PDC Monthly News Commentary - November 2011 (Eng)
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Transcript of PDC Monthly News Commentary - November 2011 (Eng)
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THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AND DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT
Despite remaining tensions between National League for Democracy (NLD) and USDP government,
the signs of continuing efforts to positively resolve these issues can be seen.
At the meeting held on September 30, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was briefed about the meetings with
USDP government representative U Aung Kyi to the party CEC, and then the CEC passed resolution
to support these meetings and its results. On the same day, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said to BBC that
despite the changes seen in Burma, these changes still need to be substantial and real. Responding to
the question regarding demonstrations demanding the release of political prisoners, Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi replied to RFA on October 6 that these protests would not affect the democratic movements
if these protests were peaceful.
USDP government amended the electoral law in three ways to facilitate the inclusion of NLD in
forthcoming by-elections and future elections. U Win Tin welcomed this development but he
reiterated that he could not accept the 2008 Constitution. Under the intense pressure given by
domestic and international community, USDP government released 6,359 prisoners on October 12 for
the second time, but only 200 were political prisoners and the people at home and abroad expressed
their discontent. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed the release of these prisoners but she said on
October 12 and 20 that the government needed to release more political prisoners.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her attitude on sanctions imposed by western countries to a Wall
Street Journal reporter on October 23 that since there has not yet been measurable progress, it is not
yet appropriate to lift these sanction. Regarding the convening of the second Panglong conference,
party vice-chairman U Tin Oo said on October 21 that NLD would continue to stand in accordance
with the principles made in Kalay Myo declaration. Similarly Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on
October 27 that the convening of the second Panglong conference was a requirement of the Union
and must be implemented.
Visiting Norway deputy foreign minister Mr. Espen Barth Eide met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on
October 8 and asked her about the party registration and contesting in upcoming by-elections. Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi replied to her that this matter had not by decided by her party but the party
spokesman Nyan Win told RFA on October 27 that NLD party was likely to re-register after the
amendments were made to the political party registration law and also Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was
likely to stand in upcoming by-elections.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Aung Kyi met again at governments Seinlae Kantha guest house on
October 30 for the fourth time. The meeting took place about 55 minutes and issued their jointstatement. This joint statement says how much the government had done implementing the results of
the prior meetings, exchanged views on importance of free trade and money in circulation for the
PDC News Commentary ~ November 2011 Page 1 of11
PDC NEWS COMMENTARYNovember 2011
Compiled and commented by the Political Defiance Committee (PDC)National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)
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economic prosperity in the country. The joint statement also says on governments efforts to achieve
permanent peace with armed ethnic groups and latest developments and the issue on those who
eligible to be included in the amnesty.
After that meeting, Reuter reporter U Aung Hla Tun asked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at a press briefing,
if some of the positive changes and developments made by government were enough for her party to
re-register with election commission. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi replied to this question by saying thematter of re-registration of her party depended on the amendments made to the political party
registration law so that this question could be answered only after these amendments were made. Her
party would call a meeting to decide on this matter after the amendments were made and announced.
When asked if there was any plan to release more political prisoners, U Aung Kyi replied, In
implementing our work, we usually take step by step. We neither stop nor hop.
CRPP secretary U Aye Thar Aung said on October 31 that NLD central executive committee and
Committee Representing Peoples Parliament (CRPP) plans to discuss the issues of re-registration ,
standing for elections, and making final resolutions on these matters no later than November 4.
USDP government is using these political prisoners as political hostages and bargaining chips indealing with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and at the same time Home Minister Lt. Gen. Ko Ko instructed
his police force to monitor the activities of NLD members and report back to him while the
government is talking with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Moreover, the local police force threatened and
harassed the NLD members who were working in cooperation with Human Rights Defenders and
Promoters (HRDP) group in about 20 townships in Mandalay Region. We assume that all of these
governments activities show their insincerity in dealing with the opposition forces.
And also we assume that the government is making an about face in dealing with Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi and her NLD party not because of their intention to foster national reconciliation, but to receive
recognition by influential democracies including US, which is giving support to Daw Aung San SuuKyi.
USDP parliament made minor amendments in political party registration laws to enable the NLD
party to contest in the election but didnt make any amendments to the more important 2008
constitution, which contradicts democratic principles and values. We think this point is significant to
and assume that President Thein Sein may appear trustworthy to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi but she
should not underestimate the political machinations of USDP and its army which control the
government and parliament from behind the scenes.
We also assume that even if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is held and trapped within the frameworks of2008 constitution and able to participate in parliamentary politics, she needs much time to amend the
provisions of this constitution. Thus we think that NLD should get a guarantee from USDP
government to amend some provisions in the 2008 constitution in the presence of world democracies
including UN by making official pledge and assurance to do so before deciding reregistering of their
party and standing for election. And at the same time, UN and western countries should continue
putting pressure on USDP government until the latter gives assurance to do so.THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHNIC GROUPS AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT
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The USDP government is extending their peace offers to some of ethnic armed forces while
escalating massive attacks against others. We see they are strategically dividing the unity of these
armed ethnic groups by proposing separate peace offerings to them.
The fighting between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and USDP government since June 9 this
year is escalating day by day and month by month. Besides the forces under Northern and Northeast
Command, the USDP government is deploying and reinforcing those from LIDs 88,99, 33 and 66along with artillery batteries in their spearhead operation against KIA headquarters, Laiza. In October
this year alone, there were total over 160 clashes and the government troops suffered heavy
casualties. These battles reached far-distances such as Waimaw, Mansi, Bahmo, Lweje, Momauk,
Sumprabum Townships in Kachin State and Monko, Kutkai, Namkham and around Lashio in Shan
State.
Beginning on October 14, sixteen battalions from LIDs 33 and 66 were used in the offensive against
KIA Laiza HQ and reached 10 miles vicinity of Laiza where 4-8 battles occurred every day. In
addition to the 120 mm-fierce attacks by the government troops, KIA claimed that chemical weapons
were used in the fighting between Shwe Nyaung Pyin village and Ga Ra Yang village, WaingmawTownship which resulted in dizziness, difficulty breating, and vomiting among the KIA troops. U La
Nag, the spoke-person of the KIO, said on October 26 that KIO will remain sticking to the principle
that nationwide cease-fire and dialogue through the alliance rather than individually, despite being
imposed the massive military pressure by the USDP-led government.
The government has been hosting peace talks with UWSA, NDAA (ESS), SSA, SSPP, SSA(RCSS),
KNU, DKBA and NMSP while they are launching imminent offensive against KIA. Delegations led
by Internal Peace Implementing Committee Chairman U Thein Zaw and USDP General Secretary U
Aung Thaung met with UWSA in Lashio on October 1 and met with NDAA (ESS) again in Kyaing
Ton on October 9 and signed agreements respectively. The 8 points-agreement was reached withUWSA and the 7 points-agreement was also reached with NDAA (ESS), however, the contents of the
both agreements were reportedly similar.
The following points were included in the agreement with NDAA (ESS);
Both sides shall cease fighting, liaison offices shall be re-opened as previously, a prior-agreement
shall be sought if the armed troops of brother parties want to trespass the terrain, respective
relationships committees shall be established by both sides at the earliest convenient, one must agree
not to secede from the Union, a Maunglar liaison office shall be re-opened in Kyaing Ton and
government servants shall be allowed to work in Maunglar area, plans for local development, healthcare, education and transportation shall be working together with the government, the government's
15 year-anti drug mission will be cooperated and bilateral discussions shall be held for the sake of
sustainable peace. Transformation of Border Guard Forces and disarmament issues were not
discussed by UDSP led govevb rnment.
The 5 ethnic political parties which contested in the 2010 elections issued a joint statement on
October 20, calling for urgent peace talks to end the ongoing armed conflict in the ethnic areas. Dr.
Nay Zin Latt, a team leader of political advisory team to the President, said on October 3 that he
would advise to the president to negotiate the negotiable issues with the ethnic but the issues of right
to secede. SSA/SSPP said on October 13 that the release of their leader General Sao Htin was seen aspositive move of the USDP led government. SSA/SSPP has halted fighting for a month after the 6
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months-long fierce fighting against the government's troops in Mong Hsu, Mong Yae, Kye Thi,
Tangyan, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Lashio, Nam Sang townships and Nam Kham in northern Shan State.
General Sao Htin, serving his 106 years imprisonment, was released on October 12 and arrived back
home on October 14. Shan Herald Agency for News reported on October 31 that USDP led
government delegation led by U Thein Zaw held talks with SSA/ SSPP in Naypyidaw on October 29
and the government agreed to withdraw its 4 military posts stationed nearby SSA/SSPP's Wan Hai
Headquarters in Kye-Thi. SSA/RCSS's spokesperson Sai Lao Hseng said on October 4 that U TheinSein led government was offering peace talks with SSA/SSPP through local militias and Thai
authorities that had been impossible under Snr-Gen Than Shwe as it had been determined not to make
any talk with Gen Yawdserk led SSA/RCSS. He also said on October 6 that although they had
accepted the government's offer, the time and place for the talk wasn't set yet. KNPP and USDP-led
government's troops engaged fighting for twice in Hpruso Township, Karenni State and both sides
suffered heavy causalities.
The USDP government was offering peace talk with the KNU and DKBA while fighting continued
with them throughout October. KNU spokesperson Major Saw Hla Ngwe said on October 3 that the
Karen State Prime Minister sent a letter offering a talk about ceasefire and peace, via a negotiationteam consists of fathers and monks to KNU on September 28 but KNU replied that it preferred to
hold the talk through UNFC, rather than individually. The DKBA reached agreements with the
USDP led government the October 26 peace talk in Mon State, while KNU had not currently reached
agreements during their two meetings with the government delegation.
The Peace Committee of New Mon State Party (NMSP) met the delegation of Mon State Government
at Battalion Office of IB # 61 as a preliminary talk on October 6. NMSP's General Secretary, Naing
Han Thar, said on October 7 that regarding a cease-fire and politics, the NMSP will only discuss with
the government as whole group of UNFC. UNFC expressed its doubts in the USDP led government's
peace offers in its Statement on Appeal of UNFC to the people and international community to bringgenuine peace talks," released on October 8.
The State Media reported on October 11th, that 15 Karen armed members led by Major Saw Eh Htoo
of KNLA/KNU Peace Council under the leadership of Major General Htay Maung, surrendered to
Col. Htay Myint Aung, the Mon State Security and Border Affairs Minister. Dr Timothy, Foreign
Affairs Secretary of KNLA/KNU Peace Council, denied that news.
A few bomb blasts occurred inside Burma during the battles along the border. On October 2, the
accidental bomb explosion occurred near the government servants housing in Myitkyina, Kachin
State, resulting one death. On October 24 early morning, a bomb was exploded in front of USDA
office in Ward # 4, Myawaddy, Karen State, resulting a monk wounded. On evening of October 30,
members of Security Forces detonated bombs found under pavilion of the City Hall which is located
in the heart of the Rangoon.
The USDP led government has not fully relinquished the border guard or local militias policy that
will bring the ethnic armed groups under the Burmese army's command. They are buying time to
overcome the challenges encountered during the transitional period through short-term agreements
with some organizations. We believe that the USDP-led government has been trying to seek a
systematic divide and rule the armed ethnic groups and plant doubts among the ethnic groups overDaw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD. We assume that the USDP led government will destroy some
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ethnic groups with ceases fire agreements including UWSA once they have earned support from the
western countries, including the United States of America.
THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AN D DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi received a visit of the US government's special envoy Mr. Derek Mitchell
and regularly attends political and social events. She also issues video messages and felicitation
letters to internationals meetings and forums.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met Derek Mitchell at the resident of American ambassador in Rangoon on
October 29 and the meeting lasted 90 minutes. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also met some of the recently
released political prisoners at her residence. She received a visit of Ko Thura (aka) Zaganar on
October 17. She also attended the 49th birthday event of Min Ko Naing held in Thamine Myoma
Pariyatti monastery along with nearly 2000 other well-wishers. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made a
speech on October 21 at a ceremony paying homage to veteran politicians and welcoming political
prisoners. On October 23, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended the exhibition of a portrait held at the
NLD Headquarters Office. On October 31, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the
Central Executive Committee, including Vice Chairperson U Tin Oo, gave speeches at the opening
ceremony of a literacy program and the closing ceremony of a political awareness training held at
Beda Free Education School in Thingangyun Township, Rangoon.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD face a major challenge as they move beyond the Shwegadone
declaration and registering the party to contest in the elections. Cooperation with the new government
would largely be dependent upon the release of political prisoners, cessation of ongoing battles along
the border, and implementation of the results of the meeting with President Thein Sein and Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi, said General Secretary U Aye Thar Aung, The Committee Representing Peoples'
Parliament (CRPP) announced on October 13th that it would cooperate with the new government, if
the government released more political prisoners including the imprisoned ethnic leaders.
The NLD and members of the different networks has been escalating their efforts in party organizing,
education, and social work. On October 7, members of NLD (Women) and Youth Network jointly
offered nutrition to 200 people at the Myitta Parahita Shelter in Mayaungchaung village, Hlae Coo
Township. NLD (Mandalay Region) and HRDP were jointly providing human rights education to 20
townships in Mandalay region. Attendees of the NLD meeting (Pegu Region) welcomed President U
Thien Sein's decision to suspend the construction of Myitsone Dam, but called for a complete
cessation of the dam construction. On October 12th, among the released 200 political prisoners, only
80 of those released are members of the National League for Democracy (NLD). On October 13, theNLD called for the release of all political prisoners who remain behind bars.
On October 16, NLD leaders U Win Tin and U Win Htein along with about 300 well-wishers attended
the 5th commemoration of student leader, Thet Win Aung, who died during his long sentence in
Mandalay Prison. 8 portrait paintings were sold at Portrait Exhibition held in NLD Headquarters on
October 24. On October 26, the Social Support Group of NLD donated 4 million Kyat as startup
funding and also donated rice and money for 500 households affected by the Pakokku flood, which
killed hundreds and damaged the livelihoods of thousands. Youth members of Blood Donation Group
(BG) donated food, clothes and school materials for 5 flood-affected villages in Yedashe Towsnhip,
Pegu Region.
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Protests of peasants and workers continued throughout October. Local farmers in Sintkoo village,
Daedayae Township, Irrawaddy Region, lodged a complaint to ILO on Oct 3rd in response to the
authority's failure to take action against the exploitation of a local rice mill owner. In early October,
the Arakan State government tried the first-ever case filed by local farmers regarding farmlands
confiscated farming lands by State Peace and Development Council in Minbya Township, Arakan
State.
Chairperson U Than Swe of the newly founded "All Burma's Farmers and Agricultural Workers
Organization" said the organization was founded on Oct 25 after meeting with farmer activists from
all states and regions and applying for legal registration. On October 27, about 40 farmers from
Dagon Seikkan Township demanded in front the Housing Department on Boyoke Aung San Street,
Rangoon, to revoke the La-Na 39 Act and restore the farmer rights. Of these protesters, Lawyer U Po
Phyu and 7 farmers were arrested for failing to seek prior permission from authorities, but released
for a 5 million Kyat fine on October 28.
Workers' protests also occurred. Two shop owners staged a protest in the Hlae Tan intersection when
their shops in front of a Myanmar Mall were destroyed by staff of the Ministry of Commerce becauseof their failure to pay rent on-time. They were released after 7 hours of detention. On October 5 about
600 factory workers from the Myth Apparrel Myanmar Co. Ltd in Industrial Zone # 7, Hlaing Tharya
Township, staged protests and demanded wages increase. The authority assisted in the companys
negotiations with the protested workers.
Generation Wave, an underground youth movement which generated from the 2007 Saffron
Revolution, announced on its 4th Anniversary that it will now register and conduct above-ground
activities. Arakan youth started a campaign to demand public distribution of electricity generated by
the gas in their state. Police forcibly removed a Shwe Gas campaign T-shirt from a youth in
Rathedaung Township.
Human Rights activists provided human rights education and assisted in filing complaints of human
right violation to the USDP led, Myanmar National Human Rights Commission. HRDP has been
conducting human rights training across townships in Mandalay Region. On October 23, a discussion
on human rights was held in Tatarphyu Ward # 8, Hlaing Tharyar Township, Rangoon Region.
HRDP member Ko Mying Naing was released on October 12. He was beaten by the USDA members
and authorities while he was conducing human rights education in Hinthada Township 4 years ago.
He announced on his release day that he will seek justice against those who attacked him.
U Aung Than Tun, a member of NLD's Thingangyun Township Organizing Committee recentlyreleased from Myaugmya prison, said he will file human rights violations committed against him by
prison authority to deter such violations occur again. Human Rights activist U Aye Myint (Guiding
Star) said that he welcome the statement of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission released
on October 7 but would "wait and see" about how they implemented these activities.
Those political prisoners who were released have been campaigning for the release of the political
prisoners who remain behind bars. On October 12, the political activists along with the political
parties, the prominent politicians, and the imprisoned 8888 Generation Student leaders called for the
releases of all political prisoners. The members of the Signature Campaign For release of Political
Prisoners sent their petitions to the President on October 21. On October 24, Zaganar made a prison
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tour in Tharyawaddy and Paungde townships and donated Kyat 10000 and books for each political
prisoner. Famous artists including Htun Eaindrabo donated money and books.
Network for the Support of Families of Political Prisoners called for the release of Ko Zaw Linn Tun,
Ashin Gambira, Ko Htay Kyawe, and former Capt. Nay Myo Zin, whose health has been
deteriorating behind bars. On October 26 , 15 political prisoners in Insein Prison staged a hunger
strike for prisoner's rights. The Network for the Support of Families of Political Prisoners stated thattwo protesters were taken to the hospital on October 30 because the prison authority had stopped
proving water for them. The other 8 political prisoners were taken to the dog cells for punishment.
The Award Committee of the Burmese community in Japan announced on October 4 that Ashin
Wirathu (aka) Win Khing Oo, Zeya Aung, Thant Zaw, Swan Hla Aung and Ma Mar Mar Oo were
selected for the "Ordinary Hero Award" to honor political prisoners every year. Sasana Dhamma
Sarira Venerable U Thondara was sentenced to 49 years imprisonment in 1988 for his leading role as
Chairperson in the Myinggyan Monk Committee. He was released from Mandalay Prison on October
12 after 22 years incarceration and revealed his prison experiences to the media.
Venerable U Kawida, who was arrested during the 2007 Saffron Revolution and released from
Thayat Prison recently, also disclosed the ill-treatment of prison authorities to exiled media. Families
of Daw Khin Ye and Daw Win Kyi held re-ordination ceremonies for them on October 30. Similarly,
Ashin U Eithariya from Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery in South Okkalapa Township, who was arrested
during the 2007 Saffron Revolution and released from Kyaington Prison, told the media about the
torture practices that authorities used during interrogation and prison terms. On October 26, All
Burma Monks Alliance called for the immediate release of all monks, especially Ashin Gambira
whose health condition is deteriorating and serving a 63 year sentence in Kalay Prison.
The activists opposing the Myitisone Hydropower Dam project have been campaigning for thecomplete termination of the project. Prominent writers, artists, environmentalists continued public
discussions. On October 6, the Burma Rivers Network opposed CPIs comment to Chinese media
that Myitsone Hydropower Dam Project had no impact on the Burmese people. If the Chinese
company tried to sue the government over the decision to suspend the Myitsone Dam Project, the
details of the project agreement should be made public, said High Court Lawyer, U Yan Naung, on
October 5th.
The people of Burma have gained more freedom from fear and awareness that they have to fight for
their rights by themselves. The artists such as Zaganar and Zeyathaw have been more decisive since
their release from the militarys notorious prisons.
THE USDP GOVERNMENT AND DOMESTIC S ITUATION
THE S ITUATION OF THE USDPGOVERNMENT
The USDP led government tried to convince the National League for Democracy (NLD) to register
and take part in the election by amending the political party registration law and building good
relations with western countries including the United States of America. The government also seems
to be establishing better relationships with regional governments, including the neighbors.
On October 24, Lower House Speaker Thura Shwe Mann and Foreign Affairs Minister, Wunna
Maung Lwin, met with the US Special Envoy to Burma, Mr Derek Michell, and the government also
allowed him to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, separately. Speaker Thura Shwe Mann also received a
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visit from the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, on October 7th. President
Thein Sein's political adviser Ko Ko Hlaing claimed to Swedish Radio that Burma only had around
600 prisoners of conscience and has already released almost half of them.
A high profile delegation led by President Thein Sein paid a four-day goodwill visit to India on
October 12. On October 14, Thein Sein and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held extensive talks on
bilateral, regional and international issues, including ways to open further border trade. India offeredUSD 500 million in credit for infrastructure projects, including roads, inland waterways, and ports to
Sein, who agreed to promote further public and private investments by Indian companies in the oil
and natural gas sectors. The two leaders also agreed to cooperate in the construction of the
Thamanthi and Shwe Saryae Hydropower Dam project on Chindwin River as well as the joint
offensive against India separatist rebels, currently hiding on the India-Burma border. India also
pledged it would not make a relationship with KIA. It can be assumed that Thein Sein's India visit
was a balancing act to counter the China-Burma relationship.
On October 20, Burmas Vice President Tin Aung Myint Oo began an 8 day-state visit to China to
attend the 8th China-Asean Expo in Nanning and meet with Chinese leaders. On October 21st, duringmeetings with Burmese Vice President, Tin Aung Myint Oo, China's Premier, Wen Jiabao, stressed to
the Chinese media that Burma should abide by its prior agreements to implement projects. On
October 22, Chinese Ambassador to Burma, Mr. Li Junhua, stated that both China and Burma are
eager to solve the problems, as the Chinese Company is asking for legal settlement of the Burmese
government's, unilateral decision to suspend the Myintsone Hydropower Dam Project.
China Power Investment (CPI), Chairman Lu Qizhou, said on Oct 3 that he was surprised to hear
about the suspension of the project and asked the Chinese government to appeal to Burma to protect
the rights of Chinese investments. On October 6, Mr Jim Della Giacoma, Southeast Asian Director of
International Crisis Group (ICG), warned that Sino-Burmese relationships will be damaged if thesuspension of the Myintsone Dam Project rebuilt ties with international governments while damaging
relations with China, particularly when it comes to China's "on the fence policy about ethnic groups
on the China-Burma border. The USDP government is attempting to build closer relations with the
Indian government and western governments including the US.
The USDP government was encouraged by positive responses from the UN and western countries in
response to some of their changes in policy. A member of the Burmese governments delegation to
UNGA said on October 18 that the UNGA's 2010 resolution on Burma was more positive than the
previous resolution and the President planned to announce amnesty. President Advisor, U Ko Ko
Hlaing, also said on October 15th that another amnesty program would be announced. Mr. VijayNambiar, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, arrived on October 31 in Burma for 5 day-visit
and met with the Foreign Affairs Minister, U Wunna Maung Lwin and Labor Minister, U Aung Kyi.
The Burmese government has agreed to accept a repatriation plan for over 28000 UNHCR recognized
Rohingya refugees from refugee camps in Bangladesh.
The USDP government approached the Japanese Government and the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) for financial support. USDP invited the Japan-Burma Friendship delegation (led by Japanese
Lower House legislator Mr. Ryota Takeda) to meet with Upper House Speaker Khin Maung Myint on
October 4. During this meeting, they discussed resuming assistance to Burma through the Oversee
Development Assistances (ODA). On October 20, Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Gamba, met with
his Burmese counterpart, Wunna Maung Lwin, and stressed that the Japanese government was
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closely observing developments in Burma and pledged to support these changes. The IMF delegation
invited by USDP arrived in Burma and held a series of discussion about money exchange systems
with the stakeholders from the government, the private banking sector, and others during their 3
week-visit.
The USDP government has also tried to create stronger relations with ASEAN countries. President
Thein Sein and his cabinet ministers received the newly elected Thai Prime Minister, YingluckShinawatra, and discussed bilateral cooperation and trade during her one-day visit on October 5th. On
October 11, Deputy Labor Minister Myint Thein visited Thailand and discussed the situation of
Burmese migrant workers. On October 17, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Maung Myint, met
Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and agreed to exchange detainees held
in both countries. Malaysian News Agency, Bernama, reported on October 22 that the Burmese army
agreed to send army officials to attend 9 of 16 military courses offered by Malaysian Armed forces,
during Burma's Defense Minister Lt-Gen Hla Min's visit to Malaysia. On October 28, Indonesian
Foreign Minister, Mr. Marty Natalegawa, whose country holds the current rotating chairmanship of
ASEAN, arrived in Burma and was briefed about current political developments by the 6 members of
the Presidential Advisory Team.
During the second meetings of the first parliamentary session, three significant laws were passed in
rgards to political parties, labor, and local village leadership. The three sections of the Political
Parties Registration Law were amended. The Peaceful Assembly and Procession Bill, which was
proposed by Interior Minister revokes the 1964 Labor Act was also amended. It was also decided that
the Legal Drafting Committee should review the direct appointments of village and ward
administrators by the central government.
U Tun Myint Oo, a representative of Lower House, questioned whether it was possible to hang photos
of Burmas independence hero, Aung San on the walls of government offices. The Minister of thePresident Office, Soe Maung, responded that the present head of state photo would be hung.
On October 19, Myanmar Tourism Board (MTB) Chairperson Khin Shwe, decided to sell the 120-
year-old historic Ministers Office building (where National Hero General Aung San and other
Burmese martyrs were assassinated) to a hotel company. However on October 26th , Industrial 1 and
2 Minister, U Soe Thein, announced that due to public protest, the historic building will be preserved
as a museum. On October 1st, the Central Bank of Myanmar granted 6 private banks the rights to
trade three types of foreign hard currencies. According to a business owner, due to the complicated
regulations and limitation of exchange up to 2000 USD per person, export and import business
owners have continued to rely on black market exchanges.
According to unconfirmed sources, regional commander reshuffles were made during October.
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC S ITUATION OF THE PEOPLE
Due to the intensified battle raging up in Kachin and Northern Shan Sates, over 1,000 Kachin in KIA
Brigade # 4 areas fled to Shan State. Another 600 Kachin refugees fled to Mai Jayan and over 2000
Kachin escaped to the Chinese border, opposite of Loi Jal, because of fierce fighting in KIO
Headquarters controlled areas. Children, elderly persons, and pregnant women were being wounded
as the government troops shelled and burned Kachin villages. 81 Kachin women, including 19 yearold Ma Yan Kawbu from Waimaw, were raped or sexually attacked in the 8 months of fighting. The
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government troops have been demanding porters in Kachin and Karen States, leading to further injury
and loss of life.
Heavy rain and severe flooding across the country resulted in the loss of livelihood, housing,
plantations, and the deaths of local residents and cattle. Over 100 local people are missing or were
killed by the Pakokku flood and several houses and onion fields were inundated. Many Burmese
migrant workers lost their jobs because of Thailands extreme flooding, worst in 50 years, andreturned home to Burma. Burmese migrant workers attempting to escape Thailands floods were
reportedly arrested and exploited by Thai and Burmese Immigration Officials on a daily basic.
INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE
Western governments' positions towards the Burmese government have slightly changed following
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's statement that President Thein sincerely believed in change. The US
government, EU, and the United Nations viewed President Thein Sein's decisions to suspend the
Myintsone Hydropower Dam Project, release many political prisoners, and amend the Political
Parties Registration Law in order for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD can participate in the
elections, as positive developments. Visits of US Special Envoy Mr. Derek Mitchel to Burma have
been more frequent.
US Senator Mr John McCain hailed the decision of President Thein Sein over Myitsone Dam
suspension and urged the Burmese government to continue to respond to the peaceful will of the
people to make additional positive changes in other areas, on October 5. Spokeswoman of US State
Department Ms. Victoria Nuland said on October 6 that the US government welcomed the changes
that the Burmese government was pursuing, but implored that sanction would remain in place as
much progress still needed to be made in Burma. US Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific,
Mr Kurt Campbell, said on October 10 that the US government will be working with the Burmese
government's democratizing steps. However, he also said on October 25, that changes in Burma were
in the "early" stages and it was premature to say substantive changes were occurring. Some positive
developments, which were never seen during the past decades in Burma, are now emerging. The US
government, Special Envoy, Mr Derek Mitchell, cited in the State Department's press conference held
on October 16 that there are still questions about how far theyre going to go and where this is going
to lead regarding reforms by President Thein Sein's government. According to the US State
Department, the Special Envoy made the second visit to Burma on October 24th and called for the
USDP government to release political prisoners and to show the world tangible democratic
developments.
On October 4, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy, Ms Catherine Ashton welcomed President Thein Sein's decision to suspend the Myintsone
Hydropower Dam Project and indicated that EU will review its sanctions policy based upon other
changes in Burma. The British government stated on October 17 that they will not review or revoke
Burma sanctions unless there are tangible changes in Burma. The British government is also
disappointed by the Burmese government's recent amnesty program where only a few political
prisoners were released. On October 19, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, released a
statement in support of UN Special Envoy to Burma's calls to release all political prisoners in due
time and allow the NLD to become an official political party. UN Secretary- General, Mr. Ban Ki-
moon reiterated the international community's call to release all political prisoners on October 12. On
October 19, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma, Mr Tomas Ojea Quintana
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called for Burmese government at the UN General Assembly to investigate the alleged war crimes
committed in the ethnic areas, if it failed to do so, the International Community is responsible for
taking action. Mr Steve Marshall, the International Labour Organisations liaison officer to Burma,
said on October 14 that ILO welcomed Burma's new labor law approved by President Thein Sein, but
it was studying the new law in detail to determine its efficacy.
Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW) and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary MyanmarCaucus (AIPMC) welcomed the release of political prisoners, but called for the government to release
the remainder of political prisoners behind bars.
// End of Report // Thursday, November 10, 2011// End of Translation // Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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