Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
China-Myanmar relations head for new high: ambassador
YANGON, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming state visit of Myanmar President U Thein Sein to China would certainly push the two countries' strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation towards a new high, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Li Junhua told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on the eve of the president's visit.
At the invitation his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, President U Thein Sein is to pay the first ever state visit to China from Thursday to Saturday in the capacity of a Myanmar top leader after the new government took office.
Leading over 10 government ministers, U Thein Sein will pay the state visit to Beijing and there will be talks and meetings with Chinese leaders, Ambassador Li said.
Li disclosed that during the visit, a number of bilateral cooperation accords or framework agreements between government departments and enterprises of the two sides will be signed, signaling the playing of further role of potential of the two countries' economic and trade cooperation, through which peoples of the two countries could greatly benefit from the mutually beneficial cooperation.
Li also disclosed that during the visit, the two countries will issue a joint statement that will be a new breakthrough, a new push in the development of the two countries' relations and future cooperation.
Commenting on the coming into being of the Myanmar new government, Li said for over a month after the new government assumed office, politically, the parliamentary sessions ran smooth with power transfer as well. Government at different levels are also operating orderly.
Citing President U Thein Sein's first speech delivered when he was sworn in to office, Li said U Thein Sein's remarks produced a strong signal to the Myanmar people of all walks of life and the international community, saying that the new government would make greater efforts in developing economy, speed up the rate of opening door to the outside world, improve the living standard of the people positively and strengthen the mixing up of nationalities based on the foundation laid by the previous government.
He pointed out that "We have seen a new phenomenon economically, that are inducing more foreign investment, expanding foreign trade and strengthening private enterprises."
Touching on some special characteristics of the Myanmar new government's foreign relations, Li said the new government becomes more initiative, more self-confident and more active diplomatically. He cited the recent attendance at the Jakarta ASEAN Summit of and state visit to Indonesia by Myanmar president U Thein Sein who raised at the regional summit Myanmar's undertaking of alternate chairmanship in 2014.
Li also cited U Thein Sein's first office-assumption speech that clearly stated that Myanmar new government will more actively participate in the activities of the international community, especially those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN), to play the constructive role that it should do.
Li also underlined that since the formation of the new government, Myanmar received foreign guests from all spheres, launching broad and extensive exchange with them and exploring future cooperation.
China and Myanmar, linked by rivers and mountains, have a long- standing "paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship for thousands of years. Li specially mentioned the reciprocal visits between China and Myanmar at high level, saying that no sooner the Myanmar new government was sworn in than China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People' s Political Consultative Conference, and Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou successively paid their friendly visits to Myanmar. All of these activities will display a new development of the two countries' reciprocal visits at high level and bilateral relations.
Speaking of the development of China-Myanmar economic and trade relations, Li cited the statistics as saying that China has become Myanmar's largest foreign investor and the second largest trade partner at the end of 2010.
According to an incomplete statistics, as of the end of March this year, China's investment in Myanmar has risen to 15.5 billion U.S. dollars from 12.3 billion dollars at the end of 2010.
Li predicted that the two countries' bilateral trade is certain to attain a new high this year.
Ambassador Li pointed out that President U Thein Sein's upcoming state visit to China would certainly would push the two countries' strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation towards a new high, and it would also push the two countries' traditional "paukphaw" friendship to be filled with new contents under the new situation.
Li expressed belief that under the joint efforts of the two governments, the China-Myanmar mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation would get all-fresh development.
Source: Xinhua
At the invitation his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, President U Thein Sein is to pay the first ever state visit to China from Thursday to Saturday in the capacity of a Myanmar top leader after the new government took office.
Leading over 10 government ministers, U Thein Sein will pay the state visit to Beijing and there will be talks and meetings with Chinese leaders, Ambassador Li said.
Li disclosed that during the visit, a number of bilateral cooperation accords or framework agreements between government departments and enterprises of the two sides will be signed, signaling the playing of further role of potential of the two countries' economic and trade cooperation, through which peoples of the two countries could greatly benefit from the mutually beneficial cooperation.
Li also disclosed that during the visit, the two countries will issue a joint statement that will be a new breakthrough, a new push in the development of the two countries' relations and future cooperation.
Commenting on the coming into being of the Myanmar new government, Li said for over a month after the new government assumed office, politically, the parliamentary sessions ran smooth with power transfer as well. Government at different levels are also operating orderly.
Citing President U Thein Sein's first speech delivered when he was sworn in to office, Li said U Thein Sein's remarks produced a strong signal to the Myanmar people of all walks of life and the international community, saying that the new government would make greater efforts in developing economy, speed up the rate of opening door to the outside world, improve the living standard of the people positively and strengthen the mixing up of nationalities based on the foundation laid by the previous government.
He pointed out that "We have seen a new phenomenon economically, that are inducing more foreign investment, expanding foreign trade and strengthening private enterprises."
Touching on some special characteristics of the Myanmar new government's foreign relations, Li said the new government becomes more initiative, more self-confident and more active diplomatically. He cited the recent attendance at the Jakarta ASEAN Summit of and state visit to Indonesia by Myanmar president U Thein Sein who raised at the regional summit Myanmar's undertaking of alternate chairmanship in 2014.
Li also cited U Thein Sein's first office-assumption speech that clearly stated that Myanmar new government will more actively participate in the activities of the international community, especially those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN), to play the constructive role that it should do.
Li also underlined that since the formation of the new government, Myanmar received foreign guests from all spheres, launching broad and extensive exchange with them and exploring future cooperation.
China and Myanmar, linked by rivers and mountains, have a long- standing "paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship for thousands of years. Li specially mentioned the reciprocal visits between China and Myanmar at high level, saying that no sooner the Myanmar new government was sworn in than China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People' s Political Consultative Conference, and Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou successively paid their friendly visits to Myanmar. All of these activities will display a new development of the two countries' reciprocal visits at high level and bilateral relations.
Speaking of the development of China-Myanmar economic and trade relations, Li cited the statistics as saying that China has become Myanmar's largest foreign investor and the second largest trade partner at the end of 2010.
According to an incomplete statistics, as of the end of March this year, China's investment in Myanmar has risen to 15.5 billion U.S. dollars from 12.3 billion dollars at the end of 2010.
Li predicted that the two countries' bilateral trade is certain to attain a new high this year.
Ambassador Li pointed out that President U Thein Sein's upcoming state visit to China would certainly would push the two countries' strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation towards a new high, and it would also push the two countries' traditional "paukphaw" friendship to be filled with new contents under the new situation.
Li expressed belief that under the joint efforts of the two governments, the China-Myanmar mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation would get all-fresh development.
Source: Xinhua
Friday, May 20, 2011
US envoy meets Suu Kyi
A senior US diplomat met Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi Thursday for talks about the country's new political landscape following the recent dissolution of the junta.
Joseph Yun, the deputy US assistant secretary for East Asia and Pacific affairs, described the meeting as "very good" but did not reveal details of his discussion with the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
US President Barack Obama's administration in 2009 launched a drive to engage with Burma's junta, which in March this year made way for a nominally civilian but army backed government after the first election in 20 years.
Washington has voiced disappointment with the results of the dialogue and refused to ease sanctions after the November poll, which was marred by complaints of cheating and won by the military's political proxies.
On Wednesday Yun held talks with Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin in the capital Naypyidaw in the highest-level meeting between the two nations since the handover of power to the new government.
"We have a policy of engagement," Yun told reporters.
"But certainly I will take back what I learned from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as well as Naypyidaw," he added. "Daw" is a term of respect in Burma, which is also known as Burma.
Suu Kyi, 65, was released in November shortly after the poll, having spent most of the past two decades in detention.
Yun's trip comes just days after a senior UN official visited the country and said that recent signals from the new government were "very encouraging", although the words needed to be matched by action.
It also comes after Washington on Monday renewed its economic sanctions against Burma and urged the authorities to release the more than 2,000 political prisoners locked up in the country.
Suu Kyi said she believed the United States had prolonged the measures "because they do not think there has been significant change in Burma."
She added: "This is very much in line with US policy all along. The sanctions will be lifted when they think that there has been significant change."
Source: Bangkok Post
Joseph Yun, the deputy US assistant secretary for East Asia and Pacific affairs, described the meeting as "very good" but did not reveal details of his discussion with the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
US President Barack Obama's administration in 2009 launched a drive to engage with Burma's junta, which in March this year made way for a nominally civilian but army backed government after the first election in 20 years.
Washington has voiced disappointment with the results of the dialogue and refused to ease sanctions after the November poll, which was marred by complaints of cheating and won by the military's political proxies.
On Wednesday Yun held talks with Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin in the capital Naypyidaw in the highest-level meeting between the two nations since the handover of power to the new government.
"We have a policy of engagement," Yun told reporters.
"But certainly I will take back what I learned from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as well as Naypyidaw," he added. "Daw" is a term of respect in Burma, which is also known as Burma.
Suu Kyi, 65, was released in November shortly after the poll, having spent most of the past two decades in detention.
Yun's trip comes just days after a senior UN official visited the country and said that recent signals from the new government were "very encouraging", although the words needed to be matched by action.
It also comes after Washington on Monday renewed its economic sanctions against Burma and urged the authorities to release the more than 2,000 political prisoners locked up in the country.
Suu Kyi said she believed the United States had prolonged the measures "because they do not think there has been significant change in Burma."
She added: "This is very much in line with US policy all along. The sanctions will be lifted when they think that there has been significant change."
Source: Bangkok Post
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Released political prisoners' list
No Name Sex Prison Org:
1 Aung Aung Oo(a)Aung Gyi M Insein NLD
2 Aung Myint(a)Pasein M Myitkyina NLD
3 Aung Naing(a)War Phaw M Pa-An
4 Aung Win M Nyaung-U NLD
5 Aye Lwin M Prome
6 Aye Myint M Thayet NLD
7 Cho Cho Aye F Yemathin NLD
8 Cho Cho Lwin F Prome NLD
9 Htwe Thein M Insein NLD
10 Khin Hla M Buthidaung NLD
11 Khwar Linn M Pakokku
12 Ko Ko Latt M Pa-An
13 Kyaw Kyaw(a)Zeya Thaw M Kawthaung
14 Kyaw San M Insein NLD
15 Kyaw Win Tun(a) Bo Tun M Insein NLD
16 Kyi Phyu M Pakokku NLD
17 Kyin Hlaing M Pakokku NLD
18 Mar Mar Aye F Paungte
19 Me Me Lay(a)Mi Mi Lin F Insein
20 Mya San Htoo M Insein
21 Mya Than Hteik M Taungoo NLD
22 Myat Thu M Buthidaung Student
23 Myint Soe M Insein NLD
24 Myint Tun M Insein NLD
25 Myo Thant(a)John Nawtha M Myingyan
26 Naw Ohn Hla F Taungoo NLD
27 Ngwe Soe M Yemathin NLD
28 Nyan Myint M Thayet NLD
29 Nyi Nyi Aung M Insein NLD
30 Phartapar(a)Tun Aye M Pa-An
31 San San Myint F Tharawaddy NLD
32 Sandar F Puta-O
33 Saw Taw Win M Pakokku
34 Than Htay M Katha NLD
35 Than Kyaw M Tharawaddy
36 Than Naing M Pyapon
37 Thaung Hteik Oo M Insein
38 Thura Aung M Nyaung-U NLD
39 Tin Win(a)Byaw Gyi M Puta-O
40 U Pyinnyathiha(a)Myint OO M Labor Camp
41 U Sandar Dika(a)Nyi Nyi San M Insein
42 U Zawdika(a)Zay Mg Mg M Katha
43 Yan Naung Soe M Insein
44 Ye Htut Khaung M Insein NLD
45 Ye Min Oo M Myingyan
46 Ye Myint M Puta-O
47 Zin Lin Aung(a)Yakhaing M Paungte
Category
TOTAL 47
Male 40
Female 7
Monk 3
NLD 23
Other 24
1 Aung Aung Oo(a)Aung Gyi M Insein NLD
2 Aung Myint(a)Pasein M Myitkyina NLD
3 Aung Naing(a)War Phaw M Pa-An
4 Aung Win M Nyaung-U NLD
5 Aye Lwin M Prome
6 Aye Myint M Thayet NLD
7 Cho Cho Aye F Yemathin NLD
8 Cho Cho Lwin F Prome NLD
9 Htwe Thein M Insein NLD
10 Khin Hla M Buthidaung NLD
11 Khwar Linn M Pakokku
12 Ko Ko Latt M Pa-An
13 Kyaw Kyaw(a)Zeya Thaw M Kawthaung
14 Kyaw San M Insein NLD
15 Kyaw Win Tun(a) Bo Tun M Insein NLD
16 Kyi Phyu M Pakokku NLD
17 Kyin Hlaing M Pakokku NLD
18 Mar Mar Aye F Paungte
19 Me Me Lay(a)Mi Mi Lin F Insein
20 Mya San Htoo M Insein
21 Mya Than Hteik M Taungoo NLD
22 Myat Thu M Buthidaung Student
23 Myint Soe M Insein NLD
24 Myint Tun M Insein NLD
25 Myo Thant(a)John Nawtha M Myingyan
26 Naw Ohn Hla F Taungoo NLD
27 Ngwe Soe M Yemathin NLD
28 Nyan Myint M Thayet NLD
29 Nyi Nyi Aung M Insein NLD
30 Phartapar(a)Tun Aye M Pa-An
31 San San Myint F Tharawaddy NLD
32 Sandar F Puta-O
33 Saw Taw Win M Pakokku
34 Than Htay M Katha NLD
35 Than Kyaw M Tharawaddy
36 Than Naing M Pyapon
37 Thaung Hteik Oo M Insein
38 Thura Aung M Nyaung-U NLD
39 Tin Win(a)Byaw Gyi M Puta-O
40 U Pyinnyathiha(a)Myint OO M Labor Camp
41 U Sandar Dika(a)Nyi Nyi San M Insein
42 U Zawdika(a)Zay Mg Mg M Katha
43 Yan Naung Soe M Insein
44 Ye Htut Khaung M Insein NLD
45 Ye Min Oo M Myingyan
46 Ye Myint M Puta-O
47 Zin Lin Aung(a)Yakhaing M Paungte
Category
TOTAL 47
Male 40
Female 7
Monk 3
NLD 23
Other 24
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Bomb kills two near Burma capital
A BOMB blast on a train near Burma's capital left at least two people dead today during a visit by a US envoy for talks with the new government, a Burmese official said.
"It was a time bomb. We assume KNU insurgents plotted it," said the government official, referring to the Karen National Union whose armed wing has been fighting the government in a decades-old ethnic insurgency.
"Two people including a woman were killed and seven others were injured in the bomb blast," which occurred in the early evening in Tatkone township in the Naypyidaw area, said the official, who did not want to be named.
The explosion came shortly after Joseph Yun, the deputy US assistant secretary for East Asia and Pacific affairs, arrived in Burma for talks with officials including Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin in Naypyidaw.
Yun is also expected to meet with democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi during his four-day visit to the military-dominated country.
US President Barack Obama's administration in 2009 launched a drive to engage with Burma's junta, which in March this year made way for a nominally civilian government after the first election in 20 years.
Washington has voiced disappointment with the results of the dialogue and refused to ease sanctions after the November poll, which was marred by complaints of intimidation and fraud.
Burma has been hit by several bomb blasts in recent years, which the junta has blamed on armed exile groups or ethnic rebels.
In February eight people were injured by an explosive device believed to have been detonated accidentally in Burma's main city Rangoon, officials said.
In April last year, in the worst attack in five years in Rangoon, a series of explosions left 10 people dead and about 170 wounded as thousands of people gathered for festivities to mark the Buddhist New Year.
At least three civilians were killed when heavy-weapons fire from ethnic rebels hit the eastern border town of Myawaddy the day after the November poll, causing thousands to flee temporarily across the border into Thailand.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/bomb-kills-two-near-burma-capital/story-e6frfku0-1226058548178#ixzz1MhzQHBQy
"It was a time bomb. We assume KNU insurgents plotted it," said the government official, referring to the Karen National Union whose armed wing has been fighting the government in a decades-old ethnic insurgency.
"Two people including a woman were killed and seven others were injured in the bomb blast," which occurred in the early evening in Tatkone township in the Naypyidaw area, said the official, who did not want to be named.
The explosion came shortly after Joseph Yun, the deputy US assistant secretary for East Asia and Pacific affairs, arrived in Burma for talks with officials including Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin in Naypyidaw.
Yun is also expected to meet with democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi during his four-day visit to the military-dominated country.
US President Barack Obama's administration in 2009 launched a drive to engage with Burma's junta, which in March this year made way for a nominally civilian government after the first election in 20 years.
Washington has voiced disappointment with the results of the dialogue and refused to ease sanctions after the November poll, which was marred by complaints of intimidation and fraud.
Burma has been hit by several bomb blasts in recent years, which the junta has blamed on armed exile groups or ethnic rebels.
In February eight people were injured by an explosive device believed to have been detonated accidentally in Burma's main city Rangoon, officials said.
In April last year, in the worst attack in five years in Rangoon, a series of explosions left 10 people dead and about 170 wounded as thousands of people gathered for festivities to mark the Buddhist New Year.
At least three civilians were killed when heavy-weapons fire from ethnic rebels hit the eastern border town of Myawaddy the day after the November poll, causing thousands to flee temporarily across the border into Thailand.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/bomb-kills-two-near-burma-capital/story-e6frfku0-1226058548178#ixzz1MhzQHBQy
Senior US State Department official visits Burma
Rangoon - A senior US State Department official arrived in Burma Wednesday for a two-day visit that was expected to include talks with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, officials said.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Joseph Yun was scheduled to fly from Rangoon to the country's capital Naypyitaw Wednesday afternoon for talks with Foreign Minister Wanna Maung Lwin and Vice-Chairman of the lower house Nanda Kyaw Swa, said a government source who asked to remain anonymous.
He was expected to meet with Suu Kyi in Yangon on Thursday. It was his first official visit since Burma's new government was formed on March 30, and follows on the heels of a visit by United Nations special envoy to Burma Vijay Nambiar last week.
Yun last visited Burma in December, shortly after Nobel laureate Suu Kyi was released from a seven-year house detention.
He was the highest-ranking US official to visit Burma since the ruling junta held the country's first election in two decades on November 7.//DPA
Source: The Nation
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Joseph Yun was scheduled to fly from Rangoon to the country's capital Naypyitaw Wednesday afternoon for talks with Foreign Minister Wanna Maung Lwin and Vice-Chairman of the lower house Nanda Kyaw Swa, said a government source who asked to remain anonymous.
He was expected to meet with Suu Kyi in Yangon on Thursday. It was his first official visit since Burma's new government was formed on March 30, and follows on the heels of a visit by United Nations special envoy to Burma Vijay Nambiar last week.
Yun last visited Burma in December, shortly after Nobel laureate Suu Kyi was released from a seven-year house detention.
He was the highest-ranking US official to visit Burma since the ruling junta held the country's first election in two decades on November 7.//DPA
Source: The Nation
Yingluck: No plans to debate PM
Yingluck Shinwatra, No.1 party list candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, said she has no plan to take up the Democrat Party challenge for an election debate with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at this time.
“I have just entered politics and I need time for meeting people and launching a nationwide election campaign. I will accept the challenge when the time is right,” said Ms Yingluck, youngest sister of ousted former prime minister Thaksin.
The Pheu Thai’s nominee for the post of prime minister said she will visit people in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai on Saturday, May 21. She will promote the party’s election policy to counter criticism of her personal affairs made by the Democrats.
Ms Yingluck said the selection of Pheu Thai's party list candidates will first focus on people who have been working with the party. After that, the competence of each individual will be taken into consideration.
She would attend the selection meeting to finalise the party list today, and the list would then be sent to the party's executive for further consideration.
“It is not necessary to send the list of candidates to Thaksin for approval as he will be involved only in mapping out the party’s policy,” she said.
Ms Yingluck will later today chair a meeting of the opposition camp's economic team.
Key figures to attend the meeting include former transport minister Santi Prompat and former governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Prapas Jongsanguan.
Source: Bangkok Post
“I have just entered politics and I need time for meeting people and launching a nationwide election campaign. I will accept the challenge when the time is right,” said Ms Yingluck, youngest sister of ousted former prime minister Thaksin.
The Pheu Thai’s nominee for the post of prime minister said she will visit people in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai on Saturday, May 21. She will promote the party’s election policy to counter criticism of her personal affairs made by the Democrats.
Ms Yingluck said the selection of Pheu Thai's party list candidates will first focus on people who have been working with the party. After that, the competence of each individual will be taken into consideration.
She would attend the selection meeting to finalise the party list today, and the list would then be sent to the party's executive for further consideration.
“It is not necessary to send the list of candidates to Thaksin for approval as he will be involved only in mapping out the party’s policy,” she said.
Ms Yingluck will later today chair a meeting of the opposition camp's economic team.
Key figures to attend the meeting include former transport minister Santi Prompat and former governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Prapas Jongsanguan.
Source: Bangkok Post
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
လြတ္လာၾကတဲ့ ႏိုင္ငံေရး အက်ဥ္းသား လက္ရွိစာရင္း
၁ မသႏၱာ
၂ ထက္ထက္ဦးေ၀
၃ ျမျ...မသိန္း ပူတာအုိ
၄ စိုင္းမင္းသိမ္း ခႏၱီးေထာင္
၅ ခ်ိဳခ်ိဳလြင္ ျပည္ေထာင္
၆ ကိုေအးလြင္ ျပည္ေထာင္
၇ မ်ိဳးသန္႔ ျမင္းျခံ
၈ ရဲမင္းဦး ျမင္းျခံ
၉ ညီညီေအာင္ အင္းစိန္ေထာင္
၁၀ မီးမီးေလး အင္းစိန္ေထာင္
၁၁ မာမာေအး ေပါင္းတည္
၁၂ ဇင္လင္းေအာင္ ေပါင္းတည္
၁၃ ေက်ာ္ဆန္း မုိင္းဆတ္ေထာင္
၁၄ မခ်ိဳ
၁၅ စိန္လႈိင္
၁၆ ေရႊဂိ်ဳး
၁၇ ကိုေထြးသိန္း အင္းစိန္ေထာင္
၁၈ ျမသန္းထိုက္ ေတာင္ငူ
၁၉ ေဇယ်ာေသာ္
၂၀ ေနာ္အုန္းလွ ေတာင္ငူေထာင္
၂၁ ဦးေက်ာ္ဆန္း(အမတ္)
၂၂ ေအာင္ေအာင္ဦး
၂၃ ျမင့္ထြန္း
၂၄ ေက်ာ္၀င္းထြဋ္
၂၅ ညီညီစံ(ခ)စႏၵာဒိက
၂၆ ျမင့္စိုး
၂၇ ၀င္းျမင့္
၂၈ သိန္းေရႊ
၂၉ ရဲထြဋ္ေခါင္
၃၀ ျမတ္ဆန္းထူး
၃၁ ဦးေငြစုိး ရမည္းသင္း
၃၂ ေက်ာ္ညြန္႔ ခႏၱီးေထာင္
၃၃ ေအးျမင့္ ူသရက္
၃၄ ထြန္းထြန္းႏုိင္ ဗန္းေမာ္
၂ ထက္ထက္ဦးေ၀
၃ ျမျ...မသိန္း ပူတာအုိ
၄ စိုင္းမင္းသိမ္း ခႏၱီးေထာင္
၅ ခ်ိဳခ်ိဳလြင္ ျပည္ေထာင္
၆ ကိုေအးလြင္ ျပည္ေထာင္
၇ မ်ိဳးသန္႔ ျမင္းျခံ
၈ ရဲမင္းဦး ျမင္းျခံ
၉ ညီညီေအာင္ အင္းစိန္ေထာင္
၁၀ မီးမီးေလး အင္းစိန္ေထာင္
၁၁ မာမာေအး ေပါင္းတည္
၁၂ ဇင္လင္းေအာင္ ေပါင္းတည္
၁၃ ေက်ာ္ဆန္း မုိင္းဆတ္ေထာင္
၁၄ မခ်ိဳ
၁၅ စိန္လႈိင္
၁၆ ေရႊဂိ်ဳး
၁၇ ကိုေထြးသိန္း အင္းစိန္ေထာင္
၁၈ ျမသန္းထိုက္ ေတာင္ငူ
၁၉ ေဇယ်ာေသာ္
၂၀ ေနာ္အုန္းလွ ေတာင္ငူေထာင္
၂၁ ဦးေက်ာ္ဆန္း(အမတ္)
၂၂ ေအာင္ေအာင္ဦး
၂၃ ျမင့္ထြန္း
၂၄ ေက်ာ္၀င္းထြဋ္
၂၅ ညီညီစံ(ခ)စႏၵာဒိက
၂၆ ျမင့္စိုး
၂၇ ၀င္းျမင့္
၂၈ သိန္းေရႊ
၂၉ ရဲထြဋ္ေခါင္
၃၀ ျမတ္ဆန္းထူး
၃၁ ဦးေငြစုိး ရမည္းသင္း
၃၂ ေက်ာ္ညြန္႔ ခႏၱီးေထာင္
၃၃ ေအးျမင့္ ူသရက္
၃၄ ထြန္းထြန္းႏုိင္ ဗန္းေမာ္
Reality: Schwarzenegger reveals child with household worker
Los Angeles - Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted he fathered a child some 10 years ago with a member of his household staff and only told his wife about it a few months ago.
The Austrian-born movie star revealed the bombshell after being confronted with the story by the Los Angeles Times, which reported the news in its Tuesday edition.
"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," Schwarzenegger said in a statement to The Los Angeles Times in response to questions.
"I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility.
The Los Angeles Times declined to name the woman but said she was a longtime member of the household staff, having worked for Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver for over 20 years. The couple announced earlier this month their separation after 25 years of marriage.
According to a source Schwarzenegger, 63, took financial responsibility for the child from the start and continued to provide support. The woman only recently stopped working for the family.//DPA
Source: The Nation
Burma to free 17,000 from jail
About 17,000 prisoners were due to be released nationwide in Burma, an official said Tuesday, after the president announced a limited jail-term reduction that was greeted with disappointment by critics.
A Myanmar soldier stands alert during a military event in the country's administrative capital Naypyidaw. About 17,000 prisoners were due to be released nationwide in the country, an official said Tuesday, after the president announced a limited jail-term reduction that was greeted with disappointment by critics.
Among those set to be released were some of the intelligence personnel purged after the ousting of former premier and army intelligence chief Khin Nyunt in a power struggle in 2004, the official told AFP.
But the vast majority were expected to be common criminals, despite human rights groups accusing Burma of holding more than 2,000 political prisoners.
Burma's President Thein Sein, in a message read on state television on Monday, said that the government was reducing all inmates' sentences by one year and commuting the death penalty to life imprisonment.
Human Rights Watch called the news a "sick joke" given the numbers of political prisoners in the country, while the United States urged the regime to go much further as it renewed economic sanctions against Burma.
The US and democracy activists have long called for a broader amnesty in the Southeast Asian nation, where the military handed over power to a nominally civilian government led by a retired general after an election last year.
Many political opponents remain held under vague laws for double-digit terms, and while it was unclear how many had less than one year to serve and so would be released, the numbers were expected to be extremely small.
"This is a pathetic response to international calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch (HRW).
About 2,600 prisoners began to be released from Rangoon's notorious Insein prison on Tuesday.
"Altogether about 17,000 prisoners from the prisons around the country will be released. Jailed former intelligence personnel will be among those released," the official told AFP, declining to be named.
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in November shortly after the election, Burma's first in 20 years.
The opposition and the West welcomed her freedom but criticised the poll as anything but free and fair, and have urged the government to do more to improve its human rights record.
In a formal notice to Congress on Monday, President Barack Obama said that he was renewing sanctions that would otherwise have expired this month because Burma, also known as Burma, was taking actions "hostile to US interests".
Obama, using language nearly identical to previous years, criticised actions by the regime including the "large-scale repression of the democratic opposition" in deciding to extend the measures that limit trade with Burma.
Source: Bangkok Post
View: Beware of suite crimes
Dear Friends,
IMF Chief and prospective French Presidential candidate attempted to
rape a hotel maid from Africa in his $3,000 per night suite in
mid-town New York.
Here is yet another sordid but all too familiar tale of men in
positions of power acting dangerously and harmfully. There have been
a number of serious studies dissecting comparatively behavioral
patterns of those in power-wealth (corporate executives, political
leaders, generals, heads of openly organized crimes as opposed to
sanctioned, essentially criminal organizations like governments,
democratic or otherwise).
These men (and a few women) commonly share total disregard for ethics
and rules. One rule for themselves, which is no rule, and another set
of rules for the rest of us.
Think of the late US Senator and US presidential candidate Ted
Kennedy, soaked in power, privileges and wealth. As he drunk-drove a
car into a river, but saved his own life and let his lover drown with
the sunk car, and didn't even bother to report to the police. The
Kennedy clan bought the silence of the woman's family, subsequently.
While it thwarted Kennedy's presidential ambitions, the US power
structure - and the middle America's electorate - kept him in office
as one of the most powerful Senators until his death.
Disregard for law (and ethics) amongst these men of power and
privilege may be as old as the emergence of political organizations.
Thomas Jefferson, the man who drafted the American Declaration of
Independence, was #1 smuggler of agricultural products and seeds from
Europe while he was based in Paris as the Minister of France. For the
US's agrarian economy then the protecting of local agriculture was of
prime importance, and there he was involved in making laws for other
people, which he obviously didn't think apply to him.
IMF chief's problem is not that he committed what my old acquaintance
Ralph Nader called 'a suite crime, but that he got caught. These men
behavior criminally or display borderline behavior, whatever the
rhetoric or glow of the Office, is a given.
Propaganda is such that we the people are to look for leadership,
moral and intellectual, from these men (and women)!
Don't hold your breath.
zarni
Source: Dr Zarni
IMF Chief and prospective French Presidential candidate attempted to
rape a hotel maid from Africa in his $3,000 per night suite in
mid-town New York.
Here is yet another sordid but all too familiar tale of men in
positions of power acting dangerously and harmfully. There have been
a number of serious studies dissecting comparatively behavioral
patterns of those in power-wealth (corporate executives, political
leaders, generals, heads of openly organized crimes as opposed to
sanctioned, essentially criminal organizations like governments,
democratic or otherwise).
These men (and a few women) commonly share total disregard for ethics
and rules. One rule for themselves, which is no rule, and another set
of rules for the rest of us.
Think of the late US Senator and US presidential candidate Ted
Kennedy, soaked in power, privileges and wealth. As he drunk-drove a
car into a river, but saved his own life and let his lover drown with
the sunk car, and didn't even bother to report to the police. The
Kennedy clan bought the silence of the woman's family, subsequently.
While it thwarted Kennedy's presidential ambitions, the US power
structure - and the middle America's electorate - kept him in office
as one of the most powerful Senators until his death.
Disregard for law (and ethics) amongst these men of power and
privilege may be as old as the emergence of political organizations.
Thomas Jefferson, the man who drafted the American Declaration of
Independence, was #1 smuggler of agricultural products and seeds from
Europe while he was based in Paris as the Minister of France. For the
US's agrarian economy then the protecting of local agriculture was of
prime importance, and there he was involved in making laws for other
people, which he obviously didn't think apply to him.
IMF chief's problem is not that he committed what my old acquaintance
Ralph Nader called 'a suite crime, but that he got caught. These men
behavior criminally or display borderline behavior, whatever the
rhetoric or glow of the Office, is a given.
Propaganda is such that we the people are to look for leadership,
moral and intellectual, from these men (and women)!
Don't hold your breath.
zarni
Source: Dr Zarni
REGIONAL PESPECTIVE 2014: it's 'make or break' for Burma's chair bid
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
Published on May 16, 2011
One day before the 18th Asean summit began in Jakarta, the US sent an urgent message to Indonesia - the Asean chair - Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines simultaneously saying now was the time to push for real progress in Burma otherwise it would be difficult to envisage any US president attending the East Asia Summit there in 2014. The message was a reminder to Asean that reforms in Burma and the choice of the Asean chair would impact on the overall scheme of US-Asean relations, which have been strengthened further since Washington acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
Interestingly, the US concern helped Asean leaders to refocus and subsequently delay their decision regarding Naypyidaw's request to head the grouping it joined in 1997. At the end of the summit, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono issued a statement saying that Asean agreed in principle to give Burma the chair. It was a wait-and-see attitude even though the whole summit was overshadowed by the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.
There are a few things that the new government under President Thein Sein needs to do between now and the Asean foreign ministers' meeting in July to convince Asean that Burma, as the 2014 chair, won't harm the group's credibility.
In the message to Asean, Washington also pressed for progress on key issues including the release of political prisoners, nuclear non-proliferation efforts and political dialogue with ethnic groups and Aung San Suu Kyi. Obviously, these are conditions that the dialogue partners have highlighted and used as justification to continue current sanctions.
Now action is incumbent on Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, who has agreed to visit Burma in coming weeks. There will be an opportunity for him to discuss further what future reforms are in the pipeline in Naypyidaw. His visit is important as it will form a rationale on whether to give a green light to a Burmese chair at July's foreign ministerial meeting. Most importantly, the Asean chair also wants to share updates and assessments with its dialogue partners to provide a raison d'etre for any decision for Burma to become the chair in 2014.
Earlier, Asean Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan reiterated that views from dialogue partners must be taken into consideration because they would impact on their future participation in several Asean activities. Since the US and EU are high-valued dialogue partners of Asean, their concerns cannot be taken for granted and must also be met this time. Otherwise, it would be hard to achieve proper cooperation. While there have been growing calls for an end to sanctions and other restrictions following the setting up of a "civilian" government in Burma at the end of March, Western countries and the United Nations continue urging the new administration to improve its human rights record and move on with further reforms.
For the time being, the participation of Western leaders at the inaugural expanded East Asia Summit in October in Bali has been secured. President Barack Obama has promised to come to Indonesia to take part after the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Honolulu. That much is clear. What has made the choice of the incoming Asean chair intriguing is the possibility that leaders from the US and other Western countries may not attend Asean summits and forums. For instance, at next year's EAS in Cambodia, which will be held almost at the same time as the US presidential election in November, it remains to be seen who will represent the US president. In other words, who's coming to town?
Therefore, the prospect of having Burma as the 2014 chair poses a dilemma for Asean. Laos was first to express support for Burma during the senior official meeting ahead of the summit. It was under the Lao leadership in 2004 that Burma declined to accept the chair. Therefore, Laos was obliged to back Burma as it promised to do so seven years ago. Singapore and Malaysia, who voiced reservations earlier at the special ministerial meeting in Bangkok early in April, did not push their position in subsequent ministerial meetings in Jakarta.
In regard to rotation of the Asean chair, it must be done in alphabetical order, meaning it should be Laos in 2015 and Malaysia in 2016. But Malaysia insists on standing firm to chair Asean in 2015 - because it will be the pivotal year in shaping the future of the Asean Community beyond that date. Without Burma slotting into 2014, it would be problematic. However, with Laos offering a quick swap with Burma, the issue has been resolved.
It will be the second swap as Indonesia switched its turn with Brunei two years ago. During the 16th Asean summit in Hanoi in April 2010, leaders stressed that the swap would not set any precedent because of the need to keep alphabetical rotation of the Asean chairmanship in accordance with Article 31, paragraph 1. The nitty-gritty of procedural politics in Asean eventually played out for the benefit of Naypyidaw. After all, Asean is a rule-based organisation, is it not?
As the Thein Sein government enters its sixth week, Asean along with the international community is watching closely for substantial reforms that will promote national unity and reconciliation, good governance and transparency, among other noble aims. Can Burma deliver? We will find out very soon how it will respond.
Source: The Nation
Published on May 16, 2011
One day before the 18th Asean summit began in Jakarta, the US sent an urgent message to Indonesia - the Asean chair - Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines simultaneously saying now was the time to push for real progress in Burma otherwise it would be difficult to envisage any US president attending the East Asia Summit there in 2014. The message was a reminder to Asean that reforms in Burma and the choice of the Asean chair would impact on the overall scheme of US-Asean relations, which have been strengthened further since Washington acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
Interestingly, the US concern helped Asean leaders to refocus and subsequently delay their decision regarding Naypyidaw's request to head the grouping it joined in 1997. At the end of the summit, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono issued a statement saying that Asean agreed in principle to give Burma the chair. It was a wait-and-see attitude even though the whole summit was overshadowed by the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.
There are a few things that the new government under President Thein Sein needs to do between now and the Asean foreign ministers' meeting in July to convince Asean that Burma, as the 2014 chair, won't harm the group's credibility.
In the message to Asean, Washington also pressed for progress on key issues including the release of political prisoners, nuclear non-proliferation efforts and political dialogue with ethnic groups and Aung San Suu Kyi. Obviously, these are conditions that the dialogue partners have highlighted and used as justification to continue current sanctions.
Now action is incumbent on Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, who has agreed to visit Burma in coming weeks. There will be an opportunity for him to discuss further what future reforms are in the pipeline in Naypyidaw. His visit is important as it will form a rationale on whether to give a green light to a Burmese chair at July's foreign ministerial meeting. Most importantly, the Asean chair also wants to share updates and assessments with its dialogue partners to provide a raison d'etre for any decision for Burma to become the chair in 2014.
Earlier, Asean Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan reiterated that views from dialogue partners must be taken into consideration because they would impact on their future participation in several Asean activities. Since the US and EU are high-valued dialogue partners of Asean, their concerns cannot be taken for granted and must also be met this time. Otherwise, it would be hard to achieve proper cooperation. While there have been growing calls for an end to sanctions and other restrictions following the setting up of a "civilian" government in Burma at the end of March, Western countries and the United Nations continue urging the new administration to improve its human rights record and move on with further reforms.
For the time being, the participation of Western leaders at the inaugural expanded East Asia Summit in October in Bali has been secured. President Barack Obama has promised to come to Indonesia to take part after the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Honolulu. That much is clear. What has made the choice of the incoming Asean chair intriguing is the possibility that leaders from the US and other Western countries may not attend Asean summits and forums. For instance, at next year's EAS in Cambodia, which will be held almost at the same time as the US presidential election in November, it remains to be seen who will represent the US president. In other words, who's coming to town?
Therefore, the prospect of having Burma as the 2014 chair poses a dilemma for Asean. Laos was first to express support for Burma during the senior official meeting ahead of the summit. It was under the Lao leadership in 2004 that Burma declined to accept the chair. Therefore, Laos was obliged to back Burma as it promised to do so seven years ago. Singapore and Malaysia, who voiced reservations earlier at the special ministerial meeting in Bangkok early in April, did not push their position in subsequent ministerial meetings in Jakarta.
In regard to rotation of the Asean chair, it must be done in alphabetical order, meaning it should be Laos in 2015 and Malaysia in 2016. But Malaysia insists on standing firm to chair Asean in 2015 - because it will be the pivotal year in shaping the future of the Asean Community beyond that date. Without Burma slotting into 2014, it would be problematic. However, with Laos offering a quick swap with Burma, the issue has been resolved.
It will be the second swap as Indonesia switched its turn with Brunei two years ago. During the 16th Asean summit in Hanoi in April 2010, leaders stressed that the swap would not set any precedent because of the need to keep alphabetical rotation of the Asean chairmanship in accordance with Article 31, paragraph 1. The nitty-gritty of procedural politics in Asean eventually played out for the benefit of Naypyidaw. After all, Asean is a rule-based organisation, is it not?
As the Thein Sein government enters its sixth week, Asean along with the international community is watching closely for substantial reforms that will promote national unity and reconciliation, good governance and transparency, among other noble aims. Can Burma deliver? We will find out very soon how it will respond.
Source: The Nation
Yingluck will be a puppet for Thaksin: Suthep
By The Nation
Published on May 17, 2011
The ruling Democrat Party should win the upcoming election as several opinion polls conducted by the party showed strong backing from voters, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.
Suthep said the Democrats should win some 20 seats in the Northeast, which is a traditional stronghold of the opposition Pheu Thai Party.
His comments are in contrast to what Chalerm Yoobamrung said yesterday.
The veteran politician, who is a member of the opposition, predicted that Pheu Thai Party would gain a 30-seat edge over the Democrats in the overall poll result.
The deputy premier rejected this, saying the Democrats would win at least 200 seats and that Pheu Thai's top candidate - Yingluck Shinawatra - would only listen to what her older brother, convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, told her over the phone.
He said Yingluck could not compare to her main adversary, Abhisit Vejjajiva, who had proved he could run the country.
"Voters don't know how Yingluck will do her job as she will be listening to her brother's voice on the phone. She will be like a shadow puppet, which puts her at a great disadvantage," Suthep said, adding that he had to mind the comments he made because Yingluck was a woman.
He said Abhisit would get a perfect 10 as a candidate for the top job because he had steered the country through a crisis over the past two years.
However, Chalerm spoke in Yingluck's defence, saying she knew what to do and people should not underestimate her abilities. He said she would be given proper advice by several old hands. He compared the Democrat Party to a boxer who knew he was losing a sparring match, adding that he was 1 million per cent certain Pheu Thai would win.
Meanwhile, Chumpol Silapa-archa, leader of the coalition partner Chart Thai Pattana Party, said it was far too early to judge anything despite the many opinion polls that have been conducted.
As for some voters calling for Abhisit and Yingluck to hold a one-on-one political debate like they do in the United States, Chumpol said this was not part of Thai culture.
He explained that a person may not be a good public speaker, but could be a good administrator. The politician urged people to vote for the party, not the person and expressed fear that moves to destroy Yingluck's character had already begun.
Source: The Nation
Published on May 17, 2011
The ruling Democrat Party should win the upcoming election as several opinion polls conducted by the party showed strong backing from voters, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.
Suthep said the Democrats should win some 20 seats in the Northeast, which is a traditional stronghold of the opposition Pheu Thai Party.
His comments are in contrast to what Chalerm Yoobamrung said yesterday.
The veteran politician, who is a member of the opposition, predicted that Pheu Thai Party would gain a 30-seat edge over the Democrats in the overall poll result.
The deputy premier rejected this, saying the Democrats would win at least 200 seats and that Pheu Thai's top candidate - Yingluck Shinawatra - would only listen to what her older brother, convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, told her over the phone.
He said Yingluck could not compare to her main adversary, Abhisit Vejjajiva, who had proved he could run the country.
"Voters don't know how Yingluck will do her job as she will be listening to her brother's voice on the phone. She will be like a shadow puppet, which puts her at a great disadvantage," Suthep said, adding that he had to mind the comments he made because Yingluck was a woman.
He said Abhisit would get a perfect 10 as a candidate for the top job because he had steered the country through a crisis over the past two years.
However, Chalerm spoke in Yingluck's defence, saying she knew what to do and people should not underestimate her abilities. He said she would be given proper advice by several old hands. He compared the Democrat Party to a boxer who knew he was losing a sparring match, adding that he was 1 million per cent certain Pheu Thai would win.
Meanwhile, Chumpol Silapa-archa, leader of the coalition partner Chart Thai Pattana Party, said it was far too early to judge anything despite the many opinion polls that have been conducted.
As for some voters calling for Abhisit and Yingluck to hold a one-on-one political debate like they do in the United States, Chumpol said this was not part of Thai culture.
He explained that a person may not be a good public speaker, but could be a good administrator. The politician urged people to vote for the party, not the person and expressed fear that moves to destroy Yingluck's character had already begun.
Source: The Nation
Yingluck takes centre stage Thaksin proudly claims his sister is 'his clone'
The Pheu Thai Party has voted Yingluck Shinawatra as its No.1 candidate on the party list system to compete against the Democrat Party's Abhisit Vejjajiva for the next premiership in the July 3 election.
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s younger sister Yingluck is surrounded by local and international media after she was chosen as the Pheu Thai Party’s top candidate on the party list and its nominee for premier. SOMCHAI POOMLARD
Pheu Thai's de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who now lives in self-exile in Dubai, has confirmed he chose Ms Yingluck, his younger sister, for the post but denied that she is his proxy.
"Some said she is my nonimee. That's not true. But it can be said that Yingluck is my clone," Thaksin said in an exclusive interview with Post Today editors in Brunei.
Yesterday's vote at the Pheu Thai Party was taken in the absence of Ms Yingluck. She was told to travel to the party to hear the decision at about 2.20pm, an hour after the vote.
She thanked all party members for their support and said she felt honoured to be nominated.
She said she was confident Pheu Thai's policies could answer the needs of the public.
"I intend to enter politics and work for the people. I want unity and reconciliation to return to the country," Ms Yingluck said.
Source: Bangkok Post
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s younger sister Yingluck is surrounded by local and international media after she was chosen as the Pheu Thai Party’s top candidate on the party list and its nominee for premier. SOMCHAI POOMLARD
Pheu Thai's de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who now lives in self-exile in Dubai, has confirmed he chose Ms Yingluck, his younger sister, for the post but denied that she is his proxy.
"Some said she is my nonimee. That's not true. But it can be said that Yingluck is my clone," Thaksin said in an exclusive interview with Post Today editors in Brunei.
Yesterday's vote at the Pheu Thai Party was taken in the absence of Ms Yingluck. She was told to travel to the party to hear the decision at about 2.20pm, an hour after the vote.
She thanked all party members for their support and said she felt honoured to be nominated.
She said she was confident Pheu Thai's policies could answer the needs of the public.
"I intend to enter politics and work for the people. I want unity and reconciliation to return to the country," Ms Yingluck said.
Source: Bangkok Post
Burma's Leadership Change to Nowhere
The junta's new generation: Same as the old generation.
By BERTIL LINTNER
Some in Asia have looked to recent events in the Middle East for clues about whether similar uprisings against unpopular authoritarian regimes could happen in places like China or Burma. But that's not the only point to consider from Asia's perspective. Those stories also offer a warning about the nature of change within such regimes, a red flag that is particularly relevant for Burma right now: A younger set of leaders is not always as liberal as outsiders hope.
Thein Sein
Burma's military junta is in the midst of a political transition to a new generation. Long-ruling general Than Shwe, 78, has stepped aside, replaced by Thein Sein, a "youthful" 66. Since his appointment, Thein Sein has made some seemingly conciliatory remarks regarding freedom of expression. The European Union in particular has greeted this change with cautious optimism, slightly easing its sanctions against the regime.
Diplomats hope that a new generation may be more liberal-minded—that the next round of elections will be freer and fairer than last November's rigged polling; that the release of pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from her long house arrest will be lasting; and that recent media opening and better access for international aid agencies are the start of a trend.
But if the Middle East teaches something for Asia, it's that the new generation isn't always what it's cracked up to be. In Libya, Moammar Qadaffi's son Saif al Islam was educated at the London School of Economics and was once hailed as a reformist influence. Syrian ruler Bashar Assad is a doctor once greeted as a reformer when he took over power from his father. Both are now leading bloody crackdowns in their countries.
Sure enough, Burma's new leaders follow this pattern. Gen. Thein Sein is no closet liberal. A former major general, he served as chief of the army's Golden Triangle command from 1997-2001. As prime minister he visited North Korea in August last year, heaping praise on Kim Jong Il and saying that Burma would "strive to strengthen and develop friendly relations" with the Pyongyang regime.
And despite recent signs of openness, other signs show the regime is busily entrenching itself for another generation. The Burmese military did not implement a new constitution and hold "elections" last year because the generals wanted to change the system that has kept them in power for half a century. Those "reforms" were meant to institutionalize the present order with the aim of perpetuating it.
For instance, the new constitution gives the commander in chief of the armed forces the power to directly select one-fourth of all parliamentary seats, and allows the president to hand over power to the army in the event of a "national crisis"—a term so vaguely defined it could mean a popular pro-democracy uprising. There is no indication Gen. Thein Sein has any intention to change this.
Likewise, recent openness in other areas should not be viewed as a sign that newer leaders are more liberal-minded. Rather, this suggests that the new generation is perpetuating the same cycle of repression, openness and then repression again that the older generation perfected.
Consider 1988, when a massive uprising started after years of repression and economic mismanagement. After gunning down thousands of demonstrators in a crackdown that would make Syria's rulers blush, the Burmese military encouragingly moved toward reform. It abolished the one-party system and announced that free elections wound he held. For almost a year, Burma experienced an unprecedented openness. Political rallies were tolerated across the country.
But in July 1989, the army moved in when democracy grew too popular. Hundreds were arrested and Ms. Suu Kyi placed under house arrest. A year later, elections were held, and they were surprisingly free and fair. Foreign journalists were allowed to cover the event. But the people made the mistake of voting for Ms. Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, and another crackdown followed. The elected National Assembly was never convened. The international community was outraged—but mellowed when the military announced that a new constitution would be drafted and fresh elections held.
Since first being put under house arrest in 1989 around the time of the election, Ms. Suu Kyi's fate has tracked the junta's cycles. She was released in 1995 and allowed to hold political meetings and rallies. Then the military cracked down , and by 2000 she was under arrest again. And so on—released in 2002, re-arrested in 2003. Given this record, it would be premature to consider her latest release, in November last year, as a sign of permanent change for the better in the regime.
Nor is the international community's optimism itself a new phenomenon. When the original strongman, Ne Win, ruled from 1962 till 1981, Burma watchers used to say that things would change once he was gone from the scene. But the next generation turned out to be just as brutal, and perhaps even more so. Similarly, the new crop of military leaders under Gen. Thein Sein might turn out to be just as repressive as Gen. Than Shwe—or worse.
Burma is not immune to the democratic winds of change. Sooner or later, real change will come. But that will not be the type of "incremental improvements" some observers, especially in the European Union, think they're seeing now. Rather, it will be when those within the system turn against it—in other words, a crack within the ruling elite.
So far, there are no signs of such a crack in Burma. And by misreading current signals, outsiders could delay the arrival of that moment. Easing sanctions as a reward for false openness, for instance, removes a stress factor that could eventually cause some within the military to rethink the wisdom of the current regime.
Until the international community, and especially the EU, learns these bitter lessons of history, they will only encourage the junta to continue as it always has. That can only prolong the sufferings of the Burmese people.
Mr. Lintner is a Thailand-based correspondent for the Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet and author of several books on Burma.
Source: Wall Street Journal
By BERTIL LINTNER
Some in Asia have looked to recent events in the Middle East for clues about whether similar uprisings against unpopular authoritarian regimes could happen in places like China or Burma. But that's not the only point to consider from Asia's perspective. Those stories also offer a warning about the nature of change within such regimes, a red flag that is particularly relevant for Burma right now: A younger set of leaders is not always as liberal as outsiders hope.
Thein Sein
Burma's military junta is in the midst of a political transition to a new generation. Long-ruling general Than Shwe, 78, has stepped aside, replaced by Thein Sein, a "youthful" 66. Since his appointment, Thein Sein has made some seemingly conciliatory remarks regarding freedom of expression. The European Union in particular has greeted this change with cautious optimism, slightly easing its sanctions against the regime.
Diplomats hope that a new generation may be more liberal-minded—that the next round of elections will be freer and fairer than last November's rigged polling; that the release of pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from her long house arrest will be lasting; and that recent media opening and better access for international aid agencies are the start of a trend.
But if the Middle East teaches something for Asia, it's that the new generation isn't always what it's cracked up to be. In Libya, Moammar Qadaffi's son Saif al Islam was educated at the London School of Economics and was once hailed as a reformist influence. Syrian ruler Bashar Assad is a doctor once greeted as a reformer when he took over power from his father. Both are now leading bloody crackdowns in their countries.
Sure enough, Burma's new leaders follow this pattern. Gen. Thein Sein is no closet liberal. A former major general, he served as chief of the army's Golden Triangle command from 1997-2001. As prime minister he visited North Korea in August last year, heaping praise on Kim Jong Il and saying that Burma would "strive to strengthen and develop friendly relations" with the Pyongyang regime.
And despite recent signs of openness, other signs show the regime is busily entrenching itself for another generation. The Burmese military did not implement a new constitution and hold "elections" last year because the generals wanted to change the system that has kept them in power for half a century. Those "reforms" were meant to institutionalize the present order with the aim of perpetuating it.
For instance, the new constitution gives the commander in chief of the armed forces the power to directly select one-fourth of all parliamentary seats, and allows the president to hand over power to the army in the event of a "national crisis"—a term so vaguely defined it could mean a popular pro-democracy uprising. There is no indication Gen. Thein Sein has any intention to change this.
Likewise, recent openness in other areas should not be viewed as a sign that newer leaders are more liberal-minded. Rather, this suggests that the new generation is perpetuating the same cycle of repression, openness and then repression again that the older generation perfected.
Consider 1988, when a massive uprising started after years of repression and economic mismanagement. After gunning down thousands of demonstrators in a crackdown that would make Syria's rulers blush, the Burmese military encouragingly moved toward reform. It abolished the one-party system and announced that free elections wound he held. For almost a year, Burma experienced an unprecedented openness. Political rallies were tolerated across the country.
But in July 1989, the army moved in when democracy grew too popular. Hundreds were arrested and Ms. Suu Kyi placed under house arrest. A year later, elections were held, and they were surprisingly free and fair. Foreign journalists were allowed to cover the event. But the people made the mistake of voting for Ms. Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, and another crackdown followed. The elected National Assembly was never convened. The international community was outraged—but mellowed when the military announced that a new constitution would be drafted and fresh elections held.
Since first being put under house arrest in 1989 around the time of the election, Ms. Suu Kyi's fate has tracked the junta's cycles. She was released in 1995 and allowed to hold political meetings and rallies. Then the military cracked down , and by 2000 she was under arrest again. And so on—released in 2002, re-arrested in 2003. Given this record, it would be premature to consider her latest release, in November last year, as a sign of permanent change for the better in the regime.
Nor is the international community's optimism itself a new phenomenon. When the original strongman, Ne Win, ruled from 1962 till 1981, Burma watchers used to say that things would change once he was gone from the scene. But the next generation turned out to be just as brutal, and perhaps even more so. Similarly, the new crop of military leaders under Gen. Thein Sein might turn out to be just as repressive as Gen. Than Shwe—or worse.
Burma is not immune to the democratic winds of change. Sooner or later, real change will come. But that will not be the type of "incremental improvements" some observers, especially in the European Union, think they're seeing now. Rather, it will be when those within the system turn against it—in other words, a crack within the ruling elite.
So far, there are no signs of such a crack in Burma. And by misreading current signals, outsiders could delay the arrival of that moment. Easing sanctions as a reward for false openness, for instance, removes a stress factor that could eventually cause some within the military to rethink the wisdom of the current regime.
Until the international community, and especially the EU, learns these bitter lessons of history, they will only encourage the junta to continue as it always has. That can only prolong the sufferings of the Burmese people.
Mr. Lintner is a Thailand-based correspondent for the Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet and author of several books on Burma.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Monday, May 16, 2011
Rainsy appeal postponed
Wednesday, 11 May 2011 15:02
Meas Sokchea
A HEARING in Sam Rainsy’s appeal against a 10-year jail term handed down against him last year for falsifying public documents and spreading disinformation was delayed yesterday, as the opposition leader was judged not to have legal representation.
Although Sam Rainsy’s lawyer, Choung Choungy, attended the hearing at the invitation of the court, he said he had not been asked by the Sam Rainsy Party leader, who is living in self-imposed exile in France, to represent him.
Last September, Rainsy was found guilty of the charges in connection with maps he produced of Cambodia’s border with Vietnam in Svay Rieng province.
He was sentenced in September to 10 years jail and fined US$14,000.
Sam Rainsy yesterday issued a statement from France in which he called the court “laughable” and said that he merely “used and published both French-made maps and United States-made maps to show that they corroborate one another regarding border delimitation between Cambodia and Vietnam”.
When quizzed by judge Khun Leang Meng about his appearance at the hearing, Choung Choungy said: “His Excellency Sam Rainsy did not depend on me to defend him.”
Judge Khun Leang Meng said that because yesterday’s hearing involved a criminal case, the court could not proceed without Sam Rainsy being represented.
The case was delayed for a 30-day period to allow the opposition leader to find representation. After that period, the court will ask the Cambodian Bar Association to appoint a lawyer to defend him.
Government lawyer Ky Tech said yesterday that he did not oppose the court’s decision to delay.
Source:Phnom Penh Poat
All Burmese prisoners’ sentences reduced by one year
Monday, 16 May 2011 21:09
Phanida
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – High hopes that all political prisoners would be granted amnesty by the new Burmese government were dashed on Monday, when it announced that it would subtract one year from the sentences of all prisoners.
During an evening broadcast, the army-run Myawaddy TV station announced that the reduction of prison sentences and a commutation of all death sentences to life imprisonment would start on Tuesday, May 17, known in Burma as Kasone Full Moon Day, a religious holiday.
‘This is not an amnesty. It’s just a shortening of the prison sentences, and it’s not a gesture toward national reconciliation’, said Ohn Kyaing, a spokesman for the National League for Democracy.
In recent months, dozens of pro-democracy political parties and ethnic groups have called on the newly elected government to release all political prisoners as a gesture of national reconciliation, noting that past governments that have come to power have made similar moves. Western governments including the United States and the European Union have called for the release of all political prisoners as a step toward the removal of economic sanctions against Burma
Under the former military junta led by former Senior General Than Shwe, death sentences were sometimes commuted to life imprisonment.
The move is not entirely unexpected. Recently, when newly elected President Thein Sein made his inaugural remarks in Parliament, he failed to mention the issue of political prisoners.
When Vijay Nambiar, the special Burma envoy of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, visited Burma last week he was told by Dr. Nay Zin Latt, a member of the political affairs committee, that Burma did not have any political prisoners.
Source: Mizzima
Phanida
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – High hopes that all political prisoners would be granted amnesty by the new Burmese government were dashed on Monday, when it announced that it would subtract one year from the sentences of all prisoners.
During an evening broadcast, the army-run Myawaddy TV station announced that the reduction of prison sentences and a commutation of all death sentences to life imprisonment would start on Tuesday, May 17, known in Burma as Kasone Full Moon Day, a religious holiday.
‘This is not an amnesty. It’s just a shortening of the prison sentences, and it’s not a gesture toward national reconciliation’, said Ohn Kyaing, a spokesman for the National League for Democracy.
In recent months, dozens of pro-democracy political parties and ethnic groups have called on the newly elected government to release all political prisoners as a gesture of national reconciliation, noting that past governments that have come to power have made similar moves. Western governments including the United States and the European Union have called for the release of all political prisoners as a step toward the removal of economic sanctions against Burma
Under the former military junta led by former Senior General Than Shwe, death sentences were sometimes commuted to life imprisonment.
The move is not entirely unexpected. Recently, when newly elected President Thein Sein made his inaugural remarks in Parliament, he failed to mention the issue of political prisoners.
When Vijay Nambiar, the special Burma envoy of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, visited Burma last week he was told by Dr. Nay Zin Latt, a member of the political affairs committee, that Burma did not have any political prisoners.
Source: Mizzima
Singapore state founder Lee to step down from Cabinet post
Singapore - Singapore state founder and first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew on Saturday said he would step down as cabinet minister after his long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP) posted its worst election result in decades.
Lee, 87, was prime minister from 1959 to 1990 and recently served as minister mentor in the cabinet of his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In a joint statement with fellow former prime minister and current Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, 69, both said that they would quit their cabinet posts because "the time has come for a younger generation to carry Singapore forward in a more difficult and complex situation."
"After a watershed general election, we have decided to leave the cabinet and have a completely younger team of ministers to connect to and engage with this young generation in shaping the future of our Singapore," they said. Both Lee and Goh won parliamentary seats in the May 7 election.
Source: The Nation//DPA
Lee, 87, was prime minister from 1959 to 1990 and recently served as minister mentor in the cabinet of his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In a joint statement with fellow former prime minister and current Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, 69, both said that they would quit their cabinet posts because "the time has come for a younger generation to carry Singapore forward in a more difficult and complex situation."
"After a watershed general election, we have decided to leave the cabinet and have a completely younger team of ministers to connect to and engage with this young generation in shaping the future of our Singapore," they said. Both Lee and Goh won parliamentary seats in the May 7 election.
Source: The Nation//DPA
Saturday, May 14, 2011
FOREIGN WORKERS Govt gives illegals last chance to register before crackdown
Illegal labourers from Cambodia, Laos and Burma will be given a last chance to report to the government or face a tough crackdown if they continue to work without permission.
About two million workers from the three countries are estimated to have entered Thailand illegally and they will be subject to a stricter watch, said permanent secretary for labour Somkiat Chayasriwong.
They are being told to register with branch offices of the Department of Employment from June 15 to July 14 for the right to stay in Thailand for one year. Their accompanying children aged less than 15 will also be allowed to live with them.
The registration of illegal workers is not new. The government had earlier tried to legalise their status but many failed to register for work permits.
The latest chance came after the cabinet agreed on April 26 to put all illegal workers under stricter monitoring by the state.
Mr Somkiat called the move "opening the door and closing windows" and said it would give foreign labourers an opportunity to work in Thailand while blocking any illegal acts.
Authorities will facilitate workers who enter Thailand legally and those who register, but if they fail to follow laws, they will face a range of measures, including fines, imprisonment and social measures.
Some workers who want to be registered but cannot complete the process by the deadline can ask for an extension of another 30 days, Mr Somkiat said. Among this group are those working on fishing boats who may not be able to report to the government in June and July.
Each worker will have to pay 3,880 baht for registration, which includes 600 baht for a medical check, 1,300 baht for health insurance, 1,900 baht for a work permit and 80 baht for registration.
Source: Bangkok Post
About two million workers from the three countries are estimated to have entered Thailand illegally and they will be subject to a stricter watch, said permanent secretary for labour Somkiat Chayasriwong.
They are being told to register with branch offices of the Department of Employment from June 15 to July 14 for the right to stay in Thailand for one year. Their accompanying children aged less than 15 will also be allowed to live with them.
The registration of illegal workers is not new. The government had earlier tried to legalise their status but many failed to register for work permits.
The latest chance came after the cabinet agreed on April 26 to put all illegal workers under stricter monitoring by the state.
Mr Somkiat called the move "opening the door and closing windows" and said it would give foreign labourers an opportunity to work in Thailand while blocking any illegal acts.
Authorities will facilitate workers who enter Thailand legally and those who register, but if they fail to follow laws, they will face a range of measures, including fines, imprisonment and social measures.
Some workers who want to be registered but cannot complete the process by the deadline can ask for an extension of another 30 days, Mr Somkiat said. Among this group are those working on fishing boats who may not be able to report to the government in June and July.
Each worker will have to pay 3,880 baht for registration, which includes 600 baht for a medical check, 1,300 baht for health insurance, 1,900 baht for a work permit and 80 baht for registration.
Source: Bangkok Post
No 'meaningful change' in Burma: Suu Kyi
No "meaningful change" has taken place since Myanmar's first elections in 20 years in November, recently released opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, pictured in February 2011, said in comments due to be broadcast this week.
"So far I haven't seen any meaningful change," Suu Kyi said in a phone-in with German broadcaster DW-TV and students at the Hertie School of Management in Berlin recorded on Tuesday.
"I know there have been elections but the government that has taken over since the elections are the same as those who were in place before the elections ... We are still waiting to see whether there has been real change."
Suu Kyi, 65, was released in November after spending most of the past 20 years under house arrest in Burma, also known as Burma. Her release came a few days after elections marred by accusations of cheating and intimidation.
In March the military junta made way for a nominally civilian government after almost half a century in power and Than Shwe, the general who ruled Burma with an iron fist for 19 years, retired as head of the military.
Last month a friend of Suu Kyi, U Myint, was appointed as an adviser to Burma's president.
But the army hierarchy retains a firm grip on power. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party was disbanded for opting to boycott the election because the rules seemed designed to bar her from participating.
"Until political prisoners have been released, and until we are all allowed to take part in the political process in the country, I do not think we can call it real change," Suu Kyi told DW-TV.
She also said that Burma being given the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2014, as the grouping has proposed, "would not help democracy in Burma in any way".
"But if they were to attach conditions to the fact of Burma taking over in 2014, it could help. If they were for example to say that certain changes would be necessary before they were prepared to agree ... it could help," she said.
Source: Bangkok Post
"So far I haven't seen any meaningful change," Suu Kyi said in a phone-in with German broadcaster DW-TV and students at the Hertie School of Management in Berlin recorded on Tuesday.
"I know there have been elections but the government that has taken over since the elections are the same as those who were in place before the elections ... We are still waiting to see whether there has been real change."
Suu Kyi, 65, was released in November after spending most of the past 20 years under house arrest in Burma, also known as Burma. Her release came a few days after elections marred by accusations of cheating and intimidation.
In March the military junta made way for a nominally civilian government after almost half a century in power and Than Shwe, the general who ruled Burma with an iron fist for 19 years, retired as head of the military.
Last month a friend of Suu Kyi, U Myint, was appointed as an adviser to Burma's president.
But the army hierarchy retains a firm grip on power. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party was disbanded for opting to boycott the election because the rules seemed designed to bar her from participating.
"Until political prisoners have been released, and until we are all allowed to take part in the political process in the country, I do not think we can call it real change," Suu Kyi told DW-TV.
She also said that Burma being given the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2014, as the grouping has proposed, "would not help democracy in Burma in any way".
"But if they were to attach conditions to the fact of Burma taking over in 2014, it could help. If they were for example to say that certain changes would be necessary before they were prepared to agree ... it could help," she said.
Source: Bangkok Post
Thaksin’s aide denies allegations
The general election is the solution to the country’s political conflict and it allows people to choose their representatives and government, not for whitewashing anyone as alleged, Noppadon Pattama said on Saturday.
Mr Noppadon, a legal advisor to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinnawatra, was responding to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s remark at the election campaign in Ratchaburi yesterday that if Pheu Thai wins at the polls and becomes a government, there would be unrest in the country.
He was also responding to the remark by Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban that Thaksin wants Pheu Thai to win the election so it can hold power to whitewash him.
Mr Noppadon said he did not want to make word war with Mr Abhisit and Mr Sthep on the allegations because he knows well what they both are thinking about the ex-premier.
“The Democrats had been beaten by Thaksin's party in all general elections in the past years. Only one time that the Democrat Party was not defeated was the election that it boycotted,” he said.
He called on Mr Suthep to think of the election in a positive way and respects the decision of the majority of voters. The Democrat Party should not try to form the next government if it does not win most votes at the coming polls, he added
Source: Bangkok Post
Mr Noppadon, a legal advisor to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinnawatra, was responding to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s remark at the election campaign in Ratchaburi yesterday that if Pheu Thai wins at the polls and becomes a government, there would be unrest in the country.
He was also responding to the remark by Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban that Thaksin wants Pheu Thai to win the election so it can hold power to whitewash him.
Mr Noppadon said he did not want to make word war with Mr Abhisit and Mr Sthep on the allegations because he knows well what they both are thinking about the ex-premier.
“The Democrats had been beaten by Thaksin's party in all general elections in the past years. Only one time that the Democrat Party was not defeated was the election that it boycotted,” he said.
He called on Mr Suthep to think of the election in a positive way and respects the decision of the majority of voters. The Democrat Party should not try to form the next government if it does not win most votes at the coming polls, he added
Source: Bangkok Post
Myanmar president meets Chinese military leader on friendship, cooperation
NAY PYI TAW, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar president U Thein Sein met with visiting Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou here Friday with the two sides exchanging views on issues of common concern.
U Thein Sein expressed delight to see major progress achieved in the two countries' cooperation in various sectors, including frequent reciprocal visits at high level.
Myanmar president U Thein Sein (R) shakes hands with Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou at the President's House in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, May 13, 2011. (Xinhua/Myanmar News Agency)
The visit of Xu soon after Myanmar's formation of the new government has actively reflected the friendly relations between the two countries and the two armed forces, he said.
He added that strengthening of Myanmar-China unity and cooperation not only conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also contributes to the development and stability of the region.
On the occasion, Xu said 61 years after the two countries established diplomatic relation, bilateral ties have always maintained a healthy and stable development.
Noting that China-Myanmar friendship has strong foundation, deep cooperation and broad prospects, he stressed safeguarding of the China-Myanmar relations to conform to two countries' basic and long-term benefit.
Xu expressed that China will support unshakably the development of China-Myanmar ties, support Myanmar's development on a path chosen in line with the country's own status, safeguard Myanmar's just right on the international arena and make good neighbors, good partners and good friends together with Myanmar.
U Thein Sein spoke highly of China's development and the role played by China in the international affairs.
Source: Xinhua
U Thein Sein expressed delight to see major progress achieved in the two countries' cooperation in various sectors, including frequent reciprocal visits at high level.
Myanmar president U Thein Sein (R) shakes hands with Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou at the President's House in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, May 13, 2011. (Xinhua/Myanmar News Agency)
The visit of Xu soon after Myanmar's formation of the new government has actively reflected the friendly relations between the two countries and the two armed forces, he said.
He added that strengthening of Myanmar-China unity and cooperation not only conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also contributes to the development and stability of the region.
On the occasion, Xu said 61 years after the two countries established diplomatic relation, bilateral ties have always maintained a healthy and stable development.
Noting that China-Myanmar friendship has strong foundation, deep cooperation and broad prospects, he stressed safeguarding of the China-Myanmar relations to conform to two countries' basic and long-term benefit.
Xu expressed that China will support unshakably the development of China-Myanmar ties, support Myanmar's development on a path chosen in line with the country's own status, safeguard Myanmar's just right on the international arena and make good neighbors, good partners and good friends together with Myanmar.
U Thein Sein spoke highly of China's development and the role played by China in the international affairs.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese military leader leaves for Myanmar
BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou left Beijing Thursday morning to pay an official good-will visit to Myanmar.
Xu is making the visit at the invitation of General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services.
During his stay in Myanmar, Xu is scheduled to meet and exchange views with leaders of the government and the armed forces on international and regional security issues and military ties between the two countries.
Source: Xinhua
Xu is making the visit at the invitation of General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services.
During his stay in Myanmar, Xu is scheduled to meet and exchange views with leaders of the government and the armed forces on international and regional security issues and military ties between the two countries.
Source: Xinhua
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Chiang Rai shaken by Burma quake
Residents of Mae Sai district in the northern province of Chiang Rai were early this morning shaken by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre reported in nearby Burma.
People living on the third and fourth floor of buildings in the district felt three separate tremors, starting about 4.16am, said Boontham Thipprasong, president of the Mae Sai district Chamber of Commerce.
The recent repeated earthquakes centred in Burma were worrying local residents, he said.
Adisorn Fungkahchorn, head of the earthquake section of the Meteorological Department’s northern centre, said the epicentre of the latest quake in Burma was only about 45km distant from Mae Sai.
Other nearby districts in the province might also have experienced the quake, he said.
Source: Bangkok Post
People living on the third and fourth floor of buildings in the district felt three separate tremors, starting about 4.16am, said Boontham Thipprasong, president of the Mae Sai district Chamber of Commerce.
The recent repeated earthquakes centred in Burma were worrying local residents, he said.
Adisorn Fungkahchorn, head of the earthquake section of the Meteorological Department’s northern centre, said the epicentre of the latest quake in Burma was only about 45km distant from Mae Sai.
Other nearby districts in the province might also have experienced the quake, he said.
Source: Bangkok Post
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