Thai PTT to purchase gas from Zawtika Field

PTT to sign a new gas deal in the Zawtika Field in the Gulf of Martaban of Burma. Watchara Kannika, deputy spokesperson of Thai Government’s House said in a press conference on Tuesday that the Thai cabinet approved the proposal of the National Energy Policy Committee for the new gas deal. “The field in M9 block can produce 300 million cubic feet per day. Of that, 240 million cubic feet will be supplied to Thailand and 60 cubic feet used in Burma as price from this field. The price is the same as that of gas from Yadana and Yetagun fields,” he said, according to a report in Thai News Agency website. Thailand’s Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said on Monday after he chaired a meeting of the National Energy Policy Committee, which endorsed a five-year supply plan. The demand is expected to increase to 5.142 billion cubic feet of gas per day by 2015. The MoU is worth more than US$1 billion (Bt33.29 billion) and will see a supply of gas for 25 to 30 years. Gas transmission from the field will start in 2013, Wannarat said.The gas deal with Burma by the Thai government has been urged for revision by activists since 2007 after PTT signed an exploratory agreement with the generals to look for gas in the M9 Block in the Gulf of Mataban.

Burma News

China and Burma signed sixteen MoUs

China and Burma signed sixteen MoUs including five agreements on development of trade, economy, transport infrastructures, technological cooperation and purchase of machinery; seven financial agreements, three agreements on hydro-electric power and one agreement on the energy sector and oil and natural gas pipeline. China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) exclusive rights to build and operate the Myanmar-China Crude Oil Pipeline. The agreement gives CNPC controlled Southeast Crude Oil Pipeline Company, political assurance for the pipeline project. CNPC’s press release on Monday, the agreement signed in the presence of the Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Burmese Vice Senior General Maung Aye will allow the CNPC unit to enjoy rights including tax abatement, crude oil passage through Burma, customs clearance and road operations.“The agreement also stipulates that Myanmar [Burma] government shall ensure the company's ownership and exclusionary right to the pipeline and guarantee the safety of the pipeline,” said the release posted on the CNPC website on Monday.The CNPC has started building a crude oil port in Burma since October 31 as part of the 771-kilometre pipeline project aimed at cutting out the long detour that many Chinese oil tankers take through the congested Malacca Strait. The Myanmar-China Crude Oil Pipeline will start from Maday Island in Arakan state of western coast of Burma and run 771 kilometers through Arakan State, Magway division, Mandalay division and Shan State, and will finally enter Ruili of Yunnan Province in South Western China.Besides, Xi was also reported to have been assured by Burma’s military supremo Senior General Than Shwe of stability along the border. Burma will work with China to preserve peace and stability of the border areas, Than Shwe was quoted as saying in a statement posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website on Monday.Than Shwe added that he understands that China and Burma share a long joint border and maintaining peace and stability on the border is extremely important to both countries.Than Shwe’s pledges came in the backdrop of an armed conflict between government troops and ethnic Kokang rebels in August in Northern Shan State. The conflict drove over 30,000 refugees in to China. The exchange of high-level visits by China and Burma are not uncommon, Xi’s visit, which is part of his four-nation East Asian tour, is seen as significant as he has been largely tipped to be the successor of President Hu Jintao in 2012. “Choosing Burma as one of the four countries he is visiting is significant and it means China considers Burma an important ally,” Bo Bo Kyaw Nyien, a Thailand-based Burmese observer, told Mizzima. He added that the visit is an indication that China and Burma will not only continue but will strengthen their ties, and work out a strategy for border security, which is China’s main concern.

Burma buys Russian MiG-29Jets,Mi-35 Copters

‘Rosoboronexport’, Russia’s sole arms exporter, will begin delivering the fighter jets and helicopters in 2010,close to the Russia-Burma negotiation process, Nikolsky said the contract includes delivering 20 MiG-29 fighter jets worth Euro 400 million (US$ 570 million) and 8 to 10 Mi-35 attack helicopters worth Euro 50 million (US$ 71 million).Burma’s military junta, which has ruled the Southeast Asian nation for the past two decades, chose Russia’s MiG-29 Fulcrum-D carrier-based fighter jets over China's offer of its latest J-10 and FC-1 fighters. Russia and China, the two veto powers at the United Nations Security Council, are known to be the closest allies of Burma’s reclusive military junta. Despite sanctions by the West, United States and European Union, including an arms embargo, Russia and China had been supplying military hardware to the pariah state. Burma, 1990s, had purchased Chinese military aircraft worth about US $ 2 billion, the Vedomosti said in a report on Wednesday.Burma in 2001 bought 12 MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia but Nikolsky said the current contract is so far the largest between the two countries, and possibly “the most important in [Russia-Burma] bilateral relations.” He said other vital part of the Russia-Burma relations includes cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy. Russia in May 2007 announced building a 10-megawatt nuclear reactor with low enriched uranium consisting of less than 20 per cent uranium-235.

Burma SC to hear Aung San Suu Kyi’s appeal

Judges at the Supreme Court after delibartions and arguments by lawyers on both sides, announced they would hear Aung San Suu Kyi’s appeal against the 18-month suspended sentence. “The court will hear the appeal. Today’s session was attended by Daw Suu and her live-in colleagues Daw Win Ma Ma and her daughter. The prosecutors were also present,” Nyan Win, one of Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyers, told Mizzima. But the court has not set any date for the hearing, Nyan Win added. Lawyers of the Nobel Peace Laureate were optimistic about the court’s decision saying it is allowing them to legally argue in court. Amidst rumours of the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi circulating in Burma’s former capital Rangoon, the high court on Monday accepted an appeal by her lawyers regarding the sentence. Lawyers of the Burmese democracy icon argue that the district court cannot sentence Aung San Suu Kyi on the law based on the 1974 constitution, as the constitution is no longer valid. But prosecutors said, though the 1974 constitution is defunct, the district court’s verdict was legally binding as it is a statute made in 1975, which they said was a separate statute not attached to the 1974 constitution. The pro-democracy leader was given 18 months suspended sentenced by the court for ‘harbouring’ an American, John William Yettaw, who swam across a lake and entered her house in early May. Following the sentence, a defence team submitted an appeal to the divisional court, which, however, was rejected saying the district court’s decision was in keeping with the law. The defence team then submitted its appeal to the Supreme Court. As the 1974 constitution is defunct, the verdict of the district court, which draws its statute from the 1974 constitution, cannot be relevant. Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been kept under detention in various forms for the past 14 of 20 years, had written a letter to the junta’s military supremo Snr Gen Than Shwe, requesting a meeting with him to further discuss activities concerning lifting of western sanctions. Responding partially, Than Shwe allowed her to meet aging party leaders last week, though he has not yet responded to her requests of allowing her to have a meeting with her party – National League for Democracy – central executive committee members, and a face to face meeting with him. Lately, sources in Rangoon said, there have been widespread rumours of the possibilities of releasing Aung San Suu Kyi among political observers. Adding fuel to the speculations, sources said is the National League for Democracy renovating its old and shabby office in Rangoon’s West Shwe Gondine Street in Bahan Township. It has, led some to think that it could be to welcome party General Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi to sit at the office after she is released.Media agencies

Concern for Burma by 442 Members of Parliament from 29 countries

BurmaInfo (Japan),People’s Forum on Burma,the U.S. Campaign for Burma Tokyo and Washington, DC Tokyo-based “BurmaInfo,” “People’s Forum on Burma,” and Washington, DC-based “U.S. Campaign for Burma” today welcome the call of 442 Members of Parliament (MPs) around the world to the United Nations Security Council to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity and other war crimes in Burma, as well as to impose a global arms embargo on Burma’s military regime. On the 61st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 442 MPs and Congresspersons from 29 countries from Asia, Europe, North and South America, including Japan, United States, United Kingdom, France, India, Korea, Brazil, Maldives, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand, sent a letter to Members of the UN Security Council. The letter was initiated by two MPs from Japan, Hon. Azuma Konno and Hon. Tadashi Inuzuka, both members of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan. Although their governments have different Investigate Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes in Burma policies toward Burma, all the MPs are deeply concerned about the humanitarian conditions in Burma, also known as Myanmar, and collectively ask the Members of the Security Council to take action as it did for similar conditions in Rwanda and Darfur. Specifically, the MPs request the Security Council to pass a resolution to establish a Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma and to impose a global arms embargo on Burma’s military regime. As Hon. Azuma Konno points out, “Such action is long overdue. Burma’s military regime has carried out brutal attacks on it own people for decades.” Indeed, through attacks on ethnic minority civilians, the regime has destroyed over 3,500 ethnic minority villages in eastern Burma since 1996. A recent report by Harvard Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic found compelling evidence that the military regime has been committing crimes against humanity in eastern Burma for well over a decade. “This letter demonstrates that the eyes of the world are on Burma and that we will call attention to the continued human rights violations perpetrated by the military regime. The destruction of villages and ethnic cleansing must stop. I am proud to stand with so many freely elected leaders from around the world to call for the regime to respect the rights of the people of Burma and to cease the senseless violence.” added Hon. Joseph Pitts, Member of U.S. House of Representatives. This appeal follows similar calls made earlier this year by fellow MPs from the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. On June 15, 2009, 55 Members of U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to President Obama, urging the President to encourage the UN Security Council to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity in Burma. Further, 82 MPs from Canada made a similar request to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on October 9, 2009. Most recently, on November 26, 2009, an Early Day Motion was tabled at the British Parliament which has since been signed by 92 British MPs, calling on the British Government to urge the United Nations to establish a Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity being committed by the military regime in Burma.

First US -ASEAN Meet :Obama appeal to release San Suu Kyi

US President Barack Obama has made a personal appeal to the Myanmar Prime Minister, General Thein Sein, for the release of the pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. A White House spokesman said that President Obama took the opportunity of the US-ASEAN meeting to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. According to observers the fact that the US President has sat down at the same table with a member of the Myanmar military government is a clear sign that America is serious about wanting to re-engage with the region. The first-ever ASEAN-US Leaders meeting held in Singapore after the APEC Leaders' Summit a joint statement after the meeting, which lasted one and a half hours, the leaders also agreed to increase their collaboration and establish an ASEAN-US Eminent Persons Group.It is to support enhanced ASEAN-US cooperation in addressing regional and global issues.The meeting, which included Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein, was the result of a recent change in US policy to directly engage the Myanmar leadership. This is the first time the US President is meeting all of the 10 ASEAN leaders, but the United States and ASEAN have been regular dialogue partners since 1977. This dialogue is held during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting at the foreign ministers level.US President Barack Obama said the US is committed to strengthening its engagement with Southeast Asia.Mr Obama said: "During our meeting, we talked about how the United States and ASEAN worked together as partners within this region and throughout the world. We discussed the importance of the challenge of climate change, nuclear proliferation and working together to support the G20 efforts to promote a sustained and balance global economic recovery. "We reaffirmed the policies I put forward in Tokyo yesterday with regards (to) Burma (former name of Myanmar). We also recognised the need to expand high level engagement on these and other major issues." Abhisit Vejjajiva, ASEAN Chair and Thai Prime Minister, said: "ASEAN also stands ready to be a reliable partner of the US in tackling the various global and regional challenges, whether it is climate change, the Doha Round or counter-terrorism and security issues. This has been a historic meeting and we are happy with the progress this enhanced partnership has achieved." The leaders also discussed Myanmar and welcomed the US policy to engage with the government.ASEAN's leaders also stressed the importance of achieving national reconciliation and emphasised that the general elections to be held in Myanmar in 2010 must be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner in order to be credible to the international community. On climate change, both sides agreed to work closely to ensure the success of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen and that the agreed outcome should incorporate long-term cooperative actions to address climate change. ASEAN and the US also recognised the critical importance of adapting to the increasingly severe effects of climate change in the region, and agreed to strengthen collaboration in both research on climate impacts, and development and implementation of appropriate policies and measures. President Obama said he looks forward to a second Leaders' Meeting next year.

Obama : Myanmar Junta to restore democracy

Obama ruled out any lifting of sanctions on the Myanmar, saying they would remain till the military regime takes concrete steps towards restoration of democracy and release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi along with other political prisoners. “We are now communicating directly with the (Myanmar) leadership to make it clear that existing sanctions will remain until there are concrete steps toward democratic reform,” he said while expressing his commitment to strengthen US ties with Asia. The US had recently announced the US policy to engage the military junta in a dialogue, a marked departure from the past wherein it slapped sanctions on Myanmar for its inability to restore democracy and protect human rights. United States has urged ASEAN nations to convince Burma to hold transparent general elections as US President Barack Obama leaves on his debut presidential Asia tour on Thursday. He is scheduled to meet ASEAN leaders in Singapore for the ASEAN – US Summit this week.Hillary Clinton, United States Secretary of State on Wednesday spoke about Burma’s election after a meeting with foreign ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), including seven member countries from ASEAN, which was held in Singapore.

Obama address nine-day Asian tour

Obama address nine-day Asian tour

What is consciousness ?

What is consciousness ?

Hillary ask Myanmar to free Aung San Suu Kyi

2009-11-12 18:27:14 - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on Myanmar to free opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Stepping up the pressure ahead of President Barack Obama's meeting with the junta's premier, she said the US will continue to call for her unconditional release. The Nobel laureate has spent most of the past 20 years under house arrest after her party won party won the 1990 general elections. The United States has urged ASEAN nations to convince Burma to hold transparent general elections as US President Barack Obama leaves on his debut presidential Asia tour on Thursday. He is scheduled to meet ASEAN leaders in Singapore for the ASEAN – US Summit this week.Hillary Clinton, United States Secretary of State on Wednesday spoke about Burma’s election after a meeting with foreign ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), including seven member countries from ASEAN, which was held in Singapore. "We would like to see countries individually and through ASEAN reach out to the Burmese leadership, persuade them that it's time to start planning for free, fair and credible elections in 2010," Clinton said.Hillary Clinton said Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi, is in detention for fourteen years had "every right, as any person should have...to participate in the active democratic life" of her country. "We believe that her detention over so many years is baseless and not founded on any concern other than she is the leader of the political opposition," Clinton said at a news conference in the Philippine capital, Manila. Clinton called for the opposition to be allowed to take part in the reclusive state's planned 2010 election.She also said there could be high-level contacts with the former Burma's junta at a meeting this weekend of Southeast Asian states to be attended by U.S. President Barack Obama -- though no formal bilateral meeting was planned. "First of all there is no meeting," she told reporters. "There may very well be an opportunity for the leaders, including myself, including the president, to meet the leaders of Burma, something that we have not done before."Clinton said of next year's planned election: "I will underscore our skepticism about an election that does not include all of the people or their representatives who are in opposition." Further she added that there were no plans, to drop U.S. economic sanctions on Myanmar.Media agencies Author: Naresh Sagar e-mail Web: www.nksagar.com Phone: 9810974027

Barack Obama to visit Asian countries

Barack Obama to visit Asian countries

Rebels asked to form Border Guard Force in Burma

Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) Burma’s rebel group, said they are willing to abandon arms struggle provided the ruling junta guarantees equal rights to both ethnics and Burmans agreed in the historic Panlong agreement.KIO Secretary Dr. La Ja said the KIO had informed their stand to the junta’s Supremo Snr Gen Than Shwe in a letter sent to him in September. The letter states that if the junta accepts the Panlong Agreement and is willing to uphold, the KIO is ready to abandon arms struggle, in which case it will not be necessary to transform its armed wing into the ‘Border Guard Force’ proposed by the regime. “We are bringing up the Panlong Agreement again because we have to reconsider about the ‘Union’ of Burma. If there is a ‘Union’, we must recognize the ‘Union’ because the ‘Union’ emerged from the ‘Panlong’ Agreement,” Dr. La Ja told Mizzima from the KIO headquarters in Laiza in Kachin State. “The letter was sent for understanding and consideration, not for talks. We cannot say yet if they will respond and how so. It’s up to them,” he added. The architect of Burma’s independence General Aung San and leaders of ethnic Kachin, Chin and Shan gathered in Panlong town of Shan State and signed the historic ‘Panlong Agreement’, which guaranteed equal rights for all ethnic nationalities on 12 February 1947. While the KIO is emphasizing on equal rights, the Thailand-based Kachin News Group (KNG) said, the Kachin Independence Army’s 4th brigade based in Lao Kai region of Northern Shan State is being pressurized by the regime to divide its troops into three small groups or leave their area. However, Dr. La Ja denied of the information. “We have not been informed. We have not received any letter regarding withdrawal of the 4th Brigade from the area. There is no problem for the 4th Brigade,” he said, adding that there are no tensions amounting between the KIO and the regime in recent days. While the regime has set October as the deadline for all ceasefire groups to transform their armies into the Border Guard Force (BGF), KIO along with several other groups have rejected the proposed but offered another proposal of transforming into a ‘Kachin Regional Guard Force’ (KRGF). “We will wait and see how they respond to our counter proposal. We expect a positive response from the regime. We told them that we accepted transformation and transition but we have to seek a solution peacefully and amicably,” Dr. La Ja said, adding that the KIO do not like to solve the problem militarily. Though the KIO and other ceasefire groups are under pressure for transformation, several KIO leaders have withdrawn their membership from the group to prepare for candidacy in the 2010 election. In early September, six KIO high-ranking officials including Dr. Mana Tu Ja, vice-president (2) of the KIO, announced their resignation from the armed group in order to prepare and form the Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP), to be contesting in the 2010 elections. Meanwhile, the New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K), another Kachin ceasefire armed group, has accepted the junta’s offer of transforming their army into the BGF.

A Happy and Prosperous Diwali

A Happy and Prosperous Diwali Wishing Happy and Prosperous Deepawali - Festival of Light May the Goddess of Wealth Bring Happiness and glory to all Lets us pray For Global Unity and Peaceful Society Nksagar

US embassy steps in defend Nyi Nyi Aung

US embassy in Rangoon is in touch with lawyers to defend its detained citizen, Aung Kyaw Zaw, arrested on arrival in the former Burmese capital’s international airport on September 3. Kyi Win, a high court advocate, on Friday said he was contacted by the US embassy to defend Aung Kyaw Zaw or better known Nyi Nyi Aung, detained in Rangoon Insein prison.“The embassy contacted us to defend him and offered us a fee equivalent to the amount paid to the lawyer they had hired for John William Yettaw. we said we are willing to provide ‘Pro Bono’ free of charge service,” Kyi Win said. Kyi Win said the embassy had contacted him and his colleague Nyan Win, with whom he teamed up to defend detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, to take up Nyi Nyi Aung’s case.Both Kyi Win and Nyan Win are advocates practicing in the high court.“I don’t know if Nyi Nyi Aung has been charged yet. I am yet to receive a reply from the embassy,” Kyi Win said. On nature of charges Nyi Nyi Aung jailed , a report in the state-run media the New Light of Myanmar newspaper last week accused Nyi Nyi Aung of trying to instigate civil unrest in cahoots with underground activists inside Burma.A report accused Nyi Nyi Aung of working together with several Burmese organizations in exile including the Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB), the Student and Youth Congress of Burma (SYCB) and alleged that he had provided financial assistance to activists inside the country.Nyi Nyi Aung was a student activist and was involved in the 1988 student-led uprising. He along with several other students fled to Thailand in the wake of the military crackdown on protesters. Later he was resettled in United States from Thailand and was naturalized as a US citizen. Nyi Nyi Aung holds a valid US passport and had a legal social visit Visa to Burma. He flew from Bangkok to Rangoon on September 3 on a TG flight. Nyi Nyi Aung was taken to several interrogation centres, where he allegedly endured torture. He was finally taken to the Insein prison.US embassy spokesman said, Nyi Nyi Aung had complained of ill-treatment during their meeting.Agencies reports. Author: Naresh Sagar e-mail Web: www.nksagar.com Phone: 9810974027

Aung San Suu Kyi’s to move SC for freedom

Divisional court in Rangoon on Friday rejected the appeal of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, upholding a lower court’s decision that sentenced her to yet another period of detention. Aung San Suu Kyi, General-Secretary of Burma’s main opposition party – National League for Democracy – was sentenced to three years in August by the northern district court in Rangoon’s Insein prison – though the period of detention was later halved by special order from Senior General Than Shwe.“The court said it upholds the decision of the district court but decided that the 1974 constitution is no longer in effect. It is very absurd,” a source, with access to the court, told Mizzima.Aung San Suu Kyi, who was charged for breaching her previous terms of detention by ‘harboring’ American John William Yettaw, who swam across a lake and entered into her house in early May, was sentenced by the district court under the 1974 constitution, which defense attorneys argued is no longer in effect. “It is good that the court acknowledged today that the 1974 constitution is no longer in effect, but it is absurd that the court upholds the verdict of the district court, which is based on that constitution,” the source extrapolated. Nyan Win, a member of Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team, said they are ready to file another appeal with the Supreme Court if the divisional court upheld the lower court’s decision.

Ban Ki-moon ask PM Thein Sien release San Suu Kyi

Ban Ki-moon has demanded the release of detained pro-democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi during his meeting with the Myanmarese Prime Minister Thein Sien who is attending the opening session of the General Assembly.

Ban Ki-moon has demanded the release of detained pro-democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi during his meeting with the Myanmarese Prime Minister Thein Sien who is attending the opening session of the General Assembly.

"The Secretary General made clear that the onus was on the government to create the necessary conditions for credible and inclusive elections, including the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, as well dialogue with all stakeholders," Michele Montas, the spokesperson for Ban said.

"The Secretary General reiterated his clear expectation that Myanmar will respond in a timely manner to the proposals he left with the senior leadership of Myanmar during his visit," she said.

During Ban Ki-moom two-day visit to Myanmar in July, the UN Chief made three demands on Myanmar leadership - to release 2,200 political prisoners, hold free and fair elections in 2010, and resume a dialogue between the government and opposition.

Following Ban's visit, Myanmar ambassador to the UN, Than Swe, told the Council, "At the request of the Secretary General Myanmar is processing to grant amnesty to prisoners on humanitarian grounds and with a view to enabling them to participate in the 2010 general elections."But these assurances have not been followed up.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi, 64, has been under detention for most of the past two past decades. She is the leader of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), which won the national elections in 1990.

US and other Western nations have been imposing sanctions because of Myanmar's refusal to release Suu Kyi, and the military junta is accused of human rights violations in the country.

China and Russia have vetoed Security Council resolutions against Myanmar. "Sanctions are being employed as a political tool against Myanmar and we consider them unjust. I would like to state that such acts must be stopped,"

Debate on stateless children in Thailand

Mong unqualify for Thai nationality inspite of his natural cause of birthin Thailand.Nationality by birth in not applicable in Thailand hence tens of thousand workers may not have the chance to get Thai nationality and therefore children born in Thai of Mayanmar parentswill be living with stateless nationality.Mong was born, lives and goes to school because he was born to Burmese migrant workers. Federal Minister Chaovarat Chanvirakul, Minister of Interior said that he congratulated Mong Thongdee (12),who is back from the Origami Airplane Contest in Japan, after he won the third prize for Thailand in the individual category but bagged first prize in the team competition.“However, to grant him Thai citizenship we have to consider other things too, because in the future it will be difficult if tens of thousands of stateless people in Thailand also ask for nationality,” he said, according to a Thai newspaper Komchadluek.

Further Interior Ministry Minister Chaovarat Chanvirakul faced the wrath of civil society lawyer on charges of human rights violation were filed by the Thai Lawyer Council after the Ministry refused to issue travel documents to the boy.

Mong now a celbrity, a role model for stateless children, particularly in his hometown Chiang Mai Northern Thailand.
Mong Thongdee was born of Burmese migrant workers working in Chiang Mai. With his parents are ethnic Shan his winning the first prize in a paper aeroplane making competition held in Bangkok last year is joy of Mayanmar community living in Thailand.Following the competition he was entitled to join the Origami Airplane competition held in Japan on September 19 and 20 where he got the prizes.

Thailand Science Ministry will appoint Mong Thongdee, a Thai born but stateless boy, as its youth ambassador. “We will offer him scholarships too,” Science Minister Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich said on Monday.She said the scholarships would enable Mong to get a degree and even a doctorate if he wanted.”He deserves the scholarships because he bolstered the country’s reputation and has become an inspiration for other children to learn more about science,” Kalaya said.

NLD asks to free Aung San Suu Kyi

Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy ,NLD warmly welcomes the release of 7,114 national prisoners that included some 100 political prisoners from prisons on September 17," the statement said.

NLD reiterated calls for the ruling junta to free Aung San Suu Kyi and other political detainees.Maynamar court will give its verdict on Ms Suu Kyi's appeal against her extended house arrest next month.Her most of years have passed in prisons of Maynmar junta rule and extension of her jail term for another eighteen months is an intent of Junta
rule to keep her off the ensuing General elections.

Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) issued a statement almost one week after the military regime announced that it was freeing the prisoners so they could vote in elections due next year."However we also call for the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners including the NLD vice chairman Tin Oo and general secretary Aung San Suu Kyi," it said.

Suu Kyi had her house arrest extended by 18 months in August after she was convicted over an incident in which an American man swam uninvited to the lakeside house where she is detained in May.Tin Oo has also been under house arrest since 2003.

NLD official press release said Suu Kyi and Tin Oo "have been always trying for dialogue and national reconciliation", as had jailed members of ethnic minority groups and students who led mass pro-democracy protests in 1988.

NLD Myanmar's opposition party on Wednesday welcomed the release of 7,000 prisoners.US sanctions against Burmese leaders would remain in place, Mrs Clinton said, but could be eased if "the core human rights and democracy issues that are inhibiting Burma's progress" were addressed.

Author:
Naresh Sagar
e-mail
Web: www.nksagar.com
Phone: 9810974027

San Suu Ky jail term extended

2009-08-11 11:46:41 - Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday received court prouncement jail term for another three years prison term .Lt-Gen Maung Oo, Minister of Home Affairs arrived in the court and read out an order signed by the junta’s military supremo Snr. Gen Than Shwe dated August 10.

Suu Kyi's two-decade with Myanmar's powerful ruling junta prolonged with leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday was sentenced to 18 months delayed prison term and will be taken back to her lakeside home.

court on Tuesday announced three years prison term for Aung San Suu Kyi. But Lt-Gen Maung Oo, Minister of Home Affairs arrived in the court and
read out an order signed by the junta’s military supremo Snr. Gen Than Shwe dated August 10.

The order states that if the court convicts Aung San Suu Kyi, half the sentence should be commuted and could be freed after the 18 months if she proves that she has good moral behaviour. The order said, her sentenced is commuted because she is the daughter of General Aung San, the architect of Burma’s Independence from the British colonial.

“The verdict on Aung San Suu Kyi is that she will be taken back to her house and kept under restrictions for 18 months and during which if she proves good moral she could be freed at the end of 18 months,” her lawyer Nyan Win told Mizzima on Tuesday.

He said, she will be kept under restrictions but could write a request for her rights including receiving guests. She will also be allowed to watch television and read newspapers.

Similarly, her two live-in party mates, Khin Khin Win and Win Ma Ma, who were also sentenced to three years in prison with hard labour, were also reduced to 18 months of suspended sentence and will be send back along with Aung San Suu Kyi to her home.

If all the three abides by the law and prove good moral, they could be freed at the end of the 18 months suspended sentence, the order states.

John William Yettaw, the American man, however, was handed seven years in prison with hard labour, for abetting Aung San Suu Kyi to violate the terms of her house arrest and other charges including violation of the immigration law.


Immediately after the court announced the verdict on Aung San Suu Kyi, Lt-Gen Maung Oo, Minister of Home Affairs arrived in the court and read out an order signed by the junta’s military supremo Snr. Gen Than Shwe dated August 10.

The order states that if the court convicts Aung San Suu Kyi, half the sentence should be commuted and if she proves that she has good moral behaviour she should be freed.

Aung San Suu Kyi will be taken back to her home and kept under restrictions. She will be allowed to accept guests but only with the prior permission of the authorities. For other rights she can send a written request, and she would be allowed to have a television and read newspapers.

Author:
Naresh Sagar
e-mail
Web: www.nksagar.com
Phone: 9810974027

Myanmar junta needs to be Ostracized

2009-08-11 12:03:54 - President Nicolas Sarkozy of France called the sentencing “brutal and unjust” and said European sanctions should target profitable industries
including timber and ruby mining.

News
of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,jail term extended has world wide reaction and first to reacts was European governments demanded immediate, unconditional release Tuesday of the pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain wants to impose a global embargo on arms shipments to the military regime in Myanmar.European Union demanded her freedom in
a statement issued by Sweden, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the 27-nation body, news reports said.

Lt-Gen Maung Oo, Minister of Home Affairs arrived in the court and read out an order signed by the junta’s military supremo Snr. Gen Than Shwe dated August 10.

The order states that if the court convicts Aung San Suu Kyi, half the sentence should be commuted and could be freed after the 18 months if she proves that she has good moral behaviour. The order said, her sentenced is commuted because she is the daughter of General Aung San, the architect of Burma’s Independence from the British colonial.

“The verdict on Aung San Suu Kyi is that she will be taken back to her house and kept under restrictions for 18 months and during which if she proves good moral she could be freed at the end of 18 months,” her lawyer Nyan Win told Mizzima on Tuesday.

He said, she will be kept under restrictions but could write a request for her rights including receiving guests. She will also be allowed to watch television and read newspapers.
Aung San Suu Kyi to be at her Yangon lake-side residence house arrest where she is allowed to watch state-run MRTV and read newspapers as well as receiving medical treatment.

She is granted to meet guests but with permission by the government, and if there is any demand, she can present it in writing.

Under such conditions, if she abides by the rules prescribed for her, all the remaining terms could be exempted, the minister said.

World see the detention of powerful pro-democracy movement in Burma as the alternate to the powerful military junta, in power in Myanmar from 1962, put the opposition leader to prevent her from participating in parliamentary elections scheduled in 2010.

The miminmu jail term of San Suu Kyi in way of house arrest as sufficient time to exclude the dictatorship's main opposition candidate who won the elections of 1990 that were never recognized by the military from the national political activity which canvas political landscape.

Myanmar nuclear Capabilities

Myanmar nuclear capabilities

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2009-08-03 06:37:29 - Myanmar impoverished economy tread nuclear potential to grow into a nuclear power with help of Russia,North Korea,China thus another Nuclear state in region of Asia.Myanmar was carrying out a secret weapons program backed by Pyongyang and hopes to have an atomic bomb within five years, Fairfax newspapers reported at theweekend.

Globe remain focused on the clandestine nuclear programme of North Korea and Iran, reports are filtering in that Myanmar's isolated military junta may be just a few years from testing its first atomic bomb. Myanmar rich natural reserves of nuclear material plutonium,uranium, thorium,Pyongyong collaboration is to secure supply of uranium from Yangon's,the huge reserves .

Detailed reports from Journalist Thai-based
Irish-Australian, Phil Thornton, an Australian journalist based on the Thai-Myanmar border says Burma building a secret nuclear reactor and plutonium extraction facility with the assistance of North Korea is buzz story of North Korea and Myanmar going nuclear with facilitater Russia.Burmese defecters said in press Burma has enlisted North Korea and Russia to develop a reactor capable of producing one nuclear bomb a year by 2014, own nuclear bomb within the next five years.Myanmar therefore needs to build a plutonium reprocessing plant and to build such plant is planned in Naung Laing, central Myanmar, where Russian technicians are already “teaching plutonium reprocessing,” the army defector, Moe Jo, an alias, told the investigators.

Sydney Morning Herald has reported citing two key junta defectors that the key far-eastern nation is building a secret nuclear reactor and plutonium extraction facilities with North Korea's help.

Trevor Wilson, a former Australian ambassador to Burma, said reports of Rangoon's military rulers pursuing a nuclear weapons program were suspect.The Myanmarese military has sited the reactor in mountain caves inter-linked by deep tunnels at Naung Laing in Northern part of the country, apparently to camouflage it from detection by satellites. The paper said the secret complex runs parallel to a civilian reactor being built at another site by Russia that both the Moscow and Yangon authorities say will be put under international safeguards.

The revelations by the Australian Daily come as US Naval Warships recently shadowed a North Korean commercial vessel bound for Myanmar, suspecting it to be carrying contraband nuclear and missile components. However, the ship was not intercepted.North Korean-Myanmar collaboration in nuclear armaments was raised US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her visit to Thailand last month to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum.

To a plea of Myanmar’s non-military nuclear ambitions are nonsense. Tin Min, a former employee of the junta-connected Htoo Trading Company,“How many hospitals in Burma have nuclear science? Burma can barely get electricity up and running. It’s nonsense,” Tin Win, an alias, said.

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Maj-Gen Soe Win meets KIO in Laiza

With Junta government in Myanmar trying to make peae with KIO,the ethni armed group fighting for self determination.Northern Military Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, along with leaders of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO), the largest ceasefire ethnic armed group in Kachin state, on Friday arrived in the Sino-Burma border town of Laiza, the KIO headquarters, for a meeting.

Soe Win and the KIO leaders arrived in the border town after the commander held talks with Kachin Church leaders in Myitkyina on July 29.Eyewitnesses said the commander and KIO leaders were in a meeting in Laiza Hotel from 7 a.m. (local time) to 2 p.m. and at 6:10 a.m. two vehicles arrived in town. Later at about 7:15 a.m. the commander came in his Prado car escorted by a 4-wheel vehicle. For surprise for all at about 10 a.m. seven 4-wheel vehicles came with boxes,” the eyewitness said.

The KIO has rejected the junta’s proposal of transforming its armed wing, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) into a Border Guard Force but told Soe Win that they are keen on converting the KIA into a Kachin Regional Guard Force (KRGF) during their meeting on July 8 to 11 in Myitkyina.

After the meeting with the KIO leaders today, Soe Win visited a hospital run by the KIO and left Laiza at about 3 p.m.

The KIO is the largest Kachin armed group fighting for self-determination. It entered into a ceasefire pact with the ruling junta in 1994.

NLD members freed,were Six of the opposition arrested on Thursday evening,by authorities on Friday.Thet Thet Aung of Rangoon’s Dagon Myothit Township, Htein Win and Khin Win Kyi of South Dagon Township, Nyunt Hlaing of San Chuang Township, who is an elected member of Parliament in the 1990 elections, Naw Ohn Hla and Khin Myat Thu were released after being detained for several hours since Thursday evening, according to NLD spokesperson, Ohn Kyaing.

On Thursday the authorities rounded up at least 30 people, mostly young supporters and members of the NLD, across the country, in a move to pre-empt anti-government protests on Friday, the day the court had earlier fixed to pronounce the verdict on the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The court, however, postponed delivering the verdict on Aung San Suu Kyi to August 11, saying it is facing legal problems and needs time to decide.

Htein Win, youth in-charge of the NLD from South Dagon Township told Mizzima, “I arrived home at noon after being released. I was interrogated and asked what we will be doing on July 31. They asked whether we had plans to hold demonstrations and also wanted to know our plans for the 8.8.88 anniversary. They also asked what we will do if Aung San Suu Kyi is sentenced to a prison term.”

He said, the chairman of the ward, police from the special branch and several other officials came to his house at about midnight and asked him to come to the police station saying they needed to ask a few questions.

He was later taken to the office of the Ministry of Home and interrogated for two hours.Htein Win said Khin Win Kyi was also brought to the same office for interrogation.He was also reportedly made to sign a pledge not to say anything about the interrogations to the media.

Suu Kyi verdict postponement August 11

Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won elections in 1988 but was never allowed to take power.Army-ruled Myanmar called it will hold a referendum on a new constitution in May followed by elections in 2010, Postponement of verdict was aimed at deflecting pressure after last year’s crackdown on protesters and August 8 is the 21st anniversary calling for democratic reform in the country.

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent almost 14 of the last 20 years in detention.Many are opinion that this trial is a ploy by the regime to keep the Nobel Laureate locked up until after elections scheduled for 2010.Burmese court scheduled to deliver a verdict in the high-profile trial of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said it is not yet ready to make a decision and adjourned until August 11, according to diplomats.The 64-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate is charged with violating the terms of her house arrest by harbouring an American man who swam to her house uninvited.She faces up to five years in prison.

August is an historic month in Burma’s pro-democracy movement. Twenty-one years ago, millions of Burmese took to the streets to demonstrate, calling for democratic reform in the country, August 8 is the 21st anniversary of the 1988pr uising.

On Thursday, the junta arrested about 20 Suu Kyi supporters in their homes in an overnight operation in Rangoon.The United States and the European Union have said they will push for tougher sanctions on the military government if Suu Kyi is sentenced to prison.Officials in Napyidaw reportedly contacted the Burmese Supreme Court by telephone on Friday and ordered a delay in announcing the verdict.

The postponement comes as the military government faces growing international and internal pressure over the trial of Suu Kyi, who faces up to five years in prison if found guilty of violating the terms of her house arrest.

“The verdict has been postponed to 10 am on August 11,” Nyan Win, Suu Kyi’s lawyer, told The Irrawaddy on Friday morning. Some diplomats were allowed to observe the brief court session, said sources.

Last week,U.S. President Barack Obama asked Burma's military government to free Democratic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from detention immediately and without conditions.A statement issued by the White House Mr. Obama condemned her continued house arrest. He said her current trial on charges of violating the terms of her house arrest is a "show trial based on spurious charges."

UN Secretary General said,last fornight,it is now up to the military junta in Myanmar to set in place the process for a credible and legitimate election in the country."It is now up to the leaders of Myanmar to set in place the elements necessary for the election to be credible and legitimate," Ban Ki-moon said at a press conference in Geneva.

U.N. Permanent Representative of Myanmar, U Than Swe, told the Security Council, "At the request of the secretary-general, the Myanmar government is processing to grant amnesty to prisoners on humanitarian grounds and with a view to enabling them to participate in the 2010 general elections." But offered no specifics beyond his statement.

Burma rubies banned in US,EU,Australia

Burma rubies banned in US,EU,Australia
2009-07-30 06:46:04 - Gems industry still in news in Burma despite severe economic deterioration, Burma produces one of the world’s most expensive rubies.Though countries including the US, the European Union, Australia, Canada and New Zealand have slapped sanctions on Burma's gems, some Asian nations continue to buy them.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton last week, during regional security talks in Thailand’s resort Island of Phuket, called on the Burmese junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi saying if the regime releases her, it would help US reinvest in the impoverished country.

President of the United States Barack Obama on Tuesday renewed sanctions against military-ruled Burma, including banning
of sales and import of Burmese gems into the US. With a news brief White House statement on Tuesday said, President Obama has signed the bill into law, which received overwhelming support of the Congress. The law imposes a ban on all imports from Burma for the next three years.

“On July 28, 2009, the President signed into law: H.J. Res. 56, which renews import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003,” the White House statement said.The sanctions were due to expire this week.

Obama’s renewal of sanctions against the Burmese military regime comes after the Burmese junta on Tuesday said that a verdict on the trial of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be pronounced on Friday.

Aung San Suu Kyi, charged for violating her detention law, could face up to five years in prison if found guilty.

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New Asian Order: US Hillary way

New Asian order: US Hillary way


20.07.2009 07:57:07 Hillary Clinton with her first Public appearance in India to establish Asian order here mere talk in Gurgaon giving bashing orders to India to reduce carbon emission norms look in tone of police officer asking the sovereign Indian government to follow the global norms to which She heads as the chief officer.Indian peoples are taken aback with such attitude of US Leaders making the statement in inimical style causing more harm to friendly ties which needs more sane diction and wordings.US efforts to bully India on Greehouse gas embission has given bad publicity to US in making firendly terms with India. India has categorically stated that it will not accept any legallybinding reductions in green house gas emissions.Young Union minister showed his maturity and put up his subject in
balance way with touch of responsibiliy of statesmanship.

(live-PR.com) - Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said that New Delhi is not running away from its responsibilities and it has already launched a national plan to tackle the problem. Mr. Ramesh, flanked by the US Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton, was talking to media persons after attending a conclave on Climate Change at Gurgaon. The Minister
asserted that India’s per capita emissions


will never exceed that of the developed countries. The Environment Minister agreed with Ms.Clinton that it is possible for the developed and developing countries to narrow their positions on climate change. He reiterated that India is willing to hold negotiations under the UN framework on climate
change. The framework exempts developing countries from taking any emission cuts while seeking such cut from the developed countries. He said the two countries have agreed on concrete partnerships in the area of energy efficiency during the discussions he had with Ms.Clinton. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake said on July 15 that in India the secretary hopes to “broaden and strengthen the strategic partnership” between the United States and India,as well as highlight ongoing cooperation between Indians and Americans outside of government, in areas such as business, science and academia. Secretary Clinton and her Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, may be in a position to announce an agreement that allows U.S. companies to sell two nuclear reactors to India.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s from Monday onwards means business the United States looks forward to a broader engagement with India on global challenges such as climate change and nonproliferation.

Following stops in Mumbai and Delhi, Clinton’s July 17–23 trip will also take her to Thailand, where she will meet with her counterparts in the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN).Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake said July 15 that in India the secretary hopes to “broaden and strengthen the strategic partnership” between the United States and India, as well as highlight ongoing cooperation between Indians and Americans outside of government, in areas such as business, science and academia.

The United States and India are working on a monitoring agreement that would improve military-to-military cooperation and allow U.S. businesses to sell sensitive military equipment and technology to India. Under the agreement, the United States would be able to ensure that armaments it sells to India will be used as intended and the technology would not be leaked to third countries.“We hope to be able to sign that,” Blake said.
On July 20, Clinton and Krishna will announce “the elements of our new partnership,” Blake said. “Broadly speaking, what we’re going to do is continue the successful cooperation we’ve had on things like defense cooperation, counterterrorism, trade, while also forging new initiatives on things like agriculture, education, science and technology, and women’s empowerment.”

The civil nuclear agreement between the two countries remains “very much on track,” Blake said. In either July or August, India and the United States will likely begin talks on reprocessing uranium after India has filed a declaration of its safeguarded nuclear facilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

On climate change, the assistant secretary said both countries have been consulting on the United Nations climate change meeting scheduled for Copenhagen, Denmark, in December. The Indians have a chance to leapfrog older technologies and “adopt a clean-energy, low-carbon future,” Blake said.

Secretary Clinton will head the U.S. delegation to ASEAN’s regional forum in Phuket, Thailand, after meeting with Thai officials in Bangkok. U.S. Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Marciel said that along with regional concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile activity, the forum will also provide an opportunity to discuss climate change, pandemic flu, and political repression in Burma.Thai Foreign Ministry, official Virasakdi Futrakul,chaired a working dinner on Saturday of ASEAN senior officials,told media that the officials discussed the plan during the meeting. Virasakdi said the plan will get approval from ASEAN foreign ministers who are scheduled to officially begin series of annual meetings on Monday on the southern Thai resort island of Phuket.

ASEAN foreign ministers schedule to begin series of annual meetings on Monday on the southern Thai resort island of Phuket.Indonesian Foreign Ministry Secretary General Imron Cotan said, "We have agreed to propose to our foreign ministers to issue a statement basically portraying that ASEAN countries are united to confront this act of terrorism." According to Virasakdi, the statement will say, "We condemn the act of terrorism that cause loss of innocent lives and urge the authorities to bring the culprits to justice." "We express the solidarity in supporting the Indonesian government and that ASEAN will remain steadfast in countering acts of terrorism in all manifestations," he added.

ASEAN officials were shocked by the tragic explosions which occurred at the tightly secured hotels, according to Virasakdi.Thailand has reinforced security in Phuket, which hosts some 1,000 delegates from the 10 ASEAN countries and 16 other countries for the annual meetings.More than 10,000 forces have been deployed after Thailand enacted an internal security act to quell antigovernment demonstrators.

Prohibitory act orders no demonstrations in the neighborhood of the meeting venue, covering six sub-districts of Thalang and the Kathu district of Phuket.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made no mention of Burma in her foreign policy speech in Washington this week, but she renewed the US offer to talk with the Iranian regime but the offer and opportunity would not remain indefinitely, she warned.Clinton is on her way to Asia this is her second trip to attend the 42th Asean Ministerial Meeting in Phuket. Whether she wants it or not, the Burma and North Korea issues will likely dominate the meeting. Clinton, who said she was deeply troubled by the decision by the Burmese regime to charge Suu Kyi with a baseless crime, is not unprepared to speak on the Burma issue, but a US policy review on Burma that began in February is still pending.US State Department officials said they expected the showdown over North Korea over its nuclear and missile tests and political repression in Myanmar to be among the leading topics that Clinton will discuss when she arrives.During her first trip to Jakarta, Clinton said, “Clearly, the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn’t influenced the Burmese junta.” Then she added that the policy adopted by neighboring countries of “reaching out and trying to engage them has not influenced them, either.”The policy review on Burma is still pending, with the Obama administration wanting to take a different policy direction on Burma from the previous Bush administration. US new policy will probably be a mix of carrots and sticks, but recent events have complicated apparent indications favoring increased diplomacy and outreach from Washington towards Burma’s rulers.

Suu Kyi’s bizarre trial has played a role in the policy review other sensitive issues include the release of 2,100 political prisoners, the relationship with ethnic groups along the Burmese border with China and Thailand, and the upcoming election in 2010 then no doubt the issue of Burma’s shady relationship with North Korea will also play a part.

Though Washington’s policy review remains incomplete, the US is not without a policy and diplomatic tools. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Scot Marciel, assured that Clinton would bring up the issue of Burma during the meeting with Asean foreign ministers.“I don't want to try to predict exactly what Clinton going to say. I'm confident that she will raise Burma and express our concerns quite clearly,” Marciel said.

Secretary Clinton will head the U.S. delegation to ASEAN’s regional forum in Phuket, Thailand, after meeting with Thai officials in Bangkok. U.S. Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Marciel said that along with regional concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile activity, the forum will also provide an opportunity to discuss climate change, pandemic flu, and political repression in Burma.

Marciel said the Obama administration’s review of its Burma policy is ongoing, and has been slowed by the military government’s recent arrests of opposition activists and the trial of National League for Democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. But he said the U.S. policy of promoting progress in Burma remains unchanged.

“By progress, I mean the beginning of a dialogue between the government and the opposition and the ethnic minority groups, release of political prisoners and improved governance and, we would hope, more of an opening to the international community,” he said.

In Phuket, Clinton will also hold a four-way meeting with the foreign ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to discuss Mekong River issues such as health and the environment. “This will be the first time that a secretary of state’s done such a meeting,” Marciel said.

Foreign ministers from the other five parties the US, Russia, China, Japan and South Korea will all be in Phuket.

ASEAN's conspicuous member Myanmar since joining the bloc in 1997, showed its defiance earlier this month by refusing to allow UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to visit the opposition icon when he visited.ASEAN foreign ministers are further set to endorse a final version of the bloc's new human rights body, which has faced criticism for being unable to tackle persistent violators such as Myanmar.
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Author:
Naresh Sagar
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Web: http://www.Nksagar.com
Phone: 9810974027

Hillary Clinton to address Asean FM meet in Phuket

Thai Foreign Ministry, official Virasakdi Futrakul,chaired a working dinner of ASEAN senior officials,told media that the officials discussed the plan during the meeting. Virasakdi said the plan will get approval from ASEAN foreign ministers who are scheduled to officially begin series of annual meetings on Monday on the southern Thai resort island of Phuket.

ASEAN foreign ministers schedule to begin series of annual meetings on Monday on the southern Thai resort island of Phuket.Indonesian Foreign Ministry Secretary General Imron Cotan said, "We have agreed to propose to our foreign ministers to issue a statement basically portraying that ASEAN countries are united to confront this act of terrorism." According to Virasakdi, the statement will say, "We condemn the act of terrorism that cause loss of innocent lives and urge the authorities to bring the culprits to justice." "We express the solidarity in supporting the Indonesian government and that ASEAN will remain steadfast in countering acts of terrorism in all manifestations," he added.

ASEAN officials were shocked by the tragic explosions which occurred at the tightly secured hotels, according to Virasakdi.Thailand has reinforced security in Phuket, which hosts some 1,000 delegates from the 10 ASEAN countries and 16 other countries for the annual meetings.More than 10,000 forces have been deployed after Thailand enacted an internal security act to quell antigovernment demonstrators.

Prohibitory act orders no demonstrations in the neighborhood of the meeting venue, covering six sub-districts of Thalang and the Kathu district of Phuket.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made no mention of Burma in her foreign policy speech in Washington this week, but she renewed the US offer to talk with the Iranian regime—but the offer and opportunity would not remain indefinitely, she warned.
Clinton is on her way to Asia—this is her second trip—to attend the 42th Asean Ministerial Meeting in Phuket. Whether she wants it or not, the Burma and North Korea issues will likely dominate the meeting. Clinton, who said she was deeply troubled by the decision by the Burmese regime to charge Suu Kyi with a baseless crime, is not unprepared to speak on the Burma issue, but a US policy review on Burma that began in February is still pending.US State Department officials said they expected the showdown over North Korea over its nuclear and missile tests and political repression in Myanmar to be among the leading topics that Clinton will discuss when she arrives.
During her first trip to Jakarta, Clinton said, “Clearly, the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn’t influenced the Burmese junta.” Then she added that the policy adopted by neighboring countries of “reaching out and trying to engage them has not influenced them, either.”The policy review on Burma is still pending, with the Obama administration wanting to take a different policy direction on Burma from the previous Bush administration. The new policy will probably be a mix of carrots and sticks, but recent events have complicated apparent indications favoring increased diplomacy and outreach from Washington towards Burma’s rulers.
Suu Kyi’s bizarre trial has played a role in the policy review—other sensitive issues include the release of 2,100 political prisoners, the relationship with ethnic groups along the Burmese border with China and Thailand, and the upcoming election in 2010—then no doubt the issue of Burma’s shady relationship with North Korea will also play a part.

Though Washington’s policy review remains incomplete, the US is not without a policy and diplomatic tools. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Scot Marciel, assured that Clinton would bring up the issue of Burma during the meeting with Asean foreign ministers.

“I don't want to try to predict exactly what she's [Clinton] going to say. I'm confident that she will raise Burma and express our concerns quite clearly,” Marciel said.

Secretary Clinton will head the U.S. delegation to ASEAN’s regional forum in Phuket, Thailand, after meeting with Thai officials in Bangkok. U.S. Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs Scot Marciel said that along with regional concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile activity, the forum will also provide an opportunity to discuss climate change, pandemic flu, and political repression in Burma.

Marciel said the Obama administration’s review of its Burma policy is ongoing, and has been slowed by the military government’s recent arrests of opposition activists and the trial of National League for Democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. But he said the U.S. policy of promoting progress in Burma remains unchanged.

“By progress, I mean the beginning of a dialogue between the government and the opposition and the ethnic minority groups, release of political prisoners and improved governance and, we would hope, more of an opening to the international community,” he said.

In Phuket, Clinton will also hold a four-way meeting with the foreign ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to discuss Mekong River issues such as health and the environment. “This will be the first time that a secretary of state’s done such a meeting,” Marciel said.

Foreign ministers from the other five parties the US, Russia, China, Japan and South Korea will all be in Phuket.

ASEAN's conspicuous member Myanmar since joining the bloc in 1997, showed its defiance earlier this month by refusing to allow UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to visit the opposition icon when he visited.ASEAN foreign ministers are further set to endorse a final version of the bloc's new human rights body, which has faced criticism for being unable to tackle persistent violators such as Myanmar.

Free Aung San Suu Kyi

The NLD on Wednesday reiterated its call to the junta to release party leader Aung San Suu Kyi and to kick-start a political dialogue for national reconciliation.

The NLD made the call in its eight-page statement issued at the end of the 19th anniversary commemorative ceremony of Burma’s last election held at the party head office in Rangoon’s Shwegondine Street in Bahan Township.The Rangoon North District court sitting inside special court in Insein Prison is appointed by Burma Janta on trial for Noble Laureate and democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday rejected three witnesses submitted by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyers, leaving just one remaining defense witness.

Nyan Win, a member of Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team, told Mizzima that a judge of the special court on Wednesday announced the rejection of three witnesses – Win Tin, Tin Oo and Khin Moe Moe – accepting just Kyi Win as a defense witness.

“There is nothing much I can say. The facts speak for themselves. The prosecution had fifteen witnesses examined and we are left only with one,” Nyan Win said.

On Wednesday, the court heard the testimony of Aung San Suu Kyi’s live-in party members Khin Khin Win and Win Ma Ma, in addition to American Yettaw.

Nyan Win said the court has fixed the next hearing for 10 a.m. (local time) Tuesday but he is not sure whether there will be any examination of the defense witness.

“I think a verdict might be possible by Friday,” said Nyan Win, adding that authorities are in a hurry to get the case over with.

“But we are determined to fight the case in a higher court if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is sentenced,” he added.U.S. President Barack Obama asked Burma's military government to free Democratic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from detention immediately and without conditions.A statement issued by the White House Tuesday, Mr. Obama condemned her continued house arrest. He said her current trial on charges of violating the terms of her house arrest is a "show trial based on spurious charges."

Aung San Suu Kyi acknowledged during trial on Tuesday that she did not inform Burmese military authorities when an American intruder swam across a lake to be with her Rangoon home in the early morning hours of May 4.She said she allowed American John Yettaw "temporary shelter" until he left the next day for such incident prompted military authorities to charge her with violating terms of her house arrest.In court, the Nobel Peace laureate asserted her innocence.Critics say Burma's military leaders are using the trial as a pretext to keep the opposition leader under detention so she cannot participate in next year's elections. Asian and European Union foreign ministers meeting in Vietnam issued a joint statement Tuesday that mentioned Aung San Suu Kyi. The ministers wrote that, in light of her trial, they are calling for the early release of all those under detention in Burma and for the lifting of government restrictions on political parties.

Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, have expressed grave concern about Aung San Suu Kyi's trial. A group of ASEAN lawmakers called for Burma's membership in the regional bloc to be suspended if she continues to be detained.

Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace Reconciliation to San Suu Kyi

Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been named recipient of Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation.

The award, which will be awarded at a ceremony to be held in Durban, South Africa on July 20, is given to those who inspire young people to make a commitment to non-violence, forgiveness and reconciliation by South Africa’s Gandhi Development Trust.

The award was inaugurated in 2003 to mark the centenary of the Indian Opinion, a newspaper published by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa.

UN Security Council concern on Suu Kyi’s trial

Aung San Suu Kyi is currently facing imprisonment and trial in Burma. She was arrested last week and is now being held in Insein Prison, a prison notorious for its terrible conditions and horrific treatment of prisoners. Political prisoners in Burma are routinely subjected to torture and often denied medical treatment. We are very concerned for Aung San Suu Kyi’s health in these conditions, particularly as she was seriously ill last week, but denied medical care by the regime.

Aung San Suu Kyi is facing trial for supposedly violating the terms of her house arrest, after an American man swam uninvited to her house and refused to leave. She faces a prison sentence of between three and five years.

United Nations Security Council on Friday expressed concern over the political impacts in relation to the charges and trial against Burmese opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The 15-member body, in a press statement, reiterates its call for the release of all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and urged the Burmese military junta to engage in a political dialogue.

The UN Security Council calls on the Burmese junta to create “necessary conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties and ethnic groups in order to achieve an inclusive national reconciliation with the support of the United Nations.”

The UNSC’ statement came a day after the special court in Rangoon’s notorious Insein prison on Friday said it has accepted the charge against Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She was charged for breaching her detention law.

The pro-democracy leader was taken from her lakeside home, where she had stayed more than 13 of the past 19 years under house arrest, to Insein prison and was charged after an American man allegedly swam across the Innya Lake and entered her house in early May.

She has been facing a court trial since May 18.

Nyan Win, her defense lawyer and spokesperson of her party – National League for Democracy, told Mizzima on Friday that the court has decided to accept the charge made against her.

But the Burmese Democracy Icon earlier told her lawyer that “I am innocent.”

Her trial, however, has ignited a chorus of international condemnation on the Burmese junta, saying it is trump-up case to try and continue detaining her, as her six-years of house arrest term will expire by the end of May.

Her International Lawyer, Jared Genser, who is also the president of US-based ‘Freedom Now’ calls the charges “Patently Ridiculous.”

The UNSC’s statement came after member states had an informal meeting earlier this week on Burma and the ongoing trial against the Burmese opposition leader.

While most of the council members agreed to issue a statement, China, a veto-wielding country, has opposed it saying the matter is Burma’s internal affairs. Japan and Russia have also appeared to be taking cautious position.

Friday’s press statement read out by the Council President Vitaly Churkin of Russia said, “The members of the Security Council affirm their commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar [Burma] and, in that context, reiterate that the future of Myanmar [Burma] lies in the hands of all of its people.”

On October 11, 2007 and on May 2, 2008 the council issued press statements on Burma and had called the ruling junta to release all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and to start a dialogue with her and all other political actors.

IFDH : Aung San Suu Kyi’s Case to ICC

Noble laureate,the detained opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,complete six years of continuous detention on May 27 as per the Burmese law, she should be freed said Nyan Win spokesperson of the National League for Democracy. NLD the party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, had appealed for her release through her lawyer and the appeal was rejected on May 1. Prime Minister’s office on May 1, handed a letter that rejected the appeal for Suu Kyi’s release to her lawyer Hla Myo Myint,” he said.

In the appeal, Hla Myo Myint had argued that the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi must end by May 27, as the law of Burma does not permit detention of more than five years on charges of disturbing peace in the country.

Suu Kyi was last arrested on May 30, 2003, after her motorcade was attacked by junta-backed mobs in upper Burma during a political tour. She was then charged with disturbing the peace in the country and each year the junta continues to extend her detention period.Genser Jared, Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyer hired by her family members, said the Burmese regime was violating its own law by extending her house-arrest period each year.But the Janta Spokesperson has different view and said in accordance with the law of the country,Aung San Suu Kyi cannot be released.
Burma Lawyers’ Council in exile has said it is gathering evidence and collating ideas on how to produce the Burmese military generals in the International Criminal Court (ICC), for the crimes it had committed, including crimes against humanity.

The BLC, formed with Burmese lawyers in exile, on Tuesday said, it was looking for a way to file a case against the Burmese junta, for its crimes against the country’s citizens.

“We are looking at ways to determine how we can file a case against the junta, for their brutal actions against the Burmese people,” Thein Oo, Chairman of the BLC, told Mizzima.

He said, as a step towards looking for a way to bring the junta to the ICC, the BLC along with the International Federation for Human Rights (IFDH) is bringing together international experts, Burmese activists and others to a two-day seminar in Bangkok.

“This seminar is to brainstorm on how best to get justice for the suffering people in Burma and how the international community can take action against the brutal regime,” Thein Oo said.

The campaign to bring the Burmese military junta to the ICC began about two years ago, with a vague idea by the BLC. However, today, it has gained momentum and is able to draw the attention of international experts as well as the Burmese regime.Burma has not rectified the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court in July 2002, the ICC does not have any jurisdiction over Burma.

However, a clause under the statute of Territorial Jurisdiction of the treaty allows the ICC to act on a case based on a referral by the United Nations Security Council. The clause says the court is allowed to exercise jurisdiction, “where a situation is referred to the court by the UN Security Council”.

Thein Oo said, “The case of the UN Security Council referring it to the ICC might not take place soon but we are already in the process of campaigning for it.”

He said, they would present the case to the UNSC explaining how Burma’s military regime’s actions were threatening peace and security in the region.

Rights groups have accused Burma’s military junta of systematically abusing the rights of its own citizens, causing outflow of a large number of refugees and migrants. The junta’s military actions in eastern Burma have also particularly caused thousands of people to become homeless and live in the jungles.

Swine Flu disease kills pigs in Burma

At least 100 pigs have died of an unidentified disease since April 26, said residents in Twante Township in Rangoon division, raising apprehensions following the outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico.

About 25 pigs from piggeries in Thakhundine and Zeephyukone villages in Rangoon division’s Twante Township died since Saturday, local residents said.“Before the pigs died, they showed symptoms of poisoning. The bodies of the animals shook. And about two hours later they fell dead,” a local resident of Twante town told Mizzima.

“When we took the meat of the dead pigs the colour was dark and it looked as if it was dehydrated. And when people ate the meat, they started feeling dizzy. Some had to contend with loose motion,” he added.

The locals said, with little knowledge about the disease that the pigs were afflicted with, farm owners buried the pigs in the fields.

After the death of the animals came to the notice of local authorities, a doctor from the Twante hospital along with several officials from the health department came for inspection. But they failed to diagnose the disease that killed the pigs, he added.

“The doctors told us to keep them informed if more pigs died in other villages,” he said.

Piggery owners, who built the piggeries on fish ponds, usually sell their pigs to restaurants and to butchers.

A local resident of Zeephyukone village told Mizzima that many people in the village have piggeries and supply local meat shops as well as restaurants.

“I know one owner of a piggery, who had about 50 pigs in his farm, but since they died one after another only 22 are left. He did not bury the dead pigs but sold the meat to restaurants,” he added.

While the going price of a healthy pig in the market is about Kyat 4,500 (USD 3.75) per viss, the meat of dead pigs was sold only at Kyat 1,500 (USD per 1.25) per viss.

The strange death of pigs in Twante town comes even as the world anxiously watches the outbreak of Swine Flu that has already claimed over 100 lives and caused illness to more than one thousand.Countries across the globe including Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore and India, have become cautious and are conducting medical check-ups at international airports.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on April 26, issued a statement “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” warning the people of the outbreak of Swine Flu.
Similarly, Burma’s military authorities also issued orders on April 27 to check all entry points to the country such as airports, sea ports, and border check-points. But locals in the areas said, there has been no implementation of the order.
News mizzima.com

Basic amentiies dream to Nargis victims

On May 2, it will be exactly a year after Nargis lashed Burma’s coastal regions of Irrawaddy and Rangoon divisions. But many victims still continue to be threatened with insecurity in terms of food, not to mention reconstruction of their lives and getting back their normal livelihood, agencies said.Astrid Sehl, UN communication officer in Rangoon, told Mizzima that health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation for the victims are among the many areas that still need support.A good efforts by INGOs, the UN and even grassroots humanitarian assistant groups including local NGOs, said the need continues to be great with many of the victims, though they have received some form of aid and are still struggling for basic survival needs, a local aid worker said.“Many people in the delta are still struggling to get enough food to eat, even though they have received some form of aid. It is still insufficient,” he added.Sehl said, at least half a million people in the cyclone devastated areas are living in extremely vulnerable shelters, built for them by aid agencies, and might not withstand the coming monsoon.“Still, many people depend on food aid and live in emergency shelters…” said Sehl.

World Food Pragramme, which has three branch offices in the Irrawaddy delta of Bogale, Laputta and Pyapone Towns said scarcity of drinking water continues to be the primary concern of the victims, followed by shelter and rations for the people.
“Recent surveys have shown that levels of food insecurity - particularly in the southern and western areas of the delta - are still a serious concern,” said Chris Kaye, the country director for WFP in Burma.
The relief efforts of foreign aids to which Burma’s military rulers were initially reluctant to allow international agencies to provide aid to cyclone victims, the intervention by UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon in mid-May persuaded the junta to start allowing aid agencies to help.Thereon Tripartite Core Group (TCG), formed with the UN, the Burmese government and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), spearheaded the relief and reconstruction efforts.According to the TCG, recovery from the devastation caused by Nargis will take up to three years and a funding of at least US 700 million.

Chris Kaye said WFP will continue providing food assistance for approximately 350,000 people in the delta, and as many as 250,000 people will continue to need their support until the end of November, which is the next harvest season.

“We continue to provide a standard food basket of rice, pulses, oil and salt,” said Kaye.WFP aid workers said they have reduced food distribution in Laputta. While they have distributed food to about 729 villages since May to December last year, they have reduced it to only 500 villages since January to April 2009.“We cut off aid distribution in some villages as they could manage by themselves but we have extended it to some. We want them to reduce their dependency on us,” said the WFP staff, who wished not to be named.

Similarly, Save the Children said it has continued providing assistance to the victims in sectors of education, health, clean water, sanitation, nutrition and livelihoods programmes and deployed about 800 staff in eight offices that the agency has opened in the delta.

“Save the Children has assisted a total of over 600,000 people, nearly one-quarter of them children, who were most affected by the cyclone,” Andrew Kirkwood, country director of the agency, told Mizzima.

He said the agency has helped 137,000 children go back to school; supported 40,000 families with cash grants to resume their livelihoods; and provided 60,000 people with drinking water through the height of the dry season, among other programmes.

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it is shifting its focus on providing shelter for the victims at this moment.

Chris Lom, spokesman of IOM in Bangkok said, “We are now focusing on shelter and we will keep going as long as we have funding.”“We are currently working on shelter projects with funding from the European Community and others. The medical projects and social projects are going on,” he added.

Challenges remains to feed the basic anebties to Cyclone Nargis devastated Burma’s Irrawaddy delta, the United Nations agencies point out that much needs to be done in terms of relief and reconstruction of the lives of victims.Best of efforts by INGOs, NGOs and the UN, relief and reconstruction activities have greatly suffered from the government’s restriction on the movement of aid workers and the flow of relief, local aid workers said.A volunteer aid worker, who also works with the Care International, said the government continues to impose restrictions ranging from restrictions to move into the delta to controlling the flow of relief materials, causing s few aid agencies to pull out as they are unable to work independently.The volunteer, who requested anonymity, however, did not wish to reveal the names of the few NGOs which have pulled out of Burma protesting against the government’s restrictions.“All aid agencies could only work within the government’s permitted areas. It is impossible for them to work in places where the government has imposed restrictions,” the aid worker added.He said, an NGO, which has been operating in the lower region of Pyea Dagaung village in Pathein Township had to stop since last month after Burma’s Ministry of Social-welfare, Relief and Resettlement stopped them from continuing to work in the village.

He added that Care International had also ceased work in some places including Kawhmu Township in Rangoon division after facing severe restrictions by the regime.

“There is still restriction on visa for international relief workers and it continues restriction on travel to the delta particularly for foreign aid workers,” he said.

“It is almost impossible to work without their [junta] involvement. So it’s not 100 per cent effective,” he said.

“But it is still better than doing nothing,” he added.

Beside government restrictions, shortage of fund remains the greatest challenge, agencies said.

While the TCG, in its Post Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP) report, has estimated a need of US $ 700 million for the cost of three year mid-term recovery, so far it has only been able to generate about US $ 500 million.

The United Nations appeal for a total of US $ 477 million for emergency and recovery works until April could only generate only US$ 315 million, or 66 per cent of the appeal, according Astrid Sehl, the UN Communication Officer in Rangoon.

Chris Kaye of the WFP said though there are still a lot of sectors that need immediate attention, a major set back is shortage of funds.

“At least 250,000 people remain in need of ongoing food assistance in the absence of adequate livelihood support,” he added.

He said continued support from donors and the government remains essential and they have been receiving US$ 93 million or 80 per cent of their original request for funds of US$ 115 million.“The UN continues to call for support and engagement by the international community to help support all the 2.4 million affected people to recover fully,” said Astrid Sehl.

Save the Children said though most survivors have received some form of assistance, only a few have received enough assistance to enable them to fully recover.“More than 500,000 people including 200,000 children are still living in makeshift tents,” Andrew Kirkwood, director of Save the Children in Rangoon, told Mizzima.

Aung San Suu Kyi as “Beacon of Hope" Clinton

US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, on Thursday called Burma’s imprisoned Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a “Beacon of Hope”, for people around the world.

Clinton in her speech, at the State Department on eve of Women’s History Month on Thursday, Clinton encouraged women globally to draw inspiration from courageous women, including Burmese pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.“Aung San Suu Kyi, whom I mentioned yesterday and I mention as often as I can, because having been in prison now for most of the past two decades, she still remains a beacon of hope, strength and liberty for people around the world,” Clinton said.

On Wednesday, during International Women’s Day celebrations, Clinton expressed solidarity with Aung San Suu Kyi and other Burmese women, who are prisoners of conscience.

Clinton said that she expressed her solidarity with “…especially Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been kept under house arrest in Burma, for most of the past two decades, but continues to be a beacon of hope and strength to people around the world.”

“Her example has been especially important to other women in Burma, who have been imprisoned for their political beliefs, driven into exile, or subjected to sexual violence by the military,” Clinton added.

Clinton, with successive US governments, has time and again called on Burma’s military junta to release political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and kick-start an all inclusive and meaningful political dialogue.

The United States has also called on the junta to improve human rights conditions in the country, and as punishment for the junta’s failure has imposed strict economic sanctions on Burma.

Political critics pointing out the ineffectiveness of sanctions to induce desired behavioural change in the Burmese Junta, Clinton, during her first trip to Asia,after she took office in January, hinted that the US was reviewing its policy.

Burma’s ruling junta, who are poised with plans for a general election slated for 2010, said it was steadily implementing a seven-step roadmap to democracy.

Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in the 1990 general elections, has so far made no comment on their participation in the upcoming general elections, which is the fifth step of the junta roadmap.

French Minister Rama Yade visit Thailand

French government minister responsible for human rights issues,Rama Yade, on Thursday, an outspoken critic of the Burmese regime, began a three-day visit to Thailand on Thursday, during which she will discuss the Burma question with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya. she will discuss the Burma question with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit PiromyaYade, Rama Yadea minister of state in the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, will also visit a refugee camp housing about 20,000 Burmese, most of them Karenni.

A French Foreign Ministry statement said that apart from bilateral issues Yade would discuss with Kasit the Burma situation.

The statement said the objective of her visit to Ban Mai Nai Soi refugee camp in northern Thailand’s Mae Hong Song Province was to strengthen cooperation between the Thai government and major donors of aid to refugees, including the European Union.

Rama Yade is a 32-year-old career politician who was born in Senegal, West Africa. She has made clear her concern for events in Burma at a number of international gatherings, and at an Asean summit in Singapore in November 2007, two months after the September uprising, she said it was time the grouping tackled the challenges posed by Burma.

“After the tragic hours of repression of the pro-democracy movement, fragile hope has appeared for the people of Burma,” Rama Yade said at the summit. “It is naturally for them to maintain and develop it by envisioning the prospects for the future.”

She said she was convinced the EU and Asean can work together for change in Burma. “I’m certain, at any rate, that we must do so, in the interest of the people of Burma,” she said.

In an article carried by the English-language daily Bangkok Post on Thursday, Yade said France and the EU, “far from preaching,” want to “stand alongside Asean, which at the Cha-am/Hua Hin summit recently reaffirmed its wishes for Burma: democracy, freedom and co-operation with the international community.”

France and the EU also wanted to “give the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General every chance,” she said.

“Expectations will, of course, remain high with respect to Burma, where we share the hope of a return to democracy and freedom, for Aung San Suu Kyi, for all political prisoners and for the population as a whole, and with freedom, the hope of a return to economic development,” she said in the article.

“We are willing to assist and support a genuine process of democratisation that respects the choices of the Burmese after an inclusive dialogue between the authorities and the opposition that everyone hopes for.

“We hold out our hand to people of goodwill in Burma to accompany it in the best possible way on its own path towards freedom.”

The regime’s refusal of cooperation angered the French government, and a joint statement by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Defense said: “France reiterates that in her eyes nothing can possibly justify disaster victims seeing themselves denied the basic right to benefit from the necessary aid and stresses her commitment to the implementation of the ‘responsibility to protect’ principle under all circumstances.”

Thailand exempts tourist visa fee for 42 countries

Thailand, which has been reeling under internal political turmoil since last year, decided to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for 42 countries, including military-ruled Burma, as part of its promotion of tourism.

“It is about promoting tourism in Thailand, while it is facing the global economic crisis,” the immigration official told Mizzima on Wednesday.

An official at the Thai Immigration Bureau Head Office said, the exemption was part of Thailand’s plan to boost its tourism industry, which was severely affected by political unrest, particularly by the seizure of its international airport by demonstrators in November last year.

Currently, Thailand gives Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days and citizens of another 42 countries are given a visa-free stay in Thailand, for 30 days.

However, those who wish to stay longer than those periods are required to apply for visas, which give a standard 60 days, at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand, the official said.

The Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry, in its press release on Wednesday, said the decision to exempt fees for tourist visas was passed by the Cabinet in January. And the exemption would be effective from March 5 to June 4.

Meanwhile, a Burmese tourist appreciated Thailand’s new plans but said it would not attract Burmese travellers, as the military-ruled country was also reeling under the global financial crisis.

"We appreciate it [exemption on tourist visa] but we have to wait and see how it goes,” the tourist said.

He added that only a few Burmese people visit Thailand officially with a Visa, while the larger majority cross over the borders and smuggle themselves into Thailand to seek better employment.Inputs Mizzima

Bombs explode in Rangoon

Two bombs exploded in the space of an hour in Padomma Park, Sanchaung, Rangoon and at the Hledan bus stop.The first bomb exploded in Padomma Park, Sanchaung on March 3 at 9:45 p.m. It was so loud that it could be heard from even half mile away but there was no casualty.

When the Mizzima reporter reached the blast scene, the area was being combed by security teams comprising MI personnel, traffic police and local policemen. Howeever security was not beeefed up so people from nearby places came and watched the combing operation.

But at about 11 p.m. after being alerted, the security team hurriedly left the place and rushed to Hledan junction.It is reported that another bomb exploded at Hledan bus stop on the Rangoon-Insein bus route.The Rangoon-Insein road was sealed as soon as the security team arrived at Hledan from Myenigon.An eyewitness said the bomb exploded at 10:50 p.m. and it could be heard from San Yeik Nyein bus stop, half a mile away from the blast.

The Insein Road was cut off near 'Win' restaurant between San Yeik Nyein bus stop and Hledan bus stop.It is learnt that this bomb exploded in front of a copier shop near the Traffic Police office at Hledan bus stop (Rangoon-Insein lane side, eastern side of the road). When the bomb exploded, a bus of route No. 97 coming from Rangoon downtown had just stopped at the bus stop with only eight passengers onboard. There was no casualty but the blast ripped off the roof of the bus stop which was flung a few feet, an eyewitness from a shop opposite the road said.

People from nearby places came to the blast site but they were pushed back by the police. Arguments and brawls were witnessed at the bomb blast site when the police started pushing them forcibly out of the scene.

'Whole Burma United Revolutionary Front' (WBURF), has claimed responsibility for yesterday's bomb blasts in Rangoon, according to a statement issued today.Their statement No. 2/2009 sent to Mizzima through email reveals these serial bomb blasts are the first stage of the 'battle cry' for toppling the military dictators and they were ready to escalate such attacks in future.Since the 'Burmese people' are devout citizens, they do not want terrorism. However, in the past, the ruling junta has ruthlessly killed peaceful demonstrators, who were struggling for freedom from their plight, the statement says.WBURF said that peaceful demonstrations, issuing statements, asking for concrete action from the UN and foreign governments, would not work towards the emergence of a civilian government and elimination of current general crises faced by the people in Burma. Therefore, they have launched this ‘retaliatory bomb blast’ measure, the statement says.They could not accept the proposed 2010 general elections, which would only help prolong military rule.They also did not accept the release of only a handful of political prisoners in the recent amnesty for over 6,000 prisoners. If the UN, foreign governments and NGOs blindly supported this move, they would be the most pitiful blind people groups in the world, the statement ironically said.