Mizzima awarded global JTI certificate for reliable news on Myanmar

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Mizzima Mizzima, one of Myanmar ’s most prominent news outlets and a press freedom advocate, obtained the Journalism Trust Initiative ( JTI ) certification from global audit firm Bureau Veritas , JTI says in a press statement 5 January.  Operating in clandestine mode within Myanmar and supported by an exiled team, Mizzima strives to fulfil its role as reliable source of news and information for the Myanmar public. “Your Journalism Trust Initiative certification affirms what audiences already know: that principled, transparent journalism matters. Congratulations on this achievement and on your continued contribution to informing citizens about Myanmar,” says Benjamin Sabbah , director of Journalism Trust Initiative “Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has created an intensely contested media landscape, where mis- and disinformation are increasingly deployed to reinforce state propaganda and the prevailing “official” narrative. Although Mizzima is already regarded as one of the most trusted ...
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Burmese MPs want to discuss sanctions, political prisoners with Clinton

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Friday, 25 November 2011 15:33 Tun Tun

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Elected officials in Burma say they hope to talk about sanctions and political prisoners with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her two-day visit to Burma in December.

Clinton will also meet with Upper House Speaker Khin Aung Myint, parliamentary committees and 30 leaders including ethnic representatives and independent MPs in Naypyitaw, the capital, MPs said.

“It’ll depend on the circumstances. If we have a chance, we will ask about the sanctions,” Dr. Aye Maung, the chairman of the Upper House Government's Guarantees, Pledges and Undertakings Vetting Committee, told Mizzima.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks as Indonesian Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo, left, listens at a signing ceremony during the East Asia Summit in Indonesia on November 19, 2011. Photo: AFP

Clinton’s visit will be the first visit of a U.S. secretary of state to the country in more than 50 years. She will also meet with members of the Upper House.

“When she comes, we will talk about the sanctions. I believe she will urge the Burmese government to release all political prisoners,” said Lower House MP Khin Maung Yi of the National Democratic Force.

Because of human rights violations in Burma, the U.S. and other Western governments impose economic sanctions against Burma; on the other hand, it is also now engaged with expanding contacts with Burma, and a series of high-level administration officials have visited Burma in the past two months. Burmese MPs have said that it is important that the government release all political prisoners in order for the U.S. to lift sanctions and expand economic and military ties.

On the other hand, the government’s long-standing position has been that there are no political prisoners. However, two amnesties this year have released a large number of political prisoners, and another amnesty is expected soon.

A former political activist, Khin Maung Yi said: “The next batch of the 88-generation student activists has not been released. In the Parliament, I’m the only 88-generation student activist. We want the students including Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi to be released. It’s oblivious that the government has a responsibility to release them to relax political tensions.”

MPs also said that during Clinton’s visit, they want her to encourage the International Monetary Fund and other groups to help Burma modernize its financial institutions and to urge the government to hold free and fair elections in 2015.

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