The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Yangon Zoo, the Oldest One in Southeast Asia
• Myanmar Parliamentary Committee Finalizes Proposed Changes for Undemocratic Constitution
• Busy Schedule Awaits Chinese President Xi During His 2-Day Visit to Myanmar  
• Myanmar Military, AA Swap Blame for Civilian Deaths in Chin State
• Widely Viewed as Ghosn Reference, Yamaha’s Tweet Over Instrument Case Goes Viral
• High Court Rescinds ex-Pakistan President Musharraf’s Death Sentence
• US Drops China’s ‘Currency Manipulator’ Label Ahead of Trade Deal Signing
• Australia’s Koalas, Wallabies Endangered by Bushfire ‘Ecological Disaster’

Yangon Zoo, the Oldest One in Southeast Asia Posted: 14 Jan 2020 06:02 AM PST It is 114 years since the opening of Yangon's zoo, which is the oldest in Southeast Asia. The zoo has survived World War II and attempts to relocate it to the suburbs.

Myanmar Parliamentary Committee Finalizes Proposed Changes for Undemocratic Constitution Posted: 14 Jan 2020 05:32 AM PST The Constitution Amendment Committee has finished reviewing proposed changes, moving the amendment process one step closer to submitting two bills to Parliament.

Busy Schedule Awaits Chinese President Xi During His 2-Day Visit to Myanmar   Posted: 14 Jan 2020 01:54 AM PST During his Jan. 17-18 visit, Chinese President Xi will sign MOUs, meet political, military and other leaders, and preside over celebrations of 70 years of bilateral ties.

Myanmar Military, AA Swap Blame for Civilian Deaths in Chin State Posted: 14 Jan 2020 01:46 AM PST The Myanmar military and the Arakan Army have both said that the other side is responsible for the deaths of three civilians last week in Chin State.

Widely Viewed as Ghosn Reference, Yamaha’s Tweet Over Instrument Case Goes Viral Posted: 13 Jan 2020 09:32 PM PST A tweet by Yamaha Music warning of the dangers of putting a person inside a musical instrument case—seen as an allusion to ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn—has gone viral.

High Court Rescinds ex-Pakistan President Musharraf’s Death Sentence Posted: 13 Jan 2020 09:21 PM PST A court in Pakistan has overturned ex-president Pervez Musharraf's death sentence, saying the special tribunal that handed it down was unconstitutional.

US Drops China’s ‘Currency Manipulator’ Label Ahead of Trade Deal Signing Posted: 13 Jan 2020 09:17 PM PST The US Treasury said it no longer considers China to be a currency manipulator, days before the two countries are due to sign a trade agreement.

Australia’s Koalas, Wallabies Endangered by Bushfire ‘Ecological Disaster’ Posted: 13 Jan 2020 09:15 PM PST Canberra has committed 50 million Australian dollars to a wildlife recovery program as koalas, rock wallabies and other species face an extinction threat from bushfires.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Auditor-General Raises Concerns That Yangon MPs Can’t Properly Debate Govt Spending Without Her Full Report
• Six BRI Projects in Myanmar to Monitor During Chinese President Xi’s Trip
• TIMELINE: China-Myanmar Relations
• Rakhine Baby Shot Dead by Myanmar Soldiers: Father
• AA Soldiers Beat Civilians After Attempted Rape in Myanmar’s Chin State
• Iran Apologizes to Ukraine for Accidentally Shooting Down Airliner

• China Virus Outbreak Linked to Seafood Market Not Spreading: WHO
• Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen Faces a Tough 2nd Term After Election Victory

Auditor-General Raises Concerns That Yangon MPs Can’t Properly Debate Govt Spending Without Her Full Report Posted: 13 Jan 2020 05:57 AM PST The Yangon auditor-general is unhappy with the summary of her FY2017-18 report, and says it won't allow MPs to properly scrutinize the regional government's spending.

Six BRI Projects in Myanmar to Monitor During Chinese President Xi’s Trip Posted: 13 Jan 2020 05:19 AM PST President Xi Jinping is likely to secure agreements on six key BRI projects when he makes the first visit by a Chinese head of state in nearly two decades this week.

TIMELINE: China-Myanmar Relations Posted: 13 Jan 2020 04:50 AM PST This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the People's Republic of China. The Irrawaddy presents a timeline of key events.

Rakhine Baby Shot Dead by Myanmar Soldiers: Father Posted: 13 Jan 2020 04:32 AM PST A Rakhine villager says Myanmar troops shot his baby boy dead while they were returning to their village after fleeing fighting in December.

AA Soldiers Beat Civilians After Attempted Rape in Myanmar’s Chin State Posted: 13 Jan 2020 04:14 AM PST A local group says Arakan Army soldiers beat civilians in Paletwa, Chin State when they attempted to stop one soldier from raping an ethnic Khumi woman.

Iran Apologizes to Ukraine for Accidentally Shooting Down Airliner Posted: 12 Jan 2020 09:38 PM PST Iranian president apologizes to Ukrainian leader for the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner by Iran's military.

China Virus Outbreak Linked to Seafood Market Not Spreading: WHO Posted: 12 Jan 2020 09:26 PM PST The World Health Organization said a pneumonia outbreak that killed a person in Wuhan, China, does not appear to have spread beyond the city despite initial fears.

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen Faces a Tough 2nd Term After Election Victory Posted: 12 Jan 2020 09:22 PM PST After winning Saturday's presidential election in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen must now make good on her promises to build on the foundations of her first term.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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The Irrawaddy Business Roundup Posted: 10 Jan 2020 08:30 PM PST In the first week of 2020, Myanmar businesses forged new financial partnerships, hosted jade emporiums and made progress on an international transparency initiative.

For India, There Are Many Reasons to Engage Myanmar Posted: 10 Jan 2020 06:30 PM PST If India wants to secure its place as a regional power in the Indo-Pacific, a stable and autonomous Myanmar is very much in its interest.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Detained NLD Lawmaker From Myanmar’s Chin State Won’t Be Released Soon: Arakan Army
• Myanmar Govt Denies Its Move to Allow Officials to Import Cars Tax-Free Is Vote Grab
• Karenni Activists Demand Meeting With Suu Kyi to Raise Issues Over Statues and Land During Visit
• Myanmar Supreme Court Declines to Increase Sentences of Pair Jailed in Murder of NLD Legal Adviser
• Ta’ang Rights Group Blames Myanmar Military for Targeting Civilians
• Myanmar Army Attacks Kachin Independence Army Base
• Bangladeshi Army Installs Barbwire Fence Along Rohingya Camps
• Myanmar, China to Sign Agreements on SEZ, Border Economic Cooperation During President Xi’s Visit
• Japan, China to Craft New Political Document for Xi’s State Visit
• US Believes Iran Accidentally Shot Down Ukraine Airliner; Tehran Denies Claim
• Thailand’s Fugitive ex-PM Siblings Tout New DNA Venture at Vegas Expo
• One Woman Reports a Rape Every 15 Minutes in India, Govt Figures Show

Detained NLD Lawmaker From Myanmar’s Chin State Won’t Be Released Soon: Arakan Army Posted: 10 Jan 2020 06:26 AM PST The Arakan Army vows to keep a Chin State lawmaker who was abducted in November in custody, but refuses to provide proof that he is still alive.

Myanmar Govt Denies Its Move to Allow Officials to Import Cars Tax-Free Is Vote Grab Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:16 AM PST Commerce Minister Dr. Than Myint has denied claims the government's decision to issue officials permits to import cars tax-free was politically motivated.

Karenni Activists Demand Meeting With Suu Kyi to Raise Issues Over Statues and Land During Visit Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:04 AM PST Karenni activists jailed last year for protests against a statue of her father say the State Counselor should address anger over the issue and others.

Myanmar Supreme Court Declines to Increase Sentences of Pair Jailed in Murder of NLD Legal Adviser Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:02 AM PST The Supreme Court has rejected prosecutors' appeal for heavier sentences for two men jailed in the U Ko Ni murder case, while upholding the death sentences of two others.

Ta’ang Rights Group Blames Myanmar Military for Targeting Civilians Posted: 10 Jan 2020 04:51 AM PST The Ta'ang Women's Organization says villagers are increasingly being targeted as violence increases between Myanmar's military and rebel armies in northern Shan State.

Myanmar Army Attacks Kachin Independence Army Base Posted: 10 Jan 2020 04:04 AM PST Myanmar's military attacked a Kachin Independence Army base in Shan State on Wednesday, ending a relative lull in violence between the two sides over the past year.

Bangladeshi Army Installs Barbwire Fence Along Rohingya Camps Posted: 10 Jan 2020 03:17 AM PST The Bangladeshi army is building a $24.6-million fence along Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar to 'protect the Rohingya… aid workers and other Bangladeshi officials.'

Myanmar, China to Sign Agreements on SEZ, Border Economic Cooperation During President Xi’s Visit Posted: 09 Jan 2020 10:33 PM PST Myanmar and China will ink MOUs preparing for construction of the Kyaukphyu SEZ in Rakhine, and boosting border economic ties when President Xi Jinping visits next week.

Japan, China to Craft New Political Document for Xi’s State Visit Posted: 09 Jan 2020 10:04 PM PST Tokyo and Beijing will reportedly unveil a new document laying the foundations for future bilateral relations when Chinese President Xi visits Japan this year.

US Believes Iran Accidentally Shot Down Ukraine Airliner; Tehran Denies Claim Posted: 09 Jan 2020 09:51 PM PST Tehran denies US reports that Ukrainian airliner was accidentally shot down by Iranian missile.

Thailand’s Fugitive ex-PM Siblings Tout New DNA Venture at Vegas Expo Posted: 09 Jan 2020 09:10 PM PST Ousted former Thai PMs Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra appear at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to promote new DNA nutrition app.

One Woman Reports a Rape Every 15 Minutes in India, Govt Figures Show Posted: 09 Jan 2020 08:47 PM PST Indian government data show that one woman reports a rape in the country every 15 minutes, underlining the slow pace of legal and social reforms to protect women.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Auditor’s Report Shows Financial Problems of Yangon Government
• Japanese Film Festival Expands to Myanmar’s Capital for 8th Edition
• Chinese President’s Upcoming Visit Seen as Bid to Gain Myanmar Leaders’ Commitment on BRI Projects
• Myanmar Christens Star ‘Ayeyarwady’ and Planet ‘Bagan’
• Giant Myanmar Irrawaddy Dolphin Died of Old Age: Environmentalists
• Myanmar Archaeologists Object to Construction Near Ancient Pagodas in Bagan
• Trump Denies Intent to Use Military Against Iran After Missile Attack
• Japan, China Concerned Over Economic Risks After US-Iran Showdown
• China’s CNPC Withdraws Staff From Iraqi Oilfield as Tensions Rise
• Australia Issues New Evacuation Alerts as Monster Bushfires Regenerate

Auditor’s Report Shows Financial Problems of Yangon Government Posted: 09 Jan 2020 06:56 AM PST Yangon auditor-general's report on the regional government's FY2017-18 spending reveals lost revenue, failure to collect fines and tax evasion, among other irregularities.

Japanese Film Festival Expands to Myanmar’s Capital for 8th Edition Posted: 09 Jan 2020 06:04 AM PST Movie fans in Naypyitaw got an early look at the 8th Japanese Film Festival this year, before it heads to Yangon and Mandalay.

Chinese President’s Upcoming Visit Seen as Bid to Gain Myanmar Leaders’ Commitment on BRI Projects Posted: 09 Jan 2020 05:55 AM PST Chinese president to visit Myanmar next week in what many see as a signal of the importance of the country to China's Indian Ocean strategy.

Myanmar Christens Star ‘Ayeyarwady’ and Planet ‘Bagan’ Posted: 09 Jan 2020 05:45 AM PST The International Astronomical Union has accepted Myanmar's nominations of Ayeyarwady and Bagan as the new names of a sun and planet located 553 light-years from Earth.

Giant Myanmar Irrawaddy Dolphin Died of Old Age: Environmentalists Posted: 09 Jan 2020 03:41 AM PST Activists and residents disagree about whether an Irrawaddy dolphin found dead in Mandalay Region this week was killed by electrofishing.

Myanmar Archaeologists Object to Construction Near Ancient Pagodas in Bagan Posted: 09 Jan 2020 03:23 AM PST The Myanmar Archaeology Association has spoken out about a construction project near ancient Pyu-era pagodas in Bagan, saying it threatens the historical site.

Trump Denies Intent to Use Military Against Iran After Missile Attack Posted: 08 Jan 2020 09:36 PM PST US President Donald Trump warns Tehran of tougher sanctions following Iranian missile strikes on US forces in Iraq, but says no military action planned.

Japan, China Concerned Over Economic Risks After US-Iran Showdown Posted: 08 Jan 2020 09:34 PM PST Japanese, Chinese economic ministers express concerns about effects of Middle East tensions on financial markets at Beijing meeting.

China’s CNPC Withdraws Staff From Iraqi Oilfield as Tensions Rise Posted: 08 Jan 2020 09:17 PM PST Major Chinese oil company CNPC has pulled about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oilfield in Iraq as tensions rise following the US killing of an Iranian general.

Australia Issues New Evacuation Alerts as Monster Bushfires Regenerate Posted: 08 Jan 2020 09:03 PM PST More evacuation warnings issued in Australia as bushfires across the country's southeast flare up and weather conditions worsen.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• At Myanmar Peace Talks, State Counselor Urges All Parties to Put Country First
• Myanmar Freedom of Expression Advocates Call on Military to Stop Suing Critics
• Mon Ethnic Party: Myanmar Gov’t, Military Lack Political Will for Federalism, Equality
• Mine Blast Kills 4 Rohingya Children in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
• Bangladesh Border Chief Demands Rohingya Return to Myanmar
• ‘Have Fun in Burma’: A Fictional Exploration of Intercultural Misunderstanding
• Myanmar Military Detains 2 Unarmed RCSS Members at Public Event in Shan State
• Western Union Cuts Ties to Myanmar Military-Owned Bank
• The Day Myanmar’s Oil Workers Downed Tools
• Philippines Orders Citizens in Iraq to Leave After Iran Attacks US Forces
• Ukrainian Boeing 737 crashes in Iran, Kiling All 170 Aboard
• Japanese Prosecutors Search Office of Ex-Nissan Boss Ghosn’s Lawyer 
• Man Pleads Not Guilty to 2016 Murder of 19 People at Japan Care Home
• Iran Launches Missile Attacks on US Forces in Iraq

At Myanmar Peace Talks, State Counselor Urges All Parties to Put Country First Posted: 08 Jan 2020 07:33 AM PST At the long-awaited resumption of the Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urges all parties to the peace talks to look beyond their own goals.

Myanmar Freedom of Expression Advocates Call on Military to Stop Suing Critics Posted: 08 Jan 2020 05:07 AM PST Freedom of expression advocates at Athan have demanded that Myanmar's military drop all lawsuits against critics and respect media rights.

Mon Ethnic Party: Myanmar Gov’t, Military Lack Political Will for Federalism, Equality Posted: 08 Jan 2020 04:50 AM PST The New Mon State Party has criticized the National League for Democracy for failing to bring peace, amend the Constitution or advance federalism and ethnic equality.

Mine Blast Kills 4 Rohingya Children in Myanmar’s Rakhine State Posted: 08 Jan 2020 04:22 AM PST A mine blast in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State killed four children and injured six others on Tuesday. The Myanmar military has blamed the Arakan Army.

Bangladesh Border Chief Demands Rohingya Return to Myanmar Posted: 08 Jan 2020 04:19 AM PST Bangladesh's border chief has told a police delegation from Myanmar that instability and crime will grow while 1.1 million Rohingya refugees remain near the border.

‘Have Fun in Burma’: A Fictional Exploration of Intercultural Misunderstanding Posted: 08 Jan 2020 03:00 AM PST As international scrutiny of Myanmar mounts, Rosalie Metro's novel offers perspective on how the values Westerners carry often undermine their well-intentioned efforts.

Myanmar Military Detains 2 Unarmed RCSS Members at Public Event in Shan State Posted: 08 Jan 2020 02:08 AM PST RCSS complains to military over detention of two unarmed members attending a community event in southern Shan State.

Western Union Cuts Ties to Myanmar Military-Owned Bank Posted: 08 Jan 2020 01:49 AM PST US-based money transfer company Western Union says it will no longer work with military-owned Myawaddy Bank following pressure from human rights organizations.

The Day Myanmar’s Oil Workers Downed Tools Posted: 07 Jan 2020 11:31 PM PST On this day in 1938, Burmah Oil workers in Magwe Region went on strike to demand better treatment. The strike spread into a wider movement against British colonial rule.

Philippines Orders Citizens in Iraq to Leave After Iran Attacks US Forces Posted: 07 Jan 2020 10:25 PM PST Philippine patrol vessel to sail to Middle East to assist in evacuation as Manila orders citizens to leave Iraq following Iranian missile strikes.

Ukrainian Boeing 737 crashes in Iran, Kiling All 170 Aboard Posted: 07 Jan 2020 10:12 PM PST At least 170 passengers on a Ukrainian airliner have been killed when the plane crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport; Iran state TV says technical problems were to blame.

Japanese Prosecutors Search Office of Ex-Nissan Boss Ghosn’s Lawyer  Posted: 07 Jan 2020 09:50 PM PST Prosecutors in Japan search office of ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn's lawyer after he refuses to hand over computer used by the fugitive.

Man Pleads Not Guilty to 2016 Murder of 19 People at Japan Care Home Posted: 07 Jan 2020 09:06 PM PST Japanese man accused of killing 19 residents of a care home for mentally disabled people near Tokyo in 2016 pleads not guilty.

Iran Launches Missile Attacks on US Forces in Iraq Posted: 07 Jan 2020 08:53 PM PST Iran fires at least a dozen missiles targeting US forces in Iraq; at least 56 killed in stampede ahead of funeral of Iranian commander killed by US.

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