The Irrawaddy Magazine |
- ANP Lawmaker Calls for Removal of International Experts From Arakan State Commission
- Panglong Vox Pops
- Civil Society Demands Burma Army Halt Offensives
- India Eyes Further Expansion Into Burmese Markets
- Rangoon Transport Authority to Crack Down on Traffic Violations
- Clashes Continue Days Before Peace Conference
- Thant Myint-U: ‘Burma is a Test of How Well the UN Can Do Any of the Things it Says it Was Meant to Do’
- Burma, India Agree to Cooperate on Defense, Energy, Infrastructure
- Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week
| ANP Lawmaker Calls for Removal of International Experts From Arakan State Commission Posted: 30 Aug 2016 09:03 AM PDT  Aung Kyaw San, ANP Lower House lawmaker. (Photo: San Mya Mya Aye) RANGOON – Arakan National Party (ANP) Lower House lawmaker Aung Kyaw San submitted an urgent parliamentary proposal on Tuesday calling for three non-Burmese experts on the Arakan State Advisory Commission to be replaced with local academic specialists. The proposal will be debated in Parliament on Sept. 1 with the vote for further discussion receiving backing from Lower House military representatives. According to MP Aung Kyaw San, about 20 legislators expressed interest in joining the debate. "Even some NLD members support the proposal, but I don't know what will happen in the next session," he said, referring to parliamentarians belonging to the ruling National League for Democracy party. The State Counselor's Office—headed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi—formed the nine-member Arakan State Advisory Commission with three international representatives on August 24. The commission will reportedly recommend "lasting solutions to complex and delicate issues" in Arakan State, in reference to ongoing tension and a history of violence often directed toward the self-identifying Rohingya minority. The international commission members include former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Ghassan Salamé, a scholar from Lebanon and once-advisor to Mr. Annan, and Laetitia van den Assum, a diplomat from the Netherlands and a UN advisor. There are also six members from Burma—two Buddhist Arakanese members, two Muslim members and two government representatives are included in the commission. The Arakanese Buddhist members and the Muslim members are from the commercial capital of Rangoon; the Muslim members are not themselves linked to Arakan State. There are no Rohingya members of the commission. On August 25, the ANP published a letter of objection to the government demanding a cancellation of the commission, stating that it would diminish the rights of indigenous people—a reference to the Buddhist Arakanese—and national sovereignty. The commission's purpose is to gather suggestions from relevant people, including international experts, regarding the most appropriate manner to address the conflict in Arakan State. Also a priority is the guarantee the security of the region's residents. Recommendations for prevention of conflict, further provision of humanitarian support, addressing the issues of rights and reconciliation, and contributing to the construction of basic infrastructure are also included in the commission's work. In his proposal, Aung Kyaw San specifically objected to what he described as foreigners' "interference in internal affairs," stating that selecting international members for the commission demonstrated the "low confidence" of the government in the country's ability to address its own issues. The ANP MP also objected to a commission review of refugees from Arakan State—most of whom identify as Rohingya Muslims—with the purpose of possibly facilitating some of the individuals' returns to Burma. This, Aung Kyaw San said, would be like "pouring fuel on the fire." "I don't believe that the commission will have a good impact on us," he added. In an interview with The Irrawaddy last week, Muslim commission member Al Haj U Aye Lwin said that he welcomed the involvement of international committee members, noting that the challenges facing Arakan State have grown beyond those of a domestic issue and have become the focus of global concern. The post ANP Lawmaker Calls for Removal of International Experts From Arakan State Commission appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Posted: 30 Aug 2016 07:48 AM PDT  Preparations for the Union Peace Conference at the Myanmar International Convention Center-2 in Naypyidaw on Tuesday. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) The Irrawaddy asks members of civil society, the business community and the general public for their thoughts on the 21st Century Panglong Conference, starting on Wednesday in Naypyidaw, where peace negotiations with ethnic armed groups will begin in an environment of high expectations, alongside skepticism in some quarters. Khun Bernard: general-secretary of the Union of Karenni State Youth What do you expect from the Panglong conference? Everyone is demanding all-inclusiveness, but the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA), alongside some other ethnic armed groups, are not invited to the conference. So, all-inclusiveness is not being realized. I don't expect much from the conference; it will just feature discussions about the next round of negotiations. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? The most important thing is to achieve internal peace through all-inclusive dialogue. If all stakeholders are not included, peace will not be fully achieved. Mai Myo Aung: Ta'ang Students and Youth Organization What do you expect from the Panglong conference? If all [stakeholders] were included as demanded by ethnic groups, we would expect a lot. But, without the participation of all stakeholders in war zones, I don't think they can make many decisions. So, I don't have high expectations toward it. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? If all ethnic armed groups in war zones were included, it would be a first step towards peace across Burma.  Khin Shwe, chairman of the Zaykabar Group of Companies. (Photo: Reuters) Khin Shwe: chairman of the Zaykabar Group of Companies What do you expect from the Panglong conference? Peace is important, therefore I welcome the Panglong peace conference. The places where peace still does not prevail are virgin lands and rich in unexploited natural resources. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? The government needs to create business opportunities for the [ethnic armed] groups. Only then they will be able to make a greater contribution towards peace. Karen and Mon states and Tenasserim Division will soon become major driving forces in the country's economic performance. The Asian Highway is now under construction and those regions will develop by leaps and bounds after the East-West economic corridor is completed.  Aung Myo Min, human rights activist and executive director of Equality Myanmar. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) Aung Myo Min: human rights activist and executive director of Equality Myanmar What do you expect from the Panglong conference? The conference marks the start of a path to discuss age-old armed conflicts, and seek solutions. Surely, the conference won't solve all the problems in one sitting. It will just be the starting point for adopting principles and finding ways and means to solve these problems. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? Mutual respect is the most important thing. Our country experienced civil war and conflict because there was no mutual respect or equality. So, unless trust—based on respect—is built, it is not possible to takes steps toward a solution. I want for the peace conference to set an example, and for presentations and discussions to be based on mutual respect and openness, to help bring about selfless devotion to national interests. At the same time, we are very concerned that [stakeholders] may present only their own problems, and the discussion will get nowhere. Wei Hin Aung: Wan Lark Foundation, a local NGO in Arakan State What do you expect from the Panglong conference? I don't expect much. We feel that the 21st Century Panglong Conference has not been an honest undertaking from the very beginning. We view it as discrimination that the government has left out three groups [AA, MNDAA, TNLA] while it has invited most other ethnic armed groups. The coming conference does not include all ethnicities, so I have no trust in it. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? Most of all, it is necessary that all ethnicities be included. You can't leave out this or that group. We would talk face to face, to build mutual understanding before moving forward toward peace. Of course, that process would take time. But the government has already left out some groups. This cannot create peace, and will just intensify clashes. Hla Maung Thein, 56: a resident of Ngazinyine Village in Kyauktaw Township of Arakan State, displaced by clashes between the Arakan Army and the Burma Army What do you expect from the Panglong conference? I have high expectations. I want for all ethnic armed groups to be included. Only then will the country achieve peace. Since the country is not peaceful, we have to flee from one place to another. I heard that certain groups are not included in the peace conference. I am sorry for their absence, because peace and stability can't be built without the inclusion of all. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? It needs reasonable compromises from both sides. Now, both sides are sticking to their own policies and are unwilling to meet the demands of the other side. The demands made should be reasonable, and should be granted if they are reasonable. Saw Honest: chairman of the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand What do you expect from the Panglong conference? Many people in the camp [located by the border with Burma] are not aware of the conference. Only politically engaged residents are interested in it. I support the conference and hope for positive results. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? It will very much depend on our Karen leaders [in the Karen National Union, one of the armed stakeholders in the conference] and the government to reach an agreement. We have been preparing for years to return home. We hope it will help bring real peace to the country. Naw Blooming Night Zar: spokesperson for the Karen Refugee Committee What do you expect from the Panglong conference? I welcome the Panglong conference. We hope it will deliver a federal democracy that grants rights to education and healthcare at the [sub-national] level. But the conference won't result in concrete decisions because there are a lot of participants and many issues will be raised. However, it is a good start before more detailed work is undertaken in the peace process. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? The most important thing is for a ceasefire across the country to be reached. Not only ethnic armed groups, but also the Burma Army, should cease fighting. Political dialogue should then follow. Without a nationwide ceasefire, it would be a fake or incomplete peace.  U Nayaka, abbot of the Phaung Daw Oo monastic education school in Mandalay. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) U Nayaka: abbot of the Phaung Daw Oo monastic education school in Mandalay What do you expect from the Panglong conference? I'm thinking, after all the positive signs we've seen, that Panglong could be the successful means of ending all armed conflicts in the country, even though some ethnic armed groups have been left out. I believe they will be allowed to attend future conferences, because all-inclusiveness is important for this process. To end all conflicts and bring back peace, it is important to have dialogue, where all parties can negotiate for the sake of the country. If wars and conflicts continue, our country will never be stable. If there's no stability, there will be no democracy. What do you think is the most important element required for peace in the country? The most important thing is to build back trust, which was broken a long time ago. To build back trust, the parties need to talk face to face. It will take time. If there's no trust, peace will not be sustainable. If the parties do not let go of their egos, the conflicts will never end. The post Panglong Vox Pops appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Civil Society Demands Burma Army Halt Offensives Posted: 30 Aug 2016 06:20 AM PDT Preparations for the Union Peace Conference get underway at the Myanmar International Convention Center-2 in Naypyidaw on Tuesday. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) RANGOON —113 Burmese civil society groups have demanded that the Burma Army halt offensives against ethnic armed groups, and that a ceasefire be mutually agreed before the 21st Century Panglong Conference begins on Wednesday in Naypyidaw. The assortment of youth, gender, human rights and peace-focused civil society groups from across Burma called for "equality" to underpin negotiations at the conference towards a future democratic federal union. The joint statement said that fighting initiated by the Burma Army has undermined mutual respect and trust between government forces and ethnic armed groups, which are fundamental to successful negotiations. The statement called for the government, the Burma Army and ethnic armed groups to find peaceful solutions that provide for the security of people living in conflict-affected regions. The civil society groups also demanded that Burma's colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act—which criminalizes interaction with non-state armed groups—be repealed, so as to enable civil society to fully participate in the peace process and political dialogue. The statement welcomed the inclusion of armed groups that have not signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement in the peace conference, but highlighted the government and the Burma Army's responsibility to invite those groups excluded from the current conference to future peace conferences. U Aung Myo Min, executive director of Rangoon-based organization Equality Myanmar, which was party to the statement, expressed his high expectations toward the 21st Century Panglong Conference, as the "right path" to deliver peace and end long-standing armed conflict. "As long as there is fighting, we cannot hope for peace," he said. The post Civil Society Demands Burma Army Halt Offensives appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| India Eyes Further Expansion Into Burmese Markets Posted: 30 Aug 2016 05:55 AM PDT  Burmese President U Htin Kyaw shakes hands with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) during his ceremonial reception at the forecourt of India's Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi, India on August 29, 2016. (Photo: Adnan Abidi / Reuters) RANGOON — India's investors have been eyeing Burma's health, energy, agriculture and automobile sectors, with bilateral trade agreements inked during President U Htin Kyaw's recent visit to the country. During his four-day trip to India, which began on Saturday, the Burmese President and the Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, agreed to promote trade and expand cooperation, particularly in agriculture, banking and energy. According to a joint statement released on Tuesday, both sides commended how trade between the Burma and India has demonstrated "resilience to global trends." Despite being neighbors, India's total investment in Burma was just over US$224 million during the 2015-2016 fiscal year—significantly lower than the investments of other regional countries, like China. No new Indian investments were made during the first four months of the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Than Aung Kyaw, deputy director general of the Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration, said that India is interested in investing in Burma's automobile and agricultural sectors, but that those sectors are currently heavily influenced by other Asian nations. "For example, Japan's used car market is very powerful and China's used agriculture machines and equipment are also taking the majority of shares in the market," he said. Since under the previous government administration led by U Thein Sein, India's Tata Motors has had a presence in the automobile industry in Burma, but their products have not been able to shake Japanese dominance in the sector. "Actually India's import volume is quite low; Burma's export is much higher. There are many factors why trade is still low," said Than Aung Kyaw. According to the Ministry of Commerce, total trade volume between India and Burma has reached US$1.17 billion, while Burma-China trade is $10.9 billion. Economist Khin Maung Nyo said a major factor contributing to the low trade volume with India is a lack of connectivity and infrastructure in both Burma and India. "Infrastructure development is weak. For example, the India-Myanmar-Thai highway is still under construction from the Indian side. There are still armed groups on the Indian side that can make it difficult to promote border trade, as well," he said, also describing India's bureaucracy as "complicated." President U Htin Kyaw's visit, Tuesday's statement said, was an effort on the part of both the Indian and Burmese governments to "identify and remove…impediments to bilateral trade," while highlighting the importance of security along the India-Burma border. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the implementation of Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, agreeing that the completed facilities in Sittwe in Arakan State, and Paletwa in Chin State, should be operational by December 2016. Both countries' leaders were also pleased by the signing of two memorandums of understanding pertaining to the implementation of India-Myanmar-Thailand highway project connecting the region. The two leaders highlighted the progress made in upgrading the Yangon Children's Hospital and the Sittwe General Hospital with assistance from India. Both sides also agreed that continuing to export a supply of pulses from Burma to India would mutually benefit Burmese farmers and Indian consumers. The post India Eyes Further Expansion Into Burmese Markets appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Rangoon Transport Authority to Crack Down on Traffic Violations Posted: 30 Aug 2016 05:49 AM PDT  Traffic congestion in Rangoon. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — The Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA) said they would launch a new enforcement plan to crackdown on drivers who violate traffic laws, starting on Thursday. Maung Aung, secretary of the YRTA, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that the group would take legal action against traffic violations as part of a plan to curb the city's traffic jams. Traffic congestion in Burma's commercial capital has grown significantly since the government lifted car import restrictions in October 2011. Travel times in the former capital have increased in tandem with the rising number of vehicles on the road. Maung Aung said those who violate traffic laws will face heavier fines than before—expected to be set at a minimum of 50,000 kyats (US$40) per violation—and that unlawful parking on main roads, which has also increased traffic congestion, will also be addressed. The traffic police will also use the mobile app Viber to take immediate action against violators by receiving complaints from the public via text message, photo and video. "We call on the public to collaborate," said Maung Aung, adding that violations will eventually be monitored from a traffic control center that is currently under construction and expected to be completed in October. Once the computerized traffic control system is operational, it is expected to reduce 40 percent of city's traffic congestion and improve security with the installation of 360-degree computer-controlled cameras at certain intersections, he said. The YRTA was formed on July 8, in collaboration with transportation and water experts, in order to upgrade the public transportation system and to tackle the city's traffic woes under the leadership of the Rangoon divisional government. The YRTA will also facilitate bus system reforms to improve public transportation at a later date. Under its plan, the current 358 bus lines will be streamlined into 50. The post Rangoon Transport Authority to Crack Down on Traffic Violations appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Clashes Continue Days Before Peace Conference Posted: 30 Aug 2016 04:42 AM PDT  Shan State Army-North troops on the front line in Shan State. (Photo: Kyaw Kha / The Irrawaddy) The Burma Army and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N) clashed in northern Shan State on Sunday evening, just days before the start of the Union Peace Conference. Fighting broke out as the Burma Army's Light Infantry Battalions No. 33 and 147 marched toward the SSA-N's Loilem outpost in Mongyang Township's Tangyan village tract, but there were no casualties, said Major Sai Hsu, an SSPP/SSA-N spokesperson. "Artillery troops assisted [the Burma Army] with supporting fire. We suffered minor injuries and so did the military. They brought Lahu special combat forces along with them and three Lahu [soldiers] were injured. We arrested one of them," Major Sai Hsu told The Irrawaddy. As the country's Union Peace Conference is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, the clash coincided with preparations for SSPP/SSA-N leaders to attend the conference. Maj-Gen Sai Htoo of the SSPP/SSA-N was attending a joint preparatory meeting for the conference as the fighting occurred, said the spokesperson. The military troops withdrew and the clashes stopped, said the spokesperson, adding that the SSPP/SSA-N provided medical treatment to the ethnic Lahu soldier and would contact the army to send him back. "If the fighting was waged based on orders from a higher level, that is unacceptable. Some of our delegates have already arrived in Naypyidaw and Rangoon, and we are 85 percent ready to attend the peace conference. It is not good that this happened," said Maj-Gen Sai Hsu. "But if this is just an encounter between lower level troops, it will be okay. And I hope that the military will exercise restraint," he added. The Irrawaddy contacted the Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Directorate of the Ministry of Defense and the Joint Monitoring Committee to verify the clash, but did not receive a reply by the time of publication. Demanding all-inclusion, the SSPP/SSA-N opted out of signing last year's nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) with former President Thein Sein's administration. It is also a member of United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC)—an ethnic bloc of NCA non-signatory groups. The SSPP/SSA-N, together with other UNFC leaders, will attend the peace conference. Despite the upcoming conference, there have been frequent clashes between Burma's military and ethnic armed groups in northern Shan and Kachin states. On August 8, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi met Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and discussed ending fighting in those areas. But clashes continue between the military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the SSA-N and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The post Clashes Continue Days Before Peace Conference appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Posted: 30 Aug 2016 03:45 AM PDT  U Thant Myint-U. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will attend Burma's Union Peace Conference, a five-day conference starting this Wednesday in Naypyidaw that seeks to end decades of armed conflict within the country. The Irrawaddy speaks with U Thant Myint-U—a historian and founder of the Yangon Heritage Trust who has also held numerous United Nations (UN) positions and served as an advisor to the Myanmar Peace Center and to former President Thein Sein—about the role that the UN should play during Burma's transition period and beyond. We have seen a breathtaking political transition in Burma since 2012. Before then, several external actors, including the UN, played a role in urging the regime towards genuine political transformation, ending civil war, and creating space for public participation in a democratization process. Additionally, in the past, there were UN resolutions regarding Burma and periodically the Burma issue was discussed at the UN Security Council. Now, for the first time in decades, Burma is under an elected government. What role do you think the UN might, or should, continue to play in the country? The UN has had a strange relationship with Burma since 1991 when the General Assembly passed its first country-specific resolution. Nowhere else in the world has the UN been as involved for so long in an attempted democratic transition. A resolution has been passed every year since then, and as a result of these resolutions successive secretaries-general have appointed senior officials to head their 'good offices' in Burma. There have been annual resolutions of the Human Rights Commission and UN human rights envoys since 1990. And UN humanitarian and development assistance were severely curtailed for many years because of Western sanctions. There will likely not be an annual resolution this year, although that's not certain. Western sanctions have been largely lifted. We will also have a new secretary-general in January. We have a relatively new government and the country is receiving increasing amounts of assistance, including from international financial institutions. It's a new strategic environment for Burma and one that requires new thinking regarding the role of the UN. There is absolutely no reason why Burma cannot be friends with all countries and all major powers now. It's time to move away from traditional policies of non-alignment and towards a more dynamic policy of multi-alignment, where Burma has strong and special relationships with countries around the world. These bilateral relationships will be extremely important. But the right partnership with the United Nations is also critical. There are many options, but I think engaging public opinion will be key. The country is at a critical moment in its transition. Opinions are being shaped. People—especially young people—are incredibly interested in learning new things. I think the UN could play a significant role in helping people better understand the choices the country is facing and the international standards that need to be met. These include human rights standards, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as political rights. Burma's political transition in incomplete, and the country needs help and assistance in many areas. Some think that momentum and interest are being lost among UN agencies as well as at the UN headquarters. What is your view? In many ways, Burma is the perfect country for the UN. It is facing all of the challenges that the UN talks endlessly about, from climate change and the spread of infectious diseases to peace building, human rights and sustainable development. It's a country with tremendous potential that needs help—but not necessarily much aid—from the outside world. All of the big powers would like Burma to succeed. If the UN cannot make a difference in Burma, I don't know where it can. Burma is, in my view, a test of how well the UN can actually do any of the things it says it was meant to do. I think one problem is the absence of shared analysis within the UN system that could tie together all the various political, economic and other strands around a clear UN strategy. It's critical to look at Burma's problems, from armed conflict to environmental protection, in a connected and multidimensional way. I hope when the secretary-general visits this week he won't just mention a list of issues or say the obvious things about peace and development but really explore the ways in which these things are intertwined and suggest practical as well as principled ways forward. What role can Burma-based UN agencies play to improve the lives of the millions of ordinary Burmese people, while minding the oft-repeated criticism of the role of the UN in some other developing countries involving failed missions, ineffectiveness and a lack of coordination among UN bodies? I'm sure many UN agencies, funds and programs are doing a very good job. We should not be surprised if there are coordination challenges; this is true of the UN around the world. One of my last jobs at the UN was to work on UN reform, back in the mid-2000s, and I left the UN and came to Burma partly because I thought reform in Burma would be easier. What's critical is fully appreciating the context in Burma and then tailoring UN assistance. Burma is a poor country but one whose economy—with the right policies—will be able to grow by double digits and become a medium income country within a matter of years. It urgently needs to reform its financial sector and to rethink land usage and land tenure. It's a country that requires over US$100 billion dollars in infrastructure investment, including tens of billions from overseas. It is in the midst of a telecoms revolution. Its tourism sector could increase by millions of visitors each year. UN agencies, funds and programs have to clarify what they can offer in that context, working in tandem with the private sector as well as the government and civil society organizations. I have no doubt that this is possible. Building peace and ending civil war is a priority under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government. Clearly China is a key player in this issue. As for the UN, we have learned that Ban Ki-moon will attend the Panglong Peace Conference. The UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Burma Vijay Nambiar is also involved in the peace process but we don't hear much about him. What is his role and strategy, in your understanding? Or do you have any criticism of the UN's role in the peace process? The UN has lots of experience on issues related to peace building and many offices and mechanisms in New York, like the Peacebuilding Fund and the Mediation Support Unit, geared to helping in situations like Burma's. It's understandable that the UN has chosen to play a very limited and low profile role so far. Depending on how the peace process evolves over the coming months, perhaps the UN could provide a list of options for how it could best help going forward. The key to the peace process is thinking not in terms of traditional diplomacy but of peace building as part of a much broader and complex transition. The conflict area, primarily in the northeastern part of the country, is an area the size of Great Britain shaped by decades of discrimination, violence, displacement, land seizure, illicit trade and environmental destruction. Armed fighting and ceasefires are only one dimension of a multidimensional problem. The UN should help Burma think outside of the box, reframe issues and suggest how peace building, human rights, and sustainable development agendas could and should be linked. What role do you want to see the UN play under the NLD government in this transition process? I hope the UN can be a key partner of the government, helping to shape public dialogue in imaginative ways, informed by experiences elsewhere. I also hope that Burma will begin to punch above its weight and take on a much more active role in UN debates and UN activities around the world. Burma shouldn't just be a small country between India and China; it should take a leading role on issues like climate change and seek to contribute on the global stage. It was recently announced that former UN secretary-general and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan would lead a new nine-member advisory commission on Arakan State. Many have welcomed the move, but criticism has also been heard from Arakanese quarters. Can you share your view on this new development? This is an advisory body and I have little doubt that the commission will be able to deliver useful recommendations over the coming year. But the commission will be navigating a minefield of sensitivities. And as an advisory body it should not be seen as a substitute for the national and local discussions and dialogues that will be necessary to move things forward in a sustainable way. It's also important that the commission have a clear view not only of the human rights issues involved, but also the contested histories and economic potential of the region. Arakan—now Rakhine State—was not only one of the richest areas of Burma, but it was once one of the richest places in Asia, with Akyab—now Sittwe—an international city on par with Penang or Kuala Lumpur. There were direct flights to London and Melbourne. The well-off sent their kids to Oxford and Cambridge. The people of Arakan State have seen their fortunes decline, decade by decade for nearly 70 years. There is, on the other hand, fabulous economic potential. Economic development is not the answer, but it's impossible to see how things could be better without a new economic vision and a sustainable development strategy that begins quickly to deliver results across communities. The post Thant Myint-U: 'Burma is a Test of How Well the UN Can Do Any of the Things it Says it Was Meant to Do' appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Burma, India Agree to Cooperate on Defense, Energy, Infrastructure Posted: 29 Aug 2016 11:58 PM PDT  President U Htin Kyaw seen with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India, Aug. 27-30. (Photo: President Office Myanmar / Facebook) RANGOON — Burma and India have inked four memorandums of understanding (MoU) to promote bilateral cooperation in the areas of traditional medicine, renewable energy and infrastructural connectivity. Burmese President U Htin Kyaw oversaw the agreements during a four-day visit to India from August 27-30. In a joint statement released on Monday, after the MoU signing ceremony, the two sides pledged to strengthen security and defense cooperation along the border, and develop infrastructure and prosperity in border areas. The Burmese President held "wide-ranging" discussions with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on "bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest," according to the joint statement. U Htin Kyaw's visit followed the visit of Burma's State Counselor and Foreign Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to China, August 17-21, which attracted substantially more media attention and commentary. The four MoUs signed by respective ministers from the two countries concerned cooperation in the areas of "traditional systems of medicine," renewable energy, and the construction or upgrading of bridges and road stretches along the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa and Kalewa-Yagyi sections of the Trilateral Highway connecting Moreh in northeast India to Mae Sot in Thailand, via Burma. During the visit, the two sides reiterated their "shared commitment to fight the scourge of terrorism and insurgent activity in all its forms and manifestations," and uphold "the policy of not allowing any insurgent groups to use their soil for hostile activities against the other side," according to the joint statement. India's Prime Minister Modi remarked at the joint press conference on Monday that Burma holds a unique position as a "land bridge that connects India with Southeast Asia," and highlighted Burma's "new era" of democratic leadership and the "commitment of your people to democracy." "[Burma's] President and I agreed to work together for the safety and security of our people," Modi said, "and actively cooperate to combat the common challenges of terrorism and insurgent activity in our region." "Let me assure you that, at every step of the way, the 1.25 billion people of India will stand by you—both as partners and as friends. President U Htin Kyaw said his visit was aimed at "enhancing traditional ties of friendship" between the two governments and people. He said cultural and academic exchange between the two countries should be strengthened. "Greater bilateral cooperation between India and [Burma] is required to promote inclusive growth and development and to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in both countries and in the region as a whole," U Htin Kyaw said. India offered to share its experience of parliamentary governance, and of power and resource sharing between national and state-level governments—at a time when a transition to federalism is being discussed as part of peace negotiations in Burma. Burma also invited Indian companies to bid for tenders in the petrochemical and petroleum sector. According to the joint statement, the two countries have agreed to begin operating facilities connected to the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which now links Sittwe in Arakan State with Paletwa in Chin State, by December 2016. The post Burma, India Agree to Cooperate on Defense, Energy, Infrastructure appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week Posted: 29 Aug 2016 10:09 PM PDT The Irrawaddy picks 10 interesting events happening in Rangoon this week.
About 20 beauties weighing more than 200 pounds will compete for the Miss Plus Size title. The plus size beauty contest—the first of its kind in Burma—will be held following a beauty product sale. The sale is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the contest is from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Where: No. 20, Pearl Street, Golden Valley, opposite of Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel, Bahan Tsp., Tel: 09-43182081 When: Saturday, September 3
The 'We Live in Yangon' photo exhibition will feature work by 58 photographers focusing on Rangoon's culture and heritage. All proceeds will be donated to the education sector. Where: AMT Training School, Natmauk Lane 1, Bahan Tsp. When: Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, October 4
Computers, laptops, cellphones and accessories will be on sale at discounted prices. Where: Tatmadaw Hall, U Wisara Road When: Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4
Yangon Gallery will hold a monsoon literature festival, at which renowned writers will give literary talks alongside a book fair. Myo Swe Than will speak Friday, Chit Oo Nyo on Saturday and Maung Khin Min (Danubyu) on Sunday. Where: Yangon Gallery, People's Square, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Tsp., Tel: 09-73827777 When: Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4, talks start at 2:30 each day
Artist Win Tint will showcase around 15 of his works at Lokanat Galleries. Each painting is priced at US$1,000. Where: Lokanat Galleries, 62 Pansodan St, First Floor, Kyauktada Tsp., Tel. 095-1382-269 When: Friday, September 2 to Wednesday, September 7
A group art exhibition featuring 11 female artists will be shown at Ayerwon Art Gallery. There will be about 50 paintings on display with prices ranging from $100 to $600. Where: Ayerwon Art Gallery at No. 903–904, U Ba Kyi Street, 58 Ward, Dagon Seikkan Tsp., Tel: 09-45005 7167 When: Sunday, August 28 to Wednesday, September 7
A group art exhibition will showcase around 70 paintings and installations from 13 artists. Prices range from $100 to $800. Where: Gallery 65, No. 65, Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon Tsp. When: Saturday, September 3 to Monday, September 5
A group exhibition featuring 20 artists will be held at Hninzi Myaing Art Gallery. There will be 54 paintings on display with prices between 100,000 kyats ($80) and 2 million kyats ($1,650). Where: Hinzi Myaing Art Gallery, Hninzigon Home for the Aged, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road When: Sunday, August 28 to Wednesday, August 31
A group art exhibition featuring 33 artists will be held at Think Art Gallery. About 90 sculptures, paintings and installations priced between $300 and $20,000 will be shown. Where: Think Art Gallery, No. 23, Nawaday Street, Dagon Tsp., Tel: 095143266 When: Sunday, September 4 to Saturday, September 10
Thirty-seven floral paintings done by five renowned artists using their iconic techniques will be sold for between $700 and $3,000. Where: Yangon Gallery, People's Square, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Tsp., Tel: 09-73827777
The post Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
Miss Plus Size Beauty Queen Contest 
Photo Exhibition
ICT Fair (Computer & Mobile)
Monsoon Literature Festival 
'Beauty of Monument' Exhibition
Flower Art Exhibition
93 Art Exhibition
Mandalay Hill Art Gallery Exhibition
Wild Eye Contemporary Art Exhibition
Gandha Art Exhibition, Monsoon Art Festival 2016| You are subscribed to email updates from The Irrawaddy. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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