Tuesday, January 7, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar’s Ex-President Tells Voters to Protect Race, Religion, Military in 2020 Election

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 04:56 AM PST

Former president U Thein Sein has told supporters to use their votes in the 2020 election to protect Myanmar and its military against foreign threats.

Gen. Aung San Returns to Myanmar Banknotes After 30-Year Absence

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 04:46 AM PST

The new 1,000-kyat note displays a picture of Myanmar's independence hero, Gen. Aung San; his portrait had been phased out by the former junta in the 1990s.

Blocking Access to Spending Report May Violate Myanmar Graft Law, Watchdog Warns Yangon Govt

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 04:33 AM PST

A watchdog has warned Yangon officials it will take legal action if lawmakers aren't given access to the auditor-general's report on regional government spending.

Myanmar, Bangladesh Officials Discuss Border Security in Dhaka

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 03:50 AM PST

Landmines, drug smuggling, armed groups and Rohingya on the agenda as Myanmar, Bangladesh officials discuss border security in Dhaka.

Myanmar Ethnic Armed Groups’ Peace Negotiators and Govt to Meet Soon

Posted: 06 Jan 2020 11:44 PM PST

In a positive sign for the formal peace process, Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement signatories will meet government representatives at the 8th JICM in Naypyitaw on Jan. 8.

China Must Cancel New Coal Plants to Achieve Climate Goals: Study

Posted: 06 Jan 2020 09:59 PM PST

China must stop building new coal-fired power plants now if it wants to meet its long-term climate goals, a study by a government research institute shows.

UN Says Global Tensions Worst in Years After US Kills Iranian Commander

Posted: 06 Jan 2020 09:48 PM PST

UN chief Antonio Guterres has warned that global tensions are at their highest point in decades following the US assassination of a top Iranian military leader.

Australia Readies as Renewed Bushfire Threat Looms, Costs Soar

Posted: 06 Jan 2020 09:37 PM PST

As Australian firefighters continue to battle hundreds of blazes and insurance bill reaches nearly US$500 million, government warns the economy will take a hit.

Ghosn Vows to Reveal Names of Japanese Officials Behind His Arrest

Posted: 06 Jan 2020 09:35 PM PST

Ex-Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, who fled charges in Japan, vows to name Japanese officials who plotted to 'take him out' over his plan to merge the auto giant with Renault.
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Saturday, January 4, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Can Myanmar’s Police Force Be Reformed?

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 06:28 PM PST

The Irrawaddy talks to Hnin Hnin Hmwe of the Democratic Party for a New Society and advocate Kyee Myint about police reform and a recent blunder in the Victoria rape case.

Independence Monument—Symbol of Myanmar’s Sovereignty

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 06:16 PM PST

Today marks 72 years since the nation's first prime minister, U Nu, laid the foundation of Independence Monument, a landmark symbolizing national sovereignty.

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Back for a Second Year

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 05:56 PM PST

A major book sale is returning to Yangon's Myanmar Expo Hall for a second year with organizers offering discounts of 90 percent.  

What’s in Store for Myanmar in 2020 and Beyond?

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 04:18 PM PST

In this election year, we must be honest about the scope of the challenges that Myanmar faces, but let's also continue to hope for progress toward peace and prosperity.
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Friday, January 3, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Most Myanmar Trafficking Cases Involve Forced Marriage in China: Police

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 06:29 AM PST

Myanmar's police say 188 trafficking cases from Myanmar were forced into Chinese marriages last year.  

Mysterious Signs of Impending China-Backed Railway Worry Villagers in Myanmar’s Shan State

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 05:20 AM PST

Strange markers in villages along a planned China-backed railway in Shan State suggest the project is proceeding without input from locals, who fear for their futures.

18 Killed in Karen State Car Accident

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 04:31 AM PST

An express bus carrying migrant workers to Thailand crashed into a car on the Asia Highway in Myawaddy and fell into a ravine on Friday morning.

In the News: Revisions for 2020

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 04:09 AM PST

The Irrawaddy offers a selection of analyses, commentaries and interviews published in 2019 that shed light on key issues likely to continue shaping the nation this year.

Myanmar Military Clashes with Karen Armed Group, 2 Civilians Wounded

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 04:00 AM PST

The Karen National Liberation Army and the Myanmar army fought Thursday in Papun, Karen State as relations remain tense and peace talks falter.

NLD Expands Ethnic Affairs Committee Ahead of Myanmar Election

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 03:50 AM PST

National League for Democracy Vice Chairman U Zaw Myint Maung has said that the new committee is part of the party's strategy for the 2020 general election.

Lawyers to Sue Naypyitaw Police for Naming Raped Toddler

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 03:47 AM PST

Lawyers for the raped toddler's family are preparing to sue the police chiefs who named the victim at a high-profile press conference in the capital.

Armed Gang Robs Myanmar Police in Rakhine

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 01:56 AM PST

Four Rakhine border guards were robbed while returning to their police station with the monthly salaries of their outpost's police officers in Rathedaung Township.

First Airport in Western Myanmar’s Chin State to Open in June

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 01:39 AM PST

Western Myanmar's Chin State will become much easier to access in 2020 as officials say the Surbung Airport will open in June after five years of construction.

Myanmar Rebel Armies Extend Truce but Fighting Continues

Posted: 03 Jan 2020 12:59 AM PST

Three active ethnic armed groups have extended their ceasefire by two months but fighting persists in Rakhine State.

Taiwan’s Military Chief Among 8 Dead in Helicopter Crash

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 10:27 PM PST

Taiwan's military chief among eight people killed in helicopter crash in mountainous area near Taipei.

Tokyo Paralympics to See Record Number of Competing Nations

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 10:19 PM PST

A record 170 nations are expected to compete at this year's Tokyo Paralympics.

Japan Calls for Ex-Nissan Boss Ghosn’s Handover via Interpol

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 10:10 PM PST

Tokyo asks Interpol to detain former Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn after he fled a financial misconduct case in Japan.

Indonesia Plans Cloud Seeding to Halt Rain; Flood Death Toll Rises to 43

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 09:55 PM PST

Indonesia to carry out cloud seeding to prevent further rainfall over Jakarta following deadly floods and landslides.
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Thursday, January 2, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Bangladesh Fortifies Island Near Myanmar With Heavy Weapons, Gunboats

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 04:59 AM PST

The Border Guard Bangladesh force is deploying missile systems and gunboats to St. Martin's Island, just off the coast of Cox's Bazar and Myanmar's Rakhine State.

Three Myanmar Cities Win Asean Clean Tourist City Awards

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 04:01 AM PST

Taunggyi, Loikaw and Dawei will receive the Asean Clean Tourist City Standard award to recognize their efforts to create a pristine environment. 

Myanmar’s Population Nears 54.5 Million

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 03:49 AM PST

According to new estimates by Myanmar's Department of Population, the country's population has increased by over 2 million people in the five years since the 2014 census.

The Day Anti-Chinese Rioting Erupted in British-Ruled Yangon

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 01:46 AM PST

On this day in 1931, a brawl triggered 10 days of anti-Chinese riots in Yangon that left 14 people dead; Burmese residents complained the British favored the Chinese.

AA Frees 16 Myanmar Govt Employees After Abduction

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 12:39 AM PST

The Arakan Army said it released 16 Transport Ministry drivers detained on Dec. 31 while traveling on a ferry in northern Rakhine State.

Japan to Launch Project to Boost Farm Productivity in Myanmar

Posted: 02 Jan 2020 12:37 AM PST

Japan will launch a US$3.6 million project in Sagaing Region to boost irrigation and agricultural management as part of efforts to increase farmers' productivity.

Thailand Kicks Off 2020 With Plastic Bag Ban

Posted: 01 Jan 2020 10:24 PM PST

Thailand launches ban on single-use plastic bags at major stores, with eye on total ban by next year.

Tear Gas Fired at Hong Kong New Year’s Protest

Posted: 01 Jan 2020 10:02 PM PST

Police fire tear gas as violence breaks out at huge anti-government protest in Hong Kong.

Carlos Ghosn Hid in Musical Instrument Case to Flee Japan, Friend Says

Posted: 01 Jan 2020 09:31 PM PST

Former Nissan-Renault chief Carlos Ghosn hid in a musical instrument case to flee Japan for Lebanon, friend says.

Taiwan’s Top Military Official Missing After Helicopter Accident

Posted: 01 Jan 2020 09:26 PM PST

The chief of the general staff of Taiwan's armed forces is among three officers missing after his helicopter was forced to land in a mountainous area.

Coal-Fired Plants Around New Delhi Running Despite Missing Emissions Deadline

Posted: 01 Jan 2020 09:10 PM PST

Coal-burning power plants around the Indian capital continue to operate without emissions-cutting equipment despite end-of-year deadline.
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Wednesday, January 1, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Day the British Annexed Upper Myanmar

Posted: 31 Dec 2019 05:21 PM PST

On this day in 1886, the British announced the annexation of upper Myanmar, officially completing their colonial conquest but also triggering key nationalist movements.
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Monday, December 30, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

China Quietly Pushing Myanmar to Back Its Development Plan for Irrawaddy River

Posted: 30 Dec 2019 07:52 AM PST

China seeks to develop the Irrawaddy River as a safe, cheap link from Yunnan to the Indian Ocean; local critics fear the impact on the economy and the river itself.

Court Rejects Bid by Myanmar’s Kayah State Govt to Increase Activists’ Jail Terms

Posted: 30 Dec 2019 05:11 AM PST

Loikaw District Court rejects Kayah State govt's appeal seeking harsher sentences for Karenni youth activists jailed for criticizing officials over Gen. Aung San statue.

Why Does the Myanmar Military Rebuff the Work of the Constitutional Amendment Committee?

Posted: 30 Dec 2019 04:46 AM PST

Rejecting the NLD and ethnic parties' constitutional amendment process, the Myanmar military has gone its own way on charter change, submitting proposals independently.

Myanmar’s AA Rebel Group ‘Cannot Guarantee Safety’ of Detainees in Its Custody

Posted: 30 Dec 2019 12:41 AM PST

After death of detained NLD township leader, the Arakan Army says the military situation in Rakhine makes it impossible to guarantee the safety of those in its custody.

N. Korean Leader Kim Presides Over 2nd Day of Key Party Meeting

Posted: 29 Dec 2019 09:34 PM PST

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presides over second day of ruling party meeting on "crucial issues" as Pyongyang's deadline for progress in talks with US looms.

City Dwellers Find Simpler Life in Rural China Commune

Posted: 29 Dec 2019 09:24 PM PST

China's megacities have drawn hundreds of millions of people from rural villages in search of jobs, but an emerging trend is seeing people move in the opposite direction.

Tourists Stay Away From Taj Mahal, Other Indian Attractions as Protests Flare

Posted: 29 Dec 2019 09:12 PM PST

About 200,000 tourists have canceled or delayed trips to the Taj Mahal in the past two weeks due to deadly protests over a new citizenship law, Indian authorities say.
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Saturday, December 28, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

‘Principles Should Take Precedence Over Details in Charter Reform’

Posted: 27 Dec 2019 08:00 PM PST

An expert on constitutional reform tells The Irrawaddy the Charter Amendment Committee needs to focus on basic principles if charter change is to be meaningful.

The Most Popular Stories of 2019

Posted: 27 Dec 2019 06:30 PM PST

The Irrawaddy presents a compilation of our most-viewed features, analyses, commentaries and lifestyle articles from 2019.
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