has been derided as a “sham” by the United States and … |
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HRW To Myanmar: End Repression Before Referendum []
RTT News, NY - 2/12/2008 5:23:15 AM A prominent human rights watchdog has called upon Myanmar to end its repression of pro-democracy activists and allow a public debate … |
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Myanmar ruler in ‘democracy’ call
Aljazeera.net, Qatar - Myanmar’s military government has asked the people to back its so-called roadmap to democracy in an upcoming referendum, accusing pro-democracy and … |
The junta’s electoral gambit
Mizzima.com, India -
Succession within Burma’s military has never been clearly outlined. It is thus uncertain what the future hierarchy of the military may look like, …
Mizzima.com, India -
Succession within Burma’s military has never been clearly outlined. It is thus uncertain what the future hierarchy of the military may look like, …
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UN/US beseech junta to engage opposition in constitutional process
Mizzima.com, India - “The Secretary-General renews his call to the Myanmar authorities to make the constitution-making process inclusive, participatory and transparent in order … |
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Myanmar demonstrators urge military junta to allow democracy
International Herald Tribune, France - Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been under military rule since 1962 and has not had a constitution since 1988, when the army brutally suppressed earlier … |
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The roadmap that isn’t
Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates - BURMA’S opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) knows the ruling military junta best, which is why their take on the so-called roadmap for democracy … |
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Journalist U Win Tin and blogger Nay Phone Latt transferred to …
Reporters without borders (press release), France - … a 1996 TV and video law (http://www.blc-burma.org/html/myanmar%20law/lr_e_ml96_08.html) imposing government control over all political content. … |
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UPDATE 2-Myanmar says dissidents tearing country apart
Reuters UK, UK - The former Burma’s official name is the “Union of Myanmar”. The 75-year-old military supremo’s message was carried in all official newspapers and broadcast … |
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Bright Spot: Saint’s Place rolls out welcome mat for refugees
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, NY - … Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Iran, Pakistan, Vietnam, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Liberia, Cuba, Sierra Leone and Myanmar (formerly Burma). … |
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If It’s Not the Pickpockets, It’s the Killer Ants
New York Times, United States - According to her, the captain replied that they had no choice since there were no parts available in Burma (now Myanmar) to repair the plane. … |
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Burmese Junta Plan Draws Criticism
New York Sun, NY - … and that “any draft constitution is broadly representative of the views of all the people of Myanmar.” The “current situation of the people of Burma … |
Myanmar must end repression before referendum: HRW
Livemint, India -
“The question is whether Burma’s military government is willing to change course by allowing public debate and transparent voting in this referendum,” said …
Livemint, India -
“The question is whether Burma’s military government is willing to change course by allowing public debate and transparent voting in this referendum,” said …
UN Chief Urges Talks in Myanmar
The Associated Press -
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been under military rule since 1962 and has not had a constitution since the last one was scrapped in 1988, when the army …
The Associated Press -
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been under military rule since 1962 and has not had a constitution since the last one was scrapped in 1988, when the army …
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POLITICS-BURMA: Resistance To Constitutional Referendum Builds Up
IPS, Italy - By Marwaan Macan-Markar BANGKOK, Feb 12 (IPS) – ‘’This is the declaration of war by the military regime against the people of Burma,’’ says Nilar Thein in a … |
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Battle Against Counterfeit Drugs Has New Weapon: Pollen
New York Times, United States - … analysis of pollen — investigators traced some of the fake drugs to southern China, close to the border with Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, formerly Burma. … |
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Referendum pledge spurs hope and anger
Financial Times, UK - By Amy Kazmin in Bangkok For many of Burma’s 55m people, their military rulers’ weekend declaration of a national referendum on a new constitution came as a … |
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Science Detectives and the Giant Malaria Drug Bust
io9, CA - … been sold at crossings on the border of Yunnan and Myanmar (Burma), accounting for almost a half of all blisterpacks of artesunate sold to the region. … |
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The junta’s slow march to democracy
Bangkok Post, Thailand - By LARRY JAGAN Burma’s military rulers are planning to hold democratic elections in two years’ time, according to an official government announcement in the … |
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India asks Myanmar to expedite reconciliation
Hindu, India - NEW DELHI: India has reiterated its request to the Myanmar Government to accelerate moves towards a more inclusive democracy. Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar … |
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Opposition questions Myanmar election plan
CNN International - Myanmar has been under mounting pressure over its crackdown on pro-democracy protests. State-run media from Myanmar — also known as Burma — reported … |
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Burmese Daze
ARTINFO, NY - One went so far as to scold me for referring to Burma as Myanmar, which is what the junta renamed the country in 1989. (What she didn’t know was that … |
Perino: Myanmar’s words, deeds don’t match
United Press International -
The military government of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, recently announced plans to conduct general elections in 2010 and work toward a new …
United Press International -
The military government of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, recently announced plans to conduct general elections in 2010 and work toward a new …
Myanmar opposition groups reject proposed constitutional referendum
JURIST -
[JURIST] Two opposition groups in Myanmar, the 88 Generation Students [Asia Times backgrounder] and the National League for Democracy (NLD) [Wikipedia …
JURIST -
[JURIST] Two opposition groups in Myanmar, the 88 Generation Students [Asia Times backgrounder] and the National League for Democracy (NLD) [Wikipedia …
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Burma: Referendum a Sham Unless Repression Ends
Human Rights Watch (press release) - (New York, February 11, 2008) – Burma’s referendum on a new constitution planned for May should be conducted in an atmosphere of freedom and respect for … |
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US dismisses Myanmar election pledge
TVNZ, New Zealand - … Myanmar’s key trading partner and arms supplier, to follow its example. The elections would be the first held in the former Burma since 1990, … |
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UN chief, US unimpressed
Bangkok Post, Thailand - New York – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called on Burma’s military government to receive the UN’s envoy Ibrahim Gambari “without … |
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US assails Myanmar election pledge; UN cautious
Reuters India, India - By Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Monday accused Myanmar’s military rulers of planning a sham referendum in a “pervasive … |
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Activists reject Myanmar charter, fear violence during vote
AFP - “This is the declaration of war by the military regime against the people of Burma, who want to uphold the 1990 elections results and honour the will of the … |
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US denounces Myanmar constitutional plans
AFP - In mid-January, the UN Security Council bemoaned the slow progress in initiating democratic reforms in Myanmar, which the US calls by its former name, Burma … |
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Myanmar: upcoming referendum must be inclusive
Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand - 11 February 2008 – Reacting to Myanmar’s announcement of a constitutional referendum to be held this May, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on … |
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White House Criticizes Burma Referendum Plan
Voice of America - Perino says Burma’s military leaders have been drafting a new constitution in closed meetings without any input from opposition leaders or minority ethnic … |
Ban urges Myanmar authorities to make 2010 elections inclusive
Khabrein.info, India -
Ban also believes that this latest development makes it “essential” that a visit to Myanmar, also known as Burma, by his Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari be …
Khabrein.info, India -
Ban also believes that this latest development makes it “essential” that a visit to Myanmar, also known as Burma, by his Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari be …
US denounces Myanmar’s plans for constitutional referendum
International Herald Tribune, France -
AP WASHINGTON: The United States is denouncing Myanmar’s plans for a constitutional referendum as a sham. The State Department says the constitution has …
International Herald Tribune, France -
AP WASHINGTON: The United States is denouncing Myanmar’s plans for a constitutional referendum as a sham. The State Department says the constitution has …
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UN reacts cautiously to Myanmar political plans
Reuters - UNITED NATIONS, Feb 11 (Reuters) – The United Nations reacted cautiously on Monday to Myanmar’s announcement of a constitutional referendum and elections, … |
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Burmese Regime Announces Sham Referendum
US Department of State, DC - Than Shwe’s regime continues to defy the desire of the Burmese people and the international community for a credible transition to democracy in Burma. |
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Myanmar Elections Plan `Not Satisfactory’ to US (Update1)
Bloomberg - Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been under international pressure since it failed to meet pledges to begin talks on political changes made after the … |
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Secretary-General calls for ‘inclusive, participatory and …
ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland - The announcement by the Myanmar Government that it plans to hold a constitutional referendum in May and ‘multiparty democratic elections’ by 2010 marks the … |
American Baptists Minister to Refugees along Burma Border
Christian Post -
Under the military government, there was increased persecution of ethnic minorities in Burma – the former name of Myanmar and the preferred name by those …
Christian Post -
Under the military government, there was increased persecution of ethnic minorities in Burma – the former name of Myanmar and the preferred name by those …
World Focus on Burma (11 Feb 08)
Burmese junta’s statement evokes mixed response
Mizzima.com, India -
The National League for Democracy, Burma’s main opposition party points out that the junta’s plans lack democratic practice, and the statement indicates the …
Mizzima.com, India -
The National League for Democracy, Burma’s main opposition party points out that the junta’s plans lack democratic practice, and the statement indicates the …
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Lots of Detours in Burma’s Roadmap to Democracy
Asia Sentinel, China - This gives China a way to defend Myanmar, where it wants a stable military government.” The National Convention itself provides a glimpse of what can be … |
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Burma promises democratic elections
Christian Science Monitor, MA - By Simon Montlake Military rulers in Burma (Myanmar) said this weekend they would hold a national referendum in May to approve a new constitution, … |
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Dissidents Call Burma Referendum Major Battlefield
Voice of America - By VOA News Pro-democracy activists in Burma say a constitutional referendum will be a “major battlefield” between the Burma’s military leaders and those … |
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Mystery decision puts Burma dams on hold
Bangkok Post, Thailand - “The Myanmar (Burmese) side still has not received any official information concerning the continuation of hydropower projects being developed between the … |
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Widespread scepticism after junta announces democratic elections
AsiaNews.it, Italy - Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The announcement made by Myanmar’s military junta on TV and radio last Saturday night that elections will be held in 2010 has … |
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USDA to Organize Referendum, Election
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - According to The New Light of Myanmar, a state-run newspaper, the USDA’s Htay Oo and Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, the commander of the armed forces’ southwest command … |
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Leading Dissident Groups Call For Rejection of Junta Charter
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - By MIN LWIN Two prominent organizations in September’s uprising, the 88 Generation Students group and the Alliance of All Burma Buddhist Monks, … |
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88 students slam government election pledge
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway - Feb 11, 2008 (DVB)–The 88 generation students group has criticised the Burmese regime’s claims that it will hold a referendum this year and a general … |
Burmese government promises elections in 2010
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Announcements 1/2008 and 2/2008 of 9 February were published in the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper today outlining plans for a national referendum …
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Announcements 1/2008 and 2/2008 of 9 February were published in the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper today outlining plans for a national referendum …
Myanmar activists denounce planned polls
MiamiHerald.com, FL -
… an e-mailed statement from the All Burma Monks Alliance. Most of Myanmar’s 56 million people are devout Buddhists, and monks are highly influential. …
MiamiHerald.com, FL -
… an e-mailed statement from the All Burma Monks Alliance. Most of Myanmar’s 56 million people are devout Buddhists, and monks are highly influential. …
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Twenty Die in Weekend Accidents in Burma
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - On Saturday, three people died and 36 were injured in a road accident in Nyaunglebin Township, Pegu division, The New Light of Myanmar reported. |
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Regime to Hold New Gems Show
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - By VIOLET CHO Stung by the recent tightening of US sanctions, Burma’s military regime has announced that it will hold an auction of gems and jade early next … |
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One-sided Change is not Enough
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - Burma’s state-run media has announced that the junta will hold a referendum on a new constitution in May, to be followed by elections in 2010. … |
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Gaps in Myanmar’s democratic timetable
Asia Times Online, Hong Kong - By Larry Jagan BANGKOK – Myanmar’s top general Than Shwe has finally revealed his closely guarded plans for the country’s political future: institutionalize … |
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More Burma babble?
Bangkok Post, Thailand - On Saturday, Burma’s ruling junta announced it will hold a referendum on a new constitution in May, to be followed by a general election in 2010. … |
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Free elections in Burma someday soonish. Really. They promise.
Miami Poetry Review, FL - Though Myanmar is officially ruled by General Than Shwe after a coup in 1992, realistically speaking the military has held, let us say, disproportionate … |
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Election plan ‘too little too late’
The Press Association - Military-ruled Burma’s announcement that it will hold a vote on a new constitution this May and a general election in 2010 was dubbed too little too late by … |
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Dissidents line up to fight Myanmar constitution
Reuters - “This is a declaration of war by the military regime against the people of Burma.” The army, which has run Myanmar under various guises since 1962, … |
10 drown in Burmese boat capsize
Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia -
TEN people have drowned in southern Burma after a boat capsized while carrying them to a Buddhist pagoda, the state media said Monday. …
Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia -
TEN people have drowned in southern Burma after a boat capsized while carrying them to a Buddhist pagoda, the state media said Monday. …
Burma’s referendum, election promise ‘a sham’
Business Day, South Africa -
Burma’s government said it would hold a referendum on the proposed constitution in May followed by elections in 2010. The announcement was the first time …
Business Day, South Africa -
Burma’s government said it would hold a referendum on the proposed constitution in May followed by elections in 2010. The announcement was the first time …
Critics, public remain sceptical
Bangkok Post, Thailand -
ACHARA ASHAYAGACHATand AP Burma’s surprise announcement that it will hold a vote on a new constitution this May and a general election in 2010 drew little …
Bangkok Post, Thailand -
ACHARA ASHAYAGACHATand AP Burma’s surprise announcement that it will hold a vote on a new constitution this May and a general election in 2010 drew little …
