Friday, January 6, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

New Mandalay City Development Committee Members Sworn In

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 06:16 AM PST

Six members elected by the public in 2016 and five others selected by the regional government are sworn in as new MCDC representatives.

The post New Mandalay City Development Committee Members Sworn In appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

IDPs Face Food Shortages

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 05:57 AM PST

More than 1,300 internally displaced persons taking shelter in a monastery in Shan State's Namtu town face food shortages, according to local sources.

The post IDPs Face Food Shortages appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Two Kachin Pastors Remain Missing

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 05:02 AM PST

The whereabouts of two Kachin pastors, who disappeared on Christmas Eve in northern Shan State after being summoned by the army, remain unknown.

The post Two Kachin Pastors Remain Missing appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Chief: Some Ethnic Leaders Are ‘Narrow-Minded’

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 04:19 AM PST

'They are trying to jeopardize the national sovereignty by stirring up conflicts,'Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said at an Independence Day event.

The post Burma Army Chief: Some Ethnic Leaders Are 'Narrow-Minded' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Chin State Lawmaker Dies in Road Collision

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 02:54 AM PST

A National League for Democracy lawmaker's seat in Matupi Township will remain vacant as it is too late to field a candidate for upcoming by-elections.

The post Chin State Lawmaker Dies in Road Collision appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Four Burmese Migrant Workers Reported Dead in Kuala Lumpur Machete Attack

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 02:46 AM PST

Burmese embassy confirms the attack while local reports suggest another three were taken to hospital after late-night machete attack in Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Serdang.

The post Four Burmese Migrant Workers Reported Dead in Kuala Lumpur Machete Attack appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Detained Eleven Media CEO and Editor Released on Bail

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 02:31 AM PST

Charged under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law, the defendants are released on 50 million kyats bail after nearly two months in detention.

The post Detained Eleven Media CEO and Editor Released on Bail appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Soldier Sentenced to Two Years over Student’s Death

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:21 AM PST

Pvt. Maung Maung gets two years imprisonment with hard labor over 'misfire' death of university student in Kachin State last year.

The post Burma Army Soldier Sentenced to Two Years over Student's Death appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mon State Self-help Group Leading the Way for People Living with HIV

Posted: 05 Jan 2017 09:27 PM PST

Burma is one of 35 countries that account for 90 percent of new HIV infections worldwide.

The post Mon State Self-help Group Leading the Way for People Living with HIV appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

To Avoid the ‘Conflict Trap,’ Burma Should Protect its Forests

Posted: 05 Jan 2017 07:24 PM PST

Peace-builders should work to take care of the country's forests rather than exploit them

The post To Avoid the 'Conflict Trap,' Burma Should Protect its Forests appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

President Criticized for Honoring Govt Soldiers Amid Ongoing Conflict

Posted: 05 Jan 2017 05:43 PM PST

Witnessing U Htin Kyaw, President of an elected government, presenting awards to members of Burma's military was unsettling to some.

The post President Criticized for Honoring Govt Soldiers Amid Ongoing Conflict appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Will 2017 be the promised year of peace?

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:50 AM PST

Fighting in the north and the west and a widespread acknowledgement of deep-seated military and economic difficulties are clouding hopes that 2017 will be the year of peace in Myanmar.

Kayin landmine scare sparks tourism fears

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:45 AM PST

A leftover tripwire triggered an explosion in Kayin State this week, reigniting concerns among tour agents and internally displaced persons over the safety of hte Mae Tha Wor area.

Govt insists Rakhine aid go through diplomatic channels

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:42 AM PST

Aid intended for conflict-ridden northern Rakhine State must now be routed through diplomatic channels and delivered by the government, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The announcement comes shortly after Malaysia irked its ASEAN counterpart by declaring plans last week to send an aid flotilla to Rakhine carrying food and emergency supplies, and as the international community continues to pressure Myanmar into resuming humanitarian access to the crisis-hit region.

KNU major announces plans to sue film star over contested land

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:40 AM PST

Further complicating an already convoluted land dispute in Kyaikto township, a Karen National Union major has announced plans to counter sue a film actor who is legally contesting ownership of the property.

Activists protest Kachin clashes

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:35 AM PST

Nearly 50 protesters gathered outside the Myanmar consulate office in Chiang Mai yesterday, demonstrating against the ongoing military offensive in Kachin State, and demanding an investigation into the recent disappearance of two Kachin Baptist church leaders. The demonstrators called for an end to the conflict, and for focus to be redirected to helping refugees.

Govt evicts Nansibon jade mine scavengers

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:32 AM PST

Jade scavengers who have allegedly overrun mines operated by private companies in Hkamti township have been ordered to move out by the government, with a combat police battalion standing by to enforce the ban.

Sagaing Region granted eleventh-hour extra budget after project cancellations

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:30 AM PST

In an unexpected New Year windfall, 20 townships in Sagaing Region are to receive K50 million each for local development projects, officials say. The money has become available because the Union government has agreed to return K1 billion to the region that had been earmarked for projects that have now been suspended.

Villagers face lawsuit for ‘trespassing’ on conservation zone

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:25 AM PST

Villagers displaced from their homes to make way for a nature conservation area have been arrested for trying to return to their land. Police in Kawlin township, Sagaing Region, have opened a case against 32 residents of Panmaye village under the 1994 protection of wildlife law.

Dilapidated apartment collapses on 41st Street

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:20 AM PST

A decrepit apartment building in downtown Yangon that was previously condemned by the city has collapsed.

New heritage draft law includes hefty fines

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:10 AM PST

People or companies who break a law now being drafted to protect and preserve the country's religious heritage could face up to seven years in prison and be fined up to K1 billion (US$743,000), officials say. The draft law for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage regions is being prepared in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

To Hopeland and Back, the 24th trip

Posted: 06 Jan 2017 12:45 AM PST

Day Five. Tuesday, 13 December 2016

13-15 December 2016    Workshop in Naypyitaw led by State Counselor's Office to seek out the "best federal system" for Burma held, facilitated by a Dr Marc Weller. (Report from meeting in Taunggyi)

Shan State Buddhist University (SSUB)
Nothing much to say for today.

We visit the Shan State Buddhist University (SSUB) established early this year by the Venerable Dr Khammai Dhammasami. Unfortunately, he is on a visit to the Weluwan monastery, and we miss him. SSUB is north of the city and Weluwan southwest.

Fortunately, we meet some old friends among the monks in the campus, where they have been discussing whether the Abhidhamma, the third basket in the Tipitaka (Three Baskets/ Divisions of the Lord Buddha's Teachings), is to be considered an integral part, as it clearly did not come from his official recorder Ananda Thera, but said to have been transmitted through his chief disciple Sariputta Thera.

I make a note to investigate further and leave. We then visit the city's main bookshop, "The Millionaire," and spend some time looking for books that may interest us. I don't find anything for me but a poster announcing the soon-coming translation of Burma my mother and why I had to leave by Sao Myawadee Mangrai, consort of Sao Hso Hom Mongpawn, the son of one of the Shans' most revered leaders Sao Sam Tun, who was assassinated along with Aung San in 1947. I make another note to order from my friends in Australia, where she lives in exile with her husband.

At 13:00, I'm at the federalism workshop run by the Canada-based Forum of Federations (FoF) at the Shan Culture and Literary Society's Meeting Hall. My arrival coincides with the discussion on Indonesian experience about how its military exited from politics. "It was through negotiations that it finally left," says the resource person.

There I'm invited to join tomorrow's presentation by Dr Hannes Siebert who has been working in the country's peace process since May 2012. The first draft for the NCA was initiated by him.

To Hopeland and Back, the 24th trip

Posted: 05 Jan 2017 08:50 PM PST

Day Four. Monday, 12 December 2016

China is another victim of the conflicts.
Global Times, 12 December 2016

07:30     Air KBZ takes me to Nyaung Oo.
09:45     Arrival at Heho (Haiwo).
11:00     Check in at Paris Hotel, Taunggyi
11:15     Meeting of Ethnic-based National Level Organizing Committee, held at the spacious hall owned by Sao Kham Perng Fa aka Sai Khin Maung Nyunt, head of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, Taunggyi branch.

This is the second and last day of the meeting. Youth leaders like Ying Lao and Sai Hak Kherh are facilitating it, attended by big names in local media like Lt-Gen Hso Ten, Sao Khwan Mong, Lt-Col Sai Ngeun, Brig-Gen Pawng Kherh, Sai Nyunt Lwin and Sai Kyaw Nyunt.

Here are some of the highlights:

·         There are both opportunities and risks in the peace process which all should be aware. In order to achieve peace, each side must give up at least 50% of their original demands. Thus far, nobody appears to be budging an inch. (Gen Hso Ten)
·         There is no need to have the Union Assembly (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw). By having it, the Upper House, which represents 12 members from each of the 14 state/regions, will always be outnumbered and outvoted by the Lower House. Instead power should be equally conferred to both houses. (Sai Aung Myint Khaing, White Tiger Party)
·         The Northern Irrawaddy basin which is now known as Sagaing Region and Kachin State, used to be Shan sovereign states. The proof is in this map produced by Ava in 1765 (during the region of Hsinbyushin). (Red Shan politician)

Here are key decisions of the meeting:

·         The Shan committee will hold ethnic-based National Level Political Dialogue (ND) in 13 venues (8 inside Shan State and 5 outside)
·         15 member field work committees will be formed and trained before undertaking field work, totaling 195 members
·         Capacity building workships for fieldwork members, fieldwork and the concluding meeting will be conducted during the month of January 2017
·         The budget estimate for the programme is K 250,000,000 ($203,250).
Funders have agreed to grant K 160,000,000 ($130,000). Organizing Committee will seek additional assistance from funders. (Funds for ND come from PSF)

We have a dinner party in the evening with the RCSS/SSA delegation headed by Brig Gen Pawng Kherh to SSPP/SSA headquarters at Wanhai, Kehsi township, tomorrow.

Topic
Ethnic-based
Local based
CSO
Politics
1. Constitutional democracy and federalism
2. Ethnic rights

Social issues
3. Resettlement, Rehabilitation and social development

Economic issues
4. Federal economy and finance
5. Local development

Land and Natural Resources management
6. Land and Natural Resources management and distribution
7. Natural environment and protection from natural disasters

√
√


√


̶
√


√

̶

√
√


̶


̶
√


√

̶

̶
̶


√


√
̶


̶

√
Total
5
4
3

N.B
1. State/region governments hold local based ND
2. EAO/registered parties hold ethnic based ND

3. CSOs hold topic based ND.

To Hopeland and Back, the 24th trip

Posted: 05 Jan 2017 07:56 PM PST

Day Three. Sunday, 11 December 2016

When you are fighting, you focus on who's wrong
But when you are making peace, you focus on what's wrong
Anonymous

Today, the main items of the meeting are as follows:

·         Better coordination among the signatories' work bodies: PPST, CT, (EAOS) JMC, (EAOS) UPDJC
·         Strategic review
·         Joint Coordination Body (JCB) for Peace Process Funding
·         Next EAOS summit

For the first item, a TOR drafting had been formed which met on 3-4 December and drew up the attached structure. It is approved by the meeting.

For the second item, a strategy drafting committee is formed that is to meet on 17-19 December. Here, some of the participants' views may be of interest:

·         The government, or rather the military, is better prepared. A White Paper was issued in December 2015. The Podesta Group, the lobbying firm co-founded by former Bill Clinton Chief of Staff, has been engaged. Its job, according to Reason.com is to make "Ugly regimes look good."
·         Nobody should be worried about the EAOS's ultimate goal. It has already been set by the NCA, Article 1a:

"Establish a union based on the principles of democracy and federalism in accordance with the outcomes of political dialogue and in the spirit of Panglong, that fully guarantees democratic rights, national equality and the right to self-determination on the basis of liberty, equality and justice while upholding the principles of non-disintegration of the union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of national sovereignty."

For the third item, the following nominees are approved by the meeting:

Padoh Kwe Htoo Win              KNU
Hkun Okker                             PNLO
Sai Laeng                                 RCSS
Salai Thla Hei                          CNF
Yebaw Myo Win                      ABSDF (as advisor)

For the 4th item, the organizers have to be careful about the timing:

·         Most of January will be spent on national level political dialogue (ND)
·         31 January is the 68th anniversary of the Karen Revolution
·         7 February is the 70th anniversary of Shan National Day/Shan State Day
·         12 February is the 20th anniversary of Panglong, and may mark the beginning of the UPC#3 aka 21 CP#2.

The meeting also discusses the following topics:

·         To open an EAOS office in Chiangmai
·         To provide assistance to member of EAOs who are detained by government authorities
·         To issue a statement urging government and non-signatories to engage more in jaw-jawing than war-warring

The last chore of the day for me then is an interview by the Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppasala University, Sweden.

The rest of the evening I spent packing my things although there aren't much to pack, except for the documents I have accumulated during the past three days.
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