Weekly Digest 96

Weekly Digest, No. 96 (16 � 22 May 2004)

Quotes

The National Convention will more entangle the country�s problems � not solve them.
Padoh Mahn Sha, General Secretary, Karen National Union, Irrawaddy, 19 May 2004

The brutal dictators of the SPDC are the last people who should be guiding the democratic process.
Rep Mark Souder, Indiana Republican, quoted by Daily Report, 20 May 2004

The World

15 May

Victorious Congress Party of India chooses Italian-born Sonia Gandhi, 57, to become 4th member of the Nehru-Gandhi family to take the office of Prime Minister. The dynasty had already ruled India for 35 of the 57 years since independence. (Reuters) Shan later declined � S.H.A.N.

26 May
Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan says he was shown 3 nuclear devices during a visit to Pyongyang five years ago. (Time)

International Relations

15 May
Washington hopes the SPDC will take the views of the NLD and UNA into account, says State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli.
Senator Mitch McConnell says he fully supports the decision of the NLD and UNA. (AFP)

16 May
�They are holding talks with none of the major players. I don�t� see any daylight,� says a Bangkok-based western diplomat. Diplomats are watching how its neighbors which backed Rangoon in a showdown with the European Union on Burma�s participation in the Asem meeting in October will react. (Reuters)

17 May
Ambassadors from EU countries and the United States do not attend the opening ceremony of the National Convention. (AP) Western diplomats say it appears to have been set up merely to provide a civilian face � and a veneer of respectability � to the perpetuation of military rule. (FT)

Kofi Annan and his envoy Razali Ismail are dismayed that, despite assurances from Rangoon, it did not free Aung San Suu Kyi and allow delegates to be able to express their views without sanction. He appeals to the countries in the region to counsel Rangoon to take these steps and Rangoon to allow Razali to return to Burma as soon as possible. (Statement)

21 people including a 5 year old arrested while protesting against the junta outside Burma�s embassy in Malaysia.

A way must be found for the NLD to attend the talks, Malaysia�s foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar says. NLD�s absence is a �hiccup� that has to be addressed. (AFP)

EU council of foreign ministers expresses disappointment that Rangoon, despite assurances, has not released Aung San and has failed to taken a real process of reconciliation and transition to democracy.

Everybody was deeply disappointed that the regime is not doing as it promised, says a senior official. The EU is facing a crunch decision over Burma at its June meeting. However, diplomats stress Burma�s attendance at Hanoi summit in October will not spell the end of sanctions. (EU politix)

President Bush extends one more year extension of sanctions on Burma. The national emergency declaration on Burma was issued first by Bill Clinton, 20 May 1997 and incorporates a ban on new US investment followed by a prohibition on imports. (AFP)

18 May
Razali Ismail, UN special envoy, denounces continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi as unacceptable. He says he is going to China to appeal the leaders there to do more. (AP)

Japan calls for substantial developments in democratization and promises to put all efforts in this direction. (RFA)

19 May
Indonesia says existing process in Burma is falling short of expectations widely shared by the international community. (AFP) Its statement is in line with Bali summit, October 2003, resolutions, says foreign ministry spokesman. (RFA)

NLD spokesman U Lwin says the ball is now in the UN�s court. It had chosen 2006 as deadline for democratization. (DVB)

20 May
A transcript of rock star Bono�s testimony this week to UN congressional hearing chaired by Senator Mitch McConnell says he is ashamed by European�s lukewarm support for sanctions against Burma. His U2 music is banned by Rangoon. (AFP)

Thai � Burma Relations

15 May
It will not be a national convention without the winning parties but only an SPDC convention, says Kobsak Chutikul, vice chairman of House foreign affairs committee. (The Nation)

17 May
Thaksin Shinawatra become the first Southeast Asia leader to commention the National Convention. He is �uncomfortable� and �feel(s) tired with the lack of progress� in Burma. A meeting without the opposition is affecting its international image, he says. Other countries remain silent. (AP) Chakraphob Penkair, his spokesman, speaking as a private commentator, slams the National Convention as a farce through the radio. (S.H.A.N.)

Foreign ministry spokesman Sihasak Phuangketkeow says PM Khin Nyunt will meet his counterpart in Bangkok during a one-day visit on 4 June. It will be part of a regional tour of Asean member countries. (The Nation)

18 May
Thailand says there is still time for all parties to face each other and find a common acceptable solution and calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. (AP)

More than a dozen Burmese political activists have fled to Thailand in recent weeks, including Ye Maw Htoo, 33, member of All Burma Federation of Student Unions. He had already been jailed twice, serving a total of 10 years in prison for his activities. (Irrawaddy)

Politics

14 May
Exiled Ethnic Nationalities Council brushes off the Convention as an illegitimate meeting organized by an illegitimate government to produce an illegitimate constitution. (Statement by UNLD)

14-16 May
Rohingyas hold �National Convention�, gives political leadership role to Arakan Rohingya National Organization - ARNO, expresses solidarity with all Burmese opposition, condemns SPDC roadmap and deplores �policy of exclusiveness� practiced by some Arakan leaders. (Kaladan)

15 May
Knowning their demands would not be met, they (the NLD) intentionally asked for them, says Myanmar Information Committee. (statement)

16 May
Rangoon hails tomorrow�s opening of Convention has �historic step towards democracy�, which �was abandoned in 1962 to avoid breakup of the country.� (MIC)

17 May
15 students, 12 male and 3 female, protest in front of Burmese Embassy in Bangkok against the National Convention. (NMG)

Thein Sein, chairman of the National Convention, opens the ball. He urges delegates, 1,076 of the 1,088 invited, that the six objectives remain unchanged. Journalists not allowed to bring cellular phones, laptop computers or recording devices. Foreign journalists barred. Some say NLD�s boycott can jeopardize the party�s role in Burma�s politics. (AP) He urges to delegates to work �in accordance with �six objectives�. (New Light of Myanmar) Genuine representatives less than 5%, says Shan MP Markoban. (RFA)

The junta�s quest will be to try to reach agreements with Burma�s ethnic nationalities and if it does succeed, it is likely to present its constitution as a fait accompli. (FT)

18 May
Telephone lines to its Rangoon headquarters have been cut, says NLD spokesman U Lwin. The party is expecting more punitive measures. (AFP)

Aung Toe, chairman of National Convention Convening Work Committee, reminds delegates �it is necessary� for them to �carry on� �without losing right of the 104 basic principles�. (New Light of Myanmar)

Nai Hongsa, General Secretary of NMSP, voices disappointment with Rangoon�s refusal to respond to their joint demands on 11 May. (DVB)

19 May
Kachin Independence Organization and National Democratic Army � Kachin had jointly presented a letter to PM Khin Nyunt calling for ceasefire with remaining armed opposition, amnesty for political prisoners and inclusive participation and free discussion in the NC, says NDA-K�s spokesman Col �Nguyin Tawnghawng�. No reply. (RFA) The letter asks Rangoon to reconsider participation of NLD and that it was sent on 17 May, according to Dr La Ja, KIO�s chief of Foreign Affairs and Alliance Department. (Irrawaddy)

21 May
The 6 ceasefire groups that called for the review of Rangoon�s six objectives and 104 principles told by the National Convention work committee there will be no consideration of the demands. (S.H.A.N.)

Shans

14 May
Hkun Htun Oo says the non Burman groupings: UNA and UNLD have decided not to participate in the National Convention. �A matter that needs only a needle has become one that uses a hoe instead,� he says. (BBC)

17 May
United Nationalities Alliance, as an unrecognized grouping, cannot criticize the National Convention, for which Hkun Htun Oo and other leaders are liable to action from the government, says a government statement issued through the internet. (DVB)

Economy / Business

26 April
U Soe Tha, minister for National Planning and Economic Development, signs 140,000 km highway network together with 22 other nations. Landlocked countries will benefit most from the network, says ESCAP. 2,000 km of the network will be in Burma. Target for completing upgrades to existing routes is 2010.

14 May
South Korea, under an aid program of Asean plus 3, will help Burma upgrade the Moulmein-Mudon-Thanbyuzayat highway. (XNA)

16 May
Following Congress Party�s victory in the polls, traders in India�s northeast are eagerly waiting for a comprehensive announcement from the new government so they can smoothly run their businesses. During the BJP�s five-year tenure trade with Burma had increased 20%. (Mizzima)

19 May
The Three Pagoda Pass � Thanbyuzayat road has turned into mud since the rains. Elephants have to be on hand to pull out vehicles. Passenger fare has also jumped from 12,000 kyat to 15,000. Still people are coming in the hope of finding work in Thailand. (Kao Wao)

Noppadol Saravasi, director of Trade Initiatives Bureau, said Thailand has asked Burma to relax its import and export restrictions. Commerce between the two is settled through a trade account. Rangoon is insisting on keeping that account in balance, which means imported goods must be accompanied by offsetting exports. (The Nation)

20 May
7 Day Journal says Burma has agreed to build the first bridge connecting Laos� Xieng Kok and its Kenglarb. It shall be linked with R-3 road section connecting Chiangmai and Kunming. Another section R-4 connects Kunming with Lashio and Kengtung. (XNA)

Human Rights

15 May

Courtesy: Reporters without borders
Nine men accused of high treason had their death sentences commuted family sources say. One of them is Zaw Thet Htwe, editor of First Eleven, who got 3 years in supreme court hearing on12 May. (AFP)

17 May
Due to the offensive against the Karenni rebels that was launched since January, schools in Mawchi are still closed, according to youth who fled to Maehongson. (HINA)

18 May
Unidentified persons carrying lethal weapons attacked labor rights activists in Maesod:
14 May � Bert Gehrt of Workers Rights Consortium
15 May � An unnamed member of Yaungchi Oo Association

Through the advocates� efforts, a Nasawat Factory had been ordered by Thai labor office to give 16 million baht in compensation for its migrant workers. So far Nasawat has refused to comply. (NMG)

PM Khin Nyunt meets delegation to 35th meeting on Rights of the Child to be held in Geneva, 17 May � 4 June. Burma became a member of the UN convention on child rights on 15 August 1991. (MIC)

19 May
Burma�s military rulers are destroying Pagan through �careless renovation�, says Pierre Pichard, a French professor who catalogs the architecture of Pagan and other ancient sites in Asia. Over the years, they have rebuilt many of the site�s temples using garish modern materials, piling bright red bricks atop crumbling ruins. The projects have been roundly criticized by UNESCO. (Christian Science Monitor)

Kari Tapiola, executive director of International labor Organization says use of forced labor in Burma is still widespread and �continues to be serious�. (AP)

Amnesty International says Rohingya Muslims are being subject to forced labor, forced eviction, land confiscation and various forms of extortion and arbitrary including financial restrictions on marriage.

Students are among those who are being forced to work on a 7-mile road in Karen State�s Hlaingbwe Township, says a Karen student who is receiving treatment for her broken arm in Maesod. (DVB)]

Two child soldiers signed up with Karenni Army: Pyi Htay, 20, who was forcibly recruited at the age of 14 and another Min Htun, no details on the latter. (KING)

70-miles per hour cyclone hits Burma. Akyab port damaged. (DVB)

20 May
Ancient city of Dhanyawaddy unearthed in Arakan�s Kyauktaw township. There is concern that it is not a systematic survey, as local residents who do the digging can have ancient artifacts destroyed. (Narinjara)

21 May
200-odd families that were told on 5 May to vacate their homes in Myawaddy by 20 May to make way for an entertainment center, allegedly to be owned by Khun Sa�s son, have appealed to the district chief. (Irrawaddy)

Environment

13 May
On the Chinese side: rolling hills of green forests. On Burma side: denuded hills. It is the biggest mistake we�ve made, says Bao Youxiang. Global witness says China�s timber imports from Burma surged by 40% last year. (Globe and Mail)

17 May
121 homes on the Thai side will be flooded due to the construction of twin dams on the Salween between Thailand and Burma. On Burma side, whole villages will be going under water. (Phu Jad Kan daily)

19 May
Work on the Nu-Salween continues despite Premier Wen�s order to stop work to allow assessment of impact. (SCMP)

21 May
Affected people like Tibetans are not aware of the impacts of the dam construction, options and their own rights to petition. (Kevin Li)

Drugs

19 May
Mekong region�s six countries end 3-day meeting on drug control projects at Krabi, 900 km south of Bangkok. The projects under discussion have a total budget of more than $ 13 million. Participants also sign a project document on collaboration on community-based alternative development to eliminate Southeast Asia�s opium production. (XNA)

War

16 May
Burma is probably the most militarized nation in Asia. But the situation is getting tough for �the holdouts� i.e. those that are still fighting. AK-47 bullets cost 12 baht each, while M-16 cartridges can be bought for 7 baht each.

Nai Pan Nyunt
Some groups have gone bad. One is 100- strong Hongsawatoi Restoration Party, led by Col Pan Nyunt, who also commands its military wing, Monland Restoration Army. They operate opposite Prachuab Khirikhan. On 12 January, the MRA kidnapped 6 Burmese and 1 Thai worker, demanded and received 5 million baht for their release.

Courtesy: Bangkok Post
No exiled leaders have yet called for demilitarization and disarmament, only for democracy. Disarmament should be prioritized, otherwise the country will sink into anarchy an chaos. (Bangkok Post)

War Office issues order designating the duration of the National Convention as a state of emergency. The order instructs units to keep a close watch on the areas controlled by ceasefire groups. It appears the only groups remaining in the Convention that will continue to oppose the SPDC are the ceasefire organizations. (DVB) All armies: Thai, Burmese, Wa and Shan or the border are on the alert. (S.H.A.N.)

18 May
Increasing clashes are reported by Karenni and Shan spokesperson, as the National Convention kicks off in Rangoon. (DVB)

20 May
Since New Year, Rangoon has made some substantial reshuffles both within the military and ministries:

• Maj-Gen Maung Nyo, Deputy Quartermaster General, becomes Ambassador to Pakistan;

• Brig-Gen Myint Sway, Deputy Commander, Triangle Region, Ambassador to Nepal;

• Brig-Gen Kyi Thein, Commander, MOC-5, Ambassador to India;

• Col Ye Hpone Myint, Chief of operations, Coastal Region, Survey executive director;

• Col San Htun, Myanmar Commercial Bank executive director;

• Col Chit Shein, President, Social Welfare, Labor ministry