Thursday, February 8, 2018

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

South Korean Ambassador Says Winter Olympics Send Message of Peace

Posted: 08 Feb 2018 04:28 PM PST

YANGON – The Winter Olympics, which are being hosted by South Korea this month, have been labeled as the "Peace Olympics" and presented as a symbol of the attempt to reconcile the two Koreas. The peace and reconciliation effort being conducted by the Koreans has similarities to Myanmar's current peace-building process. Despite the geographical distance between Myanmar and South Korea, Korean art and culture have somewhat influenced Myanmar society. South Korea is also the 7th-biggest investor in Myanmar, via companies ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations.

Lee Sang-hwa, the South Korean ambassador to Myanmar, talked to The Irrawaddy on topics ranging from South Korea-Myanmar relations to trade and investment and his perspectives on peace. The former director general of the North Korean Nuclear Affairs Division in Seoul also served as the secretary to former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for seven years.

Myanmar does not have any athletes participating in these Winter Olympics, but can you tell us why the event has been labeled the "peace Olympics"?

The Olympics, whether it's the Summer or Winter Games, is a festival for all human kind. Whether or not you are sending athletes to Olympics, it does not matter. It would have been much better if Myanmar was sending athletes but we understand Myanmar is summer country, with tropical weather. For Myanmar people, winter sports like skiing and speed-skating are not very familiar or popular. What is really important is the message we would like to deliver through this festival for all humanity, which is one of peace and reconciliation. Also, these Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang are taking place 30 years after Korea hosted the 1988 summer games in Seoul.

Ever since the current [South Korean] government took office in May last year, we put great priority on making the best use of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as a mechanism for reducing tension and promoting peace and reconciliation. In that regard, it is really significant to have an agreement with North Korea on their participation, first of all. Secondly we agreed on one important step, by making a joint team, sending a very significant message for peace, unity and reconciliation between the two Koreas. It does not stop there; through meaningful development between the two Koreas, we would like to go the extra mile, which means making progress on other important issues.

It is a very important first step; you may call it a small step, but it's a step in the right direction, through people participating in sport, toward reconciling the two Koreas.

In Korea, you are trying to unify two nations with one ethnicity, but Myanmar is different. So first of all, how do you perceive the Myanmar peace process?

Myanmar stands a critical juncture, making peace and solidarity, and a union, among so many different ethnic groups. It's the number one priority for the Myanmar government, including State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We stand by Myanmar and support the government in that regard. Speaking of the Pyeongchang Olympics and Myanmar's great efforts to promote solidarity and national reconciliation; the two resonate very strongly with each other.

Can you elaborate on that?

As I said, our effort at making the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics a Peace Olympics has a lot in common with Myanmar's effort at national unity and reconciliation, because the essence of Myanmar's peace process is to bring all the ethnic groups to the negotiating table. They may have different agendas, they may have different views and ideas, sometimes grievances and complaints, but the important thing is to lead them to the dialogue table and put all the ideas and opinions together. And they make give and take. The essence of it is unity, solidarity and reconciliation. It is [the same for] the Pyeongchang Olympics.

The two Koreas have been living apart for more than five decades and we are technically at war still. So bringing [the athletes] to Korea [will allow them] to look at how much development Korea has made. Korea is a vibrant democracy and through flourishing economic development it has achieved so much development from being one of the most impoverished nations in the world. We want to show them what we have achieved through reform and openness to the world. We want to give them the message that they can do the same. They can choose to make the difference, if they change their mindset, if they change their calculus. Having nuclear weapons does not guarantee your security and safety. To the contrary, you have to give them up. There is absolute consensus [on this] from the international community. If you change your mind, we will do everything in our power with the international community to help you, to take a step in the right direction.

That is interesting. It seems South Korea puts trust in the North to change their mindset. In the case of Myanmar, there are a lot of trust issues regarding the peace process. What would be your advice to stakeholders?

That's a very good point. At the end of the day, the most important thing is trust-building; without trust, you cannot do anything. As I said, the two Koreas have been living separately for many decades. It is like Myanmar; even though it is a Union, you have many different ethnic groups; some of them are still fighting, especially in border areas. So to achieve a meaningful reconciliation, you need perseverance and patience. Progress is so slow…there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. [It is necessary] to make them believe that their different views, different voices are being heard and being taken care of, particularly the State Counselor. I heard there will be a signing ceremony [for the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement on Feb. 13] and I will go and see with my own eyes what the signing ceremony is about. It is a partial one you know, there are still many armed groups who have not made up their mind yet. It is another step, thus I want to lend my own blessing and the Korean government's support to the progress.

Besides your support for peace building, how are Korean businesses contributing to Myanmar's development?

POSCO Daweoo is the largest Korean investor; it runs the gas field in Kyauk Phyu. It is the number one investor from Korea in Myanmar. Besides POSCO, there are many investors and small and medium-sized enterprises. The most important thing is that the prospects for Korean investment in Myanmar are very very bright. Let me tell you why; the current Korean government is taking a fresh look at ASEAN. When we speak about ASEAN, we have an absolute majority of our trade going to Vietnam, so we need to find another place to invest in large volumes, in terms of trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges and upgrading political partnerships. So, here comes Myanmar with its strong geographic location, with its vast lands, rich natural resources and particularly its people, who are very hard working. These are very important assets. Our eyes are turning to Myanmar under our government's new ASEAN initiatives.

How do you ensure CSR work in Myanmar, as we are vulnerable to being taken advantage of by investors?

One of the points highlighted by our government's new ASEAN initiative, is a focus on the hearts and minds in the country in which you are investing. We believe doing business is doing diplomacy. The most important thing is trust-building, and without winning hearts and minds from our counterparts, be it in the government or the business sector, you cannot do business or diplomacy in a sustainable manner. In that context, we are working hard to increase CSR. Last week, we went to Naypyitaw for a contract signing ceremony, for the first time, with the Myanmar minister for livestock and agriculture and foreign investors, for pig farming. CP Group has an overwhelming [presence in the] sector in the region and they were competing [in the bidding for this project]. After one and half years of trial, to everyone's surprise the Korean government took the bid. There were many reasons. One of the lessons we learned is to knock on everyone's door to persuade them that this is our strategy, this is our vision. It is not just about making profits out of the business. [The project] has a very extensive CSR program, it is good for the local community, because it creates jobs by hiring 100 local people. It is good for Myanmar's economy and livestock industry because of the technology transfer, and because of the very solid CSR program. It is the first ever livestock program that the Myanmar government has awarded to a foreign investor.

How long would that livestock MoU be?

The lease is for more than 15 years on land owned by the government. It the first case ever of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock deciding to lend its land to a foreign investor. It is good for Myanmar as well. It is a win-win situation — not just for Korean investors; it is mutually beneficial.

The first step will be expanding the number of pigs on the farms. Then they will be sold to local markets, and then exported to neighboring countries. It is organic breeding. The breeder pigs are now in Vietnam and waiting to be shifted to Myanmar. Pigs in Vietnam are used to [a similar climate].

The farm is expanding in stages and in the coming year, the number of pigs will be increased. As the number increases, the ministry plans to open up new farming in the region. It takes time, but the important thing is for the investor to make his case successfully to the Myanmar government to make the first step into Myanmar business.

Korean beef is among the best in the world. Aare you planning any more livestock projects in Myanmar?

We understand Myanmar people like pigs and chicken in that order. Who knows? If Myanmar people get used to beef over time then you may see other farming industries open up to investment here.

How have Korean enterprises found the existing Myanmar investment law and infrastructure?

It is one thing that Korean businessmen have more and more interest in investing in Myanmar, but it is another to open up a business on the ground in Myanmar, because when you plan to do make an investment in Myanmar, there should be some institutional system, or mechanism in place. Otherwise you cannot afford to just come and open a new business, because businessmen are picky, and they have a long shopping list. If someone in Korea wants to go abroad and find new business opportunities, he looks at the ASEAN community and there are many good candidate countries like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar. All are looking for new investment opportunities. There is competition among ASEAN countries as to who can offer better investment incentives. In order to have more and more investment from countries like Korea, there needs to be something from your side as well. It's a two-way street.

We recognize the current National League for Democracy-led government is working hard to make conditions better and secure greater investment from abroad. But it is not there yet. I visited Thilawa Special Economic Zone last week. There are six Korean enterprises operating construction, cable, cement and vegetable oil factories. It was an eye-opening opportunity for me, because I sat down with the managers and heard their own views. I understood what the obstacles are for them to making bigger investments. For instance, one of the cable companies, who would like to open a manufacturing factory here, said there [should be action to ensure a level playing field with] China, for instance, which does not operate factories here. They just export cables in huge volume. If you have a manufacturing factory here, they should have some kind of incentives; tax breaks, reduced level of environmental impact assessment, something like that. It will take time till the Myanmar government knows what should be done, because of the interagency consultations, rules and regulations, which need to be revised and revisited. It takes time, but what is important is that they are aware of the necessity to modernize, to upgrade the investment law, company law and regulations to international standards.

What advantage can Korea gain from the Dala bridge project in Yangon?

The Dala Bridge, or Friendship Bridge, project is not about making a profit. We know that it will significantly contribute to the local economy of the Dala. It will significantly reduce traffic and transportation time, which is critically important for logistics.

Unless Myanmar, or any country — Korea, Japan, China — has reliable and sustainable infrastructure, they cannot do business in a sustainable manner. If you have manufacturing factories here in Yangon, you need the roads, water, and electricity. In this sense, without very solid infrastructure in place, nothing is sustainable when it comes to trade and investment. So it is by helping Myanmar, modernizing and upgrading infrastructure, it is also good for Korea in the long term.

As an investor in Rakhine state where POSCO run its gas production in Kyauk Phyu, how much are you worried about instability in Rakhine State?

First of all, because of the tensions and instabilities in Rakhine State, you are absolutely right, there is a certain level of anxiety and concern on the part of Korean businesspeople. That is unavoidable, that is the reality on the ground. But at the same time, that does not necessarily mean there is no appetite for greater investment. We believe like many other countries in the international community, that without sustainable development in Rakhine State, you cannot even dream of making peace there. So first, let the sustainable development work on the ground, then address such issues. So we are proud to say that there are some Korean investors planning the projects in that state.

Besides business and investment, what humanitarian support are you providing to the country?

In Rakhine State, we are fully mindful of the complexity and sensitivity of religious, historical and ethnic issues. At the same time, as a responsible player in the international community, we have also voiced our concerns about the humanitarian suffering, and the hardship there. That is why the Korean government has provided humanitarian assistance, some of it through the United Nations, like the UN World Food Program, UNICEF and other agencies. We are also doing humanitarian work on a bilateral level.

In northern Rakhine state some residents have fled for Bangladesh, but access for diplomats is restricted. But locals need support. What role can Korea play in support of those people and in refugee repatriation?

In order to win confidence from the international community, especially the donor community, about the effectiveness of their humanitarian assistance, that it is actually being delivered to the people in need, you need some kind of verification, monitoring mechanism to place. That's why the United Nations and other donors are calling for better access on the ground. We understand the Myanmar government is doing its best to improve monitoring and verification activities by allowing, among other things, better access to the donor agency. Overtime, we will see improvement on the ground. Korea will also take part in government-organized tours of the areas, which start this week. We want to see firsthand what is happening on the ground and what should be done to improve the situation.

Korea and Myanmar are seeing more interaction in trade, business and investment. Do you have any intention to play a role in the peace process?

Let face the reality. Korea is far from Myanmar, physically. Geography is destiny, as they say. So I think it is first of all, the Myanmar government that needs to take responsibility, and take the ownership to finish the job. But in reality, the Myanmar government cannot do it alone. You need assistance, you need support. That being humanitarian, development, and political assistance; you need support from the international community. In that sense, we are ready to provide anything we can from our end. So I look forward to going to Naypyitaw to witness the signing by two more ethnic armed groups of the NCA [on Feb. 13].

The post South Korean Ambassador Says Winter Olympics Send Message of Peace appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Experiments with Drones to Replant Dwindling Mangroves

Posted: 08 Feb 2018 06:36 AM PST

YANGON — Environmentalists in Myanmar used to plant mangroves by hand. On Wednesday, however, the Worldview International Foundation staged a drone-planting demonstration in Yangon with plans for a pilot project in the Irrawaddy delta.

Myanmar has lost at least 1 million hectares of mangrove forest over the past several decades, making it more vulnerable to cyclones and climate change.

UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim, who attended the demonstration, told The Irrawaddy that mangroves provide critical habitat for fish and can prevent large waves stirred up by tropical cyclones from reaching deep inland and saltwater from invading farmland.

International experts say growing more mangroves could also help tackle global warming because they can store two to four times more carbon dioxide than most other tropical forests.

In his opening remarks for the event at the National Races Village, Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein said the regional government had already decided to replant more than 10,000 acres of mangrove forest this year with hopes of eventually turning Yangon into a "green city" that might attract more tourists.

"This is the very first time for Myanmar and we really thank the NGOs," he said. "We won't wait to grow mangroves next year. We are going to plant now and are looking for vacant land in Kha Yan, Thone Kwa and Kyauk Tan."

According to the chief minister, relevant government departments were working on mapping the designated sites and would strive to speed up the replanting process in the coming years.

Although the government and non-profit groups have been planting mangroves for years, he said many of those areas have been damaged by businesspeople from Yangon building commercial fishing ponds. He said some businesspeople were still trying to add nearly 1,000 more acres of fishing ponds that would destroy yet more mangrove forest.

"Manmade fishing irrigation in mangrove forests destroys mangrove trees because the tide can no longer reach the riverbank when it comes in. So we will restrict residents from entering the new mangrove forests and will plant mangroves on alluvial land near the Gulf of Mottama," U Phyo Min Thein said.

Bremley Lyngdoh, founder and CEO of Worldview Impact and a board member of Worldview International, said a single pilot can use the drones, courtesy of BioCarbon Engineering, to plant about 100,000 seeds per day. The drones can fire one seedpod into the soil every minute and fly for approximately half an hour at a time.

However, the drones cannot carry the larger seedpods of some mangrove species found along the coasts of Rakhine State and Tanintharyi Region.

Each drone, including software, costs about $50,000, enough to buy 10 used luxury Japanese cars at the official government rate.

The post Myanmar Experiments with Drones to Replant Dwindling Mangroves appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Best Spots for a Romantic Dinner on Valentine’s Day

Posted: 08 Feb 2018 04:37 AM PST

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better time to show how much you love and care about that special someone.

You might be getting nervous about now, deciding between roses, teddy bears, chocolates or fancy dinners. It's hard to decide how to make the day just right.

But relax and check out these awesome Valentine's Day packages that will make the perfect date. The Irrawaddy rounded up some of the most romantic dinner spots for the occasion. 

Chatrium’s special Valentine’s Day cake. / Chatrium Royal Lake Hotel, Novotel Yangon Max

Valentine’s Day Special at Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake is planning a special 'Romance Under the Stars' dinner event to celebrate the day.

Valentine’s Set Dinner for one couple is US$120, which in addition to dinner includes a surprise door gift, a bottle of red, white or sparkling wine, a decorated table, a red rose and a Valentine's Day cake.

If you buy the package, you get entered into a drawing for a chance to win numerous prizes, including one night's stay at the hotel, buffet dinner at The Emporia Restaurant, a spa session at Nemita Spa or a couple's high tea set.

This package dinner will be served in the lobby lounge or the outdoor sunset terrace outdoor dining area. You can also order the "Be My Valentine" cake at The Lobby Lounge for $15.

For further information and reservations, please call 01544500 ext: 6221 or email fb.chry@chatrium.com

A huge teddy bear is a lucky draw gift at Novotel Yangon Max. / Chatrium Royal Lake Hotel, Novotel Yangon Max

VALENTINES MIXOLOGIST at Lotte Hotel Poolside BBQ & Bar

The new international luxury hotel Lotte will host the 'Valentines Mixologist' event at its poolside BBQ and bar.

Prices start at $19 per person with free flow of selected cocktails including Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, the Dark Night and the Blue Kamikaze.

That deal runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you buy a bottle of whiskey, vodka, rum, gin or tequila, you'll get complimentary snacks.

You can make a reservation at 01 9351061.

Romantic Valentine's Dinner at The Square, Novotel Yangon Max

How about a fresh seafood buffet dinner for Valentine's Day? A little different from your typical Valentine's Day options, Novotel Yangon Max will hold a buffet dinner with fresh seafood including King crab, lobster and oysters for $39 per person with free flow drinks.

It also includes a wide selection of desserts. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the pink chocolate fountain, pyramid of strawberries with toppings, Mille-feuilles and more.

During dinner, there will be a live band playing your favorite love songs.

Dinner will be served at the 5th floor of the hotel and if you book before Feb. 12, you will receive a cute teddy bear as a Valentine's gift.

If you need more information, you can contact 01-2305858 or H9045-FB3@Accor.com.

Valentine’s Dinner at the Chatrium Royal Lake Sunset Terrace outdoor dining. / Chatrium Royal Lake Hotel, Novotel Yangon Max

Something that Will Last Forever this Valentine’s Day at Rose Garden

Here is another cool dinner package to celebrate the day. This five-course dinner for two and free flow of wine, beer and soft drinks, including a box of chocolates on the table and one dozen red roses is only $90 per couple.

The Rose Garden is also offering another package that is a two day, one night stay in their romantic Bamboo executive suite with breakfast for two, a five-course dinner, a heart-shaped cake in the room and one dozen red roses for $210 per couple with late checkout.

You can make a reservation at +95 1 371 992.

Valentine's Dinner on the Yangon River Cruise

We also want to suggest a romantic dinner with a stunning river backdrop.

Yangon River Cruise will also provide a special Valentine's dinner for couples from 30,000 kyats per person, which includes a buffet dinner, table decoration, live music, and fabulous view of the Yangon River. Reservations are available at 09953378900.

That's it for this writer's suggestions for Valentine's Day. Don't worry about being expensive or fancy. The most important thing is spending time with your loved one.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all.

The post The Best Spots for a Romantic Dinner on Valentine's Day appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Women’s Equal Participation Matters for Everybody

Posted: 08 Feb 2018 03:48 AM PST

On November 9, the Nordic diplomatic missions of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden celebrated Nordic Day. It was the third year we organized this event, which is an opportunity for us to display Nordic activities in Myanmar and showcase our shared Nordic values to a wider audience. At this year's event, we highlighted the Nordic countries' strong and continued commitment to gender equality, both domestically and abroad.

In virtually every country in the world, women remain underrepresented in practically all positions of power, be it in politics, business or civil society. This holds true in the Nordic countries as well as in Myanmar. However, women can only fully enjoy their human rights if they have the opportunity to make decisions regarding their own lives and participate in decision-making that affects them. The key to obtaining that opportunity is women's economic empowerment and labor market participation. The issue of women's equal participation is first and foremost a matter of rights and a matter of democracy.

In addition, we know from experience that inclusive decision-making processes that take the opinions and knowledge of all those affected into account ensure more well-founded decisions. Such decisions are also seen as more legitimate. Research has shown that inclusive decision-making and equal participation of women and men lead to a more efficient allocation of resources, less corruption, higher growth and longer-lasting peace agreements.

In the Nordic countries, working toward gender equality is seen as an essential approach to all areas of private and public policy, from management and budgeting to governance and legislation. Public policy reforms that have contributed to equal participation in our countries include developed maternal health care, expanded high-quality childcare provision, tax reform that promotes women's participation in the labor market and gender-based quotas in politics and business. Although we still have a long way to go, we have seen women's participation and leadership in politics, civil society and in the labor market rise significantly in our countries in recent decades.

Recently, we have witnessed some positive steps forward on the issue of gender equality in Myanmar. The number of female parliamentarians as well as women represented at the state and regional levels increased in the 2015 elections, and the National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (NSPAW) has moved into its operating phase. Now is the time to turn this progress into lasting change. The Nordic countries are committed to collaborating with Myanmar on its efforts to achieve women's empowerment and gender equality. Among other things, we do so by incorporating a gender perspective and analysis in all relevant activities in Myanmar.For instance, we provide support to civil society organizations to make sure women's voices are heard in the peace process. We work to promote female entrepreneurship and business leadership and support activities empowering rural women's participation in governance. Furthermore, we frequently engage in policy dialogue with the government, discussing how best to further gender equality in Myanmar.

There is no quick fix for achieving gender equality. Inequality is maintained by political and economic power structures, as well as by regressive social and cultural norms. Changing these requires strong will and long-term commitment from all stakeholders in society. However, we know that progress is possible. Men play an important role in the process and have a great opportunity, as well as a responsibility, to become drivers for change.

Gender equality is an issue that concerns everyone. We invite everybody, including the readers of this article, to think and discuss with friends, family and colleagues. How can we work together to achieve it?

Peter Lysholt Hansen is an ambassador of Denmark. Riika Laatu is an ambassador of Finland. Tone Tinnes is an ambassador of Norway. Johan Hallenborg is head of the Office of the Embassy of Sweden, Section Office Yangon.

The post Women's Equal Participation Matters for Everybody appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Shan State Honors  Nang Lang Kham for Charity Work

Posted: 08 Feb 2018 12:45 AM PST

YANGON—The chairwoman of the Brighter Future Myanmar Foundation, one of Myanmar's best-known philanthropical organizations, was honored by the Shan State government for her humanitarian efforts in the country's eastern highlands.

During a commemoration to mark the 71st anniversary of Shan State Day on Wednesday in the state capital Taunggyi, the Shan State government announced that  Nang Lang Kham, the head of the foundation run by the Kanbawza business group, was honored for her leading efforts to help support education, health, and regional development in the state.

Hailing from the southern part of Myanmar's eastern highlands, the 30-year old ethnic Shan woman, founded the Brighter Future Myanmar Foundation in 2008. Since then, the foundation has been engaged in social and humanitarian assistance activities across the country with a primary focus on her native state. The highlights of the efforts include digging wells in remote areas in Shan State where locals often suffer acute water shortages in summer each year, while also embarking on reforestation missions in the areas. In collaboration with Smile Asia, BFM has also brought smiles back to children with cleft lips and palates.

As an executive director of one of Myanmar's leading banks, Kanbawza Bank (KBZ),  Nang Lang Kham was named "The Promising Young Banker in Myanmar" by The Asian Banker magazine in 2017 among other local and international prizes.

The post Shan State Honors  Nang Lang Kham for Charity Work appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Leaked Records Say Tatmadaw Asked KIA to Abandon Bases

Posted: 08 Feb 2018 12:11 AM PST

YANGON — The Myanmar military asked the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) at a meeting in China last week to withdraw from its bases in Kachin State's Tanai Township where the two forces have engaged in intense fighting in recent weeks, according to leaked KIA records.

The two pages began circulating on Facebook on Wednesday and appear to come from a larger document produced by the KIA giving its account of each side's comments during their meeting in China.

"The Tatmadaw [Myanmar army] does not recognize some KIA bases. We ask that you withdraw Battalion 14 from the bases. If you do not, we will destroy those bases," the pages say, recounting the Tatmadaw's alleged remarks.

Battalion 14 is stationed in Tanai, where the Tatmadaw launched a large offensive against the KIA last month. The near-daily fighting has driven hundreds of people from the area.

KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu confirmed the authenticity of the document to The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.

"I think those papers may have come out from inside people," he said, referring to KIA officials who attending the meeting in China. "But they have not issued or announced anything publicly yet about their meeting."

"We heard that both sides discussed how they could reduce the fighting at the meeting. They did not reach any agreement yet and need to talk more before they do," the spokesman said. "Some Myanmar army battalions will have to withdraw from some areas, but the KIA also has to withdraw from some bases in order to reduce the fighting. But there is no clear statement yet on how to do it."

According to the pages posted online, the Tatmadaw said it was monitoring the United Wa State Army, which is also active in Kachin State, and take action against it as well if necessary.

The pages also say the Tatmadaw complained that the 1947 Panglong agreement between the central government and several ethnic groups pledging to work toward a federal democratic system was out of date and obsolete. The Tatmadaw reportedly said it did not like representatives of the US, UK and 88 Generation Peace and Open Society visiting the offices of the Kachin Independence Organization, the political wing of the KIA, in the state capital Myitkyina.

According to the KIA, fresh fighting broke out in the Kabuka area of Tanai Township on Tuesday. Local sources said both sides sustained casualties.

The latest round of fighting between the Tatmadaw and KIA erupted on Jan. 19 affecting the townships of Sumprabum, Tanai and Waingmaw with civilians reported killed and injured.

Some 2,000 people who fled their homes were initially trapped by the fighting in Tanai, but Col. Naw Bu said on Wednesday that about half of them have managed to get out.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the Tatmadaw has restricted humanitarian access to Tanai and that it remains concerned about the area's civilian population.

More than 100,000 people remain displaced from their homes since a 17-year ceasefire between the central government and KIA collapsed in 2011.

The post Leaked Records Say Tatmadaw Asked KIA to Abandon Bases appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Bollywood’s ‘Period’ Drama Boosts Menstrual-Solution Entrepreneurs

Posted: 07 Feb 2018 09:47 PM PST

MUMBAI/CHENNAI — Bollywood’s first film on menstrual hygiene, due for release on Friday, has boosted business for entrepreneurs providing affordable sanitary pads to women in India, manufacturers said.

Even the trailer for “Padman” — which depicts one of Hindi cinema’s most popular action heroes, Akshay Kumar, wearing a sanitary pad — has generated debate over the taboo subject of menstrual hygiene in India, they said.

“We used to get six to seven calls a day earlier, but now we get around 20 calls from people inquiring about our machines after the 'Padman' trailer was released,” said Suhani Mohan, co-founder of Saral Designs, a Mumbai-based startup.

“Padman” is inspired by the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who wanted to “please his wife” by replacing her rag cloth with a sanitary pad.

When she said that buying pads would cut into their milk budget, Muruganantham set off on a mission to provide low-cost pads to women across India.

For many Indian women, especially adolescent girls, menstruation is shameful and uncomfortable.

From being barred from religious shrines to dietary restrictions to a lack of toilets and sanitary products, they face many challenges when they have their periods, campaigners say.

One of the machine orders Mohan received was from 52-year-old Sivasankar Ramamoorthy, a resident of the southern city Madurai, about 1,400 km southeast of Mumbai.

“The pads available in the market are very expensive,” Ramamoorthy told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

“I am doing this for my wife and daughter, and I hope to make pads accessible to more women.”

Other manufacturers have improved on Muruganantham’s model while keeping costs down.

Subhankar Bhattacharya designed a machine making pads with wings in 2016, based on feedback from rural women and girls around the eastern city of Kolkata.

“We sold four machines in the last two years, but we got 10 orders in the last two months,” he said, adding that eight pads sell for 22 Indian rupees ($0.34).

“[The film] is giving a boost to social enterprises.”

The post Bollywood’s ‘Period’ Drama Boosts Menstrual-Solution Entrepreneurs appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

History Unfolding under Starry Skies

Posted: 07 Feb 2018 08:39 PM PST

Perhaps more than any of us, artists seek to escape the routine of everyday urban life. Through their work, they allow city dwellers to experience the breeze, the moonlight and stars. With his new exhibition, artist Lu Maw Han brings the night skies he loves to gaze at above Bagan, Mandalay and Taunggyi to Yangon, where he is based. But in the foreground of these star-scapes, his works depict, among other things, ancient Bagan, and British colonial troops on the march. Discussing his work "The Flashback of the Tharapar Gate", the artist said, "Ancient Bagan is the most significant stage in the history of Myanmar; it was the capital of the first Myanmar Empire. The painting reflects the hidden strengths ancient Myanmar."

"Another painting depicts King Thibaw and Queen Su Phaya Latt on a bridge across a moat as they are being taken away from their palace by British soldiers under the light of the stars in Mandalay. Seeing the palace, moat and city wall, one remembers the bloody coup in the Glass Palace, and British colonialism," he said. Lu Maw Han, grandson and son of celebrated artists U Thaung Han and Win Maw Han, has joined many group exhibitions. "While I do paint about the theme of escaping from urban life, I also want to take a more serious course by depicting the historical backdrop" to modern life, he added.

From Feb. 9-11, the "Night Memo" exhibition at the Studio Square Gallery on Maha Bandoola Park Street will showcase paintings by Lu Maw Han that depict historical scenes against backdrops of starry skies. Sixteen paintings of sizes 2×3 feet and 3×4 feet, with prices ranging from US$500 to $800, will be on display.

"'Night Memo' is his first solo exhibition of contemporary art tinged with magic realism. Something unbelievable and wonderful intrudes into his avant-garde realist paintings," said artist Myat Kyawt.

The post History Unfolding under Starry Skies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Workers Go on Trial for Accusing Thai Chicken Farm of Abuse

Posted: 07 Feb 2018 08:35 PM PST

MUMBAI — Migrant workers from Myanmar who accused a Thai chicken farm of a litany of abuses went on trial for defamation on Wednesday in a landmark case between workers and an employer.

The Bangkok court case was triggered by a complaint that 14 workers filed to Thailand's National Human Rights Commission in 2016 about forced overtime, being paid under the minimum wage, confiscation of passports, and limited freedom of movement.

Their former employer, Thammakaset farm, which supplies meat to Thai food conglomerate Betagro, denied the charges from the outset and launched a lawsuit against the workers, saying the complaint has damaged its reputation.

Betagro, which sells to companies around the globe, later said it had cut ties with the farm.

The workers were charged in October in a first-of-its-kind criminal defamation case that prompted campaigners to urge better protection for migrant laborers in Thailand if they complained about their working conditions.

The farm owner has denied any wrongdoings, and said the staff voluntarily worked nights to rack up bonuses and chose to sleep next to the chicken warehouse.

On Wednesday, 13 of the 14 workers were present in court. One was exempt as she had recently given birth, said Nakhon Chompuchat, a lawyer for the workers.

"Today, witnesses for the prosecution were presented. The workers will have a chance to speak tomorrow and the day after, confirming the details of their complaint," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation over the phone.

The trial will end on Friday with a ruling expected next month, he said.

Nakhon said this was the first time migrant workers had faced criminal defamation charges in Thailand, which could see them jailed for up to two years if found guilty.

"Today was only the first day of the trial. It is too early to say anything," Thammakaset owner Chanchai Pheamphon told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Thailand has been at the center of a slew of slavery and human trafficking cases, including in its seafood sector, with migrants from Myanmar thought to suffer the worst exploitation, according to rights groups.

In the face of mounting global scrutiny of supply chains, Thailand has strengthened laws to crack down on labor exploitation, but activists say the practice is still widespread.

The post Myanmar Workers Go on Trial for Accusing Thai Chicken Farm of Abuse appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Aftershocks Rattle Taiwan as Quake Toll Rises to 10, 58 Missing

Posted: 07 Feb 2018 08:30 PM PST

HUALIEN — Scores of aftershocks hampered rescue efforts on Thursday as emergency personnel combed through collapsed buildings in search of survivors after a powerful earthquake killed at least 10 people near Taiwan’s popular tourist city of Hualien.

The coastal city of Hualien was hit by a magnitude 6.4 quake just before midnight (1600 GMT) on Tuesday that also injured 265 people. Four buildings collapsed, officials said, and about 58 people were still missing.

Nervous residents endured more than 200 aftershocks, including a 5.7 quake late on Wednesday and smaller tremors early on Thursday. Aftershocks with a magnitude of at least 5.0 could rock the island over the next two weeks, the government said.

"There were constant aftershocks so I didn't really dare stay at home. The area around my house is actually not that bad, the houses are all OK but, because of the aftershocks, I don’t really want to stay there," said Hualien resident Yang Yantin.

A Reuters witness said people rushed out of a residential building and rescue workers looked up from piles of debris after another strong aftershock rattled the city at around 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Horns sounded to warn people to leave buildings and chanting from groups of Buddhists could also be heard.

It was initially feared as many as 150 people may have been missing in the rubble. The death toll had been put at seven overnight.

Many of the missing were believed to be trapped in a 12-storey residential building that was tilting at a 45-degree angle. Tenants and their furniture were flung across their apartments in the damaged building.

More than 600 soldiers and 1,300 police have been deployed to help with rescue efforts. The government said three mainland Chinese were among the dead.

Chen Deming, president of China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, said the mainland was willing to assist with relief efforts, including sending teams to the island.

Rescue workers used ladders and flashlights as they searched for survivors among the rubble on Thursday.

More than 800 people sought refuge in shelters overnight, many too scared to stay in their homes as aftershocks stirred panic.

Hualien is home to about 100,000 people. Its streets were buckled by the force of the quake, with large cracks along major roads.

"I've never actually experienced an earthquake before but I'd heard people say that there were often earthquakes here, so at first I didn’t really react, but later when all the lights started smashing – the floor was covered in glass – that is when I realized it was really serious," said tourist Zhang Hongcong.

Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China considers part of its territory, lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck nearby on Sunday.

More than 100 people were killed in a quake in southern Taiwan in 2016, and some Taiwanese remain scarred by a 7.6 magnitude quake that was felt across the island and killed more than 2,000 people in 1999.

The post Aftershocks Rattle Taiwan as Quake Toll Rises to 10, 58 Missing appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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