Friday, July 31, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Travelers Return to Hpa-an as Myanmar’s Domestic Tourism Reopens

Posted: 30 Jul 2020 06:30 PM PDT

As Myanmar's tourism sector has reopened to domestic travelers, Hpa-an has become a hot spot those wanting a scenic, relaxed trip away to recover from lockdown.
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Thursday, July 30, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar MPs Approve ADB Loan for Mekong Corridor Highway

Posted: 30 Jul 2020 07:09 AM PDT

Opposition lawmakers condemned the proposed US$483.8 million loan as excessive for 62 km of road.

Two Myanmar Soldiers Face Court-Martial for Karen Woman’s Murder

Posted: 30 Jul 2020 05:41 AM PDT

Karen protesters are demanding the removal of several army outposts and reject military claims that a gun accidentally fired.

Myanmar Military Arrests Three Rakhine Women for Alleged Ties to Arakan Army

Posted: 30 Jul 2020 02:35 AM PDT

The Myanmar military has arrested three Rakhine women described as pillars of their community—the latest in a string of detentions over alleged ties to the Arakan Army.

Myanmar Naga Separatists NSCN-K Expel Three Accused of Splitting From Group

Posted: 30 Jul 2020 12:18 AM PDT

The Naga separatist group NSCN-K has expelled three members including its deputy military chief a day after the trio announced it was setting up its own faction.

Boeing to Terminate Production of 747 Jumbo Jet in 2022

Posted: 29 Jul 2020 09:56 PM PDT

Due to the introduction of more fuel-efficient models and changes brought about by the coronavirus, Boeing said it would stop making 747 airliners in 2022.

India’s Coronavirus Cases Surpass 1.5 Million

Posted: 29 Jul 2020 09:49 PM PDT

India's coronavirus caseload has passed 1.5 million with more than 34,000 deaths.

China Reports 101 New Coronavirus Infections; Highest Since April 12

Posted: 29 Jul 2020 09:41 PM PDT

China has reported its highest daily number of new coronavirus infections since April 12, with 101 new cases, many in the far west.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar Closes Bagan’s Temples Ahead of Weekend Holiday Amid COVID-19 Fears

Posted: 29 Jul 2020 06:25 AM PDT

Employers in Bagan are reeling as they were counting on an influx of domestic visitors to help cope with the coronavirus downturn.

Myanmar Health Minister Urges Renewed Vigilance to Prevent Second COVID-19 Wave

Posted: 29 Jul 2020 05:53 AM PDT

Health Minister Dr. Myint Htwe noted that people in Myanmar have become relaxed about COVID-19 prevention measures, with many workplaces abandoning health guidelines.

Myanmar Takes US$250 M Loan from ADB for COVID-19 Relief

Posted: 29 Jul 2020 05:30 AM PDT

Myanmar's Parliament gave the green light to borrow US$250 million from the ADB to help fund the government's COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan which it began rolling out in April.

Myanmar’s Union Govt Splits Up Huge China-Backed New Yangon City Project

Posted: 29 Jul 2020 04:34 AM PDT

Citing the huge investment cost, the Myanmar government has broken up the New Yangon City project and will recruit an international consultant to help select a developer.

Myanmar to Lift Ban on Foreign Travel for Citizens With Urgent Business

Posted: 29 Jul 2020 02:22 AM PDT

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Myanmar citizens with an urgent need to travel overseas will be cleared to do so on a case-by-case basis.

Almost 3 Billion Animals Affected by Australia’s Summer Fires: Report

Posted: 28 Jul 2020 09:42 PM PDT

Experts in Australia have revised upward their estimate of the number of animals killed or impacted by the country's recent bushfires to 3 billion from 1 billion.

Malaysian ex-PM Najib Sentenced to 12 Years in Jail Over 1MDB Scandal

Posted: 28 Jul 2020 09:32 PM PDT

A Malaysian court has sentenced former Prime Minister Najib Razak to 12 years in jail on multiple charges in the first of a series of corruption trials.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar’s Western Commander Appointed Deputy Minister at Military-Controlled Border Affairs Ministry

Posted: 28 Jul 2020 05:46 AM PDT

The three military-controlled ministries have seen major changes with Major General Phone Myat being appointed as deputy border affairs minister.

Thousands of Villagers in Myanmar’s Karen State Protest Army Killings of Civilians

Posted: 28 Jul 2020 05:39 AM PDT

In the second protest in less than a week, over 4,600 villagers in Karen State's Papun marched to demand an end to unaccountable killings of civilians by troops.

Migrants Returning Illegally From India Spark COVID-19 Alarm

Posted: 28 Jul 2020 05:37 AM PDT

Sagaing Region says many migrant workers are illegally returning from India to avoid quarantine centers, leading to fears of a coronavirus outbreak.

With No End in Sight to Fighting, Life in Myanmar’s IDP Camps Goes On

Posted: 28 Jul 2020 05:26 AM PDT

Thousands of displaced people remain trapped in IDP camps across northern Shan State as fighting continues between the Tatmadaw and the KIA.

New Zealand Suspends Extradition Treaty With Hong Kong

Posted: 27 Jul 2020 09:51 PM PDT

Following Australia, Canada and Britain, New Zealand has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in the wake of Beijing's new security law for the territory.

US Firms in Final Stages of Coronavirus Vaccine Trials

Posted: 27 Jul 2020 09:44 PM PDT

Drugmakers Moderna and Pfizer said they are in final-stage trials of a coronavirus vaccine as the US gears up to deliver millions of doses by January.
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Monday, July 27, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar Approves $171m ADB Loan for Rural Electrification

Posted: 27 Jul 2020 06:10 AM PDT

The Asian Development Bank-funded power project aims to bring electricity to 400,300 rural homes not reached by the national grid.

Despite Law Changes, Myanmar Military Says Some Polling Stations Will Remain in Barracks

Posted: 27 Jul 2020 05:14 AM PDT

The Tatmadaw said it would be impossible for some polling stations to be moved off base for the Nov. 8 election.

NLD Selects 20% Female Candidates for Myanmar’s November Election

Posted: 27 Jul 2020 03:22 AM PDT

The National League for Democracy is selecting a record number of female candidates for the general election but existing lawmakers say they face challenges.

Myanmar Parliament Approves $180-Million ADB Loan Request for Yangon Water Supply

Posted: 27 Jul 2020 02:09 AM PDT

Myanmar's Union Parliament has approved a plan to seek $180 million in loans and grants from the ADB to fund a five-year project to upgrade Yangon's water supply system.

Hate Speech Threats Proliferate in Myanmar, Southeast Asia

Posted: 27 Jul 2020 02:09 AM PDT

Laws against hate speech tend to focus on race and religion; they must be expanded to criminalize attacks on migrants, LGBTI people and other targeted groups.

US Consulate Shuttered as China Retaliates Over Spying Accusations

Posted: 26 Jul 2020 09:35 PM PDT

The US has closed its consulate in the Chinese city of Chengdu, as ordered by Beijing in retaliation for the closure of China's Houston consulate over spying claims.
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Saturday, July 25, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Posted: 24 Jul 2020 07:30 PM PDT

This week, a survey found 36 percent of export companies have no new orders, MIC said 10 more firms will close and trade data showed a US$200 million drop in exports to China.

Myanmar Workers and Farmers Reject Parties, Push New Voices for 2020 Election

Posted: 24 Jul 2020 06:30 PM PDT

The Irrawaddy speaks with trade union lawyer U Htay about why a coalition of labor and farmer leaders are running as independent candidates in Myanmar's 2020 election.
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Friday, July 24, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar Ruling Party Muslim Candidate Says Political Oppression Makes Her Stronger

Posted: 24 Jul 2020 05:14 AM PDT

A veteran NLD member and survivor of the Depayin Massacre, Daw Win Mya Mya downplays her status as one of the few Muslim candidates, vowing to work for all if elected.

Three Killed in Feud Between Rakhine Rebel Groups

Posted: 24 Jul 2020 05:04 AM PDT

The Arakan Army denies reports that it killed three members of the Arakan Liberation Army, a Rakhine State armed group that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement in 2015.

Myanmar Troops Clash With Ethnic Shan Armed Group in Northern Shan State

Posted: 24 Jul 2020 03:11 AM PDT

The military claims its forest patrol was attacked by Shan State Progress Party troops, despite a COVID-19 ceasefire.

Thailand to Allow Migrant Workers from Myanmar, Other Neighbors to Return

Posted: 24 Jul 2020 12:39 AM PDT

The Thai government said it will re-open its borders to migrant workers, but Myanmar authorities seek assurances that laborers won't be saddled with quarantine fees.

New Challenge for Myanmar as US Seeks to Loosen China’s Grip in Southeast Asia

Posted: 24 Jul 2020 12:39 AM PDT

After several years of seeming to tilt toward China, how will Myanmar react to the US's new assertiveness in Southeast Asia?

Single-Use Masks, Coronavirus Waste End Up Polluting Ocean, Activists Warn

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 10:04 PM PDT

The huge increase in single-use masks, gloves and other items to protect against COVID-19 poses a serious pollution threat to the world's oceans, environmentalists warn.

Singaporeans Urged to Take Local Holidays to Boost Tourism Amid Virus

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 09:54 PM PDT

Singapore's tourism board is encouraging locals to take mini-holidays—or 'Singapolidays'—in the city state to boost the tourism sector, which has been hit by COVID-19.

China May Not Recognize Hong Kong People’s British Overseas Passports

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 09:47 PM PDT

China said the UK violated international law by offering special visas to Hong Kong people who hold British Overseas Passports, adding it may not recognize the documents.
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Thursday, July 23, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar’s NLD Unveils Election Candidate Lineup With More Women, Muslims

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 07:10 AM PDT

The ruling party's candidate lineup for the upcoming election features mostly familiar faces, but includes more women than in 2015 and its first-ever Muslim candidates.

Politicians in Myanmar’s Rakhine Must Stop Fighting Each Other: Independent Candidate

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 05:53 AM PDT

A female Rakhine lawmaker stuck between rivals in the Arakan National Party has been forced to run without any party's backing.

Karen Protestors Say Myanmar Military Must Leave After Killing Local Woman

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 05:00 AM PDT

Over 1,500 protestors in Papun, Karen State called for the Myanmar military to leave the area after soldiers robbed and killed a local woman.

Myanmar Military to Investigate Soldiers for Rape of Rakhine Woman

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 02:46 AM PDT

The Myanmar military says it will investigate allegations that three soldiers raped a woman in Rathedaung, Rakhine State in late June.

Myanmar Urges Calm After Social Media Spat Between US, Chinese Embassies

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 01:02 AM PDT

Myanmar urges engagement and negotiation between powerful nations, in line with its policy of neutrality, Foreign Ministry official says following US-China war of words.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Run for Seat in General Election, Myanmar’s Ruling Party Says

Posted: 23 Jul 2020 12:21 AM PDT

State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will seek re-election to the Lower House in the Nov. 8 general election, again representing Yangon's Kawhmu Township, the NLD said.

Beijing Vows to Retaliate as US Orders China’s Houston Consulate Closed

Posted: 22 Jul 2020 10:02 PM PDT

The US has ordered China's consulate in Houston closed 'to protect American intellectual property'; Beijing said the move violates international law.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Karen Parties Coordinate Campaigns to Maximize Votes in Myanmar Election

Posted: 22 Jul 2020 04:33 AM PDT

Four ethnic Karen political are coordinating their campaigns for the 2020 election to maximize the Karen vote and ensure they don't run head-to-head.

Many Myanmar Mining Firms Fail to Name Politically Connected Owners: Global Witness

Posted: 22 Jul 2020 04:15 AM PDT

A new report claims that at least 10 mining firms failed to disclose the presence of 'politically exposed persons' when identifying their owners.

Arakan Army Blamed After Myanmar Village Chief Found Dead

Posted: 22 Jul 2020 03:59 AM PDT

Rights groups say they can do nothing to protect civilians in ongoing violence between the Arakan Army and Myanmar's military.

China Suppresses Publication of ‘Wuhan Diary’, Account of Coronavirus Lockdown

Posted: 21 Jul 2020 10:02 PM PDT

Amid official pressure, Chinese publishers are refusing to publish an account of Wuhan's harsh coronavirus lockdown that criticizes officials' handling of the outbreak.

US Indicts Chinese Hackers for ‘Sweeping Global Computer Intrusion’

Posted: 21 Jul 2020 09:53 PM PDT

The US has indicted two Chinese hackers for stealing data from computers around the world, both for their own benefit and on behalf of the Chinese state.
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