I believe the Johns Hopkins report.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=15474
NGOs have an axe to grind. They need to go in and out and get the co-operation of the junta.
Instead of denying the report, they should aim to prevent abuses and provide safeguards and a witnessing presence.
I left a copy of this note on The Irrawaddy comment site.
kmk
Friday, April 10, 2009
Art of dying (fragment 2) by William Agudelo --
http://international.poetryinternationalweb.org/piw_cms/cms/cms_module/index.php?obj_id=13877
Requiem for a horse
that I would be happy to have
the horse
as well as the
requiem.
This poem -- copyright Kyi May Kaung.
Requiem for a horse
that I would be happy to have
the horse
as well as the
requiem.
This poem -- copyright Kyi May Kaung.
Ho la! Museum of American Poetics -- one could live here forever.
http://www.poetspath.com/maptext.htm
This is a wonderful "master archive" of all the poets you have ever met, and have yet to meet.
Kyi May Kaung
This is a wonderful "master archive" of all the poets you have ever met, and have yet to meet.
Kyi May Kaung
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Free courses on line at Massachusetts Institute of Technology --
from Generation 88 email.
RE: MIT course on line
Free University Courses from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
If you ever wanted to study anything in college, visit this website. Almost every course taught at MIT is available online for free to the public. You can't get a degree with these courses and you won't have access to the instructors, but the vast amount of knowledge is amazing. These are the actual courses taught at the University.. .Architecture, Math, Engineering, Literature, Business Management, Biology...plus hundreds more. They even have older courses archived. All the course study materials, course outlines, etc.
http://ocw.mit. edu/OcwWe b/web/home/home/ index.htm
Sloan School of Management(at MIT) offers courses in: Accounting, Communication, Finance, Health Care Management, Information Technologies, International Management, Law, Leadership Marketing,
Operations Management,Technolo gy,Innovation and Entrepreneurship, more.
These ARE the same courses that you would get at the University, except you don't get credit or have access to the instructors. Don't sell these short, you get:
Syllabus
Course syllabi typically contain information such as the course description and objectives, as well as textbooks used in the course, a calendar of lectures and homework, collaboration guidelines, and grading criteria.
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes are the backbone of MIT OpenCourseWare and are extremely popular with visitors. They provide an excellent opportunity for reviewing material while providing alternate explanations of concepts. About 80% of OCW courses include lecture notes.
Assignments
Many OCW courses provide complete, detailed problem sets and solutions. About 93% of OCW courses include assignments.
Exams
Exams and solutions allow users to test their knowledge. They provide educators with a rich source of materials to use in their own classrooms. Almost 60% of courses on OCW with exams have them published on the site, and almost half of these feature solutions.
Audio and Video Lectures
Some courses contain full or exemplary audio and video lectures. These lectures provide a glimpse into MIT classrooms, and are some of the most popular features of OCW.
1800 Courses Available
Courses by Department
* Aeronautics and Astronautics
* Anthropology
* Architecture
* Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation
* Biological Engineering
* Biology
* Brain and Cognitive Sciences
* Chemical Engineering
* Chemistry
* Civil and Environmental Engineering
* Comparative Media Studies
* Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
* Economics
* Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
* Engineering Systems Division
* Experimental Study Group
* Foreign Languages and Literatures
* Health Sciences and Technology
* History
* Linguistics and Philosophy
* Literature
* Materials Science and Engineering
* Mathematics
* Mechanical Engineering
* Media Arts and Sciences
* Music and Theater Arts
* Nuclear Science and Engineering
* Physics
* Political Science
* Science, Technology, and Society
* Sloan School of Management
* Special Programs
* Urban Studies and Planning
* Women's and Gender Studies
* Writing and Humanistic Studies
You can even take individual languages, Spanish, French, Chinese, others
MIT OpenCourseWare has formally partnered with four organizations that are translating OCW course materials into Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Thai.
120 New Courses click on NEW COURSES on upper left side to see the new offerings
RE: MIT course on line
Free University Courses from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
If you ever wanted to study anything in college, visit this website. Almost every course taught at MIT is available online for free to the public. You can't get a degree with these courses and you won't have access to the instructors, but the vast amount of knowledge is amazing. These are the actual courses taught at the University.. .Architecture, Math, Engineering, Literature, Business Management, Biology...plus hundreds more. They even have older courses archived. All the course study materials, course outlines, etc.
http://ocw.mit. edu/OcwWe b/web/home/home/ index.htm
Sloan School of Management(at MIT) offers courses in: Accounting, Communication, Finance, Health Care Management, Information Technologies, International Management, Law, Leadership Marketing,
Operations Management,Technolo gy,Innovation and Entrepreneurship, more.
These ARE the same courses that you would get at the University, except you don't get credit or have access to the instructors. Don't sell these short, you get:
Syllabus
Course syllabi typically contain information such as the course description and objectives, as well as textbooks used in the course, a calendar of lectures and homework, collaboration guidelines, and grading criteria.
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes are the backbone of MIT OpenCourseWare and are extremely popular with visitors. They provide an excellent opportunity for reviewing material while providing alternate explanations of concepts. About 80% of OCW courses include lecture notes.
Assignments
Many OCW courses provide complete, detailed problem sets and solutions. About 93% of OCW courses include assignments.
Exams
Exams and solutions allow users to test their knowledge. They provide educators with a rich source of materials to use in their own classrooms. Almost 60% of courses on OCW with exams have them published on the site, and almost half of these feature solutions.
Audio and Video Lectures
Some courses contain full or exemplary audio and video lectures. These lectures provide a glimpse into MIT classrooms, and are some of the most popular features of OCW.
1800 Courses Available
Courses by Department
* Aeronautics and Astronautics
* Anthropology
* Architecture
* Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation
* Biological Engineering
* Biology
* Brain and Cognitive Sciences
* Chemical Engineering
* Chemistry
* Civil and Environmental Engineering
* Comparative Media Studies
* Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
* Economics
* Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
* Engineering Systems Division
* Experimental Study Group
* Foreign Languages and Literatures
* Health Sciences and Technology
* History
* Linguistics and Philosophy
* Literature
* Materials Science and Engineering
* Mathematics
* Mechanical Engineering
* Media Arts and Sciences
* Music and Theater Arts
* Nuclear Science and Engineering
* Physics
* Political Science
* Science, Technology, and Society
* Sloan School of Management
* Special Programs
* Urban Studies and Planning
* Women's and Gender Studies
* Writing and Humanistic Studies
You can even take individual languages, Spanish, French, Chinese, others
MIT OpenCourseWare has formally partnered with four organizations that are translating OCW course materials into Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Thai.
120 New Courses click on NEW COURSES on upper left side to see the new offerings
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Influential 88 Group sends open letter to Burmese military regime
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=15449
Comment left on Irrawaddy site:
88 Students' Group is the voice of reason.
How could the junta expect sanctions to be lifted first, and how could Daw Suu be responsible for sanctions?
It's spdc's own actions that brought about sanctions.
It has to show it is humane by stopping all abuses and doing what 88 Group suggests.
Otherwise all we will have are a sham referendum, a sham constitution, sham elections in 2010 and a sham "democracy."
kmk
Comment left on Irrawaddy site:
88 Students' Group is the voice of reason.
How could the junta expect sanctions to be lifted first, and how could Daw Suu be responsible for sanctions?
It's spdc's own actions that brought about sanctions.
It has to show it is humane by stopping all abuses and doing what 88 Group suggests.
Otherwise all we will have are a sham referendum, a sham constitution, sham elections in 2010 and a sham "democracy."
kmk
Monday, April 06, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Kyi May Kaung's portraits on display at American University Library.
Min Gun, Ma Thitsar and Lady Vanda -- oil on canvas -- portraits Copyright Kyi May Kaung
Photos -- copyright V.L.
Comment left on Irrawaddy site about removing Burma sanctions
Congressmen warn Presdt. Obama's administration not to lift sanctions --
The Congressmen are right.
The junta has done nothing positive and has increased in both income (from gas sales) and brutality.
The Obama administration can talk to spdc if it wants, but sanctions should not be lifted first.
Very soon, by 2010, the date of the "elections" that spdc is determined to push through, it will be evident enough that talking will have failed.
Sr. Gen. Than Shwe did not even see Mr Gambari, the UN envoy this time, when he saw Daw Suu, or Daw Suu saw him.
They could continue playing this game indefinitely -- the "constructive engagement people" are getting excited about nothing, as regards Burma.
They are thinking they can influence the Obama administration because they think it's a new administration, ideologically always in favor of "talking."
The Congressmen are right.
The junta has done nothing positive and has increased in both income (from gas sales) and brutality.
The Obama administration can talk to spdc if it wants, but sanctions should not be lifted first.
Very soon, by 2010, the date of the "elections" that spdc is determined to push through, it will be evident enough that talking will have failed.
Sr. Gen. Than Shwe did not even see Mr Gambari, the UN envoy this time, when he saw Daw Suu, or Daw Suu saw him.
They could continue playing this game indefinitely -- the "constructive engagement people" are getting excited about nothing, as regards Burma.
They are thinking they can influence the Obama administration because they think it's a new administration, ideologically always in favor of "talking."
Friday, April 03, 2009
Kyi May Kaung -- Oct 08 paper at Burma Studies -- "Weakness of Traditional Area Studies Approach and Burma"
WEAKNESS IN THE TRADITIONAL AREA STUDIES APPROACH AND BURMA.
KYI MAY KAUNG
Burma Studies has been traditionally organized as a subject discipline as Area Studies. In this approach what happens within the national boundaries of a country (only) is implicitly treated as relevant to the study of the problems of that country. At least two decades to four decades of Burma Studies has shown that these parameters are too limited. It has resulted in scholars not talking or collaborating with each other as much as they should, and not paying enough attention to systemic and regional matters, not to mention the international setting in which Burma needs to operate and Burma studies needs to operate.
For instance academic articles and journalistic ones are event driven and have time only to speak about the most micro-economic of matters, whereas it is macro economics that we need to understand. The historians, some of whom hark back to an ultra-nationalistic model, have also failed us, as they are unable to handle the problems of the moment and apparently see nothing wrong with the SPDC's paradigm. Most of the Burma scholarship is focused on subject matter which is limited to Burma only without enough cross-system, cross-national, intra and inter-regional and international analysis. That this approach has failed is widely evident from how the junta has taken advantage of the misguided approach of Friends of Burma and the international community to "depoliticize" Burma strategy during Cyclone Nargis. As a result the aid has disappeared into the junta's pockets, Ban ki-Moon's visit did not succeed, nor did that of Mr. Gambari during the Saffron Revolution last year, nor have any of the UN Rapporteurs since 1988. At the same time Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is still under house arrest, NLD leadership and members and other dissidents have been under arrest or under severe oppression, and the junta is continuing with "business as usual" - in fact even has windfall profits from natural gas etc.
My 1994 dissertation and my article in Asian Survey that summarized this, mentioned that we need to look at systems which were then similar to Burma's such as the then Soviet Union and the PRC and economic and hopefully political reforms there. We also need to look at China and India now and their preferred position as economically strong neighbors of Burma, and China and India; the United States and the western world and China and India as strongly emerging powers in this world as we knew it. The dissident community is now highly conscious of this, but the academic is not.
I would like to propose that the Burma academic community reach out to other approaches, including the dissident community, and the artistic and writerly ones, which are now at the forefront. This would result in much more cogent advice, and much less waste of economic and human resources in the international responses to ongoing and recurrent major crises in Burma. That the crises will continue and also continue to escalate is beyond doubt.
KYI MAY KAUNG
Burma Studies has been traditionally organized as a subject discipline as Area Studies. In this approach what happens within the national boundaries of a country (only) is implicitly treated as relevant to the study of the problems of that country. At least two decades to four decades of Burma Studies has shown that these parameters are too limited. It has resulted in scholars not talking or collaborating with each other as much as they should, and not paying enough attention to systemic and regional matters, not to mention the international setting in which Burma needs to operate and Burma studies needs to operate.
For instance academic articles and journalistic ones are event driven and have time only to speak about the most micro-economic of matters, whereas it is macro economics that we need to understand. The historians, some of whom hark back to an ultra-nationalistic model, have also failed us, as they are unable to handle the problems of the moment and apparently see nothing wrong with the SPDC's paradigm. Most of the Burma scholarship is focused on subject matter which is limited to Burma only without enough cross-system, cross-national, intra and inter-regional and international analysis. That this approach has failed is widely evident from how the junta has taken advantage of the misguided approach of Friends of Burma and the international community to "depoliticize" Burma strategy during Cyclone Nargis. As a result the aid has disappeared into the junta's pockets, Ban ki-Moon's visit did not succeed, nor did that of Mr. Gambari during the Saffron Revolution last year, nor have any of the UN Rapporteurs since 1988. At the same time Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is still under house arrest, NLD leadership and members and other dissidents have been under arrest or under severe oppression, and the junta is continuing with "business as usual" - in fact even has windfall profits from natural gas etc.
My 1994 dissertation and my article in Asian Survey that summarized this, mentioned that we need to look at systems which were then similar to Burma's such as the then Soviet Union and the PRC and economic and hopefully political reforms there. We also need to look at China and India now and their preferred position as economically strong neighbors of Burma, and China and India; the United States and the western world and China and India as strongly emerging powers in this world as we knew it. The dissident community is now highly conscious of this, but the academic is not.
I would like to propose that the Burma academic community reach out to other approaches, including the dissident community, and the artistic and writerly ones, which are now at the forefront. This would result in much more cogent advice, and much less waste of economic and human resources in the international responses to ongoing and recurrent major crises in Burma. That the crises will continue and also continue to escalate is beyond doubt.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Burma and World --
1. World financial and banking/money systems need reform -- obviously.
2. Burma itself needs stabilization and structural change, which encompasses Economic Reforms of all sorts and Political Reform, within the country itself.
3. Problem with "constructive engagement" is it "talks to" "trades with" SPDC as it is, without asking for any Reforms.
I think few people have this clear in their heads.
Copyright Kyi May Kaung
2. Burma itself needs stabilization and structural change, which encompasses Economic Reforms of all sorts and Political Reform, within the country itself.
3. Problem with "constructive engagement" is it "talks to" "trades with" SPDC as it is, without asking for any Reforms.
I think few people have this clear in their heads.
Copyright Kyi May Kaung
Chinese yaun becoming international currency -- at least for China trade --
Chinese New Year cake on imported Chinese plate -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awowbC9RbZiQ&refer=home
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Boston Globe article by Senator Greg Judd --Stand firm on Burma.
"Listen to one who will be heard least -- Aung San Suu Kyi" and the Burmese Democrats.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/04/01/standing_firm_on_burma/
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/04/01/standing_firm_on_burma/
AIDS -- Dying and Alone in Myanmar -- by Seth Mydans in New York Times --
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/world/asia/01iht-myanmar.html?_r=1&hp
!!!
use condoms every time and from beginning to end.
don't have casual sex or while drunk or on drugs. don't share needles.
monks contracted AIDS from infected shaving thindone dah --
!!!
use condoms every time and from beginning to end.
don't have casual sex or while drunk or on drugs. don't share needles.
monks contracted AIDS from infected shaving thindone dah --
Comment I left on Irrawaddy site about old sanctions "debate" and Burma --
Indonesian stick puppet playing with a Burmese chinlon cane ball. Chinlon is a game played in a circle, all about keeping ball in the air. There are no winners nor losers, all about not allowing ball to fall and skill in catching it in joints; elbows, between neck and head etc. Text and photo copyright Kyi May Kaung.
*
As I pointed out when I debated Derek Tonkin on sanctions on BBC Hardtalk during the Saffron Revolution in September 2007,
policy is not binary -- On-off like a switch --
It is a continuum like a line. From middle school math we know there are an infinite number of points on a line,
between sanctions (themselves all different sorts) and "constructive engagement" also on different levels. In between are many different "policy mixes" like different products a factory produces.
That's why people get stuck -- because they think policy is only one thing X or the other Y.
Think of Nixon and China and the start from ping-pong diplomacy and how much China has changed now, especially economically, to the point where China now holds bulk of US Treasury Bills and it's "Chimerica" in an economics sense.
I'm tired of this "remove the Burmese sanctions debate."
They won't get removed soon if junta continues this way.
No matter Daw Suu and NLD extend their hands always. They can't shake hands with empty air, or worse, with a bayonet.
Copyright -- Kyi May Kaung (Ph.D.)
Kyi May Kaung's comments on "Burmese Democracy Movement has no vision" in Irrawaddy --
http://www.irrawaddymedia.com/opinion_story.php?art_id=15229
Please scroll down for comments.
Basically, it's all "bull" to say the Democracy Movement "has no vision."
How else could thousands of people sustain themselves over a decades-long Struggle, under constant severe Repression, without a well thought out Vision and Plan??
It's amazing what passes for "thought" among junta apologists. It's they who have no cohesive argument because they try to make the corpse sweet smelling by puffing cheap perfume at it.
Reputable magazines should not publish that drivel except perhaps to spark debate.
There's too much "death by friendly fire" and "bending over backwards to be fair."
Please scroll down for comments.
Basically, it's all "bull" to say the Democracy Movement "has no vision."
How else could thousands of people sustain themselves over a decades-long Struggle, under constant severe Repression, without a well thought out Vision and Plan??
It's amazing what passes for "thought" among junta apologists. It's they who have no cohesive argument because they try to make the corpse sweet smelling by puffing cheap perfume at it.
Reputable magazines should not publish that drivel except perhaps to spark debate.
There's too much "death by friendly fire" and "bending over backwards to be fair."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Article by Kyi May Kaung -- "Out of Burma" originally in Foreign Policy in Focus -- about state of Burmese literature and literature about Burma --
Grand old man of Burmese letters -- Thakin Kodaw Hmaing -- photo copyright Kyi May Kaung
http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/4374
Monday, March 30, 2009
Kyi May Kaung's paintings "Burmese Mugs" (portraits) and poetry on display at American University, DC.
http://www.library.american.edu/
The Burma display in the Library lobby is sponsored by Student Campaign for Burma and American University.
The Burma display in the Library lobby is sponsored by Student Campaign for Burma and American University.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Lit rejections from really small mags. :)
http://literaryrejectionsondisplay.blogspot.com/2008/06/fu-you-slimy-lizards.html
I throw all the rejection slips in a pile at the foot of my bed and never look at them again.
For Burmese the feet are lower (lowest) from the head.
Can post on my blog when I get famous.
I throw all the rejection slips in a pile at the foot of my bed and never look at them again.
For Burmese the feet are lower (lowest) from the head.
Can post on my blog when I get famous.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Kyi May Kaung's short story 53 Red Roses published by The Northern Virginia Review
http://www.nvcc.edu/depts/nvreview/nvr-latest.htm
For a copy, order from this website.
David Baldacci gave the keynote speech.
For a copy, order from this website.
David Baldacci gave the keynote speech.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and All Political Prisoners --
Cartoon by Harn Lay of Irrawaddy.
Book of Harn Lay's Burma cartoons available from Irrawaddy Magazine site.
Book of Harn Lay's Burma cartoons available from Irrawaddy Magazine site.
International court condemns Burma junta for illegal and grotesque record on detention --
EMBARGOED FOR 0001 TUESDAY 24TH MARCH 2009
PRESS RELEASE
THE BURMA JUSTICE COMMITTEE
International court condemns Burma junta for its illegal and
ʺgrotesqueʺ record on detention
Today sees the publication of one of the most important international law judgments in recent years. In
a heavily argued case, decided last November but only now made public, the international legal system
has ruled in the clearest possible terms that the military regime in Burma has contravened every last
vestige of humanitarian law and falls to be condemned in the strongest possible way. Significantly, the
tribunal rejected every single one of the Burmese Government's arguments. The regime has been held
to be operating entirely outside of the law and its violations of minimum standards of international law
are described by the tribunal as "grotesque".
The judgment has come in a case brought on behalf of four prisoners in Burmese jails. Their "crime"
was to wear white clothes, to call for Buddhist prayers and to organise a letter-writing campaign to
inform the generals of the plight of the people. Their fate as a result has been extreme torture, a year of
detention without charge, lack of access to family and lawyers, eventual trial without representation
(their lawyers were imprisoned for contempt for trying to represent them) and now sentences of
hundreds of years of imprisonment for their supposed crimes. They are also representative of
thousands of other prisoners wrongfully and inhumanely detained by the Burmese junta.
Their names are Min Ko Naing, Ko Jimmy, Min Zayar and Pyone Cho.
The case of these four men was taken up by the Burma Justice Committee and was argued by two
English barristers (Sappho Dias and Adam Zellick instructed by Jared Genser of DLA Piper LLP (US))
before the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The Burmese Government
defended the proceedings, arguing that the detentions of the four were legal and fully in accordance
with Burmese law.
In an impressive judicial ruling, the jurists of the international tribunal founded under the auspices of
the UN Charter have declared the Burmese Government's position to be unarguable and improper as a
matter of international law. The detentions of all four Petitioners have been held to be arbitrary and in
contravention of a whole raft of provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Whilst the Burmese military has so far ignored the outcome and continues illegally to imprison all four
Petitioners contrary to international law and in contempt of the judgment of the tribunal, the ruling is
almost unprecedented in its force and signifies that the Burmese dictatorship's conduct cannot be
tolerated in international law any longer. Experts believe that International Criminal Court indictments
against the ruling Generals and global sanctions against the regime are many steps closer today in light
of the judgment handed down.
Sappho Dias, Chairman of the Burma Justice Committee, said:
“The BJC calls on Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, to press for the release of all political
prisoners in Burma. The international community has a responsibility to those being persecuted in
Burma, and we must act now to end the injustice that is being perpetrated against the Burmese people.”
Tim Dutton QC, immediate past Chairman of the Bar and a leading member of the BJC, said:
“The Burma Justice Committee is pleased that the UN Working Group has reached its conclusion in
this case. The Petitioners' case was overwhelming, although that did not stop the dictatorship from
attempting to defend their actions. But the Petitoners remain incarcerated. The junta lost the case and
the tribunal has ruled, but the ruling is being flouted. These four men must be released immediately.
"More generally, the judgment is yet further evidence against the brutal military dictatorship, which, as
part of its regime of repressing its citizens, illegally detains thousands of people, and subjects them to
degrading and inhumane punishment.
“We support the call for the release of these four men. We also call for the release of all those
unlawfully detained by this regime. The junta is guilty of wholesale breaches of human rights, and the
continued oppression of those working to bring democracy and the rule of law to Burma will not be
tolerated. Those who support the illegal activities of this regime must expect, whether they be generals
or gaolers, that they will be brought before courts and tribunals and held responsible."
- Ends –
Note for Editors
(A) The Burma Justice Committee was established by lawyers in order to provide advice and
assistance to those who are affected by the unlawful conduct of the Burmese Military
Dictatorship. It is chaired by Sappho Dias (a barrister) who is of Burmese origin and the Vice
Chair is Adam Zellick, also a barrister who has acted in a number of international human rights
cases, and is the author of a book on habeas corpus. Amongst its members are barristers and
solicitors with expertise in (amongst others) War Crimes, Human Rights, International Law,
International Trade and Sanctions, Criminal Law. It counts amongst its members and
supporters the current and immediate past Chairmen of the Bar Council and many other
distinguished lawyers and jurists.
(B) Burma : The Petitioners in Brief.
NB These notes on the Petitioners lives were included in the materials for the case put before the
UN Group on Arbitray Detention, and were released in November 2007 when the Petitions were
lodged. They record information known to the Burma Justice Committee as at that date.
1. Htay Win Aung (alias Pyone Cho).
The alias Pyone Cho in Burmese means Sweet Smile. He was a Joint General Secretary of the
Rangoon Division Students Union in the period 1988 to 1989. He was first arrested following
the post 1988 crackdown in July 1989 alongside Tint Sann. The Military Junta accused them of
anti-government activities although Htay Win Aung was not brought to face trial until 1991 (2
years after arrest). The so-called trial was before a military tribunal which did not permit Htay
Win Aung to be legally represented. Nor were his relatives allowed to attend the trial. A
sentence of 7 years imprisoment was imposed on him. This 7 year sentence was extended to 14
years as Htay Win Aung sent to the UN a statement about the conditions existing in the
notorious Myingyan Prioson. He was released for the first time in 2005. On release he was
suffering from malnutrition as well as cataracts, which made him blind. He was re-arrested for a
second time on 30th September 2006 being released (for the second time) on 11th January 2007.
Following the recent protests by the monks against the Military Junta, Htay Win Aung was rearrested
on 22nd August 2007.
2. Kyaw Min Yu (alias Ko Jimmy).
Kyaw Min Yu was a student in his third year studying Physics at Rangoon University when he
was first arrested in 1989. He was tried and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. This sentence
was increased by a further 12 years when he contacted the UN Human Rights Commission. Ge
was released in 2005. He is married and his wife is currently in hiding from the Military Junta.
Nilar Thein AND Kyaw Min Yu have a daughter, now aged 4 months, who is now living
without her father or her mother. Kyaw Min Yu was re-arrested following the prodemocracy
protest by the monks on 22nd August 2007. There have been repeated rumours of his death in
Burma but U Myint Tein, a spokesperson for the National League for Democracy believes
these are false rumours generated by the Military Junta to flush his wife out of hiding.
3. Min Ko Naing. (Formal name: Paw Oo Tun).
Min Ko Naing is an alias meaning the Conqueror of Kings in Burmese. Min Ko Naing is one of
the prominent figureheads in the struggle for democracy. In 1988, he was the Chairperson of
the All Burma Federation of Student Unions. He was in his third year at Rangoon Arts and
Science University reading Zoology. Min Ko Naing is regarded as the most charismatic of the
student leaders to have emerged from the 88 Generation. He is described as kind, generous,
flexible and broad-minded. It is also said of him that he has a sense of humour which has
sustained him through the long years of solitary imprisonment. He was first arrested on 23rd
March 1989 and subsequently sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. During his first spell in
prison, Min Ko Naing was visited by the then-US Congressman Bill Richardson who offered
him freedom on the basis of an agreement to be deported to the United States. Min Ko Naing
refused this offer. He was subsequently released for the first time on 19th November 2004.
However, on 27th September 2006, he was arrested a second time and was not released until 11th
January 2007. Although his name his not well known outside Burma, his is a name which has
charismatic power in Burma. He was arrested after the recent prodemocracy protests by the
monks on 22nd August 2007. He is the recipient of human rights awards from Canada, the
Czech Republic, Norway, Italy and United States.
4. Min Zayar. (Formal Name: Aung Myin, Aung Par).
Min Zayar is an alias meaning the Teacher of Kings in Burmese. Min Zayar at 49, in the oldest
of the detainees. In 1988, he was in his fifth year at Rangoon University reading Law and was a
Committee member of the now banned All Burma Students Union. Throughout 1988, he was
repeatedly arrested and held in prison for short spells. There were 3 such arrests in 1988. On
25th August 1989, he was arrested for a fourth time and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment. He
was released in October 1995 but since that date has been repeatedly re-arrested and
imprisoned for varying lengths of time. He was last released on 11th January 2007. However,
following the recent pro-democracy protests he was rearrested on 21st August 2007.
There are fears that all of the detainees are being tortured and mistreated.
For more information, or a copy of Opinion No. 46/2008, please call Camilla Barker on 0207 067 0330
PRESS RELEASE
THE BURMA JUSTICE COMMITTEE
International court condemns Burma junta for its illegal and
ʺgrotesqueʺ record on detention
Today sees the publication of one of the most important international law judgments in recent years. In
a heavily argued case, decided last November but only now made public, the international legal system
has ruled in the clearest possible terms that the military regime in Burma has contravened every last
vestige of humanitarian law and falls to be condemned in the strongest possible way. Significantly, the
tribunal rejected every single one of the Burmese Government's arguments. The regime has been held
to be operating entirely outside of the law and its violations of minimum standards of international law
are described by the tribunal as "grotesque".
The judgment has come in a case brought on behalf of four prisoners in Burmese jails. Their "crime"
was to wear white clothes, to call for Buddhist prayers and to organise a letter-writing campaign to
inform the generals of the plight of the people. Their fate as a result has been extreme torture, a year of
detention without charge, lack of access to family and lawyers, eventual trial without representation
(their lawyers were imprisoned for contempt for trying to represent them) and now sentences of
hundreds of years of imprisonment for their supposed crimes. They are also representative of
thousands of other prisoners wrongfully and inhumanely detained by the Burmese junta.
Their names are Min Ko Naing, Ko Jimmy, Min Zayar and Pyone Cho.
The case of these four men was taken up by the Burma Justice Committee and was argued by two
English barristers (Sappho Dias and Adam Zellick instructed by Jared Genser of DLA Piper LLP (US))
before the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The Burmese Government
defended the proceedings, arguing that the detentions of the four were legal and fully in accordance
with Burmese law.
In an impressive judicial ruling, the jurists of the international tribunal founded under the auspices of
the UN Charter have declared the Burmese Government's position to be unarguable and improper as a
matter of international law. The detentions of all four Petitioners have been held to be arbitrary and in
contravention of a whole raft of provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Whilst the Burmese military has so far ignored the outcome and continues illegally to imprison all four
Petitioners contrary to international law and in contempt of the judgment of the tribunal, the ruling is
almost unprecedented in its force and signifies that the Burmese dictatorship's conduct cannot be
tolerated in international law any longer. Experts believe that International Criminal Court indictments
against the ruling Generals and global sanctions against the regime are many steps closer today in light
of the judgment handed down.
Sappho Dias, Chairman of the Burma Justice Committee, said:
“The BJC calls on Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, to press for the release of all political
prisoners in Burma. The international community has a responsibility to those being persecuted in
Burma, and we must act now to end the injustice that is being perpetrated against the Burmese people.”
Tim Dutton QC, immediate past Chairman of the Bar and a leading member of the BJC, said:
“The Burma Justice Committee is pleased that the UN Working Group has reached its conclusion in
this case. The Petitioners' case was overwhelming, although that did not stop the dictatorship from
attempting to defend their actions. But the Petitoners remain incarcerated. The junta lost the case and
the tribunal has ruled, but the ruling is being flouted. These four men must be released immediately.
"More generally, the judgment is yet further evidence against the brutal military dictatorship, which, as
part of its regime of repressing its citizens, illegally detains thousands of people, and subjects them to
degrading and inhumane punishment.
“We support the call for the release of these four men. We also call for the release of all those
unlawfully detained by this regime. The junta is guilty of wholesale breaches of human rights, and the
continued oppression of those working to bring democracy and the rule of law to Burma will not be
tolerated. Those who support the illegal activities of this regime must expect, whether they be generals
or gaolers, that they will be brought before courts and tribunals and held responsible."
- Ends –
Note for Editors
(A) The Burma Justice Committee was established by lawyers in order to provide advice and
assistance to those who are affected by the unlawful conduct of the Burmese Military
Dictatorship. It is chaired by Sappho Dias (a barrister) who is of Burmese origin and the Vice
Chair is Adam Zellick, also a barrister who has acted in a number of international human rights
cases, and is the author of a book on habeas corpus. Amongst its members are barristers and
solicitors with expertise in (amongst others) War Crimes, Human Rights, International Law,
International Trade and Sanctions, Criminal Law. It counts amongst its members and
supporters the current and immediate past Chairmen of the Bar Council and many other
distinguished lawyers and jurists.
(B) Burma : The Petitioners in Brief.
NB These notes on the Petitioners lives were included in the materials for the case put before the
UN Group on Arbitray Detention, and were released in November 2007 when the Petitions were
lodged. They record information known to the Burma Justice Committee as at that date.
1. Htay Win Aung (alias Pyone Cho).
The alias Pyone Cho in Burmese means Sweet Smile. He was a Joint General Secretary of the
Rangoon Division Students Union in the period 1988 to 1989. He was first arrested following
the post 1988 crackdown in July 1989 alongside Tint Sann. The Military Junta accused them of
anti-government activities although Htay Win Aung was not brought to face trial until 1991 (2
years after arrest). The so-called trial was before a military tribunal which did not permit Htay
Win Aung to be legally represented. Nor were his relatives allowed to attend the trial. A
sentence of 7 years imprisoment was imposed on him. This 7 year sentence was extended to 14
years as Htay Win Aung sent to the UN a statement about the conditions existing in the
notorious Myingyan Prioson. He was released for the first time in 2005. On release he was
suffering from malnutrition as well as cataracts, which made him blind. He was re-arrested for a
second time on 30th September 2006 being released (for the second time) on 11th January 2007.
Following the recent protests by the monks against the Military Junta, Htay Win Aung was rearrested
on 22nd August 2007.
2. Kyaw Min Yu (alias Ko Jimmy).
Kyaw Min Yu was a student in his third year studying Physics at Rangoon University when he
was first arrested in 1989. He was tried and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. This sentence
was increased by a further 12 years when he contacted the UN Human Rights Commission. Ge
was released in 2005. He is married and his wife is currently in hiding from the Military Junta.
Nilar Thein AND Kyaw Min Yu have a daughter, now aged 4 months, who is now living
without her father or her mother. Kyaw Min Yu was re-arrested following the prodemocracy
protest by the monks on 22nd August 2007. There have been repeated rumours of his death in
Burma but U Myint Tein, a spokesperson for the National League for Democracy believes
these are false rumours generated by the Military Junta to flush his wife out of hiding.
3. Min Ko Naing. (Formal name: Paw Oo Tun).
Min Ko Naing is an alias meaning the Conqueror of Kings in Burmese. Min Ko Naing is one of
the prominent figureheads in the struggle for democracy. In 1988, he was the Chairperson of
the All Burma Federation of Student Unions. He was in his third year at Rangoon Arts and
Science University reading Zoology. Min Ko Naing is regarded as the most charismatic of the
student leaders to have emerged from the 88 Generation. He is described as kind, generous,
flexible and broad-minded. It is also said of him that he has a sense of humour which has
sustained him through the long years of solitary imprisonment. He was first arrested on 23rd
March 1989 and subsequently sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. During his first spell in
prison, Min Ko Naing was visited by the then-US Congressman Bill Richardson who offered
him freedom on the basis of an agreement to be deported to the United States. Min Ko Naing
refused this offer. He was subsequently released for the first time on 19th November 2004.
However, on 27th September 2006, he was arrested a second time and was not released until 11th
January 2007. Although his name his not well known outside Burma, his is a name which has
charismatic power in Burma. He was arrested after the recent prodemocracy protests by the
monks on 22nd August 2007. He is the recipient of human rights awards from Canada, the
Czech Republic, Norway, Italy and United States.
4. Min Zayar. (Formal Name: Aung Myin, Aung Par).
Min Zayar is an alias meaning the Teacher of Kings in Burmese. Min Zayar at 49, in the oldest
of the detainees. In 1988, he was in his fifth year at Rangoon University reading Law and was a
Committee member of the now banned All Burma Students Union. Throughout 1988, he was
repeatedly arrested and held in prison for short spells. There were 3 such arrests in 1988. On
25th August 1989, he was arrested for a fourth time and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment. He
was released in October 1995 but since that date has been repeatedly re-arrested and
imprisoned for varying lengths of time. He was last released on 11th January 2007. However,
following the recent pro-democracy protests he was rearrested on 21st August 2007.
There are fears that all of the detainees are being tortured and mistreated.
For more information, or a copy of Opinion No. 46/2008, please call Camilla Barker on 0207 067 0330
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Kyi May Kaung reads her poem "Poetic Justice" -- Video "Tongues Don't Have Bones" by Lisa DiLillo --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0lBFVcguKE
It's amazing that this poem still has so much power a decade and a half after I wrote it.
I wish it were otherwise. But the junta's ratcheted up oppression makes the poem still true.
Contrary to what one reviewer in The Village Voice wrote, my poetry was not illustrating Lisa's video but the other way around.
Lisa told me the "big puppet" dancers were in fact performing in Virginia, but the curtain falling just was so metaphorical.
She has fitted the cadences of the poem with the dancer's movements superbly.
The rest were "tourist shots."
Thank you Lisa for a beautiful work of art and a lovely showcase for my poetry.
For copies, contact Lisa DiLillo at her website.
For copies of my poetry chapbooks, leave a message and your real name and email address (it won't be published) on this blog site.
I also welcome poetry and portrait commissions.
Kyi May Kaung
It's amazing that this poem still has so much power a decade and a half after I wrote it.
I wish it were otherwise. But the junta's ratcheted up oppression makes the poem still true.
Contrary to what one reviewer in The Village Voice wrote, my poetry was not illustrating Lisa's video but the other way around.
Lisa told me the "big puppet" dancers were in fact performing in Virginia, but the curtain falling just was so metaphorical.
She has fitted the cadences of the poem with the dancer's movements superbly.
The rest were "tourist shots."
Thank you Lisa for a beautiful work of art and a lovely showcase for my poetry.
For copies, contact Lisa DiLillo at her website.
For copies of my poetry chapbooks, leave a message and your real name and email address (it won't be published) on this blog site.
I also welcome poetry and portrait commissions.
Kyi May Kaung
Funeral photos -- Zarganar's mother passes away while the famous comedian, jailed for helping Cyclone Nargis victims, languishes in remote prison.
http://burmadigest.info/2009/03/22/obituary-photos-funeral-of-pro-democracy-comedian-zarganars-mother/
The basket of red and yellow roses tied with a black ribbon is from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The sign around the neck of the man in the white shirt reads --
"We are as devastated and saddened as much as the bereaved family.
Aung San Suu Kyi."
The basket of red and yellow roses tied with a black ribbon is from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The sign around the neck of the man in the white shirt reads --
"We are as devastated and saddened as much as the bereaved family.
Aung San Suu Kyi."
Burma-Bangladesh border fence will not "save the Rohingyas."
From email list serv -- Internet.
To,
All Human Right activists
Around the world.
With the fencing of the border of Area of Burma with Bangladesh, the Arakan State will become a terrible concentration camp for the Rohingyas. The Rohingyas will die more in this big Jail as there will not able to go out easily even after bribing the Na Sa Ka. Moreover the Na SA Ka, the boarder Security Force of SPDC will get more access to make funds through various checkposts. The SPDC soldiers will organize more forced laborers on the backs of Rohingyas and Rakhaines in confronting with the insurgents of Rohingyas and Rakhiens. The Military Commanders will accumulate more funds from the resources of Arakan State that are smuggled to Bangladesh. Human right activists from all over the world, those willing to visit Arakan will be denied their easy entry. The relations between Burma and Bangladesh will further deterioriate on the issues of unsolved maritime and land boundaries and Bangladesh will not materialise the already agreed an establishing Arakan Road from the Cox's Bazar District of Bangladesh to Maungdaw Township of Arakan state.
But the Arakan State will be more focus(ed)in the eyes of the International Community. In this case the already Stationed UN agencies like UNHCR and UNDP shall be more active to safeguard the oppressed Rohingyas of Arakan.
With best wishes,
Dr.- XXX (name withheld)
--- On Sat, 3/21/09, Rohingya Concern International wrote:
Border fence is not a solution to Save the Rohingyas!
What a foolish idea it is to fence the Burma-Bangladesh border by the SPDC military junta to Save the Rohingyas!
They disregarded even the neighboring brotherly Bangladesh (Burmese Junta uses this phrase all the time in the media) when decided to fence the border!
They think by doing so they can silence the world showing that they care about the suffering Rohingyas not to flee from Arakan which caused the neighboring countries a headache.
This means that the Rohingyas must die at the hands of Burmese Nasaka and military forces without enjoying a way-out to escape the persecutions of the brutal Burmese security forces in Arakan.
The solution is not fencing the border but restoring the Rohingyas citizenship rights and show respect of human rights letting the Rohingyas live as human beings with dignity and honor. The border fence will not deter the Rohingyas whereas seeking life security will compell them to find alternative ways.
The more the SPDC invents new ways to further tighten their grips on Rohingyas to suffocate them the more the situation will be worsened and the world public opinion and the attitudes of ASEAN will go against the Burmese military junta.
So, it is the responsibility of the neighboring countries, ASEAN and UN to seek a durable solution for the suffering Rohingya people in Burma instead of a temporary solution of halting the Rohingyas who are risking their lives through Ocean to find a safe place of shelter..
Recently the exterminating campaign has been accelerated by killing the innocent Rohingyas on fabricated and false accusations.
by Nasaka as reported by the Kaladan Press network
We express our grave concern on the worsening situation of Rohingyas in Arakan and urge the international NGOs and all Govt.s to exert pressure on the SPDC Government to cease all inhuman activities against innocent Rohingya civilians in northern Arakan State.
We also urge the United Nations to send a fact-finding mission to Arakan so as
to bring the real facts happening in Arakan as the SPDC military junta is distorting the reality of the Rohingyas condition compelling them to confes Bengali ethnicity instead of Rohingya identity and ethnicity.
Mohiuddin (aka) Maung Sein
President
Tel:1-646-625- 9407
Rohingya Concern International (RCI)
New York, USA
To,
All Human Right activists
Around the world.
With the fencing of the border of Area of Burma with Bangladesh, the Arakan State will become a terrible concentration camp for the Rohingyas. The Rohingyas will die more in this big Jail as there will not able to go out easily even after bribing the Na Sa Ka. Moreover the Na SA Ka, the boarder Security Force of SPDC will get more access to make funds through various checkposts. The SPDC soldiers will organize more forced laborers on the backs of Rohingyas and Rakhaines in confronting with the insurgents of Rohingyas and Rakhiens. The Military Commanders will accumulate more funds from the resources of Arakan State that are smuggled to Bangladesh. Human right activists from all over the world, those willing to visit Arakan will be denied their easy entry. The relations between Burma and Bangladesh will further deterioriate on the issues of unsolved maritime and land boundaries and Bangladesh will not materialise the already agreed an establishing Arakan Road from the Cox's Bazar District of Bangladesh to Maungdaw Township of Arakan state.
But the Arakan State will be more focus(ed)in the eyes of the International Community. In this case the already Stationed UN agencies like UNHCR and UNDP shall be more active to safeguard the oppressed Rohingyas of Arakan.
With best wishes,
Dr.- XXX (name withheld)
--- On Sat, 3/21/09, Rohingya Concern International
Border fence is not a solution to Save the Rohingyas!
What a foolish idea it is to fence the Burma-Bangladesh border by the SPDC military junta to Save the Rohingyas!
They disregarded even the neighboring brotherly Bangladesh (Burmese Junta uses this phrase all the time in the media) when decided to fence the border!
They think by doing so they can silence the world showing that they care about the suffering Rohingyas not to flee from Arakan which caused the neighboring countries a headache.
This means that the Rohingyas must die at the hands of Burmese Nasaka and military forces without enjoying a way-out to escape the persecutions of the brutal Burmese security forces in Arakan.
The solution is not fencing the border but restoring the Rohingyas citizenship rights and show respect of human rights letting the Rohingyas live as human beings with dignity and honor. The border fence will not deter the Rohingyas whereas seeking life security will compell them to find alternative ways.
The more the SPDC invents new ways to further tighten their grips on Rohingyas to suffocate them the more the situation will be worsened and the world public opinion and the attitudes of ASEAN will go against the Burmese military junta.
So, it is the responsibility of the neighboring countries, ASEAN and UN to seek a durable solution for the suffering Rohingya people in Burma instead of a temporary solution of halting the Rohingyas who are risking their lives through Ocean to find a safe place of shelter..
Recently the exterminating campaign has been accelerated by killing the innocent Rohingyas on fabricated and false accusations.
by Nasaka as reported by the Kaladan Press network
We express our grave concern on the worsening situation of Rohingyas in Arakan and urge the international NGOs and all Govt.s to exert pressure on the SPDC Government to cease all inhuman activities against innocent Rohingya civilians in northern Arakan State.
We also urge the United Nations to send a fact-finding mission to Arakan so as
to bring the real facts happening in Arakan as the SPDC military junta is distorting the reality of the Rohingyas condition compelling them to confes Bengali ethnicity instead of Rohingya identity and ethnicity.
Mohiuddin (aka) Maung Sein
President
Tel:1-646-625- 9407
Rohingya Concern International (RCI)
New York, USA
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Back from the days when money had value -- my father's signature on kyat 10 note -- c. 1950.
.jpg)
Photo copyright MTK
Banknote is modestly signed "Maung Kaung" -- i.e. "Younger Brother Kaung" in contrast to "U Kaung" or "Mr. Kaung"
My father was named after the famous Kinwun Mingyi U Kaung, who led the first Burmese embassy to the West.
My father was not an economist. His focus was on education, and in London where he was posted, he was more interested in mentoring the Burmese students there at the time, including economist Dr. Hla Myint, one of the pioneers of Development Economics and the late Dr. Hla Pe, Burmese linguist.
However, I think it was Bogyoke Aung San who sent my father to England to be attached to Delarue (sp?) the company that then printed Burmese banknotes.
10 kyats was quite a sum those days. Even in 1956-1959,the payment for the first article I ever wrote was K 40 and so was my monthly stipend from the University, with which I could clothe myself in Burmese handwoven longyis.
Times have changed.
To learn more about Burma's money and banking, and currency boards, watch out for Sean Turnell's upcoming book on money and banking in Burma, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Press.
And here is a comment from Sean:
"Of interest to historians of economic thought is that the other signature is
that of Sir Richard Hopkins - an interlocutor of Keynes in the 1930s and then in
the British Treasury."
And here is the Wikipedia entry for Sir Richard Hopkins
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Hopkins_(civil_servant)
Text copyright Kyi May Kaung
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Additional comment by Nora Rowley MD on Yeni's article on Burmese sanctions in Irrawaddy Magazine --
"...They must agree that the suffering of the Burmese people has been almost exclusively caused by decades of economic mismanagement and lack of vision..."
I am bothered by this inaccurate assessment which is often repeated in international articles. Perhaps it is for diplomacy. Economic mismanagement can be spun in many ways. But, lack of vision? Articles conveying information should not mislead, by accident or otherwise. The military rulers of Myanmar hold all the wealth and thus power in Burma and in the region. This has not been an accident.
Pre-independence Burma was the richest British Colony and held one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Since 1962, the ruling military has set limitations on the general public's economic freedom. In the 1960's the dictatorship broadcast their slogan of implementing their Road Map to Socialism. This ANIMAL FARM-like Pseudo-Socialism by claiming State ownership of land, businesses, education and, let's face it, the people (sic -- goverment?) took everything from the people and gave nothing back. This state of authoritarian oppression has induced regime dependence, subjugation and the devastating poverty seen today. Any group as seen as not belonging or a threat to regime power has been subjected to crushing brutal persecution that has transformed much of Burma's border areas into States of Fear, of regime violence and terrorism.
Thailand, China,India, Bangladesh and Malaysia are funding much resource extraction programs inside Burma. These international development projects (take) the homes and fertile land from the people of Burma while using the people for forced labor and to extract bribes to support the military. Land and waterways in the path of this development are devasted (divested) of their income and food generation capacities for local populations. The regime, in return, generates billions of US $ in income.
As the regime grows richer in wealth, arms, regional power, complicity with its neighbors and global big businesses and impunity, the people of Burma are dying of preventable and regime induced violence, starvation and disease.
This is not diplomatic, but it is the truth.
Nora E. Rowley MD
Member Physicians for Human Rights
Stop Burma's Crimes Against Humanity
Member US Campaign for Burma Board of Directors
I am bothered by this inaccurate assessment which is often repeated in international articles. Perhaps it is for diplomacy. Economic mismanagement can be spun in many ways. But, lack of vision? Articles conveying information should not mislead, by accident or otherwise. The military rulers of Myanmar hold all the wealth and thus power in Burma and in the region. This has not been an accident.
Pre-independence Burma was the richest British Colony and held one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Since 1962, the ruling military has set limitations on the general public's economic freedom. In the 1960's the dictatorship broadcast their slogan of implementing their Road Map to Socialism. This ANIMAL FARM-like Pseudo-Socialism by claiming State ownership of land, businesses, education and, let's face it, the people (sic -- goverment?) took everything from the people and gave nothing back. This state of authoritarian oppression has induced regime dependence, subjugation and the devastating poverty seen today. Any group as seen as not belonging or a threat to regime power has been subjected to crushing brutal persecution that has transformed much of Burma's border areas into States of Fear, of regime violence and terrorism.
Thailand, China,India, Bangladesh and Malaysia are funding much resource extraction programs inside Burma. These international development projects (take) the homes and fertile land from the people of Burma while using the people for forced labor and to extract bribes to support the military. Land and waterways in the path of this development are devasted (divested) of their income and food generation capacities for local populations. The regime, in return, generates billions of US $ in income.
As the regime grows richer in wealth, arms, regional power, complicity with its neighbors and global big businesses and impunity, the people of Burma are dying of preventable and regime induced violence, starvation and disease.
This is not diplomatic, but it is the truth.
Nora E. Rowley MD
Member Physicians for Human Rights
Stop Burma's Crimes Against Humanity
Member US Campaign for Burma Board of Directors
Comment on Yeni's article on Burmese sanctions -- left on Irrawaddy website --
I agree with Yeni, who seems to understand economics better than most journalists.
It is more than lack of development
"almost exclusively caused by decades of economic mismanagement and lack of vision" on part of SPDC.
Burma:
It has not grown economically because of a system of central planning and control that was first set up in 1962 by Gen. Ne Win, the grand daddy of them all, and then exacerbated by the factors Yeni describes, which started after the Slorc's so-called "open economy" after 1988.
What will happen if sanctions are suddenly lifted? As they did not have much effect anyway, trade may grow a little but it won't as much as if SYSTEM were changed -- in Chinese or Vietnamese way which involved Special Economic Zones and lifting of compulsory delivery quotas on rice etc. and long term leases for farm land to real farmers.
Give me a break, I am tired of people writing about economics when they know no economics.
Kyi May Kaung
It is more than lack of development
"almost exclusively caused by decades of economic mismanagement and lack of vision" on part of SPDC.
Burma:
It has not grown economically because of a system of central planning and control that was first set up in 1962 by Gen. Ne Win, the grand daddy of them all, and then exacerbated by the factors Yeni describes, which started after the Slorc's so-called "open economy" after 1988.
What will happen if sanctions are suddenly lifted? As they did not have much effect anyway, trade may grow a little but it won't as much as if SYSTEM were changed -- in Chinese or Vietnamese way which involved Special Economic Zones and lifting of compulsory delivery quotas on rice etc. and long term leases for farm land to real farmers.
Give me a break, I am tired of people writing about economics when they know no economics.
Kyi May Kaung
Quote of the Day --Russian Elections, from New York Times -
"If these elections are transparent and honest, which I give a 1 percent chance, it will be a great sign for the future of Russia."
BORIS Y. NEMTSOV, a candidate for mayor of Sochi, Russia.
Same goes for 2010 "elections" in Burma.
BORIS Y. NEMTSOV, a candidate for mayor of Sochi, Russia.
Same goes for 2010 "elections" in Burma.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
ASEAN (including Burma) and Obama Admin. Seminar
Kavi of The Nation (Bangkok) is a well-known commentator on Burma and the Muslim south of Thailand region. Indonesian Tempo founded by Goenawan Mohammad is known as the Indonesian Time Magazine. Go to find out how ASEAN has been favoring "Myanmar" over pro-democracy dissidents.
Google -- Sasakawa Peace Foundation to find out more about it, especially Bertil Lintner's critique.
----
Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA
Invites You to an Asian Voices Seminar:
ASEAN and the Obama Administration:
Views from the Region
with
Bambang Harymurti, Editor-in-Chief, Tempo (Indonesia)
Kavi Chongkittavorn, Executive Editor, The Nation (Thailand)
Yuli Ismartono, Executive Editor, Tempo
Moderator
David Steinberg, Distinguished Professor of Asian Studies
Georgetown University
Monday, March 30th, 2009
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(lunch will be served)
at
The Cosmos Club
Powell Room
2121 Massachusetts Ave. NW
(business attire required)
This event is supported in part by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan
Please RSVP with your name, organization, and e-mail to
seminar@spfusa.org, tel (202)296-6694 x102, or fax (202)296-6695
by Thursday, March 26, 2009.
Name:
Organization:
E-mail:
Fax:
[details TBA]
Google -- Sasakawa Peace Foundation to find out more about it, especially Bertil Lintner's critique.
----
Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA
Invites You to an Asian Voices Seminar:
ASEAN and the Obama Administration:
Views from the Region
with
Bambang Harymurti, Editor-in-Chief, Tempo (Indonesia)
Kavi Chongkittavorn, Executive Editor, The Nation (Thailand)
Yuli Ismartono, Executive Editor, Tempo
Moderator
David Steinberg, Distinguished Professor of Asian Studies
Georgetown University
Monday, March 30th, 2009
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(lunch will be served)
at
The Cosmos Club
Powell Room
2121 Massachusetts Ave. NW
(business attire required)
This event is supported in part by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan
Please RSVP with your name, organization, and e-mail to
seminar@spfusa.org, tel (202)296-6694 x102, or fax (202)296-6695
by Thursday, March 26, 2009.
Name:
Organization:
E-mail:
Fax:
[details TBA]
Friday, March 13, 2009
China worries about U.S. Treasuries --
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/business/worldbusiness/14china.html?th&emc=th
We have to think how Burma factors into this
We have to think how Burma factors into this
Thursday, March 12, 2009
ASEAN Failing on Human Rights --
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
By Nehginpao Kipgen
By removing trade barriers and integrating on matters of economy, politics and security, ASEAN looks forward to becoming a European Union-like community in 2015. If this comes to a reality, ASEAN will have a greater leverage in international politics.
In order for the bloc to become a vibrant and responsible body, it needs to protect the welfare of the ruled and not just the rulers. The association needs to review its policy on Burma. Will ASEAN leaders continue to say that it is not our business when neighbours' houses are on fire, women are raped, thousands of villages are destroyed and thousands of people are forced to flee across borders?
The association needs to start addressing human rights problems - the issue on which the body has consistently failed.
Full Story: http://www.phnompen hpost.com/ index.php/ National- news/ASEAN- failing-on- human-rights. html
By Nehginpao Kipgen
By removing trade barriers and integrating on matters of economy, politics and security, ASEAN looks forward to becoming a European Union-like community in 2015. If this comes to a reality, ASEAN will have a greater leverage in international politics.
In order for the bloc to become a vibrant and responsible body, it needs to protect the welfare of the ruled and not just the rulers. The association needs to review its policy on Burma. Will ASEAN leaders continue to say that it is not our business when neighbours' houses are on fire, women are raped, thousands of villages are destroyed and thousands of people are forced to flee across borders?
The association needs to start addressing human rights problems - the issue on which the body has consistently failed.
Full Story: http://www.phnompen hpost.com/ index.php/ National- news/ASEAN- failing-on- human-rights. html
China's trash recycling sector crashes -- Western nations' trash piles up
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/worldbusiness/12recycle.html?th&emc=th
I hate to say this, but Burma may be next big trash importer --
kmk
I hate to say this, but Burma may be next big trash importer --
kmk
However would SPDC have an "election" in 2010, when Wa etc. refuse census takers --
Editor's note -- As part of a ceasefire deal, they have the right to bear arms and are also unlikely to give that up,nor their dealings in drugs which are the main source of their income.
12-03/2009
11 March 2009
Politics
Wa continue to resist census taking
Latest reports from the Sino-Burma border say the United Wa State Army (UWSA) is still refusing entry to census takers coming from Kengtung, the capital of Shan State East.
A team of 27 government officials who arrived on the Wa border checkpoint Kho-Hsoong on 26 February were forced to return to Kengtung.
Col Than Tut Thein, G1 from Kengtung-based Triangle Region Command, was dispatched to Panghsang, the Wa headquarters last week. “He returned empty -handed on 6 March after spending two days in Panghsang,” said an officer from the Wa’s closest ally National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS), commonly known as the Mongla group by the name of its main base.
Meeting Col Sai Hsarm, Commander of the UWSA’s Mongpawk-based 468th Brigade on his way back, he had reportedly stressed on two points:
* To inform Kengtung as soon as Panghsang is ready to admit census officials
* Not be swayed by exile media “trying to bring the two sides on a head-on collision course”
Tension between the UWSA and the Burma Army has been high since the beginning of the year. According to the Wa’s own estimates, they are being besieged by at least 50 Burma Army infantry battalions.
Mongla, on the other hand, has permitted junta officials to conduct census in its domain, but refused to divulge the group’s own roster.
Local people meanwhile are skeptical about the process which is expected to last until the end of March. “They are taking back our white cards (temporary IDs issued before the May 2008 referendum) without issuing us a substitute in return,” said a villager.
A permanent ID is a pink card.
The ruling military generals are taking a nationwide census in preparation for the 2010 general elections. The New Mon State Party (NMSP) has also refused to provide information on its members and their families, reported Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) yesterday.
For further information, please contact S.H.A.N. at:
Shan Herald Agency for News
P.O. Box 15
Nonghoi P.O
Chiangmai 50007
Thailand
e-mail:
Ph: 66-81-5312837
Website:
www.shanland. org (English)
www.mongloi. org (Shan)
www.mongloi. org/burmese (Burmese)
S.H.A.N. is an independent Shan media group. It is not affiliated to any political or armed organization.
News related to Shan & Burma, including other interested news items are collected and posted from time to time for your information. Those interested are requested to write to "Shan Herald Agency for News" for subscription, and likewise, to unsubscribe.
12-03/2009
11 March 2009
Politics
Wa continue to resist census taking
Latest reports from the Sino-Burma border say the United Wa State Army (UWSA) is still refusing entry to census takers coming from Kengtung, the capital of Shan State East.
A team of 27 government officials who arrived on the Wa border checkpoint Kho-Hsoong on 26 February were forced to return to Kengtung.
Col Than Tut Thein, G1 from Kengtung-based Triangle Region Command, was dispatched to Panghsang, the Wa headquarters last week. “He returned empty -handed on 6 March after spending two days in Panghsang,” said an officer from the Wa’s closest ally National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS), commonly known as the Mongla group by the name of its main base.
Meeting Col Sai Hsarm, Commander of the UWSA’s Mongpawk-based 468th Brigade on his way back, he had reportedly stressed on two points:
* To inform Kengtung as soon as Panghsang is ready to admit census officials
* Not be swayed by exile media “trying to bring the two sides on a head-on collision course”
Tension between the UWSA and the Burma Army has been high since the beginning of the year. According to the Wa’s own estimates, they are being besieged by at least 50 Burma Army infantry battalions.
Mongla, on the other hand, has permitted junta officials to conduct census in its domain, but refused to divulge the group’s own roster.
Local people meanwhile are skeptical about the process which is expected to last until the end of March. “They are taking back our white cards (temporary IDs issued before the May 2008 referendum) without issuing us a substitute in return,” said a villager.
A permanent ID is a pink card.
The ruling military generals are taking a nationwide census in preparation for the 2010 general elections. The New Mon State Party (NMSP) has also refused to provide information on its members and their families, reported Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) yesterday.
For further information, please contact S.H.A.N. at:
Shan Herald Agency for News
P.O. Box 15
Nonghoi P.O
Chiangmai 50007
Thailand
e-mail:
Ph: 66-81-5312837
Website:
www.shanland. org (English)
www.mongloi. org (Shan)
www.mongloi. org/burmese (Burmese)
S.H.A.N. is an independent Shan media group. It is not affiliated to any political or armed organization.
News related to Shan & Burma, including other interested news items are collected and posted from time to time for your information. Those interested are requested to write to "Shan Herald Agency for News"
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Rohingya vs. "Bengali"
http://english.dvb.no/letstalk.php?id=12
Of course they are a Burmese ethnic group and if there were DNA tests you would find they have been here for centuries.
The Burman generals are inherently racist. One is not an economic migrant (from "Bengal" -- Bangladesh -- if one has been in Burma "less than a century" That was the 1975? definition used by the military junta using the Burmese annexation date of 1886.)
Here is an unedited comment from a dissident email list:
The Rohingyas are bonafide citizens of Burma.
The Military Coup detat of General Ne Win had changed their status as he is too much anti Muslims and anti Islam.this is the only point to remember by the justice loving world.
They will not be persecuted if they profess Buddhism. Ne Win had made wrong against these humanity being and now his family members are suffering under Than Shwe. Where is Khin Nyunt now, who terrorized the Rohingyas?
There are new Burmese settelements in Arakan as the Jews did in Occupied Palestine.
There are gross human right violations in Arakan.The absent of world electronic media,the world is silent on Arakan and Rohingyas. I will ask BBC,VOA,Al JAZIRA to visit inside Arakan to see physically .
from
ARAKAN,BURMA
Of course they are a Burmese ethnic group and if there were DNA tests you would find they have been here for centuries.
The Burman generals are inherently racist. One is not an economic migrant (from "Bengal" -- Bangladesh -- if one has been in Burma "less than a century" That was the 1975? definition used by the military junta using the Burmese annexation date of 1886.)
Here is an unedited comment from a dissident email list:
The Rohingyas are bonafide citizens of Burma.
The Military Coup detat of General Ne Win had changed their status as he is too much anti Muslims and anti Islam.this is the only point to remember by the justice loving world.
They will not be persecuted if they profess Buddhism. Ne Win had made wrong against these humanity being and now his family members are suffering under Than Shwe. Where is Khin Nyunt now, who terrorized the Rohingyas?
There are new Burmese settelements in Arakan as the Jews did in Occupied Palestine.
There are gross human right violations in Arakan.The absent of world electronic media,the world is silent on Arakan and Rohingyas. I will ask BBC,VOA,Al JAZIRA to visit inside Arakan to see physically .
from
ARAKAN,BURMA
Economic Intelligence Unit -- Burma Report 2009
"It looks better this way" cartoon by Harn Lay of The Irrawaddy.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13099511/March-2009-Main-Report
Monday, March 09, 2009
Aung Naing Oo recalls shooting small birds with a catapult in Burma.
Torn Banana Leaves in the United States in Winter -- copyright Kyi May Kaung.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=15248
Good one ANO, mainly because of its honesty.
Multiply this thousands of times for all of us that make up The Burmese Diaspora.
On my last visit to Thailand a few months ago, a young lady the age of a grandchild suddenly came up to me while all her classmates were singing and dancing and said,
"Don't worry Sayama, you will get to go home."
I thanked her the next day when it was quieter.
Frankly, now I don't care. I've asked my family to strew my ashes in the Atlantic.
There's a beach I am particularly fond of for its wildness.
Kyi May Kaung
A Prayer for the New Administration --
http://www.wikio.com/video/574690
Only version I could find -- other versions have been removed from U Tube due to copyright disputes.
Only version I could find -- other versions have been removed from U Tube due to copyright disputes.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Dear Mr. President by Pete Seeger --
from Wikipedia -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Seeger
Now, Mr. President, / We haven't always agreed in the past, I know, / But that ain't at all important now. / What is important is what we got to do, / We got to lick Mr. Hitler, and until we do, / Other things can wait.//
Now, as I think of our great land . . . / I know it ain't perfect, but it will be someday, / Just give us a little time. // This is the reason that I want to fight, / Not 'cause everything's perfect, or everything's right. / No, it's just the opposite: I'm fightin' because / I want a better America, and better laws, / And better homes, and jobs, and schools, / And no more Jim Crow, and no more rules like / "You can't ride on this train 'cause you're a Negro," / "You can't live here 'cause you're a Jew,"/ "You can't work here 'cause you're a union man."//
So, Mr. President, / We got this one big job to do / That's lick Mr. Hitler and when we're through, / Let no one else ever take his place / To trample down the human race. / So what I want is you to give me a gun / So we can hurry up and get the job done.
Now, Mr. President, / We haven't always agreed in the past, I know, / But that ain't at all important now. / What is important is what we got to do, / We got to lick Mr. Hitler, and until we do, / Other things can wait.//
Now, as I think of our great land . . . / I know it ain't perfect, but it will be someday, / Just give us a little time. // This is the reason that I want to fight, / Not 'cause everything's perfect, or everything's right. / No, it's just the opposite: I'm fightin' because / I want a better America, and better laws, / And better homes, and jobs, and schools, / And no more Jim Crow, and no more rules like / "You can't ride on this train 'cause you're a Negro," / "You can't live here 'cause you're a Jew,"/ "You can't work here 'cause you're a union man."//
So, Mr. President, / We got this one big job to do / That's lick Mr. Hitler and when we're through, / Let no one else ever take his place / To trample down the human race. / So what I want is you to give me a gun / So we can hurry up and get the job done.
"A cross between an aging bon vivant and a secret agent" -- Larry Gagosian and his Art Gallery in a major recession --
Found art in the kitchen sink -- Copyright Kyi May Kaung
http://www.mydigitalfc.com/art-and-culture/gagosian-pulls-art-sales-out-thinning-air-928
My point of view is true quality will ride out all boom-bust cycles.
And as an artist, all I need to do is keep painting. That's not too difficult.
Writers can keep writing. Fantasy always sells, especially when things are down. As I am a writer too, I am strangely OK. Besides, I come from Burma where people continue in conditions lower than in any developed country.
Visual and plastic artists and writers can make art from anything. If things are bad, there are more stories.
Short comment Copyright Kyi May Kaung.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
The not altogether lighter side -- my top pics from Doggie Park USA --
All photos Copyright Kyi May Kaung
International Criminal Court for dogs?
If you are aggressive you might even be "fixed" that is, castrated.
From New York Times -- indicting a sitting head of state for war crimes
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/07/opinion/07sat2.html?th&emc=th
International Criminal Court puts out arrest warrant for Bashir of Sudan -- he retaliates by kicking out non-profits supplying aid to refugees from atrocities.
What is the best thing to do, do you think?
Typically, non-profits "stay away from politics" in order to keep doing their work.
Weigh in on this debate.
Should a similar warrant be put out for ???
International Criminal Court puts out arrest warrant for Bashir of Sudan -- he retaliates by kicking out non-profits supplying aid to refugees from atrocities.
What is the best thing to do, do you think?
Typically, non-profits "stay away from politics" in order to keep doing their work.
Weigh in on this debate.
Should a similar warrant be put out for ???
Zimbabwe -- Mugabe rival Morgan Tsvangirai injured and wife killed in suspicious accident --
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/07/world/africa/07zimbabwe.html?th&emc=th
Echoes of Burma and the 2003 Depayin Massacre --
Echoes of Burma and the 2003 Depayin Massacre --
Friday, March 06, 2009
Lay off insurance for dream cruises --
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/03/05/layoff.insurance/index.html
Ha Ha Ha, it hurts.
One line poem -- copyright Kyi May Kaung.
Ha Ha Ha, it hurts.
One line poem -- copyright Kyi May Kaung.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Educational travel -- some of these groups should go to Burma.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29461517/
We should start programs sending books etc to Burma.
If interested leave a comment on this blog.
We should start programs sending books etc to Burma.
If interested leave a comment on this blog.
Rape as a Weapon of War and Genocide -- in Sudan, Darfur and Burma --
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/03/04/darfur.rape/index.html
Scroll down and read about arrest warrant issued for first time for sitting head of state by International Criminal Court.
See also SWAN (Shan Women's Action Network's) path breaking report on Rape as a Weapon of War in Burma.
Scroll down and read about arrest warrant issued for first time for sitting head of state by International Criminal Court.
See also SWAN (Shan Women's Action Network's) path breaking report on Rape as a Weapon of War in Burma.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
My comment on recent Irrawaddy article.
Blaming the NLD for "not thinking about Burma and economic development" is nonsense, it's blaming the Victim.
I did not respond earlier because this person has sent me hate mail.
The bottom line is he does not understand economics.
As part of intensive research I have done over the last 20 years,I know there are many democratic visions and plans for Burma including a book published in 1998 and many confidential reports since 1993 that I was given access to.
Many things can cause a country not to develop. The main reason is the design of the economic and political system.
Burma has a military dictatorship with many socialist elements such as state-owned enterprises, state monopolies and central control in place. The sanctions are very focused and financial in nature.
The military regime has income from natural gas but a lot of the earnings disappear into private coffers. I have heard IMF and World Bank delegations talk of this.
Now the junta is planning a sham election. And this person blames the NLD which is a Party under tremendous stress and has been weakened by arrests and natural attrition such as time, death and old age, not to mention strong arm tactics and constant harassment for decades.
If one knows nothing one should keep one's mouth shut.
What about money the army spends on itself, the gains it makes from the gap between official and free market exchange rates? The army still tells farmers what to grow and gives them "sun baking" torture.
I did not respond earlier because this person has sent me hate mail.
The bottom line is he does not understand economics.
As part of intensive research I have done over the last 20 years,I know there are many democratic visions and plans for Burma including a book published in 1998 and many confidential reports since 1993 that I was given access to.
Many things can cause a country not to develop. The main reason is the design of the economic and political system.
Burma has a military dictatorship with many socialist elements such as state-owned enterprises, state monopolies and central control in place. The sanctions are very focused and financial in nature.
The military regime has income from natural gas but a lot of the earnings disappear into private coffers. I have heard IMF and World Bank delegations talk of this.
Now the junta is planning a sham election. And this person blames the NLD which is a Party under tremendous stress and has been weakened by arrests and natural attrition such as time, death and old age, not to mention strong arm tactics and constant harassment for decades.
If one knows nothing one should keep one's mouth shut.
What about money the army spends on itself, the gains it makes from the gap between official and free market exchange rates? The army still tells farmers what to grow and gives them "sun baking" torture.
Monday, March 02, 2009
13,000 year old stone age implements found in Boulder, Colorado-
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Anthropology--Archaeology/ss/events/sc/021903anthroarchaeo#photoViewer=/090226/480/110ae66671a34a009fc0aad8393dae99
What a story --
"I'll just leave my tools here for a moment."
One wonders what interrupted the stone age persons, for whom these must have been important tools.
Kyi May Kaung
What a story --
"I'll just leave my tools here for a moment."
One wonders what interrupted the stone age persons, for whom these must have been important tools.
Kyi May Kaung
60s retro-chic--color- style-
http://www.style.com/community/lookbooks/view/mylookbook272489?iphoto=1
Of course these are new clothes, styled "60s style."
If you tried with old clothes, provided you still have them in your cabinet, it won't come out like that.
For one thing, the clothes, like former political systems, {Ha!!}
no longer fit. I don't know anyone from 60s generation who still looks Twiggy-ish.
Oh well -- I can design "60s clothes" as fine art and not necessarily to wear.
Kyi May Kaung.
Of course these are new clothes, styled "60s style."
If you tried with old clothes, provided you still have them in your cabinet, it won't come out like that.
For one thing, the clothes, like former political systems, {Ha!!}
no longer fit. I don't know anyone from 60s generation who still looks Twiggy-ish.
Oh well -- I can design "60s clothes" as fine art and not necessarily to wear.
Kyi May Kaung.
Are you listening Mrs. Clinton? Sanctions are effective -- diplomacy combined with sanctions are best.
I whole-heartedly agree with Robert Karniol and have been advocating my views for a long time. Kyi May Kaung
Burma: US gem sanctions bite
Robert Karniol
The Straits Times
Publication Date: 02-03-2009
With Washington rethinking its policy towards the military-run regime in Burma, there are signals that Rangoon is being hard hit by tightened US sanctions on its lucrative gem trade.
The policy review currently under way is aimed at addressing a dreary conundrum acknowledged by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a Jakarta press briefing on February 18. "Clearly, the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn't influenced the (Burma) junta. But reaching out and trying to engage them hasn't influenced them either," she said.
Speaking by telephone from Washington, state department spokesman Rob McInturff explained the US objective. "We're going to be looking at all aspects of our relationship (with Burma). The goal is to make the policy effective, to have improved actions on the part of the regime," he said.
American economist Jeffrey Sachs, writing in the Financial Times in 2004, said: "Economic sanctions should be lifted because they do not work." He argued for increased diplomacy and humanitarian aid instead.
Pro-democracy activists instead favour a combined effort. Brian Leber, a Chicago jeweller at the forefront of the gem sanctions campaign, is among those advocating a carrot-and-stick approach. "Economic sanctions and the support of diplomatic efforts working towards reform can go hand in hand," he said.
The key, he added, is to finely target sanctions against a specific sector, company and individual. He, together with others in the US and elsewhere, find in Burma's gem trade the perfect fit.
According to reports citing government data, the gem trade was Burma's third most important export earner in fiscal year 2007/08 with a value of US$647.5 million. It was topped by natural gas at $2.6 billion and agricultural products at $1.1 billion, with forestry and marine products in fourth and fifth place respectively. However, the official figures are somewhat skewed as they fail to account for substantial smuggling activity of unknown worth.
Together with its contribution to state coffers, the gem trade provides specific benefit to Burma's military. Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted in a report last year that the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), or ruling junta, "has a direct stake in many mines, in some cases through joint ventures with private entrepreneurs".
It added: "It also has a direct ownership interest in many of the country's top gem businesses, including state-run firms such as Myanmar Gems Enterprise and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise. In addition, the military-owned conglomerate Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Company owns many businesses.. .including in the lucrative gem-mining sector (so the) gem industry is dominated by the SPDC."
Several countries have imposed sanctions against Rangoon, some broadly based and some more specific. The European Union (EU) sanctions, for example, include more than 400 named individuals and nearly 1,300 state- and military-run companies. The EU, US and Swiss sanction regimes are particularly important because of the substantial markets these represent. But there remains significant trade with China and Japan, and with the gem processing centres in India and Thailand.
The US initiative is especially noteworthy, partly because of Washington's leadership role and partly due to the monetary impact. Its import of ruby and jade alone, according to industry estimates, was previously worth more than $100 million annually. But the broad US sanctions introduced in 2003 were flawed, not least because they included a loophole allowing the import of ruby and jade from Burma if these were processed through cutting and mounting in a third country.
The US Congress moved to tighten its sanctions and shut the loopholes with an amendment to the 2003 law called HR 3890. This was approved last July and came into force two months later, with another month set aside by the US Customs and Border Protection as a buffer period.
Bangkok gem traders began to notice the impact even before HR 3890's implementation last October, as the market anticipated change. "We've been hard hit by the US sanctions and are unable to unload our stockpiles," one trader complained to The Straits Times. "Jade and ruby are particularly affected but less so with sapphire, which isn't specified in the new law."
The Chiang Mai-based periodical Irrawaddy, meanwhile, noted in a recent article that "Mogok, the historic centre of (Burma's) gem industry, is struggling to cope with the effects of (tightened) US sanctions". Citing a source there, it reported that "at least 50 mine sites in the area have decreased production and several have closed completely".
"Our view is that sanctions have a role. The gem ban, together with targeted financial sanctions, are effective," said Arvind Ganesan, director of HRW's business and human rights programme, in a telephone interview from Washington.
Hopefully, Mrs Clinton is listening.
============ ========= ===
Burma: US gem sanctions bite
Robert Karniol
The Straits Times
Publication Date: 02-03-2009
With Washington rethinking its policy towards the military-run regime in Burma, there are signals that Rangoon is being hard hit by tightened US sanctions on its lucrative gem trade.
The policy review currently under way is aimed at addressing a dreary conundrum acknowledged by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a Jakarta press briefing on February 18. "Clearly, the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn't influenced the (Burma) junta. But reaching out and trying to engage them hasn't influenced them either," she said.
Speaking by telephone from Washington, state department spokesman Rob McInturff explained the US objective. "We're going to be looking at all aspects of our relationship (with Burma). The goal is to make the policy effective, to have improved actions on the part of the regime," he said.
American economist Jeffrey Sachs, writing in the Financial Times in 2004, said: "Economic sanctions should be lifted because they do not work." He argued for increased diplomacy and humanitarian aid instead.
Pro-democracy activists instead favour a combined effort. Brian Leber, a Chicago jeweller at the forefront of the gem sanctions campaign, is among those advocating a carrot-and-stick approach. "Economic sanctions and the support of diplomatic efforts working towards reform can go hand in hand," he said.
The key, he added, is to finely target sanctions against a specific sector, company and individual. He, together with others in the US and elsewhere, find in Burma's gem trade the perfect fit.
According to reports citing government data, the gem trade was Burma's third most important export earner in fiscal year 2007/08 with a value of US$647.5 million. It was topped by natural gas at $2.6 billion and agricultural products at $1.1 billion, with forestry and marine products in fourth and fifth place respectively. However, the official figures are somewhat skewed as they fail to account for substantial smuggling activity of unknown worth.
Together with its contribution to state coffers, the gem trade provides specific benefit to Burma's military. Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted in a report last year that the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), or ruling junta, "has a direct stake in many mines, in some cases through joint ventures with private entrepreneurs".
It added: "It also has a direct ownership interest in many of the country's top gem businesses, including state-run firms such as Myanmar Gems Enterprise and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise. In addition, the military-owned conglomerate Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Company owns many businesses.. .including in the lucrative gem-mining sector (so the) gem industry is dominated by the SPDC."
Several countries have imposed sanctions against Rangoon, some broadly based and some more specific. The European Union (EU) sanctions, for example, include more than 400 named individuals and nearly 1,300 state- and military-run companies. The EU, US and Swiss sanction regimes are particularly important because of the substantial markets these represent. But there remains significant trade with China and Japan, and with the gem processing centres in India and Thailand.
The US initiative is especially noteworthy, partly because of Washington's leadership role and partly due to the monetary impact. Its import of ruby and jade alone, according to industry estimates, was previously worth more than $100 million annually. But the broad US sanctions introduced in 2003 were flawed, not least because they included a loophole allowing the import of ruby and jade from Burma if these were processed through cutting and mounting in a third country.
The US Congress moved to tighten its sanctions and shut the loopholes with an amendment to the 2003 law called HR 3890. This was approved last July and came into force two months later, with another month set aside by the US Customs and Border Protection as a buffer period.
Bangkok gem traders began to notice the impact even before HR 3890's implementation last October, as the market anticipated change. "We've been hard hit by the US sanctions and are unable to unload our stockpiles," one trader complained to The Straits Times. "Jade and ruby are particularly affected but less so with sapphire, which isn't specified in the new law."
The Chiang Mai-based periodical Irrawaddy, meanwhile, noted in a recent article that "Mogok, the historic centre of (Burma's) gem industry, is struggling to cope with the effects of (tightened) US sanctions". Citing a source there, it reported that "at least 50 mine sites in the area have decreased production and several have closed completely".
"Our view is that sanctions have a role. The gem ban, together with targeted financial sanctions, are effective," said Arvind Ganesan, director of HRW's business and human rights programme, in a telephone interview from Washington.
Hopefully, Mrs Clinton is listening.
============ ========= ===
Of course you failed (For a dead activist) by Kyi May Kaung
Of course you failed
what did you expect
your liver soused
from drinking whenever
you’re dejected.
They after all
had the guns.
Your’s is only
one voice
out there
in the wilderness.
You’ve done what you can
now let it be.
Flowers have to be watered every day
don’t you know that?
Seeds have to have soil contact.
Now it’s for them
on the other side of the earth
who hear your voice faintly
to decide
what
they will believe.
Copyright Kyi May Kaung
Written in 1994.
what did you expect
your liver soused
from drinking whenever
you’re dejected.
They after all
had the guns.
Your’s is only
one voice
out there
in the wilderness.
You’ve done what you can
now let it be.
Flowers have to be watered every day
don’t you know that?
Seeds have to have soil contact.
Now it’s for them
on the other side of the earth
who hear your voice faintly
to decide
what
they will believe.
Copyright Kyi May Kaung
Written in 1994.
Mr. Smoothie by Kyi May Kaung
This is what
you’re paid to do
spin doctor to put
a good surface on things.
Your side says we’re rude
you’re recognized by the UN
no less
de-facto.
You don’t lose
your temper, polished in your
polyester suit
cheroot burn in your
tie, big hole dead center.
But remember
truth is sometimes ugly
often ugly
lies can be beautifully crafted
the smoothness of a surface
is not our criterion.
Lies make us angry we shout
blood comes out
through our nostrils and all
our bodies other orifices.
What can be uglier
and more truthful
than blood?
Copyright Kyi May Kaung
Written in 1994.
you’re paid to do
spin doctor to put
a good surface on things.
Your side says we’re rude
you’re recognized by the UN
no less
de-facto.
You don’t lose
your temper, polished in your
polyester suit
cheroot burn in your
tie, big hole dead center.
But remember
truth is sometimes ugly
often ugly
lies can be beautifully crafted
the smoothness of a surface
is not our criterion.
Lies make us angry we shout
blood comes out
through our nostrils and all
our bodies other orifices.
What can be uglier
and more truthful
than blood?
Copyright Kyi May Kaung
Written in 1994.
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