Democratic Voice of Burma

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• Orphans of the storm
• DVB Bulletin: 5 January 2015
• Ethnic leaders granted 5 minutes each with president
• Burmese cardinal appointed to Vatican
• Burma’s roads claim over 500 in 2014
• Suu Kyi calls for NLD to ‘grow wiser’
• Latpadaung killing: Lawyer says police reluctant to investigate
• Photo campaign seeks release of political prisoners

Orphans of the storm Posted: 05 Jan 2015 05:03 AM PST Orphaned by the greatest natural disaster in Burma’s recorded history, Cyclone Nargis, these children remain in the care of monks in central Burma. They are joined further by young refugees fleeing civil war in Burma’s east. Now the monks and charity workers who care for them are calling for added support. The post Orphans of the storm appeared first on DVB Multimedia Group.

DVB Bulletin: 5 January 2015 Posted: 05 Jan 2015 04:52 AM PST On tonight's bulletin: President, army chief meet ethnic leaders Latpadaung investigation appeal stalls 2014 deadly year on Burma’s roads Apprehension ahead of Kachin festivities Rangoon’s archbishop elevated to the Vatican You can watch DVB Bulletin every weeknight on DVB TV after the 7 o'clock news. The post DVB Bulletin: 5 January 2015 appeared first on DVB Multimedia Group.

Ethnic leaders granted 5 minutes each with president Posted: 05 Jan 2015 04:21 AM PST Representatives of 12 ethnic armed groups held meetings with Burmese President Thein Sein and military Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on Monday to discuss a proposed ceasefire and prospects for peace. Hkun Okker, leader of the Pa-O National Liberation Organisation and a spokesman for the ethnic bloc's Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team, said the 12 armed-group delegations were granted about five minutes each to speak directly to the president. "Mainly we raised issues about the ceasefire, internal peace, political dialogue and a federal union," Hkun Okker said. "We also handed the president a letter, but we cannot yet disclose its contents." Nai Hantha Bon Khai, an executive member of the New Mon State Party, said his delegation urged the president and the commander-in-chief to work "generously" with ethnic nationalities to form a federal union. "We told the president and the military chief that all ethnic groups genuinely long for peace and are working hard for it, and we urged them to strive to help facilitate steps towards building a federal union through the ceasefire and political dialogue," Nai Hantha Bon Khai said. Thankhe, chairman of the All Burma Students Democratic Front, said his group presented their opinions on how to deal with three issues critical to solving Burma's political problems: amending of the 2008 Constitution ahead of the 2015 elections; implementing a nationwide ceasefire and political dialogue; and recognising the struggle of labourers, farmers and student communities. "Only when these three issues are dealt with will we overcome all the other challenges that everyone faces and ensure a smooth transition in 2015," he said. Related Stories Suu Kyi calls for NLD to 'grow wiser' President to host ethnic leaders for Independence Day talks Suu Kyi says ‘no’ to reimposing sanctions Thankhe added that Thein Sein had assured the delegation of his intent to facilitate a nationwide ceasefire agreement before the end of his term and expressed a wish to sign one by 12 February, the country's Union Day. He said Min Aung Hlaing pledged that the Burmese government forces will operate within the boundaries of the law to ensure stability, peace and development. Thankhe said the military chief also emphasised the six-point policy of the military regarding the peace process. Sixteen armed groups engaged in the peace process with the government were invited to attend the Independence Day military parade. Only four groups declined: the Kachin Independence Organisation, Karenni National Progressive Party, Chin National Front, and the Ta-ang (Palaung) National Liberation Army. Monday's meetings took place in Naypyidaw a day after the ethnic leaders had joined the president in attending Independence Day celebrations which included a military parade.   The post Ethnic leaders granted 5 minutes each with president appeared first on DVB Multimedia Group.

Burmese cardinal appointed to Vatican Posted: 05 Jan 2015 04:08 AM PST Having recently marked 500 years of Roman Catholicism in Burma, devotees have further reason to celebrate. For the first time in that long history, a Burmese cardinal has been appointed to the Vatican. Burma's Archbishop Charles Maung Bo was nominated as one of 15 new cardinals by Pope Francis on Sunday afternoon in front of a thronging crowd outside St Peter's Basilica. The current archbishop of Rangoon is one of three Asians nominated to the College of Cardinals on 4 January by the head of the Roman Catholic church in a move many observers regard as a recognition of the church's strength in the developing world. Speaking to DVB on Monday, Father Dominic Thet Tin, the pastor of St Mary's Cathedral in central Rangoon said, "This is delightful news. I hope and expect that [Archbishop Charles Maung Bo] will be able to work for the benefit of Burma and the rest of the world." There are estimated to be around 450,000 Roman Catholics in Burma. Related Stories Buddha 'insult' was honest mistake, Blackwood tells court Amnesty Int calls for release of Buddha Bar trio Buddha Bar storm: charges upheld, trial set for 26 Dec According to the Archdiocese of Yangon website, Charles Maung Bo was born in Monhla Village, Shwebo District, Mandalay Division, on 29 October 1948. He studied at Nazareth Salesian Aspirantate in Pyin Oo Lwin from 1962 until he was ordained into the priesthood in 1976. He was appointed bishop of Lashio in Shan State in 1990 and later served the church in Pathein and Mandalay before becoming archbishop of Rangoon in 2003. Archbishop Bo raised eyebrows in his New Year's Day address last year when he proposed granting citizenship for members of the Rohingya Muslim community born inside the country. The post Burmese cardinal appointed to Vatican appeared first on DVB Multimedia Group.

Burma’s roads claim over 500 in 2014 Posted: 05 Jan 2015 03:32 AM PST Burma's traffic police chiefs are asking the public to improve safety on the road. At a recent press conference, the department released statistics showing 558 deaths and 4,239 injuries on Burma's roads in 2014. That works out to 46.5 deaths and 353 injuries per month – and 80 more deaths over the previous year's total. Police attributed the accidents in most part to human error, including reckless driving and a general lack of understanding of traffic rules. Their report is backed up by statistics released earlier regarding traffic violations. In October, traffic authorities announced that they caught 12,000 drivers in one seven-day period for offences such as driving on the wrong side of the road and driving without a permit. Bus drivers also earned their share of penalties for failing to keep in the right-hand lane and taking highway buses inside city limits. Related Stories Modern trams to follow historical route Rangoon govt tackles traffic congestion Rangoon police nab 12,000 drivers in a week Although the numbers highlight the need for traffic law enforcement, police face a monumental task on the road. There are 600,000 vehicles registered in Rangoon Division and only 1,000 traffic police, just half of which are deployed at any one time. Moreover, fines are unlikely to deter poor behaviour on the road. The average fine for a traffic violation is 1,500 kyat (US$1.50), police told DVB. The number of cars on the road has risen dramatically since the country's opening up in 2011 and the relaxation of import restrictions. To help alleviate traffic congestion, Rangoon Division will invest 30 billion kyat (US$30 million) in traffic lights at 65 busy intersections in 2015, as well as 54.4 billion kyat in three overpasses, DVB reported in December. Meanwhile, the roads in neighbouring Thailand were rated second most dangerous in the world by the World Health Organization and University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Road fatalities amounted to 44 deaths per 100,000 people, just slightly behind Namibia, which takes the title of first in road fatality rankings with 45 deaths per 100,000 people. Iran is in third place with 38. It's in the interest of all Burmese to address the traffic issue before the country joins the ranks of this dubious club. Beyond the human cost of unsafe roads, Burma's traffic police estimated the loss involved in accidents at 1.2 billion kyat.   The post Burma's roads claim over 500 in 2014 appeared first on DVB Multimedia Group.

Suu Kyi calls for NLD to ‘grow wiser’ Posted: 05 Jan 2015 01:44 AM PST National League for Democracy (NLD) chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi said the party must aim to grow wiser in 2015. Her speech in Rangoon was part of events marking Burma's 67th Independence Day on Sunday. The opposition leader told NLD members that it would be necessary "to grow wiser in order to implement peace and development for Burma" and that "building this is a harder task than fighting". She also emphasised the importance of restoring positive values and attitudes that have been lost in order to prevent the country's demise. NLD members, representatives of other political parties and diplomats attended the event, which wrapped up around 3pm on Sunday. Suu Kyi did not attend the Grand Military Review in Naypyidaw where the government marked Independence Day with military parades. While it maintains strong popular support, insiders say infighting often leads the NLD astray. Expelled former members have criticised the party for suffering from nepotism that is not unlike the relationship between the ruling junta and cronies. The NLD concluded its most recent congress in December, announcing its intention to campaign vigorously for the 2015 general election, while maintaining efforts to enact constitutional reform. Related Stories Ethnic leaders granted 5 minutes each with president President to host ethnic leaders for Independence Day talks Thein Sein lauds 'new political culture' in Burma Having boycotted national elections in 2010, the NLD returned to the political fold shortly after President Thein Sein came into power the following year, when he launched a series of economic and political reforms. The NLD re-registered and competed in by-elections in April 2012, winning 43 of the 46 constituencies up for grabs. Suu Kyi represented the party in the Rangoon township of Kawhmu, easily winning a seat in the lower house. The NLD has focused a year-long campaign aimed at amending the 2008 Constitution, because, it says, Article 436 allows the military effective veto power over any constitutional reform. The Constitution also bars Suu Kyi from running for the presidency or vice-presidency, due to a clause, Article 59(f), which prohibits any candidate who has direct family members with foreign citizenship from seeking the post. Suu Kyi's deceased husband, Michael Aris, was English, and their two sons have British citizenship. The post Suu Kyi calls for NLD to 'grow wiser' appeared first on DVB Multimedia Group.

Latpadaung killing: Lawyer says police reluctant to investigate Posted: 05 Jan 2015 01:13 AM PST Salingyi police have refused to accept a report filed by the younger sister of Khin Win that calls for an investigation into her alleged murder. On Saturday Khin Mar Aung filed a police report asking police to investigate an incident on 22 December in Sagaing Division in which her sister, Khin Win, a local villager who was among 200 others demonstrating against the nearby Latpadaung copper mine, was shot dead by riot police after protestors had fired stones at them from slingshots. The local police deputy-superintendent refused the request, saying he was not authorised to conduct such a probe, which calls for an investigation into the mining projects' investors – specifically Hla Sein, manager of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings, and other officials from Wanbao Myanmar Mining Copper Ltd, as well as Sagaing Division police commissioner Nay Tun and the regional border and security affairs minister, Maj. Kyi Naing. Related Stories Around Burma this week Official probe launched into Latpadaung killing Rangoon stunned by flag prank "Salingyi police deputy-superintendent Maj. Than Naing said it is above his pay grade to launch such an inquest and that he would have to consult with legal advisors and senior officials before offering a response," said lawyer Thein Than Oo, a member of the victim's family's legal team, speaking to DVB on Sunday. "Based on video evidence and eye-witness accounts, it is certain that Ma Khin Win was murdered," he added. He also said it was unfair that local police have accepted a report from Myanmar Wanbao Copper Mining Ltd accusing more than 70 local villagers of theft and trespassing but are refusing to accept the report filed by Khin Win's family. The Burmese government's Information Minister Ye Htut said that the police, the Sagaing Division government and the Latpadaung Project Committee have each launched separate probes into the circumstances surrounding Khin Win's death. The post Latpadaung killing: Lawyer says police reluctant to investigate appeared first on DVB Multimedia Group.

Photo campaign seeks release of political prisoners Posted: 05 Jan 2015 01:02 AM PST Activist groups re-launched a photograph campaign on Sunday calling for the release of the remaining political prisoners in Burma. The start of the three-day event coincided with Burma's Independence Day and a related protest staged by members of 22 activist groups at Maha Bandoola Park in downtown Rangoon. Protestors – who also called for amendment of the 2008 Constitution and return of confiscated farmland – held up placards and displayed photographs, which depict portraits of former political prisoners with the names of their jailed comrades scrawled on the palms of their hands. "It's a message to those in prison that we are trying our best," said Bo Gyi, a former political prisoner and joint secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in Burma (AAPP-B), which helped initiate the photo project five years ago. "We want to give the message to the international community that this issue is not finished yet, and we must put more pressure on the government to release people at once." The photos were also distributed on Facebook and other social media by the Former Political Prisoners Organisations (FPPO) and the AAPP. British documentary journalist James MacKay initiated the original campaign with the help of AAPP and DVB, and a first exhibition was held at Amnesty International's London headquarters in June 2010. The AAPP describes the photos' message as: "Even though I am free, I am not", a reference to the solidarity between all political prisoners past and present and the engagement of activists in the struggle for political freedoms and basic human rights. Although many prisoners have been released in general amnesties over the past few years, the AAPP claims that the number of prisoners of conscience has increased, even though government officials do not recognise their status as such. A Political Prisoner Scrutiny Committee was set up in February 2013 to be an official government body charged with defining the term "political prisoner" and identifying inmates who meet the criteria. However, Bo Gyi, a member of the committee, said he doubts the government's sincere interest in the committee's work. "Even though I am one of the members of the committee, I don't know when the government will call for us to meet," he said. "I sent a letter last month to inquire, and I did not receive a reply." Related Stories Buddha Bar storm: lawyers refuse to represent Blackwood Three face jail after Buddha Bar post causes religious outcry UN Rapporteur: 'Backtracking' could undermine Burma's reforms Currently, AAPP says, 159 political prisoners, including journalists, farmers and activists remain in Burmese prisons, while 203 people, as well as hundreds of farmers, are facing trial charged with various offences stemming from their fight for rights. Bo Gyi pointed out, however, that while bringing down the numbers of the wrongly imprisoned is a top priority, he hopes the photo campaign will help people focus on the underlying issue of establishing rule of law, basic human rights, and political and press freedoms in Burma. "Sometimes people are only thinking about numbers, and they don't see it," he said. "I'm thinking, 'What is press freedom? What is political freedom? What are the basic human rights and rule of law, arbitrary detention and torture?'" He forecast a grim picture for 2015 in terms of wrongful arrests in the run-up to general elections, slated for late October or November. "The government is preparing to win [the election] again, but they know if they do things really honest and simple, they will lose. So what they know to do is to do fraudulent things, to crack down, to arrest. They don't know more than that." In July 2013, President Thein Sein told an audience in London that there would be no prisoners of conscience in Burma by the end of that year. DVB contacted Information Minister Ye Htut for comment on the failure so far to meet this promise but has not yet received a response. The post Photo campaign seeks release of political prisoners appeared first on DVB Multimedia Group.

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