World focus on Burma (13 September 2008)

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Exiled Burmese monks dream of new uprising
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom –

There are also unconfirmed reports that Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy leader and Nobel peace prize winner who has spent much of the past 20 years …

Newspaper: 2 bomb blasts in central Myanmar kill 2
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria –
The military, which has ruled Myanmar, also called Burma, since 1962, has been widely criticized for suppressing basic freedoms.

Explosion northeast of Yangon, two dead, ten wounded
AsiaNews.it, Italy –
The Burmese junta has granted a few of the requests made by Aung San Suu Kyi, who will be allowed to receive letters from her relatives, …

Burma arrests 420 drug traffickers
Radio Australia, Australia –
Burma arrested 420 drug traffickers last month as it seeks to show that it is cracking down on the narcotics trade. The world’s second-largest opium …

Center organized to assist refugees
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN –
That is why groups that serve refugees, especially those from Myanmar, formerly Burma, were called together to try to better coordinate services and seek …

Myanmar nabbed 420 drug traffickers in August–state media
Inquirer.net, Philippines –
YANGON — Myanmar arrested 420 drug traffickers last month, state media reported Saturday, as the world’s second-largest opium producer sought to show it …

Myanmar blames “insurgents” for deadly bomb blasts
Reuters –
The military, which has ruled the former Burma since 1962, often points the finger of blame at anti-government dissident groups, comprising ethnic armed …

Marauders’ memories
The Ann Arbor News – MLive.com, MI –
… about the unit’s formation and its strenuous mission to cripple supply lines by capturing the only Japanese airfield in Burma, now known as Myanmar. …

Making a Killing
ZNet, MA –
Chinese military hardware is shipped regularly to Burma, including the 2005 supply of 400 military trucks to Myanmar’s army. Chinese military exports went …

American Revolutionary
Wall Street Journal –

A Burmese exile asked Mr. Sharp to write a short primer on nonviolent struggle. The result was “From Dictatorship to Democracy,” which was initially …

UN envoy defies call to scrap Burma mission
Financial Times, UK –
By Harvey Morris at the United Nations Ibrahim Gambari, the United Nations special envoy to Burma, said on Friday he would continue his role of mediator …

A Monk Remembers
Radio Free Asia, DC –
Nearly one year after the Burmese uprising, a leading monk says the struggle will go on. A leader of the All Burma Monks Union, U Zawana, explained in an …

“Heretic” Bloggers Risk Execution Under Iran’s New Restrictions
NewsBlaze, CA –
Through its annual human rights reports, the State Department has criticized Internet censorship in Burma, China, Cuba, Iran and other countries. …

Remembering Burma’s Saffron Revolution
Radio Free Asia, DC –
In the newspapers, like the Myanmar Ahlin [New Light of Myanmar], it was reported that political activists in Pakokku and the media conspired and made up …

Mittraphap Highway cut by floods
Bangkok Post, Thailand –
… lower north and the central provinces will move towards Burma, while a strong southwest monsoon remains over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf. …

Suu Kyi wins concessions
Scotsman, United Kingdom –
THE Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has wrung concessions from the ruling generals – family letters and some news magazines, her lawyer said …

Myanmar’s colonial-era Strand Hotel in Yangon well preserved
The Canadian Press,  Myanmar –
Before the Second World War, the Strand was reserved for “whites only,” but during the Japanese occupation of Burma – as Myanmar was formerly known – it …

On Myanmar, UN Visits As Possible Leverage, China and India Want …
Inner City Press, NY –

Indonesia has been described as the bring, between Myanmar’s Eastern neighbors and Westerners who speak of freeing Burma. So after Friday’s meeting, …

THE BLINDNESS OF BIGOTS
Calcutta Telegraph, India –
… whom decency and democracy comes first, even before patriotism (which is why I abhor what we are doing in [promoting a military dictatorship in] Burma). …

Burmese Court Sentences 10
Radio Free Asia, DC –

Burma’s military has ruled the country without interruption since 1962. The NLD, led by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, won a general election in 1990 but …

Refugee office planned
News Sentinel, IN –
… office will pay for three employees to help Burmese – who have fled their junta-ruled homeland now renamed Myanmar – with self-sufficiency skills, …

UN envoy says it’s time for Myanmar to release political prisoners
ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland –
UN Special envoy Ibrahim Gambari says it’s time for Myanmar leaders to release political prisoners and resume dialogue with opposition leader Daw Aung San …

Politics pulled back from the brink… for now
Nation Multimedia, Thailand –
There are other cases, like the scandalous decision to grant government loans from Thailand to the Burmese junta, which would in turn buy equipment from …

World focus on Burma (1 Sept 2008)

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Daw Suu holds third meeting with lawyer
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –
Sep 1, 2008 (DVB)–Detained democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her lawyer U Kyi Win met for 30 minutes this morning, the National League for Democracy …

Burmese blogger conference banned
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –
The conference was organised by the Myanmar Computer Experts Association and was to be held at Rangoon’s International Business Centre, situated on the bank …

Mandalay puppeteers raise funds for cyclone victims
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –
Aid donations to victims of the cyclone which swept the Irrawaddy delta area of Burma and killed more than 100000 in early May have been gradually …

Business Roundup (September 1, 2008)
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –
“Asean aspires to become an EU-like entity but that’s going to be impossible as long as member Myanmar [Burma] is controlled by a military dictatorship. …

Solo demonstrator sentenced to 2 years
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –
U Kyaw Ho, a National League for Democracy leader in Bassein, said Aye Win was first charged under sections 505(b) and 143 of the penal code for disturbing …

Free movie, popcorn offered at Pilgrim Congregational
Lexington Minuteman,  USA –
Perhaps one of the most beautiful anti-war movies, the Burmese Harp is set in Myanmar (formerly Burma) during World War II’s last days. …

Burma: Joe Biden and Burma
UNPO, Netherlands –
He met detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the 1990s in Rangoon. In May [2008], McCain said of the Cyclone Nargis disaster: “It does highlight the …

Between McCain and Obama, an Energy Gap
Human Events, DC –
McCain is suspicious of Beijing’s significant military buildup and its “…relations with pariah states such as Burma, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. …

Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyer says she’s lost weight
International Herald Tribune, France –
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been in a political deadlock since 1990, when Suu Kyi’s party overwhelmingly won general elections but was not allowed to …

Lawyer meets Suu Kyi, says she is thin but well
The Standard, Hong Kong –
Burma’s detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has lost some weight but is feeling well, her lawyer said after a 30-minute meeting with her today. …

Democracy, voting and informed consent
United Press International, Asia, Hong Kong –
Burma is an easy example; but it is also not difficult to judge whether Thailand’s elections are democratic or not. The answer is a resounding “no” if …

‘It’s not special to me’ First Monday in September not a holiday …
Waukegan News Sun, IL –
“It’s not special to me,” said Chit Po, a native of Myanmar, the Southeast Asian country also known through history as Burma. “I’ve been here almost five …

Authorities ban Taunggok NLD meeting
Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –
Sep 1, 2008 (DVB)–Local authorities in Arakan state’s Taunggok township prevented the local National League for Democracy from holding their regular monthly …

4 Political Prisoners Expected to be Used for Forced Labor at …
Narinjara News, Bangladesh –
The associate said, “They are politicians and they are supporters of the Burma democracy movement, so authorities want to give them a lesson on avoiding …

ENC: Rigged election results won’t make lawful regime

Shan Herald Agency for News, Thailand –
“Unless and until the people of Burma can freely and fairly express their true will, there can be no legitimate government.” It instead urges the people “to …

CINEMA ‘59 – Jamyang Norbu
Phayul, Tibet –
An interesting film on the conflict in Burma between the military junta and the dissident democracy movement. Ignore the contrived story of the “troubled” …

UN’s Burma envoys have been a complete failure
Bangkok Post, Thailand –
The meeting would then be in the nature of a prison visit, as undertaken by UN human rights investigators in Burma. A free and frank discussion could then …

SAARC-BIMSTEC LINK COULD Help Realise Pious Goals
Asian Tribune, Thailand –
BIMSTEC’s members today consist of Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand ( the original members) who have now been joined by Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar. …

7 top Asians, group receive RM Awards for 2008
Manila Bulletin, Philippines –
Other winners have come from Bangladesh, with nine; Sri Lanka, eight; Hong Kong, six; Vietnam and Nepal, with four each; Burma and Cambodia, …

There’s The Rub : Winds of change / Conrado De Quiros
Inquirer.net, Philippines –
He vows to liberalize Malaysia and turn it into a full-blown democracy. I met Anwar’s wife and daughter when they came here many years ago, seeking support …

Gambari’s mission to Burma ‘disappointing’: opposition

Nem Davies

Wednesday, 20 August 2008 21:56

Mizzima

New Delhi – Leaders of Burma’s main opposition party –the National League for Democracy – on Wednesday met visiting United Nations special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, but said the meeting was ‘disappointing’.

The NLD leaders’ statement came after five members of the NLD Central Executive Committee led by party chairman Aung Shwe on Wednesday afternoon met Gambari at the government guest house for a brief 20 minutes.

Nyan Win, the NLD spokesperson, who was not at the meeting but was assigned to speak on behalf of those attending, said the meeting started at 3 p.m. (local time) and lasted for 20 minutes.

“It is disappointing. We want things implemented in keeping with the resolutions passed by the United Nations. We want to kick start national reconciliation,” Nyan Win told Mizzima over telephone.

The Nigerian diplomat, who arrived in Rangoon on Monday, has so far met Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win, Information Minister Brig Gen. Kyaw San and toured cyclone-hit areas in Rangoon division.

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 his main mission by meeting groups that the junta wants him to meet and not finding ways and means to meet key political players.

“He [Gamabri] just met social groups like 88 generation students (Union of Myanmar). These groups are all pro-junta groups,” Nyan Win said.

“We are disappointed to see that he [Gambari] is drifting away from his main mission of facilitating national reconciliation. If we look at where he is going and who he is meeting, it is hardly encouraging,” Nyan Win added.

During the meeting with the NLD leaders, Gambari said he will continue to call for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Win Tin and other political prisoners, and call for direct talks between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the regime.

Gambari also said that he will call on the Burmese government to implement economic reforms and urge it to allow him to open a liaison office in Rangoon so that he can maintain constant communication with the Burmese government.

But Nyan Win said, while Gambari told party leaders he will urge the government to conduct free and fair election in 2010, he failed to give his views on the results of the 1990 elections, when asked by the NLD leaders.

“When he talked about free and fair elections in 2010, we asked him about his views on the results of the 1990 elections. But he did not answer. He also declined to answer when we asked him what his mission was. And when we asked him whether he had met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, he said no, he is still trying,” Nyan Win said of the discussion between the NLD leaders and Gambari.

The meeting was attended by NLD chairman Aung Shwe, Secretary U Lwin, Thakhin Soe Myint, Than Tun and Nyunt Wai.

During his last visit in March, while Gambari was allowed to meet detained opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, he was barred from meeting junta supremo Snr. Gen. Than Shwe.

Gambari is currently visiting Burma for the fourth time since military rulers resorted to violence when it cracked down on peaceful protesters in September 2007.

http://www.mizzima.com/news/world/6-world/929-gambaris-mission-to-burma-disappointing-opposition-

UN envoy Gambari meets NLD leaders

Democratic Voice of Burma

Aug 20, 2008 (DVB)�National League for Democracy leaders told the United Nations special envoy in a meeting today that he should not discuss the 2010 elections, an NLD spokesperson said.

UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari met U Aung Shwe, U Lwin, U Nyunt Wei, U Than Htun and U Soe Myint at 3pm today for a 20-minute discussion.

NLD spokesperson U Nyan Win said Gambari had set out his objectives for his visit as pushing for the release of all political prisoners, negotiating for a direct dialogue between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and regime leaders and improving the country�s failing economic system.

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 country himself.

The special envoy added that UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon would be visiting Burma again in December and this time would focus on political issues, in contrast with the humanitarian focus of his previous trip.

He also said the UN wanted international observers present for the 2010 elections.

Nyan Win said the special envoy did not answer the NLD leaders� questions on his opinion of the 1990 elections and the purpose of his current mission.

The party leaders were unhappy that Gambari had raised the issue of the 2010 elections, suggesting that he would support the elections despite the reports of vote-rigging and intimidation that marred the constitutional referendum.

“The NLD still refuses to accept the constitution which was approved by a referendum where there were several issues that still need to be talked about � we told Mr Gambari he should not discuss the 2010 election in these circumstances,” Nyan Win said.

Nyan Win said the NLD supported Gambari�s stated aims, but could not support the junta�s plans for the 2010 election.

“We have nothing to protest against his five-step plan for this trip � we actually like it,� Nyan Win said.

�But we were forced to have such a discussion only because he started talking about the 2010 elections. This leads us to think he agrees with the upcoming elections.�

The NLD spokesperson added that the party understood the difficulties the UN faced but called for action rather than rhetoric.

�We explained to him that we understood the limits of how far the UN can get involved in the situation and that there was nothing they can do about the two big powers,” Nyan Win said.

“We told him to stick to the purpose of his mission and that we will try very hard to keep understanding the UN,” he said.

“The pro-democracy forces in Burma, including the NLD, have told the UN special envoy their opinions during his previous trips, and now the next step is to actually put the ideas into action,� he continued.

�But now, we are only seeing more talking rather than action.”

Reporting by Htet Aung Kyaw

http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=1652

Gambari Fails to Meet with Suu Kyi

By SAW YAN NAING

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Irrawaddy

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

No reason was given for the failure, and there was speculation he could meet with her before his trip ends on Friday.

Rumors spread that Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy leader, was seriously ill. However, a National League of Democracy (NLD) official said she was well.

Meanwhile, five members of the central executive committee of Burma’s main opposition group, the National League for Democracy, and Gambari discussed issues including the release of political prisoners and reconciliation talks between Suu Kyi and the military regime, said Ohn Kyaing, an NLD member.

NLD executive committee members who met with Gambari included Chairman Aung Shwe, Secretary U Lwin and spokesperson Nyan Win. The meeting started at 3 p.m. and lasted about 20 minutes.

During the meeting, the UN envoy said he will try to obtain the release of political prisoners and the formation of genuine talks between Suu Kyi and regime leaders.

The UN envoy said he had already discussed several issues—including the release of political prisoners and a genuine dialogue with Suu Kyi—with Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan in their meeting on Tuesday.

Gambari said he had not received any response so far for the government, said Ohn Kyaing.

The envoy also discussed the junta’s scheduled general election in 2010 with NLD leaders, telling them he urged the regime to conduct open and fair elections.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon is scheduled to visit Burma again in December to discuss the election and other issues with the military regime.

The envoy also told NLD members he was scheduled to meet a wide range of parties during his visit this week, said Farhan Haq, a UN spokesperson, including parties he has met on previous occasions.

During past trips, the UN envoy met Burmese generals including Snr-Gen Than Shwe, leaders of the NLD, Suu Kyi and junta-backed ethnic leaders.

Meanwhile, Burmese dissidents in exile have sent a petition to Gambari urging him to make efforts to move the junta toward a genuine democratic transition that goes beyond the scheduled 2010 elections.

They also asked Gambari to urge the regime to allow newspapers and other media to report news and information without censorship in order to educate the people about Burmese politics and the rest of the world.

http://www.irrawaddy.org/article1.php?art_id=13947

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. …

World focus on Burma (19 August 2008)

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Voters and officials punished for ‘No’ votes

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

… while wards inhabited by the authorities and the pro-junta Union and Solidarity and Development Association members have been given 24-hour electricity. …

Is Suu Kyi Trying to Get the Message Out?

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

The message appeared on July 19, Burma’s Martyr Day. The signboard, about 10 X 4-feet, is located on Suu Kyi’s property and can be read from the street in …

International Insurance Companies Leave Burma

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

We strongly condemn all insurers that remain involved in our junta-run country. They help keep the generals in power and condemn Burma’s 50 million people …

Gambari has Big Agenda during Visit

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

The UN envoy met with Burma’s Foreign Minister Nyan Win on Monday in hope of continuing the stalled talks between the junta and pro-democracy leader Aung …

President Bush’s Pre-Olympics Speech in Thailand

UNC Chapell Hill –

He recalled responses to natural disasters such as the 2004 tsunami and the recent cyclone in Burma. Bush examined, but not in depth, the ongoing political …

Missing Links: The Hypocrisy Audit

Foreign Policy (subscription) –

… of that regime does not mean that the United States should feel constrained from pressuring the tyrants of Burma to abandon their murderous ways. …

Gambari Arrives in Burma

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

By WAI MOE The United Nations Special Envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari arrived in Rangoon on Monday for a five-day trip to Burma. …

Junta benefits from regional economic tug-of-war

Mizzima.com, India –

China and ASEAN hope to have the world’s largest FTA in working order by 2010 – though ASEAN’s less developed countries, including Burma, are not slated to …

Burma’s Annual Natural Gas Sales Rise 25 Percent

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

By AP RANGOON — Burma’s natural gas sales soared nearly 25 percent to US $2.5 billion in the financial year through March, official statistics seen Tuesday …

Africa: ICC – Will Imposed Justice Solve Continent ‘s Problems?

AllAfrica.com, Washington –

Only lawyers can really believe that law and politics are two discrete domains: the average person in the street is quick enough to make the connection …

Myanmar natural gas exports jump 25 pc

Economic Times, India –

YANGON: Myanmar’s natural gas exports rose by about 25 per cent to $2.5 billion in the fiscal year ending in March, official statistics showed on Tuesday. …

Gambari’s mission kicks off to little fanfare

Mizzima.com, India –

Inside Burma, the state run press, New Light of Myanmar, attached no visible importance to the proceedings of the Special Advisor. Coverage of his first day …

Combating opium in Afghanistan

ISN, Switzerland –

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 …

Looking For Trouble

FrontPage magazine.com, CA –

Democracy is not an ideology–it’s a technique for political organization that uses elections as a tool. Today, we Americans are at our worst (and most …

UN envoy tours Myanmar cyclone zone

AFP –

YANGON (AFP) — UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari toured Myanmar’s cyclone-struck delta Tuesday while on a mission to push the junta to re-open talks with detained …

Land of Promise: Refugees rely on faith

Amarillo.com (subscription), TX –

He’s now among some 700 refugees from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Somalia, the Sudan and elsewhere who have moved to the Texas Panhandle since the …

A New Breed of Monk Rises in Myanmar

Wall Street Journal –

Mr. Sitagu Sayadaw was born in 1937 in a small town in central Myanmar, then known as Burma. At age seven, he entered the local monastery to study, …

Junta commander: Thailand violating Burmese sovereignty

Shan Herald Agency for News, Thailand –

Kyaw Phyoe had been on an inspection trip on the Thai-Burma border since 16 August. He also charged the kingdom of employing the anti-junta Shan State Army …

Zimbabwe crisis a disgrace: Asmal

SABC News, South Africa –

He says Zimbabwe and Burma are examples of countries where passive resistance has failed. Asmal was speaking in Johannesburg last night at the 100th …

RNC: Exporting the “Miami Model” to St. Paul

OpEdNews, PA –

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. …

CWS emergency situation report #2: 2008 Tropical Storm Kammuri

ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland –

-Flooding has struck parts of Myanmar (Burma) still trying to recover from Cyclone Nargis, the May storm that killed anywhere between 84000 and more than …

UN envoy begins five-day visit to Myanmar

UN News Centre –

18 August 2008 – The top United Nations envoy to Myanmar kicked off his five-dray trip to the Asian nation today by meeting with Foreign Minister U Nyan Win …

UN envoy makes another visit to Burma Radio Australia, Australia –

Myanmar: UN envoy arrives in Burma for his brokerage OpEdNews, PA –

UN envoy tries yet again in Myanmar The National, United Arab Emirates –

Myanmar: UN envoy arrives in Burma for his brokerage OpEdNews, PA –

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UN, Myanmar resolve aid currency problem

Daily Times, Pakistan –

With little to show from his previous five missions to the former Burma, hopes of a breakthrough on Gambari’s sixth visit are low. reuters.

See images of Burmese currencies BELOW.

Investing in his neighbors: A former dentist helps fellow refugees …

Trading Markets (press release), CA –

Cyclone Nargis hit Burma, also known as Myanmar, in May — killing up to 130000. Employing a well-respected, well-educated member of an immigrant community …

UN envoy meets Myanmar FM in bid to launch talks: state TV

AFP –

Aung San Suu Kyi (L) holds talks with Ibrahim Gambari in March 2008

YANGON (AFP) — UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari met Monday with Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win, state media said, shortly after he arrived in Yangon on a mission …

Amnesty International, Freedoms Many Voices…Art, Music, Education…

Gather.com, MA –

One strong effort is their support of the plight of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest in Myanmar (formerly Burma). …

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Two kinds of Myanmar currencies in use at the same time

Myanmar “Kyat”

World focus on Burma (18 August 2008)

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New Talks In Myanmar

Vatican Radio, The Vatican –

Mark Farmaner is the Director of the Burma Campaign in the UK. He says that hopes of a breakthrough in negotiations are low.

Gambari’s visit has created no political breakthrough: Burmese …

Mizzima.com, India –

New Delhi – Burma’s main opposition party – the National League fro Democracy – on Monday said it welcomed another round of visit by the United Nations …

Aung San Suu Kyi in another rare meeting with lawyer

Mizzima.com, India –

New Delhi – Burma’s detained pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Sunday was allowed another meeting with her lawyer, Kyi Win, …

Burmese MPs in exile call for ASEAN support

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

… for the Philippine and other ASEAN governments to censure SPDC for its human rights violations and suppression of democratic forces in Burma,” he said. …

Support athletes, but not China

Ukiah Daily Journal, CA –

The military junta in Burma is still in power to this day, despite strong and continuous resistance by the people of Burma, because of China’s support. …

Six killed in a landslide in Upper Burma

Mizzima.com, India –

“The heavy and incessant rainfall in Mogoke has been on for about three months now and started even before Cyclone Nargis hit Burma. …

Thousands flee as Mekong breaks flood records

The Age, Australia –

A Cambodian woman swims with her cattle to higher ground. Photo: Reuters

Flooding has also hit parts of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos as well as Burma, where waters rose in the Irrawaddy Delta, still recovering from a cyclone that …

Five Taunggok activists jailed for 8 August march

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

… including members of the 88 Generation Students group, the All Burma Federation Of Student Unions and the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters network, …

Daw Suu receives visits from lawyer and doctor

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

… League for Democracy leader is intended to create a positive impression for United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, who arrives in Burma today.

Gambari Arrives in Burma

United Nations special envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari speaks during an interview on February at the United Nations information center in Tokyo. (Photo: Reuters)

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

By WAI MOE The United Nations Special Envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari arrived in Rangoon on Monday for a five-day trip to Burma. …

UN envoy visits Myanmar Radio Netherlands, Netherlands –

UN envoy makes another visit to Burma Radio Australia, Australia –

UN Envoy Begins Burma Visit Voice of America –

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Six Die and Thousands Flee Torrential Rain in Burma

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

Last Saturday, the state-run Myanma Ahlin newspaper reported that the floods hit areas of Rangoon and the Irrawaddy delta, where Cyclone Nargis left a …

Nobel Peace Laureates Offer a Message of Hope on America’s Most …

PR Newswire (press release), NY –

The ten core issues that the Nobel Peace Laureates have designated for projects include: — Ending racism and hate — Social justice and human rights for …

Myanmar Gem Sellers Disregard US Ban

Israel Diamond Portal, Israel –

Myanmar, (formerly Burma), produces almost 90% of the world’s rubies and is a leading international supplier of other gems and jade. …

China’s iron Olympic grip starts to

Times Online, UK –

They rejected criticism of their policies on Darfur, Burma and Zimbabwe, brushing aside foreign demonstrators complaining about Tibet. …

Food, fun bring cultures together in fellowship

Lansing State Journa

Bridging the gap: Myanmar refugees and members of Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church enjoy a game Sunday. The children threw themselves into the games, but language gaps slowed interaction between adults.

… Nationalities Christian Fellowship, a congregation of immigrants, most of them refugees, from Myanmar, the Southeast Asian country once known as Burma. …

Burma’s ‘Blood Jade” Used in Olympic Medals?

The Epoch Times, NY –

A Burmese woman deals her Jade stones with a shopkeeper at the Jade market June 15, 2003 in Mandalay, Myanmar. The country generates a considerable income from the mining of precious stones mostly from the northern part of Myanmar. Its a government run mo (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

Although both European countries and the United States have placed severe restrictions on the import of gems from Burma (also called Myanmar), …

AtHoc IWSAlerts Achieves “Positive Military Utility” Rating by US …

PR Web (press release), WA –

… joint military forces also used AtHoc IWSAlerts in preparation for relief efforts when Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar, Burma in May. …

Suu Kyi meets lawyer on eve of UN envoy visit: spokesman

AFP –

A protester carries a photo of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi

YANGON (AFP) — Detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was allowed a rare meeting with her lawyer on the eve of a UN envoy’s visit to push Myanmar’s …

UN envoy begins Myanmar reconciliation mission

The Associated Press –

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari arrived in Myanmar’s capital Monday on a five-day mission to promote national reconciliation and …

UN envoy in Myanmar amid waning hopes for reform

International Herald Tribune, France –

With little to show from his previous five missions to the former Burma, hopes of a breakthrough on Gambari’s sixth visit are low. “Frankly, we don’t expect …

Severe Flooding Hits Burma and Neighboring Countries

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

By AP BANGKOK — Severe flooding triggered by torrential rains has struck areas of Burma still reeling from Cyclone Nargis, a state-run newspaper said …

Floods kill 130, drive thousands from homes in Southeast Asia

Boston Globe, United States –

A boy played in flood waters yesterday at a shop east of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Officials there said the flooding of the Mekong River was the worst in memory. (Reuters)

Flooding has also hit parts of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos as well as Burma, where waters rose in the Irrawaddy Delta. The delta region is still recovering …

UN special envoy arrives in Myanmar

Bangkok Post, Thailand –

The visit is Gambari’s fourth since last year to Myanmar, also known as Burma, where he has been handed a mandate by the UN to deal with the country’s …

UN special envoy visits Myanmar for reconciliation efforts

Xinhua, China –

18 (Xinhua) — United Nations Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari arrived here Monday on a re-visit to Myanmar to goon with UN’s efforts for the country’s …

Letter from Rangoon

New Yorker, United States –

Soldiers about to close off access to Rangoon’s Sule Pagoda, during the protests of September, 2007. Increasingly, dissidents are questioning the utility of direct confrontation with the government. Photograph by Christian Holst.

… “Aung San Suu Kyi is the new leader of our country. American troops will come liberate us.” But Suu Kyi—the daughter of the general who led Burma to …

Australia helps refugees rebuild their lives

TamilSydney.com, Australia –

‘There are more than 40 000 people in the Mae La refugee camp, mostly people of Karen ethnicity who faced persecution by the Burmese military junta,’ …

Junta allows Suu Kyi to meet with lawyer again

Thai News Agency MCOT, Thailand –

YANGON, Aug 18 (Kyodo) – Myanmar’s detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was allowed Sunday to meet with her lawyer for the second time in 10 days, …

Begging won’t save Burma

Boston Globe, United States –

Nowhere has that failure been more flagrant than in Burma, where a vicious military junta continues to deceive and defy the world body. …

China undeserving

Press & Sun-Bulletin, NY –

The military junta in Burma is still in power, despite strong and continuous resistance by the people of Burma, because of China´s support. …

Burma opposition lauds UN visit

BBC News, UK –

Mr Gambari met Aung San Suu Kyi in March but not key military leaders

By Brenda Marshall Burma’s National League for Democracy has said it hopes a visit by the UN’s special envoy will revive talks between its detained leader …

Moral lessons

Inquirer.net, Philippines –

… cited as models of moral courage peace advocate Mahatma Gandhi, human rights leader Martin Luther King, and Burma opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. …

Myanmar party hopes envoy visit will revive talks

PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria –

Myanmar party hopes envoy visit will revive talks – © AP

Gambari last visited Myanmar in March, a trip he described as a disappointment. Although he was allowed to meet Suu Kyi he had no access to senior junta …

Hopes for talks on Burma democracy

Scotsman, United Kingdom –

BURMA’S main opposition party said yesterday that it hopes a visit today by a United Nations special envoy will help restart talks between the pro-democracy …

Myanmar activists sentenced to prison for protest commemoration march

JURIST –

[JURIST] Officials of Myanmar opposition group the National League for Democracy (NLD) said Sunday that the government has sentenced five of its members to …

NLD hopes Gambari’s visit will revive talks with junta

Daily Times, Pakistan –

YANGON: Myanmar’s main opposition party said Sunday that it hopes a visit this week by a UN special envoy will help restart stalled talks between …

The new gold standard

Inquirer.net, Philippines –

… missing the opening rites in Beijing as a protest against the Chinese government’s continuing support of the military junta in Burma or Sudan. ..

Myanmar opposition hopes UN envoy’s visit will spur talks

International Herald Tribune, France –

AP YANGON, Myanmar: The main Myanmar main opposition party said Sunday that it hoped a visit this week by a special envoy from the United Nations would help …

Detained Suu Kyi meets lawyer as release speculation grows

Monsters and Critics.com –

Yangon – Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been permitted a rare meeting with her lawyer, the second this month, giving rise to speculation …

Wife of Solo Protester Arrested in Arakan

Narinjara News, Bangladesh –

The poster contained writing demanding the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. “He wrote a sentence on the poster that read, ‘Our mother Daw Aung Suu Kyi must …

For Australia foreign aid, like charity, begins

The Age, Australia –

Since May, Australia has given more than $55 million in the aftermath of Burma’s cyclone Nargis and more than $2 million to China’s earthquake recovery. …

World focus on Burma (17 August 2008)

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McCain Releases Technology Platform

Slashdot –

But who decides how much humanitarian aid to fly off of an aircraft carrier into Burma after a disaster? Who made the decision to land aid-payload by …

Most Popular Opinion

The Zimbabwe Standard, Zimbabwe –

In this insensitive and tardy response to a threat to its population, the government shares an odious position with the military junta in Burma that was …

UN envoy to visit Myanmar

KGAN, IA –

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — An opposition party in Myanmar is hoping a visiting UN envoy can restart dialogue between it and the reclusive government. …

A home on the range

Amarillo.com (subscription), TX –

… of an estimated 700 refugees who have moved to the Amarillo area since January, most from Somalia, Iran, the Sudan and Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. …

Flooding hits parts of Southeast Asia

Arkansas Online (subscription), AR –

AP BANGKOK, Thailand — Severe flooding triggered by torrential rains has struck areas of Burma still recovering from a cyclone that killed more than 84000 …

Myanmar jails five activists for ’88 memorial march: opposition

AFP –

YANGON (AFP) — Myanmar’s military authorities have jailed five young activists for taking part in a small street rally marking the anniversary of a 1988 …

Myanmar opposition hopes UN envoy can revive talks

The Associated Press –

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar’s main opposition party said Sunday that it hopes a visiting UN special envoy can help restart talks between detained …

Looking Away From Beauty

Infoshop News –

Or its complicity in human rights violations in Africa, Asia, and South America. Then there’s Nike, one of many apparel manufacturers that would rather you …

Burmese exiles seem resigned to status quo

San Francisco Chronicle,  USA –

…..”I want the people of your country to know, the American people care deeply about the people of Burma, and we pray for the day in which the people will be free,” Bush told a group of Burmese dissidents…..

Difficult Passage

Bangkok Post, Thailand –

Mr Vitit conceded that we should not be too ambitious in hoping that Asean will come up with an ”EU- or US-type human rights commission”, but stressed …

Georgia and the return of the Cold War at UN

Sunday Times.lk, Sri Lanka –

By ensuring the presence of President George Bush at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last week and by stalling moves by human rights organisation to …

Olympic Reality Management

OpEdNews, PA –

He is concerned about depleted uranium, repression in Burma, stolen elections, organ harvesting, aspartame, sugar, species depletion, animal abuse, …

World focus on Burma (15 August 2008)

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Beijing Olympics: China using Myanmar ‘Blood Jade’?

Merinews, India –

… jade from the Sino-Burma border jade markets much before the Beijing Olympic Games were inaugurated on August 8, the Myanmar media in exile reports. …

Junta officials release opposition youth arrested by mistake

Mizzima.com, India –

Chiang Mai – The Burmese military junta authorities in Rangoon released a youth member of Burma’s main opposition party – the National League for Democracy …

Steep rise in food prices continues

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

Economist Dr Khin Maung Nyo said the Burmese government had predicted a further rise in prices due to the devastating effects of Cyclone Nargis. …

Emergency phase not yet over for cyclone survivors in Burma: WFP

Mizzima.com, India – 2 hours ago

Three months after the cyclone struck Burma leaving more than 2.4 million people homeless and hungry, WFP said “The emergency phase is not yet over,” as …

Former child soldier re-arrested for desertion

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

Ye Tun Zaw said Htut San Oo managed to escape from the work camp when Cyclone Nargis hit Burma in early May, and began to assemble documents to report his …

Junta Braces for Anniversary of Monk-led Uprising

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

By VIOLET CHO The mayor of Rangoon has confirmed that security will be heightened in the former capital in the coming weeks, as Burma approaches another …

Burmese Exiled Politicians Invited to Indonesian Parliament

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

Roshan Jason, executive director of Asean’s Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC), told The Irrawaddy on Friday that this was the first time Burmese …

UN Claims only $1.5 Million Lost in Cyclone Relief Effort

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

“We are very pleased with Canada’s quick response to the cyclone victims in Burma,” said Tin Maung Htoo, executive director of Canadian Friends of Burma.

Landslide disrupts Thai-Burmese border trade

ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland –

… cutting the main trading route from Mae Sot into Burma, which had also been used to carry relief supplies to the cyclone-devastated Irrawaddy delta. …

Heavy Rains, Chinese Dams Lead to Flooding

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

… told The Irrawaddy that flooding is affecting farmland regions in Laos and Burma. On Thursday, Tuenjai Deetes, a Thai human rights activist and former …

USDA Expected to Form Proxy Parties for 2010 Election

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

By WAI MOE Burma’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) is reportedly planning to form proxy parties to contest the proposed …

Ina speech to the Values Voter Summit last November, John McCain …

National Review Online, NY –

I am pro-life because I know what it is like to live without human rights, where human life is accorded no inherent value, and I know that I have a personal …

Burmese dissidents charged in court

Southeast Asian Press Alliance, Thailand –

Zaw Thet Htwe and Zarganar were arrested in June this year while conducting relief operations in the cyclone-hit region. Zaw Thet Htwe was first arrested …

Burmese comedian charged on seven counts

Mizzima.com, India –

The authorities arrested Zarganar and Zaw Thet Htwe in June this year while they were participating in relief operations in the cyclone hit regions. …

Summit of EAC heads of State

Uganda Media Centre, Uganda –

While they bully smaller countries like Burma, they unconditionally work with China, their diametrically opposed politics notwithstanding. …

Joel Brinkley: Misery and oppression continue in Burma while the …

Sacramento Bee,  USA –

… Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University told the Burmese exile press, “The cause of Burma’s freedom, democracy and human rights was …

UN envoy’s top priority is political prisoners languishing in …

Mizzima.com, India –

By Larry Jagan Bangkok – Burma’s human rights record is again under scrutiny by the international community, almost a year after the junta cracked down on …

Austrlia helping refugees

The Westender, Australia –

“There are more than 40 000 people in the Mae La refugee camp, mostly people of Karen ethnicity who faced persecution by the Burmese military junta,” …

UN envoy’s top priority is political prisoners languishing in …

Mizzima.com, India –

By Larry Jagan Bangkok – Burma’s human rights record is again under scrutiny by the international community, almost a year after the junta cracked down on …

Benchmarking Burma

Wall Street Journal – By BENEDICT ROGERS

Since 1990, UN envoys have made 37 visits to Burma. The Human Rights Council and General Assembly between them have passed more than 30 resolutions, …

Don’t quit, Burmese junta tells underperforming chief censor

Southeast Asian Press Alliance, Thailand –

The Burmese junta’s Minister of Information refused to accept the resignation of the regime’s chief censor, said a government official who requested …

Cambodian ruling party re-elected with increased majority

World Socialist Web Site, MI –

The Human Rights Party, which was formed in 2007 by a former Funcinpec leader, Kem Sokha, won 6.62 percent of the vote in its first election, …

Landslide disrupts Thai-Burmese border trade

ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland –

… cutting the main trading route from Mae Sot into Burma, which had also been used to carry relief supplies to the cyclone-devastated Irrawaddy delta. …

Understanding Zhongguo

Media Monitors Network, CA –

China claims to be slowly but surely balancing its political reforms with the expansion of grassroots democracy and corporate capitalism, all the while …

Canada announces more disaster aid for Chinese quake victims

Xinhua, China –

… that Canada is also matching more than 11.6 million for people affected by the cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, which killed nearly 85, 000 people in May. …

‘The forgotten army’

Peace Arch News, Canada –

… ‘For your tomorrow, we gave ours today.’” Editor’s note: Percy Smith was a chief steward with the British Merchant Navy in Burma (now Myanmar).

Myanmar dissidents stay out of sight
United Press International –
On the 20th anniversary last week, demonstrations were held around the world against the military junta, except in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, …

UNICEF: RP children in peril in war zones

Cebu Daily News, Philippines –

The low-performing countries were Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos and Timor-Leste, while the high-performing ASEAN members were Brunei, Malaysia, …

Canada to aid victims of quake in China, cyclone in Myanmar

AFP –

The massive 8.0 tremor that hit China’s Sichuan province on May 12 left nearly 70000 dead and 18000 missing while the Nargis cyclone in Myanmar left 138000 …

The mislabeled “United Nations Human Rights Council”

Right Side News, GA –

Well-known human rights abusers Burma, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe voted in favor of the new council and many …

Remembering Democracy’s Martyrs In Burma

Voice of America –

In March 1988, student-led protests began against a junta that had taken power in the early 1960s and whose xenophobic policies had devastating effects on …

Feds match Chinese, Burma aid donations

insideTORONTO.com, Canada –

Getting disaster aid to Burma, also known as Myanmar, was difficult because of obstruction by the country’s military regime. Canadian law does not normally …

Asean at 41

Manila Times, Philippines –

… and Thailand—the organization was joined later by Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (former Burma) and Cambodia to become a 10-nation group. …

Veterans Affairs Canada: Minister Issues Statement on the Occasion …

NewsBlaze, CA –

More than a million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served overseas during the Second World War, more than 10000 of them in Hong Kong, Burma and other Far …

JOEL BRINKLEY: Misery, oppression continue in Burma while the …

The Olympian, WA –

… Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University told the Burmese exile press, “The cause of Burma’s freedom, democracy and human rights was …

Olympics may not change world but do allow a moment of hope

Times & Star, UK –

I was going to talk about the evil of holding them in a country where human rights count for nothing and I was going to talk about drug abuse and politics …

Government of Canada Helps Victims of China Earthquake and Burma …

Government of Canada Newsroom (press release), Canada –

The Burma cyclone in May left nearly 140000 dead or missing. The humanitarian response by Canadians was immediate, and several organizations raised funds to …

After The Cold War

Atlantic Online –

And so American power must be brought to bear in Georgia and Iraq and Iran and Burma and Darfur and Bosnia and anyplace else where American interests are …

Indonesia invites Burmese MPs to Independence Day celebration

Mizzima.com, India –

The invitation is an act of recognition of Burmese MPs, who have been denied by Burma’s military regime from convening the parliament despite being …

Suu Suu Nwe and Hanny Oo appear before court

Mizzima.com, India –

Chiang Mai – A human rights activist under detention was produced before court yesterday, but family members are worried as they were not allowed to meet …

The 3 am Phone Call is Real

RealClearPolitics, IL –

As Claudia Rosett of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies put it: “UN mediators can’t even protect the dissident monks of Burma or the opposition in …

Asia needs a new rule-of-law debate

United Press International, Asia, Hong Kong –

… a member of the Asian Human Rights Commission with over 15 years of experience as an advocate of human rights and the rule of law in Thailand and Burma. …

An Atlanta school makes a community from a world of difference

Daily Herald, UT –

… staff includes many for whom bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and disasters like the Chinese earthquake and the cyclone in Burma, hit close to home. …

Trade, aid fail Cambodia’s poor

The Age, Australia –

Burma is possibly heading in the same direction. As Burma bows to pressure from the West to allow aid into the country after cyclone Nargis, critics argue …

On Thin Ice

The National Interest Online, DC –

When a major cyclone created widespread devastation in Burma earlier this year, some proponents of humanitarian aid urged the US military to compel delivery …

World focus on Burma (14 August 2008)

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Canadian government matches $30 million in donations for China …

The Canadian Press, TORONTO –

The federal government is also matching more than $11.6 million for people affected by the cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, which killed nearly 85000 people in …

Canada matches relief donations to China, Burma
Canada.com, Canada –
The government also will contribute $11622015 to the Burma Cyclone Relief Fund, which brings the amount of aid committed to the country to more than $25

Government of Canada Helps Victims of China Earthquake and Burma …

MarketWatch –

In addition, over $11.6 million was raised for people affected by Cyclone Nargis in Burma. These matching funds will be channeled to humanitarian …

Government of Canada Helps Victims of China Earthquake and Burma …

Market Wire (press release) –

The Burma cyclone in May left nearly 140000 dead or missing. The humanitarian response by Canadians was immediate, and several organizations raised funds to …

Trying to ‘esplain’

Christian Science Monitor, MA –

The first day I came to her house, ostensibly to talk about Burma (Myanmar), she asked me to help her practice for the Georgia driver’s written exam. …

UN admits loss of about 1.56 million dollars of cyclone aid in Burma
Mizzima.com, India –
But the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, the principal bank in Burma that is used by several aid agencies to transfer aid money, on Thursday told Mizzima that ..

UN:More than $1.5 million in cyclone aid lost WTTE, OH –

UN says 1.5 mln dlrs of cyclone aid lost in Myanmar forex rules AFP –

UN says $A1.79M of cyclone aid lost Sydney Morning Herald, Australia –

UN estimates $1.56mn of cyclone aid lost in Myanmar Smash Hits, India –

—

Government of Canada Contributes $18-Million in Support of Red …

MarketWatch –

“The Canadian Red Cross would like to thank the Canadian International Development Agency for their generous support of relief efforts in China and Myanmar …

USDA Expected to Form Proxy Parties for 2010 Election

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

By WAI MOE Burma’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) is reportedly planning to form proxy parties to contest the proposed …

UNICEF/WHO step up rehabilitation assistance

Mizzima.com, India –

Burma’s citizens will soon be the beneficiaries of a new $440000 investment into vaccination facilities inside the country. The United Nations Children’s …

5th press release of the Tripartite Core Group – Myanmar and the …

ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland –

Yangon, 13 August 2008 – Through the Tripartite Core Group (TCG), the Government of Myanmar and the United Nations agencies working in Myanmar have …

U Gambira raises monks’ issues with UN rights envoy

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

U Gambira’s sister Ma Khin Thu Htay said her brother had spent 20 minutes with the special rapporteur during his visit to Burma last week. …

New technology to circumvent Burma’s media control

Radio Australia, Australia –

While the world peers through the Internet’s Great Firewall of China, the miniature version in Burma seems as solid as ever. But activists and human rights …

Daw Suu’s lawyer prepares appeal after meeting

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

“She told me to ‘take the necessary steps according to the law, if the [junta’s] case is not strong enough legally’. That was what she said, although she …

Htoo trading leaves Bogalay workers unpaid

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

“The Htoo trading used labour from daily paid workers in Bogalay to rebuild houses destroyed by the cyclone,” a resident said. “But after two months, …

Media Advisory/REMINDER: Government of Canada Supports Relief …

NewsBlaze, CA – 3 hours ago

… and Canadian Identity), will make an important announcement on the Government of Canada’s contribution to relief efforts in Burma and China. …

Bush as Human Rights Champion?

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

It remains difficult for many human rights activists around the world to understand why Burmese activists see the US government as a staunch supporter of …

Burma ripoff

Bangkok Post, Thailand –

Attracting international aid for the relief effort for Cyclone Nargis, which smashed into central Burma on May 2-3 leaving about 140000 people dead or …

Put aside poison pens and enjoy spectacular Olympics

Vancouver Sun,  Canada –

We dragged all kinds of issues into the Olympics — human rights, Tibet, air quality, Burma, Taiwan, ad nauseum. China could do nothing right. …

Remote Lands Invites Guests to Experience Asia’s Most Exciting …

PR Web (press release), WA –

October: One of the most famous festivals in Myanmar (Burma) is the Elephant Dance Festival, which is centered in the village of Kyauk-se between Mandalay …

Burmese magazine misses deadline due to censors’ delay in …

Southeast Asian Press Alliance, Thailand –

A SEAPA partner, it aims to promote awareness about the situation in Burma and promote democracy and freedom of expression in the country.

Aid workers still finding it hard to help months after Myanmar cyclone

cw2.com, CO –

by Laura Main, News2 COLORADO SPRINGS (KWGN) — Three months ago, a devastating cyclone destroyed much of the country of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. …

Cyclone relief effort in Burma continues

Times Online – Auckland, New Zealand –

A project director for Partners Relief and Development, Mr Corlett has been involved in ongoing assistance in Burma (also known as Myanmar) and comes to …

Ladies who say and do!

Bangkok Post, Thailand –

According to activists of Women’s League of Burma, the country’s health-care system currently ranks 190th of 191 countries. Forty-five per cent of cyclone …

The Singapore Lecture – Building on ASEAN’s Success – Towards an …

TamilSydney.com, Australia –

And this year the cyclone in Burma and the earthquake in China have reminded us of the power of nature – more than 150000 lost their lives and so many …

Rights & Wrongs: Burma, Child Marriage, Kuwait and Rwanda

MELANCHOLY BURMA COMMEMORATES 8-8-88 —

World Politics Review –

While the international diplomatic community and human rights groups are fierce in their lobbying for Burmese freedom — especially that of imprisoned Nobel …

China Key Arms Supplier to Human Rights Abusers

Asian Tribune, Thailand –

… out that China is currently “an arms supplier of last resort for dictators and human rights abusers”, including Sudan, Zimbabwe and Myanmar (Burma). …

UN envoy expresses hope for Myanmar

The National, United Arab Emirates –

However, since the uprising by monks in September, the human rights record in Myanmar, also sometimes known as Burma, has gone from bad to worse – including …

Georgia and Democratic Realism

Atlantic Online –

But when it says no to Liberia, or Congo, or Burma, or countenances alliances with authoritarian rulers in places like Pakistan or, for that matter, Russia, …

World focus on Burma (8 August 2008)

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Human rights message as Games begin

The Press Association –

Demonstrators from Tibet, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Burma joined forces to protest against human rights violations and China’s hosting of the Olympics. …

Tears and pride as Games opening is watched in UK

BBC News, UK –

Protesters from Tibet, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Burma joined forces to voice their anger about human rights violations. Back in Trafalgar Square, …

20 Years Since Thousands of Pro-Democracy Activists Killed in Burma

Vatican Radio, The Vatican –

In Myanmar, also known as Burma, the military junta arrested 48 activists for a protest to mark the anniversary. Mark Farmaner is Director of the Burma …

Marking a Solemn Anniversary in Myanmar

New York Times Blogs, NY –

“China, more than any other country, has enabled the survival of the brutal Burmese regime,” said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch …

Anti-China activists face federal criminal charges

KUTV, UT –

A protestor wearing a photograph of Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi shouts as he stands outside the Chinese Embassy on August 8, …

Christian Rights Group Wants UN to Intervene in Burma Crisis

Christian Post –

The UK-based human rights organization is pressing for key members of the military junta to be brought before the International Criminal Court for crimes …

Authorities arrest rights activist and ABFSU members

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

Aug 8, 2008 (DVB)–Three All Burma Federation of Student Union members and a member of the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters network have been arrested by …

Burma comic on cyclone charges

The Australian, Australia –

Cyclone Nargis left 138000 people dead or missing in early May. After the storm, Burma’s military regime was criticised for blocking foreign relief supplies …

Burma Quietly Remembers Anniversary of 1988 Uprising

Voice of America –

The protests pushed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi into the political limelight and helped her found the NLD to challenge army rule. Burma’s ruling …

RP drops anti-Myanmar stance for ASEAN charter

Inquirer.net, Philippines –

… said Congress would find “extreme difficulty in ratifying the charter” until military-ruled Myanmar (Burma) freed Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. …

Tough words from Mrs Bush for Burmese junta

Sydney Morning Herald, Australia –

… of the military crackdown that crushed Burma’s nascent democracy and left the leader of the democratic forces, Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest. …

No moving backwards for Myanmar

Amnesty International –

Three months ago, the government wilfully neglected its people when Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar. Relief workers, diplomats, journalists, and Burmese …

Bin Laden Driver Given Lenient Sentence

Democracy Now, NY –

Internationally, we wish they use their veto power at the UN Security Council and stop supporting brutality in Tibet, Myanmar and Darfur. …

Burma’s bitter remembrance of ‘8/8/88’

guardian.co.uk, UK –

Burma’s democracy leader, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) overwhelmingly won the 1990 elections, remains under …

Remembering 88: Fighting for what is ours

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

In September 2007, the people of Burma yet again made an attempt to gain the rights that they deserve and the military government responded to it in the …

Breakfast of Champions 8/8: Burmese Democracy
Minneapolis City Pages, MN –
… of the Olympics in Beijing — another event that affects Burma. I wonder if they ever think about calling off August in the nation now known as Myanmar. ..

200 anti-Olympic protestors gather at Chinese embassy in London

Monsters and Critics.com –

Demonstrators from Tibet, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Burma joined forces to protest against human rights violations and China’s hosting of the Olympics. …

David Cook: Olympics, Day One

The Chattanoogan, TN –

So, as it hosts the Olympic Games, China also works to shut down democracy in Burma, where human rights violations are commonplace, and Aung San Suu Kyi, …

Thailand urges US to adjust ‘priority’ ranking

Thai News Agency MCOT, Thailand –

Also, Thailand had expressed concerns to the US on its trade sanctions against Myanmar, Mrs. Nongnut said. The sanctions affected not only the Myanmar …

Security crackdown in Burma on eve of uprising anniversary

The military rulers fear a repeat of the 1988 demonstrations Photo:

AFP/Getty Images

Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom –

Police and militia have staged a show of force in Burma on the eve of the 20th anniversary of a major uprising which left 3000 civilians dead. …

Crackdown on Burmese aid workers

The Age, Australia –

BURMA’S most famous comedian has been charged in a secret court, along with a sports writer and two activists, apparently for their role in delivering aid …

White House Fact Sheet: The United States and Asia: Enduring …

ISRIA (subscription), DC –

President Bush will meet with Burmese human rights activists and restate the call on Burma’s military junta rulers to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other …

Human rights message as Games begin

The Press Association –

Demonstrators from Tibet, Zimbabwe, Sudan and Burma joined forces to protest against human rights violations and China’s hosting of the Olympics. …

Security tight for 20th anniversary of Burma protests

CBC.ca, Canada –

About 100 gathered outside the Burma Embassy in Bangkok, chanting “Free Burma, Free Aung San Suu Kyi,” and throwing three red airplanes over the wall that …

Bush criticizes China before Beijing visit

Ocala, FL –

The president planned to quickly pivot from his speech to a full day of outreach toward the people of Myanmar, also known as Burma, who live under military …

Bush Committed to Burma Issue, Say Activists

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

Thaung Htun, a representative for UN Affairs of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the government in exile, said, “Since the Burmese …

US First Lady Laura Bush yesterday visited IOM’s refugee …

ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland –

The First Lady, who was accompanied by her daughter Barbara, saw IOM cultural orientation trainers preparing refugees for resettlement in the US and saw off …

Business Round-up (August 8, 2008)

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

“[The fact] that each dollar of aid must be converted with Myanmar’s [Burma] military government for a foreign exchange certificate with, now, 80 percent of …

world briefs

Bryan College Station Eagle, United States –

Mrs. Bush, who is traveling in Asia with President Bush, flew to the Thai border with Myanmar, also known as Burma, to visit the Mae La refugee camp and a …

Apprehensive of protests, junta tightens security in Rangoon

Mizzima.com, India –

New Delhi – Security in Burma’s former capital of Rangoon has been stepped up several notches with rumours of impending protests swirling around the city, …

Those who talk, those who walk

United Press International, Asia, Hong Kong –

That is, Burma will remain immune from Thai and most ASEAN pressure to reform, and Thailand itself will continue to see US military sales to the country …

US President Bush visits Bangkok, Thailand

ISRIA (subscription), DC –

America reiterates our call on Burma’s military junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. We’ll continue working until the people of …

Laura Bush’s Myanmar crusade

Asia Times Online, Hong Kong –

In 2003, Congress passed the Freedom and Democracy Act after an attack on pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s motorcade by government-organized thugs …

‘Intl community should push for political reforms in Myanmar’

Economic Times, India –

“As the world celebrates the opening of the Beijing Olympics, people should pause to remember the atrocities in Burma 20 years ago,” said Elaine Pearson, …

Burma In The Shadow Of The Olympics

Sin Chew Jit Poh, Malaysia –

All this is so very applicable in the Myanmar of today. Members of the Burmese junta could not have acted out of love when they used naked force to smash …

CSW wants UN to intervene in Burma crisis

ChristianToday, UK –

by Anne Thomas Christian Solidarity Worldwide is calling for “urgent, specific and meaningful action” from the UN to address Burma’s ongoing political and …

Searching for Democracy Twenty Years On

The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand –

Paradoxically, the regime led by Snr-Gen Than Shwe thought it could save the country from “disintegration” and “anarchy.” The most disturbing thing is the …

Arakanese Community Stages Protest in Dhaka against 2010 Election

Narinjara News, Bangladesh –

… Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo, because their detention is unjust and unfair, and is furthermore against the current laws of Burma,” said Ko Kyaw Myint. …

Myanmar’s bloody “8-8-88” uprising remembered

Myanmar nationals living in Thailand and members of human rights groups chant anti-junta slogans and wave placards calling for the release of democracy icon and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration outside the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok August 8, 2008.

Reuters –

… burnt Myanmar flags and waved placards calling for the release of democracy icon and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest in …

Burma quiet on rally anniversary

Chinese embassies were the target of some of Friday’s protests

BBC News, UK –
Until the 8/8/88 protests, Aung San Suu Kyi was only known as the daughter of liberation hero Aung San, but her speech to the assembled protesters during …

Bush Calls On Myanmar, China To Respect Rights

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey –

“America reiterates our call on Burma’s military junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners,” he said. “We will continue working until …

William Holston Jr.: Rally tonight in Dallas to support Burmese …

Dallas Morning News, TX –

Within two years, one of the young activists, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, received the Nobel Peace Prize. She was unable to attend the ceremony, however…

Myanmar activists mark 20th anniversary of crushed democracy

Monsters and Critics.com –

… which he promised to ‘seek an end to tyranny in Burma,’ and reiterated the call for Myanmar’s regime to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi who …

US president’s trip to China starts off on a frosty note

Press and Journal, UK –

Mr Bush has said he wants to enjoy the 2008 Summer Olympics, but also will talk to President Hu Jintao about human rights and a host of other bilateral …

Activists rally in Philippines for democracy in Myanmar

Monsters and Critics.com –

‘Sports, according to the Olympics charter, should promote human rights and social justice,’ said Egoy Bans, spokesman for the Free Burma …

Myanmar’s bloody “8-8-88” uprising remembered

guardian.co.uk, UK –

… laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest in Yangon. In the Philippine capital Manila, activists from the Free Burma Coalition and Amnesty …

Security tight on anniversary of Myanmar uprising

The Associated Press –

He later joined about 100 others outside the Myanmar Embassy. They chanted “Free Burma, Free Aung San Suu Kyi” and threw red paper airplanes with the …

Dublin event to mark anniversary of Burma uprising

Belfast Telegraph, United Kingdom –

An event is due to be held on Dublin’s O’Connell Street this afternoon to mark the 20th anniversary of the pro-democracy uprising in Burma. …

China rebuffs Bush speech

Denver Post, CO –

By Steven Lee Myers First lady Laura Bush sits with students during a visit to a refugee camp on the Thai-Myanmar border Thursday. …

For peace in Nagaland, dialogue among Nagas must succeed (Commentary)

SINDH TODAY, Pakistan –

But Muivah and Swu stood firm along with Khaplang, their comrade in western Burma (Myanmar), and forced a split in the NNC, one which gave birth to the NSCN …

Stuck between the summit and the roundtable

Business Day, South Africa –

Help to Cuba and the Palestinians, blocking UN managerial reform, and manoeuvring around tougher action on Burma and Iran. None of this does one bit for …

Shame on China — and the IOC

MiamiHerald.com, FL –

When IOC Vice President Kim Un-Yong was jailed a few years ago, charged with embezzling millions and receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks …

Myanmar revolt crackdown remembered

Aljazeera.net, Qatar –

However, Bush also heard criticism of Washington’s stance towards Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, for forcing the generals into isolation. …

EWEN’S COMPLETES HIS MISSION FOR BURMA

Guide and Gazette, UK –

In June, Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy published a joint statement, in an open letter to Burma’s democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi: “We wish to use this …

China tells Bush to stay out of its affairs

Dispatch Online, South Africa –

Burma – called Myanmar by the regime – marks the 20th anniversary of a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy activists today. Laura Bush flew for the day to …

The Games They Play in Burma

Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand –

by J. Sri Raman, On August 8, a small team of six athletes from Burma is scheduled to participate in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing. …

Olympic Expectations

Bangor Daily News, ME –

… for human rights, harsh treatment of Tibet, its omnipresent censorship and its financial dealings with morally corrupt regimes in Sudan, Burma and Iran. …

Conditions in Myanmar much starker than previously assessed, AP finds

Kansas City Star, MO –

… assistance to enable them to rebuild their lives,” said Andrew Kirkwood, who heads the aid agency Save the Children in Myanmar, also known as Burma. …

Crazy eights: Chinese, wedding parties and birthday celebrators …
Naples Daily News, FL –
The sole exception would be in Burma, officially known as Myanmar, where such a protest would likely be considered suicide. On August 8, 1988, which has one ..

Rights groups cry for freedom of ‘prisoners of conscience’

Cebu Daily News, Philippines –

At that time in Myanmar, Burmese students gathered and staged demonstrations calling for democracy. These quickly spread in different parts of Myanmar until …

Myanmar’s bloody “8-8-88” uprising remembered

guardian.co.uk, UK –

After last year’s large-scale fuel-price rallies, the generals in charge of the former Burma are taking no chances, with extra police and pro-government …

Myanmar Still A Disaster

The Moderate Voice –

It is sad to say that there will probably be very little done to help the suffering people of Burma/Myanmar. (1) The Moderate Voice’s comments are hosted by …

Chinese FM conveys congratulations on 41st anniversary of ASEAN …

Xinhua, China –

8, 1967 for boosting regional integration, ASEAN later absorbed Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia as its members. …

Burmese recall uprising

Radio Australia, Australia –

LAMEY: It speaks volumes about Burma that the country of 47 million can muster only 6 athletes to compete in Beijing. And for many in that country, …

Bush Criticizes China In Bangkok Speech

WMUR, NH –

BEIJING — President George W. Bush arrived in China Thursday on a trip that his aides hope will keep a positive focus on the Olympic spirit while showing …

Bush annoys Chinese with human rights speech

Birmingham Star, AL –

… watching Hu’s color on his face, doing nothing to give a hand to help Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi to get released from house-arrest; now visiting China, …

UN rights envoy ends Burma visit

The Standard, Hong Kong –

A United Nations human rights envoy held “constructive” talks with junta leaders in Burma and was allowed to meet with detained pro-democracy activists …

The Sarcasm Revolution

Contra Costa Times, CA –

Political satire remains a dangerous pastime in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. But Maung Yit and two other local Myanmar exiles use their comfortable …

The two sides of 8888

InTheNews.co.uk, UK –

But the number eight holds a further significance today, for it is exactly 20 years since the 8888 uprising in Burma. What started out as a student-led …

Ending the junta

InTheNews.co.uk, UK –

Today the generals of Burma – officially the State Peace and Development Council – mark an unofficial 20th birthday of sorts. Twenty years ago to the day …

China key to Burma’s ‘survival’

InTheNews.co.uk, UK –

Attempts by the United Nations security council to place limits on the junta have been stymied by China and Russia, who have blocked sanctions and arms …

Philippines: Myanmar Exile Calls For More Pressure On Generals

Khun Myint Tun, right, Member of Parliament Union of Burma who won a seat during the national elections in 1990 but not allowed to assume power, is joined by Filipino supporters during a press conference. (Photo courtesy: AP Photo/Pat Roque)

Sin Chew Jit Poh, Malaysia –

Khun Myint Tun, right, Member of Parliament Union of Burma who won a seat during the national elections in 1990 but not allowed to assume power, …

Myanmar: Dissident Myanmar Comic Charged By Court

Sin Chew Jit Poh, Malaysia –

The UN estimated Myanmar to have more than 1100 political prisoners. Quintana said he has asked the government to let him return to Myanmar in March 2009 …

Asia after Bush

Bangkok Post, Thailand –

The cause of Burma’s freedom, democracy and human rights was poignantly served but whether Mr Bush and his wife’s gestures will make any difference on the …

Secret court may jail Burma comic Maung Thura for helping Cyclone …

Times Online, UK –

Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma, left Rangoon last night after a four-day visit during which he went to Insein jail …

Myanmar: Dissident Myanmar Comic Charged By Court

Sin Chew Jit Poh, Malaysia –

Before he was detained, Zarganar said he and more than 400 entertainers in Myanmar volunteered to help victims of the cyclone, making several trips to …

Bush arrives in Beijing

International Herald Tribune, France –

… his Thursday speech represented criticisms of China, though he also criticized the authoritarian leaders of North Korea and Myanmar, the former Burma. …

PRESS DIGEST – Thai newspapers – Aug 8

Reuters –

US President George W. Bush said the United States sought an end to tyranny in Myanmar as he and first Lady Laura Bush spent much of their time in Thailand …

US to keep pressure on Burma

Bangkok Post, Thailand –

THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL and AP United States President George Bush yesterday vowed to continue exerting pressure on Burma’s military regime. …

Why US president met the Burmese at envoy’s house

Bangkok Post, Thailand –

The process was secretly and carefully arranged, given the sensitivity of the issue, which could have affected Thailand’s relations with Burma. …

The First Lady Visits Refugees From Myanmar

New York Times, United States –

Than Shwe, the head of the military junta, that “the time for a free Burma is now.” Another image from Laura Bush’s camp visit. …

No moving backwards, despite the junta

Bangkok Post, Thailand –

If the future is to be better, the United Nations’ Security Council and Burma’s Asian neighbours must cease turning a blind eye to human rights violations …

20th Anniversary of the 8888 Uprising

Scoop.co.nz (press release), New Zealand –

Today (8 08 2008) marks the 20th anniversary of Burma’s largest national democratic uprising when millions of Burmese citizens bravely marched through the …

What if you gave a dinner party and the Axis of Evil came?

USA Today –

Q: Speaking of Burma, what are your thoughts on the ethics of making tourist visits to countries with long, dark records of human-rights abuses? …

Stop the dream, I want to get off

Ha’aretz, Israel –

And the presidents of Zimbabwe, Myanmar (Burma), Sudan and North Korea will also be there – all of them criminals against humanity and bosom buddies of the …

A round-up of today’s world news

Irish Times, Ireland –

RANGOON – The new United Nations human rights envoy to Burma, Argentine lawyer Tomas Ojea Quintana, met five prominent political prisoners on his first trip …

Bush In Bangkok Blasts Burma & China

Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand –

On Thursday (August 6), President Bush visits the Mercy Center, a slum-based group of schools, AIDS hospices, orphanages, and medical clinics in Bangkok run …

Time to unite for real cause

The Canberra Times, Australia –

Dr Thaung Htun is the Representative for United Nations Affairs of the Burma UN Service Office, National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, …

Olympics Demonstration in London

Zimbabwejournalists.com, UK –

Representatives of Burma, Sudan, Tibet and Zimbabwe will lay flowers in mourning for the deaths of millions of victims of dictators supported by China. …

Jolie plans to build an AIDS clinic in Ethiopia

Birmingham Star, AL –

“The next trip for our foundation will most likely to be Asia to follow up on the situation in Burma and our work in Cambodia, Jolie said.

Regret, anger for Burma’s ’88 uprising exiles

ABC Online, Australia –

On the day now stamped in his memory as 8.8.88, Nyo Ohn Myint was certain that change was finally within reach in his military-ruled homeland of Burma. …

Cyclone Nargis Underscores Challenges in Delivering Aid to Burma

Voice of America –

Burma’s government also sat on visa applications from the United Nations and humanitarian agencies. It took pressure from the UN and the Association of …

Behind the story: it’s like arresting Rowan Atkinson or Ricky Gervais

Times Online, UK –

But the work to which they committed themselves — raising and distributing aid to the victims of the cyclone — was inescapably political. …

The Hypocrisy of The Democrats

ProLife Blogs –

Excerpts from it show how hypocritical he is: Will we stand for the human rights of the dissident in Burma, the blogger in Iran, or the voter in Zimbabwe? …

Bush says US firmly opposed to China’s repression

Amador Ledger-Dispatch, CA –

The president plans to quickly pivot from his speech to a full day of outreach toward the people of Myanmar, also known as Burma, who live under military …

President and Mrs. Bush Visit USAID Programs in Thailand

MarketWatch –

The Bushes also were briefed on USAID’s ongoing work in Burma to ensure that the survivors of May’s Cyclone Nargis have access to food and the ability to …

UN Envoy Receives ‘Good Signs’ From Burma

Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UN Human Rights Council investigator for Burma, plays with Burmese schoolchildren as he inspects cyclone-davasted Irrawaddy river delta at Kyaukalat village, 05 Aug 2008

Voice of America –

By VOA News The United Nations human rights envoy for Burma says he received “good signs” that the ruling junta accepted his need to investigate allegations …

Bush calls for freedom in China

The Canberra Times, Australia –

The President planned to quickly pivot from his speech to a full day of outreach toward the people of Burma, who live under military rule across the border. …

In Cyclone’s Wake, Burmese Military Government Appears Strengthened

Voice of America –

By Pros Laput Some Burmese had expressed hope that Cyclone Nargis would lead to the collapse of the military government. The cyclone, which hit Burma three …

The real challenge for China: what does it do after the Games?

The National, United Arab Emirates –

… nuclear concerns, but is increasingly criticised for its silence on Burma and Darfur, treatment of the Tibetan crisis and its own human rights record. …

UN Burma envoy concludes first visit

Radio Australia, Australia –

The new UN human rights envoy for Burma has wound up a five-day visit to the country saying he’s received positive signs the military government accepts his …

Burma: No Rights Reform 20 Years After Massacre

Human Rights Watch (press release) –

China’s actions, such as blocking UN Security Council action on Burma, have frustrated efforts by the Burmese people to enlist other countries and the …

US President Leaves Thailand for China

RedOrbit, TX –

… are different from the US’s interest on Burma,” said Win Min, one of nine Thailand-based Myanmar dissidents who lunched with Bush Thursday in Bangkok.

Bush Goes Looking for Relevance, A Legacy in Asia

Huffington Post, NY –

While in Bangkok, Bush plans to meet Burmese activists, while first lady, Laura — a bit of Burma activist herself — trips up to Mae La, the largest of the …

UN rights envoy meets Myanmar political prisoners

Reuters –

The former Burma’s military rulers are generally impervious to outside pressure, but have allowed in UN representatives since they crushed pro-democracy …

‘India must review its policy on Burma’

Howrah News Service, India –

He felt India’s ties with the junta has not been good for the people of Burma. “There is no trickle-down effect on the people,” he said, alluding to huge …

Conditions in Myanmar starker than portrayed

The Associated Press –

… assistance to enable them to rebuild their lives,” said Andrew Kirkwood, who heads the aid agency Save the Children in Myanmar, also known as Burma. …

Bush slams China over rights record

Inquirer.net, Philippines –

Another focus of Bush’s visit to Thailand is neighboring Burma (Myanmar), which is under heavy US sanctions to try to bring an end to 46 years of unbroken …

McCain’s “League of Democracies” Proposal, Rejected by Allies …

AlterNet, CA –

India, the world’s largest democracy, has also been reluctant to enlist in various campaigns, such as isolating Burma or Iran, which Washington and its …

Beijing holds key to change in Burma

Financial Times, UK –

He had given interviews to foreign media criticising the regime’s slow response to cyclone Nargis, which left 133000 people dead or missing in May this year …

US president affirms commitment to Burma

Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway –

The US president spoke of his frustration with the delays in relief supplies getting to Burma after the cyclone, but said he felt it was the right decision …