PDC Monthly News Commentary - June 2011-English

8/6/2019 PDC Monthly News Commentary - June 2011-English

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THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AND DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE MILITARY JUNTA

The USDP led government has gradually increased restrictions upon the National League for

Democracy (NLD) while the demands of the NLD have been neglected. On May 6, Daw

Aung San Suu Kyi called for active participation in petition campaign for unconditionalrelease of political prisoners launchedby Network for Democracy. Only 50 political prisoners

out of the freed 14,600 prisoners under the government's amnesty program were released

from the prisons on May 16.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on May 19 th that she did not consider the government amnesty

program singed by the President himself on May 16th as an amnesty but rather as commute.

NLD spokesperson U Nyan Win and NLD legal advisor lawyer U Aung Thein said on May

16th and 17th that the government's recent amnesty program wasn't aimed for the releases of

over 2,000 political prisoners who are still behind bars. Naw Ohn Hla who was released on

May 17th and a member of Tuesday Prayer Group, had almost completed her prison terms.

Burma's National Police Force has issued monthly instructions to its subunits to watch the

movements of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, National League for Democracy.

USDP Secretary U Aung Thaung said in the first week of May in Lashio, northern part of

Shan States that although current activities of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were not undermining

the government, the activities of former NLD members including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

should be watched over closely. Directives of Chief of Police (Office), issued on May 20th,

cited that activities of former NLD members, monks, students and civilians across the

country should be closed observed and reported accordingly.

Writer Wai Hmu Thwin was arrested by Special Branch and local police on May 7th for his

active role in the NLD's free political prisoner petition campaign. Military Affairs SecurityUnit and Township Police Force instructed persons in charge of the Wards administration on

May 10 to prevent the children going to the school named "Bayda" which was recently

moved to Thingangyun Township by a youth network. House owner of "Mother's House Free

English Language Course" in North Okkalapa Township in Rangoon run by the NLD's Social

Support Group was threatened to dislodge the school on May 22nd. Members of Intelligent

Unit photographed free political prisoner campaign of the Tuesday Prayer Group held in

Aung Bawga Pagoda on May 22nd.

Members of NLD (Youth) in Kawthoung, Tanintharyi Division was denied to make blood

donation at the Military Hospital No. 13 with 100 beds capacity by the authorities on May

24th. Former army Capt. Nay Myo Zin who was arrested in April for his active involvement

PDC News Commentary ~ June 2011 (Eng) Page 1 of13

June 2011Compiled and commented by the Political Defiance C ommittee (PDC)National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)

PDC NEWS COMMENTARY


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in NLD (Youth)'s Blood Donation Group, was charged under Electronic Act (33). Blood

donation, supports for the children of the poor and other social activities led by former

independent MP U Win Ko Ko in Thanlwin Township, Rangoon Region was prevented by

the authorities. Likewise, Social activities of former independent MP Dr Saw Naing and

youth networks in South Okkalapa Township were also questioned by the authorities.

Documentary videos and CDs about activities of Free Funeral Association (Rangoon) led by

movie actor U Kyaw Thu, who is also close with NLD, were not permitted to distribute

without permission from Press Scrutiny and Registration Division.

National League for Democracy (NLD), issued a statement on May 20th, condemning

tourism, saying it damages the environment and stressing lack of government's attention to

preserve it. Pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on May 22nd that even though

new administration has been emerged in Burma, no meaningful change has been realized yet.

She also cited that ignoring the result of the general election in 1990 was disrespectful to the

will of the Burmese people and calling it "a historically inappropriate policy that damaged the

image of the country".Dr Nay Zin Latt, a member of Political Advisory Team to President Thein Sein, said on May

26th that both sides - the incumbent government and NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

should try to reach national reconciliation for the benefits for all. NLD's Vice Chairperson

Thura U Tin Oo cautioned that it was important not to trick on people of Burma and the

world by conducting workshops with academics, forming the implementing committees for

the ministries. On May 27th, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi responded on Burma's Foreign

Minister's call to the US government to accept the country's legal name "Myanmar" in a bid

to promote bilateral relationships, that the NLD has not accepted the name Myanmar because

the change to that name was made only at the wish of the ruling regime.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHNIC GROUPS AND THE NEW REGIME

The civil war in Burma is very likely to recur due to the USDP led government's ongoing

offensives in the ethnic areas.

The intensified fighting broke out in northern and southern Shan States during May. Shan

States Army (South) stated on May 11th that the fighting, occurred near Tonelaw village,

Mongkaung Township, Southern Shan States, resulted 11 deaths including Lt-Col Than Htike

Wai who was a battalion commander of Light Infantry Battalion # 422 under Military

Operation Command # 7 , 15 wounded and it captured 15 weapons.

While Shan States Army (North) was continuing its military activities, tactical strategic

commander Col. Khing Zaw of Tangyan strategic command ordered militias in Mongpan and

Lawmafor attachment on May 10th. Northeast Military Command Gen. Aung Kyaw Zawheld a meeting with militia leaders from Tangyan and Mongyan on May 17th in response to

SSA (North)'s attack the check point at the east of Tangyan on May 14th. Militia leaders of

Loipha, Kalo sub-Township Meinkhe, Hsipaw Township were asked to persuade SSA(North)

in Wanhai to agree to take border guard force plan. Local people in Tangyan Twonship were

forced to flee into southern Shan States due to the regime's fierce attacks against SSA (North)

with over 20 battalions. On May 21th, Gen Sao Htin of SSA (North), who is currently

serving 106 years imprisonments, was taken back to Sittwe prison after undergoing surgeryon his right eye at Sittwe Monk Hospital.

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May 21st marked the 53rd anniversary of the Shan States Day and the ceremony was held at

headquarters of SSA (South) to which leaders of SSA (North) attended. Their joint statement

stressed to unite two groups as one and to cooperate political and military affairs under one

flag. Shan people and other ethnic armed groups welcomed their reunification. The regime

made an accusation against SSA(South) that it was their responsible for the missing of 4

Chinese engineers working at the Tarsan Dam construction site on Salween river on May

17th.

Tension between Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and USDP led government were

high. Battalion # 25 under Brigade # 5 of Kachin Independence Army (KIA) based at the

west bank of Tarpai river (aka) Tarkhawkha was fired three rounds of 75 MM rocket by LIB

# 320 on May 18th. The fighting broke out when a column of LIB # 121 approached to a KIA

military post which was located 20 miles west of Myitkyina in the night of May 19th. U La

Nan, joint general secretary of KIO, said on May 20 th that KIO had already sent its official

letter to the government to withdraw their troops operating in the areas the KIA Battalion # 5

controlled and all KIA troops were put in alert. The government troops were reportedlyretreated on May 16th, he said. However, the first military confrontation was occurred

between IB # 105 and KIA Battalion # 27 in the KIA controlled area in Manse. At the end of

May, two more battalions were deployed near KIA Battalion # 9 in northern Shan States.

KIO Chairperson U Lanwaw Zawng Hra sent an open letter to the Chinese President Hu

Jintao on May 16, citing to stop the planned dam construction in confluence area that could

lead to civil war. Although the tension were high between KIA and the government troops,

the civilian government hired 50 Chinese engineers for the road construction from

Tharyakone village, Shweku Township, Kachin State to Namkham Township, northern Shan

States. KIO asked Chinese nationals working at the gold mining around Namsam Yan areas

to return home on May 24th.

The civilian government set ultimatum to UWSA to withdraw its troops operating outside of

the agreed territories on April 30 as the last date. But UWSA withdrew only some troops

belong to Brigade # 468 in Mongyai, eastern part of Shan States. An UWSA official, who

spoke on condition of anonymity, said on May 18th that President Thein Sein led

government's call for national reconciliation was just spurious.

United Nationalities Federal Council (Union of Burma), consists of 12 ethnic armed groups;

Cease Fired Groups and Non Cease Fired Groups; was formed on February 17th but it was

reorganized with core 6 member organizations such as KIO, SSPP, KNU, KNPP, NMSP and

CN, said the group spokesperson Nai Han Thar on May 17 th.

While joint forces of KNU and DKBA continued fighting against USDP led government's

troops, there were mutinies and desertions among the DKBA troops (Border Guard Force).

On May 11th (afternoon) fighting broke out between KNLA Battalion # 201 and IB #372

which resulted in 6 deaths and 7 wounded from the government side and 2 wounded from the

KNLA. Joint force of troops under command of Lt.Col Kalo Htoo of Battalion # 18, Brigade

# 6, KNLA and troops under command of Lt.Col Kyaw Thet of DKBA Brigade # 5, attacked

LIB # 230 and LIB # 97 under command of Military Operation Command # 12 including 8

check points in west of Kawkayaik Township. An army lieutenant from the government side

was killed in these attacks.



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On May 15th, the government military stations based in Tamilegone and Chaungtaw,

Kawkayaik Township were attacked by the Karen joint forces. On May 28th, the Karen joint

forces engaged in fighting with the government troops which resulted death of one warrant

officer including 4 wounded. On May 4th, one sergeant and one private soldier of IB # 231

under MOC # 12 along with 4 weapons and one radio surrendered to KNLA Battalion # 201.

A total of 359 clashes have taken place between the Karen joint force and the government

troops from January to April 2011, said KNLA Brigade commander Maj-Gen Saw Jonny on

May 18th. On May 15th, LIB # 349/ 451 and 376 under command of MOC # 9 and Southern

Military Command destroyed houses, paddy seed stocks in Yaethowgyi area, Thandaung

Township, Taungngu District, and sentry huts in paddy fields in 20 Karen villages in

Kyaukgyi Township, Pegu Division, as part of their scorched earth policy operating in

KNLA controlled areas in eastern Pegu.

The New Light of Myanmarreported on May 24th that KNU opened fire at 5 passenger buses

en route from Ye on Ye-Thanbyuzayat Road in Mon State on May 23rd

. But Maj-Saw HlaNgwe, a spokesperson of KNU, denied it. KNU appealed to UN and International community

on May 17th to form a commission of inquiry to investigate war crimes and crimes against

humanity perpetrated by the Burma Army in their military operations in the ethnic areas.

On May 24th troops from Border Guard Force # 1012 of DKBA under command of

Commander Bi came to join with DKBA Brigade # 5 led by Maj-Gen Saw Lar Bwe and

made a fresh attack the troops under command of Commander Ba Thein based in Htoolo

area, Hlaing Bwe Township. On the same day, the breakaway DKBA troops captured DKBA

Headquarters in Myaing Gyi Nyu, Hlaing Bwe Towship and removed BGF badges from their

uniforms and replaced them with their old DKBA insignia. Former Commander in ChiefGeneral Kyaw Than escaped from the attack, the news reported.

On May 19th, New Mon State Party (NMSP) declined the report that Mon State Prime

Minister U Ohn Myint had offered to hold a peace talk between New Mon State Party and

USDP led government. Nai Aie Con, a Mon National Education Department (MNED)

committee member, said on May 2nd that the newly appointed Burmese government

continued to allow Mon students, from the ninth and tenth grades, the opportunity to take

exams at the government schools during the 2011 academic year despite the end to the

ceasefire agreement with the New Mon State Party (NMSP).

Serious of bomb blasts occurred in Burma during May. IMNA news agency reported on May

20th quoting an account of a passenger light truck, which was taken hostage by an armed

group in Mudon Township that at 6 am on May 14th, those unidentified armed groups who

exploded Telecommunications Office in Mudon and exchanged fire with security forces

which resulted one death of security police were members of Mon Peoples' Liberation Army

(MPLA) according to their spoken language and their uniforms. 2 passengers were killed and

9 were wounded due to the bomb explosion on Car No. 3 of the No.3 Rangoon-Mandalay

express train between Shwemyo, Takgone Township, Naypyidaw Province and Sinthae train

station at 4 pm on May 18th. A bomb was blasted at the phone booth in the compound of Post

and Communication Department near Myawaddy Police Station at about 8:30 am on May19th. KIO General Secretary U Lan Na denied on May 24 that U Zaw Aung who was arrested



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with explosive materials in hands on May 21st by Northern Military Command, was not

belonged to KIO. Naypyidaw government strengthened the security across the country

including capital Naypyidaw while Office of Chief of Police instructed to investigate the

"destructive elements."

Because of the USDP's pressure, the governor of Thailands Tak Province Governor Nai

Samajlaipha warned in the press conference held in Mae Sod Municipal Office on May 23rd

that non- governmental organizations based in Mae Sot not to get involved with Burmese

opposition groups operating along the Thai-Burmese border and local Thai authorities put

more restrictions on ethnic armed groups and political organization.

31 Arakan and Karen freedom fighters out of 34 in total who were imprisoned over 12 years

in Kolkata Presidential Prison in India were released on May 19th.

THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AND DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES

Although political activists including members of National League for Democracy (NLD)

received more restrictions from the USPD led government, grassroots networks organized by

the NLD were escalating their political, social, diplomatic activities month after month.

The NLD released the Statement on May Day on May 1 st, expressing its commitment to

formation of Trade Union Congress in order to protect workers' rights.

Media law training for journalists, lawyers and other concerned businesspeople, 105

attendees in total, was held in NLD Headquarters Office from May 1 st to May 19th in a bid to

help journalists in avoiding breaching laws when they cover the news. NLD (Taunggotownship) opened a Free Class for high school students of the poor families on May 2 nd.

NLD Information Department In-charge U Ohn Kyaing said on May 4th that the Sub-

Committee for Protection and Preservation of Environment was formed. U Ohn Kyaing said

on May 5th that issues about farm lands confiscation and violation of rights protected by laws

were broadly discussed in the training for the peasant facilitated by legal assistance team of

NLD.

Monthly meeting of CRPP was held in the NLD's GHQ office on May 6th. CRPP General

Secretary U Aye Thar Aung said on the same day that it would organize an Academic Paper

Discussion on the 21st Century Panglong Conference. On May 7th, Health Care Networkorganized by NLD in Pegu Township provided free medical check-ups and medicines to

about 100 villagers at Sayadaw U Katti's Buddhist monastery in Pegu. The 10th Ceremony for

Scholarship Program was held in the NLD GHQ office on May 10th. NLD leader Daw Aung

San Suu Kyi mentioned in her speech for the ceremony that having believed that education

for the children bears future of the country, children should be raised to be politically

conscious and mindful persons to take the country's affairs. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi donated

1 million Kyat to a monastic school, which had no outside help, in Kyawekan Inntaw village,

Kyaut Padaung Township, Mandalay.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on May 13 that she would begin tour across the country soon.Daw Aung San Suu Kyi stressed importance of the non-partisan role of media in the first



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batch of Journalism Training held in the NLD GHQ office in Rangoon on May 15th. 36

members of NLD (Youth) and 15 youth members of NLD Information Department attended

the training and it completed on May 23rd.

About 30 people consisting members of Tuesday Prayer Group, Youth Networks, Blood

Donation Group and NLD (Khayan Thonegwa Township) held prayer services at

Shwedagone Pagoda and Dagonmyothit for the releases of political prisoners. Naw Ohn Hla,

who was recently released from the prison and a member of Tuesday Prayer Group, said on

May 25th that prayer services for the releases of political prisoners would be extended to hold

on Sundays. NLD Vice Chairperson U Tin Oo said on May 18th that NLD was planning to

provide medical assistance to those former political prisoners who are in poor health

condition.

NLD's legal assistance team has been providing legal assistance for those who were

arbitrarily arrested for their political convictions including former Capt. Nay Myo Zin. On

May 19th, Daw Aung Suu Kyi and U Win Tin criticized the civilian government's amnesty

program under which a few political prisoners were released out of over 15,000 freed

prisoners and reiterated their commitments to free unconditional releases of all political

prisoners and to achieve national reconciliation. On May 23rd, the Photo Exhibits called

"Paintings created by light" was organized in NLD's Shwegonedine GHQ office in a bid to

expend network with the photographers.

CRPP General Secretary U Aye Thar Aung reaffirmed on May 27th that they would continue

to uphold the result of the 1990 general elections.

Law Training was held on May 28th joinly organized by members of the NLD's social support

group and social support group of Thonegwa Township, Rangoon Division. The 8th

anniversary of the Depayin massacre was organized by members of NLD from Mandalay and

Sagaing at Khinmakan Monastery in Mandalay on May 30 th. About 150 NLD members

including NLD Mandalay Division Chairperson U Thein Tan and NLD Sagaing Division

Chairperson U Baba attended the event and offered donations to the 18 monks. Ko Min

Thein, one of the survivors of the Depayin massacre, called for investigation of the

perpetrators and the government's official apology for those who were killed, wounded and

lost their loved ones.

NLD continued to increase engagement with international community. Members of NLD

along with members of NDF, Democratic Party (Myanmar) and NUP attended dinner party

on commemoration of European Day held in Rangoon's Chatrium Hotel on May 13th. On

May 4th, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi gave her videotaped speech to opening of ASEAN Civil

Society Forum and ASEAN People Forum, urging to give helps for the Burma's democracy

struggle. During second week of May, in a phone interview with German broadcaster DW-

TV, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that she hasnt seen any meaningful change in Burma

since the November 2010 elections as majority of cabinet members of the current government

are merely same people of its predecessor. She also responded that pro-democracy struggle in

Burma couldn't hope to get supports from ASEAN and India and stressed that self-reliancewas important. Mr. Larry M. Dinger who is Charg dAffaires of the Embassy of the United



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States of America in Rangoon, Burma, met members of NDF members in Magwe Division

on May 9th during his visit to Magwe Division. In that meeting, Vice Chairperson Daw Khin

Saw Htay of NLD Yaenangchaung Township briefed how Burma was facing political

instabilities even though it gained the independence for 64 years. NLD leader U Win Tin said

on May 9th that he found it very disturbing that the Austrian ambassador to Burma and

Thailand, Dr Johannes Peterlik accompanied representatives of an Austrian defense firm as

part of a recent trade and investment delegation visit to Rangoon.

On May 12th, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD leaders met Special Adviser to the

Secretary-General Mr. Vijay Nambiar and she urged that Burmese government should put

more effort in national political changes rather than taking ASEAN Chairmanship. On May

13th, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Espen Barth

Eide. He reiterated the Norwegian government's support to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and

Burmese people's struggle for democracy and human rights.

On May 18th, members of Central Committee of NLD and CRPP including Daw Aung San

Suu Kyi met Mr. Joseph Yun, Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of East Asian and PacificAffairs U.S. Department of State. Mr. Yun affirmed that US government would attempt to

achieve national reconciliation and freedom of political prisoners.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sent her videotaped speech to the conference of sexual violence

against women in conflict zones, citing "Rape is used in my country as a weapon against

those who only want to live in peace, who only want to assert their basic human rights." The

conference was held in Montebello resort, Quebec in Canada on May 24 th. On May 30th, Daw

Aung San Suu Kyi held cyber discussion with university students from Hong Kong

University about situations in Burma and political prisoners.

Prison protests were occurred in the light of the USPD led government's amnesty program,

prison conditions and poor health cares. AAPP released a statement on May 20th that female

political prisoners staged on hunger strike in Insein Prison on May 17th. A family member of

political prisoner said that political prisoners in Insein Prison U Withautda, U Yawada, U

Witharla, Ko Zaw Tun Naing, Ko Ko Aung, Ko Aung Naing, Ko Saw Naing, Saw Eh Htoo

and Saw Noel began the protest at 9:00 am on May 21st. On May 27th, political prisoners in

Kalay Prison led by U Gambira and U Nyipu, a MP of the 1990 general elections, staged a

protest due to disrespectful to their six demands regarding prisoner rights which were

submitted to President of Burma, UNSC, ASEAN and Asia Human Rights Commission on

May 11th. Ko Soe Min Thein, who was recently released from Kani Prison, Sagaing Division,

said on May 31 that political prisoners in Kani Prison had already planned to stage on hunger

strike on May 30th.

Political organizations and activists condemned the USDP led government's amnesty

program. On May 17th, U Chit Khin, U Chit Phae, U Aung Phae, Ko Zaw Min Tun and Ko

Aung Soe Wai, who were former political prisoners in Twintay Township, held prayer service

for the releases of political prisoners and poured water the Sacred Banyan Tree. United

Nationalities Alliance highlighted on May 22nd that the President's amnesty program was

contrary to his inauguration speech to the nation. The ad hoc Group of Democratic Party

Friends (GDPF), an alliance of 11 Burmese political parties which took part in the 2010



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general elections, sent an open letter, urging to unconditionally release political prisoners

who remain behind bars. If the government didn't release them before June 5th, 4 party

candidates to the 2010 general election would stage a protest, warned Independent candidate

U Win Cho on May 30th.

The recently released political prisoners and families of political prisoners who remain

behind bars appealed USDP led government to review its amnesty program. Hip Hop singer

Zeya Thaw who was released on May 17th said that he would thrive at his best to release of

political prisoners on the day he released. He also said on May 25th that young generation in

Burma should stand with the righteous and fight against the unjust things.

Myanmar National Trade Union called for the formation of labor unions which can guarantee

the rights of workers in Burma to the USDP led government on the occasion of the 121 st May

Day. About 80 workers of a garment factory which was located on No. 6 Sattma Street,

Shwepyithar Industrial Zone # 1 on Shwepyithar Township, protested against the factory

owner's decision that two supervisors were fired without paying compensation. Labor

Department of northern region ruled out that factor owners provide compensation for the two

employees who lost their jobs.

On May 3rd, the press community requested the government to revoke restrictions on

printings and censorship imposed by the previous regime. On May 1st, 48 farmers whose

farm lands were seized in Palin Myogyi village, Myothit Township, Magwe region sent a

petition to the president, appealing to return their confiscated lands. U Maung Maung Oo, a

resident of Ward # 8, said that the residents around Trading Center Project in Mandalay who

lost their lands to the government also sent a complaint letter to the president on May 14th.

THE MILITARY JUNTA AND DOMESTIC SITUATION

THE SITUATION OF THE ACTIVITIE S OF THE MI LITARY JUNTA

USDP led government has been trying to stabilize its mechanisms at all levels and to gain

more recognition from the super power countries at the same time. On the other hand, the

government has continued its military offensives against some ethnic cease-fired groups and

oppressions on the opposition groups inside Burma.

USDP led government reinstated National Intelligence Branch (NIB) to tackle problems in

national politics, economics and security. The Irrawaddy reported on May 3rd that GeneralMin Aung Hlaing, a newly appointed Commander in Chief, would head the NIB and over

200 officers from the rank of Captain to Colonel from different parts of the country were

reportedly appointed by Min Aung Hlaing to work for the new intelligence unit. The reshuffle

among commanders of Military Operation Command as the first thing since General Min

Aung Hlaing took the office. MOC # 1 Commander Col Aung Ye Win was reassigned as

MOC# 18 commander, MOC#18 commander Col Min Zaw as Headmaster of Defense

Service Medical Academy, MOC#9 commander Maj-Gen Tin Swe Win as Headmaster of

Defense Service Academy, commander of Light Infantry Division # 55 as MOC # 9

commander, MOC # 16 commander Col Win Thein to the office of Command in Chief in

Naypyidaw.



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In May, the 44 implementation committees were formed consisting of executive directors of

each ministry, ministers and secretaries of region and divisions under patronage of the

president and vice presidents. Myanmar Investment Commission that was established in

SLOCR/SPDC was reformed with the new leadership. Former Maj Gen Tin Naing Thien,

who is Minister of National Planning and Economic Development Ministry and Minister of

Livestock Breeding and Fisheries, was named as Chairperson and other 16 high ranking

officers were also appointed.

Minister of Commerce U Win Myint said on May 9 th that although existence of

Subcommittee on Commodity Price which had been formed by the previous regime came to

cease under the new constitution, the subcommittee would be reformed on ad hoc basis. The

Xinhua news agency reported on May 1st that Burmese government formed a working group

on satellite which consists of 5 members of Central Committee and 7 working team members

and signed an MOU with Thai government. Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association

appointed 6 writers to fill the Central Committee positions. U Khin Shwe, an owner of

Zaykabar Company, said on May 10th that the previous 3 private associations such as

Myanmar Hotel Association, Myanmar Tourism Association, Market Promoting Committee

would be extended to 10 associations under the Myanmar Transportation Board. The

government began appointments of chief of local administration in the nationwide including

8 townships in Naypyidaw in early May but members of USDP and army retired personnel

were mostly appointed.

In a bid to organize supports of members of parliament, the USDP led government issued

license to purchase of 5.5 million kyat worth- automobiles joint manufactured by Burma's

industrial department and Chinese company, and the 300,000 Kyat worth-cellphones to the

members of parliament. 9 USDP MPs, 1 female Arakanese MP and Thingangwin MP U

Thein Nyunt and Lathar MP U Kyi Myint were awarded the automobile purchase incenses as

rewards for their supports to the USDP government, said U Kyi Myitnt on May 3rd.

Changes in the administrations at all levels of the government were mainly discussed at the

meeting of speakers of three houses and members of parliamentary standing committees held

on May 23rd. There were some problems arisen regarding power distribution between federal

and regional governments, and between civil entities and military entities. According to the

constitution, region and state governments are entitled to collect 19 categories of taxes

including local national resources, but members of the region and state governments said thatregion and state governments were not yet able to fully operate the function of a government

including taxation.

A gold mining business owner said on May 20th that the relationship between Maj-Gen Soe

Lwin, the commander of the Northwestern Regional Command, and Sagaing Region Chief

Minister Thar Aye was soured in recent months over control of lucrative concessions.

According to the local residents, army and police and government servants in the Arakan

State were more abusive to the people as the Arakan State Government led by U Hla Maung

Tin was merely a puppet one. Also, Region and State Governments were being manipulated

by the ruling party, USDP. On May 3rd

, Immigration Minister U Hla Han, had been appointed



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by the Arakan Region Government, was ousted and his position was replaced with an army

delegate.

Chin Ethnic Affairs Minister Puno Htan Kap, a cabinet member of Sagain Region

Government, said on May 26th that he felt he had no mandate that a minister should be

bestowed and spent his own money for the government affairs.

The USDP led government continued to gain supports from ASEAN member countries,

China, India, US and other super power countries. On May 5th, President Thein Sein briefed

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono about political developments in Burma. On

May 7th, he attended the 18th ASEAN Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia. On May 26th,

President Thein Sein paid a state visit to Beijing, Chian. On May 17 th, he met with President

Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders and signed the 9 bilateral agreements. Chinese

Development Bank agreed, during his visit, to give out a loan package (Euro 540 millions or

USD 765 millions) to the USDP led government. President Thein Sein's visit to China was

coincident with North Korean Communist Leader Kim Jong Il's visit. Newly appointed

Commander in Chief Gen. Min Aung Hlaig was also planning to make a visit to China.

Cabinet members of the USDP led government met with Dr. Ajay Chhiber, UN Assistant

Secretary-General and Assistant Administrator, and discussed about the programs of the

United Nations' millennium development goals in Burma (2012 2015). Foreign Minister U

Wunna Maung Lwin, Interior Minister Lft-Gen Ko Ko met Special Adviser to the Secretary-

General Mr. Vijay Nambiar in Naypyidaw on May 11th. Vice Chairman of the Communist

Party of China's Central Military Commission Gen Xu Chihou was cordially welcomed by

the USDP led government and Burmese military top brasses in Naypyidaw on May 12th. On

the same day, the government officials received a visit of Norwegian Deputy Foreign

Minister Mr. Eepen Barth Eide. On May 18th, Forieng Affairs Minister U Wunna Maung

Lwin, Deputy Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Nanda Kyaw Swar met Mr. Joseph Yun,

Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs U.S. Department of

State, in Naypyidaw.

A workshop on rural development and poverty alleviation in Burma under guidance of

President and Vice President, was held in Naypyidaw on May 20th. During the three day long

workshop, 26 papers, written by the academics including President Advisory Members Dr. U

Myint, Dr Sat Aung and U Sein Hla Bo, were discussed.

There were also changes in Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Central

Committee members were reformed with 17 committee members from 27 members

previously under the leadership of Acting Party's Chairperson Thura Shwe Mann, General

Secretary U Htayt Oo, Secretary (1) U Aung Thaung, Secretary (2) U Thein Zaw and U

Maung Oo. The new party administration took effect on May 2nd.

A party official said on May 27th that GHQ Office administrator Thura Myint Oo and Person

In charge of Management Department U Ohn Han resigned after the USDP (GHQ Office)

had moved from Rangoon to Naypyidaw. In early May, Secretary (1) U Aung Thaung made atour in northern and eastern Shan States to inspect the party's branch offices.



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USDP General Secretary U Htay Oo said in the last week of May that Snr-Gen Than Shwe

really retired from the positions of SPDC Chairperson and Commander in Chief of the armed

forces. According to sources close to the USDP led government and Naypyidaw, Snr-Gen

Than Shwe was believed to remain control the government led by U Thein Sein and the

armed forces led by Gen Min Aung Hlaing. The photo of Snr-Gen Than Shwe was still seen

on the wall of some offices under Interior Minister. In early May, Snr-Gen Than Shwe invited

some retired generals Maj-Gen Tint Swe, Gen Hla Oo, Mar-Gen Than Tin, Gen Khin

Maung Kyaw and Lft-Gen Chit Swe to his residence in Naypyidaw.

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE PEOPLE

Due to the ongoing military tensions in Karen, Shan and Kachin states, local residents have

been fleeing into the neighboring countries, or into urban areas or hiding into jungle. The

Burmese army and BGF's killings, portages, forcibly recruits, human mine shields, military

sentry and forced labor against the civilians were seen increasing.

Over 1,000 Burmese refugees who had fled into Paikhalan village, Umphang District, Tak

Province, Thailand, because of armed fighting were forced to return to their homes by the

Thai authorities. Burmese refugees along the border were concerned over the comment of

Thai government's spokesperson Panitan Wattanayagorn about Thai government's plan to

repatriate the Burmese refugees. Karen Human Rights Group said on May 12 that due to the

Burma's civil war and natural disasters, almost 90,000 villagers of 118 villages in Luthaw

Township, Phapon District, Karen State were facing acute food shortage.

Farm lands confiscations by the USDP led government, the army and their businessassociates were continued. Kayan New Generation Youth said on May 31st that about 8,000

people from 23 villages in the Paunglong region are being forced by Burmese military

authorities to relocate to make way for the Upper Paungloung hydro-electric dam project on

the Paunglong River in southwestern Shan State. Burmese people are still in great danger of

child soldiers and forcible recruits as Burmese Defense Department (Army) has instructed to

enlist more soldiers as part of their plan to build a modern army. The report of UN's Children

and Armed Conflict released on May 11th pointed out the continual use of child soldiers in

Burma and urged that Burmese government should tackle it as a national planning.

The total investment volume in Burma for the 2010 2011 fiscal year was USD 20 billionwhich was doubled than last year. Although poverty in Burma dropped 6 % in last 5 years,

26.5 % of Burmese citizens earned less than 1 USD per day, according to the USESCAP

report released on May 11th. The Poverty Line set by United Nations is population living on

less than 1.25 $ per day.

INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

While the western countries including the US government continued to impose pressure on

the USDP led government, some countries that had business interests in Burma showed

soften policy towards Burma. On May 3

rd

, more than 30 US lawmakers singed an appeal toPresident Obama urging him to redouble his administration's efforts to establish the



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Commission of Inquiry led by UN to investigate Burmese government's war crimes.

President Obama said on the same day that countries like Burma, Cuba and North Korea

continue to be notoriously repressive of press freedom. Mr. Joseph Yun, Deputy AssistantSecretary Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs U.S. Department of State, expressed the

US government's concern over relationship between Burmese government and North Korean

government. President Obama announced on May 16th that the US government has extended

the economic sanction on Burma for another year.

On May 26th, US Republican Senator Mitch McConnell and Democratic Senator Dianne

Feinstein along with other two senators submitted a request to extend Burmese Freedom and

Democracy Act of 2003. Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian

and Pacific Affair, said on May 31st that the US government waited patiently hoping and

waiting for progress which has not come to pass. John McCain, a veteran Republican senator

of Arizona, US, met with Thai based pro-democracy forces on May 31st and announced his

planned visit to Burma from June 1

st

to June 3 to discuss with concerned parties aboutdemocracy and rights of the ethnic in Burma. If the status quo remains in Burma, there will

be no possibility of discussing about free trade between Europe and Burma, said EU Trade

Commissioner Karel De Gucht to the Jakarta Post on May 8 th.

A member of the central committee of Myanmar Trade and Business Owners Associtaion said

on May 8th that in ASEAN EU Economic Summit held in Jakarta EU delegates showed no

interest in Burmese business owners' brief about Tavoy deep-sea port project. On May 3 rd,

Friedrich Naumann Foundation held a seminar on whether or not EU's sanction on Burma

was effective in Berlin, Germany. European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma (EPCB)

released on a statement on May 23rd,

calling on EU leaders to publicly condemn human rightsviolations in the ethnic areas including Shan States. On May 26 th, UK government also

expressed its concern over the Burmese army's attacks in northern Shan States by

dishonoring the cease-fire agreements and urged the Burmese government to discuss with all

concerned parties to reach national reconciliation which can solve political stalemates and

regional security.

According to the news report of The Nation, Singapore reportedly objected the Myanmar's

bid to chair ASEAN in 2014 during the 18th ASEAN Summit meeting held in Jarkata,

Indonesia, began on May 7th. The ASEAN summit agreed on principle the formal request of

the Burmese government to take over Chairmanship, but the final decision will be made inlater 2011 as Burma is required to make some democratic changes. Burma's civil society

delegation led by Sitt Aye, a former Police Colonel and member of Advisory Team to the

President, was granted to attend the Interface Dialogue with ASEAN Leaders. ASEAN Inter-

parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) urged that ASEAN leaders should reject the

application by Burmese government to chair ASEAN 2014 unless real democratic and human

rights reforms are made by the Burmese government. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister

Kevin Rudd and Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya said on May 15th that the

USDP led government should work to improve human rights conditions and to release

political prisoners.

The Reuters reported on May 15th

that according to a secret report, UNSC reportedly decidedto closely observe relationships between Burmese government and Northern Korean



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government, especially for military assistance. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on

human rights in Burma, Toms Ojea Quintana held a press conference in Bangkok on May

23rd, saying he was disappointed about the USDP led government's amnesty program and its

failure to deter forced labor, arbitrary killings and human rights violation. Special Adviser to

the Secretary-General Mr. Vijay Nambiar reported to the UNSC on May 20 th about Daw

Aung San Suu Kyi's wish to have a fulltime UN envoy for Burma.

//End of Report /Sunday, June 8, 2011//

//End of Translation/Friday, June 23, 2011//


PDC Monthly News Commentary - June 2011-English

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Transcript of PDC Monthly News Commentary - June 2011-English