Wednesday, July 26, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Tatmadaw Prohibits Use of Military Ranks for Non-State Armed Groups

Posted: 26 Jul 2017 07:55 AM PDT

YANGON — The Tatmadaw Information Team released a statement on Wednesday prohibiting the usage of military ranks employed by the Myanmar Army for non-state armed organizations.

The statement was shared on the Facebook page of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

"We hereby declare that military ranks, which are entitled only for military personnel of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), are not to be used in reference to persons of other unconcerned organizations; and that military ranks are to be used correctly in line with existing laws," reads the statement.

According to the statement, the law restricting the usage of military ranks was enacted in 1989 under the State Law and Order Restoration Council, and was amended on October 7, 2014 in the Union Parliament under the former U Thein Sein-led government.

Chapter 1, Article 2(a) and (b) state that military ranks refer to "the ranks designated for the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air)," according to the statement.

The statement cited Burmese dailies such as Kyeemon, The Standard Time, Daily Eleven and The Voice as referring to the economic in-charge of Lawayang People's Militia Naw Hsan as Major Naw Hsan in reports about a bomb explosion in front of a teashop in Bhamo District, Kachin State on July 22. Naw Hsan died in the incident.

Likewise, other dailies, journals and news agencies called him Langai Naw Hsan, indicating the rank of major, said the statement.

Such usage is wrong, the statement explained, adding that there are no specific ranks in people's militias which can be referenced in line with law, and that the individuals can only be called leaders, members, or part of a supervisory group.

The statement also applies to the signatories and non-signatories of the nationwide ceasefire agreement, said director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Maj Aung Ye Win of the Ministry of Defense.

"In fact, [military ranks like] Major and Major General are not official in the other [armed groups]. [Non-state armed groups] are not allowed to use them, I mean, according to our law," he told The Irrawaddy.

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News Analysis: State Counselor Seeks Support from Kachin Church Leaders

Posted: 26 Jul 2017 07:16 AM PDT

In a surprise move, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi met with 12 members of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) on Monday.

According to statements from both parties, the meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the KBC leaders was productive. However, any resolution on halting the Myanmar Army offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) remained elusive, according to Kachin sources. No military representatives were seen attending the meeting, although the minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement and the chairman of the peace commission were present.

As her original hopes of achieving peace during her current government term have appeared to dim, the meeting with KBC suggests that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her advisers have apparently turned to new sources to attempt to reconcile the divide between her government, and ethnic nationalities and their respective armed groups.

With a membership of over 400,000, the KBC is an influential organization among the ethnic Kachin who are largely Christian.

KBC chairman Rev. Lalawk Gyung Hkawng issued a statement in Burmese before the meeting on July 21, expressing a desire for peace to prevail in Kachin State; meanwhile, fighting between the Tatmadaw and the KIA has intensified in areas like Tanai Township.

In the statement, KBC leaders praised Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's leadership and election campaign slogan of change, but pointed out that conflict with ethnic armed groups had grown under her National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

The KBC representatives urged the State Counselor to engage in further discussions toward building a federal Union instead of convincing armed groups to sign the controversial nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), which the KIA, like most of Myanmar's ethnic armed organizations, opted out of. The NCA, the statement said, depends on "political assurances," which cannot be upheld as long as the country's armed forces have supremacy over the government.

During the meeting, the KBC asked the government to look into the crisis facing internally displaced Kachin people, of which there are more than 100,000, following the breakdown of a ceasefire between the Tatmadaw and the KIA in 2011. The representatives urged Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's administration to set up a pilot project to deliver aid and allow for international assistance to operate in Kachin State without obstruction. The organization also asked the government to acknowledge the drug eradication campaign taking place in the region, pointing out that the production of drugs is related to political conflict.

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Myanmar Floods Displace More Than 130,000

Posted: 26 Jul 2017 04:35 AM PDT

YANGON — More than 130, 000 people have been displaced by recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding across the country, with two deaths reported, according to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

One man drowned in the floods in Hkamti Township, Sagaing Region and a man in Chin State's Tonzang Township was killed while crossing a stream, the ministry reported.

As of July 23, a total of 134,591 people from 33,233 households have been evacuated in Magwe, Sagaing, Bago, Irrawaddy and Naypyitaw regions and Rakhine, Mon and Karen states.

The floods have hit Magwe Region the worst, with 90,417 people displaced, followed by Sagaing division with 23,595 people forced from their homes.

The ministry reported that they have distributed flood relief aid in the affected areas, funds to those who lost their homes, and a "compassionate grant" of 300,000 kyats (US$218) to the families of the two men who died.

 

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Union Lawmaker Switches Rakhine Parties

Posted: 26 Jul 2017 04:03 AM PDT

YANGON — Ethnic Arakanese politician and Upper House lawmaker Daw Htoot May has resigned from the Arakan National Party (ANP) to join the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD).

At a press conference in Yangon on Tuesday, Daw Htoot May said she resigned from the ANP the previous day because she believed that she would be able to better serve the interests of Rakhine State and Arakanese people with the ALD.

"I've resigned from the ANP because it is high time I made a decision. As a young woman, I feel like I should no longer stay in the comfort zone, just following the steps of the seniors," said the 38-year-old lawmaker.

She also posted her resignation on her Facebook page on Monday.

In June 2013, the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) and ALD merged under the name Arakan National Party (ANP) to avoid vote-splitting in the 2015 election.

The newly formed party contested 63 seats in Rakhine and Chin states and Irrawaddy and Yangon regions. It won 10 seats in the Upper House, 12 in the Lower House and 22 in Rakhine State Parliament.

In January 2017, former leaders of the ALD announced that they were splitting from the ANP and were re-registering with the Union Election Commission (UEC) for the 2020 elections. On July 18, the UEC confirmed the registration of the ALD as a political party.

Daw Htoot May joined the ALD in 2006, and became an ANP member after the merger. In the 2015 election, she contested the Upper House seat of Ramree and Ann townships.

"As I am back in my mother party ALD now, I'll be able to engage in issues related to Rakhine State more freely," she said.

U Kyaw Myint, current leader of the ALD, told the same press conference on Tuesday that the party's central executive committee would be chosen soon.

"As we have been officially registered as a political party now, we'll engage in the interests of Rakhine State and the internal peace process. We are ready to cooperate with all democratic forces including the NLD," said Kyaw Myint.

He said the ALD's manifesto enshrines ethnic equality, self-determination, resource sharing and ensuring Rakhine politicians lead in serving the interests of the state and its people.

The ALD would also strive for the rule of law, he added, create jobs, promote education, and push to amend the military-drafted 2008 Constitution.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

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Dawei Poultry Ban After Suspected Bird Flu Outbreak

Posted: 26 Jul 2017 01:19 AM PDT

YANGON — The sale of poultry products from farms and markets in Tanintharyi Region's Dawei Township has halted amid a suspected outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu in the area.

"Masses of chickens died at different farms, so we have stopped the supply as a preventative measure," said Aung Kyaw Myo, secretary of the Dawei Township municipality.

The township municipality on Tuesday imposed a temporary ban on buying and selling chicken and eggs.

Around 1,000 chickens died at a chicken farm in the village of Wel Kyun in Dawei Township's Htein Thit village tract on Sunday, and the remaining chickens were then culled. Samples have been sent to a lab in Yangon for testing.

U Aung Kyaw Myo said the ban would remain in effect until the lab results return and the chickens are deemed safe for consumption.

The outbreak comes just after H1N1 seasonal influenza has killed three people—one in Chin State and two in Yangon, with more than a dozen other confirmed cases.

According to the health and sports ministry, Myanmar has seen H1N1 cases annually since 2009, although the number of cases varies annually.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

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Army Resists Article 66(d) Reforms

Posted: 26 Jul 2017 01:12 AM PDT

NAYPYITAW — A military representative in the Upper House argued against granting bail for controversial Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law during a parliamentary debate on Tuesday.

In amending the law, Maj. Thet Min Oo said consideration should be given not only to human rights, but also to national security, politics, economy, and government.

Granting bail for articles 65, 66(b), and 66(d) would amount to the legislative branch intervening in the judicial sector, said the major, who called for a review of the amendment to the law. Under the current law, the judge decides whether or not to grant bail.

"It is not appropriate to grant bail to individuals and organizations that disrupt the communications network," he added.

The telecoms law was enacted under the previous Thein Sein government in 2013 to control the country's booming communications industry, but has been criticized for suppressing freedom of expression using a clause on online defamation.

Thirteen lawmakers debated amendments to the law proposed by the Upper House Bill Committee. Seven lawmakers proposed scrapping the law, and other lawmakers favored granting bail, but the military representatives rejected both.

National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmakers called for granting bail to the defendants and only allowing the aggrieved party to file a lawsuit, as the existing law allows a third party to file a lawsuit on behalf of the party.

The lawmakers said the law was vague, adding that defendants in more than 90 cases charged under Article (66)d were wrongly accused and given jail sentences.

Article 66(d) states that whoever uses a "telecommunication network to extort, threaten, obstruct, defame, disturb inappropriately influence or intimidate," on conviction can be "punished with imprisonment for a term extending to a maximum of three years, and shall be liable to fine or both."

However, lawmaker U Htay Oo of Yangon Region (2) said the article should be scrapped altogether.

"Article 66(d) is unnecessary as the circumstances in its provisions are already covered in the Penal Code," he told the parliament.

Though satirical description of state leaders and institutions is a widely accepted culture in other countries, it is different in Myanmar, said lawmaker U Khin Maung Latt of Rakhine State (3).

"In our society, there is deep sensitivity over such a culture, plus there is a bad habit of reprisal," said Khin Maung Latt.

Speaker of the Upper House, Mahn Win Khaing Than, assigned the bill committee to review the draft amendments.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

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Parliament Rejects UN Envoy Statement

Posted: 26 Jul 2017 12:36 AM PDT

NAYPYITAW — The Lower House unanimously agreed on Monday to an urgent motion objecting to the end-of-mission statement from UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Myanmar Yanghee Lee on July 21 after her recent visit to the country.

National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmaker for Einme Township, Daw Thandar, called for the motion because, "if the report, which will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in October, is biased, the decisions made that are based on this report could be wrong."

"I don't deny there are human rights violation issues in the country, but I wanted to highlight that the findings of Ms. Yanghee Lee are incomplete in regard to Rakhine State affairs," said Daw Thandar, who is also a member of the parliamentary Citizens' Fundamental Rights Committee.

Lee told a Yangon press conference on July 21 that she was "disappointed" as the new government had kept the old tactics of the previous government during her tour. She expressed dismay that her visit, which included Rakhine, Karen, and Shan states, was marked by many travel and time restrictions.

U Kyaw Tin, the deputy foreign minister, told lawmakers "Ms. Yanghee Lee's statement lacked accuracy and was unfair," concluding that she "did not follow the ethics of a special rapporteur."

He cited the State Counselor's Office announcement that said the envoy's statement "contains many sweeping allegations and a number of factual errors."

"The special rapporteur included unverified information and allegations in her report, but left out the explanations she heard from the [ministers and officials] regarding the allegations," added Kyaw Tin.

Thirteen lawmakers, including two Union Solidarity and Development Party, one Arakan National Party, two Myanmar Army representatives, and NLD legislators echoed the government's view.

Activist-turned-lawmaker U Pyone Cho urged the human rights envoy to "systematically study" the information and sources, and emphasized this was a critical time for the country.

He also rejected Lee's claims that she had time restrictions for the trip, and said she was given the chance to collaborate with the government but instead had raised doubts among the international community over the government.

Military appointee Maj Myint Maung added, "Such a statement neglecting Myanmar's efforts, and aiming to cause confusion among the UN and the international community is an intentional act."

"We all must be united in order to protect our national interest, as there could be possible international pressure in the future," he added.

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Analysis: UN Disappointed, So All Are Disappointed

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 07:27 PM PDT

Myanmar today is reminiscent of rule under the military regime, said UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Myanmar Yanghee Lee after concluding her recent visit to the country on July 21.

In her end-of-mission statement, she said that she was "disappointed"—an official expression used by several UN envoys over the past decades working on Myanmar issues.

Lee said she was "disappointed to see the tactics applied by the previous government still being used," in reference to the intimidation that her sources told of experiencing.

In turn, the UN envoy's remarks thereby disappointed the country's top government leaders, sources in Naypyidaw told The Irrawaddy.

Lee spoke about the worsening security and human rights situation in the country. She also strongly urged the government to allow an international independent body to investigate allegations of rights abuses particularly in Rakhine State.

During her visit, she met civil society groups, journalists, and went to Rakhine, Shan and Karen states, though she reported being barred from visiting a number of locations, including Hsipaw, northern Shan State, where three journalists—including The Irrawaddy's Lawi Weng—are being detained.

Lee met State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyidaw during her visit but expressed further disappointment at not being able to meet Myanmar Army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Further Disappointment

Soon after Lee's press briefing, opposition to her statement was palpable.

The State Counselor's Office said it was also "disappointed" with the Special Rapporteur's end of mission statement and declared that Lee's statement contained many "sweeping allegations and factual errors."

Under the previous regime, if UN representatives were denied visas or not allowed to visit then detained opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, there was a public outcry.

Now the National League for Democracy (NLD) opposition-turned-government is crying foul concerning the UN mission.

In Parliament, Daw Thandar, a well-known human rights activist and NLD MP, submitted an emergency proposal to the Lower House on Monday to condemn Lee's remarks on the situation in Rakhine State.

The irony was that Daw Thandar's husband, Aung Kyaw Naing—also known as journalist Par Gyi—died in army custody in October 2014. He was detained while covering fighting between the government and rebel forces in Mon State. The army statement then said he was shot when he attempted to seize a soldier’s gun and escape detention.

Daw Thandar explained the reasoning behind her proposal to The Irrawaddy: "I am not saying there are no human rights violations in Myanmar. But [Lee's] statement on Rakhine State is incomplete. I want to highlight this."

During Tuesday's discussion, the Parliament unanimously approved the proposal. Daw Pyone Kaythi Naing, an NLD MP from Kalaw, Shan State, even proposed sending special envoys to the UN to counter international allegations and provide briefings outlining the Myanmar legislature's perspectives of the current reality in Rakhine State.

The situation is a particularly sensitive issue that creates daily debates among Myanmar's general population, and this is where the UN's Yanghee Lee touched a raw nerve for many in the country.

The UN was stonewalled when it asked the government to allow an international fact-finding mission into Rakhine State, mandated by the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva; members of the mission have been denied Myanmar visas.

Last week, Myanmar National Security Adviser U Thaung Tun, who also served under the previous regime, said that the UN's fact-finding mission "would only aggravate" tension between Muslims and Buddhists in Rakhine State and described it as "less than constructive."

Myanmar allowed representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to visit the region, and, after blocks on aid, allowed international NGOs to distribute rations to internally displaced people, although there has been criticism about equal access to this aid by both the Muslim and Buddhist populations. A series of campaigns abroad drawing attention to the plight of the Muslim Rohingya have made some headway in keeping the government at bay.

"We are told not to expect Myanmar to transition into a democracy overnight—that it needs time and space," Lee said. "But in the same way, Myanmar should not expect to have its close scrutiny removed or its special monitoring mechanisms dismantled overnight. This cannot happen until there is real and discernible progress on human rights."

Mounting Pressure

Yanghee Lee's visit took place during a time in which tension has developed between the NLD-led government and military.

But on the issue of the situation in Rakhine State, the two sides may see eye-to-eye and resist outside pressure.

But it seems the government's diplomatic offensive has been "hit and miss" compared to those in neighboring countries when facing similar crises.

In power for less than two years, the NLD government faces mounting pressure from the inside and outside, and a strong focus on Rakhine State.

Last week, the country's largest opposition party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), and its allies submitted an undisclosed letter to Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, after two days of meetings regarding the country's current affairs. In the letter, they called on him to address Rakhine State's situation.

The USDP was founded in 1993 as a mass association under the military junta. One former patron was Snr-Gen Than Shwe who is now in his retirement, and the current leaders of the USDP are still former military generals.

On the growing insecurity in Rakhine State, the military wanted to hold a National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) meeting. The NDSC is comprised of 11 members including the President, both Vice Presidents, speakers of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament, the army's commander-in-chief, the deputy commander-in-chief, the foreign minister, and the ministers for defense, home and border affairs.

The government has held quasi-NDSC meetings to discuss security issues including the situation in Rakhine State, but has not yet called a full NDSC meeting. It is believed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been cautious in holding such gatherings in which her people would be outnumbered by those in the military, but that she holds ad-hoc security briefings with some top brass.

Earlier this month, the USDP and its allies called for martial law to be imposed in troubled areas in Rakhine State, citing security concerns after recent civilian attacks, threats of violence against both the Muslim and Buddhist Rakhine communities and the discovery of tunnels and arms belonging to Muslim militants.

As to the USDP's call, there has been no response from Myanmar's still powerful military leaders—not yet.

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National News

National News

Govt to punish agencies sending workers abroad illegally

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 02:10 PM PDT

The government will revoke the licences of labour recruitment agencies that are sending domestic workers illegally for employment abroad, Union Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population U Thein Swe warned on Monday.

Inle chemical-free tomatoes to be available in Yangon market

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 02:06 PM PDT

Farmers from Inle have begun selling their chemical-free tomatoes in Yangon market, a leader of a local business organidation told The Myanmar Times.

Thailand aims to be free of illegal workers by next year

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 02:01 PM PDT

Thailand will be free of illegal migrant labourers by next year, Labour Minister Sirichai Distakul vowed Monday after the launch of 101 centres to legalise the status of migrant workers nationwide.

Pyinoolwin THS to reopen this year

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 02:00 PM PDT

The Pyinoolwin Government Technical High School (THS) will be reopened this year as a technical institute, providing vocational courses to students, Regional Hluttaw MPs said.

Two more people die from H1N1 influenza

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 01:57 PM PDT

Health officials on Tuesday confirmed two more people have died from H1N1 influenza, bringing to three the total number of people killed in a new outbreak of the deadly virus that gripped the nation in fear.

Fire destroys railway police quarters

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 01:53 PM PDT

A fire broke out at a railway police staff quarters in Kyitaw ward, Mingalar Taung Nyunt at 10am destroying 24 apartments yesterday morning, according local residents.

MPs speak out against Section 66(d)

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 01:48 PM PDT

The Telecommunications Law's section 66(d) should be abolished, MPs said on July 25 in the Amyotha Hluttaw.

Parliament condemns statement by Yanghee Lee

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 01:47 PM PDT

The parliament on Tuesday approved a proposal to condemn the statement of Yanghee Lee, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, criticising the country's human rights record and the government's failure to address the Rohingya problem.

Wracked by conflicts, Arakan National Party splits again

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 01:45 PM PDT

Amid internal conflicts, the Arakan National Party (ANP) has split again following three years of efforts to unify the party with high hopes of achieving a federal democratic union in Myanmar.

Flower News weekly to fold after 15-year run

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 01:43 PM PDT

The Flower News weekly journal will shut down after publishing its last issue on August 1.
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Tuesday, July 25, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Mandalay Court Rejects Lawsuit Against 2008 Constitution

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 04:57 AM PDT

MANDALAY – The Mandalay Region high court refused to accept a lawsuit on Tuesday in which five organizations urged the government to declare the 2008 Constitution illegal.

A spokesperson from the court told The Irrawaddy that the case goes beyond their mandate.

"The judge said the case is beyond the Union judiciary, so it is unacceptable. The file was returned to the complainants," said U Myint Soe, spokesperson and director general of the regional high court.

Fifteen complainants from the Association of Elected Lawmakers from the 1990 General Elections, the United National Democratic Organization, the Farmers' Union, the Human Rights Violations Investigation Committee and the Karen Women's Organization, said they would continue to push the lawsuit forward by submitting it to the Union high court in Naypyidaw.

Representatives of the five groups who filed the lawsuit are pictured outside the Mandalay high court on Tuesday. (Photo: Zarni Mann / The Irrawaddy)

The coalition pointed to the large gap in population statistics from the 2008 Constitution to the 2014 national census, which they said voids the military-drafted charter.

According to the 2008 Constitution, the country's population was 57 million, but according to the 2014 national census, conducted in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund, the population of Myanmar is 51 million.

"A Constitution is vital for the country. If we are still accepting the illegal and inappropriate Constitution, it is not good for the future of the country, so we are trying to abolish it and write a new one," said U Aung Thura, the five groups' legal adviser.

"We wonder why the courts are so ignorant of the rights of the citizens. Since they refused to accept the case, we will move forward in order to make this happen, whatever steps it may take," he added.

Submitting the complaint to the divisional high court in Mandalay is the second attempt by the groups to call on the government to label the 2008 Constitution as illegal. The organizations first went to Naypyidaw in early July to file a lawsuit at the Dekkhinathiri District Court.

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Two Die of H1N1 Virus in Yangon

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 04:35 AM PDT

YANGON — Two people died of H1N1 influenza at Yangon Hospital on Monday, the medical superintendent of the hospital confirmed to The Irrawaddy, raising the number of H1N1 deaths to three.

However, the two were new patients and not among the three H1N1 patients already undergoing treatment at the old and new Yangon hospitals respectively, according to the medical superintendent.

"They were admitted yesterday [Monday]. One of them was a pregnant woman whose address is still unknown. The other is a man from Bago. Both of them were in their 30s. They were pronounced dead around 3 p.m. yesterday, and a post-mortem showed they had contracted the virus," Dr. Aye Ko Ko, the medical superintendent, told The Irrawaddy.

Meanwhile, the other three patients are still under intensive care. They are from Irrawaddy Division, Yangon's Insein Township and Naypyitaw, respectively.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

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Companies Rush to Use Inactive Lands After Govt Announces Seizure

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 03:39 AM PDT

PATHEIN, Irrawaddy Division — More than 100,000 acres of land permitted to some 270 private companies for business activities in Irrawaddy Division's Maubin District remain inactive more than 20 years after confiscation.

Maubin District was hit the hardest by land confiscation in Irrawaddy Division, particularly in the 1990s, when the military regime grabbed hundreds of thousands of acres in Maubin, Nyaungdon, Pantanaw and Danubyu townships before leasing it out to large companies and private businessmen.

According to the secretary of the Maubin District Committee on Confiscated Farmlands and Other Lands, U Hawk Sawm Man, more than 170,000 acres of land were permitted to private companies under the previous governments, but only around 67,000 acres had been utilized by the end of November 2016.

"We will require that companies return all inactive lands," the secretary told The Irrawaddy.

The Central Committee on Confiscated Farmlands and Other Lands headquartered in Naypyitaw has finalized a list of inactive lands according to surveys conducted by November 30 last year; and has said that it would seize the lands on the list, even if they were used by private companies after that date.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) government, after it came to power in April last year, called for a review of lands confiscated by the previous governments, U Hawk Sawm Man said.

Following reports that the government would seize the inactive lands, companies began digging ponds to breed fish, said U Than Win, chairman of the farmer's organization in Nyaungdon Township.

"This month, companies began using machinery to dig breeding ponds on land that had been inactive for years. They briefly stopped when officials from the Maubin administrative department instructed them to do so, but they have started again," he said.

"One company was digging with eight backhoes day and night on the border of Nyaungdon and Danubyu townships. It stopped only after hundreds of farmers gathered there," he added.

Before the enactment of the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law in 2012, more than 2.2 million acres of vacant land were permitted to 4,922 companies, businesspeople and organizations. After the enactment of the law, around 96,000 acres of lands were permitted – totaling 2.33 million acres, according to deputy minister for agriculture, livestock and irrigation U Hla Kyaw.

The deputy minister told the Lower House on July 3 that confiscated land committees had found that more than 1.3 million acres of the 2.33 million acres were inactive, and the government would seize them back in line with procedure.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

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State Counselor, KBC Discuss Kachin IDP Issues

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 03:05 AM PDT

YANGON — Myanmar's State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) held talks on the resettlement and schooling of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and children in Kachin State on Monday in Naypyitaw.

"We discussed the implementation of pilot projects jointly by the KIO [Kachin Independence Organization] government and the NLD [National League for Democracy] government, as well as the resettlement of IDPs to places where clashes are unlikely," KBC secretary Rev. Dr. Hkalam Samson told The Irrawaddy.

"We also discussed schooling for displaced children and the free shipment of relief supplies," he added.

The hour and a half discussion between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and KBC leaders took place at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Naypyitaw, and was the first meeting of its kind between the two parties.

More than 100,000 people have been displaced in Kachin State since new clashes broke out between the Myanmar Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of KIO, after a ceasefire between the sides failed in 2011.

Around 50,000 of them have taken refuge in areas controlled by the KIA. Churches play a key role in assisting the displaced population and the KBC is the main provider of food and relief supplies for IDPs in the region.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said the government would cooperate with the KBC in helping Kachin IDPs through the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, according to Dr. Hkalam Samson.

"We particularly discussed schooling for children in KIO-controlled areas. The KBC has a big role to play in realizing the agreements reached with the government," he said.

Besides IDPs, the talks also focused on the elimination of drugs as well as barriers to peace in Kachin State.

KBC leaders reported on drug production in areas controlled by the Border Guard Force (BGF) in Kachin State, and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in response, said that the government was working to formulate a new law on drug eradication and would cooperate with the KBC in enforcing that law.

KBC leaders urged Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to work earnestly to put an end to military assaults in Kachin State, saying that Myanmar Army assaults were the only reason for ongoing clashes in the state.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi replied that the government was not in a position to exercise direct control over the Myanmar Army, and there was only formal communication between the two sides, said Dr. Hkalam Samson.

According to a statement released by the State Counselor's Office, the KBC also provided recommendations for the peace process and the two sides discussed the nationwide ceasefire agreement.

According to Dr. Hkalam Samson, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi suggested holding further talks with the KBC.

KBC leaders urged her to bring about peace and a federal Union. They added that the meeting with the state counselor was productive for Kachin IDPs.

Also present at the meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were the Union minister of the State Counselor's Office U Kyaw Tint Swe, chairman of the Peace Commission Dr. Tin Myo Win, Union minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr. Win Myat Aye, and the 12-member KBC delegation led by its chairman along with Dr. Hkalam Samson.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

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Is U Wirathu Poking a ‘Paper Tiger’?

Posted: 24 Jul 2017 11:42 PM PDT

For more than a week, Myanmar ultranationalist monk U Wirathu has been defying government orders to take down Ma Ba Tha signposts in Mandalay, where he remains a leading member of the ultranationalist group.

On July 15, the government's deadline for removal of any Ma Ba Tha billboards, he said in a video post: "We can't take them down even for a while, as the dignity, power and integrity of the Ma Ba Tha monks and patriots is behind those signposts. We will protect them with our lives."

It came across as an open challenge to the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, after the administration delivered its last warning on the eve of the deadline, saying, "if the order is not followed, the government will take action," and that a refusal to comply "could affect the country's stability."

The authorities should not turn a blind eye to the issue as that could potentially create an even worse image of the state of rule of law in the country, making the current government appear as a "paper tiger" in the eyes of the public.

It is perhaps strange that out of hundreds of Ma Ba Tha subchapters across the country, only followers in Mandalay and Karen State have dared to challenge the signpost order. Even the chairman at Ma Ba Tha (Central) in Yangon agreed in writing to adhere to the rule, and removed the signs in question. It rebranded itself "Buddha Dhamma Parahita Foundation" before the deadline.

Senior monks from the Ma Ba Tha headquarters said the decisions made by those in Mandalay and Karen states were "individual" and did not reflect the beliefs of the movement's leadership.

They could be correct, as U Wirathu declared he had officially resigned from Ma Ba Tha (Central) on May 28, after the rebranding. He stated that his activities and speeches have nothing to do with the Yangon-based foundation.

Zwekabin Sayadaw, the chairman of Karen State's Ma Ba Tha, asked on June 11 that Ma Ba Tha be left alone. "We have four armed groups [that have to strike a peace deal with the government] here. If needed, we will use them," he said. Contrary to U Wirathu, the Sayadaw is not infamous for hate speech against other faiths.

It remains to be seen how the government will take action against U Wirathu this time. Since last year, the NLD government has begun to crack down Ma Ba Tha and U Wirathu systematically.

When the state monks' authority—Ma Ha Na—announced that Ma Ba Tha was not a lawful association in July 2016, it was a significant blow. Since their establishment in 2013, the association and its members, including U Wirathu, had never been questioned by police, let alone arrested for hate speech against Muslims. The previous U Thein Sein government arguably ignored them, despite a series of incidents of deadly communal violence between Buddhists and Muslims. It is believed that U Wirathu and other firebrand monks from Ma Ba Tha are partly responsible for the tension and violence, and they are the one who give a bad name to the compassionate Buddhism that much of the country believes in.

Since the government's denouncement, Ma Ba Tha has been keeping a lower profile, dedicating more time to humanitarian relief for Buddhists and their education efforts.

But U Wirathu is yet defiant in the face of government orders. In March, he was banned from preaching for one year due to his criticism of the current government, religious hate speech put forward at a Dhamma talk, and praise on Facebook of suspects involved in the assassination of NLD legal adviser U Ko Ni.

Despite the ban, he appeared onstage with a recording of a past speech playing in the background, and his mouth sealed shut with tape in what he called a "silent sermon."

The latest rebellion is his refusal to take down Ma Ba Tha signposts in Mandalay.

It is very evident that the government has been taking calculated measures to punish U Wirathu. At the moment, they appear to be weighing the consequences of further action, including division among the Sangha, or widespread criticism from his supporters nationwide.

Despite all the obstacles, the government should not hesitate to proceed if the nationalist monk fails to follow the existing order. They have warned that he will be charged under the monastic association law, which dictates a term of imprisonment from six months to three years. This course of action would send a shock wave amongst nationalists across the country.

On the other hand, the move will be welcomed heartily among the Buddhist community who have despised him for spouting hate, instigating unrest and damaging the religion. It will also serve as a serious warning to those who defy such orders, and might even prod nationalists to learn a bit more about how to be good Buddhists.

 

The post Is U Wirathu Poking a 'Paper Tiger'? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China Preparing for Potential Crisis With North Korea –Report

Posted: 24 Jul 2017 11:28 PM PDT

BEIJING — China is preparing for a potential crisis with North Korea by increasing its defenses along their shared border, including establishing a new border brigade and building bunkers for civilians, the Wall Street Journal reported.

China has been strengthening its defenses along the North Korean border since Pyongyang's first nuclear test in 2006, including building a fence along parts of the border and stepping up patrols.

China has also realigned military forces in the country's northeast, the report added, citing Chinese military and government websites and Chinese and foreign experts.

The Chinese government has repeatedly said there can be no military solution for the North Korea issue.

China is in the midst of a broad military reorganization and modernization program.

On Monday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters he could not answer a "hypothetical" question on what China's military would do in the event of a clash on the Korean peninsula.

China has long worried about its porous borders and potential for war or unrest to spill over into China, and had stepped up border defenses in other troublesome areas, such as with Myanmar and Central Asian nations.

The post China Preparing for Potential Crisis With North Korea –Report appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Monsoon Season Tourism Sees Increase in Arrivals

Posted: 24 Jul 2017 10:57 PM PDT

YANGON – With the introduction of the Green Season campaign for Myanmar's low-traffic tourist season beginning in April, the number of foreign visitors to the country has increased, and trips to Buddhist archaeological site Bagan continue all year round.

Tourism has increased 10 percent compared to the first six months of 2016, in which 511,278 visitors came to the country; in 2017 that number was 562,848. The data has been collected from the international arrival departments of the country's three main international airports—Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw—according to the Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF).

The high season for tourism in Myanmar runs from October to March, so industry stakeholders have been pushing for greater numbers of visitors during the annual monsoon—which has been dubbed the "green season"—from late April to mid October to fill gaps in arrivals.

According to representatives from the MTF, the best places to go during this time are Bagan and Mandalay in central Myanmar and Inle Lake in Nyaung Shwe (Yawnghwe) Township in southern Shan State, which receives less rainfall than Yangon.

"The tourist arrivals in rainy [monsoon] season tend to be lower. It was because of a long-term perception among the tourists that they could not visit Myanmar in the monsoon season," said Daw May Myat Mon Win, the deputy chairperson of the MTF, who leads tourism marketing.

"Actually, the best time to visit Bagan is in the monsoon season, as it is more beautiful and green," she said.

The arrival statistics from January to June show "interesting figures," she said, as there are increases, as of June 2017, of tourists from particular countries: Thailand, China, Singapore, France, Germany, Switzerland, and India.

Thai tourists make up the greatest number of visitors, with more than 110,000 people coming to Myanmar between January and June, followed by Chinese, of whom around 70,000 came during the same period this year.

These figures do not count foreigners who arrive through the border checkpoints, MTF noted, as they said they cannot distinguish them as coming to Myanmar for tourism or business.

Daw May Myat Mon Win said she is positive that the future of Myanmar tourism will improve, as they are promoting travel within the country for both foreign and domestic visitors.

Among the 10 Asean countries, Myanmar stood in second-to-last place for the number of international arrivals, but the nation has seen a boom in domestic tourism.

"We are also hoping more domestic tourists will come to these emerging tourist destinations, as it is also a way of sustaining our tourism industry," Daw May Myat Mon Win said.

In Bagan, there are also health services available for tourists, provided by the Myanmar Tourist Healthcare Association (MTHA), for outreach support and primary and emergency healthcare.

According to Dr. Kyaw Zin Win, chairman of MTHA, some 50 foreigners and 700 locals have taken advantage of the services in the clinic, which is currently only available in Bagan, but the MTHA continues to provide health services in other destinations, he told The Irrawaddy.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism (MOHT) works with the MTF—which also collaborates with 11 other associations including the MTHA and the Myanmar Tour Guides Association—for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.

The director of the MOHT said Myanmar will also develop a package tour between Cambodia's Angkor Wat and Myanmar's Bagan later this year under the slogan: "Angkor-Bagan: two ancient capitals, one destination."

A memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the action plan is being developed for signing in September, said U Hla Myint, director of tourism promotion from the MOHT.

Bagan, which hosts around 300,000 visitors annually, has a smaller number of visitors than Angkor Wat, which is known to receive more than one million people.

"We hope with the development of this package tour, we will have gained more visitors in Bagan," said U Hla Myint.

New Ecotourism Sites to Open

The MOHT has aimed to increase the number of tourists in the country during the 2017-2018 period, and has initiated the further development of ecotourism projects, as well as community-based tourism initiatives and marine tourism.

Myanmar currently has 21 ecotourism sites, which include 16 existing sites and a handful of underdeveloped ones, as well as 13 community-based tourism projects in Sagaing, Mandalay, Magwe, and Yangon regions and Shan, Karenni and Kachin states. Marine tourism is also available on the Myeik archipelago.

Myanmar will open its new ecotourism site, near Oaktwin and Pauk Khaung townships, in the Bago Yoma forest at the end of July.

The Bago Yoma ecotourism site is located near the No. 43 mile marker on the Yangon-Mandalay highway road. Tourists can explore the local area, which is home to ethnic Karen cultures, as well as trek, ride elephants or look for different species of birds.

When it is opened on July 29, tourists will be able to stay at the new hotel—the Bago Yoma Eco resort—developed by a local company, Phyo Si Thu.

The area can be accessed through Pyay (Prome) or the Taungoo road, and around two days is a sufficient timeframe for the visitors, added U Myint Htwe, the director of public relations and the information department under the MOHT.

The post Monsoon Season Tourism Sees Increase in Arrivals appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to Do in Yangon This Week (July 25)

Posted: 24 Jul 2017 07:36 PM PDT

Urban Talent: Rock Battle | July 29

Young rockers compete at this singing contest along with a performance by the famous Myanmar rock band The Idiots.

July 29, 6 pm to 8 pm. Fusan basketball court near Myanmar Plaza, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road. Free Admission.  

 

Book Sale | August 1-13

To mark its 18th anniversary, Seikku Cho Cho Publishing House holds a book sale with special discounts and gifts.

August 1-13, Anawar Buddhist Hall, Kyar Taw Ya St, Shwedagon Eastern Gate.


Monsoon Classical Concert | July 27

Attachment of Clouds, a youth orchestra that plays at church services, ceremonies and public concerts, performs monsoon melodies.

July 27, 7 pm. Yangon Gallery, People's Park, Dagon Tsp. Free Admission.  

 

Tech Career Expo | July 30

Top tech companies in Yangon recruit for hundreds of openings along with panel discussions and talks on career advancement.

July 30, 9 am to 5 pm. Sedona Hotel.

Zumba Dance | July 29

This event is about dancing Zumba together in order to raise health awareness.

July 29,  6am to 7 am. People's Park. Free participation.

 

Affordable Apartment Exhibition and Sale | July 28-30

Affordable apartments starting from 15 million kyats (US$11,000) will be on sale, with payment plans of up to 15 years.

July 28-30. 9 am to 6 pm. Hledan Center

 

Monsoon Myanmar Arts and Crafts Exhibition | July 19-30

This exhibition showcases paintings, sculptures, bottle art, lacquerware, plus many products that are made in Myanmar.

July 19-30. Shu Khin Thar, Thanlyin Tsp.

 

U Ba Nyan's Commemorative Art Exhibition | July 26-29

This exhibition commemorates U Ba Nyan (1897-1945), who played a key role in introducing Western techniques to Myanmar artists and is seen as an influential figure in the country's art history. Some of his rarely seen paintings will be showcased.

July 26-29. National Museum, Pyay Road.

 

Form, Color & Space | July 29-Aug 1

Artist Ko Sai will show around 20 paintings playing with the theme of form, color and space.

July 29-August 1. Cloud 31 Art Gallery, 31st Street, Pabedan Tsp.

At The Tea Shop | July 22-28

Artist Kaung Kyaw Khaing's solo show will feature around 10 paintings depicting teashops as part of Myanmar society.

July 22-28. Nawady Tharlar Art Gallery. Room No. 304, 20/B, Yaw Min Gyi Road, Dagon Tsp.

The post Ten Things to Do in Yangon This Week (July 25) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Smooth Civil-Military Relations Should Be The Goal

Posted: 24 Jul 2017 07:16 PM PDT

Kyaw Zwa Moe: Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein said at an event at Yangon's Sedona Hotel on July 9 that there were no civil-military relations in the democratic era and that the military's commander-in-chief was the same as the level of director-general according to [state] protocol. The military then released two statements asking the government to take action against U Phyo Min Thein. One of the statements said that U Phyo Min Thein's reckless and confrontational comments could damage national reconciliation; and that he could cause difficulties for the long-term process that the government, people, and military needed to continually work and improve on. The military used to hold complete power prior to having an elected government. What is your assessment of civil-military relations in our country?

The Irrawaddy’s Kyaw Zwa Moe (left) and Ko Ye of the Tagaung Institute of Politics (right) during the discussion on civil-military relations.

Ko Ye: That was a personal remark. But as he is Yangon's chief minister, people questioned if his words represented the government. NLD [National League for Democracy] spokesperson U Nyan Win said that these remarks were nothing serious. In a political transition – especially from a military dictatorship like in our country – the military still maintains considerable power. What is worse is that that power is guaranteed by the Constitution. Under such circumstances, there is a testing of strength between the two sides in civil-military relations. It happens not only in our country, but also in other countries that undergo transition. For example, in Brazil, the military still maintains power but there is also an elected civilian government called the democradura. While the government is still a hybrid regime, such a remark by a civilian minister can rock civil-military relations.

KZM: Even before the election, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi exercised extra caution in talking about the military. Mostly, she said that her father founded the Tatmadaw [Myanmar Army] and she wanted it to become a respected and reliable army of the people. Lately, she has avoided saying things that could cause controversy. As you have said, it is important to have smooth relations between the two sides. The government can't take aggressive actions and risk upsetting the military. What actions do you think Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will take?

KY: If there is an elected government along with another institution that maintains a strong grip on power, there will be tension now and in the future. But I think that the civilian government will be able to handle this based on its strength, ambition and strategy.

KZM: Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein said that the military commander-in-chief was the same as the level of director-general, but according to state protocol, the commander-in-chief is ranked eighth in the line of succession. What he claimed was wrong. Did he say this because he didn't understand or was he being confrontational?

YN: U Phyo Min Thein said that there are no civil-military relations in democracies. As far as I'm concerned, civil-military relations exist in every country. In countries like the US, scholars still have to study civil-military relations – to what extent the civilian government can control the army, and to what extent the army resists the control of the civilian government. Scholars also point out that the military, although it is an institution of civil servants, is different from other civil servant institutions by nature. You can't describe military leaders according to state protocol. What's more, civil-military relations are more sensitive in countries like ours. Politicians should consider this comprehensively and move carefully for a smooth transition.

KZM: Whether we like it or not, the Tatmadaw has considerable power. There is an exclusive chapter for it under the title of Defense Services in the [military-drafted] 2008 Constitution. Other constitutions might not have such a chapter. It is not strange, as the military held the power in the past. Military leaders view the military as being founded by patriots during the struggle for independence. They see the institution as patriotic and take pride in it. Politicians need to handle this shrewdly.

KY:  The Tatmadaw was born along with the struggle for independence. Tatmadaw leaders refer to it as a patriotic institution formed by hardcore politicians. But then, our country entered into civil war. Countries that face civil war tend to focus on securitization. Security became the country's top priority.

Before independence, there was a slogan that said that independence was first, democracy was second and socialism was third. In 1958, the caretaker government designed state ideologies, and the concept changed then. Stability and peace became the top priority, followed by democracy and a socialist economy. Stability and security rose to the forefront. The defense budget also increased.

In 1962, the military staged a coup and the situation then changed from securitization to militarization. As militarization increased, as in the case of Indonesia, the military adopted the concept that it must also assume the responsibility for politics and social economics, as well as defense. Later, there was indoctrination in the political ideology that the Tatmadaw would play the leading role in politics. In the early days of the coup, U Ne Win always said that the Tatmadaw would not hold power for long. But that changed, and the provision that the Tatmadaw would play a leading role was added to the Constitution.

KZM: Gen Ne Win seized power with the coup in 1962, and then went to a civilian administration according to the 1974 Constitution. But the problem was that the civilian administration was formed with former generals and the ideology didn't change. It seemed that only the uniforms changed. The 2011 [quasi-civilian] government was the same. Ex-general U Thein Sein took power of the civil administration and his government was also full of former generals.

KY: The Tatmadaw has maintained a strong political ideology during successive periods that the country is under its guardianship. This is a major challenge to full civilianization. I believe that the most important aspect of civil-military relations is that the civilian [government] must be able to control the military. How? 'Democratically,' according to a scholar. And civilian politicians must accept that democratic way. Smooth civil-military relations should be their goal. But both civilian politicians and the Tatmadaw need to think about how to realize that vision. Only then, will a full democracy be created.

KZM: As you have said, the country's politics are in a delicate state, and there is every possibility of a U-turn or setbacks. No doubt, the elected politicians need to be judicious.  The political liberation process started in 2011, and it is fair to say that its success depends greatly on military leadership's willingness to allow democratic transformation. What is your assessment of the current military leaders?

KY: Studying the civil-military relations of other countries, I found that not only does the civilian [government] push for change; the military – once a democratic transition is underway – also tries to introduce changes that match the transition. For example, in Indonesia, after the fall of Suharto in 1998, the Indonesian army started to think about how to change. In a democratic transition, both sides have to think about how to introduce democratic changes without causing tension. Rather than the civilian [government] forcibly pushing it, the military needs to make changes incrementally and voluntarily.

Also, the current military leaders are working to establish a standard army and they are expanding their international ties. In April, [army chief] Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing visited Australia and Germany; last month, Russia; and recently, India. They are trying to improve the military's image. But the civil war is still ongoing. And the military has deep-seated distrust in civilian politicians. They have concerns about their ability to protect state stability and security. We can see the military trying to enhance its image while deepening trust with the civilian government at the same time.

KZM: So, speaking of the military enhancing its image, the Tatmadaw founded by Gen Aung San had a good reputation prior to the country's independence. But the military has gotten a bad name at times, and it shouldn't forget this if it wants to improve its image. Military leaders know this. The military staged a coup in 1962, which was followed by a military administration. Then there were protests in 1988, followed by a crackdown on protestors and another military administration. There was increased militarization over the years, and the country and the world said that there had been considerable human rights violations committed by the military. If military leaders want to win the respect of the people, as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has said, it seems they have to take constructive actions. Do you think that could work?

KY: While the military wants to enhance its image and restore its dignity, it is not willing to make radical reforms – only gradual ones. This is contradictory. The idea of limited reforms and the idea of improving its image are in conflict. We need to think about to what extent the military leaders are willing to change. On the other hand, civilian politicians need to raise their political capital and political capacity to restore democratic civil-military relations. The other side [the military] wants to enhance its image, but it also has concerns about reforms, so it has only made limited reforms. The government has political capacity given to it by the election. But, partly because of its short time in office to date, it has not shown a strong performance yet.

KZM: I see people in our country locked in a situation that they find difficult to break out of, which is that the military is a strong institution guaranteed by the Constitution. The Constitution granted it a full political role at the national level. Then, an elected government emerged. People fully support the civil administration, but the reality is that the military still holds the power. And the government wants the military to go back to the barracks. According to famous Chinese philosopher and military general Sun Tzu, the ultimate destination of civil-military relations is civilian control of the military. The civilian government will have complete control of the country, and the military is only meant for State defense. But in the case of our country, it seems we have yet a long way to go to reach this stage.

KY: Yes, I agree. The military said at the Union Peace Conference under U Thein Sein's government that it would try to achieve peace within three to five years. It also signaled that it would quit politics after permanent peace was achieved. Now I've noticed that its message has changed a bit. It is difficult for the government to build peace within one term; peace is a long process. It will take more than three or five years. We will have to wait a while for political institutions to have complete control of the military in civil-military relations.

KZM: We are talking about control, which military leaders won't like or accept. As far as I'm concerned, the most important thing is smooth relations and mutual understanding between the two sides. Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein's remarks caused controversy. Both sides need to exercise restraint in the interest of the people. Thank you, Ko Ye!

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