Monday, January 13, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Auditor-General Raises Concerns That Yangon MPs Can’t Properly Debate Govt Spending Without Her Full Report

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 05:57 AM PST

The Yangon auditor-general is unhappy with the summary of her FY2017-18 report, and says it won't allow MPs to properly scrutinize the regional government's spending.

Six BRI Projects in Myanmar to Monitor During Chinese President Xi’s Trip

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 05:19 AM PST

President Xi Jinping is likely to secure agreements on six key BRI projects when he makes the first visit by a Chinese head of state in nearly two decades this week.

TIMELINE: China-Myanmar Relations

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 04:50 AM PST

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the People's Republic of China. The Irrawaddy presents a timeline of key events.

Rakhine Baby Shot Dead by Myanmar Soldiers: Father

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 04:32 AM PST

A Rakhine villager says Myanmar troops shot his baby boy dead while they were returning to their village after fleeing fighting in December.

AA Soldiers Beat Civilians After Attempted Rape in Myanmar’s Chin State

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 04:14 AM PST

A local group says Arakan Army soldiers beat civilians in Paletwa, Chin State when they attempted to stop one soldier from raping an ethnic Khumi woman.

Iran Apologizes to Ukraine for Accidentally Shooting Down Airliner


Posted: 12 Jan 2020 09:38 PM PST

Iranian president apologizes to Ukrainian leader for the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner by Iran's military.

China Virus Outbreak Linked to Seafood Market Not Spreading: WHO

Posted: 12 Jan 2020 09:26 PM PST

The World Health Organization said a pneumonia outbreak that killed a person in Wuhan, China, does not appear to have spread beyond the city despite initial fears.

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen Faces a Tough 2nd Term After Election Victory

Posted: 12 Jan 2020 09:22 PM PST

After winning Saturday's presidential election in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen must now make good on her promises to build on the foundations of her first term.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


The Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 08:30 PM PST

In the first week of 2020, Myanmar businesses forged new financial partnerships, hosted jade emporiums and made progress on an international transparency initiative.

For India, There Are Many Reasons to Engage Myanmar

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 06:30 PM PST

If India wants to secure its place as a regional power in the Indo-Pacific, a stable and autonomous Myanmar is very much in its interest.

Friday, January 10, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Detained NLD Lawmaker From Myanmar’s Chin State Won’t Be Released Soon: Arakan Army

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 06:26 AM PST

The Arakan Army vows to keep a Chin State lawmaker who was abducted in November in custody, but refuses to provide proof that he is still alive.

Myanmar Govt Denies Its Move to Allow Officials to Import Cars Tax-Free Is Vote Grab

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:16 AM PST

Commerce Minister Dr. Than Myint has denied claims the government's decision to issue officials permits to import cars tax-free was politically motivated.

Karenni Activists Demand Meeting With Suu Kyi to Raise Issues Over Statues and Land During Visit

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:04 AM PST

Karenni activists jailed last year for protests against a statue of her father say the State Counselor should address anger over the issue and others.

Myanmar Supreme Court Declines to Increase Sentences of Pair Jailed in Murder of NLD Legal Adviser

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 05:02 AM PST

The Supreme Court has rejected prosecutors' appeal for heavier sentences for two men jailed in the U Ko Ni murder case, while upholding the death sentences of two others.

Ta’ang Rights Group Blames Myanmar Military for Targeting Civilians

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 04:51 AM PST

The Ta'ang Women's Organization says villagers are increasingly being targeted as violence increases between Myanmar's military and rebel armies in northern Shan State. 

Myanmar Army Attacks Kachin Independence Army Base

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 04:04 AM PST

Myanmar's military attacked a Kachin Independence Army base in Shan State on Wednesday, ending a relative lull in violence between the two sides over the past year.

Bangladeshi Army Installs Barbwire Fence Along Rohingya Camps

Posted: 10 Jan 2020 03:17 AM PST

The Bangladeshi army is building a $24.6-million fence along Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar to 'protect the Rohingya… aid workers and other Bangladeshi officials.'

Myanmar, China to Sign Agreements on SEZ, Border Economic Cooperation During President Xi’s Visit

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 10:33 PM PST

Myanmar and China will ink MOUs preparing for construction of the Kyaukphyu SEZ in Rakhine, and boosting border economic ties when President Xi Jinping visits next week.

Japan, China to Craft New Political Document for Xi’s State Visit

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 10:04 PM PST

Tokyo and Beijing will reportedly unveil a new document laying the foundations for future bilateral relations when Chinese President Xi visits Japan this year.

US Believes Iran Accidentally Shot Down Ukraine Airliner; Tehran Denies Claim

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 09:51 PM PST

Tehran denies US reports that Ukrainian airliner was accidentally shot down by Iranian missile.

Thailand’s Fugitive ex-PM Siblings Tout New DNA Venture at Vegas Expo

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 09:10 PM PST

Ousted former Thai PMs Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra appear at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to promote new DNA nutrition app.

One Woman Reports a Rape Every 15 Minutes in India, Govt Figures Show

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 08:47 PM PST

Indian government data show that one woman reports a rape in the country every 15 minutes, underlining the slow pace of legal and social reforms to protect women.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Auditor’s Report Shows Financial Problems of Yangon Government

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 06:56 AM PST

Yangon auditor-general's report on the regional government's FY2017-18 spending reveals lost revenue, failure to collect fines and tax evasion, among other irregularities.

Japanese Film Festival Expands to Myanmar’s Capital for 8th Edition

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 06:04 AM PST

Movie fans in Naypyitaw got an early look at the 8th Japanese Film Festival this year, before it heads to Yangon and Mandalay.

Chinese President’s Upcoming Visit Seen as Bid to Gain Myanmar Leaders’ Commitment on BRI Projects

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 05:55 AM PST

Chinese president to visit Myanmar next week in what many see as a signal of the importance of the country to China's Indian Ocean strategy.

Myanmar Christens Star ‘Ayeyarwady’ and Planet ‘Bagan’

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 05:45 AM PST

The International Astronomical Union has accepted Myanmar's nominations of Ayeyarwady and Bagan as the new names of a sun and planet located 553 light-years from Earth.

Giant Myanmar Irrawaddy Dolphin Died of Old Age: Environmentalists

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 03:41 AM PST

Activists and residents disagree about whether an Irrawaddy dolphin found dead in Mandalay Region this week was killed by electrofishing.

Myanmar Archaeologists Object to Construction Near Ancient Pagodas in Bagan

Posted: 09 Jan 2020 03:23 AM PST

The Myanmar Archaeology Association has spoken out about a construction project near ancient Pyu-era pagodas in Bagan, saying it threatens the historical site.

Trump Denies Intent to Use Military Against Iran After Missile Attack

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 09:36 PM PST

US President Donald Trump warns Tehran of tougher sanctions following Iranian missile strikes on US forces in Iraq, but says no military action planned.

Japan, China Concerned Over Economic Risks After US-Iran Showdown

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 09:34 PM PST

Japanese, Chinese economic ministers express concerns about effects of Middle East tensions on financial markets at Beijing meeting.

China’s CNPC Withdraws Staff From Iraqi Oilfield as Tensions Rise

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 09:17 PM PST

Major Chinese oil company CNPC has pulled about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oilfield in Iraq as tensions rise following the US killing of an Iranian general.

Australia Issues New Evacuation Alerts as Monster Bushfires Regenerate

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 09:03 PM PST

More evacuation warnings issued in Australia as bushfires across the country's southeast flare up and weather conditions worsen.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


At Myanmar Peace Talks, State Counselor Urges All Parties to Put Country First

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 07:33 AM PST

At the long-awaited resumption of the Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urges all parties to the peace talks to look beyond their own goals.

Myanmar Freedom of Expression Advocates Call on Military to Stop Suing Critics

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 05:07 AM PST

Freedom of expression advocates at Athan have demanded that Myanmar's military drop all lawsuits against critics and respect media rights.

Mon Ethnic Party: Myanmar Gov’t, Military Lack Political Will for Federalism, Equality

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 04:50 AM PST

The New Mon State Party has criticized the National League for Democracy for failing to bring peace, amend the Constitution or advance federalism and ethnic equality.

Mine Blast Kills 4 Rohingya Children in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 04:22 AM PST

A mine blast in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State killed four children and injured six others on Tuesday. The Myanmar military has blamed the Arakan Army.

Bangladesh Border Chief Demands Rohingya Return to Myanmar

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 04:19 AM PST

Bangladesh's border chief has told a police delegation from Myanmar that instability and crime will grow while 1.1 million Rohingya refugees remain near the border.

‘Have Fun in Burma’: A Fictional Exploration of Intercultural Misunderstanding

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 03:00 AM PST

As international scrutiny of Myanmar mounts, Rosalie Metro's novel offers perspective on how the values Westerners carry often undermine their well-intentioned efforts.

Myanmar Military Detains 2 Unarmed RCSS Members at Public Event in Shan State

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 02:08 AM PST

RCSS complains to military over detention of two unarmed members attending a community event in southern Shan State.

Western Union Cuts Ties to Myanmar Military-Owned Bank

Posted: 08 Jan 2020 01:49 AM PST

US-based money transfer company Western Union says it will no longer work with military-owned Myawaddy Bank following pressure from human rights organizations.

The Day Myanmar’s Oil Workers Downed Tools

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 11:31 PM PST

On this day in 1938, Burmah Oil workers in Magwe Region went on strike to demand better treatment. The strike spread into a wider movement against British colonial rule.

Philippines Orders Citizens in Iraq to Leave After Iran Attacks US Forces

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 10:25 PM PST

Philippine patrol vessel to sail to Middle East to assist in evacuation as Manila orders citizens to leave Iraq following Iranian missile strikes.

Ukrainian Boeing 737 crashes in Iran, Kiling All 170 Aboard

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 10:12 PM PST

At least 170 passengers on a Ukrainian airliner have been killed when the plane crashed after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport; Iran state TV says technical problems were to blame.

Japanese Prosecutors Search Office of Ex-Nissan Boss Ghosn’s Lawyer 

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 09:50 PM PST

Prosecutors in Japan search office of ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn's lawyer after he refuses to hand over computer used by the fugitive.

Man Pleads Not Guilty to 2016 Murder of 19 People at Japan Care Home

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 09:06 PM PST

Japanese man accused of killing 19 residents of a care home for mentally disabled people near Tokyo in 2016 pleads not guilty.

Iran Launches Missile Attacks on US Forces in Iraq

Posted: 07 Jan 2020 08:53 PM PST

Iran fires at least a dozen missiles targeting US forces in Iraq; at least 56 killed in stampede ahead of funeral of Iranian commander killed by US.

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.