‎”Poor people can imagine what it’s li

‎”Poor people can imagine what it’s like to be rich, but the rich can’t imagine what it’s like to be poor”

When we consider about development and change, we should aimed at meeting the basic needs of the poorest first in Burma. We need to start thinking about the people who are struggling day to day for the survival. Only when these people developed in skills and have equal rights to access like others, then we can really see the progress of the country.
http://www.bdcburma.org

Burma: We are with exploited strike work

Burma: We are with exploited strike workers of Tai Yi (BST)

22 Feb 2012

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) sends our solidarity with strike workers of Tai Yi shoe factory of Burma who are peacefully demanding to have fare pay, better employee rights and better working condition. We are with the strike workers of Tai Yi of Burma.

We are very sad to learn that the workers from Chinese Owned Tai Yi shoe factory which is located in Hlaing Thar Yar Industrial Zone in Rangoon, Burma are mostly rural women who are just asking for 150 kyat (19 cents) per hour from 75 kyat (less that 10 US cents) an hour. The workers got to work at least 50 hours a week but they are struggling to survive day in and day out due to low wages since they only make around 60,000 kyat ($75) a month including overtime.

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) would like to urge Burmese government, International Labour Organisation (ILO) and all the citizens of Burma to lend your support for the exploited strike workers of Tai Yi shoe factory of Burma.

Tai Yi shoe factory workers’ strike of Burma highlight the urgent need of the establishment of labour unions, flourishing labour rights and enforcing fair labour laws.

For more information please contact Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) at

U Myo Thein [United Kingdom]
Director, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 00-44-208-493-9137, 00-44-787- 788-2386

U Khin Maung Win [United States]
Director, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001-941-961-2622

Daw Khin Aye Aye Mar [United States]
Patron, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001 509-783-7223

U Tint Swe Thiha [United States]
Patron, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001-509-582-3261, 001-509-591-8459

昂山素季的国度 不知此景是否让昂山素季想起牛津的夏末野餐，在离开英国23年以后，

昂山素季的国度
不知此景是否让昂山素季想起牛津的夏末野餐，在离开英国23年以后，这并非常见的场合。仅仅在一年多以前，这还是一块外人不得踏足的禁地，而当时处于软禁中的昂山素季，仍是这个国家最大的敏感词。有一段时间，军政府甚至不允许人民说出“素季”这个名字，于是人民就改口尊称她为“夫人”。“两年前，这些明星不可能来见她，”这次聚会的组织者Myo Yan Naung Thein说，“他们只能在心中默默地支持。但现在不同了，人们迫不及待地要表现出他们对夫人的支持。”

http://news.sohu.com/20120210/n334361019.shtml

Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Su

Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party has warned that by-elections may not be fair because of restrictions on campaigning.

National League for Democracy (NLD) spokesman Nyan Win said they face “many difficulties”, such as getting approval to use public venues for rallies.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released from house arrest in 2010, is running for one of 48 parliamentary seats in April.

The polls are being seen as a test of the government’s commitment to reform.

The NLD boycotted Burma’s last election in 2010 but agreed to rejoin the electoral process after the military backed government brought in a series of democratic reforms.

“What we want is fair play, but the restrictions have increased lately. It is very difficult to say that the upcoming by-elections could be free and fair,” NLD spokesman Nyan Win said in a news conference in Rangoon.

Specifically, he says that the party has been stopped from using three sports fields for the rallies.

‘Hugely symbolic’
Even if the NLD wins all 48 seats, the military-backed government would still have a commanding majority in parliament.

But, the BBC’s Jonah Fisher in Bangkok says, opposition victory would be seen as hugely symbolic.

Although insignificant in terms of numbers, the conduct of the election will go a long way towards deciding whether Western sanctions to Burma will be lifted.

The 2010 elections saw a military junta replaced with a nominally civilian government backed by the armed forces.

Since then, the new administration has embarked on a series of reforms, prompting the NLD to rejoin the political process.

Western nations have said that they will match progress on reform with movement on sanctions.

The NLD had won a landslide victory in the 1990 election, but the ruling military junta at the time did not allow the party to assume office.

Ms Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize, was under house arrest at the time. This is the first time that she has run for a parliamentary seat.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17093553

BURMA RELATED NEWS – FEBRUARY 15, 2012 R

BURMA RELATED NEWS – FEBRUARY 15, 2012

Reuters – Exclusive:Myanmar peace can be reached within 3 months: minister
Reuters – Myanmar eyes skytrain, underground for biggest city – minister
Aljazeera – Myanmar: Ceasefire does not mean peace
Calcutta News – Myanmar’s democracy aids in better ties, trade: India
The Economic Times – India says Myanmar’s democratic path will strengthen bilateral ties
Channel NewsAsia – IE Singapore, SBF lead business mission to Myanmar
Bernama – Myanmar Establishes Diplomatic Ties With Two More Countries
Bernama – Myanmar-EU Relations Improve As Myanmar Heads For Change, Reform
NPR – Opposition Leader Bets On Myanmar Reforms
ASIAONE – Myanmar ‘will make Asean chairmanship a success’
Asia Times Online – Precarious balance for Myanmar reform
Asia News Network – EU official sees Burma roadmap within the year
Wall Street Journal (blog) – Suu Kyi to China: Myanmar More Than Just an Investment Opportunity
Wall Street Journal (blog) – Singapore Presses Its Advantage in Myanmar
The Financial Times – Myanmar agrees to hold UN donor conference
European Commission (Press Release) – EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs, Yangon, 14 February 2012
Korean Central News Agency – Floral Basket to DPRK Embassy by Myanmar Political Party
The Irrawaddy – Burma’s Govt Does the Right Thing; Activists Wonder Why
The Irrawaddy – Opposition MPs Take Aim at Army Influence
The Irrawaddy – Myanmar: On Claiming Success
Mizzima News – Cheap Chinese car popular in Burma
Mizzima News – Suu Kyi, Thein Sein campaigning on jobs
Mizzima News – Rights commission to avoid ethnic conflict issues
DVB News – Govt vehicle hits landmine, one dies
DVB News – Abducted Kachin woman still missing
DVB News – S’pore keen on stake in Burma’s economy
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Exclusive:Myanmar peace can be reached within 3 months: minister
By Martin Petty | Reuters – 3 hrs ago

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (Reuters) – Myanmar’s government expects to reach ceasefire deals with all of the country’s ethnic minority rebel armies within three months before starting a process of political dialogue towards “everlasting peace”, its top peace negotiator said on Wednesday.

In his first interview with a foreign news organization, Aung Min, a retired general and minister for rail transportation tasked with negotiating an end to the decades-old conflicts, said Myanmar’s 49 years of military rule had not let peace prevail but the new civilian-led government was winning the trust of the rebel armies.

Long-lasting political solutions with economic incentives for conflict areas were within reach, he said.

“This is a chronic disease that has been happening for over 60 years. Successive governments couldn’t cure the disease because the remedy didn’t fit,” Aung Min said.

“Things have changed in our country and this situation has now changed, this has allowed us to find the remedy.”

Peace with the rebels, most of whom demand autonomy under what they call a “genuine federal system”, has been set by the United States and the European Union as a condition for lifting sanctions on the former Burma, an underdeveloped but resource-rich country that has wilted under international isolation and inept army rule.

But Aung Min said the government’s motive was not the lifting of sanctions.

“I don’t consider other factors. We are all brethrens, no matter whether ethnic fighters or soldiers die, they are all our families,” he said.

Nine of 16 rebel groups had signed ceasefire agreements with the government and he expected six more deals to be reached within a few months, including with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of the biggest groups, which the Myanmar military is still fighting.

He said the Kayah Nationalities Progressive Party (KNPP) would sign a deal on March 1 and five smaller parties were ready to put down their arms.

He declined to comment on the conflict in Kachin State, which rages on despite an order by President Thein…

Press release at the conclusion of the v

Press release at the conclusion of the visit to Myanmar of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, from 12 to 17 February 2012
UNIC
17 Feb 2012

Press release at the conclusion of the visit to Myanmar of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, from 12 to 17 February 2012

The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, Mr Vijay Nambiar, concluded today a five-day visit at the invitation of the Government of Myanmar. In Naypyitaw, the Special Adviser was received by President Thein Sein, Speaker Shwe Mann, Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, and the Ministers of Labour and Social Welfare, Border Affairs, Industry, Railways, and Immigration, as well as the Union Peace Committee and Union Election Commission. Jointly with Vice-President Sai Mauk Kham, the Special Adviser inaugurated the Conference on Development Options for Myanmar organized by the United Nations and the Government of Myanmar. The Special Adviser also met with the General Secretary of the USDP. In Mon and Kayin States, the Special Adviser met with the respective Chief Ministers and members of the State government and legislature and local ethnic representatives. He also visited a field project of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and met with local civil society partners. In Yangon, the Special Adviser met again with NLD Chair Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. He also held separate meetings with civil society, ethnic and business representatives.

One year after the formation of the new Government and the launch of political and economic reforms under the leadership of President Thein Sein, the changes currently underway in Myanmar have attained an unprecedented level of initiative, as recognized by a range of stakeholders across the political spectrum. The Special Adviser strongly commends President Thein Sein and the Myanmar authorities for their determination and commitment to move the country forward in a way that meets the needs and aspirations of the peoples of Myanmar. He welcomes the openness with which the Myanmar authorities recognize the challenges, as well as opportunities, inherent to such a process. This has raised much expectation inside and outside the country, particularly in the context of Myanmar’s responsibilities as Chair of ASEAN in 2014.

During his meetings the Special Adviser highlighted three priorities that define domestic and international perceptions of the pace of reform:

• It is necessary to ensure that both the process leading to, and the conduct of, the by-elections on 1 April 2012 are credible, and that they are seen to be so by all. This includes ensuring conditions for a level playing field for all parties to compete openly and addressing complaints swiftly and transparently. The by-elections will be a critical test of the Government’s commitment to broaden and enhance the credibility of the democratic process in the country.

• Peace and national reconciliation are central to Myanmar’s overall stability and development. Recent successful efforts by all parties to reach ceasefire and peace agreements have brought Myanmar closer than ever to a historic achievement. Progress is now needed with regard to the situation in Kachin State, including the needs of the displaced population.

Overcoming decades of strife and mistrust through inclusive political dialogue remains an important prerequisite to building a durable peace, which the country requires in order to move forward as one.

• It is urgent that the Government delivers on the socio-economic needs of the people so that they start benefitting in real terms from the reforms so far. Health, education and job creation remain key responsibilities for both central and local authorities in order to empower people to participate fully and equitably in the country’s development and growth. Only through the formulation and implementation of sound economic policies can this change be…

PRESS RELEASE 17th February 2012 ASEAN s

PRESS RELEASE
17th February 2012
ASEAN should support and promote a credible and transparent process of peace and reconciliation in Myanmar and mechanism of human rights protection
JAKARTA — The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) today welcomed the upcoming visit of ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan to Myanmar on 20 February but noted its continued and deep concern regarding the slow progress on the protection of human rights in Myanmar.
AIPMC views Dr. Surin’s visit as a key opportunity for ASEAN to ensure it engages with all political actors in Myanmar and fully exercises its role and duty to encourage and assist the government there to continue and improve on its transition towards full democracy.
The ASEAN secretary general’s visit comes at a time of hopeful change but also a time of continued concern. AIPMC would like to bring the following issues to the attention of Dr. Surin, and urges him and ASEAN to review its mandate and the options open to its various regional body’s and commissions in helping to address these concerns.
Violent conflict and human rights abuses persist in ethnic areas of Burma that are rich in natural resources and have become the target of aggressive investment for physical exploitation, such as in Kachin, Shan and Karen states. Despite the recent and welcome release of hundreds of prisoners of conscience, the Naypyidaw government has still failed to clarify the number, status and whereabouts of remaining political prisoners. There is also no transparency regarding the policy of releasing political prisoners and there is no guarantee that the government will relax restrictions as part of reforms of freedom of expression.
The government’s efforts to sign ceasefires with armed ethnic groups in an apparent first step towards national peace talks have so far failed to make any major inroads towards national reconciliation. In fact, on the contrary, the efforts have in some cases led to increased friction and distrust between the state and ethnic minority leaders, who have questioned the government’s true intentions.
Accountability for human rights violations in Myanmar remains extremely weak and impunity is inevitable. There is an urgent need to reform the judicial system. Issues of land rights, including widespread reports of forced and uncompensated evictions to make way for the development of mega projects, such as the proposed deep-sea port in Dawei, remains an area of major concern.
Despite these concerns, AIPMC considers Dr. Surin’s visit an important step in Myanmar’s transition to democracy. The visit of the secretary general is an opportunity for ASEAN to ‘re-integrate’ Myanmar into the regional grouping. Since Myanmar was officially accepted as a member in 1996, ASEAN has been under constant pressure from civil society organizations and the international community regarding Myanmar’s human rights record. Myanmar has prevented ASEAN from developing into a credible and effective regional organisation, rather than merely a forum of countries of Southeast Asian nations. Myanmar has always been the thorn in ASEAN’s side. The external pressure and internal confusion ASEAN faced when deliberating whether to skip Myanmar’s turn to take the rotating chairmanship in 2006 marked how its rogue member has at times threatened ASEAN’s internal stability as well as its relationship with strategic global partners.
Regarding this, Dr. Surin on his visit should ensure that Myanmar is ready to lead ASEAN in 2014, to be the face of ASEAN to the world and seriously implement the ASEAN charter. Dr Surin should raise for discussion some critical problems that continue to prevent further reform in Myanmar, including: a lack of strong and stable democratic state institutions, including the Parliament and national commissions, due to the vacuum of law, leadership and capacity; the government’s failure to fully engage in an inclusive and genuine roadmap for national peace and reconciliation…

Precarious balance for Myanmar reform By

Precarious balance for Myanmar reform
By Larry Jagan

BANGKOK – The future of Myanmar’s reform process is in question as hardliners and liberals in government ramp up an increasingly bitter power struggle. Change in Myanmar remains fragile despite some encouraging reform signals and growing international goodwill towards President Thein Sein.

So far, though, President Thein Sein’s good intentions have produced only limited practical change. Now, there are growing fears that the recent political gains, including the release of political prisoners and allowances for the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) to contest upcoming by-elections, could be reversed.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NB16Ae01.html

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC): Let’s bu

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC): Let’s build a genuine federal union

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) calls for all parties concerned to work by all means to restore ever lasting peace in Burma on the wake of 65th anniversary of Union Day of Burma. Burma is made up of with indigenous people of Burma; Kachin, Karreni, Karen, Chin, Mon, Bamar, Arakan and Shan, peacefully co-existing together under the same sky since time unmemorable. Union Day comes into existence after signing the Panlong Agreement on 12 February 1947 in which Bamar and ethnics minority leaders agree to exist together as a union.

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) strongly condemns U Thein Sein regime attacking on Kachin ethnics people of Burma and we are calling for immediate cessation on attacking ethnic people in order to achieve peace through political dialogue. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) and justice loving all Burmese people will be with our Kachin brothers and sisters since the suffering of the Kachin people are tantamount to the suffering of the whole Burmese people. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) opposes war and we truly believe that guns and bullets won’t solve the problems but through dialogue, mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual respect.

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) would like to express our position that all the ethnics’ people of Burma must have the equal rights. We truly believe that to establish a genuine federal union, Burma must grantee to protect and promote ethnics rights such as language, culture, environment, religion and music. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) would like to reaffirm our position that we will work until we can restore democracy, human rights and rule of law in Burma leading toward establishing a genuine federal union in Burma.

For more information please contact Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) at http://www.bdcburma.org

U Myo Thein [United Kingdom]
Director, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 00-44-208-493-9137, 00-44-787- 788-2386

U Khin Maung Win [United States]
Director, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001-941-961-2622

Daw Khin Aye Aye Mar [United States]
Patron, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001 509-783-7223

U Tint Swe Thiha [United States]
Patron, Burma Democratic Concern (BDC)
Phone: 001-509-582-3261, 001-509-591-8459

AP – Prominent Myanmar monk taken in for

AP – Prominent Myanmar monk taken in for questioning
Reuters – Myanmar refugees tell of violence despite peace calls
GMA News – DFA Sec. del Rosario meets Suu Kyi and Myanmar leader
KTAR.com – Legal challenge launched to Suu Kyi’s candidacy
The Japan Times – Long courting of Myanmar may finally pay off
IRIN – MYANMAR-THAILAND: Dying for lack of reproductive healthcare
Sin Chew Jit Poh – Myanmar political exiles return after two decades
The Malaysian Insider – CIMB Group chief leads Asean support for Myanmar
Asian Correspondent – What’s in a name – Burma or Myanmar?
Asian Correspondent – Burma: Economists, generals and culture vultures
Scoop – Burma’s New Media Law May Fail to Ensure Press Freedom
The Wall Street Journal – Too Bad, Burma: Big Bank Loans Unlikely Anytime Soon
Washington Times – Civil war threatens reforms in Myanmar
VOA News – China Hosts Burma-Rebel Peace Talks for Economic, Strategic Benefit
Daily Mail – The Temple that brings monks closer to God (because it’s nearly 5,000ft up a mountain)
National Times – Sanctions squeeze all but the tycoons
The Nation – Don’t forget ethic minorities while democratising Burma, activists warn
The Nation – Burma’s Forever Group eyes revenue boost
The Irrawaddy – Burmese Army Attacks Shan Base
The Irrawaddy – Strike Enters Fifth Day, Spreads to Other Factories
The Irrawaddy – Electricity: Burma’s Missing Ingredient for Success
Mizzima News – Education and health focus of U.N. conference
Mizzima News – The election will offer ‘intense rivalries’: NUP
Mizzima News – EU official to talk about aid package
DVB News – Burma ‘struggling’ with tourism boom
DVB News – Exiles emotional upon return to Burma
DVB News – Fighting breaks out in Shan state
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Prominent Myanmar monk taken in for questioning
Associated Press – 4 hrs ago

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — A prominent Buddhist monk who was one of hundreds of political prisoners freed in Myanmar last month was detained Friday after a pre-dawn visit by authorities, an official said.

Shin Gambira, 33, was one of the leaders of the so-called Saffron Revolution, a 2007 anti-government uprising led by Buddhist monks against the then-ruling junta. He was detained after a military crackdown on protesters and released Jan. 13 as part of a mass prisoner release that has been hailed as a sign of Myanmar’s new government’s willingness to make reforms.

Friday’s detention of Gambira, however, had echoes of the previous administration, which was known for whisking away its critics in the middle of the night.

An official from the Home Ministry said that Gambira was “taken away” from the Yangon monastery where he was staying and brought for “questioning in relation to incidents that happened after his release.”

The official, who spoke on condition on anonymity, said that Gambira and other monks had illegally entered monasteries that had been shut after the 2007 uprising.

Authorities went after Gambira after he ignored a summons to report for questioning, the official said.

It was not immediately clear how long Gambira would be detained.

Gambira had also publicly voiced skepticism about the new government’s commitment to democratic reforms.

His detention comes amid widespread international attention on Myanmar, where the new nominally civilian government has drawn cautious praise.

The U.S. and European Union have called the progress positive steps forward but say they will be closely watching an upcoming April by-election before deciding whether to lift sanctions that were imposed during military rule.
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Myanmar refugees tell of violence despite peace calls
By James Pomfret | Reuters – 4 hrs ago

NONGDAO, China (Reuters) – In an obscure part of southwest China, a refugee crisis from one of the world’s longest running and least known conflicts in Myanmar is slowly unfolding, largely ignored by the outside world and denied by China….