Friday, January 13, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Kachin IDPs Return to Camps After Being Denied Entry at Chinese Border

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 04:58 AM PST

More than 4,000 internally displaced Kachin return to Zai Awng, Magayang and Hkau Shau camps, according to the Joint Strategy Team supporting IDPs.

The post Kachin IDPs Return to Camps After Being Denied Entry at Chinese Border appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Volunteers Jump on Board Regional Govt Launch of New Rangoon Bus System

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 04:47 AM PST

Hundreds of volunteers are signing up to work with philanthropic groups, the student union, and lawmakers to ease the transition to a new bus service.

The post Volunteers Jump on Board Regional Govt Launch of New Rangoon Bus System appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Govt Tackles Elephantiasis

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 04:25 AM PST

Door-to-door medication campaign to eradicate the disease will target 30 million people and cost 193 million kyats.

The post Govt Tackles Elephantiasis appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Two Civilians Killed by Artillery Strike in Namhsan

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 03:02 AM PST

Local sources blame the shelling on the Burma Army, but the Ministry of Defense points a finger at the TNLA.

The post Two Civilians Killed by Artillery Strike in Namhsan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Union Govt Cuts Irrawaddy Division’s Supplementary Budget

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 02:53 AM PST

Only 5.562 billion kyats of Irrawaddy Division's 9.646 billion-kyat proposal is granted.

The post Union Govt Cuts Irrawaddy Division's Supplementary Budget appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

‘Where the Land and Water End’ Exhibition

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 02:36 AM PST

A showing by German conceptual artist Wolfgang Laib is set up in Rangoon's Secretariat building.

The post 'Where the Land and Water End' Exhibition appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma, Bangladesh Agree to Talks on Refugees

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 09:42 PM PST

Bangladeshi Prime Minister tells foreign affairs ministry that Burma must accept back all 'Burma nationals' in Bangladesh.

The post Burma, Bangladesh Agree to Talks on Refugees appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Govt Awards Fourth Telecoms License

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 09:23 PM PST

Communications minister says the new company 'will help advance telecommunication in townships [and] rural mountain towns.'

The post Govt Awards Fourth Telecoms License appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Salween Peace Park: A Radical, Grassroots Alternative to Development in Karen State

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 06:17 PM PST

The aim 'is to demonstrate what truly good governance could be for the Salween River Basin,' says environmentalist Paul Sein Twa.

The post The Salween Peace Park: A Radical, Grassroots Alternative to Development in Karen State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

France donates 8 million euros for MDY water supply

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 12:48 AM PST

Mandalay city's sanitation department is in line for an upgrade after the European Union yesterday announced an 8 million euro (US$8.5 million) donation.

MCDC expands ‘smart’ traffic lights

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 12:46 AM PST

"Smart" traffic lights in Mandalay intended to increase pedestrian safety and keep traffic moving are to be installed in more locations this year. Sensor-operated Real Time Traffic Lights were first installed last year, along with a central control room, to reduce accidents, said the city's buildings and warehouses department. Another 10 sets of lights will be installed in March.

200 workers strike over unpaid wages

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 12:39 AM PST

Nearly 200 workers from a Yangon garment factory have been striking for the past week, demanding their unpaid wages.

‘Smart’ ID pilot project rolls out in 4 test areas

Posted: 13 Jan 2017 12:32 AM PST

A Pilot project to be launched in some states and regions will be another step toward replacing paper ID documents with an electronic card, officials say. U Myint Kyaing, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, told The Myanmar Times on January 11 that the pilot would help identify the practical difficulties of the scheme.

Unused land to be reclaimed: mayor

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 11:44 PM PST

Use it or lose it, companies granted plots of land in Mandalay are being told. Mandalay Mayor U Ye Lwin has announced that the city will take action against any company permitted to use city land but which has taken no steps to build on it.

Police get tough on seatbelt enforcement

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 11:43 PM PST

A Crackdown on Mandalay drivers has found 60 people failing to wear seat belts, police say. Officers are on the lookout for drivers failing to wear safety belts following a public education drive last November-December to acquaint motorists with the need for the safety measure.

Special envoy meets with Bangladesh PM, foreign minister

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 11:37 PM PST

As waves of refugees reportedly continue to pour into Bangladesh amid an ongoing security crackdown in northern Rakhine State, Myanmar dispatched a special envoy to meet with the neighbouring country this week.

NCA signatory groups call for urgent meeting

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 11:35 PM PST

Ethnic armed groups party to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement are requesting an urgent meeting with the state counsellor and Tatmadaw chief as a member of one of the groups prepares to face trial for unlawful association.

Budget, taxes and foreigner bill top agenda for coming Hluttaw session

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 11:31 PM PST

Financial and citizenship-related matters are likely to loom large in the forthcoming hluttaw session, MPs say. The fourth regular session of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, which opens on January 30, will deal with bills proposed by the government concerning the budget, taxes, the status of foreigners and extradition matters.

Mines Rules to be submitted for govt review this month

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 11:28 PM PST

The new Myanmar Mining Law could soon have regulatory teeth that support the implementation of the law and establish a state and Union power division in the licensing process, The Myanmar Times has learned.
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Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Palm Oil Projects Destroy Local Livelihoods: Report

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 05:41 AM PST

Palm oil plantations in Tenasserim Division harm villagers, cause land conflicts and pollute the environment, according to a new report.

The post Palm Oil Projects Destroy Local Livelihoods: Report appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Traffic Accidents Claim Nine Lives Every Week in Irrawaddy Division

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 04:52 AM PST

'The leading cause of death in traffic accidents was when motorcycle riders failed to wear helmets,' says the Road Transport Directorate.

The post Traffic Accidents Claim Nine Lives Every Week in Irrawaddy Division appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NCA Signatories Plan to Meet State Counselor, Burma Army Chief

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 04:39 AM PST

Eight armed groups meet to discuss how to proceed to national level dialogue prior to the second 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference.

The post NCA Signatories Plan to Meet State Counselor, Burma Army Chief appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Visa and KBZ to Produce Kyat-Denominated Credit Cards

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 03:55 AM PST

KBZ bank and Visa announce that they will jointly issue new payment cards, after receiving the green light to do so from Burma's Central Bank.

The post Visa and KBZ to Produce Kyat-Denominated Credit Cards appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mon and Karen Armed Groups Clash, Wounding Four Soldiers

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 01:46 AM PST

The MNLA and KNLA have an ongoing dispute over territory in Dawei Township, where both ethnic groups often live side by side in the same communities.

The post Mon and Karen Armed Groups Clash, Wounding Four Soldiers appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Southeast Asia is in the grip of a Biodiversity Crisis

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 11:29 PM PST

Some areas are projected to lose 98 percent of their remaining forests in the next nine years.

The post Southeast Asia is in the grip of a Biodiversity Crisis appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s 200-Mile Shopping Trip

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 06:25 PM PST

A tribe from the foothills of the Himalayas treks nearly two weeks across Kachin State to buy and sell foodstuffs in the Putao market.

The post Burma's 200-Mile Shopping Trip appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Former ambassador appointed as the president’s ‘National Security Advisor’

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 12:39 AM PST

Career civil servant and former ambassador under the junta, U Thaung Tun has been appointed to the newly created role of National Security Advisor.

Thousands flee Kachin IDP camps amid escalating fighting

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 12:38 AM PST

At least 4000 people who fled their IDP camps for China amid heavy fighting yesterday were pushed back across the border to Kachin State the same day, according to local organisations working in the area.

Magwe judge absconds

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 12:37 AM PST

A judge wanted on corruption charges and facing trial in connection to multiple counts of bribe-taking is believed to have fled the country, according to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

21 farmers released on bail

Posted: 12 Jan 2017 12:36 AM PST

Twenty-one Mandalay Region farmers were released on bail this week after the Tatmadaw pressed charges relating to a nearly two-decades-old land dispute.

Embassy seeks compensation for murdered migrant workers

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 11:32 PM PST

The Myanmar embassy in Malaysia is seeking to negotiate compensation for the families of five murdered migrant workers, an official said yesterday.

Youth, women key to economic growth

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 11:31 PM PST

To join the "Asian Tiger" economies of the neighbouring countries, Myanmar must invest more in its youth, the UN Population Fund has said following a new examination of demographic trends from the 2014 census.
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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Kachin IDPs Turned Away at China Border

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 07:44 AM PST

Kachin IDPs are trapped in a conflict zone after being turned away at the China border following the Burma Army's capture of four KIA outposts.

The post Kachin IDPs Turned Away at China Border appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Government Releases Trafficking Statistics for 2016

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 06:24 AM PST

More than 300 people were trafficked to neighboring countries including China, Thailand and Malaysia for forced marriage, labor and prostitution.

The post Government Releases Trafficking Statistics for 2016 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Digital ID Cards Trialed in Arakan State

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 06:17 AM PST

The govt begins a pilot project replacing National Registration Cards with 'smarter' digital IDs in Sittwe, Buthidaung and soon Maungdaw.

The post Digital ID Cards Trialed in Arakan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Fondly Recalls Obama Visits

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 05:56 AM PST

As US President Barack Obama gives his final address, Burma's State Counselor says his visits are 'something that I would always remember.'

The post Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Fondly Recalls Obama Visits appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Cabinet Members Forego Naypyidaw Land Plots

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 05:01 AM PST

Cabinet members appointed by the NLD, as well as the President and State Counselor, have not applied for land plots in the administrative capital.

The post NLD Cabinet Members Forego Naypyidaw Land Plots appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Hkaw Sha Hpung: The All-Women Anti-Drug Task Force

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 04:55 AM PST

Retired Kachin nurse Esther, 65, is fearless when it comes to both fighting drug abuse and treating patients in northern Shan State's conflict zone. 

The post Hkaw Sha Hpung: The All-Women Anti-Drug Task Force appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Anti-Corruption Commission to Prosecute Corrupt Judge

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 04:16 AM PST

'The judge jailed those defendants who did not give her bribes,' says a complaint received by the government's Anti-Corruption Commission.

The post Anti-Corruption Commission to Prosecute Corrupt Judge appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

TNLA Attacks Burma Army Bases in Namhsan

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 02:53 AM PST

The Ministry of Defense confirms they repelled attacks on two of their bases in Shan State's Namhsan Township.

The post TNLA Attacks Burma Army Bases in Namhsan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Who is Burma’s New Security Adviser?

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 11:28 PM PST

Former ambassador U Thaung Tun—who once said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should not 'rock the boat'—will take up the newly created position.

The post Who is Burma's New Security Adviser? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NCA Non-Signatories, Govt Peace Commission to Hold Informal Talks

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 11:21 PM PST

'Our goal is to persuade them to sign the NCA and to join the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference,' says Peace Commission member.

The post NCA Non-Signatories, Govt Peace Commission to Hold Informal Talks appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Counselor Sends Envoy to Bangladesh over Arakan State Crisis

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 09:06 PM PST

Deputy minister of foreign affairs U Kyaw Tin travels to Dhaka as UN reports 65,000 refugees have arrived in Bangladesh from Burma.

The post State Counselor Sends Envoy to Bangladesh over Arakan State Crisis appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Christmas and Karen New Year on the Tanintharyi River

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 07:18 PM PST

The KNU's challenge lies in being a credible government in areas under its control—and where authority is shared with the Burmese government.

The post Christmas and Karen New Year on the Tanintharyi River appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Court considers fourth bail request in NLD member’s defamation trial

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:41 AM PST

Hoping for better luck on a fourth try, the defence counsel for a jailed National League for Democracy member again applied for bail yesterday, with the Kamaryut Township Court expected to rule on the appeal at the next hearing.

Special rapporteur barred from Laiza, Hpakant

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:38 AM PST

Just a few days into her fifth visit and the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has already encountered a few bumps in the road, with the government blocking her from going to Laiza and Hpakant, in Kachin State.

Second Panglong meet looks set to be a lonely affair

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:37 AM PST

With the government showing little sign of backtracking on the stipulation that only ceasefire signatories can attend the upcoming second Panglong meeting, it looks likely that one-third of the armed ethnic groups will attend, while many influential actors will be left in the dark, according to peace analysts.

On Kachin State Day, activists ask govt to take larger strides for peace

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:36 AM PST

As armed conflicts continue to rage close by, 5000 participants turned out to mark the 69th anniversary of Kachin State Day in Myitkyina yesterday with tensions simmering just beneath the surface of the celebrations.

Police investigated for alleged murder of suspect in custody

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:35 AM PST

Ten Bago Region police officers are being investigated after they appear to have killed a suspect in custody and then dumped his body in an attempt to hide the crime, The Myanmar Times has learned. Police records indicate the man was beaten to death after he refused to cooperate with the officers.

Shwedagon’s image not for advertising: board

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:34 AM PST

Using the image of Shwedagon Pagoda in advertisements or marketing campaigns could earn violators hefty fines or even prison terms, the pagoda trustee board has cautioned.

Ministry of Information website taken down by unknown hackers

Posted: 11 Jan 2017 12:33 AM PST

The Ministry of Information has announced that its website was attacked by unidentified hackers and taken offline for several days.

FDA medical laboratory in Nay Pyi Taw receives international accreditation

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 11:35 PM PST

Nay Pyi Taw now has the country's first internationally accredited, state-owned medical testing laboratory.

Mandalay prison opens exam centre

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 11:33 PM PST

Mandalay prison is making it easier for youth inmates to continue their schooling with the announcement yesterday that the correctional facility opened an assessment department for the upcoming matriculation exam.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

FDI Drops From Previous Fiscal Year

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 06:32 AM PST

Foreign direct investment drops significantly in the 2016-2017 fiscal year, according to the government's most recent figures.

The post FDI Drops From Previous Fiscal Year appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Chief Calls for Peace Talks Without ‘International Pressure’

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 06:24 AM PST

Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing tells China's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs that armed revolution cannot succeed in Burma.

The post Burma Army Chief Calls for Peace Talks Without 'International Pressure' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Israel Rejects Call to Suspend Weapons Exports to Burma

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 04:38 AM PST

A group of Israeli lawyers and human rights activists hope to stop weapons deals with the Burma Army, citing the country's human rights abuses.

The post Israel Rejects Call to Suspend Weapons Exports to Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Seizes Four KIA Bases

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 03:23 AM PST

The actions are described in a January report from the Ministry of Defense and confirmed by a Kachin Independence Army representative.

The post Burma Army Seizes Four KIA Bases appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Gold Exchange Market to Open in 2017

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:30 PM PST

The Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs Association plans to open a gold exchange market in Rangoon this year.

The post Gold Exchange Market to Open in 2017 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Rapporteur Blocked on Kachin State Visit

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 09:58 PM PST

Yanghee Lee intended to visit Hpakant and Laiza as part of her 12-day visit to assess human rights abuses in Burma.

The post UN Rapporteur Blocked on Kachin State Visit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to do in Rangoon This Week

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 08:51 PM PST

Charity concerts, art exhibitions, karate-do, and a Japanese film festival—all in Rangoon this week, as picked by The Irrawaddy.

The post Ten Things to do in Rangoon This Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mon Educators Work to Preserve Ethnic Traditions

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 08:15 PM PST

The Mon Literature and Culture Committee raises awareness about Mon language, historical books, traditional dress, dance and musical instruments.

The post Mon Educators Work to Preserve Ethnic Traditions appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

As Catch and Sales Fall, Burma’s Fishermen Sink Into Debt

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:36 PM PST

Fishing, a major industry in impoverished Arakan State, has been in a long decline, pushing many coastal communities into debt.

The post As Catch and Sales Fall, Burma's Fishermen Sink Into Debt appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Savings Spare Women From Labor in Burma

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 05:36 PM PST

In Burma, savings groups give women alternatives to hard labor when crops fail.

The post Savings Spare Women From Labor in Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Eyeing 2020 comeback, Rakhine's ALD party regroups

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 12:40 AM PST

After Myanmar's most successful ethnic minority party ruptured at the seams last year following the expulsion of a large faction, one of the co-founding contingents has regrouped and announced plans to contest the 2020 general election.

Tatmadaw seizes four KIA outposts

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 12:35 AM PST

After air strikes, the Tatmadaw has seized four more small Kachin Independence Army outposts near Lai Hpawng in Waingmaw township, according to the Ministry of Defence. The seizure follows just over two weeks from when the Tatmadaw advanced on the key Gidon mountain post last month.

Brickyard owners off the hook

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 12:33 AM PST

Brickyard owners who allegedly forced workers, including children, to work 19-hour shifts for minimum pay and demanded hundreds of thousands of kyat from parents who asked for the release of their children will not be facing charges, officials said.

CSOs call for protection of Kachin, Shan IDPs

Posted: 10 Jan 2017 12:31 AM PST

Nine civil society groups have called for an urgent end to ongoing hostilities in Kachin and Shan states as refugees face a shortage of food and supplies.

Kyaukphyu farmers threaten to sue oil pipeline company over compensation dispute

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:37 PM PST

Nearly two dozen Rakhine State farmers are threatening to sue a Chinese state-owned oil refinery unless they can reach a compromise over compensation for crops allegedly destroyed by the pipeline project.

Charity opens low-cost dialysis centre

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:36 PM PST

Kidney disease patients have a new option for low-cost dialysis. The Free Funeral Service Society (Yangon) marked its 16th anniversary on January 8 by opening the Thu Kha Dialysis Department.

Hatta Clinic adds a maternity ward

Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:35 PM PST

Mothers will be able to access free healthcare for themselves and their babies at a new maternity ward, opened by the People's Health Foundation in Yangon's Thaketa township on January 5.
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