The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Military Denies Army Chief Used Twitter after Company Blocks Account
• Buddhist Nationalists Force Shut Down of Three Ramadan Worship Sites in Yangon
• Secession, Confederation, Federalism or Decentralization?
• Peace Process Is Foundering, KNU Chief Tells EAOs
• Tensions High as Security Forces Deployed in Loikaw
• Yangon Timeout
• Parliament Approves $40M French Loan to Upgrade Hydropower Plants
• Sri Lanka Says Hardline Buddhist Groups Likely to Blame for Anti-Muslim Attacks
• People are Dying: UN Official Urges Aid Access for Myanmar’s Rakhine State
• No Sewing Please, We’re Sex Workers: Thai Prostitutes Battle Stigma

Military Denies Army Chief Used Twitter after Company Blocks Account Posted: 16 May 2019 06:54 AM PDT Spokesman says he does not know to whom the account "@SGMinAungHLaing" belonged

Buddhist Nationalists Force Shut Down of Three Ramadan Worship Sites in Yangon Posted: 16 May 2019 06:09 AM PDT Buddhist Nationalists gathered around and stormed into buildings lawfully hosting Ramadan services in South Dagon Township, shutting them down until further notice.

Secession, Confederation, Federalism or Decentralization? Posted: 16 May 2019 05:50 AM PDT With EAOs and the government at a standstill in peace negotiations, what is the best way forward for Myanmar?

Peace Process Is Foundering, KNU Chief Tells EAOs Posted: 16 May 2019 05:36 AM PDT Chiang Mai summit of NCA signatories considers scrapping its Steering Team

Tensions High as Security Forces Deployed in Loikaw Posted: 16 May 2019 04:14 AM PDT Shortly after the collapse of the final round of meetings between government and anti-statue representatives, authorities in Loikaw have assigned security troops in the area.

Yangon Timeout Posted: 16 May 2019 03:01 AM PDT From parties to performance art to exhibitions by renowned and up-and-coming artists, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Yangon in the coming week.

Parliament Approves $40M French Loan to Upgrade Hydropower Plants Posted: 16 May 2019 01:57 AM PDT The loan, approved amid nationwide blackouts caused by power insufficiencies, is to be used to upgrade five hydropower plants to generate a combined capacity of 646,000 megawatts.

Sri Lanka Says Hardline Buddhist Groups Likely to Blame for Anti-Muslim Attacks Posted: 15 May 2019 10:05 PM PDT Seventy-eight suspected rioters have been arrested, including three described as Sinhala Buddhists extremists investigated for similar crimes last year.

People are Dying: UN Official Urges Aid Access for Myanmar’s Rakhine State Posted: 15 May 2019 09:37 PM PDT The Myanmar government's refusal to allow aid workers access to parts of embattled Rakhine State is costing the lives of their own citizens, Mueller says.

No Sewing Please, We’re Sex Workers: Thai Prostitutes Battle Stigma Posted: 15 May 2019 09:37 PM PDT With prostitution officially illegal in Thailand, sex workers at Can Do Bar collectively own the bar and thus benefit from health insurance, fixed hours and time off.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Rakhine CSOs Feel Overlooked in UN Envoy Visit
• Big Bad Wolf Book Fair Heads to Mandalay
• Documenting Contemporary Art in an Era of Cultural Evolution
• Parliament Paves Way for Environmental, Ecological Conservation with IPBES Membership Approval
• Military, KNU Leaders Hold Informal Talks in Yangon
• 17 Injured as Police Break up Protest Against Cement Factory Project in Mandalay
• Sri Lanka Police Arrest 23 for Targeting Muslims after Easter Bombings
• Vietnam to Mobilize Military in Fight Against African Swine Fever
• UN Investigators Urge Nations to Snap Financial Ties with Myanmar Military
• A New High: Indigenous Thai Farmers Swap Opium for Coffee, Land

Rakhine CSOs Feel Overlooked in UN Envoy Visit Posted: 15 May 2019 07:34 AM PDT Representatives of grassroots groups who have working on the ground in conflict-affected parts of Rakhine regret not being invited to meet UNOCHA envoy Ursula Muller.

Big Bad Wolf Book Fair Heads to Mandalay Posted: 15 May 2019 06:14 AM PDT After drawing large crowds in Yangon, organizers of the 'world's biggest book sale' hope to repeat their success in the country's second-largest city.

Documenting Contemporary Art in an Era of Cultural Evolution Posted: 15 May 2019 04:51 AM PDT Through the voices of prominent local artists, video magazine Silence is Golden records contemporary art in Myanmar since the transition to democracy began.

Parliament Paves Way for Environmental, Ecological Conservation with IPBES Membership Approval Posted: 15 May 2019 04:00 AM PDT As Myanmar faces environmental emergencies, the Parliament's approval to join an intergovernmental committee on climate change offers a needed step in the right direction.

Military, KNU Leaders Hold Informal Talks in Yangon Posted: 15 May 2019 02:35 AM PDT Karen group says two sides agree on need to resume regular political dialogue

17 Injured as Police Break up Protest Against Cement Factory Project in Mandalay Posted: 14 May 2019 11:40 PM PDT Two villagers arrested; protesters refuse to allow firefighters to enter site after setting fires, but relent after negotiating with police.

Sri Lanka Police Arrest 23 for Targeting Muslims after Easter Bombings Posted: 14 May 2019 10:26 PM PDT Muslims in Sri Lankan towns hit by sectarian violence and rioting have been forced to hide in fields to escape armed mobs burning mosques and Muslim-owned businesses.

Vietnam to Mobilize Military in Fight Against African Swine Fever Posted: 14 May 2019 09:42 PM PDT Many provinces had failed to detect outbreaks and cull infected pigs properly due to the lack of funds and space required for burying the dead pigs, the government said.

UN Investigators Urge Nations to Snap Financial Ties with Myanmar Military Posted: 14 May 2019 09:38 PM PDT The investigation team suggested for those with financial, political and economic ties with the military to be called out.

A New High: Indigenous Thai Farmers Swap Opium for Coffee, Land Posted: 14 May 2019 09:25 PM PDT The Doi Tung Development Project is held up by the United Nations as a model for ending narcotic drug cultivation and improving the lives of indigenous communities.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Myanmar Can No Longer Afford to Ignore the Threat of Nationalism
• Arakanese in U.S. Protest Myanmar Army Killings of Civilians in Rakhine
• Karenni Activists Walk Out of Gov’t Meeting
• China-Backed Muse-Mandalay Railway to Cost $9 Billion
• Gov’t to Buy Electricity from China to Cover Shortfall
• Three Inmates Who Live-Streamed Shwebo Prison Riot Punished
• USDP-Proposed Charter Amendment to be Examined by Panel, Not Parliament
• Police Arrest 188 Illegal Chinese with Weapons, Drugs in Tachileik
• Four Arrested in Malaysia Suspected of Plotting Ramadan Attacks
• China, US Have ‘Wisdom’ to Resolve Trade Dispute, Says Beijing’s Top Diplomat
• Vietnam Intensifies Crackdown on Online Dissent: Amnesty Report
• Prison Riot Investigation Must Address Inhumane Conditions

Myanmar Can No Longer Afford to Ignore the Threat of Nationalism Posted: 14 May 2019 07:05 AM PDT With an election looming, we can only expect their hate-mongering to intensify

Arakanese in U.S. Protest Myanmar Army Killings of Civilians in Rakhine Posted: 14 May 2019 06:59 AM PDT About 100 demonstrators gather outside Myanmar Embassy, call for independent probe of possible war crimes over detainee deaths

Karenni Activists Walk Out of Gov’t Meeting Posted: 14 May 2019 04:53 AM PDT A speech by the Kayah chief minister caused the rights activists to storm out of the latest round of meetings held to settle disputes over the statue of Gen. Aung San.

China-Backed Muse-Mandalay Railway to Cost $9 Billion Posted: 14 May 2019 04:35 AM PDT A feasibility test has been carried out by China and specific details of the construction will be finalized by the end of 2019.

Gov’t to Buy Electricity from China to Cover Shortfall Posted: 14 May 2019 03:44 AM PDT Two-year deal to see 1,000 MW of power supplied by China Southern Power Grid

Three Inmates Who Live-Streamed Shwebo Prison Riot Punished Posted: 14 May 2019 03:12 AM PDT Investigators will announce soon whether prison authorities face disciplinary action, official says

USDP-Proposed Charter Amendment to be Examined by Panel, Not Parliament Posted: 14 May 2019 02:39 AM PDT Military MP stood in protest to the legislature's vote for a proposed amendment to Article 261 to be discussed by the Charter-Amendment Panel.

Police Arrest 188 Illegal Chinese with Weapons, Drugs in Tachileik Posted: 14 May 2019 12:47 AM PDT Suspects believed to be involved in gambling, officials in Shan State border town say.

Four Arrested in Malaysia Suspected of Plotting Ramadan Attacks Posted: 13 May 2019 10:36 PM PDT The suspects include two Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, an Indonesian and a Malaysian, police said.

China, US Have ‘Wisdom’ to Resolve Trade Dispute, Says Beijing’s Top Diplomat Posted: 13 May 2019 09:41 PM PDT Both China and the U.S. have ramped up their trade war with both sides imposing new tariffs targeting imports.

Vietnam Intensifies Crackdown on Online Dissent: Amnesty Report Posted: 13 May 2019 09:29 PM PDT Nearly 10 percent of the 128 prisoners held in Vietnam for expressing dissenting views were jailed for posting anti-State comments on social media platforms the report said.

Prison Riot Investigation Must Address Inhumane Conditions Posted: 13 May 2019 07:12 PM PDT To prevent further disturbances, the pardon system must be more clearly explained to inmates.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Fighting Spreads as AA Attacks Army Convoy in S. Rakhine
• Thai, Myanmar Hotel Operators Sign MOU for $63 Million Project
• Lawmaker Blocked from Asking about Gov’t-Military Ties on House Floor
• Warring Shan Armed Groups Agree to Ceasefire
• U Thant to be Honored with Statue in Nepal
• After the Fanfare, Back to Basics—The UWSA and Ceasefire Realities
• INSIGHT-South Korea’s Latest Big Export: Jobless College Graduates
• China Defiant Toward U.S. on Trade, Kudlow Urges Strong Enforcement Steps

Fighting Spreads as AA Attacks Army Convoy in S. Rakhine Posted: 13 May 2019 07:37 AM PDT Army denies AA's claim to have killed 4 soldiers in separate clash in Ponnagyun

Thai, Myanmar Hotel Operators Sign MOU for $63 Million Project Posted: 13 May 2019 06:29 AM PDT Thai-based Centara and Myanmar-owned KMA Hotels announced plans to renovate and reopen three KMA hotels and develop three new ones in Myanmar under the Centara brand.

Lawmaker Blocked from Asking about Gov’t-Military Ties on House Floor Posted: 13 May 2019 05:46 AM PDT NLD member's question removed from list of questions to be asked publicly

Warring Shan Armed Groups Agree to Ceasefire Posted: 13 May 2019 04:35 AM PDT The armed wings of the SSPP and the RCSS have agreed to lay down arms and take to the negotiation table to settle their ongoing disputes over territory.

U Thant to be Honored with Statue in Nepal Posted: 13 May 2019 02:19 AM PDT The first non-European United Nations secretary-general, U Thant was the first to suggest Lumbini as an international pilgrimage site and symbol of tolerance and world peace.

After the Fanfare, Back to Basics—The UWSA and Ceasefire Realities Posted: 12 May 2019 11:20 PM PDT The United Wa State Army's 30th anniversary peace celebration was a new spectacle of strength and autonomy, but their precise demands remain unchanged.

INSIGHT-South Korea’s Latest Big Export: Jobless College Graduates Posted: 12 May 2019 10:28 PM PDT One in four Korean youths, shying away from foreign-occupied blue collar work, remain jobless, while companies like Japan Inc snap up desperate Korean college grads.

China Defiant Toward U.S. on Trade, Kudlow Urges Strong Enforcement Steps Posted: 12 May 2019 09:33 PM PDT The Trump aministration accused China of reneging on agreements to changes in Chinese law, yet claims to be positioned "right where we want to be with China."

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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Myanmar pilot safely lands plane on its nose after landing gear failure Posted: 12 May 2019 06:06 AM PDT It is the second aviation incident in Myanmar this week, after a Biman Bangladesh Airlines plane skidded off the runway in Yangon.

When Helen Keller Visited Myanmar Posted: 11 May 2019 06:42 PM PDT On this day in 1955, social activist and disability rights pioneer Helen Keller arrived in Yangon, where she met with national leaders and toured facilities for the deaf and blind.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle with Chemical-Free Food Posted: 10 May 2019 07:42 PM PDT Organic Valley sells natural food products, supporting chemical-free farming communities in an effort to promote healthier living in Myanmar.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Good News, but Not the News We Need
• Army Shoots Motorcycle Driver Dead in N. Rakhine
• Fostering Pride in the Art of Chin Textile Weaving
• Parliament Pushes for Identity Cards to be Issued to IDPs
• Yangon Business Forum Spurs New Investment
• Suspicions Raised in Mon State Development Contract
• The Living History: Dagon Taya & Modern Myanmar Literature
• Prison Riots Were Coordinated, President’s Office Says
• Poor Pakistani Women Trafficked as ‘Brides’ to China
• Indonesian President Says to Go All Out in Second Term to Boost Economic Reform
• Referendum on Military-Drafted Constitution Pursued Amid Cyclone Devastation

Good News, but Not the News We Need Posted: 10 May 2019 07:41 AM PDT The spectacle of a government using the only tool at its disposal to protect journalists—a presidential pardon—is no cause for celebration.

Army Shoots Motorcycle Driver Dead in N. Rakhine Posted: 10 May 2019 06:08 AM PDT Ferry operator, 36, was returning to his home in Kyauktaw Township; Army says he was an AA member who had attempted to kill soldiers with a landmine.

Fostering Pride in the Art of Chin Textile Weaving Posted: 10 May 2019 04:33 AM PDT Yo Ya May supports 200 weavers in the remote hills of Chin and Rakhine states by selling their handwoven textiles in Yangon and beyond.

Parliament Pushes for Identity Cards to be Issued to IDPs Posted: 10 May 2019 04:25 AM PDT Those living in Myanmar's IDP camps face difficulties in movement and accessing health and education services without national citizenship ID cards.

Yangon Business Forum Spurs New Investment Posted: 10 May 2019 04:20 AM PDT Around 1,200 attended the Yangon Investment Forum 2019 in Yangon this week, where officials touted the city's investment advantages to potential investors.

Suspicions Raised in Mon State Development Contract Posted: 10 May 2019 03:18 AM PDT In Mon State, parliamentarians and a former state minister are accusing their chief minister of going around the law to give a development contract to a private company.

The Living History: Dagon Taya & Modern Myanmar Literature Posted: 10 May 2019 02:50 AM PDT To mark what would have been his 100th birthday today, The Irrawaddy revisits this 2013 article on the late novelist and poet Dagon Taya.

Prison Riots Were Coordinated, President’s Office Says Posted: 10 May 2019 01:15 AM PDT Gov't vows to investigate deadly violence at 7 prisons; advocacy group calls for independent probe

Poor Pakistani Women Trafficked as ‘Brides’ to China Posted: 09 May 2019 09:48 PM PDT A network of illicit marriage brokers is targeting Pakistan's impoverished Christian minority, campaigners say.

Indonesian President Says to Go All Out in Second Term to Boost Economic Reform Posted: 09 May 2019 09:26 PM PDT Speaking to regional leaders at the launch of a new economic roadmap called "Vision Indonesia 2045," Joko Widodo promises to cut red tape hampering investment.

Referendum on Military-Drafted Constitution Pursued Amid Cyclone Devastation Posted: 09 May 2019 07:42 PM PDT Eleven years ago today, with corpses piled high in the wake of a deadly cyclone, the Myanmar military continued with a referendum to ratify the constitution they drafted.

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