pdc monthly news commentary - february 2012 (eng)

8/2/2019 PDC Monthly News Commentary - February 2012 (Eng)

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/pdc-monthly-news-commentary-february-2012-eng 1/12

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THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AND DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party are concern over the

danger of reversal of the current political reform process since there are some factions in ruling

USDP party which are opposing these democratization processes.

President U Thein Sein issued his amnesty order 1/2012 in the evening of January 2 but it was just

the order commuting prison sentences, not the amnesty, so that it drew severe criticism from the

people at home and abroad. Under this order, total 6,656 prisoners were released, of which only 33

were political prisoners, organizations which watch these prisoners announced.

NLD central executive committee member U Win Tin criticized the government with strong words

that this was the sheer violation of promise given by USDP government to the international

community and people at home. Similarly Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urged people continuing their

struggle for the release of all remaining political prisoners at the luncheon meeting with veteran

politicians on the occasion of 64thIndependence Day anniversary ceremony held on January 4.

And then, under immense pressure given by people at home and international community, President

U Thein Sein issued another order which pardoned 651 prisoners as per the section 401(1) of

Criminal Procedure Code on January 12. At the press conference held on January 14, Home Minister

Ko Ko said that among these prisoners, 302 prisoners which are listed by NLD as prisoners of

conscience were included. NLD sees this release of many prisoners including high profile political

activists as good sign and prospect for the national reconciliation but about half of the prisoners listed

as political prisoners in their list are still behind bars and NLD would try hard for the release of all of

these remaining political prisoners, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on January 14.

In her exclusive interview with BBC, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on January 5 that she could trust

on President U Thein Sein but she could not trust yet other government cabinet members whom she

had not yet met. Similarly she told AP news agency on January 6 that the current ongoing

democratization process can be fully succeeded only if the powerful military can accept them.

In her meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on

January 26 that there might be some persons from ruling USDP and other parties who would not like

standing for election by NLD and this upcoming by-election being free and fair.

USDP government’s Union Election Commission (UEC) granted official registration of NLD on

January 5 and Presidential political adviser Dr. Nay Zin Latt hinted to foreign news agencies on

January 9 that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi might be given an appropriate position in the government if

she was elected.

NLD will contest in all 48 vacant seats in this by-election and most of these seats were won byUSDP party in 2010 general election. At the USDP party extraordinary meeting held on January 21,

party general secretary U Htay Oo said that it was important for USDP to hold majority seats in both

PDC News Commentary ~ February 2012 of 12

PDC NEWS COMMENTARYFebruary 2012

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



houses to make these houses strong and powerful. Rangoon Region USDP branch chief and former

Rangoon mayor U Aung Then Lin visited Kawhmu constituency where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

would contest and he maligned her in his election campaign address, NLD member and activist Suu

Suu Nway said on January 17.

Some USDP leaders denied the observations and criticisms made by people at home and international

community of the likelihood of reversal of the current ongoing democratization process because of hardliners in the USDP government. Visiting Burmese C-in-C of Defence Services General Min Aung

Hlaing said to Thai PM Ms. Yinluck Shinawatra on January 11 during his visit to Thailand that the

new government in Burma had no reason to reverse the ongoing democratization process.

Similarly President U Thein Sein said to Washington Post in his interview given on January 20 in

Naypyitaw that there was no reason for the reversal of current ongoing democratization process in

Burma and the role of military cannot be ignored for the development of the country. Similarly

Foreign Ministr U Wunna Maung Lwin said on January 24 that there was no reason to reverse the

current democratization process but this transformation would be gradual and phase by phase.

The news of differences among the members of National Defence and Security Council on the role of

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in easing international sanctions imposed on Burma and releasing political

prisoners appeared in Burma. Though Daw Aung San Suu Kyi did not say anything about lifting of

these sanctions imposed by western countries, party presidium member U Win Tin said on January 25

that US should continue these sanctions as Burma’s political reforms were still weak and not yet

materialized.

Despite of promises given by USDP government on committal of non-reversal of these reforms, the

restrictions and oppressions are still being made by low-level officials. Irrawaddy Region Chief

Minister ordered on January 2 to close the funfair of selling T-shirts bearing portraits of BogyokeAung San and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and keychain for the fund raising of NLD party. A

government-backed party 88-Generation Students and Youths (Union of Myanmar) vice-chairman Ko

Than Oo said on January 2 that they protested to UEC on the similarity of NLD party logo of fighting

peacock with their logo.

Rangoon Region, South Dagon Township police station arrested NLD party member and former

political prisoner U Soe Kywe on January 10 for staging protest by holding placard against lack of

fundamental rights of the people and then he was released after questioning him. After the election

campaigns by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Tanintharyi Region, Dawei city, UEC issued an

announcement dated January 31 which warns to abide all regulations and restrictions precisely inelection campaigns for this upcoming by-election. It is learnt that Home Ministry also issued

directives to Police Force to collect information and to investigate on the movements of NLD, social

and religious organizations and movements of foreigners as priority.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHNIC GROUPS AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT

Peace building committee of USDP government could sign ceasefire agreements with many ethnic

armed forces during January 2012 but clashes, engagements and bomb blasts are still being taken

place in these areas controlled by ethnic armies.

Government delegation led by U Aung Min and Chin National Front (CNF) delegation led by Sui

Khar met in Hakha, Chin State on January 6 and signed the ceasefire agreement. On January 18 and




19, Union level peace delegation led by U Aung Thaung and Kachin Independence Organization

(KIO) led by Vice Chief of Staff Brigadier General Gwam Maw met in Ruili, China again and

discussed on KIO’s proposal of 3-stage talk which includes continuing the political negotiation and

renegotiation on deployment and positions of troops of both sides for confidence building and

curbing the military operations and fighting but the negotiation failed, it is learnt.

Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) delegation met USDP delegationofficially on January 28 in Taunggyi for the first time and signed the ceasefire agreement. Similarly

New Mon State Party (NMSP) formed its 7-member delegation led by vice chairman Nai Raw Sa on

January 25 for meeting with government delegation in Mawlamyine for the second time on February

1. And also Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) had formed its 5-member delegation to

meet with government delegation, PNLO chairman Khun Okkar said on January 27. The USDP

government offered for peace talks to Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) on January 23 and to KNU

breakaway faction KNU/KNLA group led by Major General Htay Maung at the end of January.

Moreover the USDP government extended similar peace offers to 88-genearation organizations

namely All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) on January 10, Forum of Democracy in

Burma (FDB) and Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS) on January 19 respectively for theinformal talks with them.

U Aung Thaung said on January 28 that despite of difficulties in reaching ceasefire agreements with

some ethnic armed groups, they would continue their peace effort until they achieve nationwide and

eternal peace agreements with these organizations. Similarly President U Thein Sein said on January

26 in his message sent to speakers of two chambers as saying his government would engage with five

ethnic armed groups which had not yet reached peace agreement with government to achieve eternal

peace with them.

It is learned that engagements and bomb blasts are still being taken place in Kachin, Shan, Karenniand Karen States despite of continuing peace talks between government and these ethnic armed

groups. The bomb blast which took place in Karen State, Three pagoda pass sub-township,

Ahnankwin pagoda fair ground on January 7 killed 4 persons and injured 51 persons. State-run media

accused KNU of the perpetrators of this bomb blast on January 13 issue but KNU denied

government’s claim. Series of bomb blasts occurred in Muse and Mongko in northern Shan State at

the end of January for two consecutive days but there were no casualties from these blasts, it is learnt.

But a landmine exploded on Mandalay-Myitkyina railroad at the milestone No. 614/3 in Monyin

Township, Kachin State and it derailed a freight train after damaging rail tracks and sleepers.

THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AN D DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES

It is learned that NLD has escalated and intensified its ground works to win all vacant seats in this

upcoming by-election to be held on April 1.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on January 1 that NLD would work in priority in 2012 for rule of law,

internal peace and amending 2008 constitution. Party election campaign committee issued its

announcement on January which instructs all party branches in regions and states to send their list of

candidates to party head office not later than January 11. The announcement says to give priorities in

selecting their candidates to those who have loyalty to democracy, having education qualification and

work experience, ethnic people, women and youths.




NLD party election campaign committee held its meeting with regions and states committees on

January 6. Party held its central executive committee (CEC) meeting on January 9 and then formed

central presidium and party CEC as per the resolution made at this meeting. Party announcement

issued on January 10 says central presidium is led by U Tin Oo and consisted of U Win Tin, U Than

Tun, U Hla Pe and U Nyunt Wei and its new CEC is led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and its members

are U Nyan Win, U Win Myint, U Ohn Kyaing, U Han Thar Myint, U Tun Tun Hein and Dr. May

Win Myint. An announcement issued by NLD on January 19 says that party central secretariat wasformed with U Nyan Win, U Ohn Kyaing and U Han Thar Myint. Party CEC meeting held on

January 26 assigned secretariat member U Ohn Kyaing as secretary of party central election

campaign committee or simply as campaign manager.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed she would contest in this by-election from Rangoon Region,

Kawhmu Township constituency and released the candidates’ lists for other constituencies one after

another starting from January 12. It is learned that some persons who have close connection with

party and helped actively in party’s political movements and campaigns are included in these

candidates’ lists. These persons are Ko Phyo Min Thein, Daw Suu Suu Lwin, agriculture academic

Sein Win Han, singers Zay Yar Thaw and Rattha.

Criticisms and protests against the selection of candidates were appeared too. Party head office

selected former army captain Win Htein as candidate for Mandalay Region, Meiktila constituency

and then party Meiktila branch members signed on protest letter against party’s selection of candidate

in their constituency and they fielded former township branch secretary Daw Myint Myint Aye as

their own independent candidate. Similarly a NLD party youth member from Tanintharyi Region,

Myeik Township protested against selection of Daw Tin Tin Yi as NLD party candidate from this

constituency by putting a shirt with party logo on fire in front of the party township branch office in

the evening of January 23, it is learnt. Party presidium U Tin Oo expressed his displeasure on January

26 on presenting own candidates by local party units in protest of party’s selections.

NLD party held branch offices opening ceremonies across the country in grand ceremony in many

places such as Bahan, Mingalataungnyunt, Depayin Townships and Pathein district, Pathein

Township branch office. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended personally the branch office opening

ceremonies of Bahan and Mingalataungnyunt townships. The party distributed 1 million copies of

party membership application forms to states and regions. NLD has started publishing of party

bulletin under the title ‘Democratic Wave’ since January 16 and it is published fortnightly and

circulation is 100,000 copies per issue, it is learnt.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited Rangoon Southern district election commission office in Thanlyin onJanuary 18 and filed her nomination paper for standing for by-election in Kawhmu constituency. She

met Kawhmu constituency election campaign committee on January 20 and she told them to protest

and lodge complaint boldly against unlawful election campaign and electoral fraud in their area. The

election campaign committees are formed up to grassroots level in villages in four districts of Bago

Region and their election campaigns have been started, NLD party township branch chairman U

Myat Hla said on January 22. The local people from 10 villages in Kawhmu Township applauded

warm welcome to election campaign committee in Kawhmu Township when they visited there on

January 27.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made one-day campaign visits to Dawei, Launglon and lower Yebyu

Townships in Tanintharyi Region on January 29 and she was applauded warm welcome by hundreds




of thousands of local people. NLD party sent about 2,000 copies of ‘How to cast your vote in

upcoming election’ compiled by advocate U Ko Ni on January 30 for election education and

awareness to branch offices in States and Regions.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended 64thanniversary Independence Day held on January 4 and delivered

her speech and then she also attended ‘Freedom of Art’ film festival held on the same day and gave

prizes to the winners. And also she visited and met families of political prisoners on January 5 and

spoke some words to encourage them. And also she attended another functions of donation of 10million kyat by Shoe Gallery on January 19, attended discussion meeting with 35 former political

prisoners on January 23, inviting 88-Gen student leaders to her residence and serving feast in honour

of them at the gathering on January 24 and inviting these student leaders again on January 27 and

discussed on by-elections and matters on release of remaining political prisoners.

Mandalay Region NLD office election campaign committee also held 3-day long cartoon festival and

fun fair at Padomma Hall. NLD accepted the applications of 19 young lawyers with a ceremony held

at party head office and assigned them duties. It is learned that lower house MP U Kyi Myint and

upper house MP Dr. Myat Nyarna Soe from National Democratic Force (NDF) who contested in

2010 general election reportedly applied for the membership of NLD on January 10.

In the meantime, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and party leaders received foreign dignitaries and discussed

on various matters. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met Open Society Institute (OSI) founder and billionaire

George Soros on January 2, met British Foreign Minister William Hague on January 6, met Danish

Development Minister Christian Friis Bach on January 7, met US special envoy to Burma Derek

Mitchell on January 12, met US ambassador of human trafficking Luis Cde Baca on January 12, met

US congressman Joseph Crowley on January 13 and met French FM Alain Juppe on January 15.

French FM awarded France’s highest civilian honour Commander of the Legion of Honour to Daw

Aung San Suu Kyi during his visit to Burma.

And also she met US senator Mitch McConnel on January 16, met Norwegian FM Jonas Gahr Store

on January 24 and met Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on January 25. Pakistan President

recognized Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as role model of no-violence democratization for the Pakistani

people and he awarded her Benazir Bhutto Shaheed democracy prize.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sent her video message to 2012 World Economic Forum held in Davos,

Switzerland on January 26. She made one-day long trip to Myaing Township, Magwe Region where

rural development projects funded by UK government are being conducted and thousands of local

people extended warm welcome to her.

The mass movements of students, monks and mass and class appeared in January. 88-Generation

students, Generation Wave members, members of political prisoners’ network, former political

prisoners, veteran politicians, renowned writers, opposition politicians and political parties, political

activists and people from all walks of life severely criticized the presidential amnesty order issued on

the occasion of 64thanniversary Independence Day which included only a few of political prisoners

among the prisoners released from prisons by this order.

Similarly free political prisoner campaigns reappeared in the meantime. On January 8, 88-Generation

students, All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) members, former political prisoners,members of political prisoners’ families network totaling about 70 persons visited the families of




political prisoners by wearing T-shirts bearing word ‘Free’ and encouraged these families. NDF MP

Dr. Myat Nyarna Soe said that he would urge parliament to release political prisoners in upcoming

parliament sessions. And also the families of political prisoners met visiting US congressman Joseph

Crowley on January 12 and discussed matters on internal peace and releasing political prisoners.

Environment protection campaigns were appeared also in Rakhine State and Tanintharyi Region.

Distribution leaflets campaign took place in Sittwe on January 4 which protested against buildingnew seaport in Sittwe as it would endanger environment and Mingyi coral reef. Talk show on

environment protection and awareness for Kaladan River multi-modal project was held at U Ottama

Hall in Sittwe on January 6. Rakkha Ahlintan youth group led a mass movement in Sittwe and

Mrauk-U towns which called for using gas from Rakhine Shwe Gas project for the Rakhine people

too and called for providing round the clock electricity in Rakhine State by staging poster campaign

and T-shirt campaign.

Similarly Dawei Development Association (DDA) staged a signature campaign in Maungmakan

beach on January 4 called for stopping coal-fired thermal power project to be built in Dawei

Industrial Zone. They also sent an open letter to Thai PM on January 7 which protests againstfactories planned to be built by Thai companies in this Dawei Industrial Zone as these projects can

damage environment and can have impact on the health of the local people. No. 2 Electric Power

Ministry Minister Khin Maung Soe said at a press conference held on January 9 that coal-fired

thermal power project which is to be built in Dawei Industrial Zone would be stopped.

As the farmers’ movements, farmers staged protest against asking for 20 baskets of paddy from each

acre grown on 1,300 acres of farmlands seized by township administrative body and 600 acres of

farmlands seized by military in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State. Farmers’ Rights Protection Network

published a paper entitled “Forcible seizures of farmlands and pieces of victories” on January 11

which documented fighting against unjust and unlawful seizures of farmlands by Htoo Company and

Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) in Sissayan village, Kamma Township, MagweRegion and their victories in these legal battles.

Poetry reciting ceremony was held in Rangoon Park Royal Hotel under the title ‘Land’ in support for

the farmers whose lands were forcibly seized. It is learned that farmers attended this ceremony and

discussed on their farmland issue.

88-Generation student leaders who were released by presidential order on January 13 from various

prisons, ethnic leaders and monks who took part in saffron revolution staged political movements in

the meantime too.

88-Generation student leader Ko Min Ko Naing was released from Thayet prison on January 13 and

he delivered political speeches to the local people in various cities and towns on his way back to

Rangoon. Ko Min Ko Naing said to people from Rangoon on January 14 that he would cooperate

with U Thein Sein’s government if they really admire and adore democracy. 88-Generation student

leaders who were released from various prisons across the country held a press conference at

Rangoon Taw Win Centre on January 21 and they briefed to media persons about their political stand

and future programmmes. Student leaders explained that they would not form a political party yet at

current time and they would continue their extra-parliament movements and welcome the decision

taken by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for contesting in by-election by rallying around her and extending

their support to her.




88-Generation student leaders attended a function held in Bago on January 24 in honour of political

prisoners who were recently released from prisons across the country on January 13 and funeral

service of former political prisoner Thet Nwe aka Nyein Lu who died on January 21 along with other

political activists. Gathering function of 88-Generation student leaders and other former political

prisoners was held at Sein Lan Soe Pyi restaurant in Rangoon on January 31. These 88-Generation

student leaders also met visiting British FM William Hague on January 6 and French FM Alain Juppe

on January 14. They also visited Shwenyawah abbot who was evicted from his monastery by SanghaMaha Nayaka (Ma Ha Na – the highest monks’ body in Burma) on January 19 at his monastery to

show their solidarity and support to him.

ABFSU leaders who were recently released from prisons announced that they had reestablished their

organization on January 18 with office bearers of Chairman Ko Kyaw Ko Ko, Vice-chairmen Ko De

Nyein Lin and Lin Htet Naing and secretary Ma Phyo Phyo Aung.

As the movements by religious organizations, the devotees of monks who were recently released

from prisons on January 13 held re-ordination ceremony for them. These monks frankly answered

questions raised by media on their prison life experiences. Abbot U Wira Thu who was arrested in2003 and recently released from prison distributed his paper entitled “Historical Culprit” written on

the wrongdoings being done by Ma Ha Na. He wrote this paper while he was serving his prison term.

Rangoon Maggin monastery abbot U Eindaka, Ashin Gambira and U Ithiriya who were arrested in

connection with saffron revolution and released from prison recently opened their sealed monastery

by themselves to stay there. Ashin Gambira said that he would continue his fight for releasing

political prisoners and stopping civil war. All faiths prayer meeting sponsored by Metta (love)

Campaign was held at Lutheran Bethlehem church, Theinbyu Street, Rangoon on January 16. Daw

Shuu who is providing assistance to imprisoned monks by making prison interviews said on January

29 that there were still 50 monks behind bars though some of them were released recently.

Former army captain and former political prisoner Nay Myo Zin who was arrested for his blood

donation and was released from prison recently said to media on January 23 that he was not guilty in

the case charged him for bringing T-shirt and keychain bearing portrait of Bogyoke Aung San into the

prison so that he won’t even pay fine if the court gave punishment to him in this case and he was

ready to go prison again. Then the USDP court acquitted him in this case.

Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) chairman U Khun Tun Oo who was released from

Taungoo prison said on January 13 that he would continue his political works. SNLD party decided to

reregister the party with UEC at the central committee meeting held on January 20 but the party also

said on the same day that they were not yet ready for contesting in by-elections. Similarly ArakanLeague for Democracy (ALD) party secretary U Aye Thar Aung said on January 18 that their party

would be reregistered. The leaders of Chin National Party (CNP) and Chin Progressive Party (CPP)

expressed their position on January 26 that they would not contest in upcoming by-elections. Mon

National League for Democracy Party general secretary Dr. Soe Min said on January 19 that they

would stand as a unified political party only after merging with All Mon Region Democracy Party

(AMRDP).

The political parties announced the number of seats they would contest in this upcoming election as

NDF 12 seats, National Unity Party (NUP) 23 seats and ten-party Friends of Democracy alliance 19

seats respectively.




THE USDP GOVERNMENT AND DOMESTIC S ITUATION

THE S ITUATION OF THE USDP GOVERNMENT

The USDP government is doing some reforms in the country to win and woo support and recognition

by international community and people in the country but at the same time there are signs being seen

as closely monitoring the activities of opposition forces and doing driving wedge among them and

sowing dissensions among them too. Moreover they are systematically hatching a foul play of pre-

emptive strike against these opposition forces when the situations are beyond their out of control.After suffering severe criticism by international community and people at home for inclusion of mere

30 political prisoners among the prisoners released on January 2 under the presidential amnesty order,

President reissued his order again on January 13 to release total 651 prisoners including 302 political

prisoners. Among them, former spy chief and PM General Khin Nyunt who was imprisoned with

charges of insubordination and corruption and his subordinate former intelligence officers, and son-

in-law and a grandson of late dictator General Ne Win who were imprisoned with high treason

charges and serving long prison terms were also included.

Upper House MP and business tycoon Zaykabar Khin Shwe announced on January 23 that his

MyaYeik Nyo Health Foundation which was founded by him with one billion kyat would be led by UKhin Nyunt as a patron. Unconfirmed reports say that there were differences and heated debates

among the members of powerful 11-member National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) over

releasing political prisoners.

These prisoners released on January 13 were not released by general amnesty and they had to serve

the remaining prison terms if they are tried and found guilty in next cases in the future by adding with

the new prison terms. So these prisoners are being closely watched by government to arrest again

them at any time. Five monks including Rangoon Maggin monastery abbot U Eindaka, Ashin

Gambira and U Eithiriya opened their monastery sealed by USDP government and entered the

monastery by themselves after being released from prison on January 13. And then Ma Ha Nasummoned them for opening the sealed monastery without permission on January 25 and after that

they were ordered to evict from this monastery on January 27. Similarly Ma Ha Na in Rangoon

Region summoned Shwenyawah abbot to their office on January 19 and ordered him to evict from his

Sadu monastery.

The USDP party is conducting their election campaigns to contest in all of 48 vacant seats in these

by-elections. It is learned that USDP convened their extraordinary meeting in Naypyitaw on January

21 and discussed on winning seats in these by-elections. Former Rangoon mayor and USDP party

central executive committee member U Aung Thein Lin tried hard by every possible mean not in

order NLD party win in his Rangoon Region six vacant constituencies including Kawhmu, Dagonsatellite town, Mingalataungnyunt, Thongwa and Hlegu. It is also learned that USDP had hatched a

smear campaign to disparage and malign the candidates of NLD party and to use all unethical means

to win in these by-elections.

In order to promote their foreign relations with western countries, USDP leaders met and received

many foreign dignitaries during January including US senators Mitch McConnell and John McCain,

US congressman Joseph Crowley, US special envoy to Burma Derek Mitchell, US billionaire and

philanthropist George Soros, British FM William Hague, French FM Alain Juppe, Danish

Development Minister Christian Friis Bach, Norwegian FM Jonas Gahr Store and Pakistan President

Asif Ali Zardari.




Home Minister Lt. Gen. Ko Ko said at the press conference held on January 14 that they could

expose and arrest 13 people who have connection with Taliban and also USDP representative U

Maung Wei assured the international community at the 59thUN Children’s Rights Committee

meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland on January 20 that there would be no more use of child soldiers

in Burma.

In the meantime, the USDP government is trying hard to strengthen the relations with neigbouringcountries. High level military goodwill delegation led by C-in-C of Defence Services Gen. Min Aung

Hlaing visited Thailand from 8thto 12thJanuary. Similarly FM U Wunna Maung Lwin visited India

for 5 days starting from January 23 and discussed on matters of implementing the bilateral treaties

signed during Senior General Than Shwe’s visit to India in October 2010. Indian Home Ministry

issued an announcement on January 24 that Burmese Deputy Home Minister Brigadier General Kyaw

Zan Myint assured India that Burma would never allow separatist rebels of India to revolt against the

Indian government from Burmese soil.

USDP government high level delegation led by President U Thein Sein visited Singapore fromJanuary 28 to February 1 and met and discussed with Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam, PM

Lee Hsien Loong, former Singapore leader Goh Chok Tong and signed Memorandum of

Understanding for technical cooperation between two countries.

Taninthayi Region government Finance and Revenue Minister U Myat Ko replaced former chief

minister of Taninthayi Region government and former Lt. Gen. Khin Zaw who was taken action and

forced to retire on November 26, 2011 for corruption, the state-run New Light of Myanmar reported

on January 28.

It is learned that there were some reshuffles in armed forces after the every-four-month meeting of Chief of Staff (Army) Office held in January. Western Command commander Maj. Gen. Tun Nay Lin

(OTS 61) was forced to retire and replaced by Military Institute of Medicine Principal Brig. Gen. Ko

Ko Naing (OTS 68), Light Infantry Division No. 11 Commander Brig. Gen. Thit Lin Ohn (DSA 25)

was appointed at vacant the post of Military Institute of Medicine Principal, it is learnt. It is also

learned that Director of the Directorate of Ordnance Ma. Gen. Sein Lin (DSA 14) was removed from

his post.

Director General U Aung Min and about 10 junior officers from Economic and Commerce Ministry

and Border Trade Department were transferred to other departments for their alleged involvement in

corruption cases and it is learned that two border trade posts were closed and transferred to CustomsDepartment.

The USDP government made some showcase reform works in January. The government announced

on January 1 that the city development committees (municipal bodies) would issue the shares (initial

public offerings –IPO) to public under their second phase scheme of implementing capital market by

selecting some state owned enterprises (SOEs). And also the government announced that Burmese

citizens and foreign nationals could exchange their foreign currency up to US$ 10,000 freely without

producing any documents starting from February 1 at the foreign currency exchange counters of the

private banks. Myanmar Investment Commission Chairman and Industry Minister U Soe Thein said

on January 28 while he was attending World Economic Forum that the government was consideringto give tax holidays up to 8 years to the foreign investors. Similarly Energy Minister U Than Htay




told Reuters News Agency on January 28 that the natural gas extracted from the gas field projects

implemented after 2013 would not be sold to foreign countries and they would be utilized for

domestic consumption only.

The USDP government also formed National Commission for Population and Development (NCPD)

for enabling connecting with international population organizations and conducting works on

population and development. In the Naypyitaw based government departments too, media cells wereformed to disseminate the news of the departments concerned to the media. The domestic and foreign

journalists were invited to Media Workshop held on January 30 at Rangoon Inya Lake Hotel. Deputy

Director General U Tint Swe of Press Scrutiny and Registration Division (censor board) under

Information Ministry said that his ministry was drafting a media law by referring and studying similar

laws in Indonesia and Cambodia and then his department would stop current censorship works after

enacting and promulgating of this law by the parliament so that the journalists can work freely after

that.

The third sessions of first house of people and house of nationality have been reconvened since

January 26. This time, the journalists were allowed to bring their mobile phones, laptops andaccessories to the chamber of both houses. Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (joint sitting of both houses)

discussed financial matters on January 31. House of Nationality (upper house) MP Dr. Aye Maung

disclosed some figures as saying total foreign debt of the state is US$ 12 billion, total foreign reserve

is US$ 7 billion, spending earmarked for military is reduced to 14.39% of total budget in 2012-13

financial year and 4.733% of budget for education and 2.822% of total budget for health respectively.

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE PEOPLE

Despite of claiming reforms have been emerged in Burma, the benefits of these reforms have not yet

reached to the most of the Burmese nationals especially to the downtrodden people. They are beingfaced by more hardships instead rather than enjoying the fruits of these reforms.

The USDP government suddenly hiked the fuel prices on January 1 and then the transportation costs

were rose too which pushed up the commodity prices. The petrol price was increased to Kyat 3,350

from Kyat 2,500 on January 1. Because of continued fighting in Phakant, Kachin State, the price of

rice rose to Kyat 80,000 per bag which could be bought in plain area in middle Burma at just Kyat

30,000 per bag. It is learned that other commodity prices rose too in that area.

According to the World Economic Freedom Index issued by Heritage Foundation, Burma ranks at

174thout of total 179 countries in 2011 while the USDP government is claiming they will beamending the Investment Law. This level is too low even in the region average. The ownership of

water resources in Burma ranks 14thin global scale and 5thin regional scale but Burma does not have

yet proper ‘National Water Policy’ so that a concrete law in this regard is badly needed, world

academics and experts analyzed. While the USDP government is trying to draft a media law, RSF

listed Burma at 169th position this year in media freedom, rose from 174thin 2010, but this position is

still too low and the progress is just a mere.

US ambassador for human trafficking Luis Cde Baca said at the press conference held on January 11

that the cases of child labour, forced labour, porter, human trafficking for sexual exploitation are still being reported in the country. Similarly opium production in Burma is still increasing year by year. In

PDC News Commentary ~ February 2012 o f 12



Hpruso and western Demoso Townships alone in Kayah State, opium growing acreage reached over

30,000 acres in 2012, Karenni News and Information Department reported.

Nearly 4,000 households from 18 villages in Dawei special economic zone project area sent their

petition to president to spare them from being evicted from their houses but Vice-President Thiha

Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo came and inspected the area on January 22 and ordered all villagers to

move from their villages, it is learnt.

INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

The international community recognized some reforms and changes made by USDP government and

many countries are now trying for cooperation with Burmese government.

US government welcomed the amnesty order issued on January 12 by USDP government but they

called for releasing unconditionally all remaining political prisoners. US Assistant Secretary of State

for East Asia and Pacific Kurt Campbell explained their policy towards Burma to governments of

China, Japan and South Korea. In the message of felicitation sent to Burma by US government on the

occasion of 64thanniversary Independence Day, US says that they always support Burma for peace,

democracy and prosperity and they will continue their relation with Burma fundamentally.

During his visit to Burma, US billionaire and philanthropist George Soros has got consent and nod

from Burmese government to do their aid projects in Burma by having their base in the country,

announcement made on January 5 says. US President Obama welcomed and appreciated the release

of a lot of political prisoners. US Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton announced on January 13 that

US decided to upgrade diplomatic relation with Burma to ambassador level. She also said that the

relation between two countries would be improved if the government releases all remaining political prisoners, stop violent fighting against ethnic people, and stop all military relations with North Korea.

Similarly US President Mr. Barack Obama said in the State of Union Address delivered at Congress

on January 24 that the democratic reform works have been started in Burma.

US special envoy to Burma Mr. Derek Mitchell met Burmese oppositions in Thailand on January 13

and inquired about their attitudes on current US policies towards Burma. Mitch McConnell said at the

press conference held in Naypyitaw on January 17 that for consideration the lifting economic

sanctions imposed on Burma, US would focus and rely on the views and opinions of Daw Aung San

Suu Kyi, he was optimistic on Burma’s reform works for the first time but there were still many more

works to be done. He would support and recommend for lifting sanctions if the Burmese governmentcontinue these works, he said. And then he made his presentation to the US Senate on January 26 that

the changes and reforms which would lead to democracy can be seen now.

During his visit to Burma, US Senator John McCain said on January 22 that US would ease the

sanctions imposed on Burma step by step based on the intensity of reform works done by Burmese

government and he also called for free and fair by-elections and letting international observers to

monitor these elections. He also invited house of people speaker Thura Shwe Mahn to visit US for

studying joint functions of both houses.

Canadian FM John Barid made an announcement on January 15 which welcomed the release of many political prisoners and urged to take further steps for improvements in the country. In his first ever




visit to Burma, British FM William Hague met his counterpart of USDP government and house of

people speaker and he told them that the economic sanctions imposed by EU would not be lifted

unless the prisoners related to politics are continued to be detained and he would like to see further

changes and reforms in the country and he welcomed the current developments and improvements in

the country.

Visiting Canadian FM Alain Juppe said on January 15 that recent works and activities done byPresident U Thein Sein proved that he was the wise and committed reformer and Canada welcomed

release of many political prisoners and optimistic for these works. Canada would lift the sanctions

step by step by judging on the works done by the government and also Canada hopes the upcoming

by-elections would be free and fair.

EU alternate chairman and Danish Development Minister Christian Friis Bach said on January 6 that

Denmark would closely monitor the by-elections to be held on April 1 and then Denmark signed the

aid agreement to give US$ 4.5 million as aid to Burma. As a partial and step by step easing of

sanctions imposed on Burma, EU lifted visa ban imposed on top leaders and officials of the Burmese

government and their families on January 23. Visiting Norwegian FM Jonas Gahr Store said onJanuary 26 that EU could lift remaining sanctions if the upcoming by-elections are free and fair. At

the EU Summit meeting held on January 30, EU President Van Rompuy wholeheartedly welcomed

changes and reforms undertaken by Burmese government and urged to release remaining political

prisoners and to continue the political reform works.

Australia government also announced on January 9 that they had eased and lifted financial and visa

ban imposed on Burma. Australian ambassador to Burma Ms. Bronte Moules met SNLD chairman U

Khun Tun Oo on January 27 and said to him that Australia would continue helping and supporting of

democratization process in Burma. Philippines which is the most outspoken critic of Burmese

government said on January 18 that western countries should lift their sanctions as the politicalreforms are appeared in Burma.

UN special human rights rapporteur to Burma Tomas Ojea Quintana welcomed the release of many

political prisoners but he said on January 16 that international human rights commission would

consider investigating the human right situations in Burma unless the newly formed Burmese Human

Right Commission investigates the human right violations being committed in the country.

The report issued by IMF on January 24 says that signs of progress were seen in economic reforms

and other changes in Burma but there are still more many works to be done on fundamental reform

works. Country representative of IMF in Burma Meral Karasulu said on January 26 that Burmese

government has got historic opportunity to start the development process and uplifting the livingstandards of the people in great momentum so that they should need to grasp this opportunity and do

these works energetically and dynamically.

ILO Assistant Director Guy Ryder visited Burma and he was accompanied by ILO Rangoon office in-

charge Steve Marshall in meeting with Myanmar Trade Union organizing committee and members of

network of facilitators to ILO at Rangoon Traders’ Hotel on January 27 and discussed on matters of

forced labour and workers’ rights.

// End of Report // Tuesday, February 21, 2012 // End of Translation // Thursday, March 1, 2012


pdc monthly news commentary - february 2012 (eng)

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