Friday, December 2, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Rangoon University Students’ Union Building to be Rebuilt Next Year

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 07:14 AM PST

'We have a plan to allocate a budget for the student union building in the next fiscal year,' the deputy education minister tells the Lower House.

The post Rangoon University Students' Union Building to be Rebuilt Next Year appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Proposes Branding of Northern Alliance as ‘Terrorist Organizations’

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 07:08 AM PST

The defense minister encourages Parliament to urge a halt to aid, relief, and medical treatment in areas controlled by the KIA, MNDAA, TNLA and AA.

The post Burma Army Proposes Branding of Northern Alliance as 'Terrorist Organizations' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Counselor Discusses Peace Process, Corruption, and Sexual Assault Cases in Singapore

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 05:00 AM PST

'Some don't have the courage to achieve peace, when mistrust [between communities] is bigger than the desire for peace,' says Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The post State Counselor Discusses Peace Process, Corruption, and Sexual Assault Cases in Singapore appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State-Level Arakan Investigation Commission Formed

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 04:52 AM PST

A commission to investigate attacks in Arakan State is formed, nearly two months after clashes broke out between government troops and militants.

The post State-Level Arakan Investigation Commission Formed appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakanese Civil Society Groups Refuse to Meet Kofi Annan-Led Commission

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 04:38 AM PST

As the delegation begins a second regional visit, local organizations say they will not meet them unless they refrain from using the term 'Rohingya.'

The post Arakanese Civil Society Groups Refuse to Meet Kofi Annan-Led Commission appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

A Lesson from Singapore

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 03:32 AM PST

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's remarks about her country overtaking Singapore economically in the next 20 years draw laughter and criticism.

The post A Lesson from Singapore appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Shan State Peace Talks Fall Apart

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 01:05 AM PST

'Now let's go back to our territory and launch this war again,' says TNLA Col Tar Phone Kyaw, as talks fail to materialize.

The post Shan State Peace Talks Fall Apart appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Crown Prince Formally Becomes Thailand’s New King

Posted: 01 Dec 2016 08:37 PM PST

Thailand has a new king, with the country's crown prince formally taking the throne to succeed his much-revered late father, who reigned for 70 years.

The post Crown Prince Formally Becomes Thailand's New King appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Young Gay Men at the Frontline of AIDS Prevention in China

Posted: 01 Dec 2016 08:29 PM PST

Young gay men are at the frontline of AIDS prevention in China, with new cases occurring at one of the fastest rates of any segment of the population.

The post Young Gay Men at the Frontline of AIDS Prevention in China appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Free Speech Must be Defended

Posted: 01 Dec 2016 06:19 PM PST

The 250th anniversary of the Freedom of the Press Act in Sweden reminds the Swedish Ambassador to Burma of the long road to promote free expression.

The post Free Speech Must be Defended appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

National News

National News

Thousands of pregnant women left without healthcare in Rakhine

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 03:56 AM PST

An estimated 7600 pregnant women have been left without access to basic or primary healthcare services for almost two months in the northern Rakhine townships of Maungdaw and Buthidaung since the outbreak of violent conflict in early October.

Interview: ‘Social inequality is big in Ayeyarwady Region’: minister

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 01:03 AM PST

U BA Hein, 72, is the Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources for Ayeyarwady Region. He joined the National League for Democracy (NLD) as an agricultural advisor after retiring from his position as deputy manager at the Agricultural and Irrigation Department of Yangon Region after 28 years of service.

Minimum wage law still not cutting it for garment workers: report

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:47 AM PST

A New report on the state of the garment industry from Progressive Voice found that last year's minimum wage law is causing negative workplace impacts for a majority of labourers and, for many, is still not resulting in a living wage.

Ahead of national-level talks, Karen armed groups to meet

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:31 AM PST

Three Karen armed groups that are signatories to the nationwide ceasefire agreement will hold upcoming national-level political dialogues jointly. The groups will begin a three-day meeting today to prepare for the talks, which they are anticipating will commence later this month.

Tea touted as solution to budgetary woes

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:29 AM PST

As the government has found itself without enough cash to complete development projects scheduled in the current fiscal year, one cabinet member has aired an unusual proposal for financing the shortfall: tea money.

Myanmar tells Malaysia not to interfere in internal issues

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:26 AM PST

Myanmar has warned its ASEAN counterpart Malaysia to respect the principle of non-interference after the leader of the Muslim-majority nation reportedly agreed to attend a protest condemning the ongoing military operations in Rakhine State.

Adolescents with HIV struggle with drug regimens, stigma

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:24 AM PST

Young people with HIV are facing unique challenges, according to a recent report from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Myanmar released ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1.

Government increases visa fees starting this month

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:19 AM PST

Visa prices have increased, in some cases by 100 percent, as of December 1, the immigration ministry announced. Permanent secretary U Myint Kyaing said Myanmar embassies overseas have already been notified of the tariff changes.

Government opens hotline to fight child sex abuse

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:14 AM PST

In response to increasing levels of reported sexual abuse and violence against children, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has announced the opening of a special government hotline dedicated to these crimes.

Scaling up the charm offensive, China extends invitation to ANP

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:12 AM PST

China is continuing the outreach program it launched after last year's election by inviting the Arakan National Party to send a delegation, the party has announced. Five members set off for China on November 28 for a 10-day visit, said party secretary U Tun Aung Kyaw. State hluttaw MP U Kyaw Zaw Oo (Independent; Sittwe 2), the party's former secretary, and Amyotha Hluttaw MP U Kyaw Than (ANP; Rakhine 10) are also taking part.
Posted by at No comments:

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Invitation

Posted: 02 Dec 2016 02:59 AM PST

Invitation
Book launch in Yangon

Book title:       Pathway to Peace: The Insider's account of the Myanmar peace process (English version)
Author:           Aung Naing Oo
Date:               7 December 2016
Time:              14:00
Venue:                        Sedona Hotel
Speakers:       U Aung Min, former government chief negotiator

                        Mr Roland Kobia, EU Ambassador to Myanmar

Will tin be the catalyst metal for Myanmar Peace Process?

Posted: 01 Dec 2016 08:24 PM PST

It is not a secret that the tin mines located in the Northeast corner of Myanmar have been the major sources of income for the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the largest non-government army in the world. However, few people had become aware that over 500 listed companies in USA were linked with the UWSA's Tin production until the shocking reveal by a Reuters report published on Nov. 29, 2016.

(site:http://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-tin-insight-idUSKBN13N1VV)

Those companies and their supply chain partners will probably be forced to change suppliers of tin for avoiding potential sanctions risk. Even though USA has lifted most sanctions on Myanmar, UWSA leaders are still blacklisted by Washington over accusations of drug trafficking.

It is highly expected that the looming sanctions will become a US policy weapon against the UWSA which has consistently played a stubborn role in Myanmar Peace Process before and after the NLD government taking office in April 2016. Aung San Suu Kyi has called on ethnic armed groups including UWSA to take "calculated risks" participating the historic Peace Process of Myanmar, and USA has promised to fully support her efforts and ensure her success.

Since the UWSA has been heavily dependent on China for many years, the question then arises as what should China do to prevent any potential border crisis and any damage to its national interests?

Firstly, China should make use of its unique leverages to persuade UWSA abandoning its undesirable positions of demanding military and diplomatic privileges in the Peace Process. Aung San Suu Kyi's attitude towards UWSA will finally determine the practical implementations of US sanctions. China's constructive support for the Peace Process will definitely be of benefit to development and security of both countries.

Secondly, On Nov. 25 the first Myanmar-China (2+2) high level consultation was successfully held in Nay Phi Taw. Likewise China and Myanmar need to form border committees, from township level to much higher ones, similar to those between Thailand and Myanmar. The border committees are required to hold regular meetings and actively solve bilateral problems in early stage.

Thirdly, in collaboration with Myanmar government, China could introduce environment-friendly and sustainable projects into UWSA administrative area, most probably in the frame of Belt and Road Initiative. Peace making and economic development are interdependent processes.

Last but not least, a long-term and stable national strategy with Myanmar which has been undertaking democratic transition is urgently-needed for China. This policy should clearly answer following question: what kinds of roles the ethnic armed groups residing Sino-Myanmar border will play in the future, the leverage tools and the break-waters for China side, or the friendship bridges linking China and Myanmar?

Liu Yun

Multiple Fronts! – Fighting is Everywhere in Northern Burma

Posted: 01 Dec 2016 08:16 PM PST


Clashes (Incidents of fighting) – 40
Burma Army Jet (Attack) – 9
Burma Army Helo (Attack) – 10
Burma Army Jet (Recon) – 6
Burma Army Helo (Recon/Resupply) – 5
Burma Army Drone (Recon) – 3
Civilians Killed – 7
Civilians Wounded – 2

The statistics above document fighting in Kachin and northern Shan State from November 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Note the frequency of fighting, the use of air power against ethnic groups (who do not have air power) and the civilians caught in the crossfire. The volume of fighting represented here threatens to escalate further and create an even worse humanitarian crisis.

*** The figures above are limited to reports from FBR teams and do not represent the totality of military battles, supply, or human rights abuses perpetrated by the Burma Army.

Debrief

Presently, fighting is everywhere in Kachin State and northern Shan State, Burma. In August 2016 the Burma Army launched a major offensive against Gidon Bum Hill in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State. If the Burma Army controls this area it will effectively cut the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an ethnic resistance group, territory in half and it will prevent the KIA from distributing aid to IDP camps North of Gidon Mountain. The Burma Army has been using massive troop surges, artillery, tanks, Mil Mi-24 Helicopters and MiG-29 fighter jets in the Gidon offensive and throughout Northern Burma, and all of this is following the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and Panglong Peace Conference. What the Burma Army is telling the Burma government and the world about peace in Burma is not in accordance with their conduct on the ground.

In response to this ongoing oppression four ethnic groups, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA)[Kokang], Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA) have formed a 'Northern Alliance' and launched a joint offensive against the Burma Army in Northern Shan State on the 20th of November, 2016. This counter-offensive against the Burma Army is claimed to be a last resort by the ethnic groups. The Northern Alliance states it is no longer able to cope with the occupation and oppression by the Burma Army within ethnic lands. From the start of this new front in Burma, violence has again increased and thousands more people have been displaced. We pray for the Burma Army and ethnic groups to come to a political solution to the fighting as soon as possible.

November 24

0100 Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) (319) at Manje Base fired three mortar shells to the side of Pa Taw in Mansi Township.

0200 KIA troops from No.6 Brigade clashed with an estimated 100 Burma Army soldiers near Asia World Gate between Pang Sai and Nam Tau in Muse Township.

0200 Burma Army troops with 5 military trucks and 2 tanks were attacked with 2 remote-mines detonating between Pang Sai and Nam Pa Tek. The damaged trucks turned back and the soldiers continued to clash.

0630 TNLA troops counter-attacked Burma Army troops re-positioning at 105mile Base, in Muse Township.

0830 Two Burma Army jet fighters from Myitkyina flew to the east.

0900 Burma Army fired an Anti-Aircraft (AA) gun and the KIA fired back 3 grenade launcher rounds, followed by the Burma Army firing two 81mm shells.

0912-0930 Two Burma Army helicopters from Bhamo flew over Gawk Ngu Yang.

0945 Two Burma Army jet fighters from Bhamo supported Burma Army LIB (602), striking at KIA soldiers from No.27 Battalion during clash at Gawk Ngu Yang.

1005 MNDAA troops and Tatmadaw LIB (418) continuously clashed at the bridge, entrance to Mung Gu.

1030-1130 KIA troops from No.9 Battalion clashed with 30 Burma Army soldiers at Nam Mwi Pa. Burma Army troops retreated to Nam Hpak Ka.

1050 KIA soldiers from No.29 Battalion attacked Burma Army stationed at Nam Um Gawknu Kawng forcing Burma Army soldiers to flee to Nam Um village.

1200 KIA soldiers from No.39 Battalion clashed with Burma Army soldiers around Man Loi near Nam Hpalun. The Burma Army retreated.

1210-1240 One Burma Army drone flew over KIA No.3 Battalion HQ in Sadung Sub-township.

1215 Two Burma Army helicopters struck and dropped bombs again. Another 3 helicopters dropped troop reinforcements at 105mile, Muse township.

1230 KIA and MNDAA troops clashed with an estimated 50 Burma Army soldiers from LIB (14) between Nam Hpye and Shwe Aik.

1230-1300 One Burma Army drone flew over Mu Du, in Waingmaw Township.

1300 Two Burma Army helicopters dropped bombs along Man Jak hill above Mung Gu.

1305 Burma Army troops stationed at Kukang area side fired six shells of 105mm, 120mm to the sides of Man Nyang and Nawng Jang in Muse township.

1630 KIA soldiers from No.27 Battalion clashed with Burma Army combined troops of LIB (319, 521) coming from Mung Hkawng Gashawt. The fighting took place at Shadan, Sama above Mahtek in Mansi township.

1750 Burma Army troops fired three 60mm shells to the side of Gawk Ngu Yang.
1825-1833 Burma Army stationed at Kagam fired four 120mm shells toward Gidon Post.

November 23

0530 on 23 November heavy fighting between KIA troops from No.38 Battalion and Burma Army LIB (418) at Hpawng Seng Man Pyin, Muse Township. The fighting stopped at 1535.
0710 KIA troops and Burma Army troops coming from MNDAA controlled areas clashed at the head of Pu Wang village.

0715 KIA troops clashed with an estimated 100 Burma Army soldiers coming from Sap Hkung Hka river near Pu Wang village.

0740 KIA troops from No.27 Battalion attacked Burma Army LIB (602) at Gawk Ngu Yang Post.

0815 The combined forces of KIA soldiers No.36 Battalion and MNDAA clashed with Burma Army LIB (14) near Nam Hpye Village in Muse Township
0845 One drone flew over Hka Da Zup Post in Danai Township.

1020 TNLA troops attacked the Burma Army at Nam Hkam Sihkan Tit Post in Nam Hkam Township.

1100 Burma Army troops operating around Hkrai Run Bum Yi and from Nam Ya Tai Post fired six 60mm shells to the side of Kum Tsai Zup where KIA soldiers were staying in Hpakant township.

1535 KIA troops from No.2 Battalion clashed with 60 Burma Army troops at Nam Pa Tek near Pang Sai.

1730 Burma Army shelled from Balawng Dingsa and Man Dat toward Gawk Ngu Yang.
1730-0600 on 23-24 Nov. Burma Army stationed at Nhkram fired twelve 81mm shells and AA gun toward Gidon Post, Waingmaw Township.

November 22

0735 Burma Army troops at Sama Road junction fired two 105mm shells toward Gidon Post, Waingmaw Township.

0820-0940 on 22 November the Burma Army stationed at Nkhram, Kagam, and Dabak fired 57 mortar shells towards Gidon Post and Tsan Lun, Waingmaw Townsship. They also fired sporadic Anti-Air (AA) gun fire toward the posts.

0930 Forty Burma Army troops from IB 298 and KIA troops clashed at Makaw Yang in Hpakant Township.

0950 One hundred Burma Army troops from LID 99 clashed with KIA troops from No. 38 Battalion at Loi Ngu Bum near Sap Hkung Hka in Muse Township.

1155 Burma Army troops clashed with MNDAA troops at Man Jak, near Mung Gu in Muse Township. Two Burma Army helicopters supported with strafing runs against the MNDAA troops.

1510 Two Burma Army jet fighters bombarded Mung Gu, Man Kang, and Byuha Kawng, which the MNDAA captured from the Burma Army.

Civilian Casualties

On the 22nd of November two civilians, Dau Je Tu and Lahtaw Naw Din, both residents of Mung Hkawng Village, were shot to death by Burma Army soldiers in Mansi Township. Both civilians had carried food for the Kachin Independence Army the previous day.

At 1530 on the 22nd of November two civilians, Lahpai Naw Seng and Zahkung Hkun Yawt from Nam Tau village were chased and fired on in front of Pang Sai Police Station by Burma Army troops. Zahkung Hkun Yawt was killed on the spot and Naw Seng was wounded in his shoulder. They were shot after carrying food for KIA soldiers at Nam Ba Tek, in Pang Sai Township.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)