Monday, November 7, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Deputy Director of MSEC Dies in Paragliding Accident

Posted: 07 Nov 2016 07:21 AM PST

Myanmar Securities Exchange Center Deputy Director Makota Sukoma passes away in India after a crash, in which he sustained head injuries.

The post Deputy Director of MSEC Dies in Paragliding Accident appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burmese Missionaries Allegedly Destroy Naga Cultural Relics

Posted: 07 Nov 2016 07:07 AM PST

Two traditional 'Morung' huts and a log drum are reportedly destroyed after visitors attribute recent crises in the Naga community to 'the devil.'

The post Burmese Missionaries Allegedly Destroy Naga Cultural Relics appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Media Conference Explores Continued Challenges to Burma’s Press Freedom

Posted: 07 Nov 2016 05:27 AM PST

Experts criticize the NLD govt over restricted access to information for independent media houses and continued domination of state-run publications.

The post Media Conference Explores Continued Challenges to Burma's Press Freedom appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

On Clinton’s Campaign Trail

Posted: 07 Nov 2016 04:39 AM PST

The Irrawaddy hits the trail with the US democratic candidate for President at a rally on Saturday in Pembroke Pines Florida.

The post On Clinton's Campaign Trail appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

British Suspect on the Run After Dead Body Found in his Apartment

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:37 PM PST

Forty-seven-year-old British teacher found dead with bruising on his head and chest at the suspect's 39th Street Rangoon apartment.

The post British Suspect on the Run After Dead Body Found in his Apartment appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Prominent UK rights activist, fearing for safety, leaves Thailand

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 09:28 PM PST

Andy Hall, who works on the rights of migrant workers in Thailand, has been facing defamation lawsuits by companies he accused of labor violations.

The post Prominent UK rights activist, fearing for safety, leaves Thailand appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

National News

National News

Mayor: ‘New city’ going forward, imperative for Yangon’s future

Posted: 07 Nov 2016 12:14 AM PST

The Yangon Region government is pressing ahead with plans in the commercial capital townships of Twante, Seikgyi Khanaungto and Kyeemyindaing for the "new city" development, in line with a broader master plan it has for Myanmar's biggest city, Mayor U Maung Maung Soe told the regional parliament last week.

Activists take aim at Telecoms Law

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:47 PM PST

A civilian committee aiming to reform the Telecommunications Law intends to submit its findings to the parliamentary Bill Committee in the next three months.

NLD pledges to support party member accused of defaming Tatmadaw commander-in-chief

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:44 PM PST

Senior officials from the National League for Democracy said the party would stand in support of a member recently hit by a defamation charge for a Facebook post deemed incendiary toward the Tatmadaw. The ruling party has pledged to provide legal aid if needed, but also to not intervene if the case heads to trial.

They’re with him: Provocative nationalists side with Trump

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:42 PM PST

With one day left until Americans head to the polls in a US presidential election that has drawn unprecedented global attention, two controversial figures in Myanmar have weighed in to endorse an equally contentious nominee: Donald Trump.

Health authorities seek to tackle Zika threat

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:36 PM PST

The arrival of Myanmar's first documented case of Zika has prompted health authorities to boost disease control efforts, in a bid to contain its spread.

Tatmadaw troops killed in TNLA clash

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:31 PM PST

Clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army claimed five government troops on November 5, military media outlet Myawaddy has reported.

Commander-in-chief heads to EU meet

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:30 PM PST

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will discuss the role of the Tatmadaw in democratisation at a meeting of the European Union Military Committee tomorrow.

Capital looks to boost police force

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:25 PM PST

Help is at hand for residents of the nation's capital who fear for their security. The police are hiring 100 new officers, and already enough people have applied to fill more than half the slots available.

Environmental conference participants demand govt reject Myitsone dam

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:20 PM PST

Angry villagers, government officials, MPs, experts, and national and international NGOs came together to denounce the troubled Myitsone dam project in Kachin State. Convened by the Myanmar Green Network, last week they spoke out in a bid to influence the commission set up by the state counsellor to report on the dam's future.

China-funded reforestation effort slated for Magwe

Posted: 06 Nov 2016 11:05 PM PST

To combat the effects of illegal logging and deforestation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation will partner with China to implement a new ecological project in Magwe Region, said Union Minister U Ohn Win.
Posted by at No comments:

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan-based parties form coalition

Posted: 07 Nov 2016 05:21 AM PST

Thirteen ethnic political parties based in Shan State last Thursday formed a new alliance aimed at promoting Shan State unity, according to Sai Ai Pao, the chairman of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), which led the motion to form the coalition.


Of 18 ethnic political parties in Shan State, thirteen have joined the new League for Shan State Ethnic Political Parties (LSSEP), said Sai Ai Pao.

"We invited all 18 parties to join," he said. "At the first meeting, 13 parties attended. But at this meeting, only 10 parties were represented. However, we still welcome the absent parties to join us."
The SNDP chairman said he also wanted to urge all groups and individuals in Shan State – civil society organizations, political parties, and members of parliament both at union and state levels – to join the new coalition.

"As the second national conference is slated for February, we have to start working and making preparations together," he explained.

"This is a critical time for our Shan State," he said.

According to Tun Naing, the leader of the Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, which has joined the coalition, all ethnic parties in Shan State have a responsibility to support unity in Shan State.

"If we all just worked independently, it would be impossible to reach our goals," he said. "We must work together to achieve our aims."

According to an LSSEP statement issued on November 4, only eight signatories had officially joined the coalition.

The 18 parties based in Shan State are: Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, Lahu National Development Party, Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, Inn National League, Danu National Organization Party , Federal Union Party , Danu National Democracy Party, Pa-O National Organization, Lisu National Development Party, Inn National Development Party, Wa National Unity Party, Ta'ang (Palaung) National Party, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, Wa Democratic Party, Eastern Shan State Development Democratic Party, Akha National Development Party, Union Pa-O National organization, and Shan State Kokang Democratic Party.

SNDP ‘will win’ 2017 by-election, says Sai Ai Pao

Posted: 07 Nov 2016 12:34 AM PST

The Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) will win next April's by-elections in Shan State, according to party chairman Sai Ai Pao.

Photo by SHAN- Sai Ai Pao, the chairman of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).

"We will contest the two vacant seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw [Lower House of Parliament] and the five seats in the regional parliament," said Sai Ai Pao, the former Shan State minister of forestry and mining. "We are contesting them because we believe we will win. If not, we would not compete."

The SNDP chairman called for next year's polls to be free and fair, adding that armed groups should not interfere in the process. He also called for advanced voting to be transparent.

A total of 18 vacant seats will be up for grabs in both Union and regional parliaments when by-elections are held on April 1 next year, according to an announcement from the Union Election Commission (UEC) on October 11.

The SNDP won only one seat in the 2015 general election, a far cry from the 57 seats it won in the 2010 election (21 seats in the upper and lower houses; 36 seats at state level).
The party was formed in 2010 by a group mostly made up of former members of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) at a time when several of that party's leaders were serving lengthy prison sentences, including SNLD Chairman Khun Htun Oo and General-Secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin.
Polls were cancelled in many parts of Shan State during the general election in 2015 due to ongoing clashes between Burmese government forces and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA). Constituencies where polling was postponed include Kehsi and Monghsu townships in central Shan State, and Kengtung Township in eastern Shan State.

Polling was also cancelled in areas under the control of the United Wa State Army, such as Pangsang, Narpan, Pangwai and Mongmaw; as well as Mongla Township, which is the base of the Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA). The UEC maintains that those areas are still too volatile for by-elections to take place next year.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, November 5, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (November 5)

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 09:34 PM PDT

New business trends, microfinance as a path to inclusion, digital banking roundtable, prospect of solar power, and supporting budding entrepreneurs.

The post The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (November 5) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dateline Irrawaddy: ‘We have seen a certain degree of deadlock in the peace process.’

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 09:27 PM PDT

On this week's Dateline, Sai Leik, Ko Ye, and Kyaw Zwa Moe discuss how the peace process looks now—and what it might look like in the future.

The post Dateline Irrawaddy: 'We have seen a certain degree of deadlock in the peace process.' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Commentary on "Sanctions: A happy ending for some"

Posted: 05 Nov 2016 02:21 AM PDT

"Demo-cronies" is quite an appropriate coining of today's Burma situation. One would say in addition to "Burmese way to socialism", "Disciplined flourishing democracy", and " Burmese way to federalism" are also intelligently coined, if not cleverly thought out.


While the first one that has to do with Burmese socialism has become an historic failure pushing the country into the verge of paupercy, the last two still have to be proven that they don't follow the first one's sorry state of mishap.

Still one couldn't help to feel the tragic state of the country associated with Burmese way. Burmese socialism has ruined us and the angst what Burmese way to federalism could bring about another unfortunate mishap is very real and frighteningly present, which is hard to shake it off, from one's mind, so to speak.

Link to the story: http://frontiermyanmar.net/en/sanctions-a-happy-ending-for-some
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, November 4, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Arakan Delegation Reports Findings of Observation Trip

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 10:00 AM PDT

International delegates encourage the govt to resume aid, conduct an independent investigation, and ensure rule of law in Arakan State's Maungdaw area.

The post Arakan Delegation Reports Findings of Observation Trip appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Police Investigate Explosion at Hpakant Jade Mining Company

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 07:27 AM PDT

The Kachin Independence Army rejects an allegation that its soldiers were involved in a fire that destroyed US$5 million worth of company property.

The post Police Investigate Explosion at Hpakant Jade Mining Company appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Member Appears in Court for Telecommunications Charges

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 07:10 AM PDT

An NLD member who was charged under the Telecommunications Act for insulting the army chief on Facebook appears in Rangoon's Hlaing Township Court.

The post NLD Member Appears in Court for Telecommunications Charges appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Locals Campaign for Shutdown of Coal-Fired Power Plant

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 06:32 AM PDT

Civil society organizations and locals launch a campaign calling for the complete closure of Shan State's Tigyit coal-fired power plant.

The post Locals Campaign for Shutdown of Coal-Fired Power Plant appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dr San San Aye: ‘We Want a Law to Prevent Gender-based Violence’

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 06:23 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy talks to director-general of the social welfare department about protecting victims of gender-based violence.

The post Dr San San Aye: 'We Want a Law to Prevent Gender-based Violence' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakanese Activist Appeals Sedition, Defamation Case At Sittwe Court

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 05:53 AM PDT

Khaing Myo Htun and his legal team request the charges be dismissed for breaching both legal process and the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.

The post Arakanese Activist Appeals Sedition, Defamation Case At Sittwe Court appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Trucking Associations Criticize New Regulations

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 05:35 AM PDT

A traffic enforcement committee notice prohibiting trucks on Rangoon roads during the day draws criticism.

The post Trucking Associations Criticize New Regulations appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Aid to Resume in Northern Arakan

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 10:55 PM PDT

Diplomatic mission returns from two-day visit to area under military lockdown, calls for 'independent and credible investigation.'

The post Aid to Resume in Northern Arakan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

National News

National News

Yangon transport authority mulls playing matchmaker with bus line operators

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:39 AM PDT

The Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA) is encouraging smaller bus companies to collaborate in their application to form the new public-private partnership firms that will operate a revamped public bus system.

Last Messenger newspaper shutters

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:30 AM PDT

The Messenger Weekly Journal will shut down at the end of this month.

Thailand told to consult Kayin on contested parkland

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:29 AM PDT

An attempt by Thailand to absorb a large chunk of Myanmar land by having it declared part of a Thai heritage site has apparently suffered a setback. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, meeting in Paris, has asked Thailand to go back to the drawing board.

Kayin farmers criminalised for fighting land grabs: HRW report

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:27 AM PDT

Kayin State villagers are losing their land and are routinely persecuted through threats, arson and arbitrary arrest if they attempt to fight the unlawful seizures, according to a report released by an international rights group yesterday.

Yangon labour department has launched 60 lawsuits against errant factories

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:26 AM PDT

After repeated, flagrant violations of the labour laws, 60 recalcitrant factories in Yangon have been slapped with lawsuits so far this year by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, a government official told The Myanmar Times yesterday.

Ava trial hears of 2014 complaint

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:24 AM PDT

As the high-profile Ava Tailoring shop abuse trial enters its sixth week, a local administrator gave testimony yesterday about a 2014 complaint, which appeared to complicate allegations that the child maids were enslaved against their will.

KIA denies involvement in Hpakant jade mine blast

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:08 AM PDT

A November 2 attack on a Hpakant gem company site has been pinned on the Kachin Independence Army – an allegation the group vigorously denies.

NLD member charged for defamation

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:07 AM PDT

A Senior National League for Democracy official has been charged with defamation in relation to a Facebook post suggesting the Tatmadaw chief resign, according to Hlaing township police.

Civilians injured amid fresh clashes

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:06 AM PDT

Four Civilians have been injured in Homein village, Namhsan township, as fresh clashes have erupted in the area.

JMC looks into mass detention case and RCSS clashes

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:04 AM PDT

The nation ceasefire agreement's Joint Monitoring Committee has sent a team to investigate clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) as part of its mandate under the accord.
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, November 3, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Police Officer Detained for Alleged Rape in Shan State

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 07:29 AM PDT

A police officer in Shan State's Hsenwi Township who allegedly raped a 16-year-old Kachin girl on Tuesday night is detained as a case is filed.

The post Police Officer Detained for Alleged Rape in Shan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Member Detained Under Telecommunications Law

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 05:50 AM PDT

U Myo Yan Naung Thein's colleague suspects the arrest may be due to a Facebook post critical of Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The post NLD Member Detained Under Telecommunications Law appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thai Supreme Court Dismisses Case Against Migrant Rights Defender Andy Hall

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 05:39 AM PDT

The court dismisses a criminal defamation case brought by the Natural Fruit Co., although Andy Hall's three-year suspended sentence remains in place.

The post Thai Supreme Court Dismisses Case Against Migrant Rights Defender Andy Hall appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Gems Emporium Expected to Attract US and EU Traders

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 05:33 AM PDT

After the lifting of US sanctions, more western jade traders have been invited to the upcoming Naypyidaw Gems Emporium.

The post Gems Emporium Expected to Attract US and EU Traders appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Business Delegation Heads to Japan

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 05:22 AM PDT

Representatives from a number of sectors will meet with their Japanese counterparts and attend the Myanmar Business Forum in Tokyo.

The post Burma Business Delegation Heads to Japan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Counselor’s Glass Table Designs an Overnight Hit

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 04:55 AM PDT

The Ministry of Industry will produce and sell three types of glass tables designed by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to the public.

The post State Counselor's Glass Table Designs an Overnight Hit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Upcoming Karen Congress Elections Uncertain

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 04:17 AM PDT

Top Karen leaders discuss postponing the 16th KNU Congress slated to take place in November over concerns new leadership could disrupt peace process.

The post Upcoming Karen Congress Elections Uncertain appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

International Delegation Set to Wrap Up Arakan State Visit

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 03:42 AM PDT

State official said first-day visit showed 'reality not consistent' with rights abuses; US official repeated call for thorough investigation.

The post International Delegation Set to Wrap Up Arakan State Visit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

HRW: Peace Process Exposes Farmers to New Glut of Land Seizures

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 01:19 AM PDT

Burma's peace process opens up access to ethnic areas and leaves farmers vulnerable to powerful interests 'gaining land through questionable means.'

The post HRW: Peace Process Exposes Farmers to New Glut of Land Seizures appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

National News

National News

Draft museum law sent to Attorney General

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:59 AM PDT

A Draft law that would govern the establishment and practices of private museums is under discussion by officials in the Ministry of Religion and Culture and the Office of the Attorney General, the latest stage in a long-drawn out process that began under the previous government.

MDY bus compounds ban moto-taxi drivers

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:57 AM PDT

IN a move to curb passenger harassment, motorcycle taxis and private cars have been banned from entering highway bus stations near Mandalay, the head of the municipal taxi department has told The Myanmar Times.

Theft rife at Pyinmana Hospital in Nay Pyi Taw

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:54 AM PDT

Patients and staff need to safeguard their belongings at the 200-bed Pyinmana Hospital in Nay Pyi Taw, according to its administrator, following a spate of recent thefts.

After years of enslavement, abused child maids look to the future

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:53 AM PDT

The teenager stares at her crippled hands, broken after torture techniques endured over five years of life as a slave.

Departure terminal of sunken ferry closed

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:42 AM PDT

The Sagaing Region government has temporarily closed the ferry terminal that the ill-fated Aung Soe Moe Kyaw 2 ferry departed from in mid-October.

Accreditation available for April by-election observers

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:40 AM PDT

International and local polling place watchdogs can now apply to be accredited by the Union Election Commission as observers for the 2017 by-election, scheduled to be held on April 1, the UEC announced on October 31.

Air pollution a ‘leading danger’ to child health

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:39 AM PDT

Toxic levels of air pollution in developing countries like Myanmar have begun to cause miscarriages, increase infant deaths and stunt children's cognitive and physical development, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Vendors banned from Chaung Tha beachfront

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:36 AM PDT

Aiming to counter litterbugs and preserve a more picturesque beachfront, the Ayeyarwady Region government has banned vendors from selling their wares on Chaung Tha beach.

Govt team to negotiate Panda garment dispute settlement

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:34 AM PDT

Employees and the owners of Panda Textile Factory in Mandalay Region say they will accept the decision of a negotiating team formed yesterday to settle a drawn-out dispute between the workers and factory management.

Japan announces a nearly $8 billion package for Myanmar

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:27 AM PDT

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday announced nearly US$8 billion in aid, loans and investment to promote development and reconciliation in Myanmar after talks with its de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Posted by at No comments:

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Commentary on "The UWSA needs to change"

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 08:58 PM PDT

Si Thu Aung Myint's conclusion that the United Wa State Army (UWSA) needs to adjust it policies according to the changing realities is a correct assessment, but too early to say that its days might be numbered.

Two delegates from the United Wa State Army at the 21st Century Panglong Conference on August 31. (Romeo Gacad / AFP)
The UWSA aspiring for a separate statehood within the union, is a tall order, especially when Burma, a multi-ethnic state is not made up of a neatly demarcated ethnic settlement but a mixed habitation pattern. The area that the UWSA likes to claim is nearly all of the eastern Shan State, which are inhabited by majority Shan/Tai and other sub-ethnic groups.

Other than that, if the UWSA aspiration is entertained, there will be ethnic friction and even open conflict between the Shan and the Wa, which have co-habited harmoniously before the set up of the UWSA, after the disintegration of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB).

During the British era, the Wa had their own Saohpa or Sawbwa with its own administrative unit, harmoniously interacting with the some 33 units Federated Shan States. Actually this could still be the modal of decentralization in a bigger Federal Union context, even for all other states and units within the present day Burma.

Finally, the UWSA or the Wa ethno-nationalism upsurge is understandable, as it is a global trend and also a phenomenon, but has to be adjusted in a different way and not edging out other ethnic groups, with force or military might. As mentioned, the Federated Shan States modal might be a better way out for all ethnicity within Shan State and beyond, like for example, the Pa-O, Palaung and lately the Tai Leng or Shan-ni aspirations for separate ethnic state.

But the biggest challenge the UWSA facing now is the "image problem" or its "narco-army image". In reality and to be fair, every ethnic army, including the Burma Army, has at one time or the other involved in drugs trafficking, either directly or indirectly. And it is true even today.

A comment, this writer would like to recall written in SHAN's "Drugs Report" somewhere, is that something like: "Everyone is involved in drugs, the more guns one owns, the more drugs trafficking is the result."

The US accusation is just a temporary inconvenience, the UWSA could take consolation and look at the example of US lifting of sanctions on the Burma Army top brass and its cronies, on how political realities and interest has changed everything in no time; that is "from enemies to friends".

And as such, like Si Thu Aung Myint suggested, the UWSA would be well advised to practice "realpolitik", where its statehood aspiration is concerned and strive for the doable reality and not that might be hard to achieve.

Link to the story: http://frontiermyanmar.net/en/the-uwsa-needs-to-change
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)