Short News
Myanmar cancels ban on Thai goods
17/07/2011: Myanmar has withdrawn import ban on the 15 items from Thailand, according to Thailand’s director-general of Trade Negotiations Department. Myanmar had banned the items such as fresh fruits, monosodium glutamate (MSG), chewing gum, sweet drinks and other beverages, crackers, wafers, cake, canned food, instant noodles, liquor, beer, cigarettes, plastic products, and other controlled goods, according to a report from MCOT.
Suu Kyi will attend Martyrs’ Day
17/07/2011: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese pro-democracy leader, has been officially invited by Myanmar government to attend the annual Martyrs’ Day on July 19 to honouring ceremony of her father and eight other independence leaders who were assassinated on July 19, 1947. According to AFP, Suu Kyi’s friend has confirmed that Ms Suu Kyi has received the invitation letter and she is planning to attend the ceremony.
Myanmar will open international cricket field
17/07/2011: First international cricket field in Yangon has been planned to open in October by Myanmar Cricket Federation (MCF). Offices, stage and car parking lot are included in cricket field which was constructed in the Dagon Myothit. About 20,000 viewers can be accommodated in the 2.97-hectare plot cricket ground. New Zealand will build it.
Shan State Army North (SSA-N) battles with Burma Army. This video comes from unknown source and date.
Burmese regime used military aircrafts during Burma Army and Shan State Army (SSA) are fighting in battlefield.
Myanmar uses prisoner as human shields
13/07/2011: Human Rights group said Myanmar military forces prisoners as human shields at the front lines of conflict zone with ethnic army groups, according to Associated Press. Prisoners who tried to escape are executed. Human Rights Watch is urging United Nations to investigate the military use of “convict slave labor” as human shields in battle field.
Bomb exploded in Shan State
13/07/2011: Three people were killed in a bomb explosion in Kyaukme, northern Shan State of Myanmar. The explosion occurred on Tuesday at 9:00 pm local time and the name of people who were killed are yet to be identified, according to a local source.
Unschooled Burmese children
13/07/2011: About 30,000 Burmese migrants’ children in Phuket are unschooled, according to Phuketwan. Phuket City hospital receives 50 to 60 Burmese women who were giving birth every month this year and in 2010, 20 percent has increased. Each year, there are about 1500 known newborns by Burmese population and there are 100,000 to 200,000 legal and illegal Burmese with 30,000 children in Phuket.
Oil and gas staff dead in helicopter crash
12/07/2011: Three people were killed and eight were rescued in a helicopter of oil and gas companies on Monday which was carrying staff of Malaysian oil company Petronas from the Yetagun offshore gas field in the Andaman Sea, according to Associated Press. Two Myanmar employees and a retired air force officer were killed.
Lao and Myanmar strengthen relations
12/07/2011: Lao and Myanmar exchanged on bilateral relations, security cooperation along the Mekong basin, border region peace and stability, seeking ways to promote bilateral trade, bilateral cooperation in culture, tourism, religious affairs and education, and mutual cooperation in international and regional issues. (People Daily Online)
Canada is top 12th arms exporter
11/07/2011: Among the world largest exporter of arms in 1010, Canada rank no 12th, according Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. It exported military hardware to 70 countries in the year between 2007 and 2009 and currently has arms embargoes on Myanmar (Burma).
Lao PM will visit Myanmar
11/07/2011: Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong will pay an official visit to Myanmar on Monday, according to People Daily Online. Myanmar President U Thein Sein invited Thammavong last week and this is the first official visit to Myanmar by Lao PM since new government has installed in Myanmar. U Thein Sein visited Lao in 2007 when he was Prime Minister.
Myanmar hosted International Chess Tournament
07/07/2011: International Open Chess Tournament was held on Wednesday in Myanmar. The event was organized by the Physical Education Department, Myanmar Chess Federation and Myanmar Sports. 47 chess players from Myanmar and 26 players from international participated in the chess competition championships and the top champion will be awarded 3,000 U.S dollars.
Myanmar will take part in judo competition
07/07/2011: Myanmar judo players will take part in judo championships competition which will be held in Bangkok from July 30 to 31, according to Xinhua. Myanmar has been taken part in judo competition since 2007 and has received two silver medals and three bronze medals.
Flood in Karen State
06/07/2011: Haevy rain flood has hit Hlaingbwe Township in southeastern Karen State of Myanmar since the last few days, according to Xinhua. Over 20 villages in Bago have become under water because of the water overflow from the Hlaingbwe stream. Villagers have to use boat to travel other villages.
Mobile phone internet subscription suspended
04/07/2011: The Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications Department has suspended GSM mobile phone subscription to internet application on 1st July which was granted for Naypyidaw and Rangoon areas on 21st June this year, according to Mizzima News. The suspension came after the department has received many applications but the suspension is for temporary and may reopen when the department is ready to accept more applications.
Suu Kyi arrives in Pagan
04/07/2011: Myanmar pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi has arrived in Pagan the ancient city of Myanmar this morning, according to Irrawaddy News. Suu Kyi travels with her son for the first time since she released from house arrest last year. The trip is not for political activities but to have a good time with her son Kim Aris.
Myanmar top diplomat defected
04/07/2011: U Kyaw Win, 59, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Myanmar Embassy in Washington has defected and seeks political asylum in the United States, according to Press Trust of India. Win said that he and his family are in fear of life danger when they get back to Myanmar and seeking asylum in US will give him little hope.
Rudd urged to press for the release of Burmese refugees
04/06/2011: Australian Foreign Minister Mr Kevin Rudd is urged to push for the release of Burmese asylum seekers who have been detained in Australia detection centres for more than 20 months according to Australia ABC News. Refugee Action Coalition, Ian Rintoul said that Mr Rudd should act the same as what he has urged the Burmese government to release political prisoners.
Japan to resume ODA programs
03/07/2011: Japan government to resume the imposed Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs for Myanmar after the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according the Japan’s Daily Yomiuri Online. The ODA was imposed in July 2003 but humanitarian assistance in natural disasters was exception. The resuming new ODA comes after Makiko Kikuta, the Japan Parliamentary Vice Foreign Minister met Ms Suu Kyi during her official visit to Myanmar
Rudd: Myanmar to free political prisoners
03/06/2011: Kevin Rudd, the Australian Foreign Minister urges Myanmar new government to free 2,000 political prisoners during his visit in Myanmar. According Associated Frances Press, Mr Rudd told the press in Singapore that during his meeting with Myanmar President Thein Sein he made a personal plea for the freedom of political prisoners. He suggested to Myanmar that freeing political prisoners will show the world community that new government is engaging in political change.
Dunkley says he will not leave Burma
01/07/2011: An Australian journalist who own haft of Myanmar Times, Ross Dunkley said he is not leaving Burma, according to Radio Australia News. His comment comes after he has been charged for the assault and immigration offences by Burma new government. He was sentenced to one month jail and fine with 100,000 kyat (S112).
Japan plans to offer aid
01/07/2011: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was told that Burma will be offered aid to improve living standards. Japan Parlimentary Vice Foreign Minister Makiko Kikuta met Suu Kyi on Wednesday. Japan will support democratization and national reconciliation after the new government has emerged in Burma, according to Thai News Agency MCOT.
Military trucks arrive at border
30/06/11: Hundreds of Chinese made military trucks have arrived in Muse at China-Burma border according to Shan Herald Agency for News. It is unclear what is China and Burma plans regarding these trucks but some local sources speculate that these trucks will either be used for war against Kachin Independence Army (KIA) or Naypyitaw. The trucks arrived after a few days of Burma Army troop arrived at the border.
US warns Burma government
30/06/11: US urges Burma government to ensure that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has freedom of political view and free to travel anywhere in the country. US State Department deputy spokesman Mark Tones told media on Wednesday that US concerns over the security and safety of Miss Suu Kyi and Burma government is responsibility for her security. The US’s concerns come after Burma government sent a letter of warning to Miss Suu Kyi over her travel plan.
US concerns next ASEAN chair
30/06/11: The nominee of United States said it concerns the upcoming new ASEAN chair which will be Myanmar. US coordinator for policy on Myanmar, Derek Mitchell said that US concerns the regime is going to be the head of ASEAN but US will seek a peaceful way to deal with Myanmar for the democratic change that respects its citizens’ rights.
India wants Burma’s oil and gas
29/06/11: Indo-Burma Dam project has raised concern for the environmental group. The dam project will negatively impact on the local people said the Arakan Rivers Network executive director Ko Tun Zaw. He said that the project is important for India because India wants oil and gas from Arakan State in Burma.
Myanmar lost to Mongolia
29/06/11: Myanmar football team lost a 1-0 to Mongolia on Wednesday in the first match of 2014 World Cup finalist according to Associated Press.
India bans pork import from Burma
26/06/2011: Pork import to India from Burma has been banned after subsequent formation by the World Health Organisation (WHO) according to The Sangai Express. The ban come after the Indian government was informed by WHO that the outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome in Burma which was confirmed by the Italy’s Office of International Epizooties.
Three bombs have exploded in Burma
24/06/2011: Three bombs have exploded in Burma on Friday according to Associated Press. Two bombed exploded in Naypyitaw near a market and another bomb was exploded in Mandalay. There was no injure and dead in Naypyitaw but two people were injured in Mandalay. Bomb explosions have increased since recent months in Burma. Karen National Union (KNU) has been blamed for the recent bomb explosion by the Burma government.
Burmese workers’ advocate has been sued
24/06/2011: Charles Hector, a Malaysian Human Rights lawyer has been sued by Machine components maker Asahi Kosei for 10 million ringgit (US$3.3 million) for damages of defamation. Hector posted an alleged article on his blog about Burmese workers being mistreated and threatened with deportation by the company. International rights group has criticized the company for suing the lawyer.
A Burmese was arrested in Greece
24/06/2011: A Burmese has been arrested as an illegal migrant on the shores of the Evros River, in extreme NE Greece on Thursday according to Athens News Agency – Macedonian Press Agency S.A.. He was arrested along with a man from Afghanistan.
An earthquake hits near Shan State
24/06/2011: An earthquake in China at near State State, Burma border has injured four people on Monday according to Earth Week. The quake has hit several houses in about 18 townships around the city of Baoshan, in Tengchong county of Yunnan province in China.
Indo-Burma cooperation in IT
20/06/2011: Indian Foreign Minister, S.M Krishna told media that India will enforce multiple relationship in new political and environment with Burma. He said, the two countries will exchange their views and cooperation in the field of connectivity such as information technology, energy, agriculture and telecommunication. (source: ANI)
66 birthday in freedom
19/06/2011: Burma democracy leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi celebrates her 66 birthday in freedom for the first time in 9 year. Many of her supporters from the international community have sent many gifts to her. Kim Aris arrives in Rangoon for his mother’s birthday. She was detained for 15 years for the last 22 years and most of her birthday was celebrated in detention. (source: AP)
Indo-Burma border restriction
18/06/2011: Indian government has asked its state government Mizoram to halt the Burmese democracy activists beyond the 16 km area of the Indo-Burma border at Mizoram state. The request comes direct from the India’s Union ministry of home affairs as it concerns over the illegal border crossing from Burma, mainly Burmese Mizos and Chins people. Travel beyond 16 will allow to people who have relatives on both sides the border but they will have to obtain the special permission from the Indian central government. (source: The Times of India)
EU will visit Burma
17/06/2011: Burmese new government will be met by a team of European Union on this weekend. The EU team including the diplomat EU special envoy for Burma Piero will sent for testing the new government. Trade and financial sanctions have extended for one year by European government in April this year but EU is willing to open the door for Burma to encourage Burma change. (source: AFP)
Burma to expand flight
14/06/2011: Burma plans extend flight for domestic and international airways after it has purchased the two new ARJ21 aircrafts from China on June 4 this year. The ARJ21 is China first home made by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). (Source: Bernama)
Suu Kyi meets prisoners’ families
14/06/2011: Aung San Suu Kyi met Shan leaders’ families at Sao Khun Tun Oo house in Rangoon on June 13. The meeting was to support the Shan families who their husbands have been sentenced for up to 93 years by the Burmese military regime. (Source: SHAN)
Karen and Junta army clash
14/04/2011: The fight between Karen National Union and Burmese army broke out at 12:30pm Tuesday in Phay Tongsu town at Thai-Burma border. The fight killed a villager and damaged Phaya Tongsu market. Follow by the crash, about 200 Thai police and soldiers has been deploying along the Thai border. (Source: Bernama)
Junta attacks SSA
13/06/2011: On 12 June, a strong troop of Burmese army launched a heavy attack on the Shan State Progress Party and Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) at Kawng Sao Merng near Hsengkaew, Hsipaw township of Northern State State which forced SSA to retreat from its base. One villager was killed and the casualty from both sides is unknown. (source: SHAN)
Kachin youth ready to fight
13/06/2011: Kachin youths in Hlaingsa town, in Kachin State are ready to fight the Burmese army to protect the Kachin Independent Army (KIA). They are guarding Hlaingsa town by checking people who come in and out the town. (source: Kachin News)
Burma pipeline company received $60
14/06/2011: More than US$60 million worth of contract has been given to Bredero Shaw, a division of ShawCor Ltd. (TSX:SCL.A), the Canadian company which to provide anti-corrosion coatings for a natural gas pipeline project off the coast of Burma. (source: Winnipeg Free Press)
Malaysian car company eyes Burma
11/06/2011: Malaysian own automotive company, the Tan Chong Group is trying to expand its car sale in Burma. The company has submitted an official application Burma but it is waiting to get an approval from the Burma government.
KIA and Junta fight
12/06/2011: Fighting between the Kachin Independent Army and Burmese military regime has been taking place over the weekend which has left 15 soldiers died.
Junta eases its censorship
11/06/2011: Burma new government has allowed a partial media freedom in Burma. The issue relates to entertainment, health, children, technology and sports are no longer require to pass censorship board but politics, religion, business, education and crime issues are still controlled by the government which need to pass the government censor before they publish.
US halts North Korean ship
13/06/2011: A North Korean ship which US suspects of carrying technology related with missile to Burma has been forced on its way to Burma to return home after two weeks standoff at sea by US Navy’s interception. But US could not confirm whether the ship is actually carrying the missile related technology.