Monday, 14 November, 2011
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Suu Kyi: Burma taking positive steps
By AP News Nov 14, 2011 6:50PM UTC
YANGON, Burma (AP) --- Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said Monday that Burma's government has taken positive steps toward reform in the year since she was released from house arrest but more needs to be done, including freeing hundreds more political prisoners.
The Nobel peace laureate, speaking to more than 100 journalists on the anniversary of her release, cited her meetings with minister Aung Kyi and President Thein Sein as progress.
"Looking back at the past year, I think I can say that it has been eventful, energizing and to a certain extent encouraging," said Suu Kyi, who was detained most of the past two decades by Burma's former military government.
The international community's hopes were not high after the country carefully orchestrated the Nov. 7, 2010, election. As expected, the polls brought to power a proxy party for the military, which ran the country since a 1962 coup.
But that perception has changed in recent months, as the new government eased censorship, legalized labor unions, suspended an unpopular, China-backed dam project and began talks with Suu Kyi's pro-democracy movement.
There are still key issues to be addressed, however. Suu Kyi on Monday mentioned the plight of both political prisoners and ethnic minorities as well as the need for rule of law and an independent judiciary in the country.
"An issue of great importance to all of us who are working for democracy in Burma is that of political prisoners. Some had been released over the last year, but there are still many who remain in prison," Suu Kyi said, using the name for the country that the pro-democracy movement prefers.
She said she had no news about wide speculation that the government would announce the release of more political prisoners Monday.
"We do not have any specific information on who has been released if anybody has been released at all," she said.
A government-appointed human rights body on Sunday urged the president to release political prisoners or transfer them to prisons close to their families, signaling such action may be imminent.
Burma's three state-owned newspapers published the open letter from National Human Rights Commission chairman Win Mra calling for an amnesty "as a reflection of magnanimity," or to transfer political prisoners in remote prisons to facilities with easy access for their family members.
The letter's publication is significant because the tightly controlled newspapers closely reflect government positions. An amnesty of 6,359 prisoners in October happened the same day state-run newspapers published a similar appeal.
A prisoner release in the next few days is also anticipated because a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations begins Thursday in Bali, Indonesia. Burma is seeking to chair ASEAN in 2014, and the release of political prisoners would be seen as a positive development favoring its bid, which is likely to be decided at this week's summit.
No release had been announced by mid-afternoon Monday.
Burma is estimated to hold as many as 2,000 political prisoners. http://asiancorrespondent.com/69522/suu-kyi-burma-taking-positive-steps/
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Sino border town under curfew
Monday, 14 November 2011 16:42 Hseng Khio Fah
Namkham, one of Shan State's northernmost townships bordering China, has been under virtual curfew after a bomb explosion occurred near the police station last week, killing one police officer and injuring four, according to sources from the border.
It was announced through loudspeakers by headmen of the villages and quarters that no one was allowed to be outside after 21:00 until 6:00 (local time). Otherwise authorities will not take responsibility for anyone caught outside after the curfew. It was reportedly enforced by high ranking officials from Naypyitaw. But there has been no information how long the curfew will last, said a local source.
Meanwhile, the township is one of the places where the Burma Army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) fighting taking place. As a result, any civilian seen outside after the curfew is reportedly being recruited by the Burmese Army to give porter service, she said.
"The outcome is no one even the animals are seen hanging out on the street even though the time is not yet 9 p.m. The town is so quiet now. It is therefore a problem for traders and vendors who want customers," she said.
Last Thursday on 10 November, a bomb explosion took place in front of the town's police station, killing one police officer Zau Htu Khawng Zang and seriously wounding two police corporals and two civilians.
One female student caught taking photographs of the carnage was detained and later released after village authorities spoke for him, according to another source.
Since security in the town has tightened and everyone crossing and passing the police station is strictly checked and asked to show ID cards by Burma Army authorities, according to local sources.
Apart from townships in Shan State, many areas in Kachin State even the capital of the state Myitkyina faced similar situation. Latest report says a bom blast had taken place in Myitkyina downtown last night at around 20:00 killing at least four people and wounding dozens.http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4201:sino-border-town-under-curfew&catid=86:war&Itemid=284
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Aung San Suu Kyi renews call to free political prisoners
Reuters
YANGON, November 14 - Burma democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi marked the anniversary of her release from years of house arrest by renewing calls for all political prisoners to be freed and for an end to hostilities between government troops and ethnic rebels.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate also told a rare news conference on Monday that her National League for Democracy (NLD) movement had yet to decide whether to re-register as a political party to contest forthcoming parliamentary by-elections.
"It is very important to release all political prisoners. It's not only those of the NLD, but all who want democracy are desirous of this," Suu Kyi said.
The US and Europe have long made the release of political prisoners part of their criteria for lifting sanctions. Suu Kyi said on Monday they should remain in place until some reforms had been introduced that benefited the Burmese people.
Ms Suu Kyi, Burma's most high-profile former political prisoner, was released from a seven-year stint of house arrest last year and had spent a total of 15 years in detention for her opposition to military rule.
A senior interior ministry official said on Sunday there would be details of another general amnesty within the next few days, which would include the release of political detainees.
About 230 were freed on October 12, a move welcomed by the west as a step towards long-awaited reforms by the civilian government that took office late in March, ending five decades of unbroken military rule in the former British colony.
The NLD said on Monday 591 political prisoners were still in detention, about 200 more than the figure presented by the government. The former junta denied for decades holding any politicians or activists in its jails.
Analysts and diplomats believe the government might release more prisoners this week to coincide with the start of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit on the Indonesian island of Bali.
They say an amnesty at this time could boost President Thein Sein's image among his international peers and strengthen his case for Burma taking the rotating Asean presidency in 2014, two years ahead of schedule, a bid widely seen as an attempt to legitimise the new political system.
Ms Suu Kyi, however, said reforms for the Burmese public should take precedence over Burma's international image and should also come before any lifting of western sanctions.
"It is more important that the people feel the situation is better [domestically] than Burma's becoming the Asean chair," she added.
Ms Suu Kyi said there were serious concerns about conflicts between the army and ethnic separatists, particularly in Kachin state bordering China, and she was willing to play a part in any peace process, having urged Thein Sein and the rebel groups to agree on a ceasefire.
"What everybody is worried about at present is the lack of peace in the country, especially the fighting going on in Kachin state, which is a cause of concern and sorrow for us," she said.
"I am always ready to do my bit to bring about peace in the country."
In an open letter sent to Thein Sein in July, Ms Suu Kyi offered to mediate between the government and the rebels, and said national reconciliation was impossible as long as the fighting continued.
Separately on Monday, local sources said at least 10 people were killed and 27 wounded in a bomb blast in Kachin's capital, Myitkyinar, late on Sunday.
Ms Suu Kyi refused to take questions on whether the NLD, which was forcibly disbanded for boycotting last year's election but continued to operate, would contest by-elections under amended laws that no longer prevent those with criminal records from taking part.
The party's leadership would discuss the issue on November 18. A spokesman for the party recently said Ms Suu Kyi might contest one of the vacant parliamentary seats herself. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/76ffe29c-0eb9-11e1-b83c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1dgftN23j
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Ten dead in Burma bombing
A Burmese government official says a bomb blast in the capital of northern Kachin state has killed 10 people.
Another 23 people, including some 15 children, were injured in the explosion Sunday evening in the town of Myitkyina, the official, who did not wish to be named, told AFP.
The blast occurred in a two-storey house and caused a fire that spread to two neighbouring homes, he said.
The explosion appeared to have been unintentional, occurring when a man in the building was "showing others how to plant a bomb", the source said.
He added that there were several orphans living in the dwellings, some as young as three.
Two other bombs exploded in the same town on Saturday but caused no casualties, according to the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
Burma has been hit by several bomb blasts in recent years, most of them minor, which the authorities have blamed on armed exile groups or ethnic minority rebels.
In August, state media accused ethnic fighters in Kachin state of killing seven people who visited a Chinese-run dam at the centre of an ongoing conflict between the army and rebels.
-AFP http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201111/3365212.htm
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Burma delays prisoner amnesty
By AFP
Published: 14 November 2011
A release of political prisoners in military-dominated Burma which was expected on Monday has been delayed after a meeting of top officials, sources said.
"So far we haven't had any order or instruction from superiors," an official who asked not to be named told AFP, adding that the decision to delay the process was made "at the last minute" by the crucial National Defence and Security Council.
Burmese President Thein Sein is due to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit on the Indonesian island of Bali later this week, and the official said an amnesty had been expected before his departure.
"I think they delayed the process as they only wanted to release the political prisoners slowly with the pardon of the president," the official said.
Burma carried out a mass prisoner amnesty last month but this did not include most key dissidents, disappointing observers and the opposition.
The release of all of the country's political detainees --- who include democracy campaigners, journalists and lawyers --- is one of the major demands of Western nations which have imposed sanctions on Burma.
The reasons for the delay were not clear, but the authorities are now expected to decide on a case-by-case basis which prisoners to release.http://www.dvb.no/news/burma-delays-prisoner-amnesty/18723
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Despite Disagreement, NLD Stalwart Stands Behind Suu Kyi
By BA KAUNG Monday, November 14, 2011
Win Tin, one of the most influential members of Burma's main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has vowed to throw his support behind party leader Aung San Suu Kyi when the NLD makes a decision later this week about whether to run in upcoming by-elections.
"I am for the re-registration of our party, but I would say it's too early for us to participate in the formal political framework under a military constitution," said 82-year-old Win Tin, who was one of the co-founders of the NLD along with Suu Kyi.
His comments came a day after NLD spokesman Nyan Win broke the news on Sunday that the party, which was officially disbanded in September 2010 because of its boycott of last year's election, might re-register under a recently amended electoral law. He also said it was likely that Suu Kyi, who was previously barred from running for office, would contest one of around 50 Parliamentary seats up for grabs in a by-election expected to be held later this month.
Since his release from prison in 2009 after more than 19 years behind bars as a political prisoner, Win Tin has played a key role in the NLD's affairs, including its decision to boycott the Nov 7, 2010, Parliamentary election, which were held a week before Suu Kyi herself was released from house arrest.
"The reasons why we boycotted the election last year is because we don't accept the current constitution drafted by the military. There is no change in this constitution yet," Win Tin told The Irrawaddy by phone on Monday.
In contrast to Win Tin's views, however, Suu Kyi appears to be be more optimistic about Burma's political direction under the new government of ex-army general President Thein Sein, who she described as "honest, open and straightforward" after a meeting with him in August.
The NLD announced on Tuesday that it will hold a major party conference on Friday this week to decide whether to re-register as a political party and contest seats in the national Parliament, which is dominated by the army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party. The USDP claims to have won around 80 percent of the contested seats in the election, which was marred by heavy vote-rigging.
Speaking to Burmese exiled radio stations on Sunday, NLD spokesman Nyan Win hinted that the majority of party leaders, including Suu Kyi, have already reached a decision ahead of Friday's meeting.
"Those who oppose the NLD re-registering and joining the Parliament point out that the Constitution must change first before we do that. If it is the government and the Parliament that can change the Constitution, then do we have to wait for them to take these steps? Do we have to wait until they do that before we can do politics? We have to be in the Parliament," said Nyan Win.
Nyan Win acknowledged, however, that some grassroots party members are opposed to the move, which they said should not be taken until all political prisoners are released and major amendments are made to the Constitution, which grants the army the power to legally end civilian rule "in times of national emergency."
Despite such internal differences, however, Win Tin---who has worn shirts the same blue color as his former prison uniform since his release to protest the continuing detention of around 2,000 other political prisoners---said his faith in Suu Kyi's leadership remained strong, and that he would respect the majority decision of the party, which is now leaning toward party registration and joining the formal political process.
"We have differences that we share with each other openly and democratically. But we will work with the unity of the party in mind. As for me, I am too old and don't have any thought about joining the election," he said.
Win Tin's remarks contradict a report in the Guardian newspaper published on Sunday that he opposed both the party registration and joining the by-elections. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22452
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Mon Leaders Meet With NMSP
By LAWI WENG Monday, November 14, 2011
Five Mon community leaders met with leaders of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), an ethnic armed group, at the NMSP headquarters in the town of Bee Ree River in Ye Township, Mon State on November 13, according to Mon sources.
The five community leaders were sent by Ohn Myint, the chief minister of Mon State, who wrote a letter to the NMSP outlining the issues he wanted discussed.
The members of the Mon community delegation were former NMSP executive and central committee members Nai Tin Aung and Nai Soe Myint, Mon National Democratic Front members Nai Thet Lwin and Dr. Min Kyi Winn, and a respected Mon Buddhist Monk, Nai Ketumalar.
"Ohn Myint wants to have peace talks with the NMSP, so we came here to discuss it," said Nai Ketumalar. "We still have a little more to talk about today. The NMSP have not made a decision. They say they are going to observe the situation more."
"Our party will accept peace talks if the offer meets our party's position," said Col Nyan Tun, the NMSP deputy liaison officer.
Some Mon community leaders said that the NMSP should enter into peace talks in order to prepare for its participation in mainstream Mon politics if Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy decide to register and compete in future elections.
Dr. Min Soe Lin, who is a senior member of Mon National Democratic Front, said, "I do not want to tell them not to have peace talks because I think they know the problem they will have. But I want to tell them to do something when they come to town. Please do not act like in the past, when many of their members resigned from the party."
On Oct. 6, three NMSP leaders met with a delegation from the Mon State government in Ye Township that was led by Col Htay Myint Aung, the Mon State minister for security and border affairs.
The NMSP entered into a ceasefire agreement with the government in 1995, but the ceasefire collapse in 2010 when the government attempted to force the NMSP to become part of its Border Guard Force under Burmese military control.
Meanwhile, on Nov. 10, the Karen National Union set up an eight-member peace commission to hold talks with the Burmese government. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22451
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Suu Kyi Says End of Sanctions Depends on Govt
By THE IRRAWADDY Monday, November 14, 2011
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said at a press conference on Monday that the end of Western economic sanctions depends on the degree of political and human rights progress the country's quasi-civilian government makes.
She said that the foreign nations which have imposed sanctions, including the US and the EU bloc, must view significant progress before they are lifted.
Suu Kyi's press conference, held at the headquarters of her National League for Democracy (NLD) in Rangoon, marked the one-year anniversary of her release from house arrest. Her remarks made clear that Burma has yet to reach the stage that its people are confident that the country is on the path to true democracy.
"There has been some progress within the past year, but not enough yet," she said. "A crucial issue is the rule of law, without which we cannot make progress in the issues of human rights, the release of political prisoners, domestic peace efforts or social and economic development in our country."
She also called for a clean government and a fair judiciary to found a democratic nation, stressing that in the continued absence of the rule of law, Burma will not be able to attract foreign investment.
But she also reaffirmed her optimism about developments under Burma's new government---which took office through a heavily-rigged election in Nov. 2010---and urged the country's public to be realistic under the changing circumstances.
"We need optimistic views and ideas. We have to change our views at a point when they need to change. Based on our beliefs, we also have to take risks at the appropriate time," she said, hinting at the growing possibility that the NLD may re-register under the recently amended Political Parties Registration Law and she may run in the coming parliamentary by-elections.
At the press conference, however, Suu Kyi did not make any public announcement or state her opinion about whether the NLD should re-register and contest the parliamentary elections.
Suu Kyi also appealed to members of the Burmese military for solidarity with the public and asked both to work together towards the goal of establishing democracy in Burma.
"All the army members are also the country's citizens. So are all of us. If all of us are the same public, then I wish to ask why we can't work together. We must be able to do," she said.
Her comments highlighted the important role of the army in the country, which had been ruled by successive military dictatorships since 1962, when the military took power from a democratically-elected government in a coup, until the previous regime handed over power to the current nominally-civilian government headed mostly by former military generals.
Under Burma's Constitution, the military controls a quarter of the seats in the national Parliament and also wields substantial influence through the National Defense and Security Council, a body that is assumed to make the final decisions regarding the most important aspects of governing the country.
Regarding Burma's unresolved ethnic conflicts, Suu Kyi said that both the country's rulers and the ethnic leaders need to restore confidence in each other.
The pro-democracy leader also called for the release of the country's remaining political prisoners and noted the discrepancy between the number of political prisoners listed by the NLD and the number claimed by the state-backed Human Rights Commission.
On Sunday, the Human Rights Commission sent an open letter to President Thein Sein praising the government for its release last month of about 200 of what they said is the 500 political prisoners in the country, and calling for a further release of prisoners.
Suu Kyi, however, said the list of political prisoners gathered by the NLD is longer than 500 persons, and it will look into the matter. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22453
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Asean Urged to Put Burma Abuses on Agenda
By SAW YAN NAING Monday, November 14, 2011
Ahead of the upcoming summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Bali, parliamentarians of member states have called on bloc leaders to include human rights abuses and ethnic conflict in Burma on its agenda.
Parliamentarians who form the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) called on Monday for Asean delegates to urgently address concerns regarding democratic reform, ethnic conflict and human rights abuses in Burma at the upcoming 19th Asean Summit in Indonesia.
Speaking with The Irrawaddy on Monday, AIPMC Executive Director Agung Putri Astrid said that the slow process of democratic reform in Burma should be seriously considered during the summit.
"Political reform is very slow in Burma. We don't see comprehensive reform and are concerned with the process. So Asean is responsible for monitoring human rights abuses in Myanmar," she added.
While Naypyidaw claims that it wants to talk to opposition leaders and achieve national reconciliation, little effort has been made to involve ethnic minorities.
Agung Putri Astrid said that AIPMC was trying to remind Asean leaders to include peace in Burma on the summit agenda as the bloc has not so far approached Burma's ethnic issues.
A statement from AIPMC said the association welcomed recent changes in Burma, but remains concerned about ongoing military conflicts with ethnic groups and the relatively slow pace of political reform. It is vital, therefore, that delegates from members states ensure these issues are officially placed on the agenda at the 2011 Asean Summit.
Despite recent limited improvements, Burma President Thein Sein has demonstrated a lack of willingness to undertake genuine reforms, such as releasing political prisoners or ending armed conflict with ethnic groups, said the statement.
A recent survey by the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) humanitarian agency found that more people in southeast Burma had been forcibly displaced from their homes during the past year than any other since data was first collected in 2002.
In relation to human rights protection, the AIPMC asked that Asean be firm and resolute in calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Burma, especially in ethnic areas. In Karen, Kachin and Shan states, there remain grave concerns that war crimes and crimes against humanity continue to be perpetrated, as mentioned in the recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma, Toma's Ojea Quintana.
Burma is hoping to get approved for the 2014 Asean chair at the Bali summit with recent limited reforms understood to have been undertaken in order to achieve this goal.
Eva Kusuma Sundari, the AIPMC president and a member of the Indonesian Parliament, said in the group statement, "Gross human rights violations against ordinary people in ethnic areas continue despite lip service towards reform from Naypyidaw."
"If anything, life under this regime is worse for many ethnic minorities and vulnerable people than it was before," he added.
Projects such as the Yadana and Shwe Gas pipelines, undertaken by the government of Burma and fiscally supported by other states including China, have led to serious environmental concerns and human rights violations. These include land confiscations, displacement, torture, rape and other forms of systematic violence.
An estimated 50,000 people have been displaced due to the Shwe Gas pipeline project, according to the Shwe Gas Movement campaign group.
"Reconciliation is a prerequisite of any political initiative for peace in Myanmar and should serve as a critical indicator of how meaningful any democratization process is," Sundari added. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22449
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ASEAN urges not to reward Burma for superficial reforms
By Zin Linn Nov 14, 2011 6:03PM UTC
The Jakarta-based ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) today called on leading ASEAN delegates to urgently address concerns regarding democratic reform, ethnic conflict and human rights abuses in Burma (Myanmar) at the upcoming 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali this week.
Although the caucus welcomed recent changes taking place in Burma or Myanmar, AIPMC remains concerned by ongoing military conflicts with ethnic groups and the relatively slow pace of political reform and improvement to human rights in the country. In its 14 November press release, the caucus seriously said that delegates from member-states ensure ethnic conflict and human rights abuses in Burma are officially placed on the agenda at the 2011 ASEAN Summit.
In its June 17 press statement, AIPMC strongly condemns the decision by the Burmese government to send off heavily armed troops into Kachin State and the concomitant outbreak of fighting, which brings an end to the 17-year old ceasefire between the government and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
"It is clear that the current government of Myanmar lacks the will to push through the necessary reforms," said Eva Kusuma Sundari, AIPMC President and Member of Indonesian Parliament.
She also said that reconciliation is a precondition of any political initiative for peace in Burma.
In the face of recent limited improvements, the President Thein Sein government has showed a lack of eagerness to carry out genuine reforms, such as releasing political prisoners or ending armed conflict with ethnic groups. Last month amnesty allowed only 10 percent of political prisoners out of an estimated 2,000.
The caucus urges the Thein Sein government to enter into peace talks with the dissident Kachin leaders as an initial step towards a wider nationwide ceasefire and reconciliation process. AIPMC pushes for Indonesia and other ASEAN states to call on Burma (Myanmar) to accept steps toward reconciliation and to offer their assistance in peace process.
AIPMC said that it has also concerned about human rights violations continue to take place in relation to development projects in ethnic areas. Projects, such as the Yadana and Shwe Gas pipelines, undertaken by the Burmese government and financially supported by other states, have led to serious environmental concerns and human rights violations: land confiscations, displacement, torture, rape and other forms of systematic violence among them.
An estimated 50,000 people have been displaced due to the Shwe Gas pipeline project, according to the Shwe Gas Movement. A recent survey by the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) found that more people in southeast Burma had been forcibly displaced from their homes during the past year than any other year since data was first collected in 2002.
With a view to protect human rights, AIPMC has urged ASEAN to make a strong call for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Burma. In ethnic areas such as Karen, Kachin and Shan states, there remain grave concerns that war crimes and crimes against humanity continue to be perpetrated, as UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana mentioned in recent report.
According to the caucus, ASEAN must strongly urge the government of Burma to initiate progressive democratic reforms and to meet with human rights standards outlined in both the ASEAN Charter and international law prior to its taking the ASEAN Chair in 2014. AIPMC also advices ASEAN delegates to ensure calling on the United States and the European Union to continue using pressure tactics as well as engagement to push for genuine national reconciliation.
"The reform process thus far has been stunted due to it being driven by the individual initiative of President Thein Sein, rather than being part of a national platform for reform. Change that depends on the willingness of the president alone is not reform," said Ms Sundari. "It is wrong therefore for ASEAN to conclude that further incentives should be given to Myanmar in reward for superficial reforms."
The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) is a network formed in an inaugural meeting in Kuala Lumpur, on 26-28 November 2004 by and for Parliamentarians from the ASEAN countries. The aim is advocating for human rights and democratic reform in Myanmar/Burma.
Its members represent both the ruling and non-ruling political parties of countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Cambodia. http://asiancorrespondent.com/69512/asean-urges-not-to-reward-burma-for-superficial-reforms/
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Suu Kyi: Burma taking positive steps
By AP News Nov 14, 2011 6:50PM UTC
YANGON, Burma (AP) --- Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said Monday that Burma's government has taken positive steps toward reform in the year since she was released from house arrest but more needs to be done, including freeing hundreds more political prisoners.
The Nobel peace laureate, speaking to more than 100 journalists on the anniversary of her release, cited her meetings with minister Aung Kyi and President Thein Sein as progress.
"Looking back at the past year, I think I can say that it has been eventful, energizing and to a certain extent encouraging," said Suu Kyi, who was detained most of the past two decades by Burma's former military government.
The international community's hopes were not high after the country carefully orchestrated the Nov. 7, 2010, election. As expected, the polls brought to power a proxy party for the military, which ran the country since a 1962 coup.
But that perception has changed in recent months, as the new government eased censorship, legalized labor unions, suspended an unpopular, China-backed dam project and began talks with Suu Kyi's pro-democracy movement.
There are still key issues to be addressed, however. Suu Kyi on Monday mentioned the plight of both political prisoners and ethnic minorities as well as the need for rule of law and an independent judiciary in the country.
"An issue of great importance to all of us who are working for democracy in Burma is that of political prisoners. Some had been released over the last year, but there are still many who remain in prison," Suu Kyi said, using the name for the country that the pro-democracy movement prefers.
She said she had no news about wide speculation that the government would announce the release of more political prisoners Monday.
"We do not have any specific information on who has been released if anybody has been released at all," she said.
A government-appointed human rights body on Sunday urged the president to release political prisoners or transfer them to prisons close to their families, signaling such action may be imminent.
Burma's three state-owned newspapers published the open letter from National Human Rights Commission chairman Win Mra calling for an amnesty "as a reflection of magnanimity," or to transfer political prisoners in remote prisons to facilities with easy access for their family members.
The letter's publication is significant because the tightly controlled newspapers closely reflect government positions. An amnesty of 6,359 prisoners in October happened the same day state-run newspapers published a similar appeal.
A prisoner release in the next few days is also anticipated because a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations begins Thursday in Bali, Indonesia. Burma is seeking to chair ASEAN in 2014, and the release of political prisoners would be seen as a positive development favoring its bid, which is likely to be decided at this week's summit.
No release had been announced by mid-afternoon Monday.
Burma is estimated to hold as many as 2,000 political prisoners. http://asiancorrespondent.com/69522/suu-kyi-burma-taking-positive-steps/
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Sino border town under curfew
Monday, 14 November 2011 16:42 Hseng Khio Fah
Namkham, one of Shan State's northernmost townships bordering China, has been under virtual curfew after a bomb explosion occurred near the police station last week, killing one police officer and injuring four, according to sources from the border.
It was announced through loudspeakers by headmen of the villages and quarters that no one was allowed to be outside after 21:00 until 6:00 (local time). Otherwise authorities will not take responsibility for anyone caught outside after the curfew. It was reportedly enforced by high ranking officials from Naypyitaw. But there has been no information how long the curfew will last, said a local source.
Meanwhile, the township is one of the places where the Burma Army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) fighting taking place. As a result, any civilian seen outside after the curfew is reportedly being recruited by the Burmese Army to give porter service, she said.
"The outcome is no one even the animals are seen hanging out on the street even though the time is not yet 9 p.m. The town is so quiet now. It is therefore a problem for traders and vendors who want customers," she said.
Last Thursday on 10 November, a bomb explosion took place in front of the town's police station, killing one police officer Zau Htu Khawng Zang and seriously wounding two police corporals and two civilians.
One female student caught taking photographs of the carnage was detained and later released after village authorities spoke for him, according to another source.
Since security in the town has tightened and everyone crossing and passing the police station is strictly checked and asked to show ID cards by Burma Army authorities, according to local sources.
Apart from townships in Shan State, many areas in Kachin State even the capital of the state Myitkyina faced similar situation. Latest report says a bom blast had taken place in Myitkyina downtown last night at around 20:00 killing at least four people and wounding dozens.http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4201:sino-border-town-under-curfew&catid=86:war&Itemid=284
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Aung San Suu Kyi renews call to free political prisoners
Reuters
YANGON, November 14 - Burma democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi marked the anniversary of her release from years of house arrest by renewing calls for all political prisoners to be freed and for an end to hostilities between government troops and ethnic rebels.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate also told a rare news conference on Monday that her National League for Democracy (NLD) movement had yet to decide whether to re-register as a political party to contest forthcoming parliamentary by-elections.
"It is very important to release all political prisoners. It's not only those of the NLD, but all who want democracy are desirous of this," Suu Kyi said.
The US and Europe have long made the release of political prisoners part of their criteria for lifting sanctions. Suu Kyi said on Monday they should remain in place until some reforms had been introduced that benefited the Burmese people.
Ms Suu Kyi, Burma's most high-profile former political prisoner, was released from a seven-year stint of house arrest last year and had spent a total of 15 years in detention for her opposition to military rule.
A senior interior ministry official said on Sunday there would be details of another general amnesty within the next few days, which would include the release of political detainees.
About 230 were freed on October 12, a move welcomed by the west as a step towards long-awaited reforms by the civilian government that took office late in March, ending five decades of unbroken military rule in the former British colony.
The NLD said on Monday 591 political prisoners were still in detention, about 200 more than the figure presented by the government. The former junta denied for decades holding any politicians or activists in its jails.
Analysts and diplomats believe the government might release more prisoners this week to coincide with the start of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit on the Indonesian island of Bali.
They say an amnesty at this time could boost President Thein Sein's image among his international peers and strengthen his case for Burma taking the rotating Asean presidency in 2014, two years ahead of schedule, a bid widely seen as an attempt to legitimise the new political system.
Ms Suu Kyi, however, said reforms for the Burmese public should take precedence over Burma's international image and should also come before any lifting of western sanctions.
"It is more important that the people feel the situation is better [domestically] than Burma's becoming the Asean chair," she added.
Ms Suu Kyi said there were serious concerns about conflicts between the army and ethnic separatists, particularly in Kachin state bordering China, and she was willing to play a part in any peace process, having urged Thein Sein and the rebel groups to agree on a ceasefire.
"What everybody is worried about at present is the lack of peace in the country, especially the fighting going on in Kachin state, which is a cause of concern and sorrow for us," she said.
"I am always ready to do my bit to bring about peace in the country."
In an open letter sent to Thein Sein in July, Ms Suu Kyi offered to mediate between the government and the rebels, and said national reconciliation was impossible as long as the fighting continued.
Separately on Monday, local sources said at least 10 people were killed and 27 wounded in a bomb blast in Kachin's capital, Myitkyinar, late on Sunday.
Ms Suu Kyi refused to take questions on whether the NLD, which was forcibly disbanded for boycotting last year's election but continued to operate, would contest by-elections under amended laws that no longer prevent those with criminal records from taking part.
The party's leadership would discuss the issue on November 18. A spokesman for the party recently said Ms Suu Kyi might contest one of the vacant parliamentary seats herself. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/76ffe29c-0eb9-11e1-b83c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1dgftN23j
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Ten dead in Burma bombing
A Burmese government official says a bomb blast in the capital of northern Kachin state has killed 10 people.
Another 23 people, including some 15 children, were injured in the explosion Sunday evening in the town of Myitkyina, the official, who did not wish to be named, told AFP.
The blast occurred in a two-storey house and caused a fire that spread to two neighbouring homes, he said.
The explosion appeared to have been unintentional, occurring when a man in the building was "showing others how to plant a bomb", the source said.
He added that there were several orphans living in the dwellings, some as young as three.
Two other bombs exploded in the same town on Saturday but caused no casualties, according to the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
Burma has been hit by several bomb blasts in recent years, most of them minor, which the authorities have blamed on armed exile groups or ethnic minority rebels.
In August, state media accused ethnic fighters in Kachin state of killing seven people who visited a Chinese-run dam at the centre of an ongoing conflict between the army and rebels.
-AFP http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201111/3365212.htm
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Burma delays prisoner amnesty
By AFP
Published: 14 November 2011
A release of political prisoners in military-dominated Burma which was expected on Monday has been delayed after a meeting of top officials, sources said.
"So far we haven't had any order or instruction from superiors," an official who asked not to be named told AFP, adding that the decision to delay the process was made "at the last minute" by the crucial National Defence and Security Council.
Burmese President Thein Sein is due to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit on the Indonesian island of Bali later this week, and the official said an amnesty had been expected before his departure.
"I think they delayed the process as they only wanted to release the political prisoners slowly with the pardon of the president," the official said.
Burma carried out a mass prisoner amnesty last month but this did not include most key dissidents, disappointing observers and the opposition.
The release of all of the country's political detainees --- who include democracy campaigners, journalists and lawyers --- is one of the major demands of Western nations which have imposed sanctions on Burma.
The reasons for the delay were not clear, but the authorities are now expected to decide on a case-by-case basis which prisoners to release.http://www.dvb.no/news/burma-delays-prisoner-amnesty/18723
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Despite Disagreement, NLD Stalwart Stands Behind Suu Kyi
By BA KAUNG Monday, November 14, 2011
Win Tin, one of the most influential members of Burma's main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has vowed to throw his support behind party leader Aung San Suu Kyi when the NLD makes a decision later this week about whether to run in upcoming by-elections.
"I am for the re-registration of our party, but I would say it's too early for us to participate in the formal political framework under a military constitution," said 82-year-old Win Tin, who was one of the co-founders of the NLD along with Suu Kyi.
His comments came a day after NLD spokesman Nyan Win broke the news on Sunday that the party, which was officially disbanded in September 2010 because of its boycott of last year's election, might re-register under a recently amended electoral law. He also said it was likely that Suu Kyi, who was previously barred from running for office, would contest one of around 50 Parliamentary seats up for grabs in a by-election expected to be held later this month.
Since his release from prison in 2009 after more than 19 years behind bars as a political prisoner, Win Tin has played a key role in the NLD's affairs, including its decision to boycott the Nov 7, 2010, Parliamentary election, which were held a week before Suu Kyi herself was released from house arrest.
"The reasons why we boycotted the election last year is because we don't accept the current constitution drafted by the military. There is no change in this constitution yet," Win Tin told The Irrawaddy by phone on Monday.
In contrast to Win Tin's views, however, Suu Kyi appears to be be more optimistic about Burma's political direction under the new government of ex-army general President Thein Sein, who she described as "honest, open and straightforward" after a meeting with him in August.
The NLD announced on Tuesday that it will hold a major party conference on Friday this week to decide whether to re-register as a political party and contest seats in the national Parliament, which is dominated by the army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party. The USDP claims to have won around 80 percent of the contested seats in the election, which was marred by heavy vote-rigging.
Speaking to Burmese exiled radio stations on Sunday, NLD spokesman Nyan Win hinted that the majority of party leaders, including Suu Kyi, have already reached a decision ahead of Friday's meeting.
"Those who oppose the NLD re-registering and joining the Parliament point out that the Constitution must change first before we do that. If it is the government and the Parliament that can change the Constitution, then do we have to wait for them to take these steps? Do we have to wait until they do that before we can do politics? We have to be in the Parliament," said Nyan Win.
Nyan Win acknowledged, however, that some grassroots party members are opposed to the move, which they said should not be taken until all political prisoners are released and major amendments are made to the Constitution, which grants the army the power to legally end civilian rule "in times of national emergency."
Despite such internal differences, however, Win Tin---who has worn shirts the same blue color as his former prison uniform since his release to protest the continuing detention of around 2,000 other political prisoners---said his faith in Suu Kyi's leadership remained strong, and that he would respect the majority decision of the party, which is now leaning toward party registration and joining the formal political process.
"We have differences that we share with each other openly and democratically. But we will work with the unity of the party in mind. As for me, I am too old and don't have any thought about joining the election," he said.
Win Tin's remarks contradict a report in the Guardian newspaper published on Sunday that he opposed both the party registration and joining the by-elections. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22452
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Mon Leaders Meet With NMSP
By LAWI WENG Monday, November 14, 2011
Five Mon community leaders met with leaders of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), an ethnic armed group, at the NMSP headquarters in the town of Bee Ree River in Ye Township, Mon State on November 13, according to Mon sources.
The five community leaders were sent by Ohn Myint, the chief minister of Mon State, who wrote a letter to the NMSP outlining the issues he wanted discussed.
The members of the Mon community delegation were former NMSP executive and central committee members Nai Tin Aung and Nai Soe Myint, Mon National Democratic Front members Nai Thet Lwin and Dr. Min Kyi Winn, and a respected Mon Buddhist Monk, Nai Ketumalar.
"Ohn Myint wants to have peace talks with the NMSP, so we came here to discuss it," said Nai Ketumalar. "We still have a little more to talk about today. The NMSP have not made a decision. They say they are going to observe the situation more."
"Our party will accept peace talks if the offer meets our party's position," said Col Nyan Tun, the NMSP deputy liaison officer.
Some Mon community leaders said that the NMSP should enter into peace talks in order to prepare for its participation in mainstream Mon politics if Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy decide to register and compete in future elections.
Dr. Min Soe Lin, who is a senior member of Mon National Democratic Front, said, "I do not want to tell them not to have peace talks because I think they know the problem they will have. But I want to tell them to do something when they come to town. Please do not act like in the past, when many of their members resigned from the party."
On Oct. 6, three NMSP leaders met with a delegation from the Mon State government in Ye Township that was led by Col Htay Myint Aung, the Mon State minister for security and border affairs.
The NMSP entered into a ceasefire agreement with the government in 1995, but the ceasefire collapse in 2010 when the government attempted to force the NMSP to become part of its Border Guard Force under Burmese military control.
Meanwhile, on Nov. 10, the Karen National Union set up an eight-member peace commission to hold talks with the Burmese government. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22451
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Suu Kyi Says End of Sanctions Depends on Govt
By THE IRRAWADDY Monday, November 14, 2011
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said at a press conference on Monday that the end of Western economic sanctions depends on the degree of political and human rights progress the country's quasi-civilian government makes.
She said that the foreign nations which have imposed sanctions, including the US and the EU bloc, must view significant progress before they are lifted.
Suu Kyi's press conference, held at the headquarters of her National League for Democracy (NLD) in Rangoon, marked the one-year anniversary of her release from house arrest. Her remarks made clear that Burma has yet to reach the stage that its people are confident that the country is on the path to true democracy.
"There has been some progress within the past year, but not enough yet," she said. "A crucial issue is the rule of law, without which we cannot make progress in the issues of human rights, the release of political prisoners, domestic peace efforts or social and economic development in our country."
She also called for a clean government and a fair judiciary to found a democratic nation, stressing that in the continued absence of the rule of law, Burma will not be able to attract foreign investment.
But she also reaffirmed her optimism about developments under Burma's new government---which took office through a heavily-rigged election in Nov. 2010---and urged the country's public to be realistic under the changing circumstances.
"We need optimistic views and ideas. We have to change our views at a point when they need to change. Based on our beliefs, we also have to take risks at the appropriate time," she said, hinting at the growing possibility that the NLD may re-register under the recently amended Political Parties Registration Law and she may run in the coming parliamentary by-elections.
At the press conference, however, Suu Kyi did not make any public announcement or state her opinion about whether the NLD should re-register and contest the parliamentary elections.
Suu Kyi also appealed to members of the Burmese military for solidarity with the public and asked both to work together towards the goal of establishing democracy in Burma.
"All the army members are also the country's citizens. So are all of us. If all of us are the same public, then I wish to ask why we can't work together. We must be able to do," she said.
Her comments highlighted the important role of the army in the country, which had been ruled by successive military dictatorships since 1962, when the military took power from a democratically-elected government in a coup, until the previous regime handed over power to the current nominally-civilian government headed mostly by former military generals.
Under Burma's Constitution, the military controls a quarter of the seats in the national Parliament and also wields substantial influence through the National Defense and Security Council, a body that is assumed to make the final decisions regarding the most important aspects of governing the country.
Regarding Burma's unresolved ethnic conflicts, Suu Kyi said that both the country's rulers and the ethnic leaders need to restore confidence in each other.
The pro-democracy leader also called for the release of the country's remaining political prisoners and noted the discrepancy between the number of political prisoners listed by the NLD and the number claimed by the state-backed Human Rights Commission.
On Sunday, the Human Rights Commission sent an open letter to President Thein Sein praising the government for its release last month of about 200 of what they said is the 500 political prisoners in the country, and calling for a further release of prisoners.
Suu Kyi, however, said the list of political prisoners gathered by the NLD is longer than 500 persons, and it will look into the matter. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22453
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Asean Urged to Put Burma Abuses on Agenda
By SAW YAN NAING Monday, November 14, 2011
Ahead of the upcoming summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Bali, parliamentarians of member states have called on bloc leaders to include human rights abuses and ethnic conflict in Burma on its agenda.
Parliamentarians who form the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) called on Monday for Asean delegates to urgently address concerns regarding democratic reform, ethnic conflict and human rights abuses in Burma at the upcoming 19th Asean Summit in Indonesia.
Speaking with The Irrawaddy on Monday, AIPMC Executive Director Agung Putri Astrid said that the slow process of democratic reform in Burma should be seriously considered during the summit.
"Political reform is very slow in Burma. We don't see comprehensive reform and are concerned with the process. So Asean is responsible for monitoring human rights abuses in Myanmar," she added.
While Naypyidaw claims that it wants to talk to opposition leaders and achieve national reconciliation, little effort has been made to involve ethnic minorities.
Agung Putri Astrid said that AIPMC was trying to remind Asean leaders to include peace in Burma on the summit agenda as the bloc has not so far approached Burma's ethnic issues.
A statement from AIPMC said the association welcomed recent changes in Burma, but remains concerned about ongoing military conflicts with ethnic groups and the relatively slow pace of political reform. It is vital, therefore, that delegates from members states ensure these issues are officially placed on the agenda at the 2011 Asean Summit.
Despite recent limited improvements, Burma President Thein Sein has demonstrated a lack of willingness to undertake genuine reforms, such as releasing political prisoners or ending armed conflict with ethnic groups, said the statement.
A recent survey by the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) humanitarian agency found that more people in southeast Burma had been forcibly displaced from their homes during the past year than any other since data was first collected in 2002.
In relation to human rights protection, the AIPMC asked that Asean be firm and resolute in calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Burma, especially in ethnic areas. In Karen, Kachin and Shan states, there remain grave concerns that war crimes and crimes against humanity continue to be perpetrated, as mentioned in the recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma, Toma's Ojea Quintana.
Burma is hoping to get approved for the 2014 Asean chair at the Bali summit with recent limited reforms understood to have been undertaken in order to achieve this goal.
Eva Kusuma Sundari, the AIPMC president and a member of the Indonesian Parliament, said in the group statement, "Gross human rights violations against ordinary people in ethnic areas continue despite lip service towards reform from Naypyidaw."
"If anything, life under this regime is worse for many ethnic minorities and vulnerable people than it was before," he added.
Projects such as the Yadana and Shwe Gas pipelines, undertaken by the government of Burma and fiscally supported by other states including China, have led to serious environmental concerns and human rights violations. These include land confiscations, displacement, torture, rape and other forms of systematic violence.
An estimated 50,000 people have been displaced due to the Shwe Gas pipeline project, according to the Shwe Gas Movement campaign group.
"Reconciliation is a prerequisite of any political initiative for peace in Myanmar and should serve as a critical indicator of how meaningful any democratization process is," Sundari added. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22449
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ASEAN urges not to reward Burma for superficial reforms
By Zin Linn Nov 14, 2011 6:03PM UTC
The Jakarta-based ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) today called on leading ASEAN delegates to urgently address concerns regarding democratic reform, ethnic conflict and human rights abuses in Burma (Myanmar) at the upcoming 19th ASEAN Summit in Bali this week.
Although the caucus welcomed recent changes taking place in Burma or Myanmar, AIPMC remains concerned by ongoing military conflicts with ethnic groups and the relatively slow pace of political reform and improvement to human rights in the country. In its 14 November press release, the caucus seriously said that delegates from member-states ensure ethnic conflict and human rights abuses in Burma are officially placed on the agenda at the 2011 ASEAN Summit.
In its June 17 press statement, AIPMC strongly condemns the decision by the Burmese government to send off heavily armed troops into Kachin State and the concomitant outbreak of fighting, which brings an end to the 17-year old ceasefire between the government and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
"It is clear that the current government of Myanmar lacks the will to push through the necessary reforms," said Eva Kusuma Sundari, AIPMC President and Member of Indonesian Parliament.
She also said that reconciliation is a precondition of any political initiative for peace in Burma.
In the face of recent limited improvements, the President Thein Sein government has showed a lack of eagerness to carry out genuine reforms, such as releasing political prisoners or ending armed conflict with ethnic groups. Last month amnesty allowed only 10 percent of political prisoners out of an estimated 2,000.
The caucus urges the Thein Sein government to enter into peace talks with the dissident Kachin leaders as an initial step towards a wider nationwide ceasefire and reconciliation process. AIPMC pushes for Indonesia and other ASEAN states to call on Burma (Myanmar) to accept steps toward reconciliation and to offer their assistance in peace process.
AIPMC said that it has also concerned about human rights violations continue to take place in relation to development projects in ethnic areas. Projects, such as the Yadana and Shwe Gas pipelines, undertaken by the Burmese government and financially supported by other states, have led to serious environmental concerns and human rights violations: land confiscations, displacement, torture, rape and other forms of systematic violence among them.
An estimated 50,000 people have been displaced due to the Shwe Gas pipeline project, according to the Shwe Gas Movement. A recent survey by the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) found that more people in southeast Burma had been forcibly displaced from their homes during the past year than any other year since data was first collected in 2002.
With a view to protect human rights, AIPMC has urged ASEAN to make a strong call for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Burma. In ethnic areas such as Karen, Kachin and Shan states, there remain grave concerns that war crimes and crimes against humanity continue to be perpetrated, as UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana mentioned in recent report.
According to the caucus, ASEAN must strongly urge the government of Burma to initiate progressive democratic reforms and to meet with human rights standards outlined in both the ASEAN Charter and international law prior to its taking the ASEAN Chair in 2014. AIPMC also advices ASEAN delegates to ensure calling on the United States and the European Union to continue using pressure tactics as well as engagement to push for genuine national reconciliation.
"The reform process thus far has been stunted due to it being driven by the individual initiative of President Thein Sein, rather than being part of a national platform for reform. Change that depends on the willingness of the president alone is not reform," said Ms Sundari. "It is wrong therefore for ASEAN to conclude that further incentives should be given to Myanmar in reward for superficial reforms."
The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) is a network formed in an inaugural meeting in Kuala Lumpur, on 26-28 November 2004 by and for Parliamentarians from the ASEAN countries. The aim is advocating for human rights and democratic reform in Myanmar/Burma.
Its members represent both the ruling and non-ruling political parties of countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Cambodia. http://asiancorrespondent.com/69512/asean-urges-not-to-reward-burma-for-superficial-reforms/
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