Thursday, August 30, 2012

Photo News - August 2012

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A group led by Arifin Muh. Hadi, the head of disaster management of the Indonesian Red Cross, arrive at Sittway [Sittwe] airport, Rakhine State on Thursday, August 30, 2012. Photo Thein Hlaing / Mizzima

Rakhine State government of Minister for Social Welfare and Health, Dr Aung Kyaw Min, and Arifin Muh. Hadi, head of disaster management of the Indonesian Red Cross, meet at the Sittway [Sittwe] airport guest room on Thursday, August 30, 2012. Photo: Thein Hlaing / Mizzima

India ambassador to Burma H.E. Dr. V. S. Seshadri meets with Prime Minister Hla Maung Tin at the Rakhine State Government Office on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. Photo Thein Hlaing / Mizzima

Devotees at a shrine in Taungpyone, Amarapura Township, Mandalay Region, on Wednesday, August 29, the third day of the Taungpyone spirit festival. More than 100,000 people from across Burma participated in this year’s Taungpyone spirit festival. Photo: Aye Kyawt Khine / Mizzima

Devotees at a shrine in Taungpyone, Amarapura Township, Mandalay Region, on Wednesday, August 29, the third day of yearly Taungpyone spirit festival. Photo: Aye Kyawt Khine / Mizzima

Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, the executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, talks about improvement of reproductive health at a press conference at the Sedona Hotel, Rangoon, on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Skynet to broadcast Burmese soccerBurmese traditional dancers at the signing ceremony for J-League (Japan national professional football league) and SkyNet TV channel at the Karaweik Palace (Dekkhina Hall), Kandawgyi Garden in Rangoon on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. The J-League and SkyNet agreed that SkyNet will broadcast football matches for the 2013-2014 football season. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Dancers perform a Burmese traditional "elephant dance" at the signing ceremony for TV broadcast rights. The J-League and SkyNet have agreed that SkyNet will broadcast football matches for the 2013-2014 football season. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

The Signing ceremony between the J-League, the Japanese national professional football league, and Myanmar National League, at the Sedona Hotel in Rangoon. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Zaw Zaw, the chairman of the Myanmar Football Federation, and J-League chairman Mr. Kazumi Ohigarhi at the signing ceremony between J-League, the Japanese national professional football league, and Myanmar National League held at Sedona Hotel in Rangoon. Photo: Hein Htet/ Mizzima

J-League chairman Kazumi Ohigarhi and Shwe Than Lwin Media Company Limited managing director Myint Myint Win exchange presents at the signing ceremony for the TV broadcasting service and joint press conference of J-League (Japan national professional football league) and Skynet TV channel. Shwe Than Lwin Media has provided the Skynet satellite TV service. The J-League and Skynet have agreed that Skynet will broadcast football matches of J-League for the 2013-2014 football season. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Myanmar Football Federation chairman Zaw Zaw at the signing ceremony and joint press conference of J-League and Skynet TV channel Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

J-League chairman Kazumi Ohigarhi and Win Naing, the general manager of the Skynet broadcast unit, at the signing ceremony and joint press conference of J-League and Skynet. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Win Naing, the general manager of Skynet, speaks at a joint press conference of J-League and Skynet TV channel on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

J-League chairman Kazumi Ohigarhi, second from the left, Shwe Than Lwin Company managing director Myint Myint Win and other officials at the signing ceremony held at Karaweik Palacw, Kandawgyi Garden, on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

A farmer stands in a destroyed paddy field in the Pyinmangoo village tract in Kangyidaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, on Saturday,  August 26, 2012. Around 1,800 out of more than 2,100 acres of paddy fields in Pyinmangoo were inundated and spoiled. Floods hit Irrawaddy Region during the month of August. Photo: Min Min / Mizzima

The grand opening ceremony of the plan of the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation [MAPCO] to sell shares at the Strand Hotel in Rangoon on Sunday, August 26, 2012. Win Myint , Union Minister for Commerce, and Than Myint, the Rangoon Region Minister for Planning and the Econony, attended the ceremony. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Traditional dancers at the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation ceremony  in Rangoon on Sunday, August 26, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet/Mizzima

Dancers at the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation ceremony in Rangoon. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Win Myint, the Union Minister for Commerce, speaks at the opening ceremony of the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation in Rangoon on Sunday, August 26, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima


Transport Minister Aung Khin and Planning and Economic Minister Than Myint officiated at the opening ceremony of the Sky Net Cup Men's Hockey Championship at Theinbyu Hockey field in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township in Rangoon on Saturday, August 25, 2012. Thaung Htike, the director general of the Department of Sports and Physical Education, Htin Zaw Win, the chairman of Myanmar Hockey Federation, and other officials also attended the ceremony. This was the first championship jointly organized by Sky Net and the Myanmar Hockey Federation. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Cheerleaders with pompoms at the opening ceremony of the Sky Net Cup Men's Hockey Championship at Theinbyu Hockey field in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township in Rangoon on Saturday, August 25, 2012 Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

The opening ceremony of the Sky Net Cup Men's Hockey Championship at Theinbyu Hockey field in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township in Rangoon on Saturday, August 25, 2012. The Championship will end on Sept. 8. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Transport Minister Aung Khin and Planning and Economic Minister Than Myint at the opening ceremony of the Sky Net Cup Men's Hockey Championship. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Min Ko Naing, a leader of the 88-generation student group, speaks at a weekly forum titled “Reform and the future of Myanmar” held at the Tawwin Hninzi Restaurant in Bahan Township in Rangoon Region on Saturday, August 25, 2012. His speech, “Why does civil society need to be strong?” addressed the role of history and the need for people to join together to work for the future of Burma. The weekly forum is held every Saturday.

National League for Democracy [NLD] chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi at NLD headquarters in Bahan Township, Rangoon, after a central executive committee meeting on Friday, August 24, 2012. NLD MPs did not attend the parliamentary session in order to hold a meeting to discuss the party’s internal affairs, according to spokesman Ohn Kyaing. Suu Kyi has met with President Thein Sein two times in the past two weeks. Details of the talks were not disclosed. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima


American scholar Dr. Francis Fukuyama, right, the author of  “The End of History” and Wave Magazine editor Kyaw Win, the translator of many of Fukuyama's books into Burmese, in Rangoon on Thursday, August 23, 2012. Fukuyama will speak on economics and poverty alleviation at business workshops in Rangoon and Naypyitaw. Photo: Theingi Tun / Mizzima

Singaporean Ambassador to Burma Robert Chua at a workshop on businesses and poverty alleviation on Thursday, August 23, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Ballot boxes for electing executive members of the Myanmar Music Association (Central) in Rangoon on Thursday, August 23, 2012. The association represents singers, composers and musicians Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Singer Nay Thaw considers his vote in the election of executive members of the Myanmar Music Association (Central) on Thursday, August 23, the fourth day of the election. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

The opening ceremony of the 17th Southeast Asian Junior Men’s Volley Ball Championship at Thuwana National Stadium in Rangoon on Wednesday, August 22, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

A young fan holds the Burmese flag. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

The Burmese volleyball team and Indonesian team at the first match of the 17th Southeast Asian Junior Men’s Volley Ball Championship at Thuwana National Stadium in Rangoon. Burma won the match (20-25, 25-11, 25-16, 25-22). Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Players line up during a ceremony for the games. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

The Burmese volleyball team holds a meeting during the matches. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Book explores Burmese life

A child soldier in an ethnic armed group. Photographer and writer Thierry Falise will launch his new book, Burmese Shadows, at the Thailand Foreign Correspondents Club on Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. The pictures in the book are based on his reporting on Burma over the past decades. Photo: Thierry Falise

Book explores Burmese life

A small boy struggles with a water pump. Falise, based in Bangkok, is an expert on Burmese ethnic armies and refugee issues. Photo: Thierry Falise

Book explores Burmese life

Two boys with plastic guns and a passing Buddhist novice monk. The book documents Burma's struggles from massive demonstrations in Rangoon to everyday scenes. Photo: Thierry Falise


The American scholar and author Dr. Francis Fukuyama at Rangoon International Airport on Wednesday, August 22, 2012. He is in Burma to speak on economics and poverty alleviation at business workshops in Rangoon and Naypyitaw. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Cyn-Young Park, center, the assistant chief economist of the Economics and Research Department of the Asian Development Bank, speaks at a press conference about the bank's new report, “Myanmar in Transition: Opportunities and Challenges” in Rangoon on Tuesday August 21, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Putu Kamayana, the head of the Asian Development Bank's Extended Mission in Burma, discusses the bank's report, “Myanmar in Transition: Opportunities and Challenges” at a press conference in Rangoon on Tuesday, August 21, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Vehicles on a flooded section of the Rangoon – Pathein express road in Kangyidaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, on Monday, August 20, 2012. Photo: Ye Min / Mizzima

An ambulance on the Rangoon – Pathein express road in Kangyidaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, on Monday, August 20. Photo: Ye Min / Mizzima

A worker repairs a section of the Rangoon-Bassein express road that was damaged by the flooding on Monday, August 20, 2012. Authorities have  announced that vehicles are not allowed on the road from 8 p.m. to  5 a.m., because the roads were damaged by the flood. Photo: Ye Min / Mizzima

A driver on the Rangoon-Bassein Road that has been damaged by flood waters. Photo: Ye Min / Mizzima

A flooded house the Rangoon-Bassein Road in Kangyidaung Township on Monday, August 20, 2012. Flooding began about one week ago and is slowing subsiding. Photo: Ye Min / Mizzima

A passenger  bus stops overnight on the Rangoon-Bassein express road in compliance with the traffic curfew overnight. Photo: Ye Min / Mizzima

A flooded  house on Rangoon-Bassein Road in Kangyidaung Township on Monday, August 20, 2012. Photo: Ye Min / Mizzima

Arakanese [Rakhine] wear T-shirts with messages such as “UN / INGOs…Stop discriminating against Arakanese” and “Stop creating conflicts in Arakan” at a demonstration against alleged UN and INGO discrimination in Rakhine State. The protestors marched along Shinsawpu Road in Rangoon from 11:30 a..m to noon on Monday.  Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Hidetoshi Nakata, right, a former national player for the Japanese football team, and Myanmar Football Federation President Zaw Zaw, left, at the Yangon United playground on Monday, August 20, 2012. Nakata conducted classes for the Myanmar national U-19 Youth team. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima


Nakata talks with the Myanmar National U-19 Youth team. He said it was important for players to take the game seriously and to improve their technique. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Soccer superstar Nakata meets with the Myanmar Woman U-19 Youth team on Monday, August 20, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

The Myanmar National U-19 Youth team's German coach and assistant coach Nyi Nyi Lat teach football techniques and skills. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima


Former Japanese football superstar Hidetoshi Nakata and Myanmar Football Federation president Zaw Zaw on Monday, August 20, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

The second gathering of former political prisoners at a ceremony to re-elect their working committee members was held at Thiri Hall in Rangoon on Sunday, August 19, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Buddhist monks at the second gathering of former political prisoners at a ceremony to re-elect their working committee members at Thiri Hall in Rangoon on Sunday, August 19, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Flooding inundates a main road in Shwekyin in Pegu [Bago] Region. Photo: Theingi Tun / Mizzima

A Buddhist monastery on the main road in Shwekyin, Pegu [Bago] Region, is flooded on August 16. Photo: Theingi Tun / Mizzima

Residents put up a bamboo bridge to negotiate the flood waters in Shwekyin in Pegu [Bago] Region.

A notice board requesting vehicles to take a service road because of flooding on August 16 in Shwekyin in Pegu [Bago] Region. Photo: Mizzima

Thein Soe, the chairman of the Constitutional Tribunal, speaks at a press conference held at the tribunal’s office in Naypyitaw on Monday, August 20. Photo: Myanmar Journalists Association

Thein Soe, the chairman of the Constitutional Tribunal, speaks at a press conference held at the tribunal’s office in Naypyitaw on Monday, August 20. Photo: Myanmar Journalists Association

The Darka Police Station in Kangyidaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, is flooded on August 17. About 60 houses in Darka Village were flooded. Photo: Min Min / Mizzima

Phayarni village in Irrawaddy Region, on August 17. Forty villages including Nwenichaung, Oatshit, Lintakya, Alelkyun, Hlaygyipyak, Kyakthunkwin, Thaminkon, Sitpingyi, Kanyinpin, Magyikon, Yaylelgyi, Thabyaykyun and Takupon villages have been inundated since August 8.

Phayarni village in Thapaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, on August 17. Some residents are taking refuge in Buddhist monasteries on high areas, and in tents on railway embankments and roadsides.

The Tayokekon village Buddhist Monastery in Kyaunggon Township, Irrawaddy Region, on August 17. Photo: Myo Thant / Mizzima

The telecommunication office in Darka in Kangyidaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, on August 17. Photo: Myo Thant / Mizzima

A notice board says no vehicles are allowed to pass because a section of the Pathein-Darka Road in Kangyidaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, is flooded. Photo: Min Min/ Mizzima

A Buddhist monastery near Phayarni Village in Thapaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, which was hit by widespread flooding last week. Only the stupa remains above water. Residents are taking refuge at monasteries on high ground, and in temporary tents on railway embankments and roadsides. Photo: Myo Thant / Mizzima

Phayarni Village in Thapaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, has experienced widespread flooding from massive monsoon rains. Photo: Myo Thant / Mizzima

A few structures on high ground have escaped flooding. Residents have sought shelter in monasteries and along railroad tracks and roads. Photo: Myo Thant / Mizzima

Phayarni village in  Thapaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, on August 17.

A delegation of the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, in Burma to discuss investment opportunities, at a press conference in Bahan Township, Rangoon, on Wednesday, August 15, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

US Ambassador to Burma Derek Mitchell talks about US investment opportunities at a press conference in Bahan Township, Rangoon, on Wednesday, August 15, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

US Ambassador to Singapore David Adelman

US businessman Mr. Siman Kahan

US businessman Mr. Tim Love

Because of the flooding, residents put sandbags on the Rangoon-Pathein Road to try to stop the flow of water. Photo: Min Min / Mizzima

The Darka River, a tributary of the Ngawun River, has overrun its banks. This photograph on August 13 shows a dike in Kangyidaung Township in Irrawaddy Region that has been overrun. Thousand acres of farmlands have been inundated in Kangyidaung and Kyaunggon townships. Photo: Min Min / Mizzima

A home in  Kangyidaung Township, Irrawaddy Region. Photo: Min Min / Mizzima

Twenty-seven camps for displaced residents have been opened in Kyaunggon Township. Officials say foodm medicine and other aid is needed. Photo: Min Min / Mizzima


Heavy rains flood Kyaunggon Township

Flood waters inundated the Myoma Market in Kyaunggon Township, Irrawaddy Region, on August 12 after the Darka River overflowed its banks. Photo: Theingi Tun / Mizzima

Residents travel to Myoma Market in Kyaunggon Township, Irrawaddy Region, by boat on August 12, 2012. Photo: Theingi Tun / Mizzima

Flood victims seek shelter at a camp opened at the Kyaunggon Township indoor stadium. Photo: Theingi Tun / Mizzima
 
Two Buddhist novices carry food during their alms rounds in Kyaunggon Township on August 12. Heavy rains forced the Darka River over its banks. Photo: Theingi Tun / Mizzima

Residents chose between boats or waist-deep water to negotiate the flood waters. Photo: Theingi Tun / Mizzima

Khin Maung Lay, the chairman of the organizing committee of the Myanmar Journalists Association, delivers the opening speech at the association’s National Congress at the Yuzana Garden Hotel in Dagon Township, Rangoon, on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Ko Ko, the general secretary of the organizing committee of Myanmar Journalists Association, speaks at the association’s National Congress at the Yuzana Garden Hotel in Dagon Township, Rangoon, on Saturday, August 11, 2012 Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Soe Thein, the president of the organizing committee of the Myanmar Journalists Association, speaks at the association’s National Congress at the Yuzana Garden Hotel in Dagon Township, Rangoon, on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Ko Ni of the Myanmar Journalists Association speaks at the group's National Congress on Saturday, August 11, 2012 in Dagon Township. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Ballot boxes for electing executive members of the Myanmar Journalists Association at the group's National Congress in Dagon Township on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Members of Myanmar Journalists Association cast their votes to elect executive members of the association on Saturday, August 11, 2012, in Dagon Township. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Officials of the election committee of the Myanmar Journalists Association on Saturday, August 11, 2012, in Dagon Township. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

88-Generation leader writes prison novel

A poster announcing the publication of the novel Cloud Forms in the Sky by Mya Aye, one of the leaders of the 88-Generation students’ group. The poster said Mya Aye developed the idea for the novel while in Insein Prison, drafted it in Loi Kaw Prison and finished it in Taunggyi Prison. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Crowds look at books at the book fair in Rangoon. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Politician Thu Way, fourth from the left, and Pyone Cho, a leader of the 88-Generation students' group, attend the book fair for Mya Aye's debut novel, Cloud Forms in the Sky. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Writer Pe Myint speaks at Mya Aye's book fair held at Dagon Center (II) in Myaynigon Township in Rangoon on Saturday, August 3, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Journalist Zaw Thet Htwe speaks at the book party for Mya Aye. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Film director Kyi Phyu Shin, right, who will turn Mya Aye’s novel into a video film, speaks at the book fair. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Mya Aye, one of the leaders of the 88-Generation students group, speaks at the book fair. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Mya Aye, one of the leaders of the 88-Generation students’ group, signs a copy of his new book, Cloud Forms in the Sky, in Rangoon. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

United Nations human rights envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana arrives for his departure at Yangon international airport on Saturday, August 4, 2012, after a fact-finding mission to Burma. Photo: Hein Htet

UN Human Rights envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana talks to journalists during a press conference before he departs from Yangon international airport on Saturday, August 4, 2012. He called for a credible investigation by the Burmese government into the sectarian violence in Rakhine State. Photo: Hein Htet

United Nations human rights envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana answers journalists questions on Saturday, August 4, 2012, before departing Rangoon after a six-day fact-finding mission to the country. Photo: Hein Htet


Journalists wearing T-shirts displaying the campaign slogan “Stop Killing Press” during a rally in Rangoon on Saturday, August 4, 2012. The rally went off without incident. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

A journalist wears a “Stop Killing Press” T-shirt. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Journalists walk in a rally in Rangoon on Saturday,  August 4, 2012. The free speech campaign started after two local newspapers were suspended. Journalists are collecting signatures for a letter to be sent to Burmese President Thein Sein and Parliament calling for press freedom in Burma. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

88 Generation Student leader Min Ko Naing talks to journalists. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima


Zin Yaw Maung Maung of Envoy newspaper and Min Ko Naing, an 88 Generation Student leader, at the free press demonstration in Rangoon on Saturday, August 4, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

A truck hit an overhead electricity cable post and turned over on Bogyoke Street in downtown Rangoon on Saturday, August 04, 2012. The vehicle carried purified water bottles. No causalities were reported. Photo: Mizzima


Protesters hold banners bearing the message “We support our President’s statement on Rohingya” as they sing the Burmese national anthem and shout anti-Rohingya slogans in front of UNHCR office in Rangoon on Friday, August 3, 2012. The Rohingya issue and sectarian unrest during the past weeks in Rakhine State has caused emotions to flare over the stateless Rohingyas, who are one of the world's most persecuted groups, according to the UN. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

A sign held by Burmese protesters supporting Burmese President Thein Sein's ant-Rohingya position, says: “We support our President’s statement on Rohingya.” A demonstration was held on Friday, August 3, 2012, in front of the UN High Commissioner of Refugees in Rangoon. The UN human rights envoy to Burma just completed a tour of Rakhine State, where Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhist clashed in violent attacks claiming 77 lives, according to government figures. The UN and human rights groups have called for an independent, credible investigation into the violence and the plight of the Rohingyas. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

A protester speaks to the media during an anti-Rohingya demonstration in front of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees office in Rangoon on Friday, August 3, 2012. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

An anti-Rohingya protester speaks to the media in Rangoon. The protesters said that they supported the position of Burmese President Thein Sein, who said Rohingyas were not welcome in Burma. He asked the UNHCR to take care of the Royingya in refugee camps or have them sent to third countries. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

A security force officer talks with protesters in front of the UNHCR office in Rangoon during an anti-Rohingya protest. UN special rights envoy Tomas Quintana visited Rakhine State in western Burma this week on a fact-finding mission, after the UN and human rights groups expressed concern over the plight of Rohingya Muslims during more than six weeks of unrest and tension in the state. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima


United Nations human rights envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana meets with Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi at her  home in Rangoon on Thursday, August 2, 2012. The UN special rapporteur on Burma arrived on Sunday. He has visited Rakhine State and is scheduled to visit Kachin State on Friday. Photo: NLD

United Nations human rights envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana and Aung San Suu Kyi at her home in Rangoon on Thursday, August 2, 2012. Photo: NLD

People flocked to Shwedagon Pagoda in central Rangoon on Thursday, August 2, 2012, on Full Moon Day, a Buddhist holy day, according to the Burmese lunar calendar. According to tradition, Buddha was born during a full moon, renounced his layman's life, was enlightened, delivered his first talk, and died, all on full moon days. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

People tour Shwedagon Pagoda on Full Moon Day. The pagoda is renown for its display of gold and jewels embedded in the massive pagoda's spire. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizzima

Shwedagon Pagoda in central Rangoon is one of the most popular holy sites in Burma. Photo: Hein Htet / Mizima


Karin Finkelston, left, International Finance Corporation vice president for Asia Pacific, Pamela Cox, center, a World Bank East Asia and Pacific vice president, and Carl Hanlon, right, World Bank director of communications, at a press conference in Rangoon on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. The World Bank pledged $85 million in development grants to Burma and assistance in clearing its arrears as part of its efforts to support political reforms. Photo: AFP

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, left, speaks to Burmese Muslim leader Muhammed Yunus during a meeting in Ankara on Monday, July 30, 2012.  Muslim governments and groups are expressing support for Rohingya Muslims in Burma's Rakhine State, where sectarian unrest has claimed up to 77 lives in clashes involving Muslims and Buddhist. Photo: AFP

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