Friday, 01 January 2010 15:03 Salai Pi Pi
New Delhi (Mizzima) - The leading Burmese opposition party today congratulated British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for reiterating the United Kingdom’s support for Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and her struggle for political change in Burma.
Nyan Win, Spokesperson for the National League for Democracy (NLD), on Thursday said the party praised the move of the British Prime Minister, who wrote to Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday of this week and assured her that his country will continue in the new...
Thursday, December 31, 2009
US marks Burmese Independence Day, reaffirming new Burma approach
Friday, 01 January 2010 15:01 Usa Pichai
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - The United State remains ready to improve ties with Burma if there is measurable progress toward democracy in the country, according to a statement released on Wednesday in the run-up to the 62nd anniversary of Burma’s independence from Britain.
The statement from the US State Department expressed the warmest wishes to the people of Burma on the occasion, which falls on January 4th, and referred to recent meetings between diplomats of the two countries during which the United States...
Dhaka pushes for delimitation of maritime boundary
Friday, 01 January 2010 14:57 Siddique Islam
Mizzima (Dhaka) - The delimitation of maritime boundaries between neighboring countries is essential in order to secure Bangladesh’s access to natural resources in the Bay of Bengal, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said on Wednesday.
The Foreign Minister made the remark when Burmese Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Maung Myint paid her a courtesy call at the Foreign Ministry in the capital Dhaka, as Rangoon is party to the delimitation dispute.
The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister expressed the hope that...
Fresh misery looms large in New Year in Burma
Thursday, 31 December 2009 14:33 Mizzima News (Editorial)
Mizzima News - The New Year should be a time for hope and change, but for the people of Burma it promises to bring more of the same misery, albeit with some new twists.
2010 is the year of the final steps for the regime’s ‘roadmap to democracy’. General elections are promised for later in the year that should usher in a democratic system. Few observers, however, believe that the elections will be free or fair. Indications are that the generals are already grooming loyal military officers...
Strategic cabinet meet in Naypyidaw
Thursday, 31 December 2009 14:39 Mizzima News (News Brief)
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Cabinet ministers of the Burmese military government were summoned to Naypyidaw today, in what is likely to be a strategic meeting to be chaired by junta supremo Senior General Than Shwe.
Sources close to the military establishment said, Than Shwe will elaborate on the plans relating to the 2010 general election in the meeting today.
"I expect some news tomorrow," the source in the capital said.
Meanwhile, local authorities are compiling a list of politicians...
15 million US$ worth drug seized in Thailand
Thursday, 31 December 2009 11:31 Usa Pichai
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Thai authority arrest drug smugglers and seized illicit drugs cost more than 500 million baht (15 million US$) on Tuesday.
Suthep Tueksuban, deputy Prime Minister of Thailand said in a press conference on Wednesday that police arrested two drug dealers Athit Saetao, 26 year old and Kwoungyun Saejao, 28 year old in Bangkok. Both of them are from Chiang Mai, northern province of the country.
“Police has investigated and fake buying 100, 000 methamphetamine in a department store...
Distinct possibility of renewed civil war
Thursday, 31 December 2009 11:09 Brian McCartan
Chiang Mai, Thailand (Mizzima) - The New Year may bring fireworks of a different kind in northern Burma this year. December 31 marks the final deadline for former ceasefire groups in Shan and Kachin States to agree to become part of a Border Guard Force under the control of Burma’s military or face a military offensive.
Since taking control of the country in 1962, the overriding concern of Burma’s military rulers has been building a unified state and to do that it must assert central government...
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thai cabinet permits PTT to purchase gas from Zawtika
Wednesday, 30 December 2009 15:08 Usa Pichai
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - The Thai cabinet has permitted the country's largest state-owned energy provider, PTT to sign a new gas deal in the Zawtika Field in the Gulf of Martaban of Burma.
Watchara Kannika, deputy spokesperson of Thai Government’s House said in a press conference on Tuesday that the Thai cabinet approved the proposal of the National Energy Policy Committee for the new gas deal.
“The field in M9 block can produce 300 million cubic feet per day. Of that, 240 million cubic feet will be...
NLD keen on holding CEC plenary meet
Wednesday, 30 December 2009 13:34 Myint Maung
New Delhi (Mizzima) - The National League for Democracy party is keen on holding its CEC plenary meeting with all 11 members for reorganizing and expansion of the CEC.
“This is related to our party’s future plan so the regime must permit us. Even if they don’t allow us we will hold the meeting when the political parties’ registration law and other related laws and regulations are declared,” party spokesman Khin Maung Swe told Mizzima.
“If the junta does not allow us to hold such a meeting, the current...
Democratic Party starts poll work
Wednesday, 30 December 2009 13:04 Nem Davies
New Delhi (Mizzima) -Women members of the Democratic Party (DP) have begun organizational work for the elections in some townships in Rangoon Division.
An official from the DP headquarters based CEC said that they had started organizational tours in Twante, Thone Gwa, Seikgyi Khanaungto, Kyimyindine, South Dagon, North Dagon, South Okkalapa, Yankin townships, totalling eight townships.
“We conducted door-to-door visits in these townships and most of our work was done in my home in South Okkalapa...
Fresh attack on KNU likely
Wednesday, 30 December 2009 12:16 Brian McCartan
Chiang Mai, Thailand (Mizzima) - A bomb blast at Karen New Year celebrations in Papun town on December 16 was quickly blamed on the Karen National Union (KNU) but border sources suggest that the blast may be the prelude to a dry season offensive in northern Karen State early next year.
The explosion killed seven Karen and injured a further 11 celebrating the New Year at a fair ground in the town of Papun. Burma watchers say bomb blasts have frequently been used by the junta in the past as excuses...
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Burma agrees to accept 9,000 Rohingya
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 19:22 Siddique Islam
Dhaka (Mizzima) - The Burmese junta has agreed to take back 9,000 Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh soon, Foreign Secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes said in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Visiting Burmese Deputy Foreign Minister Maung Myint, who was into foreign secretary level talks in Dhaka with the Bangladesh foreign secretary, agreed to take back the refugees shortly as Bangladesh handed over a list of 28,000 Burmese nationals.
Mr. Myint arrived in Dhaka on Monday leading a five-member delegation for the two-day...
Gold prices fall as does demand
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 20:59 Kyaw Thein Kha
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - There is a downhill trend in prices of 24 carat and 22 carat gold but demand remains sluggish, gold traders and gold shop owners said.
The price of pure gold rose to Kyat 650,000 per tical (about 16 gm) last week but fell to Kyat 590,000 this afternoon.
“Gold sales are sluggish at this time. The 24 carat pure gold price is Kyat 596,000 today, down from the earlier price of over Kyat 600, 000,” they told Mizzima.
“The price of 22 carat gold is Kyat 558,000 per tical, which...
Burmese-American charged with another case
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 20:11 Myint Maung
New Delhi (Mizzima) - US citizen Nyi Nyi Aung standing trial in Insein Prison was charged with yet another case today, this time by the Immigration Department, his lawyer said.
He is facing trial in three cases in Rangoon South District court sitting inside Insein prison. During today’s hearing the Botataung Township Immigration Department filed another case against him.
“Another case was filed against him today under section 6(3) of the 1949 Immigration Act, for making a wrong statement and entering...
Burma frees over hundred foreign fishermen
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 18:16 Salai Pi Pi
New Delhi (Mizzima) - Burma has freed over hundred detained fishermen from Indonesia, Taiwan and China held last month for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters.
Dhyasti Kalista, Third Secretary of Information and Social-Cultural section of the Indonesian Embassy in Rangoon said on Tuesday, that the Burmese Home Ministry on Friday freed 111 Indonesian fishermen detained in Insein prison, Rangoon and a jail in Myeik in Tenintharyi division in southern Burma.
Though the release order for 102 Indonesian...
China-Burma agree on oil pipeline project
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 17:01 Anirban Roy
Guwahati (Mizzima) - Whereas India failed miserably in its gas pipeline diplomacy with Bangladesh, China seems to be on track regarding its USD 1.5 billion oil pipeline project with Burma.
The China National Petroleum Corporation signed an agreement last week with Burma’s Ministry of Energy on rights and obligations for the China-Burma 2380-kilometre oil pipeline.
The new agreement clearly defines the rights and obligations of the Southeast Asia Oil Line, which is a CNPC subsidiary, in construction...
Burma affairs forum to be held in Rangoon
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 13:41 Nem Davies
New Delhi (Mizzima) - A lesser known pro-democracy group, comprising former student activists is attempting to hold a Burma Affairs Forum in Rangoon.
The preliminary meeting for the forum will be held in January next year for greater cooperation among pro-democracy forces and to combine all diverse views on the planned 2010 general election.
“The main agenda will have various issues of democracy, human rights and national reconciliation. The deliberations will focus on how we will face and work in the...
Burmese Dy Foreign Minister in Bangladesh for talks
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 12:18 Siddique Islam
Dhaka (Mizzima) - Burmese Deputy Foreign Minister Maung Myint arrived in Bangladesh capital, Dhaka on Monday leading a delegation for the foreign secretary-level talks, officials said.
The Director General of the External Publicity Wing of the Foreign Ministry Saida Muna Tasneem said the Maung Myint led five-member-team will meet the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes led team.
The two-day talks between Bangladesh and Burma is scheduled to start today morning, officials of the Ministry...
Hope and danger in the 2010 elections
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 10:53 Zaw Min Aung
Mizzima News - Burma’s generals, who drew up the 2008 constitution based on the 104 basic principles set in 1993, are now fifteen years older. Many of the ageing generals are no longer on active duty, with most well into their eighties.
Time and circumstances do not favor them like in 1993. Although cognizant of the wanting constitution, they are equally in no mood to admit the flaws. Though feeling the enormous dissatisfaction among the people, they remain determined to see through the regime’s...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Pigeon pea prices shoot up
Monday, 28 December 2009 22:37 Kyaw Kha
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - With India buying Toor (pigeon peas) from Burma, the price of the bean and its export rate are on the upswing, said the Burma Beans and Pulses Traders Association.
Production of crops declined given the bad weather in India and it began importing Burmese beans and pulses pushing up the price of pigeon peas, it is learnt.
The prevailing buying price of the bean is Kyat 905,000 (about USD 950) per ton while the export price in over USD 1,000 per ton.
Earlier, Burma exported this...
Opposition lauds UN resolution on Burma
Monday, 28 December 2009 20:57 Salai Pi Pi
New Delhi (Mizzima) - A senior Burmese opposition leader today cautiously welcomed the United Nation’s resolution condemning the junta for systematic human rights violations and lack of fundamental rights in the country.
Win Tin, member of Central Executive Committee of Aung San Suu Kyi’s party National League for Democracy (NLD) said he welcomed the resolution of the UN General Assembly on human rights in Burma. He called it UN’s ‘routine work’ but morally very important.
“It is a good sign for Burma....
Five years on 24 Burmese Tsunami victims identified
Monday, 28 December 2009 18:33 Usa Pichai
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - The police in Thailand have identified the remains of 24 victims of the devastating Tsunami that struck southern Thailand in 2004 as those of Burmese.
However, the police have not yet been able to contact the families or the Burmese authorities.
Pol Lt Gen Danaithorn Wongthai, Commander of the Forensic Police Office, of the Thai Royal Police said that 398 bodies of victims that were buried in Ban Bangmaroun Cemetery in Thailand’s Phang Nga Province have already been identified.
“There...
Trade in Mae Sot-Myawaddy border up 27 per cent
Monday, 28 December 2009 13:29 Usa Pichai
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Border trading in Mae Sot-Myawaddy has increased 27 per cent from 2008 totalling more than 24 billion baht (724 million US$) in 2009.
Samart Loifa, Governor of Tak Province border with Burma, who presided over a press conference on late Thursday together with related authorities, gave a picture of the border trading position.
“This year trading in the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border is more than 24 billion baht (724 million US$) encouraging businessmen to invest more through this border...
Big brother focuses on stability in Burma
Monday, 28 December 2009 12:31 Brian McCartan
Bangkok, Thailand (Mizzima) - Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping’s visit to Burma over the weekend reaffirmed ties and resulted in the granting of exclusive rights to build and operate a controversial oil pipeline. The Chinese leader was also given assurances that stability would be maintained on the border. However, relations between Beijing and Naypyidaw have not always been so cordial over the past year.
The visit to Burma was part of a four nation tour that also included Cambodia, South Korea and...
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Junta lobbies hard on international fora
Thursday, 24 December 2009 23:03 Mungpi
New Delhi (Mizzima) - Burma’s state-owned newspaper New Light of Myanmar on Wednesday reported the return of Foreign Minister Nyan Win from Denmark after attending the UN Climate Change Conference.
The newspaper said Nyan Win, besides delivering a speech at the conference, also met Foreign Ministers of the European Union led by the Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and hosted by Danish Foreign Minister Per-Stig Moller at the sidelines of the Copenhagen Conference.
In a press statement, the EU said during...
Woman prisoner dies in Insein prison
Thursday, 24 December 2009 21:34 Khaing Suu
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - A woman prisoner died of cardiac arrest in Insein prison hospital yesterday, family sources said.
Tin Tin Htwe (38) mother of three children, was recently shifted back to Insein prison from Tharyarwaddy prison. She died yesterday early morning.
The source said the body is being kept at the Ye Way cemetery mortuary and the funeral service will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow.
The prison authorities gave necessary assistance to the bereaved family, which organized the funeral service, sources...
Junta stocking up on weapons for rainy day: observer
Thursday, 24 December 2009 19:49 Mungpi
New Delhi (Mizzima) - The Burmese military junta’s decision to purchase armament from Russia may have been triggered by their fear of budget constraints under the new government to be elected in 2010, an analyst said.
Win Min, a Burmese analyst based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, said the junta’s decision to purchase MiG 29 Fulcrum D fighter jets from Russia at a time when they should be busy preparing for next year’s elections, could be driven by its fear of budget constraints under the new government that...
Burma steps up work to complete border fencing
Thursday, 24 December 2009 18:59 Nyein Chan
Dhaka (Mizzima) - Reinforcements of 100 police personnel have been made on the Burma-Bangladesh border on Sunday to step up work on the ongoing fencing work.
The policemen are from the No (2) Riot Police Battalion stationed in Buthidaung Town. They were deployed on the Burma-Bangladesh border village of Kanyin in Maungdaw Township to reinforce the workforce.
According to a Maungdaw Town Peace and Development Council official, with police and soldiers sent from various battalions, the workforce has...
The Internet in Burma (1998-2009)
(Research)
* 1998 - Myanmar Post and Telecommunication Ministry starts selling Email service under mptmail.net.mm. Travel agencies and business groups, along with foreign businesses, are the biggest buyers of the service. Additionally, all government ministries avail themselves of the service.
* 1999 - Myanmar Post and Telecommunication Ministry introduces MPT as a dial-up Internet service, costing 230,000 kyat (US$ 230 at today’s exchange rate). Most users were former mptmail users.
* 2000 - completion of an optical submarine telecommunications...
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