Word focus on Burma (22 December 2008)

Burma’s health care cripplingly under funded: MSF
Mizzima.com, India -
“The Myanmar [Burmese] people do not get this help from the international community like their neighbouring countries do and this is not right,” Arend said. …

Team news – Winter 2008
ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland -
Myanmar: IRT airlifted a large container of medicines and relief supplies worth nearly $238000 into Myanmar (Burma) to aid cyclone victims.

Aid Group: Somalia, Congo, Burma Among Top 10 Crises
Voice of America -
MSF says the impact of Cyclone Nargis on Burma earlier this year forced the country’s reclusive military regime to open its doors to international aid, …

The Military Family Network
eMilitary.org -
The MEU sailed off the coast of Burma ready to deliver 50000 gallons of water and other relief supplies. September 2008: The MEU completed Blue/Green …

Detained North Koreans to face trial on New Year’s Eve
Mizzima.com, India -
The arrest of the North Korean nationals is the first since North Korea and Burma improved bilateral relations in April 2007, when the deputy foreign …

SRI LANKA: Corruption and sovereignty
TamilEelamNews.com, Sri Lanka -
Is it an attribute of sovereignty that the state is allowed to be corrupt? Is it a challenge to sovereignty to question corruption and also to make corrupt …

Win Tin visits political prisoners’ families
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Win Tin, a senior National League for Democracy member and veteran journalist, had served more than 19 years in prison when he was released in September. …

Bago residents accuse troops of hosting illegal gambling
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Dec 22, 2008 (DVB)–Residents of eastern Bago division have complained that State Peace and Development Council troops have set up an illegal gambling centre …

Youth activists launch jasmine campaign
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
According to one of the campaign leaders, who did not wish to be identified, jasmine was chosen as the symbol for the campaign because the Burmese word for …

Suu Kyi honorary member of ‘Council of Women World Leaders’
Mizzima.com, India -
… voted to nominate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as honourary member of the council as a mark of respect to her commitment to the struggle for democracy in Burma. …

Scots donate more than £1.5m to overseas emergencies
The Herald, UK -
Generous Scots donated more than £1.5 million this year to overseas emergencies including the cyclone in Burma and the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic …

Armed Insurgents in Burma Face Shortage of Ammunition
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
… to show off his SAM-7 missiles and the rest of his impressive arsenal in annual parades, until he finally surrendered to the Burmese junta in 1996. …

Aid group lists ‘Top 10′ humanitarian crises
USA Today -
“In some of these places, it is extremely difficult for aid groups to access populations requiring help,” Dr. Christophe Fournier, head of Medecins Sans …

GSM Cards Launched in Yadanabon
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
… collaboration with the state-owned Myanmar Post and Telecommunication in a test market mainly focused on foreigners who reside in Burma and tourists who …

Burma One of the Worst Crises in the World: MSF
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
… the Geneva-based organization, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999, stated: “In places such as Myanmar [Burma] and Zimbabwe—where governments fail …

World’s Top 10 Crises Of The Year
Sky News, UK -
Violence in Somalia, civilian displacement in Congo and medical emergencies in Burma and Zimbabwe have been named among the top 10 humanitarian crises of …

19 North Koreans Arrested at Thai-Burmese Border
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
… signed documents allowing visa-free travel by diplomats and government officials, according to the Burmese state-run newspaper The New Light of Myanmar. …

Burmese Journalist Looks Back at a 20-Year Struggle
The Sikh Times, UK, UK -
The series of protests ended on Sep 18, 1988 when the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), as the junta as called, was established after a …

Health of Burmese Cyclone Volunteer at Risk
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
By SAW YAN NAING A Burmese cyclone relief worker, Yin Yin Wine, who has been detained in Insein Prison in Rangoon, is suffering a stomach or intestinal …

Burmese labour issues destined to invite problems
Mizzima.com, India -
A new amendment to the ‘Myanmar 1951 labour law’ says that every employee who has completed a period of 12 months continuous service shall be granted earned …

Aid work ‘increasingly hazardous’
BBC News, UK -

The charity also flagged up health crises in both Burma and Zimbabwe. In Burma, it said, hundreds of thousands of people were dying from Aids because the …

Zim in MSF’s ’10 worst’ list
Independent Online, South Africa -
The same troubles face those operating in Sudan, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Zimbabwe, where MSF is becoming more limited than ever …

95 journalists killed in one year in 32 countries
Human Rights Tribune, Switzerland -
“Sixty years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the violations of press freedom are widespread in several regions of the world …

Doctors group: Somalia, Congo among Top 10 Crises
KGAN, IA -
They cite spiraling violence in Somalia, forced civilian displacements in eastern Congo, and neglected medical emergencies in Myanmar and Zimbabwe among the …

MSF ‘top 10′ crises highlight risks for aid workers
Reuters AlertNet, UK -

In Myanmar and Zimbabwe, where governments failed to make health care a priority or viewed NGO involvement with suspicion, humanitarian organisations were …

Pak-Iran border most active point, says report
The News International, Pakistan -
“According to the statistics of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, about 450000 Pakistanis migrate each year, out of them 300000 migrate illegally …

Democracy’s defeat in Thailand sad but no surprise
The Canberra Times, Australia -
Relatively few Asian countries are openly run as dictatorships nowadays China, Vietnam and Burma are the main exceptions but the urban elites and the big …

Doc NZ: Rioting Monks and Islamic Homosexuals
Scoop.co.nz (press release), New Zealand -
While the final programme of 40 plus films will be released in January, the following five documentaries have already been confirmed: Burma VJ – Reporting …

Abhisit needs pragmatism and vision to lift the country
เดอะ เนชั่น, Thailand -
Thailand must maintain an open and democratic society with due respect for human rights and international norms and values including governance. …

Waves of Hope and Change
Dissident Voice, CA -
After the 2008 Burma cyclone, Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan blamed “encroachment into mangrove forests, …

Pilger: Wishful Thinking
ZNet, MA -
April: Aung San Suu Kyi is released from house arrest and assumes her rightful place as the democratic head of the government of Burma . …

CORRECTED: U.S. to provide $5 mln more for Myanmar relief aid

(Corrects to Agency for International Development in paragraph 3)

By Jeremy Pelofsky

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Some U.S. aid is getting to the people of Myanmar and Washington plans to provide $5 million more in disaster relief in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis that devastated the country in May, U.S. first lady Laura Bush said Wednesday.

The United States sent about $75 million in relief and the reclusive military junta in Myanmar allowed at least 100 U.S. flights after the storm slammed the Irrawaddy delta, killing more than 130,000 and leaving more than 2 million destitute.

Bush, speaking to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York to mark the 60th anniversary of the International Declaration of Human Rights, said the U.S. Agency for International Development would send $5 million more in aid.

“This assistance will support the efforts of nongovernmental organizations like the World Food Program and Save the Children to ensure access to clean water, adequate shelter, basic health services, and other essential needs in the most affected areas,” she said.

She noted that a reporter from the BBC went to the delta recently and made an interesting discovery.

“We saw photographs of the shacks that the people who lived in the delta are building — rebuilding to rebuild their homes, and they were built out of the rice sacks that were stacked with USAID and American flags,” she said.

“So we do know that some of this relief we’re sending into the cyclone area is getting to the people,” Bush said.

Just a few weeks before she and her husband, President George W. Bush, leave the White House, Bush pledged she would keep pushing for democratic reforms in Myanmar, previously known as Burma, after leaving Washington.

“I’m going to pay, really, a lot of attention to these two issues, the international issues that I’ve worked on the most, both Afghanistan and Burma,” she said.

Myanmar’s military junta has refused to accept losing a 1990 election and has cracked down numerous times on pro-democracy demonstrators, killing thousands.

(Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky; Editing by Peter Cooney)

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BA07Q20081211

World focus on Burma (25 November 2008)

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Burmese aid for post flood health care in Orissa
Mizzima.com, India -
Speaking on the occasion Kyi Thein said that in May this year when Burma was ravaged by Cyclone Nargis, the worst calamity in the country’s history, …

Prepaid card system for mobile phones in Burma soon
Mizzima.com, India -
An official at the Myanmar Post and Telecommunication told Mizzima that it is all set to introduce a prepaid card system for mobile users, …

Burma’s HIV/AIDS Crisis in Red Alert: MSF
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -

The Geneva-based humanitarian aid organization said in its latest report “A Preventable Fate: The Failure of ART Scale-up in Myanmar,” that the situation …

Enrile’s grim past casts a long shadow
United Press International, Asia, Hong Kong -
He reduced the killings of human rights activists, lawyers, judges and journalists to nothing but a byproduct of insurgency. He even boasted to journalists …

Domestic migrant workers still vulnerable: HRW
Mizzima.com, India -
Human Rights Watch, in comments released yesterday, said the problem of abuse of domestic labor is predominantly directed at female employees of individual …

Plight of Abused Burmese Women Highlighted on International Women …
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
The WLB also urged the UN to press the Burmese regime to investigate allegations of human rights abuses against women in ethnic areas. …

“Pull Them Out With Tweezers”
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
“The government’s imprisonment of humanitarian aid workers sends the message that Burmese social organizations must follow the junta’s regulations whether …

Spy identified at opposition meeting
Mizzima.com, India -
… for Democracy and Development (NDD), among others residing in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting discussed and exchanged views on the current situation in Burma.

War on drugs takes a hit
RT, Russia -
A price has been paid: human rights groups and the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights report “widespread and systematic” killings of civilians by the …

Nigerian activists take on Chevron in the US
OneWorld.net, UK -
The Alien Tort Statute has been used in cases charging Unocal with violating the human rights of Burmese villagers during the construction of an oil …

Chechen Republic of Ichkeria: Russian Landmines
UNPO, Netherlands -
No halt for landmine use by Burma and Russia – Chechen Republic of Ichkeria and Karenni State suffer. Turkey, Greece and Belarus have all violated an …

• Freedom is first
Hamilton Spectator, Canada -
Barbarity in Burma (Myanmar) last week served as a reminder that, with or without Barack Obama, the global struggle for liberty will rage on long after …

Burma: UN Resolution Barely Pushed Through
UNPO, Netherlands -

A United Nations resolution on human rights in Burma has been approved but faces diplomatic opposition. The United Nations General Assembly’s Third …

Sakharov Prize at 20: For democracy – against oppression
European Parliament (press release), EU -
Burmese political party the National League for Democracy won the general election in 1990. Instead of its most prominent member Aung San Suu Kyi becoming …

The task of unification
Mizzima.com, India -
Dr. Sein Myint serves as the director of Policy Development of Justice for Human Rights in Burma, located in Maryland, USA. He is an Honorary Member of …

Vulnerability in the spotlight
Phnom Penh Post, Cambodia -

Alongside Hura and Wasif, critically acclaimed photographer James Whitlow Delano also presented his exhibit, “Burma, A Flameless Inferno”. …

Daewoo Aggravating Bay of Bengal Tensions
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
Just as Daewoo certainly knew of the disputed waters they were entering, they are also well aware of the well-documented human rights abuses associated with …

Tibetan Exiles’ Meeting Produces Comparisons with Burma
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
They fall out from time to time—most recently when the NCGUB failed to cooperate with the NCUB in its action against the Burmese junta seat at the United …

CNPC to invest in Sino-Burma oil, gas pipeline
Your Oil and Gas News (press release), UK -
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), parent of the country’s largest oil and gas producer PetroChina will team up with Myanmar Oil and Gas …

New era for human rights
Boston Globe, United States -
… from how to rescue democracy promotion from the stain of Iraq to how best to pressure human-rights abusers such as Burma and Zimbabwe. …

Great Nations & Industry Captains Ignore Thugocracies in Burma …
OpEdNews, PA -
Many took part in protests against the ruling junta sparked by fuel and food price rises in August 2007. Zarganar led a group of entertainers who organised …

Remember, Aung San Suu Kyi’s disengagement is not her choice
guardian.co.uk, UK -
There are several misinterpretations and failures to contextualise in the article on Burma’s democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (Not such a hero after all, …

The Big Question: Who are the Elders, and can they do anything to …
Independent, UK -
… former Irish president and UN Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and, in absentia, Burmese democracy activist Aung Sun Suu Kyi. …

Moulamein – Culture and History
The Age, Australia -
Some claim the town’s name is Aboriginal and some argue it is an Indian word (Moulmein is a seaport in Burma), though the translation is consistently given …

US taps online youth groups to fight crime, terrorism
AFP -
The list of organizations due to attend include the Burma Global Action Network, a human rights movement spurred into action by the ruling junta’s crackdown …

Rebel vigil talks with Myanmar
Calcutta Telegraph, India -
24: India and Myanmar have agreed to enhance security co-operation and border vigil to check Northeast insurgent groups that have bases in the region. …

Human Rights undermines public safety, says Tory
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom -
“Terrible human rights abuses in the world are taking place as we sit here today – in Zimbabwe, in Iran, in Sudan, in Burma. …

India, Myanmar to up security cooperation
Indian Express, India -
New Delhi, November 24 : Emphasising the need for “greater vigilance” at the border, India and Myanmar agreed to “enhance security cooperation to combat …

Good to speak about it. Even better to apply it!
FIDH (Communiqué de presse), France -
In 1948 the then UN member states adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. “Never again” were the words they proclaimed at the end of a conflict …

India-Burma holds another round of bilateral talks
Mizzima.com, India -
by Mungpi New Delhi – Burma and India on Sunday concluded the 9th foreign office consultation agreeing to cooperate in wide range of bilateral issues and to …

World focus on Burma (29 September 2008)

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Blood Diamonds: The Gem’s Curse
Voice of America -

Human rights activists are working to tighten sanctions against Burmese rubies. But, like with diamonds, the potential profits are large and many are …

Myanmar pledges reform, free and fair general elections in 2010
Earthtimes (press release), UK -
New York – Myanmar put on a good face on Monday before the UN General Assembly, promising far-reaching democratic reforms and use of its rich natural …

EDITORIAL: New Hopes for Democracy in Burma?
istockAnalyst.com (press release), OR -
… first meeting Saturday to advance democratic reforms in Burma. That country, now officially known as Myanmar, has been ruled by the military since 1962. …

Myanmar Urges End to “Unfair and Immoral” Sanctions
ABC News -
Human rights groups say as many as 700 people remain behind bars, although the junta says all but a few dozen have been released.

Myanmar urges end to “unfair and immoral” sanctions
Reuters -

On Saturday, a UN group on Myanmar vowed to keep the world spotlight on the troubled country and to press the military rulers of the former Burma to comply …

Myanmar Urges End to ´Unfair And Immoral´ Sanction
Javno.hr, Croatia -

The UN Security Council has urged Myanmar to release all political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar could be the rice …

Ryan Giggs and Aung San Suu Kyi tied over award
Mizzima.com, India -

Ryan Giggs: Wallpaper

The Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was nominated by the Salford City Unison for her relentless fight for freedom and democracy in Burma.

Comics Panel: September 29, 2008
A.V. Club -
… in The Burma Chronicles (D&Q). Delisle accompanied his wife—a Doctors Without Borders administrator—on her 14-month posting in The Union Of Myanmar, …

Vancouver Radar: Mission of Burma, Still On a Mission
Martiniboys.com, Canada -

By Richard Trapunski in Attractions Burma (aka Myanmar) has had a rough run as of late; it needs a little mad guitar-heavy post-punk (though, …

NLD youth members pay respects to U Win Tin
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Thirty National League for Democracy members from Lower Burma went to pay their respects to newly-released political prisoners U Win Tin and Kyauktan …

Junta releases three NLD youth members
Mizzima.com, India -
The junta blames student activists and dissident groups based along the Thai-Burmese border for the act. But on the day following the blast an armed student …

Five simple questions about a not so simple election
National Union of Public and General Employees, Canada -
… regard to objective is all we value, then Joseph Stalin would qualify as a strong leader, as would the leaders of the brutal military regime in Burma. …

EU-India Joint Press Communique
Press Information Bureau (press release), India -
They discussed the situation in Burma/Myanmar, agreed on the need to strengthen efforts towards national reconciliation and reaffirmed the need for an …

Ban Ki-moon seen struggling in UN role
United Press International -

… Britain, Singapore and other countries are also displeased by Ban’s refusal to travel to Myanmar, the former Burma, and meet military ruler Gen. …

Three NLD members released after anniversary arrests
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Sep 29, 2008 (DVB)–Three of the nine people arrested at the National League for Democracy’s 20th anniversary ceremony on Saturday have now been released, …

‘Group of Friends’ fails to resolve internal differences
Mizzima.com, India -
… in Myanmar to seize the opportunity of the UN good offices,” in the words of Ban Ki-moon, “while stressing the responsibility of the Myanmar [Burma] …

Three more political prisoners released
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Sep 29, 2008 (DVB)–Three more political prisoners have been released by the Burmese military regime, bringing the total number of political detainees freed …

Junta Amends Historical Commission Law
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
By MIN LWIN Burma’s military government has amended the Myanmar [Burmese] Historical Commission Law, transferring authority for historical research from the …

Package Tour Available to Irrawaddy Delta in October
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
Tourist companies in Burma say they are starting ad campaigns to draw more tourists to as the peak tourist season runs from October to February. …

Opposition Must Cooperate: Win Tin
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
Burmese residents in Japan hold a giant flag as they stage a rally on Saturday to mark the 20th anniversary of the founding of detained Aung San Suu Kyi’s …

Activist Han Lin dies in New York
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Sep 29, 2008 (DVB)–U Han Lin, who led the “long march to freedom and democracy” campaign in 2005 to highlight the plight of Burma, died from lung cancer on …

State Violence in Thailand and Burma
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
Members of the panel agreed that Thai military leaders are more business-minded than their counterparts in Burma. According to Jagan, the Burmese regime …

Asian (con)Fusion: In and out of jail in Burma
Independent, UK -
… adviser to the imprisoned democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was rearrested just one day after being released. The Washington-based US Camaign for Burma …

China’s Grip on Burma ‘Cause for Concern’
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
“CNPC has signed a MoU with MOGE [Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise] for a detailed assessment of the potential construction of a crude oil terminal off the …

Burma: Monks stage quiet protest as world powers call for Burma to …
UNPO, Netherlands -
The anniversary coincided with UN talks, which Mr Ban’s spokeswoman, Michele Montas, said underlined “the responsibility of the Myanmar (Burma) Government …

Library exhibit focuses on Myanmar
Ithaca Journal, NY -
The Cornell Southeast Asia Program and the library present, “Burma/Myanmar: Creativity, Diversity, and Everyday Life and Karen Textiles from Burma and the …

Myanmar: Aid still needed
Global Voices Online, MA -
… into the Tatmadaw, Burma’s armed forces. New Mandala interviewed an aid worker who provided us with a believable and concrete situation inside Myanmar. …

Increased Chinese Involvement Raises Concerns Over Potential Social and Environmental Impacts
Earthrights.org, DC -
The report, China in Burma (Myanmar): The Increasing Involvement of Chinese Multinational Corporations in Burma’s Hydropower, Oil and Natural Gas, ..

MYANMAR: THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT ARRESTED THREE NLD SUPPORTERS
Culturalnews.it, Italy -

While the junta holds absolute power in Burma, the international community still supports Suu Kyi as the most credible leader of the country. …

Indo-French civil N-pact may be inked during PM visit
A Pakistan News, Pakistan -
Regional issues of common interest, such as the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Burma are also expected to figure in the discussions. …

Low-Profile UN Chief Struggles as Diplomatic Peacemaker
Washington Post, United States -

… Burma’s generals to democratize the country and to secure the release of nearly 2000 political prisoners, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. …

Nigeria Is A False Democracy– Human Rights Watch
LeadershipNigeria, Nigeria -
Nigeria’s democratic credentials were questioned once again yesterday by Human Rights Watch, which noted that autocrats posing as democrats are underming …

Pyongyang is true to form
Bangkok Post, Thailand -
So are reports Pyongyang may be helping Burma with its secretive nuclear ambitions. More diplomatic effort must be put into convincing its leaders to act in …

World focus on Burma (9 September 2008)

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Opposition in exile launches campaign against Burmese junta’s …
Mizzima.com, India -
… in 2007 that called for a tripartite dialogue between the Junta, the National League for democracy led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic groups. .

Myanmar emergency response continues
ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland -
Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) continues to provide emergency relief in Myanmar (Burma) through the Action by Churches Together (ACT) …

At UN, Ingrid Betancourt Urges Ban to Act About Myanmar, 15 Days …
Inner City Press, NY -

.. would like to request you to reconsider the most effective ways and means appropriate for settlement of political situation in Burma (Myanmar). …

NLD members accused of medical offences
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
“Everywhere in Burma there are many people who keep syringes to help people in places were there are no doctors or medics,” Dr Aung Moe Nyo said. …

Film director Mike Tee arrested
Mizzima.com, India -
Burmese military junta authorities have arrested Burma’s prominent film director Mike Tee for alleged drug abuse, sources said. Though he was said to have …

Visa-On-Arrival proposal thrills Burmese tour companies
Mizzima.com, India -
Chiang Mai – A proposal to allow tourists to obtain visas on arrival by the Union of Myanmar Travel Association to the Burmese junta has triggered new hopes …

India Urges South Asian Cooperation Against Poverty, Disease
RedOrbit, TX -
He cited the recent cyclone havoc in Myanmar [Burma] and floods in Nepal and Bihar. Expressing empathy with the flood-affected people, he said the need of …

Angola: A Potential Powerhouse Inches Forward
World Defense Review -
Last month, Human Rights Watch issued a report which, citing intimidation of opposition parties and the media as well as interference with the electoral …

Cyclone refugee charged after submitting petition
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Sep 9, 2008 (DVB)–Cyclone refugee U Nyan Win has been arrested in Naypyidaw where he was trying to secure the right for other survivors of Cyclone Nargis to …

Pakokku residents slam security forces’ inaction

Sep 9, 2008 (DVB)–Residents of Pakokku in Magwe division have criticised the actions of government security forces who failed to respond to an attempted robbery that took place in broad daylight. -

The stuff of nightmares for 21st century kids
International Herald Tribune, France -
The junta in Burma looks downright evil – refusing international aid after a cyclone, and starving its own citizens. Watching the resulting chaos erodes our …

Commemoration of Monk’s Death Muted in Arakan State
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
Ashin Ottama was born in Arakan State, western Burma. As a child, he was selected to go to England to study, but his mother refused to let him go, …

Thai prime minister toppled by court for hosting cookery show
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom -
After taking office seven months ago Mr Samak personally cooked dinner for the Burmese prime minister, General Thein Sein, when he visited Thailand. …

RICS Strengthens Its Position in Hong Kong and Asia with More …
PR Newswire (press release), NY -
It also has members working across the region such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos PDR, Macao, Mongolia, …

Gambari Should Push for Tripartite Dialogue: UNA
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
Unless national reconciliation was established, the UNA warned, there would be no peace and tranquility in Burma. “What are the UN’s mandates assigned upon …

Refugees explain problems getting aid
Indianapolis Star, United States -
Fort Wayne is home to one of the largest communities of refugees from Myanmar, the Southeast Asian nation formerly known as Burma. Refugees arrive in the US …

Veteran politicians call for end to hunger strike
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
“Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a true democratic leader whose party won the elections in 1990 and she is loved and respected by the people of Burma,” the …

Dissidents Dismiss Junta’s Allegations
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
The New Light of Myanmar also claimed that other dissidents, including more than a dozen NLD members, had left Burma to receive training to carry out …

Rambo-type people less likely to survive disasters!
Newstrack India, India -
To reach the conclusion, Gonzales reviewed miraculous tales of survival from catastrophes like the Burmese cyclone, September 11 attacks and the Boxing Day …

Vision Beyond Borders founder shaken by China experience
Billings Gazette,  USA -
The group also visited Myanmar, where Klein said Vision Beyond Borders continues to provide relief and aid to people affected by Cyclone Nargis. …

Mission leaves empty feeling
Jackson Hole Star-Tribune, WY -
“That medicine would have cost us $20000 to $30000 in the US” With about 60000 to 80000 orphans left behind in Burma, Klein said sex slavery is a …

Hawaii Doctors Help Cyclone Hit Myanmar
KGMB9, HI -
“We managed to get in only because we were sponsored by the chief monk in Burma,” said Dr. Carl Lum, Aloha Medical Mission. Two months after the storm, …

Two dead as monsoon floods hit northern Thailand
ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland -
… to overflow for the second time this year due to heavy rains in Myanmar (Burma) that are causing the Mae Sai River to rise as it drains into the Mekong. …

Locked in Burma
Mail & Guardian Online, South Africa -
It is hard to imagine what life must be like for Aung San Suu Kyi, locked up inside her Rangoon home, separated from her children, denied visitors, …

Burmese refugees want help getting aid
WTHI, IN -
Fort Wayne is home to 1 of the largest communities of refugees from Myanmar, the Southeast Asian nation formerly known as Burma. The News-Sentinel of Fort …

Is Cold War Rhetoric Back at the UN?
Asian Tribune, Thailand -
Judging by the recent deadlock in the Security Council — over Kosovo, Iran, Myanmar (Burma), Zimbabwe, Sudan and most recently Georgia — one wonders …

Analysis and Strategy: My Country First
Asian Tribune, Thailand -
Burma is a classic example and now the plight of Burma is the most highlighted in the world, what in Burmese we always boast “Myanmar Ko Kaba Thi Say Mae” . …

Miraculous survivors: Why they live while others die
CNN -
Whenever a disaster hits — a cyclone in Myanmar; an earthquake in China; a climbing accident in Alaska — Gonzales scans the headlines for the stories of …

Samak to ask Burma to let UN play a role in elections
Bangkok Post, Thailand -
Thailand will try to convince Burma to allow the United Nations to play a role in its general elections scheduled for 2010, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej …

Appeasing the junta _ the UN’s dangerous detour
Bangkok Post, Thailand -
Either way, the UN is taking a dangerous gamble on the goodwill of the Burmese junta. And even if the regime honours any promises that it may have made _ …

Opposition denies junta’s accusation of terrorism
Mizzima.com, India -
Khin Yi said NLD members Yan Shwe, Zaw Zaw Aung and Myint Aye, that last of whom is also a member of the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Network (HRDP) …

Ex-local to lead Buddhist classes
Vail Daily News, CO -
He has traveled on pilgrimage and for teachings to India, Tibet, Nepal, Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand. SDC also offers a weekend retreat, “Living Dharma in …

Karachi, a beggar’s paradise, continues to provide for many
Daily Times, Pakistan -
There are around 60 Burmese and Bengali colonies in the city, with a population of approximately 1.5 million. The colonies are spread from Machhar Colony to …

Sept 9, 1951 – Nehru becomes president of Congress party
Sify, India -
1988 – Burma’s former Prime Minister U Nu, toppled in a 1962 military coup, announces formation of a rival government. Burma is now known as Myanmar. …

South Africa’s Human Rights Reputation Tarnished
Human Rights Watch (press release) -
By Carroll Bogert, published in The Sunday Independent Supporters of human rights around the world watched in joy 14 years ago as apartheid ended and a new …

Asia’s rejection of rock star says no to child sex tourism
FinalCall.com, IL -

Likewise, Chinese and Thai tourists are going to the Shan state in Myanmar (Burma) to take advantage of child sex workers,” another study by the UN agency …

POLITICS: Is Cold War Rhetoric Back at the UN?
Inter Press Service, Italy -
Judging by the recent deadlock in the Security Council — over Kosovo, Iran, Myanmar (Burma), Zimbabwe, Sudan and most recently Georgia — one wonders …

Myanmar’s colonial-era Strand Hotel well preserved
San Jose Mercury News,  USA -
Before World War II, the Strand was reserved for “whites only,” but during the Japanese occupation of Burma—as Myanmar was formerly known—it became an army …

The “Church” of Santana, U2, Leonard Cohen and more
Vancouver Sun,  Canada -

The probing of love in its non-romantic forms is back too — the love of truth, the fearless love of an Aung San Suu Kyi, the love of the divine. …

Burma’s opposition urges UN to take stronger action
Mizzima.com, India -
… spokesperson for the VPC-Myanmar. He added that they would like to see the reformation of Burma under the UN’s initiative and hope that a future UN …

Aung San Suu Kyi’s aide shifted to another hospital
Mizzima.com, India -
Ma Win Pa Pa and her mother Khin Khin Win have been closely serving detained Burmese opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and have been detained along …

Arms: Northern Ireland’s import-export business
Open Democracy, UK -

… very measures which would stop Northern Ireland-supplied weaponry ending up in the hands of human rights abusers in countries like Burma and Zimbabwe. …

Conflicting reports over Daw Suu hunger strike rumours
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Sep 8, 2008 (DVB)–The National League for Democracy and the Burmese regime have offered conflicting responses to rumours that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is …

Burmese share aid problems
News Sentinel, IN -
Luse gave details on recent legislation that bans import of jade, rubies and other gems from Burma, now called Myanmar, in hopes it pressure the reigning …

World focus on Burma (27 August 2008)

.

Liechtenstein Joins International Economic Sanctions In The …
Mondaq News Alerts (subscription), UK -
… persons, and organizations, based on the Sanctions Act: the States include Iraq, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Myanmar/Burma; …

Bogalay farmers threatened with land confiscation
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Aug 27, 2008 (DVB)–Farmers in cyclone-hit Bogalay township in Irrawaddy division have said that local authorities are threatening to confiscate their land …

Cambodian MP urges UN, ASEAN to fulfill Burma promise
Mizzima.com, India -
… to pay a personal visit to Burma and find a realistic solution to the political crisis in the country. Meanwhile, the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar …

Ore. scientists announce finding of oldest gecko
KTVZ, OR -
Only a foot and part of a tail are in the amber, found in Myanmar, formerly Burma. The finding is at least 40 million years older than the previous …

Gambari meets Indonesian President – ASEAN divided
Mizzima.com, India -
… with Myanmar’s Senior General Shwe.” However, Gambari has recently received mixed messages from ASEAN members Indonesia and Thailand as to what Burma’s …

Politicians defend Daw Suu for not meeting envoy
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
“The problems Burma is facing now could be easily resolved if Daw Suu and Than Shwe could have a talk.” Veteran politician Thakin Chan Htun said he …

More Deaths Reported from Famine in Chin State
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
By LAWI WENG Famine deaths are still being reported from a region of Burma’s northwestern Chin State, where inhabitants of 45 villages are being forced to …

Global, Asean Intervention Needed on Suu Kyi Case: AIPMC

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
… Gambari on Wednesday, said that the UN envoy’s mission to Burma had not failed yet, and that the “Group of Friends on Myanmar” still supported his role.

Arrested Monks Held in Rangoon Detention Center
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
Meanwhile, the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)—the AAPP—reported on Tuesday that at least seven detained monks, …

Dialogue Suu Kyi’s Real Motive
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
She clearly believes a dialogue—with compromise on both sides—is the most effective chance to establish real democracy in Burma, which she has called for …

Myanmar: UN envoy holds talks with Indonesian officials
MyNews.in, India -
The United Nations envoy to Myanmar held talks today in Jakarta with senior Indonesian officials as part of his continuing consultations with regional …

Terror, trade to top BIMSTEC ministers’ agenda
SINDH TODAY, Pakistan -
The foreign ministers of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand will be participating in the discussions Friday. …

NLD concerned by rumours of Daw Suu hunger strike
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
… special envoy Ibrahim Gambari in his reconciliation efforts and to show that the people of Burma do not accept the unilateral actions of the government. …

Room at the Table hosts meal for Myanmar
Lexington Minuteman,  USA -
On May 3 the country of Myanmar (formerly Burma) was struck by Cyclone Nargis with devastating results. The winds and rain took the lives of an estimated …

Chin: WFP Assists Victims in Chin State
UNPO, Netherlands -
WFP’s Burma country director Chris Kaye said the organisation has been involved in joint efforts in Chin state, which has been hit by food shortages due to …

Communicating Culture
Boise Weekly,  USA -
Refugees from Bhutan, Burundi and Burma shuffled in their chairs as interpreters explained how to fill out American job applications. …

Indonesia hopes Myanmar dialog to be resumed
Antara, Indonesia -
Jakarta (ANTARA News) – The Indonesian government has expressed hope the dialog between Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the government under …

Laos: Mekong floods leave four dead
CSR Asia, Hong Kong -
Some local observers suggested that the steady influx was due to the impact of Cyclone Nargis which hit Burma at a time when inflation and unemployment were …

Lack of funds threatens Free Burma Rangers’ aid efforts
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
Aug 27, 2008 (DVB)–Relief efforts by the Free Burma Rangers to help cyclone victims in the Irrawaddy delta are under threat due to funding shortages, …

Indonesia says Gambari mission has not failed in Myanmar
Xinhua, China -
27 (Xinhua) — Indonesia considered that the UN mission in Myanmar carried out by its special envoy Ibrahim Gambari has not failed yet, supporting the envoy …

Myanmar Plans October Gem Auction
Diamonds.net, NY -
Myanmar relies on its precious gems trade as a key source of revenue and continues to sell to neighboring China and Thailand. Previous auctions in June and …

Myanmar Plans October Gem Auction IDEX Online, Israel -

Nepal’s rulers must release child soldiers

Turkish Daily News (subscription), Turkey -

We’re working on one country, which has some difficulty in this protocol; but we think that it’s within reach” Myanmar’s detained democracy leader, …

President Yudhoyono receives UN special envoy for Myanmar

Antara, Indonesia -

Jakarta (ANTARA News) – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received the UN secretary general`s special envoy for Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, …

Clooney helps Darfur victims

Adelaidenow, Australia -

Not On Our Watch has already raised more than $8 million to help victims of the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan and the cyclone in Burma, …

China’s Tibet and Indonesia’s West Java hit by powerful earthquakes

ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland -

… people were killed by a 5.9-magnitude quake which hit southwestern Yunnan province on Thursday (August 21) near China’s border with Myanmar (Burma). …

Reports of Daw Suu Kyi’s refusal of daily food supplies creating …

Asian Tribune, Thailand -

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus has further urged for a comprehensive assessment of Daw Aung Suu Kyi’s health must be carried out as soon as …

MYANMAR: Cyclone survivors look to radio

IRINnews.org, NY -

… regularly listens to the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) , which is broadcast from Norway and is largely critical of Myanmar’s military-led government. …

Freedom of Religion Poses A Problem for Travelers

Howard University The Hilltop (subscription), DC -

As Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics, China’s stance on religious freedom faced much scrutiny from human rights groups and world leaders. …

Gambari’s Myanmar Visit “Disappointing,” UK Mission Says, UN Takes …

Inner City Press, NY -

UNITED NATIONS, August 26 — “Disappointing” is how the UN’s Ibrahim Gambari’s trip to Myanmar was described Tuesday by UK Ambassador John Sawers. …

Taking Names

Washington Times, DC -

Not on Our Watch has raised more than $7 million to help victims of both the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan and the cyclone in Burma, …

RP docs, others can practice in ASEAN now
Inquirer.net, Philippines -
Its other members are military-ruled Burma (Myanmar), oil-rich Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The group aims to achieve …

Burma’s Suu Kyi ‘on hunger strike’

Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom -
Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s detained opposition leader, is said to be on a hunger strike in protest at her country’s brutal military regime. …

The Peking games
guardian.co.uk, UK -
Scanning these pages the other day, my eye was caught by a reference to “Burma (or Myanmar as it should be known)”. But should it? …

Myanmar: The war criminal was elevated by the United Nations, to …

UN envoy to Myanmar who is a pro-military regime

OpEdNews, PA -
Sani Abacha is like Burma military leader, Than Shwe, who has continued suppression of the free press , and has overseen the detention of journalists and …

UN:Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
ISRIA (subscription), DC -
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari, concluded his six-day visit to Myanmar, and today he was in Bangkok and met with the …

UN : Top UN envoy concludes latest visit to Myanmar
ISRIA (subscription), DC -
The senior United Nations envoy to Myanmar today wrapped up his six-day visit to the Asian country by meeting with senior members of the Government and the …

Brad Pitt: Photo Shoot in France, Charity Work in Italy

People Magazine -
… of the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan and the cyclone in Myanmar (also known as Burma), according to executive director Alex Wagner. …

Newsmakers: Clooney and Pitt to walk the red carpet for charity Lansing State Journal, MI -

Clooney, Pitt arrive in Venice for film festival The Associated Press -

Samak’s remarks on Burma do more damage
Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
By The Nation Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej’s recent comments on Burma were ridiculous, even bordering on absurdity. It showed his total ignorance of the …

George Bush’s Legacy in Burma
Asian Tribune, Thailand -
Amidst world political tensions, Burma analysts and observers have begun to question if the Bush’s eight years in office have done enough to advance a …

Suu Kyi ‘on hunger strike’
Independent, UK -
An NLD spokesman in Burma said he could not confirm whether she had stopped eating but that bags of food delivered to a checkpoint outside her house in …

World focus on Burma (26 August 2008)

.

MAI to hire F-100 aircraft for Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur flights
Mizzima.com, India -
New Delhi – The Myanmar Airways International, one of the few international airlines in Burma will hire a Fokker-100 aircraft from AirBagan, another airline …

Brad Pitt and the Boys Hit Venice

The Gossip Girls -
… more than $7 million to help victims both of the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan and the cyclone in Myanmar, also known as Burma. …

Clooney, Pitt to walk red carpet walk for charity

The Associated Press -
… of the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan and the cyclone in Myanmar, also known as Burma, according to executive director Alex Wagner. …

Afghanistan remains world’s biggest opium producer

999 Today, UK -
The region, where the Taleban still have a stronghold, cultivates more opium than entire countries such as Burma, Morocco and even Colombia. …

You Should Consider North Korea as an Investment
DailyWealth, MD -
He told me I should be going to Myanmar, North Korea, Cambodia, and Taiwan. Myanmar – also known as Burma – was the richest country in Southeast Asia in the …

Self-criticism and Burma’s democracy movement
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
In my view, the people inside Burma – despite the oppression – are daring more and more to express their opinions and are becoming more willing to say these …

Bandaid support for Burma

Ballarat Courier, Australia -
A CONCERT to raise money for cyclone-ravaged Burma last night netted more than $5000 in donations. The Ballarat Schools Bandaid Concert brought together …

The story of Obama

Frontline, India -
In the sits-ins, the marches, jailhouses, songs [of the civil rights movements] I saw the African-American community becoming more than just the place you’d …

Angry Reaction to Samak’s ‘Suu Kyi is a Tool’ Remark

Thailand’s Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. (Photo: Reuters)

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -

“If it’s not related to Aung San Suu Kyi, you can have deeper discussions with Myanmar [Burma].” Samak also told reporters after meeting Gambari: “Efforts …

FEC Boosted by Change in Fuel Sale Policy
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
By AUNG THET WINE RANGOON — A decision by Burma’s military regime to allow consumers to buy up to 50 gallons of gasoline using Foreign Exchange Certificates …

Road to Irrawaddy Delta Ruined
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
An engineer from the Public Works Department of the Ministry of Construction said that Asia World, a company closely connected to Burma’s ruling junta, …

WFP assists food crisis victims in Chin state
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
WFP’s Burma country director Chris Kaye said the organisation has been involved in joint efforts in Chin state, which has been hit by food shortages due to …

Swiss Solidarity hails Myanmar aid success
Swissinfo, Switzerland -
Swiss have given SFr4.5 million ($4 million) to victims of the Myanmar cyclone through an appeal launched by umbrella fund-raising organisation Swiss …

And now it’s London’s turn…

Spectator.co.uk (subscription), UK -
… be ignored or gestured at, but must be worked with, if it is to be influenced on vital issues like its human rights, Tibet, Burma, Darfur and Zimbabwe. …

The UN at dead-end in Myanmar
Asia Times Online, Hong Kong -
By Larry Jagan BANGKOK – While the United Nations heaps praise on Myanmar’s ruling junta for its collaborative spirit in dealing with the Cyclone Nargis …

NLD dismisses Thai PM’s call to sideline Daw Suu
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
“I take it as Mr Samak is only saying these things to please the Burmese junta as two neighbouring countries that have close economic ties,” Win Min said. …

Burmese Protesters Not Allowed in Singapore
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -
The activists were part of a larger group of people who demonstrated against the Burmese junta in November 2007 during the Asean Summit meeting in Singapore …

Thai PM says West uses Myanmar’s Suu Kyi as political tool
Macau Daily Times, Macau -
The junta says the charter will set the stage for elections in 2010, but the pro-democracy movement say the process simply enshrines the army’s position in …

200 more military trucks delivered from China
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -
… in the town of Ruili on the China-Burma border, the latest consignment of the 3500 trucks to be sent to the Burmese junta by the Chinese government. …

Mennonite Central Committee pledges $1.1M in cyclone aid
Waterloo Record, Canada -
The Mennonite Central Committee initially sent about $100000 in assistance to the country formally known as Burma and has launched a three-year aid plan …

Burma’s opposition lambasts UN envoy for irrelevant ‘praise’ job
Mizzima.com, India -
Chiang Mai – Burma’s main opposition party – the National League for Democracy – on Monday lambasted the United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari for …

UN Denies Its Envoy’s Visit to Myanmar Was Worthless (Update1)
Bloomberg -
… Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, a government-in- exile formed by winners of the 1990 election, said yesterday. Myanmar’s government made the …

Editorial: China’s Olympic Image
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA -
China also used its clout as the largest supplier of arms to Burma to get that country to allow United Nations envoys in to investigate last year’s bloody …

Haunted wasteland saps spirits, lives after cyclone

Amid destruction and mud, children walked in a village in Labutta Township. About 50 village residents died in the cyclone. (Photo for the International Herald Tribune)

Boston Globe, United States -
But despite the early demands from around the world that the Burmese government permit open deliveries of aid, the United Nations says that nearly half the …

UN’s Gambari Denied A Meeting with Suu Kyi, Not by Than Shwe But …

Inner City Press, NY -
From the transcript of Monday’s UN noon briefing — Inner City Press: Now that Ibrahim Gambari has left Myanmar, can it be answered one way or another …

Burmese opposition says UN visit achieves nothing
Radio Australia, Australia -
Burma’s main opposition party, the National League for Democracy, has labelled the latest visit by United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, …

Submissions sought for Southeast Asian women writers anthology
Asian Reporter, OR -
The organization is seeking submissions from women with ancestry in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Burma/Myanmar, the Philippines, Malaysia, …

Suu Kyi ‘tool of the West’
Bangkok Post, Thailand -
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday criticised Western nations for pinning their hopes of bringing democracy to Burma on the release of detained …

Be Sweet to Your Honey: Hunger Site’s Beekeeping Gift Gives More
PR.com (press release), NY -
In May and June, The Hunger Site’s $25 Gift That Gives More™ for relief work in Burma (Myanmar) raised more than $70000 for the Foundation for the People of …

A need to finally combat bureaucratic inertia

Irish Times, Ireland -
The public figure I most admire is Aung San Suu Kyi from Burma. I admire her leadership, her commitment to peace and justice and the self-sacrifice she has …

UN wants to continue mission
Straits Times, Singapore -
UNITED NATIONS – THE UN said on Monday it wanted to continue its good offices mission in Myanmar and refused to say why special envoy Ibrahim Gambari failed …

The US Alliance with Afghanistan and Pakistan has stimulated the …
Bay Area Indymedia, CA -
Even the military dictatorship regime in Burma got into the act, claiming the arrest of over 300 traffickers and multiple opium seizures during the month of …

Telecoms: One man’s vision proves a lifeline in conflict zones and …

After 15 days in Myanmar, Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) faced an unprecedented situation and decided to leave the country. TSF’s requests for authorizations to deploy to the Irrawaddy delta were not granted and as the organization was blocked in Yangon, TSF’s teams returned to their bases.
On June 1st, TSF obtained its first visas to enter Myanmar following Cyclone Nargis which hit the south western regions of the country on May 2nd and 3rd after having waited for more (…)

guardian.co.uk, UK -
… (Iraq) phone could attract suicide bombers, and Burma, where the regime refused it access to the Irrawaddy delta after the cyclone hit the region this year. …

Aung Suu Kyi says no to UN envoy
Otago Daily Times, New Zealand -
His previous visits to Burma after the brutal crack-down on the massive Buddhist monk-led protests were unsatisfactory for the people of Burma. …

Aiding Burma’s Recovery
Voice of America -
As Burma recovers from the devastation of the May 2nd, Cyclone Nargis, the United States and other international donors continue to provide needed help. …

World focus on Burma (23 August 2008)

.

WFP closes Bangkok relief air bridge for Burma
Mizzima.com, India -
Don Mueang Airport has been used as a logistic hub to speed up the transfer of humanitarian assistants to the victims in time since cyclone Nargis hit Burma …

It’s a gift – to take extra aid from the Chancellor
Yorkshire Post, UK -
Following the cyclone disaster in Burma in May, both the Red Cross and the British umbrella body for aid organisations, the Disasters Emergency Committee, …

UN envoy leaves Myanmar, fails to meet Suu Kyi

Reuters -

Ibrahim Gambari, on his sixth visit as part of a UN push for reforms in the former Burma, extended his trip by one day in hopes of meeting the Nobel …

UN envoy fails to meet Suu Kyi in Myanmar PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria -

UN envoy fails to meet Suu Kyi in Myanmar International Herald Tribune, France -

UN envoy fails to meet Suu Kyi in Myanmar elEconomista.es, Spain -

UN envoy, shunned by junta leader, leaves Myanmar ABS CBN News, Philippines -

UN envoy leaves Myanmar, fails to meet Suu Kyi Khaleej Times -

UN special envoy ends Myanmar trip, fails to see Aung San Suu Kyi Monsters and Critics -

U.N. envoy fails to meet Suu Kyi in Myanmar Reuters.co.uk –

U.N. envoy fails to meet Suu Kyi in Myanmar 10:27 GMT Reuters Africa -

U.N. envoy leaves Myanmar, fails to meet Suu Kyi (Reuters) Yahoo! US – World Top Stories

UN envoy ends Myanmar trip, fails to see Aung San Suu Kyi – Summary Earthtimes (press release), UK -

UN Envoy Leaves Burma Without Meeting Opposition Leader Voice of America -

No top-rank talks for Burma envoy BBC News, UK -

Burma visit flops Bangkok Post, Thailand -

….

Myanmar to remove ‘provocative’ billboards

International Herald Tribune – Asia-Pacific

YANGON, Myanmar: Billboards in Myanmar’s commercial capital that feature scantily clad women will be torn down and replaced with advertisements featuring more culturally appropriate images, the government said ……

Business Roundup (August 23, 2008)

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -

Myanmar [Burma] and the executive board receive regular reports. Independent assessments have all found that the programme is in full compliance with the …

Withdrawal Symptoms

Transnational Institute, Netherlands -
Meanwhile, current levels of development assistance for Burma and Laos remain low. The decline has led users to shift from smoking opium to injecting heroin …

Singapore rejects visa extension of six Burmese Citizens
Mizzima.com, India -
… 2007 during the ASEAN summit, and also held ‘Vote No’ campaigns against the Burmese junta’s ‘sham’ referendum in April and May 2008. …

175000 Strong global handshake to land in Beijing ahead of Olympic …
MyNews.in, India -
“Some in China have slandered human rights activism as violent and anti-Chinese. Our handshake campaign is an attempt to reach out to Chinese people and …

Thai Foreign Minister on official visit to Myanmar

Thai News Agency MCOT, Thailand -
BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) — Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag left Bangkok Saturday for a three-day official visit to neighbouring Myanmar and to inspect …

Seeming is believing in Beijing
Boston Globe, United States -
The crucial period, it seems, for human rights activists or the United States to have influenced the communist government in Beijing was before it won its …

Anniversary of the Arrest of Pro-Democracy Activists in Burma
US Department of State, DC -
….to release all political prisoners, including Aing San Suu Kyi, Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, and an end to the regime’s attempts to intimidate and silence those who seek the promotion of democracy and human rights in Burma. …

UN’s Gambari’s Trips to Myanmar Questioned, Without Answers, Photo -op with Aung San Suu Kyi in balance

Gambari and Aung San Suu Kyi in happier (?) times

Inner City Press, NY -
Is that pretty much the way he apportions to the democratically elected leaders of Burma? Deputy Spokesperson: As you know, Mr. Gambari is in Myanmar to …

UN makes last cyclone aid flight to Myanmar
Daily Times, Pakistan -
BANGKOK: The last UN aid flight taking supplies to Myanmar’s cyclone-ravaged Irrawaddy Delta took off from its base in Thailand, the World Food Programme …

3 killed, 106 injured in Yunnan quake

China Daily -

KUNMING: At least a dozen earthquakes hit Yingjiang county in western Yunnan province, on the border with Myanmar, on Thursday, according to the China Earthquake Administration…..

On the Brink of Disaster

Grist Magazine

Natural disasters made more severe by climate change will hit especially hard in regions with shaky political, economic, and security situations, says a new report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and relief agency CARE International. Vulnerable areas include central Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel; Afghanistan, the Caspian region, India, Iran, and Pakistan; and Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, and Myanmar…..

Easier for aid to reach Nargis victims

The Star Online

PETALING JAYA: Myanmar has made it easier for foreign aid to reach Cyclone Nargis victims, says Mercy Malaysia general manager Mona Hanim Sheikh Mahmud…..

ICA International Poster Competition
Jewelers Circular Keystone Online, NY -
The International Colored Gemstone Association will conduct its fifth international poster competition at its next congress, May 5-10, 2009, in Panyu, …

ICA worried about collateral damage at Myanmar Diamond World Magazine, India -

CWS appeal update: Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Nargis response

ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland -
Nargis struck Myanmar (Burma) on May 2-3 and, according to figures supplied by the United Nations in July, killed more than 84530 persons; 53836 are still …

United Nations Envoy Extends Stay in Burma

Voice of America -
By VOA News United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari has extended a five-day visit to Burma until Saturday, in hopes that he will be able to meet with …

UN envoy aims for second chance Suu Kyi meeting San Diego Union Tribune, United States -

UN envoy extends Burma visit WalesOnline, United Kingdom

Burma/Myanmar: 44 children die of starvation; 2,000 flee to India

Children Die in Chin State Famine

By SAW YAN NAING

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

More than 30 children have died in a famine in Chin state, western Burma, according to the Chin National Council, an exile rights group.

The famine was caused by a plague of rats, which ate rice stocks in many of the state’s villages.

Another Chin group, the Chin Human Rights Organization, said the famine had hit about 20 percent of the state’s population, or at least 100,000 people.

“They have no food,” said Lian H Sakhong, a leader of the Chin Humanitarian and Relief Committee. “Unless we provide sufficient relief soon, the situation will become worse.”

He pleaded with donors to contact the Chin Humanitarian and Relief Committee so that relief can be rushed to the stricken areas.

The famine occurs about every 50 years when the flowering of a native species of bamboo gives rise to an explosion in the rat population. The International Rice Research Institute has warned of “widespread food shortages” because of the crisis.

http://www.irrawaddy.org/article1.php?art_id=13943

44 children die of starvation; 2,000 flee to India

August 21, 2008 – Famine plaguing Chin state in western Burma killed 44 children after they were afflicted by malnutrition and diarrhea, according to Chin National Council’s secretary Pu Ralhnin. Faced with starvation around 2,000 people have fled to India.

“All the victims are children. They died from malnutrition and diarrhea, Pu Ralhnin said.

The children who died from malnutrition and diarrhea – as a result of food shortage in Chin state – are from Surngen, Tisen (A, B), Sentun, Ngalang, Lawngzuite, Lawngtlang villages in Thangtlang Township.

“Since they had nothing to eat, they looked for Yams in the jungle and had it as their daily meal. It led to malnutrition and diarrhea,” he added.

Meanwhile faced with starvation, around 2,000 villagers from Paletwa Township, one of the worst affected areas in Chin state have fled to Mizoram state in northeast India.

“I heard that around 2000 Khumi people from Paletwa region had arrived in some areas in Mizoram close to the Indo-Burma border because they are facing food shortage and there is nobody to help them,” Terah, coordinator of Chin Famine Emergency and Relief Committee based in Mizoram said.

The villagers belong to the Khumi tribe from famine hit areas in Paletwa township. They entered illegally to take refuge in Saiha district and Lawngtlai district in Mizoram.

Terah also said that most of the villagers from Paletwa Township are in search of whatever jobs are available in Mizoram for survival.

Bamboo flowering began on the Indo-Burma border in late 2006 leading to multiplication of rats in the region. The rats gradually invaded the farmlands and destroyed crops such as paddy and maize – the main staple food of Chin state.

As a result along the Indo-Burma border areas, over 100,000 people, heavily dependant on cultivation are facing food shortage.

Initially, the most affected areas were Paletwa, Matupi, Thangtlang township but later the phenomenon spread to northern Chin state.

Since early July, rodents started devouring crops in several farms of some areas in Tamu and Kalay Township in Sagaing division. The farmers were helpless, unable to contain the situation.

“Since early July, rats have been destroying several crops such as paddy and maize planted in farms in our villagers,” a villager from Khanpat said.

Despite the local authorities distributing rat poison to farmers in Kalay to prevent further spread of rats in the region, the farmers said that using the poison is no longer effective.

The Burmese regime said that it had provided rat poison and around 1000 bags of rice to the affected areas in Chin state.

The locals from the affected areas in Chin state denied that they had received any aid from local authorities. – KHONUMTHUNG.

http://khonumthung.com/kng-news/2008-news-archive/august-2008/44-children-die-of-starvation-2-000-flee-to-india

World focus on Burma (20 August 2008)

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Gambari’s mission to Burma ‘disappointing’: opposition
Mizzima.com, India -
On Wednesday, he also met pro-junta student group the 88 generation students (Union of Myanmar) led by Aye Lwin. Nyan Win said Gambari is drifting away from …

UN envoy meets Suu Kyi’s party, but fails to see her

AFP -
The Nigerian diplomat expressed concern over Myanmar’s crumbling economy, and said that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon could visit the country in December …

UN envoy Gambari meets NLD leaders

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -

Gambari also told the NLD leaders he planned to appoint a communications officer based in Burma to facilitate contact when the special envoy is out of the …

Burmese junta prevents Christians and Buddhists from providing …

AsiaNews.it, Italy -

Even the iconic figure of Myanmar’s pro-democracy struggle, Nobel prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, is in a “civilian no-man’s-land as a result of her long …

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi skips meeting with UN envoy

Reuters -

The former Burma’s ruling generals threw a tight security cordon round the state guest house where Ibrahim Gambari and the 63-year-old Nobel laureate have …

UN chief expected to visit Myanmar in December

The Associated Press -

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been in a political deadlock since 1990, when Suu Kyi’s party won a general election but was not allowed to take power by …

UN secretary general to visit Myanmar at year-end Monsters and Critics.com -

UN chief expected to visit Myanmar in December The Associated Press -

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88 Generation leaders mark 1 year in detention

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -

The price of commodities has doubled since the demonstrators’ arrests and the price of consumer goods continued to increase since Cyclone Nargis hit Burma …

UN envoy Gambari expected to meet Daw Suu

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway -

Pro-democracy groups have criticised Gambari for a lack of tangible success in his efforts to date to bring about political dialogue in Burma, and political …

Gambari Fails to Meet with Suu Kyi

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -

By SAW YAN NAING The United Nations special envoy to Burma failed to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday as scheduled, according to Rangoon sources. …

UN Envoy Visits Bring Less Interest

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -

.. Generation Student Youths (Union of Myanmar). The National Unity Party, a transformation of the Burma Socialist Programme Party which ruled the country …

Mark Pearson’s images provide a snapshot of Burma after cyclone Nargis

Channel 4 News, UK -

Burma’s military junta had sought to impose total control over aid operations. And three months on, the United Nations says recovery assistance remains a …

VIDEO - http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1184614595/bctid1739981309

Children Die in Chin State Famine

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand -

Another Chin group, the Chin Human Rights Organization, said the famine had hit about 20 percent of the state’s population, or at least 100000 people. …

Insurers dispute facts regarding ties to Burma

Business Insurance, IL -

The Burma Campaign UK, which seeks to restore democracy to Burma, said on Tuesday that two insurers—XL Capital Ltd. in Hamilton, Bermuda and the Chubb Corp. …

Teacher goes to the aid of Burma’s needy

Sunderland Echo, UK -

The Karen area of Burma was devastated when Cyclone Nargis hit the country on May 2 this year, unleashing 120mph winds, torrential rain and flooding that …

Earthquake hits Yunnan, south-west China

InTheNews.co.uk, UK -

The US Geological Survey claims the epicentre was 140 miles west of Dali, in Yunnan and 40 miles south east of Myitkyina in Burma. …

Earthquake hits China-Burma border Sydney Morning Herald, Australia -

Earthquake hits China’s border with Burma ABC Online, Australia -

Bangladesh Keen to Solve Maritime Border Issue

Narinjara News, Bangladesh -

… Bangladesh was keen to solve the maritime border dispute with Burma as soon as possible. “Finalization of the country’s maritime border with Myanmar is …

Myanmar teen refugees look for foster homes

Worcester Telegram, MA -

Myanmar, formerly Burma, has been in political turmoil since 1962 when a general staged a coup, banning political opposition and suspending the constitution …

Refugees from Iraq, Burma set to arrive

The Republican – MassLive.com, MA -

More than a half million refugees from Burma, also called Myanmar, have fled their homeland because of ethnic persecution. Nearly 200000 have been living in …

Resentment simmers in Burma a year after unabated crackdown

Mizzima.com, India -

New Delhi – The unabated crackdown by the military junta notwithstanding, resentment against the regime is not likely to diminish, activists and opposition …

UN envoy set to meet Suu Kyi: party

AFP -

YANGON (AFP) — UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari was expected to meet Wednesday with Myanmar’s detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, sources in her National …

ASEAN considers observer status for Burma’s elected government

Radio Australia, Australia -

“We got invited officially, which reflects, we believe, Indonesia’s support for the Burmese democracy movement and that it also wants to see change in Burma …

The North Korean Prison State

American Spectator -

She even charged that “There is a holocaust going on,” an overstatement, but an understandable one, since the North’s human rights abuses are grotesque and …

PEACETALK: Mindanao is not alone. By Kristian Herbolzheimer

Minda News, Philippines -

… politics; but others continued their armed struggle, claiming a greater Naga homeland extending over adjacent states and even into neighboring Burma. …

Diplomacy and Democracy

KanglaOnline, India -

… is still this element of suspicion and disguised hostility in the befriending of the military junta in Burma first by China and then followed by India. …

Olympic tally: RP trails SEA neighbors

Inquirer.net, Philippines -

The other SEA Games nations still struggling to land a medal, apart from the Philippines, are Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Cambodia, East Timor and Brunei. …

Myanmar: Not enough cash grant for cyclone victims

ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland -

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Cyclone Nargis that lashed Burma in early May left at least 100000 households in Burma’s Irrawaddy …

Apocalypse Now? Miami Model Applied to Republican National …

Toward Freedom, VT -

Given that two former top advisers to Republican nominee John McCain have ties to the military junta in Burma, we’ll know where to look first. …

Sikhs in the Freedom Struggle

Mainstream, India -

They were expelled from the country and imprisoned in Mandalay in Burma. After their release Ajit Singh went to Canada and joined the Ghadar Party of which …

Report: Myanmar refugees waiting months for aid

Chicago Tribune, United States -

Fort Wayne is home to one of the largest communities of refugees from Myanmar, the Southeast Asian nation formerly known as Burma. …

UN Envoy Tours Cyclone-Struck Areas in Burma

Voice of America -

By VOA News UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari toured Burma’s cyclone-struck Irrawaddy Delta Tuesday to observe recovery and reconstruction efforts. …

Kuwait Presents Result of Asia Trip

The Media Line, NY -

… of businessmen from the oil rich kingdom in the Gulf, visited Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Brunei and the Philippines. …

Ancient Parable, Urgent Time

ChristianityToday.com, IL -

Cyclone Nargis swept through Burma’s low-lying Irrawaddy Delta on May 2. The 2004 Asian tsunami had stripped the terrain of much of its protective …

Rocked out!

Australian Star, Australia -

Children from the school recently belted out some tunes to aid cyclone ravaged Burma. Parents watched on as students performed songs and dance routines. …

Burmese MPs urge recognition of ASEAN parliamentarians

Mizzima.com, India -

… accepting Burma as a member, the ASEAN has attracted severe condemnation by the international community for Burma’s failure to improve its human rights …

In pictures: Sketching Burma’s cyclone

BBC News, UK -

In the weeks following Cyclone Nargis, Burma’s military rulers refused to let foreigners into the devastated Irrawaddy Delta. …