Monday, April 10, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

USDP Protest Over NLD Party Message in State Counselor’s Speech 

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 07:57 AM PDT

Spokesperson of military-backed former ruling party says using state media and Union ministers to campaign is wrong.

The post USDP Protest Over NLD Party Message in State Counselor's Speech  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Push for Treatment-Oriented Drug Policy Continues

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 07:03 AM PDT

The Drug Policy Advocacy Group discusses a recent draft of updated narcotics legislation that emphasizes decriminalization.

The post Push for Treatment-Oriented Drug Policy Continues appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon Govt’s Rock Bottom Rent Rates Lose Billions to Companies

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 05:11 AM PDT

Low rent from two construction projects—plus one in the pipeline—cost the regional govt more than 13 billion kyats in the last fiscal year.

The post Rangoon Govt's Rock Bottom Rent Rates Lose Billions to Companies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Coffee Culture Grows in Rangoon

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 04:19 AM PDT

New cafés open alongside traditional teashops in the commercial capital's downtown.

The post Coffee Culture Grows in Rangoon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ethnic Armed Group Leaders Agree to Basic Federal Principles

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 03:34 AM PDT

Signatories and non-signatories of the nationwide ceasefire agreement approve a guide to more autonomy at a conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The post Ethnic Armed Group Leaders Agree to Basic Federal Principles appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UNICEF Official Seeks Release of Detained Children in Burma

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 01:58 AM PDT

A police document shows children as young as 10 are among hundreds of Rohingya detained on charges of consorting with insurgents.

The post UNICEF Official Seeks Release of Detained Children in Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Death Toll Rises to 30 in Pathein Boat Tragedy

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:36 PM PDT

The bodies of 10 missing people from a capsized ferry in the Irrawaddy Delta are recovered, bringing the death toll to 30.

The post Death Toll Rises to 30 in Pathein Boat Tragedy appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China’s Nuclear Envoy in S. Korea Amid Talk of Trump Action Against N. Korea

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 10:27 PM PDT

US strike group Carl Vinson heads to the Korean peninsula as North Korea nuclear and missile tests are feared as key anniversaries loom.

The post China's Nuclear Envoy in S. Korea Amid Talk of Trump Action Against N. Korea appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Bullock cart race in Nay Pyi Taw

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:23 AM PDT

Concerned over the shortage of bullocks, a Pyinmana township resident in Nay Pyi Taw organised a bullock cart race, hoping to raise awareness and encourage others to breed the animals.

Free viewing from Bagan Nan Myint tower

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:18 AM PDT

Until June 21, visitors in Bagan can view the heritage pagodas and surrounding scenery for free from the third floor of the Bagan Nan Myint viewing tower.

Disruption of train services during Thingyan

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:17 AM PDT

As fewer passengers travel by train during the Thingyan water festival, some of the train services will not run until the festival is over. The train services will resume their normal schedules after Thingyan, Mandalay Railway Station Master U Nyein Maung said.

K19 billion excess taxes collected

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:13 AM PDT

Mandalay's tax revenue in the last budget year exceeded the collection of the year before by almost K20 billion, thanks to increased awareness among taxpayers.

Nga Wun River boat capsize kills 30

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:07 AM PDT

A ferry carrying more than 60 passengers crashed with a barge at the Nga Wun River on Friday night, killing 30 passengers, according to the Ayeyarwady Region's police station.

Gen Mutu Say Poe re-elected as KNU chair

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:57 PM PDT

The Karen National Union (KNU) has re-elected General Mutu Say Poe as chairman for the next four-year term. The election was announced on April 8.

Lawmakers to discuss YBS weaknesses

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:27 PM PDT

A proposal by a regional Member of Parliament to discuss the weaknesses of the public transportation system in the Yangon Region has been submitted to the Yangon Region Hluttaw on April 5.

Activists charged in MYTCL case

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:23 PM PDT

Three social activists charged with trespassing into the Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Limited (MYTCL) premises among other offences are appealing against the fines sentenced on them, said one of the defendants.

Public opinion a must for drug policy success

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:19 PM PDT

The process of reforming the drug policy in Myanmar will need to involve a change in public opinion regarding drug users, said Police Colonel Zaw Lin Tun, Head of Department of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Myanmar.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

3 civilians killed in clashes between Burmese army, TNLA

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:06 AM PDT

Three civilians were shot dead in northern Shan State's Kyaukme Township during armed clashes between Burmese government forces and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on Sunday, according to an MP from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD).


MP Sai Htun Naing, who represents Kyaukme Township Constituency No 2, said that the fighting took place in Jarng Huang tract about a half mile from Kyaukme Township. He confirmed that three people had been killed.

"The three victims were local villagers," he told Shan Herald on Monday. "They were truck drivers."

Sai Htun Naing said that eye-witnesses had informed him that the three victims were found wearing TNLA uniform shirts. However, he questioned whether the shirts had been put on before or after the men's deaths.

Other local sources told Shan Herald that the three victims were identified as Sai Sarng Lwin and Sai Win Kyaing from Tawsarng tract, and Sai Ai Woon from Jarng Huang.

No details of how the killings occurred have been forthcoming by the time of press.

Since 2012, fighting has regularly broken out between Burmese armed forces and TNLA troops. The Ta'ang or Palaung rebel faction is among those armed groups excluded from signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement by the government in 2015.

According to Myanmar Peace Monitor, there were 309 clashes between the two armies in 2016, most of which occurred in northern Shan State towns such as Naung Cho, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Kutkai and Namhsan.

 By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
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Saturday, April 8, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

KNU Leaders Close to Naypyidaw Re-Elected

Posted: 08 Apr 2017 04:32 AM PDT

Observers predict no major shift of direction for the KNU as top figures are re-elected while 'skeptical' faction is edged out.

The post KNU Leaders Close to Naypyidaw Re-Elected appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (April 8)

Posted: 08 Apr 2017 03:58 AM PDT

Burma president visits China, Japanese insurer enters market, project cuts water waste in Rangoon, and tech start-ups receive backing.

The post The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (April 8) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Number Jailed Under Article 66(d) Rises to Eight Since NLD Govt

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 11:54 PM PDT

U Myo Yan Naung Thein and Ko Aung Myint Tun receive six-month jail sentences under the controversial Telecommunications Law.

The post Number Jailed Under Article 66(d) Rises to Eight Since NLD Govt appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dateline Irrawaddy: ‘The NLD Must Reduce Centralization and Reconcile with Ethnic Groups for the Sake of the 2020 Election’

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 08:39 PM PDT

This week, The Irrawaddy discusses recent by-elections with political commentator Dr. Yan Myo Thein and founder of Yangon Watch group Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin.

The post Dateline Irrawaddy: 'The NLD Must Reduce Centralization and Reconcile with Ethnic Groups for the Sake of the 2020 Election' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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Friday, April 7, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

World’s Biggest Yacht Said to be Made With Illegal Burmese Teak

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 10:12 AM PDT

An investigation in Germany has determined that the world's biggest yacht was built with illegally sourced Burmese teak.

The post World's Biggest Yacht Said to be Made With Illegal Burmese Teak appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Path to a New Country: Looking Back on One Year of NLD Rule

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 09:29 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy's English editor explores govt policies, leadership style, inevitable legacies, and the continued existence of dark elements in Burma.

The post The Path to a New Country: Looking Back on One Year of NLD Rule appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Adviser: Actually, the Government Has Made Significant Strides on the Economy

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 09:04 AM PDT

Critics underestimate the extent of legacy burdens and overlook real achievements, says Turnell.

The post Adviser: Actually, the Government Has Made Significant Strides on the Economy appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KNU Leadership Committee Shakeup: Chairperson Wins, Vice Chairperson Loses Re-Election

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 05:04 AM PDT

Saw Mutu Say Poe and Padoh Kwe Htoo Win are elected to the central standing committee, but Naw Zipporah Sein is ousted in the vote.

The post KNU Leadership Committee Shakeup: Chairperson Wins, Vice Chairperson Loses Re-Election appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Kachin Political Prisoner Hospitalized Amid Calls For Release

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 04:16 AM PDT

Amnesty International demands the release of Lahpai Gam, 56, whose health has deteriorated—possibly because of the torture he endured.

The post Kachin Political Prisoner Hospitalized Amid Calls For Release appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Electricity Ministry Appeals to Public to Support Hydropower and Coal

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 03:52 AM PDT

The Electricity ministry will attempt to sway public opinion in support of hydropower and coal-fired power plants, says the permanent secretary.

The post Electricity Ministry Appeals to Public to Support Hydropower and Coal appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Lawmaker U Tun Tun Speaks on Magwe Embezzlement Investigation

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 03:18 AM PDT

Magwe lawmaker U Tun Tun tells The Irrawaddy how his questions in parliament led to a 7 billion kyat embezzlement investigation into the previous regional government.

The post Lawmaker U Tun Tun Speaks on Magwe Embezzlement Investigation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mandalay to Increase Security During Thingyan

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 02:01 AM PDT

Mandalay's minister of border affairs and security says 70 percent of the area's security forces will be utilized during the Thingyan water festival.

The post Mandalay to Increase Security During Thingyan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Fall and Rise of Dr. Aye Maung

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 10:10 PM PDT

The leader of the Arakan National Party is victorious in the by-election thanks to a potent mixture of strategy, recognition, and ethno-nationalism.

The post The Fall and Rise of Dr. Aye Maung appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Myanmar Ministry of Health to speak at Aid & Development Asia Summit 2017

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 06:27 AM PDT

Marked on 7th April, the World Health Day highlights the importance of ensuring health and well-being for everyone, at every stage of life.

Water festival to help boost tourism

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 12:26 AM PDT

The traditional Myanmar Thingyan Water Festival this year will be something special, says U Myo Yi, chair of Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (Mandalay Zone).

Thingyan fever picks up in Mandalay

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 12:22 AM PDT

This year's Thingyan or water festival in Mandalay city will recapture the traditional spirit and festivities to attract revellers as well as foreign visitors, with ethnic pandals (fabricated structures) to be erected along 26th and 78th streets reaching the 66th Street around the palace moat, according to Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC).

Bus companies urged not raise fares during festival

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 12:20 AM PDT

Bus companies have been urged to maintain fare prices and not take advantage of the festive season to raise them.

First-ever Schuman Awards granted to Myanmar citizens

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 12:14 AM PDT

European Union (EU) Ambassador Roland Kobia presented Schuman Awards to U Ko Ni (posthumous), Daw Ja Nan Lahtaw and U Aung Myo Min in Yangon on April 4.

Incentive bonus for highway bus companies

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 12:11 AM PDT

The Mandalay Supervisory Committee for Highway Bus Lines has given out more than K40 million in incentives to 146 bus lines that fall under its supervision for the 2016-17 fiscal year on Wednesday.

Myanmar, Netherlands plant seeds of accord

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 11:57 PM PDT

Myanmar and the Netherlands have planted the seeds of cooperation to develop the local agricultural sector, especially the development of high yielding crop seeds.

KOICA-funded agri training school opens

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 11:56 PM PDT

A training school for agricultural mechanisation (Yezin) on the University of Yezin campus in Zeyathiri township, Nay Pyi Taw, was opened on March 31, according to a statement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.

FDA to promote food safety awareness

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 11:50 PM PDT

Vital information on the safety of food, drugs and cosmetic products in the market will be extended to people in rural areas starting next month, said DrThan Htut, Director General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Forest lands development closely scrutinised

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 11:46 PM PDT

Government-approved projects to develop and cultivate portions of forests are closely scrutinised by relevant authorities to ensure there are no wrongdoings, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation said today.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

2 shot dead, 1 injured by gunman in Mong Kung

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 01:06 AM PDT

Two men were shot dead and another injured by unknown assailants in southern Shan State's Mong Kung Township.


According to a local activist who wished to remain anonymous, the incident occurred on the evening of April 3, near Parng Kethu tract, 19 miles from Mong Kung. Two men died at the scene while the other was taken to a local hospital.

"The three victims were identified as Loong Teaja, Loong Sarng Su Lai and Sai Sarng Htun," said the source. "Loong Teaja and Loong Sarng Su Lai died immediately. Sai Sarng Htun was wounded on his hands and taken to hospital."

The source said no eye-witnesses had come forward nor clues established. However, he said, it was suspected that the victims were shot by a people's militia group as an act of vengeance because Loong Teaja had been a soldier for the Wanparng People's Militia No. 758, whose leader Maj. Sai Toi was assassinated in September last year.

The Wanparng People's Militia has been active in Namsarng and Lai Kha townships. Before its former leader Col. Murngzuen surrendered to the Burmese military in 2005, the militia had been armed as Brigade 758 of the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA).

However when Col. Murngzuen was killed in 2010, leadership passed to Maj. Sai Toi who soon after suffered a similar fate.
By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)

SNLD patron Loong Hein Swe Moe passes away, aged 91

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 11:24 PM PDT

Loong [Uncle] Hein Swe Moe, the patron of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), passed away yesterday at the age of 91 in Mandalay, according to the party's spokesperson.


Sai Leik confirmed that the party veteran died peacefully on the afternoon of April 6 in his home in Marthayar, Mandalay. His body is to be cremated on Saturday.

"Loong Hein Swe Moe was a respected person," he said. "When the SNLD was established in 1988 in Yangon, at that time U Thet Win was the chairman. But it wasn't very successful because it did not include the Mandalay members. When they held another meeting in 1989, Khun Htun Oo was selected as chairman and Loong Hein Swe Moe became patron."

He added: "He has been our party patron ever since."

The SNLD spokesman further praised Loong Hein Swe Moe, noting that his house was a regular venue for party meetings. He took responsibility for everything, including food, accommodation and transportation, said Sai Leik.

Prominent in several avenues of Shan affairs, Loong Hein Swe Moe was also the patron for the Shan Literature and Culture Association in Mandalay since its establishment.

Loong Hein Swe Moe was an ethnic Palaung from northern Shan State's Namhsan Township. He married Nang Ei Kham Leang, who passed away about 10 years ago. He leaves behind six children.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)

THE AFTERMATH OF BY-ELECTION: Shan Party's success indicates abandonment of tactical voting that brought NLD to power

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 08:25 PM PDT


The by-elections for 19 seats in Burma's parliament were held on April 1, 2017, which was contested by 94 candidates {18 each from the Nationalities League for Democracy (NLD) and Union Solidarity Development Party (USDP), 51 from different ethnic political parties and seven individual candidates} from 24 political parties.

Accordingly, the NLD secured nine out of 19 vacant constituencies, followed by the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), with six seats (31.5 per cent), the Union Solidarity and Development Party with two seats (10 per cent) and the Arakan National Party (ANP) and the All Nationalities Democracy Party with one seat each.

Voter turnout was low in Rangoon but relatively high in ethnic areas. Across the country as a whole, 784,909 out of 2.13 million eligible voters (about 35 percent) cast their ballots. Reportedly, the turnout in ethnic states of Arakan, Chin, Karenni and Shan were said to be between 50 to 75 percent, while it was between 12 to 29 percent in Rangoon area, according to various media reports.

The ethnic parties good showing in Arakan, Karenni and Shan, especially in Shan State by the SNLD wining 6 seats out of 8 contested seats, might be an indication that the ethnic electorate has resorted to endorse their homegrown parties and abandoned their tactical voting behavior that ushered the NLD into the position of governance, in 2015.

Although the NLD still came out first nationwide with 9 seats won, making its win almost half the total of contested seats, it's waning popularity with the ethnic electorate is alarmingly becoming the case in point, which probably is due to the inability of the NLD to fulfill its election campaign promises of "time to change", particularly, its indifferent attitude to seriously amend the constitution and end the Burma Army offensive wars in ethnic states, that directly impacted on them.

While many see this as a negative trend that the NLD has to correct, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi didn't seem to feel the heat.

Recently Suu Kyi dismissed the speculation that her failed approach in ethnic politics might have been the result of her party poor showing in ethnic states to the BBC by saying, that the NLD has never won in all the said contested constituencies and only won the Chaungzon, in Mon State, during the election in 2015 with a very slight margin. Thus, the loss of this constituency was the only real setback but the whole situation remained the same.

Whatever the case, the point to be made here is that the ethnic nationalities tactical voting to endorse the NLD during the 2015 nationwide election is now changed to self-reliance and empowering the ethnic political parties, as SNLD and ANP have shown in this by-election.

The memory is still fresh for the ethnic nationalities with regard to lack of cooperation and accommodation where the NLD is concerned.

They are: taking in ethnic individuals into its administration, in the name of national reconciliation, instead of forging coalition with ethnic political parties; refusal to accommodate ethnic political parties that should have formed state coalition government with the NLD and endorsing their people to the chief minister positions, such as ANP that won the most vote in Arakan State and the SNLD, which came out as the second winning party ahead of the NLD in Shan State; blaming the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) for the war in the north; and taking sides by honoring Burma Army soldiers with bravery credentials that had fought running battles with the EAOs and so on.

But even then, the SNLD recently reach out to the NLD to work together for the benefit of the country, shortly after winning it's 6 parliamentary seats.

With the changing political reality on the ground, it is natural that new strategies would also have to be thought out on how to navigate the political waters for all stakeholders.

For the SNLD leadership it seems to prefer the Committee Representing the People's Parliament
(CRPP) days - when the Military refused to hand over political power even the NLD and SNLD had won the 1990 nationwide election – kind of cooperation or coalition between parties. United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), an alliance of ethnic political parties, might also go for the same line of approach.

The 2020 nationwide election, another four years away, would also be played out quite differently, as the 88 generation leaders are gearing to launch a political party that could split the Bamar population votes into at least two within the democratic camp, coupled with the withdrawal of the ethnic nationalities tactical voting in ethnic states, that had backed the NLD to win the 2015 election.

Given such an alteration in political landscape configuration, which until NLD came to power last year was only seen as a struggle between the military and ethnic-democratic camp, the NLD would need to adjust its strategy if it likes to be still in position of governance.

In other words, it needs to be an able, willing coalition party and choose like-minded partner or partners carefully if it would like to carry on its unfinished task of state-building and national reconciliation. Because it is highly likely, the NLD wouldn't be able to achieve an absolute majority easily without the ethnic tactical vote and endorsement, like in 2015.

It is high time that the NLD rethink its strategy on the ethnic nationalities as a whole to be in tune with its election campaign promises and the changing political climate.
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Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Auditor General: Rangoon Losing Tens of Billions to Previous Govt’s Lease Agreements

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 08:24 AM PDT

A report reveals that the govt has suffered a whopping 57.923 billion kyat loss from long-term reduced rent leasing agreements in public parks.

The post Auditor General: Rangoon Losing Tens of Billions to Previous Govt's Lease Agreements appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

What is in Store During U Htin Kyaw’s China Trip?

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 06:36 AM PDT

The challenge for the delegation will be to act in Burma's national interests, and to refrain from bending to Beijing's dominance.

The post What is in Store During U Htin Kyaw's China Trip? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Kachin IDP Camps Cut Rations for Men

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 05:05 AM PDT

Able-bodied men aged between 19 and 35 will no longer receive food rations in two internally displaced persons camps.

The post Kachin IDP Camps Cut Rations for Men appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

RCSS/SSA-S Clashes with Burma Army

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 03:34 AM PDT

The SSA-S, the armed wing of the RCSS, a signatory of the nationwide ceasefire agreement, clashes with the Burma Army in Shan State.

The post RCSS/SSA-S Clashes with Burma Army appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UNFC to Visit Wa

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 03:15 AM PDT

In a further show of unity among ethnic armed groups, the ethnic bloc says it wants to make its NCA position clear, and avoid 'misunderstanding.'

The post UNFC to Visit Wa appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Lawmakers Call For Review of Rangoon’s New Bus System

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 01:58 AM PDT

Legislator U Wai Phyo Han of Insein Township submits a proposal to audit the Yangon Bus Service (YBS), comparing it to the old, haphazard Ma Hta Tha system.

The post Lawmakers Call For Review of Rangoon's New Bus System appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Says No Ethnic Cleansing in Arakan State

Posted: 05 Apr 2017 11:51 PM PDT

Burma's leader tells the BBC ethnic cleansing is "too strong an expression to use for what is happening" in Arakan State.

The post Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Says No Ethnic Cleansing in Arakan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KNU to Elect New Leaders

Posted: 05 Apr 2017 11:41 PM PDT

More than 200 Karen National Union representatives will cast votes to elect new leadership at their 16th Congress in Hpa-An, Karen State.

The post KNU to Elect New Leaders appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China May Scrap Divisive Dam in Burma to Advance Other Interests: Sources

Posted: 05 Apr 2017 09:33 PM PDT

China has shifted its position in a lengthy dispute with Burma over the building of a $3.6 billion dam, sources say.

The post China May Scrap Divisive Dam in Burma to Advance Other Interests: Sources appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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