Wednesday, January 15, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Reform of Myanmar Human Rights Commission Lacks Transparency, Critics Say

Posted: 15 Jan 2020 06:17 AM PST

Activists are voicing concerns about Myanmar's newly replaced human rights commission, saying the new members lack diversity and were selected without transparency.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Vows Probe Into Kayah Farmland Seizures by Myanmar Military

Posted: 15 Jan 2020 05:37 AM PST

During her visit to Kayah State, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi promised to look into military land grabs but ignored complaints about a statue of her father, Gen. Aung San.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Myanmar Trip Aimed at Pushing Beijing’s ‘Two-Ocean’ Strategy

Posted: 15 Jan 2020 04:42 AM PST

During his upcoming visit to Myanmar, Chinese President Xi Jinping's top priority will be advancing Beijing's strategy to project its power into the Indian Ocean.

Myanmar Lawyers Seek Presidential Approval to Sue Police for Revealing Raped Toddler Identity

Posted: 15 Jan 2020 04:23 AM PST

The Independent Lawyers' Association of Myanmar has asked the President for permission to sue the police officers who identified the raped toddler known as 'Victoria'.

Myanmar Court Sentences Man to Death by Hanging for Love Triangle Murder

Posted: 15 Jan 2020 03:24 AM PST

After a three-year trial, a court in Ayeyarwady Region has found a local man guilty of murdering his girlfriend's ex-lover and burying the body on a farm in 2016.

Infographics: Chinese Leaders’ Visits to Myanmar Over 6 Decades

Posted: 15 Jan 2020 02:14 AM PST


The Irrawaddy presents an infographic examining high-level visits to Myanmar by Chinese leaders from 1954 to 2014, and their significance for bilateral relations.

Myanmar Invites Citizens Abroad to Participate in ‘Nation-Building’

Posted: 15 Jan 2020 01:49 AM PST

The Myanmar government has asked current and former citizens abroad to lend their expertise and participation to support peacebuilding and development of a federal Union.

Japan’s Defense Minister Urges China to Respect Int’l Norms

Posted: 14 Jan 2020 09:07 PM PST

Ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping next spring, Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono has urged Beijing to adhere to international norms of maritime security.

China Denies Ever Manipulating Currency After US Lifts Designation

Posted: 14 Jan 2020 08:52 PM PST

A day after being removed from the US Treasury Department's currency manipulator list, China says it never engaged in the practice.

Cambodia to Open Treason Trial of Opposition Leader Kem Sokha

Posted: 14 Jan 2020 08:41 PM PST

Cambodian opposition party leader Kem Sokha is due to go on trial for treason today in a case slammed by rights groups as bogus.

ICJ to Rule on Emergency Measures in Myanmar Genocide Case on Jan. 23: Gambia

Posted: 14 Jan 2020 08:30 PM PST

The Gambian government has tweeted that the World Court will rule Jan. 23 on its request that emergency measures be taken against Myanmar in the Rohingya genocide case.
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Tuesday, January 14, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Yangon Zoo, the Oldest One in Southeast Asia

Posted: 14 Jan 2020 06:02 AM PST

It is 114 years since the opening of Yangon's zoo, which is the oldest in Southeast Asia. The zoo has survived World War II and attempts to relocate it to the suburbs.

Myanmar Parliamentary Committee Finalizes Proposed Changes for Undemocratic Constitution

Posted: 14 Jan 2020 05:32 AM PST

The Constitution Amendment Committee has finished reviewing proposed changes, moving the amendment process one step closer to submitting two bills to Parliament.

Busy Schedule Awaits Chinese President Xi During His 2-Day Visit to Myanmar  

Posted: 14 Jan 2020 01:54 AM PST

During his Jan. 17-18 visit, Chinese President Xi will sign MOUs, meet political, military and other leaders, and preside over celebrations of 70 years of bilateral ties.

Myanmar Military, AA Swap Blame for Civilian Deaths in Chin State

Posted: 14 Jan 2020 01:46 AM PST

The Myanmar military and the Arakan Army have both said that the other side is responsible for the deaths of three civilians last week in Chin State.

Widely Viewed as Ghosn Reference, Yamaha’s Tweet Over Instrument Case Goes Viral

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 09:32 PM PST

A tweet by Yamaha Music warning of the dangers of putting a person inside a musical instrument case—seen as an allusion to ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn—has gone viral.

High Court Rescinds ex-Pakistan President Musharraf’s Death Sentence

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 09:21 PM PST

A court in Pakistan has overturned ex-president Pervez Musharraf's death sentence, saying the special tribunal that handed it down was unconstitutional.

US Drops China’s ‘Currency Manipulator’ Label Ahead of Trade Deal Signing

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 09:17 PM PST

The US Treasury said it no longer considers China to be a currency manipulator, days before the two countries are due to sign a trade agreement.

Australia’s Koalas, Wallabies Endangered by Bushfire ‘Ecological Disaster’

Posted: 13 Jan 2020 09:15 PM PST

Canberra has committed 50 million Australian dollars to a wildlife recovery program as koalas, rock wallabies and other species face an extinction threat from bushfires.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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