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 ...

Thein Sein, Shwe Mann removed from US sanction list


Thursday, 20 September 2012 12:21 Mizzima News   

In recognition of their work for democratic reforms, the US has removed sanctions on Burmese President Thein Sein and Lower House of Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann to once-blocked property and assets, and allows Americans to do business with them.

Burmese President Thein Sein Photo: president's office

The US Treasury department said the removals acknowledge the efforts of the pair on behalf of democratic reform.

"Thein Sein and Thura Shwe Mann have taken concrete steps to promote political reforms and human rights, and to move Burma away from repression and dictatorship toward democracy and freedom, warranting today's delisting action," said David Cohen, undersecretary of Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, in a statement released on Wednesday.

The US has said Congress will consider lifting the import ban on Burmese products sometime following the US elections in November. Lifting the ban would help jumpstart Burma’s economy

The Obama administration has kept many leading Burmese businessmen on its list of targeted sanctions, meaning US firms cannot work with them.

Thein Sein granted amnesty to hundreds of political prisoners over the past year and oversaw elections that saw Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of her opposition party win seats in parliament, Treasury noted.

It said Shwe Mann has supported Thein Sein's reforms, and the Burmese Parliament under his leadership has passed bills that granted the release of political prisoners and a law that allowed for the formation of unions, Treasury said.

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