News & Articles on Burma

Saturday, 06 August, 2011
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Auggust 6, 2011: Yomiuri Shimbun
Myanmar refugees in Japan find adjusting to new life difficult
Mayumi Oshige / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

CHIBA--Language barriers and unfamiliar work in a much different environment are making life in Japan very stressful for ethnic Karen refugees from Myanmar who were transferred from a refugee camp in Thailand to Japan last autumn.

These refugees have been accepted on a third-country resettlement program sponsored by the central government on a test basis. Among them, a husband and wife undergoing work training at a farm in Yachimata, Chiba Prefecture, said they doubt coming to Japan was the right decision.

Providing the refugees with support from public and private sectors is expected to promote the program.

The couple was among five families of 27 Karen who lived in a refugee camp in Mera, northwestern Thailand, and the first batch of refugees who came to Japan on the program.

They took a six-month language training program and then moved to Yachimata, or Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, in March, which are their designated settlement places.

Two men and their wives who work at a farm in Yachimata had been absent from work for a month from July 2 and just returned to work Monday. One of the men, 37, had been a rice and corn farmer in Myanmar while the other man, 46, was a carpenter.

After living in the refugee camp for about a decade, they are now assigned to do farmwork from early morning to evening using a mechanical cultivator.

They complained that they could not bear the work conditions with only one day off each week. They agreed to return to work after the conditions were improved by increasing the number of days off from one to two each week and also reducing work hours.

The 37-year-old man's four children, who go to primary or middle schools, said they could not keep up with their classes. Although they are given extra tutoring after school, the children struggle.

His 29-year-old wife sometimes shouts at a mountain behind their house to get rid of the enormous mental stress caused by raising children while doing farmwork.

The farm's 68-year-old operator, who accepted the two families, criticized the central government for leaving these refugees who speak such poor Japanese at the farm.

The operator also stated that the six-month training program is too short to acquire agricultural know-how in machinery operation and developing marketing channels.

Providing support to these refugees is necessary to help them live independently. However, as the Foreign Ministry has not made information about the refugees public, citing safety, the private sector has yet to offer assistance to them.

Under the third-country settlement program, third countries accept refugees who would be persecuted in their home countries and cannot settle in countries they have fled to.

The government decided in December 2008 to introduce the program, believing that the process is smoother than that of accepting refugees based on the international convention on the status of refugees, under which Japan has accepted 577 refugees through last year.

As part of the test program, the government will accept about 30 refugees from the Mera camp each year until 2012.
(Aug. 6, 2011) http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110805006342.htm
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Siege of Shan base relaxed but not lifled
Friday, 05 August 2011 13:51 S.H.A.N.

Though the bulk of the besieging Burma Army troops have been withdrawn since 29 July, trucks carrying rice and other supplies have continued to arrive at outposts facing Wanhai, the Shan State Army (SSA) North’s key base in Kehsi township in central Shan State, according to both local and SSA sources.

“At least 200 bags have already gone through during the past two days,” said an informed source to SHAN.

Out of 14 infantry battalions surrounding Wanhai, only three remain, according to the SSA. The supplies were unloaded at Loi Kawngmu Markkieng, between Wan Merd and Kieng Lern, 8 miles and 7 miles respectively west of Wanhai. Both villages are under the control of the Burma Army.

Commenting on this, Lt-Gen Yawdserk, leader of the Shan State Army (SSA) South, said, “There could be two reasons: One, the Burma Army is changing its tactical plan. Two, it is waiting for the Shan State Government to send its delegation to negotiate with Sao Pang Fa (leader of the SSA North), like they are doing in Kachin State.”

According to the SSA North’s latest report, the two sides for the first time, joined forces together and fought against the Burma Army in Mongnawng sub-township of Kehsi township, 28-30 July.

In the Kachin State, Col Than Aung, Kachin State Government’s Minister for Security and Border Affairs, a military appointee, has been negotiating with the SSA North’s ally, Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

In Shan State, Col Than Aung’s counterpart is Col Aung Thu.

Meeting with ex-general U Tin Aye, Chairman of the Union Election Commission, 5 ethnic parties including Shan had broached the subject of forming a peacemaking commission to parley with the ethnic armed groups. Tin Aye reportedly told them it was a matter best handled by the military, which had inevitably irked the parties. “Peace is a matter which concerns all the people in the Union, not just the military,” one of the Shan politicians told SHAN.

The 5 parties expect to broach the subject again in the forthcoming parliamentary sessions due to start on 2 August. http://shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3919:siege-of-shan-base-relaxed-but-not-lifled&catid=86:war&Itemid=284
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Indonesia's FM to Vet Burma for Asean Chair
By SAW YAN NAING Friday, August 5, 2011

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa is set to visit Burma in the near future with observers saying that Naypyidaw's bid to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2014 may rest on his conclusions.

According to a report on Aug. 3 by Voice of America quoting Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Michael Tene, the foreign minister has already received an official invitation from Burma and is preparing a mission to evaluate whether the Burmese government has made enough democratic progress to win backing for its Asean chairmanship.

However, speaking to The Irrawaddy on Thursday, Kavi Chongkittavorn, a senior editor and columnist at the Bangkok-based daily The Nation, said, “He [Natalegawa] will go only if Burma has made satisfactory progress. Otherwise, he will not go. That much is clear.”

He said he doubts the visit will happen, because Natalegawa has not confirmed a schedule for the trip. However, he added, if the Indonesian foreign minister does go to Burma, then Naypyidaw can take it for granted that it will chair Asean in 2014.

Kavi said the conditions that Burma has to meet include the release of political prisoners, a ceasefire with ethnic groups, and a dialogue toward national reconciliation.

Burma first voiced the idea of chairing Asean just a month after the new government took office in March. It then launched an official bid for the bloc's chairmanship in Bali at an Asean foreign ministerial meeting in July.

However, several Burma watchers have said that no satisfactory steps have been taken toward resolving the issues, especially with regard to dialogue with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the ethnic minority groups.

International and opposition groups have roundly urged Burma to make tangible progress. Otherwise, they say, Naypyidaw does not merit the honor of chairing Asean.

In June, the US raised concerns over Burma's bid to chair the bloc, citing the renewed violence in Kachin State and other regions of the country. The US State Department called on Naypyidaw to call a halt to hostilities, and said the conflicts underscore the need for an inclusive dialogue between the Burmese government, opposition parties and ethnic minority groups to begin a process of genuine national reconciliation.

Speaking to The Irrawaddy from Indonesia on Thursday, Rafendi Djamin, the Indonesian representative to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, said, “My concern is that there is no significant change in Burma in terms of human rights violations in the conflict areas, and that the issue of political prisoners also remains a serious problem.”

In 2006, Burma missed its turn to chair Asean due to international pressure on it to enact democratic reforms.

In recent months, several armed conflicts have flared across Burma, forcing thousands of people from their homes.

Naypyidaw has recently made several “olive branch” gestures to Kachin rebels, a move many Burma watchers say could be related to its bid to assume the 2014 Asean chairmanship.

Observers say the Burmese authorities also want to be seen to be engaging Suu Kyi, and may invite her to attend an upcoming parliamentary workshop on Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation in the capital.

Nay Zin Latt, a member of the Burmese president’s political advisory board, told The Irrawaddy that he heard Suu Kyi may be invited to “cooperate individually as an observer attendee” at the workshop.

Regional activist Debbie Stothard, the coordinator of the Alternative Asean Network, said that Naypyidaw's sudden involvement with Suu Kyi might just be a show for the international community.

She said the Indonesian foreign minister needs to look at the armed conflicts, attacks against ethnic minority people, the rape of ethnic women, and the issue of political prisoners in Burma.

Rangoon-based veteran Arakan politician Aye Tha Aung agreed, saying that internal progress on the issues of human rights abuses, democratic reform and national reconciliation should be met before a decision is taken on Burma's Asean chairmanship.

Win Htein, a close friend of Suu Kyi, told The Irrawaddy that the opposition leader wants internal affairs—essentially economic, social and political issues—to be prioritized by the new government at this current juncture. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=21845
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Burma’s newspaper blames Kachin rebels means little hope for ceasefire?
By Zin Linn Aug 06, 2011

Kachin Independence Army (KIO) opened fire at a vehicle on its return from Tarpein (1) Hydropower Plant (a China-backed hydroelectric project) to Momauk between mile posts No. 19 and 21, leaving seven dead and one injured, state-owned New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported Friday.

On 2 August evening, three mechanics, one Chinese interpreter, two police members and two drivers, totaling 8 left Tarpein by car after repairing airconditioners at the communication room of Tarpein (1) Hydropower Plant, it said.

According to the newspaper, during the incident, Police officer Aung Kyi Tun, drivers U Nan Shaung, U Than Htay Aung, air-conditioner technicians U Nay Myo Thein, U Zaw Htwe, interpreter Maung Khant Min Htet, totaling 6 in the vehicle were killed on the spot due to gun fires.

The attack took place during two days of talks negotiating a new ceasefire between delegates from the Kachin Independence Organization and the Burmese government at the KIO’s Laja Yang Liaison Office.

The remaining a i r – c o n d i t i o n e r technician Maung Thaw Lin Tun was injured at belly seriously and constable Myo Thant Naing Hsan at left arm and right leg not serious.

The two injured reported their incident to the frontline military camp. The military column cleared the place of incident and found five dead persons in the car and one beside the car. Maung Thaw Lin Tun, one of two injured persons who reported to the military column died the next morning due to his wounds.

The state newspapers accused KIA of making a false claim through BBC saying the car hit its landmine; that dead and injuries were due to the mine blast in its prohibited area before ceasefire has reached.

In reality, KIA intentionally opened fire at the vehicle small arms on its return from Tarpein, leaving seven persons dead and one injured out of eight, not by the blast of mine planted by KIA, the state-media blamed.Bullet wounds were found on the dead bodies, the injured person. Bullet holes were also found on the vehicle, New Light of Myanmar said Friday.

KIA could not be reached for comment. But, as reported by the Kachin News Group on 2 August, KIA attacked a military truck in the same area saying unknown number of casualties. KIA launched ambush-attack on a Burmese military truck at around 5 pm (local time) in N’mawk Township, Manmaw District, Northern Kachin State.

Meanwhile, Lower House MPs will submit proposals to accomplish peace in Kachin State during the second regular session of Union Parliament which starts on August 22, Chiang Mai based Mizzima News said.

Lower House MP Dwe Bu of the Unity and Democracy Party of Kachin State (UDPKS) said that she would talk about the armed conflict in Kachin State in Parliament. UDPKS is a Kachin Party that is reportedly backed by the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

Last week, Members of Parliament of the UDPKS visited Kachin churches to hear their views on the raging war in Kachin State from war refugees taking shelter there. Dwe Bu said most of the refugees wanted peace and she would voice their views in Parliament.

“Without peace, it is difficult for any development to occur,” she told Mizzima..

As said by Dwe Bu, the fresh ceasefire talks between the government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) are mainly focused on a temporary peace. She sought after to propose setting up of a permanent peace. There are 18 Lower House MPs and 12 Upper House MPs representing Kachin State.

Recently, the KIO has proposed an end to the merciless fighting if the government will inaugurate talks for a countrywide ceasefire. But Burmese government authorities did not reveal any obvious positive sign, according to La Nang, a spokesman for the KIO.

The officials of the Kachin State government have no authority to talk about the conflict. People consider that nothing will happen even though the MPs from Kachin state proposed for conciliatory in their State Parliament.

Recently, Burma’s Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, released an open letter addressed to President Thein Sein and ethnic armed groups. Suu Kyi made an appeal for political talk and an urgent ceasefire between major ethnic rebel groups – Kachin Independence Organization, Karen National Union, New Mon State Party, Shan State Army – and government troops. http://asiancorrespondent.com/61829/burma%E2%80%99s-newspaper-blames-kachin-rebels-means-little-hope-for-ceasefire/
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Burmese lieutenant and soldier killed by KIA
Kachin News Group: 5 August, 2011

A Burmese army lieutenant and a soldier were killed and three more soldiers, including a lieutenant, were wounded in fighting with Kachin Independence Army (KIA) troops on August 4, around 11 a.m., in western Kachin State, witnesses said.

The name of the dead lieutenant was Myo Min Aung and the wounded lieutenant was Zaw Htun Oo, according to a reliable source close to government troops. The wounded were transported to hospital in Mogaung after the fighting, sources added.

Brief fighting between government troops from several battalions and KIA troops of Battalion 6, under Brigade 2, took place between the villages of Labang Kahtawng and Sawng Hkra, situated between Kamaing and Mogaung, according to KIA officials from Brigade 2. KIA Corporal, Layang Brang Nu, was killed by Burmese troops.

Around 45 Burmese soldiers from Infantry Battalion (IB) No. 58, based at Waingmaw, Sarhmaw-based IB No. 105, IB No. 281 from Mong Yang and Mohnyin-based IB No. 15 were involved in the fighting with KIA Battalion 6 troops, KIA officials added.

Thursday’s fighting occurred on the road when government troops were coming back to Mogaung from Kahtang Yang, in Kamaing, witnesses said.

The fighting took place one day after the KIA and Burmese government delegates held meetings to negotiate a ceasefire agreement at the KIO’s Lajayang Liaison Office, in eastern Kachin State, on August 2 and 3. http://www.kachinnews.com/news/2009-burmese-lieutenant-and-soldier-killed-by-kia.html
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Myanmar media blames rebels for deaths at dam
Terra Daily: Yangon (AFP) Aug 5, 2011
By Staff Writers
Myanmar state media on Friday accused ethnic fighters of killing seven people who visited a Chinese-run dam at the centre of an ongoing conflict between the army and rebels.

Six of those killed were workers at the hydropower plant in northern Myanmar, which is owned jointly by the government and China's Datang (Yunan) United Hydropower Developing Company, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper said.

The government mouthpiece said two mechanics, one Chinese-speaking interpreter, two drivers and a policeman died at the scene, while another technician died later of his injuries. Another policeman was wounded. -----------------------------------------------------

It did not appear that any of the victims were Chinese.

Fighting between government troops and Kachin Independence Army rebels was sparked three months ago near the dam project in Kachin State near the Chinese border. The KIA and Myanmar military have since been trying to reach a ceasefire.

Friday's state media report appeared to be a rebuttal of KIA statements blaming a landmine for the deaths.

"The KIA intentionally opened fire at the vehicle," it said. "Bullet wounds were found on the dead bodies, the injured persons. Bullet holes were also found on the vehicle," the paper in an article accompanied by pictures of the bodies.

In June state media said fighting had caused 215 Chinese workers from the project to be sent back to China and accused rebels of launching "heavy weapons fire at the project".

Relations between the army and ceasefire groups have soured over the past year as ethnic minority fighters were pressured to give up their weapons or come under state control in the run-up to a controversial November election.

Democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi, who recently held her first talks with a minister in the new government, last month called on the army and ethnic insurgents to end a decades-long civil conflict.

The Burma Environmental Working Group, a network of activist organisations, last week called for an end to foreign investment in projects exploiting Myanmar's natural resources, accusing such activities of sparking conflict in ethnic minority areas. http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Myanmar_media_blames_rebels_for_deaths_at_dam_999.html
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Some USDP officials paid ‘stipends’ for work
Friday, 05 August 2011 21:05 Mizzima News

(Mizzima) – Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) General-Secretary Htay Oo confirmed reports that some party members receive cash stipends or allowances for their work.

USDP General-Secretary Htay Oo receives Chinese Politburo member Li Yuanchao of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in this file photo. Photo: Mizzima

USDP General-Secretary Htay Oo receives Chinese Politburo member Li Yuanchao of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in this file photo. Photo: Mizzima
Htay Oo’s comments on Friday were made in reply to reporters’ questions after reports appeared saying salaries were paid to party leaders in township, region and state branches.

“We cannot give them a salary, we just collect party membership fees from our party members at 1,000 kyat (US$ 1.28). But some of our full-time members who are working for the party are given allowances or a stipend,” he said.

Htay Oo didn’t disclose the amount of the stipends, but a party MP said that the figure varied from 50,000 to 300,000 kyat (US$ 64-385) per month depending on rank in the party. He said the payments started in July.

Htay Oo made his remarks following a meeting at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce in Rangoon.

The following are unofficial allowances for USDP party officials in regions, states and township branches:
Allowance for Region/State branch chiefs – 300,000 kyat per month (US$ 385)

Allowance for secretary of Region/States – 120,000 kyat pm (US$ 154)

Allowance for joint secretary of Regions/States – 100,000 kyat pm (US$ 128)

Allowance for EC of Regions/States – 80,000 kyat (US$ 103)

Allowance for district branch secretary – 80,000 kyat (US$ 103)

Allowance for EC of district branches – 70,000 kyat (US$ 90)

Allowance for township branch secretary – 70,000 kyat (US$ 90)

Allowance for township branch EC – 60,000 kyat (US$ 77)

Allowance for sub-township branch EC – 50,000 kyat (US$ 64)
Meanwhile, Htay Oo denied a report that the government-backed USDP party had received a permit to import 5,000 vehicles from Thailand to reward party officials. The report appeared on The Irrawaddy web site.

“We don’t import luxury cars,” he said. “Please ask other parties if they received this permit. We will get this permit only if other parties get it too. Now we are in a multi-party system not a one-party rule system. So we don’t get such privileges. This news of getting a permit for importing vehicles is not true.” Under the Constitution, Burmese political parties can operate as businesses to raise operating funds.

Htay Oo also denied reports that Russia was awarded a contract to building a 50-km long underground rail network in Naypyitaw, which was reported on Voice of Russia.

The Russian news agency said that Russian experts were doing survey and design work and cited an unidentified chief architect.

Earlier, the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) also reported on a planned underground rail network in Naypyitaw based on a military master plan. DVB said the underground rail network would be close to a underground military bunker near the War Office.

When contacted by Mizzima, the Rail Ministry in Naypyitaw also denied the report saying it had no plan to build a rail network in Naypyitaw.

Htay Oo has also denied reports that the USDP would take over the water transport service in Rakhine State. Water transport is a major mode of transportation in coastal Rakhine State. USDP party Rangoon Region branch Chief Aung Thein Lin said in July that the USDP party had loaned 1 billion kyat (US$ 1.28 million) in Rangoon Region alone. http://www.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/5733-some-usdp-officials-paid-stipends-for-work.html