Burma Campaign UK today expressed caution following reports that Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Burma’s democracy movement, could be released after the elections.
An unnamed official has reportedly told the AFP news agency that her release will happen after the elections. According to Burmese law, Aung San Suu Kyi should be released on November 13th. The United Nations has repeatedly ruled that her detention breaks international law.
“We hope this report is correct, but regime officials have said similar things in the past and Aung San Suu Kyi has remained in detention,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “We’ll believe it when we see it.”
Aung San Suu Kyi is currently serving her third period of detention since 1989. On October 24th she will have spent a total of 15 years in detention.
“Even if Aung San Suu Kyi is released, it would be wrong to attach too much political significance to the release,” said Mark Farmaner. “She has been released twice before without there being any political change in the country. It is more likely that the dictatorship will try to use her release to attempt to persuade the international community to relax pressure on them. However, the number of political prisoners has almost doubled in the past three years. If they release all or the majority of political prisoners along with Aung San Suu Kyi, then this could be the start of something with broader political significance.”
lunes, 4 de octubre de 2010
Myanmar's Sham Election By NICK CLEGG
We are now a month away from the first elections in Burma in 20 years. That should give us cause to celebrate. Sadly, that is wishful thinking. Burma’s 55 million people continue to suffer brutal oppression. Abject, needless poverty is, for most, a daily reality. These elections will be little more than a sham to perpetuate military rule.
So when Asian and European leaders meet on Monday in Brussels, the U.K. will be calling for us to speak with one voice against the gross mistreatment of the Burmese people.
That means being unequivocal: These elections will be neither free nor fair. Opponents of the ruling party lack resources and are systematically targeted by the current regime. Thousands of political prisoners remain incarcerated. Various ethnic parties have been refused the right to participate. Last month the military dissolved the National League for Democracy — its biggest perceived threat.
The situation is little better for those parties which are being allowed to participate. The regime they oppose has passed deeply unfair election laws and runs the election commission. In Burma all media is heavily censored by the state.
So the election result is a foregone conclusion. Under the constitution a quarter of seats are already reserved for the military. In half of the remaining seats parties loyal to the regime will run uncontested, their opponents unable to field a candidate. The regime is therefore guaranteed a substantial majority — before a single vote is even cast.
The consequence for Burma is the return to power of a ruling elite that has presided over widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, rape and torture. That same regime has been guilty of profound economic mismanagement and corruption. While they routinely blame sanctions for weak development, the truth is that they have squandered Burma’s natural resources and export opportunities. The country’s infant mortality rate is now amongst the highest in Asia.
These failings are undeniable. Yet some are tempted to overlook the deep flaws in the approaching election. Clearly, it would be more convenient for the international community to quietly agree that any election is better than no election. Burma would recede in the mind, allowing us to “move on.” That is attractive for nations that insist we should not interfere in one anothers’ affairs. And the West could not be accused, as it sometimes is, of attempting to recreate the world in its own image.
These are not reasons to ignore the truth. The European Union has already made it clear that sanctions — targeted at the regime and its sources of revenue — will not be lifted until genuine progress is made on the ground. We must now work with our Asian partners, using our collective clout, to push for that progress. Members of the Asia-Europe Meeting group, or ASEM, account for nearly 60 percent of the global population — and the same proportion of global trade. Burma’s military regime should know that, until it satisfies international demands, it will meet the same disapproval whether it looks East or West.
Not only is that our shared moral duty, but it is in our strategic self-interest too. Without a process of national reconciliation in Burma, the risk of instability is real. Ethnic cease-fires look increasingly fragile. A return to conflict would have devastating humanitarian consequences, undermining regional security and leading to further refugee flows into neighboring countries and beyond.
So we must continue to exert pressure on the regime to engage all opposition and ethnic groups in a meaningful dialogue. The objective must be a fair settlement that gives ethnic groups a political voice and protects their minority rights. All prisoners of conscience — including the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi — must be released without delay. Reconciliation must be geared toward the social and economic development that has long evaded the Burmese state.
This week is an opportunity for Asian and European nations to reaffirm that message. Military men must know that swapping their uniforms for suits will not change the demands of the international community. We will not be pacified by a democratic facade. Our expectations will not drop.
Nick Clegg is deputy prime minister of Britain.
So when Asian and European leaders meet on Monday in Brussels, the U.K. will be calling for us to speak with one voice against the gross mistreatment of the Burmese people.
That means being unequivocal: These elections will be neither free nor fair. Opponents of the ruling party lack resources and are systematically targeted by the current regime. Thousands of political prisoners remain incarcerated. Various ethnic parties have been refused the right to participate. Last month the military dissolved the National League for Democracy — its biggest perceived threat.
The situation is little better for those parties which are being allowed to participate. The regime they oppose has passed deeply unfair election laws and runs the election commission. In Burma all media is heavily censored by the state.
So the election result is a foregone conclusion. Under the constitution a quarter of seats are already reserved for the military. In half of the remaining seats parties loyal to the regime will run uncontested, their opponents unable to field a candidate. The regime is therefore guaranteed a substantial majority — before a single vote is even cast.
The consequence for Burma is the return to power of a ruling elite that has presided over widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, rape and torture. That same regime has been guilty of profound economic mismanagement and corruption. While they routinely blame sanctions for weak development, the truth is that they have squandered Burma’s natural resources and export opportunities. The country’s infant mortality rate is now amongst the highest in Asia.
These failings are undeniable. Yet some are tempted to overlook the deep flaws in the approaching election. Clearly, it would be more convenient for the international community to quietly agree that any election is better than no election. Burma would recede in the mind, allowing us to “move on.” That is attractive for nations that insist we should not interfere in one anothers’ affairs. And the West could not be accused, as it sometimes is, of attempting to recreate the world in its own image.
These are not reasons to ignore the truth. The European Union has already made it clear that sanctions — targeted at the regime and its sources of revenue — will not be lifted until genuine progress is made on the ground. We must now work with our Asian partners, using our collective clout, to push for that progress. Members of the Asia-Europe Meeting group, or ASEM, account for nearly 60 percent of the global population — and the same proportion of global trade. Burma’s military regime should know that, until it satisfies international demands, it will meet the same disapproval whether it looks East or West.
Not only is that our shared moral duty, but it is in our strategic self-interest too. Without a process of national reconciliation in Burma, the risk of instability is real. Ethnic cease-fires look increasingly fragile. A return to conflict would have devastating humanitarian consequences, undermining regional security and leading to further refugee flows into neighboring countries and beyond.
So we must continue to exert pressure on the regime to engage all opposition and ethnic groups in a meaningful dialogue. The objective must be a fair settlement that gives ethnic groups a political voice and protects their minority rights. All prisoners of conscience — including the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi — must be released without delay. Reconciliation must be geared toward the social and economic development that has long evaded the Burmese state.
This week is an opportunity for Asian and European nations to reaffirm that message. Military men must know that swapping their uniforms for suits will not change the demands of the international community. We will not be pacified by a democratic facade. Our expectations will not drop.
Nick Clegg is deputy prime minister of Britain.
Trade Unions Call on ASEM to Act on Burma
Brussels, 1 October 2010 (ITUC OnLine): Trade unions from across Asia and Europe, gathered in Brussels in for o the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Leaders’ Summit are calling on ASEM Leaders to take action on Burma, including demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and the ending of attacks on the civilian population, particularly ethnic communities and democracy supporters.
The ITUC is concerned that some in the international community is viewing national elections in Burma next month as a reason to relax pressure on the regime. The elections are deeply flawed: pro-democracy voices have been excluded, other parties have been prevented from campaigning effectively, and regardless of the outcome of the vote, the military is guaranteed effective control of government under a flawed constitution. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon stated on 27 September that elections will not be credible without the release of political prisoners, including democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The international community needs to significantly step up pressure on the regime until there is tangible progress towards an inclusive and democratic constitution and full respect for human rights.
ASEM governments and social partners can play their part by cutting the trade and investment ties that are keeping the regime in power, in line with the 2000 ILO resolution on Burma.
With the regime stepping up its war against its own people, ASEM Leaders should call on the UN Security council to approve a total arms embargo on Burma and support a UN Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity.
To put pressure on the regime to remove its ban on trade unions and give Burmese workers a voice, ASEM governments should support the launch of an ILO Commission of Inquiry into Freedom of Association in Burma in the ILO Governing Body.
Pressure on the regime to end all forms of forced labour must be stepped up. Those who are guilty of using forced labour must be punished and the recruitment of children into the military must stop. A significant starting point would be to ensure that the ILO is able to work freely across the country, including to investigate cases of forced labour.
The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 151 countries and territories and has 301 national affiliates. http://www.ituc-csi.org and http://www.youtube.com/ITUCCSI
The ITUC is concerned that some in the international community is viewing national elections in Burma next month as a reason to relax pressure on the regime. The elections are deeply flawed: pro-democracy voices have been excluded, other parties have been prevented from campaigning effectively, and regardless of the outcome of the vote, the military is guaranteed effective control of government under a flawed constitution. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon stated on 27 September that elections will not be credible without the release of political prisoners, including democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The international community needs to significantly step up pressure on the regime until there is tangible progress towards an inclusive and democratic constitution and full respect for human rights.
ASEM governments and social partners can play their part by cutting the trade and investment ties that are keeping the regime in power, in line with the 2000 ILO resolution on Burma.
With the regime stepping up its war against its own people, ASEM Leaders should call on the UN Security council to approve a total arms embargo on Burma and support a UN Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity.
To put pressure on the regime to remove its ban on trade unions and give Burmese workers a voice, ASEM governments should support the launch of an ILO Commission of Inquiry into Freedom of Association in Burma in the ILO Governing Body.
Pressure on the regime to end all forms of forced labour must be stepped up. Those who are guilty of using forced labour must be punished and the recruitment of children into the military must stop. A significant starting point would be to ensure that the ILO is able to work freely across the country, including to investigate cases of forced labour.
The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 151 countries and territories and has 301 national affiliates. http://www.ituc-csi.org and http://www.youtube.com/ITUCCSI
EUROPA DA UNA CALUROSA BIENVENIDA A LOS CRIMINALES BIRMANOS
A WARM WELCOME TO THE BURMESE CRIMINALS!
NYAN WIN, BURMESE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, IS GIVEN A GOOD RECEPTION IN
BRUSSELS AT THE OCCASION OF THE ASEM8 FORUM.
ACTIONS BIRMANIE CONDEMNS THE PRESENCE OF THIS HIGH-LEVEL REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE BURMESE MILITARY JUNTA.
In his last March report, the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations, O.Quintana,
condemned the junta in strongest terms : " Given the gross and systematic nature of human rights violations in Myanmar over a period of many years, and the lack of accountability, there is an indication that those human rights violations are the result of a State policy that involves authorities in the executive, military and judiciary at all levels" and went on to specify that: " some of these human rights violations may entail categories of crimes against humanity or war crimes '.
Following these recommandations, 12 countries, of which 8 EU Member States, have recently called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry on the war crimes and the crimes against humanity committed by the Burmese junta.1
Not only is Belgium dragging its feet by not having yet joined the list of countries in favour of this initiative. It is also laying the red carpet for the Burmese criminals’ spokesperson to walk upon!
BIRMANIA POR LA PAZ CONDEMNS THIS OUTRAGEOUS PRESENCE IN EUROPEAN TERRITORY !!
STOP IMPUNITY
EUROPE MUST SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF
INQUIRY WITH A MANDATE TO EXAMINE THE CRIMES COMMITTED IN BURMA!
WHERE IS THE SPANISH GOUVERMENT?
1 The countries in favour of an international commission of inquiry are the following :
USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia
France, The UK, Netherlands ,Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Ireland
NYAN WIN, BURMESE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, IS GIVEN A GOOD RECEPTION IN
BRUSSELS AT THE OCCASION OF THE ASEM8 FORUM.
ACTIONS BIRMANIE CONDEMNS THE PRESENCE OF THIS HIGH-LEVEL REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE BURMESE MILITARY JUNTA.
In his last March report, the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations, O.Quintana,
condemned the junta in strongest terms : " Given the gross and systematic nature of human rights violations in Myanmar over a period of many years, and the lack of accountability, there is an indication that those human rights violations are the result of a State policy that involves authorities in the executive, military and judiciary at all levels" and went on to specify that: " some of these human rights violations may entail categories of crimes against humanity or war crimes '.
Following these recommandations, 12 countries, of which 8 EU Member States, have recently called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry on the war crimes and the crimes against humanity committed by the Burmese junta.1
Not only is Belgium dragging its feet by not having yet joined the list of countries in favour of this initiative. It is also laying the red carpet for the Burmese criminals’ spokesperson to walk upon!
BIRMANIA POR LA PAZ CONDEMNS THIS OUTRAGEOUS PRESENCE IN EUROPEAN TERRITORY !!
STOP IMPUNITY
EUROPE MUST SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF
INQUIRY WITH A MANDATE TO EXAMINE THE CRIMES COMMITTED IN BURMA!
WHERE IS THE SPANISH GOUVERMENT?
1 The countries in favour of an international commission of inquiry are the following :
USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia
France, The UK, Netherlands ,Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Ireland
domingo, 3 de octubre de 2010
POR QUE ESPAòA NO APOYA A LA COMISION DE NACIONES UNIDAS DE CRIMENES CONTRA LA HUMANIDAD Y DE GUERRA EN BIRMANIA A DIFERENCIA DE OTROS PAISES EUROPEOS
We are very welcomes the decision of the Irish Government to support the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. Ireland joins France, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Lithuania in backing the proposal for an investigation into human rights abuses in Burma.
In March 2010, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Burma called on the UN to consider the possibility of establishing a Commission of Inquiry into crimes committed in Burma which violate international law, stating that the abuses were 'a state policy that involves authorities in the executive, military and judiciary at all levels'. Human rights violations committed by the Burmese military include deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, sexual violence against women and young girls, forced labour, use of child soldiers, forced displacement of more than a million people, torture, and summary executions.
In March 2010, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Burma called on the UN to consider the possibility of establishing a Commission of Inquiry into crimes committed in Burma which violate international law, stating that the abuses were 'a state policy that involves authorities in the executive, military and judiciary at all levels'. Human rights violations committed by the Burmese military include deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, sexual violence against women and young girls, forced labour, use of child soldiers, forced displacement of more than a million people, torture, and summary executions.
CAPITALISMO AUTORITARIO y PARTIDOS DE IZQUIERDAS ESQUIZOIDES ARRIESGAN LA LUCHA DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS EN EUROPA by Anthony Dworkin
The European Union’s hopes of supporting human rights and
democracy around the world are at risk of being defeated by
changes in the global balance of power. The EU is committed
to putting democracy, human rights and the rule of law at the
centre of its foreign policy. But as the West loses its political
and economic dominance in global affairs, it must increasingly
compete for influence with rising powers that have shown no
interest in promoting human rights or democracy outside their
borders – and some of them not even within their own borders.
The spectacular success of authoritarian capitalism in China
and the current economic crisis in the West have undermined
the appeal of liberal democratic political systems. Some newly
democratic countries have failed to meet the hopes of their
citizens, while authoritarian regimes have become more
effective at blunting pressures for political reform. Across the
world, there is increasing opposition to the idea that the West
should tell countries how to run their own affairs.
Links to the full briefs:
The EU and Human Rights at the UN: 2010 Review
Towards an EU Human Rights Strategy for a Post-Western World
democracy around the world are at risk of being defeated by
changes in the global balance of power. The EU is committed
to putting democracy, human rights and the rule of law at the
centre of its foreign policy. But as the West loses its political
and economic dominance in global affairs, it must increasingly
compete for influence with rising powers that have shown no
interest in promoting human rights or democracy outside their
borders – and some of them not even within their own borders.
The spectacular success of authoritarian capitalism in China
and the current economic crisis in the West have undermined
the appeal of liberal democratic political systems. Some newly
democratic countries have failed to meet the hopes of their
citizens, while authoritarian regimes have become more
effective at blunting pressures for political reform. Across the
world, there is increasing opposition to the idea that the West
should tell countries how to run their own affairs.
Links to the full briefs:
The EU and Human Rights at the UN: 2010 Review
Towards an EU Human Rights Strategy for a Post-Western World
BIRMANIA, LA MAYOR PRISION DEL MUNDO AL AIRE LIBRE by Giancarlo Bocchi
En vísperas de una farsa electoral
Birmania, la mayor prisión del mundo al aire libre
En ningún país del mundo hay tantas formaciones guerrilleras activas como en Birmania: algunas de éstas están, lógicamente, en contra de la dictadura, mientras otras han acordado el cese al fuego, o han decidido trabajar para el enemigo.
Texto y fotografía de Giancarlo Bocchi
Birmania. El destino de Birmania está marcado por sus riquezas. Es rica en gas natural, piedras preciosas y materias primas. Sin embargo, viéndola en el mapa parece un exquisito bocado entre las fauces de China e India, naciones muy distintas entre sí, y al mismo tiempo sedientas de materias primas y regidas por un desarrollo industrial desenfrenado. Pero por el momento, este bocado está siendo disfrutado por los generales que llevan 50 años en el poder
En 1989, Birmania fue re-bautizada como Myanmar por la Junta Militar. El 7 de noviembre del presente año se llevaran a cabo las elecciones, una farsa impuesta por el general Than Shwe, el corpulento y astuto hombre fuerte de la Junta Militar dictatorial, la cual gobierna ininterrumpidamente a este país desde 1962. Se trata de una de las más vetustas y crueles dictaduras del siglo XX. Con estas elecciones busca darse un paradójico tinte de legalidad.
Experto en “guerra psicológica” del Ejército nacional, Than Swe es un sátrapa asiático paranoico que idolatra la astrología hasta el punto de considerarla un instrumento en las decisiones políticas. Con las elecciones quisiera desplazar a la comunidad internacional, poner fuera de la jugada a la oposición democrática y reforzar sus nexos con China. Está listo para quitarse el uniforme militar y ponerse ropa civil como neo-presidente, trajes que el sastre de la confianza le ha confeccionado. En las elecciones-farsa quedarán excluidos los mayores exponentes de la oposición democrática, todos aquellos que han purgado condenas dictadas por los tribunales especiales de la dictadura, comenzando por la premio nobel Aung San Su Kyi, esa valiente mujer relegada por los generales a doce años de arresto en su casa de Rangoon (la ex-capital que fue re-bautizada por los generales como Yangoon).
Mas
Birmania, la mayor prisión del mundo al aire libre
En ningún país del mundo hay tantas formaciones guerrilleras activas como en Birmania: algunas de éstas están, lógicamente, en contra de la dictadura, mientras otras han acordado el cese al fuego, o han decidido trabajar para el enemigo.
Texto y fotografía de Giancarlo Bocchi
Birmania. El destino de Birmania está marcado por sus riquezas. Es rica en gas natural, piedras preciosas y materias primas. Sin embargo, viéndola en el mapa parece un exquisito bocado entre las fauces de China e India, naciones muy distintas entre sí, y al mismo tiempo sedientas de materias primas y regidas por un desarrollo industrial desenfrenado. Pero por el momento, este bocado está siendo disfrutado por los generales que llevan 50 años en el poder
En 1989, Birmania fue re-bautizada como Myanmar por la Junta Militar. El 7 de noviembre del presente año se llevaran a cabo las elecciones, una farsa impuesta por el general Than Shwe, el corpulento y astuto hombre fuerte de la Junta Militar dictatorial, la cual gobierna ininterrumpidamente a este país desde 1962. Se trata de una de las más vetustas y crueles dictaduras del siglo XX. Con estas elecciones busca darse un paradójico tinte de legalidad.
Experto en “guerra psicológica” del Ejército nacional, Than Swe es un sátrapa asiático paranoico que idolatra la astrología hasta el punto de considerarla un instrumento en las decisiones políticas. Con las elecciones quisiera desplazar a la comunidad internacional, poner fuera de la jugada a la oposición democrática y reforzar sus nexos con China. Está listo para quitarse el uniforme militar y ponerse ropa civil como neo-presidente, trajes que el sastre de la confianza le ha confeccionado. En las elecciones-farsa quedarán excluidos los mayores exponentes de la oposición democrática, todos aquellos que han purgado condenas dictadas por los tribunales especiales de la dictadura, comenzando por la premio nobel Aung San Su Kyi, esa valiente mujer relegada por los generales a doce años de arresto en su casa de Rangoon (la ex-capital que fue re-bautizada por los generales como Yangoon).
Mas
sábado, 2 de octubre de 2010
El coraje de resisitir documental del Flavio Signore se estrena el proximo 7 de Octubre en Gava
El documental del director Flavio Signore y Concha Pinos directora de Birmania por la paz, EL CORAJE DE RESISITR, sera presentado el proximo 7 de Octubre en Gava..
Se trata de la version de 30 minutos para las escuelas y activistas que formara la herramienta principal para las futuras elecciones birmanas.
La version larga de 90 minutos que incluye las elecciones de Noviembre, se estrenara en las salas de cine el proximo 10 de Diciembre, Dia Internacional de los Derechos Humanos.
Te agradecemos tu apoyo, invita este documental a tu ciudad.
The courage to resist new documentary by Flavio Signore, 7th of October
The Documentary director Flavio Signore and Concha Pinos director of Birmania por la Paz present THE COURAGE TO RESIST, a new documentary for school (30 m) and activists who will be the principal tool of the spanish campaign BIRMANIA POR LA PAZ for the Burmese Elections.
The short version release the 7th of October in special sesion in Gava and will be running in Spain and Latino America.
The long version including burmese elections of November 2010, will be release in spanish movies theater by the 10th of December. International Day of Human Rights.
Burma’s democratically elected Prime Minister, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been under house arrest since 1989, months after working for democratization of the country through founding the political party the National League For Democracy. Her election in 1990 was nullified and the military refused to hand over power to her. A student of Gandhi’s non-violent resistance, Suu Kyi is the 1991 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. She has been offered her freedom if she leaves the country. She has refused and has sacrificed her freedom in an effort to free her country from military rule. She is currently still under house arrest.
We will be very happy with your support, please invite this documentary to your city.
Can Sham Elections Be Good For Democracy?
Harvard's James Robinson and MIT's Daron Acemoglu make an unusual argument in Foreign Policy this week: sometimes fraud-ridden elections, which would appear to subvert democratic growth by neutering the voting process and enforcing anti-democratic authoritarianism, can actually be good for democracy. Robinson and Acemoglu focus on Burma, the Southeast Asian nation ruled by an oppressive military junta, which is expected to hold elections in November that will be anything but democratic. However, they write, "Nonetheless, Burma's rulers may be paving the way for their own eventual eclipse. Even flawed elections can make a meaningful difference to the people of Burma."
It's clear that the regime is less interested in establishing a democracy than in resisting pariah status on the international stage and forestalling discontent at home. Whether they're motivated by the bite of sanctions, the restiveness of domestic ethnic minorities, or the discontent of a younger generation of officers among the junta, Burma's rulers want to restore some measure of legitimacy for themselves -- without, of course, loosening their grip on the country's levers of power.
But loosen it they eventually will. History shows that gradual, half-hearted reforms of this sort are exactly how many autocracies successfully transition to democracy. Rulers gradually liberalize laws while ensuring that they maintain their privileges and status, come what may. Chile's move to democracy, for example, was facilitated by protections that the new constitution gave to Pinochet and other leading generals. The process of political reform in 19th-century Britain was also smoothened by the ability of existing elites to protect their interests via the House of Lords. And the world's longest-running constitutional democracy -- the United States -- got its start because its "founding fathers" were convinced that the establishment of indirect elections for senators and the president would prevent radical, popular reforms. But, in all the above cases, the new openness produced a spurt of economic growth that eventually dislodged the old ruling class from its privileged perch over society.
They also cite comparisons with Egypt and Taiwan. Their argument will sound unusual to Americans who are used to thinking of the only way to liberalize an oppressive country is by forceful regime change, as the U.S. engineered in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, a number of Latin American nations, and more. However, Robinson and Acemoglu argue that even the worst nations, such as Burma, can bring about their own gradual democratization even through the decidedly anti-democratic act of holding a sham election.
It's clear that the regime is less interested in establishing a democracy than in resisting pariah status on the international stage and forestalling discontent at home. Whether they're motivated by the bite of sanctions, the restiveness of domestic ethnic minorities, or the discontent of a younger generation of officers among the junta, Burma's rulers want to restore some measure of legitimacy for themselves -- without, of course, loosening their grip on the country's levers of power.
But loosen it they eventually will. History shows that gradual, half-hearted reforms of this sort are exactly how many autocracies successfully transition to democracy. Rulers gradually liberalize laws while ensuring that they maintain their privileges and status, come what may. Chile's move to democracy, for example, was facilitated by protections that the new constitution gave to Pinochet and other leading generals. The process of political reform in 19th-century Britain was also smoothened by the ability of existing elites to protect their interests via the House of Lords. And the world's longest-running constitutional democracy -- the United States -- got its start because its "founding fathers" were convinced that the establishment of indirect elections for senators and the president would prevent radical, popular reforms. But, in all the above cases, the new openness produced a spurt of economic growth that eventually dislodged the old ruling class from its privileged perch over society.
They also cite comparisons with Egypt and Taiwan. Their argument will sound unusual to Americans who are used to thinking of the only way to liberalize an oppressive country is by forceful regime change, as the U.S. engineered in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, a number of Latin American nations, and more. However, Robinson and Acemoglu argue that even the worst nations, such as Burma, can bring about their own gradual democratization even through the decidedly anti-democratic act of holding a sham election.
Myanmar courts sentence activists, monk to jail
Courts in military-ruled Myanmar have given long prison sentences to 13 people, including a Buddhist monk, who were accused of planning bombings and other activities to disrupt upcoming elections, lawyers said Thursday.
The sentencing is the first major crackdown on dissent since campaigning officially began last week for the Nov. 7 general elections, the first in 20 years. The ruling junta is eager to promote the polls as a key step in a return to democracy after almost four decades of military rule.
However, many opposition activists are already in jail or in exile, and critics say the election rules are unfair and undemocratic. Detained Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's party, which won a landslide victory in the last elections in 1990 but was never allowed to take power by the military, has decided to boycott this year's vote.
Lawyer Myint Thaung said a special court inside Yangon's Insein prison sentenced a group of 12 people, including one woman, to prison sentences ranging from five to 23 years. He said authorities accused them of planning bombings and activities to disrupt the elections, but they were convicted on other charges including immigration law violations, links with illegal organizations and possession of arms.
Another lawyer, Khin Htay Kywe, said the monk, identified as Okkantha, was sentenced by a separate court to 15 years in prison for alleged anti-election activities and links to illegal opposition groups.
Myint Thaung said many of his clients were unfairly charged and "there was no proof" that they were planning bombings.
He said they are carpenters and construction workers who were arrested in January after a construction site boss, Kyaw Zin Lin, was arrested for allegedly planning bombings on the outskirts of Yangon.
Okkantha, a monk belonging to the ethnic Mon minority, was arrested in January in southeastern Myanmar and was charged with violating the Electronic Act, Printing and Publishing law and disrupting peace and tranquility, his lawyer said. The Electronic Act, Printing and Publishing law is a catchall statute that can be used against people who disseminate information that the government doesn't like.
"Authorities said they seized some leaflets that called for the release of political prisoners before the elections and were against the 2008 constitution. Authorities also seized a computer and camera and accused the monk of sending photos to the Mon News Agency," Khin Htay Kywe said.
The Mon News Agency is an opposition news service that operates on the border with Thailand. The constitution was written under military supervision and ensures that the army will control a large number of seats in the new parliament.
Also Thursday, a student exile group, the All Burma Federation of Student Union, condemned the arrest of six student activists who had called for a boycott of the elections, according to Mizzima, an opposition website also run by exiles.
An official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to provide information to the media confirmed that six university students were arrested earlier this month for distributing anti-government leaflets.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Posted in Asia on Thursday, September 30, 2010 7:25 am Updated: 9:04 am. | Tags:
http://trib.com/news/national/asia/article_67a8ce77-e6c1-5dce-a2d5-6bc5b52daea6.html
The sentencing is the first major crackdown on dissent since campaigning officially began last week for the Nov. 7 general elections, the first in 20 years. The ruling junta is eager to promote the polls as a key step in a return to democracy after almost four decades of military rule.
However, many opposition activists are already in jail or in exile, and critics say the election rules are unfair and undemocratic. Detained Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's party, which won a landslide victory in the last elections in 1990 but was never allowed to take power by the military, has decided to boycott this year's vote.
Lawyer Myint Thaung said a special court inside Yangon's Insein prison sentenced a group of 12 people, including one woman, to prison sentences ranging from five to 23 years. He said authorities accused them of planning bombings and activities to disrupt the elections, but they were convicted on other charges including immigration law violations, links with illegal organizations and possession of arms.
Another lawyer, Khin Htay Kywe, said the monk, identified as Okkantha, was sentenced by a separate court to 15 years in prison for alleged anti-election activities and links to illegal opposition groups.
Myint Thaung said many of his clients were unfairly charged and "there was no proof" that they were planning bombings.
He said they are carpenters and construction workers who were arrested in January after a construction site boss, Kyaw Zin Lin, was arrested for allegedly planning bombings on the outskirts of Yangon.
Okkantha, a monk belonging to the ethnic Mon minority, was arrested in January in southeastern Myanmar and was charged with violating the Electronic Act, Printing and Publishing law and disrupting peace and tranquility, his lawyer said. The Electronic Act, Printing and Publishing law is a catchall statute that can be used against people who disseminate information that the government doesn't like.
"Authorities said they seized some leaflets that called for the release of political prisoners before the elections and were against the 2008 constitution. Authorities also seized a computer and camera and accused the monk of sending photos to the Mon News Agency," Khin Htay Kywe said.
The Mon News Agency is an opposition news service that operates on the border with Thailand. The constitution was written under military supervision and ensures that the army will control a large number of seats in the new parliament.
Also Thursday, a student exile group, the All Burma Federation of Student Union, condemned the arrest of six student activists who had called for a boycott of the elections, according to Mizzima, an opposition website also run by exiles.
An official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to provide information to the media confirmed that six university students were arrested earlier this month for distributing anti-government leaflets.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Posted in Asia on Thursday, September 30, 2010 7:25 am Updated: 9:04 am. | Tags:
http://trib.com/news/national/asia/article_67a8ce77-e6c1-5dce-a2d5-6bc5b52daea6.html
U.S. Lawmaker Doubts Myanmar’s Suu Kyi Release Plan
October 1, 2010 8:50 a.m. EST
Yangon, Myanmar (AHN) - An American lawmaker is blasting the military government of Myanmar for its plan to released pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi just days after the country's Nov. 7 elections, which are widely regarded as a sham by the international community.
New York's Democrat Rep. Joseph Crowley called the announcement of Suu Kyi's pending release a ploy by the Myanmar leadership to legitimize the election. He said that the world had seen the junta’s "catch and release" game several times in the past in which they promise to release Suu Kyi, who had been under house arrest since 1990, but ultimately extend her house arrest.
Crowley said that if the military junta was keen on bringing changes seriously and wants to have a fair and democratic election, they must release Suu Kyi with other political prisoners now.
"Unfortunately, the claim that they may release her is a ploy to legitimize these unfair elections, and further proof that the junta will do or say just about anything to maintain power," he said.
U.S. President Barack Obama also has also expressed doubt about the elections’ credibility although his administration started talks last year with the military regime to help bring it out of isolation.
Meanwhile, India's national security adviser Shivshankar Menon on Thursday expressed optimism about the elections and said it could be a "significant step" toward democracy. Suu Kyi’s current term of house arrest is due to expire on Nov. 13.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7020078547?U.S.%20Lawmaker%20Doubts%20Myanmar%E2%80%99s%20Suu%20Kyi%20Release%20Plan
Yangon, Myanmar (AHN) - An American lawmaker is blasting the military government of Myanmar for its plan to released pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi just days after the country's Nov. 7 elections, which are widely regarded as a sham by the international community.
New York's Democrat Rep. Joseph Crowley called the announcement of Suu Kyi's pending release a ploy by the Myanmar leadership to legitimize the election. He said that the world had seen the junta’s "catch and release" game several times in the past in which they promise to release Suu Kyi, who had been under house arrest since 1990, but ultimately extend her house arrest.
Crowley said that if the military junta was keen on bringing changes seriously and wants to have a fair and democratic election, they must release Suu Kyi with other political prisoners now.
"Unfortunately, the claim that they may release her is a ploy to legitimize these unfair elections, and further proof that the junta will do or say just about anything to maintain power," he said.
U.S. President Barack Obama also has also expressed doubt about the elections’ credibility although his administration started talks last year with the military regime to help bring it out of isolation.
Meanwhile, India's national security adviser Shivshankar Menon on Thursday expressed optimism about the elections and said it could be a "significant step" toward democracy. Suu Kyi’s current term of house arrest is due to expire on Nov. 13.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7020078547?U.S.%20Lawmaker%20Doubts%20Myanmar%E2%80%99s%20Suu%20Kyi%20Release%20Plan
Myanmar junta boss visits Laos: official
Myanmar's junta leader Senior General Than Shwe arrived in communist Laos Friday and briefed the neighbour on preparations for his country's first elections in two decades, an official said.
"He arrived this morning," Khenthong Nuanthasing, the Laos government spokesman, told AFP.
Khenthong described the three-day visit, Than Shwe's third to the country, as "a friendly, official visit" focused on the two countries' ties.
Than Shwe, 77, landed in Laos a day after officials in his country said democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will be released in November, just days after the elections.
Suu Kyi's release was not discussed when Than Shwe met Laotian counterpart President Choummaly Sayasone, Khenthong said.
"But of course the senior general reported to the Laos president on current preparations for the election," he said.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, has been detained for most of the last 20 years since winning the country's last poll in 1990. She will be freed when her current house arrest expires on November 13, the unnamed sources said.
The election is on November 7.
Neither Suu Kyi nor her National League for Democracy (NLD) party will participate in the vote, which opponents have dismissed as a sham aimed at hiding military power behind a civilian facade.
On Saturday Than Shwe will visit southern Laos "to observe socio-economic development," Khenthong said.
A Myanmar official in the capital Naypyidaw described the trip as "just a goodwill visit."
http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4371340
"He arrived this morning," Khenthong Nuanthasing, the Laos government spokesman, told AFP.
Khenthong described the three-day visit, Than Shwe's third to the country, as "a friendly, official visit" focused on the two countries' ties.
Than Shwe, 77, landed in Laos a day after officials in his country said democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will be released in November, just days after the elections.
Suu Kyi's release was not discussed when Than Shwe met Laotian counterpart President Choummaly Sayasone, Khenthong said.
"But of course the senior general reported to the Laos president on current preparations for the election," he said.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, has been detained for most of the last 20 years since winning the country's last poll in 1990. She will be freed when her current house arrest expires on November 13, the unnamed sources said.
The election is on November 7.
Neither Suu Kyi nor her National League for Democracy (NLD) party will participate in the vote, which opponents have dismissed as a sham aimed at hiding military power behind a civilian facade.
On Saturday Than Shwe will visit southern Laos "to observe socio-economic development," Khenthong said.
A Myanmar official in the capital Naypyidaw described the trip as "just a goodwill visit."
http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4371340
China Endorses Burma Elections
Peter Simpson | Beijing 30 September 2010
As Burma prepares for its first election in 20 years, it is getting strong backing from neighboring China. Regional political analysts say Beijing's goal is ensure stability along its border.
Beijing is one of the few nations endorsing Burma's elections next month.
Burma's military government says the elections, the first in 20 years, are central to its path to democracy and civilian rule. But critics, including the United States, consider the November 7 vote to be flawed and designed to ensure that the military remains in control.
International Crisis Group's report
The International Crisis Group in a recent report said China's top concern is not democracy, but security along the 2,200-kilometer border it shares with Burma.
A year ago, tens of thousands of refugees flooded across the border because of a Burmese military offensive into the mainly ethnic Chinese area of Kokang, in northeast Shan state.
Beijing was forced to deploy its own troops to stabilize the region.
Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt is the Northeast Asia Project director for the International Crisis Group, says Beijing was caught off guard.
"Beijing did not think that the neighbor was really going to go in and undertake a military intervention. And also Beijing was surprised because it was not sufficiently warned by its officials down on the border," she said.
Ahlbrandt says Beijing has since become more closely engaged with General Than Shwe, Burma's leader.
Chinese investment
According to the International Crisis Group's report, this has not changed China's deteriorating image among most people in Burma.
The report says some of China's large energy investments have fostered discontent.
Beijing is Burma's third-biggest trade partner after Thailand and Singapore.
But the report says many Burmese are unhappy with Chinese companies in their country, because of a lack of transparency, disregard for the environment and the unfair distribution of benefits.
In April 2009, three bombs exploded close to a Chinese-built dam in northern Burma's Kachin state.
Some experts in China's foreign relations think the blasts were prompted by resentment toward Chinese businesses.
The role of economy
Zhang Xudong, a professor at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Xiamen University, says that the Burmese resentment in the area is a result an economic imbalance.
He says most of the big businesses in Burma are run by Chinese companies and the Burmese rarely reap the benefits from China's vast profits.
Zhang also says many of the Chinese working in Burma are unfamiliar with the local culture.
He thinks this creates misunderstandings, which are further inflamed by the Burmese leadership's policies towards minorities.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu rejected the Crisis Group's findings, saying the trade with Burma benefits both sides equally. Jiang says her government always urges Chinese companies to abide by local laws and regulations, and to pay attention to environmental protection and local traditions.
Critics of Beijing's policy say China believes that its economic interests in Burma depend on stability, especially among ethnic groups in the border areas.
But earlier in September, the sensitive border areas again fell under the spotlight and are worrying Beijing.
Burma's government said it would not set up polling stations in some ethnic communities.
Albrandt says Beijing is now taking a risk by openly supporting the poll.
"At the end of the day this is all a very volatile mix for risk-adverse Beijing," said Albrandt. "I think that China is looking toward elections that can provide legitimacy to these elections and the fact that you do not have ethnic groups participating is going to make that very difficult."
Seat allocation in Burma's parliament
Under Burma's new constitution, 25 percent the seats in parliament are reserved for the military. The country's election laws, announced earlier this year, barred anyone with a criminal conviction from participating in the election, and required political parties to expel members who are in prison or under detention.
That included the National League for Democracy, Burma's major opposition group. Its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for most of the past 20 years. The NLD won the country's last elections, in 1990, but the military never allowed it to take power.
The NLD refused to kick out Aung San Suu Kyi and the government said it had to disband.
A United Nations ministerial group recently urged Burma's government to release political detainees, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and to include all groups to make the elections credible. China was part of that group.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/China-Endorses-Burma-Elections-104078093.html
As Burma prepares for its first election in 20 years, it is getting strong backing from neighboring China. Regional political analysts say Beijing's goal is ensure stability along its border.
Beijing is one of the few nations endorsing Burma's elections next month.
Burma's military government says the elections, the first in 20 years, are central to its path to democracy and civilian rule. But critics, including the United States, consider the November 7 vote to be flawed and designed to ensure that the military remains in control.
International Crisis Group's report
The International Crisis Group in a recent report said China's top concern is not democracy, but security along the 2,200-kilometer border it shares with Burma.
A year ago, tens of thousands of refugees flooded across the border because of a Burmese military offensive into the mainly ethnic Chinese area of Kokang, in northeast Shan state.
Beijing was forced to deploy its own troops to stabilize the region.
Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt is the Northeast Asia Project director for the International Crisis Group, says Beijing was caught off guard.
"Beijing did not think that the neighbor was really going to go in and undertake a military intervention. And also Beijing was surprised because it was not sufficiently warned by its officials down on the border," she said.
Ahlbrandt says Beijing has since become more closely engaged with General Than Shwe, Burma's leader.
Chinese investment
According to the International Crisis Group's report, this has not changed China's deteriorating image among most people in Burma.
The report says some of China's large energy investments have fostered discontent.
Beijing is Burma's third-biggest trade partner after Thailand and Singapore.
But the report says many Burmese are unhappy with Chinese companies in their country, because of a lack of transparency, disregard for the environment and the unfair distribution of benefits.
In April 2009, three bombs exploded close to a Chinese-built dam in northern Burma's Kachin state.
Some experts in China's foreign relations think the blasts were prompted by resentment toward Chinese businesses.
The role of economy
Zhang Xudong, a professor at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Xiamen University, says that the Burmese resentment in the area is a result an economic imbalance.
He says most of the big businesses in Burma are run by Chinese companies and the Burmese rarely reap the benefits from China's vast profits.
Zhang also says many of the Chinese working in Burma are unfamiliar with the local culture.
He thinks this creates misunderstandings, which are further inflamed by the Burmese leadership's policies towards minorities.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu rejected the Crisis Group's findings, saying the trade with Burma benefits both sides equally. Jiang says her government always urges Chinese companies to abide by local laws and regulations, and to pay attention to environmental protection and local traditions.
Critics of Beijing's policy say China believes that its economic interests in Burma depend on stability, especially among ethnic groups in the border areas.
But earlier in September, the sensitive border areas again fell under the spotlight and are worrying Beijing.
Burma's government said it would not set up polling stations in some ethnic communities.
Albrandt says Beijing is now taking a risk by openly supporting the poll.
"At the end of the day this is all a very volatile mix for risk-adverse Beijing," said Albrandt. "I think that China is looking toward elections that can provide legitimacy to these elections and the fact that you do not have ethnic groups participating is going to make that very difficult."
Seat allocation in Burma's parliament
Under Burma's new constitution, 25 percent the seats in parliament are reserved for the military. The country's election laws, announced earlier this year, barred anyone with a criminal conviction from participating in the election, and required political parties to expel members who are in prison or under detention.
That included the National League for Democracy, Burma's major opposition group. Its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for most of the past 20 years. The NLD won the country's last elections, in 1990, but the military never allowed it to take power.
The NLD refused to kick out Aung San Suu Kyi and the government said it had to disband.
A United Nations ministerial group recently urged Burma's government to release political detainees, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and to include all groups to make the elections credible. China was part of that group.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/China-Endorses-Burma-Elections-104078093.html
Fears of poll violence after Myanmar blast
Saturday, 02 October 2010 05:11
YANGON: A bomb blast at a rural Myanmar election commission office has stirred fears of violence during the first polls in two decades next month in the reclusive military-run nation, state media reported yesterday.
A device made from TNT exploded late on Wednesday at a government office in Bago Township, about 80km north of the biggest city Yangon, but there were no casualties reported and staff had closed the office 45 minutes earlier.
Union Election Commission officials were using the office to coordinate the local ballot. State newspapers, which are mouthpieces of the junta that has ruled for the last 48 years, said the bombing was an attempt to derail the November 7 polls.
“They are trying to ramp up instigations and destructive acts with intent to disrupt the upcoming democracy elections,” said Friday’s state newspapers.
The media blamed “insurgents, destructive elements and political opportunists” for the bombing.
Critics of Myanmar’s army rulers have dismissed the election as a sham to create a military-dominated system run by generals and their proxies with little change to the status quo.
The military has a 25 percent quota of all legislative seats and scores of generals have retired from the army to run in the polls. Several parties are serving as proxies for the regime and most of the junta’s opposition is hamstrung by strict rules. The house arrest term of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the figurehead of Myanmar’s pro-democracy struggle, expires six days after the poll and speculation is rife that the regime might detain her longer to stop her or her supporters from derailing the formation of a new government.
Many people doubt the junta will honour its pledge to free Suu Kyi, who has spent 15 of the last 21 years in detention. Her lawyer, Nyan Win, said further incarceration would be unlawful.
“She must be freed on November 13 because her term expires on that day and there is not a law to extend it further,” he said. Separately, a court this week sentenced 12 people to prison terms between five and 23 years for bomb plots and another court handed down a 15-year term to a Buddhist monk for attempting to disrupt the elections, their lawyers said on Thursday.
That was followed by the arrest of six students from Dagon University and Hmawbi Technical Institutes in Yangon for distributing leaflets with anti-election slogans, university sources said.
The junta takes a zero-tolerance approach to dissent and rights groups say 2,200 people are now in prison for expressing their political views.
Myanmar has given no indication it will bow to Western pressure to release detainees before the election. Reuters
YANGON: A bomb blast at a rural Myanmar election commission office has stirred fears of violence during the first polls in two decades next month in the reclusive military-run nation, state media reported yesterday.
A device made from TNT exploded late on Wednesday at a government office in Bago Township, about 80km north of the biggest city Yangon, but there were no casualties reported and staff had closed the office 45 minutes earlier.
Union Election Commission officials were using the office to coordinate the local ballot. State newspapers, which are mouthpieces of the junta that has ruled for the last 48 years, said the bombing was an attempt to derail the November 7 polls.
“They are trying to ramp up instigations and destructive acts with intent to disrupt the upcoming democracy elections,” said Friday’s state newspapers.
The media blamed “insurgents, destructive elements and political opportunists” for the bombing.
Critics of Myanmar’s army rulers have dismissed the election as a sham to create a military-dominated system run by generals and their proxies with little change to the status quo.
The military has a 25 percent quota of all legislative seats and scores of generals have retired from the army to run in the polls. Several parties are serving as proxies for the regime and most of the junta’s opposition is hamstrung by strict rules. The house arrest term of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the figurehead of Myanmar’s pro-democracy struggle, expires six days after the poll and speculation is rife that the regime might detain her longer to stop her or her supporters from derailing the formation of a new government.
Many people doubt the junta will honour its pledge to free Suu Kyi, who has spent 15 of the last 21 years in detention. Her lawyer, Nyan Win, said further incarceration would be unlawful.
“She must be freed on November 13 because her term expires on that day and there is not a law to extend it further,” he said. Separately, a court this week sentenced 12 people to prison terms between five and 23 years for bomb plots and another court handed down a 15-year term to a Buddhist monk for attempting to disrupt the elections, their lawyers said on Thursday.
That was followed by the arrest of six students from Dagon University and Hmawbi Technical Institutes in Yangon for distributing leaflets with anti-election slogans, university sources said.
The junta takes a zero-tolerance approach to dissent and rights groups say 2,200 people are now in prison for expressing their political views.
Myanmar has given no indication it will bow to Western pressure to release detainees before the election. Reuters
Myanmar says insurgents trying to disrupt election
YANGON: Myanmar’s state media warned on Friday that insurgents and political opportunists were trying to disrupt the first elections in 20 years, after a small blast at a provincial government building.
A hand-made TNT time bomb exploded outside a Ward Peace and Development Council Office in Bago region, about 80 kilometres outside of Yangon, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper said. Nobody was hurt by the explosion, which shattered windows and left a hole in a concrete wall, according to the junta mouthpiece, which reported there were separate attempts to attack a power pylon and wooden overpass last month.
“It is learnt that they are the works of insurgents, destructive elements and political opportunists who are trying to ramp up instigation and destructive acts with the aim of disrupting the upcoming multi-party democracy election following unrest and violence,” the English-language newspaper said. The ward offices are also being used by the local election commission.
The secretive country is preparing for November 7 polls that critics have dismissed as a sham due to the exclusion of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi because she is a serving prisoner. Myanmar has been hit by several bomb blasts in recent years, which the junta has blamed on armed exile groups or ethnic rebels.
A series of explosions on April 15 left 10 people dead and about 170 wounded at a festival—the worst attack in five years in Yangon. Last month two young men were shot dead in a quarrel with troops in Bago region. The authorities played down the incident as just a drunken brawl and not a fight between the army and the public. agencies
A hand-made TNT time bomb exploded outside a Ward Peace and Development Council Office in Bago region, about 80 kilometres outside of Yangon, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper said. Nobody was hurt by the explosion, which shattered windows and left a hole in a concrete wall, according to the junta mouthpiece, which reported there were separate attempts to attack a power pylon and wooden overpass last month.
“It is learnt that they are the works of insurgents, destructive elements and political opportunists who are trying to ramp up instigation and destructive acts with the aim of disrupting the upcoming multi-party democracy election following unrest and violence,” the English-language newspaper said. The ward offices are also being used by the local election commission.
The secretive country is preparing for November 7 polls that critics have dismissed as a sham due to the exclusion of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi because she is a serving prisoner. Myanmar has been hit by several bomb blasts in recent years, which the junta has blamed on armed exile groups or ethnic rebels.
A series of explosions on April 15 left 10 people dead and about 170 wounded at a festival—the worst attack in five years in Yangon. Last month two young men were shot dead in a quarrel with troops in Bago region. The authorities played down the incident as just a drunken brawl and not a fight between the army and the public. agencies
Myanmar abuzz over possible release of Suu Kyi
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: Oct 2, 2010 00:05 Updated: Oct 2, 2010 00:05
YANGON: The detention of Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi expires early next month, but officials said Friday that only the ruling junta chief knows exactly when she will be granted freedom.
The Nobel Peace laureate has been locked away for 15 of the past 21 years, ever since her opposition party swept the country's last elections in 1990, and the military refused to cede power.
Her latest term of house arrest ends on Nov. 13, just days after the junta plans to hold the first elections since those ignored polls — timing that analysts say is hardly coincidental.
There is wide speculation the junta will release her as an olive branch to the international community after its expected win in elections that many observers have decried as so rigged as to be meaningless.
But Suu Kyi's detention is considered a matter of national security and officials say any decision to release her would be made at the last-minute by Senior Gen. Than Shwe, the junta chief.
“We can assume that she will be released on Nov. 13, but we cannot say with certainty that it will happen. Only the junta chief will know if or when the release can happen,” said one of two officials interviewed. “It is too early to say that she will be released on Nov. 13.” Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy opposition party is boycotting the elections, which it calls unfair and undemocratic. As a result of not registering for the polls, the party has been dissolved, leaving no group that can effectively challenge the junta-backed party, which is expected to sweep the polls.
Critics call the country's first elections in two decades a sham and say the military shows no sign of genuinely relinquishing power.
The London-based rights group Burma Campaign UK issued a statement to express caution over recent reports about Suu Kyi's imminent freedom.
“We'll believe it when we see it,” said Mark Farmaner, the group's director. “Regime officials have said similar things in the past, and Aung San Suu Kyi has remained in detention.” If Suu Kyi is released, it would be wrong to attach too much political significance to it, Farmaner said.
“She has been released twice before without there being any political change in the country,” he said.
“It is more likely that the dictatorship will try to use her release to attempt to persuade the international community to relax pressure on them.” The international community has long demand the release of Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 political prisoners.
Published: Oct 2, 2010 00:05 Updated: Oct 2, 2010 00:05
YANGON: The detention of Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi expires early next month, but officials said Friday that only the ruling junta chief knows exactly when she will be granted freedom.
The Nobel Peace laureate has been locked away for 15 of the past 21 years, ever since her opposition party swept the country's last elections in 1990, and the military refused to cede power.
Her latest term of house arrest ends on Nov. 13, just days after the junta plans to hold the first elections since those ignored polls — timing that analysts say is hardly coincidental.
There is wide speculation the junta will release her as an olive branch to the international community after its expected win in elections that many observers have decried as so rigged as to be meaningless.
But Suu Kyi's detention is considered a matter of national security and officials say any decision to release her would be made at the last-minute by Senior Gen. Than Shwe, the junta chief.
“We can assume that she will be released on Nov. 13, but we cannot say with certainty that it will happen. Only the junta chief will know if or when the release can happen,” said one of two officials interviewed. “It is too early to say that she will be released on Nov. 13.” Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy opposition party is boycotting the elections, which it calls unfair and undemocratic. As a result of not registering for the polls, the party has been dissolved, leaving no group that can effectively challenge the junta-backed party, which is expected to sweep the polls.
Critics call the country's first elections in two decades a sham and say the military shows no sign of genuinely relinquishing power.
The London-based rights group Burma Campaign UK issued a statement to express caution over recent reports about Suu Kyi's imminent freedom.
“We'll believe it when we see it,” said Mark Farmaner, the group's director. “Regime officials have said similar things in the past, and Aung San Suu Kyi has remained in detention.” If Suu Kyi is released, it would be wrong to attach too much political significance to it, Farmaner said.
“She has been released twice before without there being any political change in the country,” he said.
“It is more likely that the dictatorship will try to use her release to attempt to persuade the international community to relax pressure on them.” The international community has long demand the release of Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 political prisoners.
Bomb explodes in Myanmar election office: report
(2010-10-01)
(Reuters) -
By Aung Hla Tun
YANGON (Reuters) - A bomb blast at a rural Myanmar election commission office has stirred fears of violence during the first polls in two decades next month in the reclusive military-run nation, state media reported on Friday.
A device made from TNT exploded late on Wednesday at a government office in Bago Township, about 80 km (50 miles) north of the biggest city Yangon, but there were no casualties reported and staff had closed the office 45 minutes earlier.
Union Election Commission officials were using the office to coordinate the local ballot. State newspapers, which are mouthpieces of the junta that has ruled for the last 48 years, said the bombing was an attempt to derail the November 7 polls.
"They are trying to ramp up instigations and destructive acts with intent to disrupt the upcoming democracy elections," said Friday's state newspapers.
The media blamed "insurgents, destructive elements and political opportunists" for the bombing.
Critics of Myanmar's army rulers have dismissed the election as a sham to create a military-dominated system run by generals and their proxies with little change to the status quo.
The military has a 25 percent quota of all legislative seats and scores of generals have retired from the army to run in the polls. Several parties are serving as proxies for the regime and most of the junta's opposition is hamstrung by strict rules.
DOUBTS OVER SUU KYI
The house arrest term of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the figurehead of Myanmar's pro-democracy struggle, expires six days after the poll and speculation is rife that the regime might detain her longer to stop her or her supporters from derailing the formation of a new government.
Many people doubt the junta will honor its pledge to free Suu Kyi, who has spent 15 of the last 21 years in detention. Her lawyer, Nyan Win, said further incarceration would be unlawful.
"She must be freed on November 13 because her term expires on that day and there is not a law to extend it further," he said.
Separately, a court this week sentenced 12 people to prison terms between five and 23 years for bomb plots and another court handed down a 15-year term to a Buddhist monk for attempting to disrupt the elections, their lawyers said on Thursday.
That was followed by the arrest of six students from Dagon University and Hmawbi Technical Institutes in Yangon for distributing leaflets with anti-election slogans, university sources told Reuters.
The junta takes a zero-tolerance approach to dissent and rights groups say 2,200 people are now in prison for expressing their political views.
Myanmar has given no indication it will bow to Western pressure to release detainees before the election.
(Editing by Martin Petty and Alex Richardson)
© Copyright 2010, Reuters
(Reuters) -
By Aung Hla Tun
YANGON (Reuters) - A bomb blast at a rural Myanmar election commission office has stirred fears of violence during the first polls in two decades next month in the reclusive military-run nation, state media reported on Friday.
A device made from TNT exploded late on Wednesday at a government office in Bago Township, about 80 km (50 miles) north of the biggest city Yangon, but there were no casualties reported and staff had closed the office 45 minutes earlier.
Union Election Commission officials were using the office to coordinate the local ballot. State newspapers, which are mouthpieces of the junta that has ruled for the last 48 years, said the bombing was an attempt to derail the November 7 polls.
"They are trying to ramp up instigations and destructive acts with intent to disrupt the upcoming democracy elections," said Friday's state newspapers.
The media blamed "insurgents, destructive elements and political opportunists" for the bombing.
Critics of Myanmar's army rulers have dismissed the election as a sham to create a military-dominated system run by generals and their proxies with little change to the status quo.
The military has a 25 percent quota of all legislative seats and scores of generals have retired from the army to run in the polls. Several parties are serving as proxies for the regime and most of the junta's opposition is hamstrung by strict rules.
DOUBTS OVER SUU KYI
The house arrest term of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the figurehead of Myanmar's pro-democracy struggle, expires six days after the poll and speculation is rife that the regime might detain her longer to stop her or her supporters from derailing the formation of a new government.
Many people doubt the junta will honor its pledge to free Suu Kyi, who has spent 15 of the last 21 years in detention. Her lawyer, Nyan Win, said further incarceration would be unlawful.
"She must be freed on November 13 because her term expires on that day and there is not a law to extend it further," he said.
Separately, a court this week sentenced 12 people to prison terms between five and 23 years for bomb plots and another court handed down a 15-year term to a Buddhist monk for attempting to disrupt the elections, their lawyers said on Thursday.
That was followed by the arrest of six students from Dagon University and Hmawbi Technical Institutes in Yangon for distributing leaflets with anti-election slogans, university sources told Reuters.
The junta takes a zero-tolerance approach to dissent and rights groups say 2,200 people are now in prison for expressing their political views.
Myanmar has given no indication it will bow to Western pressure to release detainees before the election.
(Editing by Martin Petty and Alex Richardson)
© Copyright 2010, Reuters
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