BurmaNet News, Nov 11, 2003

[editor at burmanet.org]

Nov 11, 2003 Issue # 2366

INSIDE BURMA
Irrawaddy: Muslims Flee Religious Persecution
Japan Economic Newswire: Myanmar discusses democracy road map with Thailand
BBC Monitor: Four-country business forum held in Burmese capital
TV Myanmar: Cambodian prime minister calls on Burma's Gen Khin Nyunt in
Rangoon

ON THE BORDER
Kaladan: Bangladesh BDR seized some arms and ammunation from RNA
Network Media: Sixty houses ordered to relocate for bridge construction

DRUGS
Times Of India: Myanmar Druglord Held Hostage By Binod Henchmen

MONEY
The Independent: Gas export from Arakan to India thru Bangladesh opposed
Xinhua: Myanmar earns more in marine product export in 1st half of 2003
World Markets Analysis: ONGC Videsh and Daewoo Embark on Myanmar Project

REGIONAL
AFP: Malaysia says Myanmar issue not in ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit
agenda
AFP: Thai, Myanmar PMs avoid discussing Suu Kyi
Xinhua: Thailand to crack down on illegal immigrants
Narinjara: SPDC Authorities Refuted The News of Muslim Exodus

INTERNATIONAL
UN News: Myanmar’s seven-step peace process not inclusive, lacks timeline
– Annan
AP: WHO steps up action against fake medicines



INSIDE BURMA
____________________________________________
Nov 11, Irrawaddy
Muslims Flee Religious Persecution

November 11, 2003— Muslim victims of religious persecution inside Burma
report that the confiscation of their property has forced them to relocate
to Thailand.

Thuya Aung speaks his choice to leave Burma due to religious persecution.
Thuya Aung, the Muslim owner of First Winner Company, an import-export
firm in Rangoon, fled to Mae Sot, Thailand on the Burma border last week
because of the persecution of Muslims.

"My cousin’s house in Thingangyun Township was burnt down," said Thuya
Aung. "My company was confiscated by the military intelligence because it
was owned by a Muslim."

Before confiscating his business assets, officers took possession of his
business passport and identification card, and seized computers and
company documents.

"Finding no fault after checking the documents thoroughly, they released
me with condition that I don’t sue them," he said. "So I fled to avoid
another arrest."

Muslim mosques in Rangoon have been destroyed and Muslims’ houses set fire
by Buddhists, who perpetrated the crimes with the knowledge that
authorities are not protecting the assets of Muslims, according to Thuya
Aung.

A male Muslim resident of Kyaikmayaw in Mon State arrived in Mae Sot last
week after the Burmese government confiscated his home without
compensation or explanation.

"They robbed our land," said the man, who asked not to be named.

Immigration officers also refuse to issue identity cards for Muslims,
saying Muslims are not from Burma, he added.

The junta created the problem between the Muslims and Buddhists. — Thuya
Aung.

Thuya Aung accused the military rulers of enflaming religious tension to
deflect attention from ongoing political and economic crises.

"Shopkeepers at both Mingalar and Bogyoke Aung San markets in Rangoon are
in a dying state," he said. The government recently increased the taxes
despite that many in Rangoon are facing food shortages, he added.

"The junta created the problem between the Muslims and Buddhists. It is
absolutely wrong," said Thuya Aung. "We Muslims and Buddhists have been
living together for hundreds of years. We have never insulted them."
A witness to the violence which sparked the recent clashes throughout
Burma also arrived in Mae Sot last week to speak with reporters. A Muslim
resident of Kyaukse in central Burma, who asked not to be named, recounted
the riots that resulted in what he said was the death of 11 Muslims,
mostly women.
The man described two truckloads of monks and Buddhist residents arriving
in the Muslim area of the town on the evening of Oct 19. Most of the men
were at the local mosque, leaving the homes occupied by women only, he
said. Homes were ransacked and set on fire, according to the witness. The
fatalities were caused by residents being trapped in burning houses, he
said. Among the dead was an 18-year-old pregnant woman, he added.

The witness returned to Kyaukse after offering his testimony to reporters
in Mae Sot.

Attacks on Burmese Muslims were decreasing due to last weekend’s Tazaung
Dine Buddhist festival and the recent visit of UN human rights envoy to
Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, said Thuya Aung
___________________________________
Nov 11, Japan Economic Newswire
Myanmar discusses democracy road map with Thailand

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Tuesday that he and Myanmar
Prime Minister Gen. Khin Nyunt discussed a planned road map toward
democracy during their talks here.

'Myanmar has set up a committee to set a framework for the road map and
wishes to invite all parties to join,' Thaksin told reporters after a
breakfast meeting with Khin Nyunt in the Myanmar capital.

Thaksin said he has tasked Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai to
assist Myanmar by holding talks with Myanmar Foreign Minister Win Aung.
Both foreign ministers also attended the private breakfast talks.
But Thaksin did not elaborate as to the extent Surakiart will help Yangon
on the road map.

The Thai premier reiterated that all of Myanmar's ethnic minority groups
including those armed groups and stationed along the Thailand-Myanmar
border should be allowed to participate in the road map to ensure
equitable success.

He said that the Myanmar premier 'listened to the remarks with good
understanding.'

'Thailand is ready to help Myanmar by extending economic assistance to
border towns where ethnic minorities live,' Thaksin said.

Earlier this year, Thaksin initiated a so-called economic cooperation
strategy in which Thailand would help neighboring countries alleviate
poverty and mitigate cross-border problems.
_________________________________
Nov 11, BBC
Four-country business forum held in Burmese capital

Text of report by Burmese TV on 9 November

The Four-Country Business Forum of Cambodia, Myanmar Burma , Laos, and
Thailand was held at the Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel on Alanpya Signal
Pagoda Road in Dagon Township, Yangon Rangoon , at 1400 today.

First, U Nyunt Aye, director-general the Directorate of Trade of the
Commerce Ministry, delivered an opening address.

Next, U Win Myint, president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of
Chambers of Commerce and Industry, greeted the attendees.

After that, Mr Phairush Burapuchaire, executive director of the Thai
Traders Association, and Mr Oudet Souvannavong, executive director of the
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Laos People's
Democratic Republic, delivered addresses.

Video presentations on the investment opportunities in Myanmar were shown
afterward.

Next, U Wai Phyo, central executive member of the Federation of Chambers
of Commerce and Industry of the Union of Myanmar, discussed and presented
an economic cooperation strategy for the four countries.

U Maung Maung Swe, president of the SM Tours and Transport Company
Limited, later held discussions on the regional tourism development.

Afterward, the attendees discussed matters related to the trade and
investment sector, agricultural and industrial sector, tourism sector, and
human resource sector.

The Business Forum came to an end in the evening.
___________________________________
Nov 11, TV Myanmar
Cambodian prime minister calls on Burma's Gen Khin Nyunt in Rangoon

Cambodian Prime Minister Mr Samdech Hun Sen and delegates who are in the
Union of Myanmar Burma to attend the Four-Country Economic Cooperation
Strategy Summit of Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar, and Thailand paid a courtesy
call on Gen Khin Nyunt, prime minister of the Union of Myanmar, at the
Dagon Room of the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yangon Rangoon
at 1900 today.
Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt was accompanied by Agriculture and
Irrigation Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Industry-1 Minister U Aung Thaung,
Deputy Foreign Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Cambodia U
Saw Hla Min, and Dir-Gen U Thaung Tun of the Political Affairs Department
of the Foreign Ministry, while visiting Cambodian Prime Minister Mr
Samdech Hun Sen and delegates were accompanied by Cambodia Ambassador to
Myanmar Mr Hul Phany at the meeting.


ON THE BORDER
____________________________________________

Nov 11, Kaladan
BDR seized some arms and ammunation from RNA

Cox’s Bazar: The Bangladesh BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) seized some arms,
ammunition and equipments from Rohingya Freedom fighters on November 6, 2003,
according to R NA (Rohingya National Army) spokesman.

 They seized 2AK-56 Rifles, a pistol, over 1000 rounds of ammunition of
Ak-56.
Besides, they also seized some uniforms, according to The Daily Star.

 On 6th November 11, 2003, at around 3am, about 24 BDR led by Lt. Col.
Hasinur
Rahman raided a hideout of RNA on the Burma- Bangladesh border, at
Dormorsara, 4 km
from Lemosari BDR camp, at Bandarban Hill District, said a RNA freedom
fighter.

 “It is painful to say that the truth is never spoken in the media. After
BDR’s
raids the concerned authorities had knowingly or and intentionally
portrayed our
freedom fighters as “criminals” or “ terrorists” in the media,” said RNA
Commander.

 “It has been observed that the extremist RSO (Rohingya Solidarity
Organization) has
been exempted from the target of Lt. Col. Hasinur Rahaman,” he further added.

 On 27th August 2003, at around 4:15am, a contingent of BDR led by
Naikhonchari
Zonal Commander Lt. Col Hasinur Rahaman attacked a hideout of Arakan Army
(AA) on
Bangladesh-Burma border and seized two weapons. He keeps similar attitude
towards
RNA being an allied group of AA. After 5 days that is on 1st September
2003 he
raided a hideout of RNA and seized some landmines and other explosives.

Realizing the serious effect of the disunity preached by the third party
(SPDC), the
leaders of the National United party of Arakan (NUPA) and Arakann Rohingya
National
Organization (ARNO) had signed an agreement of alliance on 18th September
2000 and
united together under the banner of Arakan Independence Alliance (AIA). It
is unique
Unity that has been supported by majority people of Arakan. But SPDC
(State Peace
and Development Council), who never wants the unity of the two sister
communities,
considers this unity as a challenge against them. ##

For further information, please contact Kaladan press at:
Kaladanpress at yahoo.com


DRUGS
____________________________________________

Nov 11, Times of India
Myanmar Druglord Held Hostage By Binod Henchmen

KOLKATA: After Sheikh Binod, the spotlight is now on Myanmarese
drug-runner Baikha Kema. Though Vinod was arrested from Dankuni in
connection with jailbreak, Kema is still at large.

But, it seems he has not yet left the state, feel sleuths of the state
criminal investigation department (CID) probing the jailbreak case.
According to sources, Kema is being held hostage by Binod's associates
somewhere near Kolkata. Kema is one of the five arrested in connection
with the narcotics haul from the house of former additional
director-general of CBI Upen Biswas in May 2003.

On September 25, Sheikh Binod, Kema and three associates of Vinod - Rajesh
Khan, Shiu Kumar Rajak and Rambabu Naskar - escaped from the Dum Dum
Central Jail. Binod along with his wife Naseema Bibi and associate Rambabu
was arrested on November 2.

Kema had sought Binod's help to escape from the jail. For this, Binod had
been paid a hefty sum. Dilip Das, Binod's finance manager who was arrested
by the CID on November 7, collected the money from Michael Hua in the
run-up to the jailbreak. Hua, owner of a restaurant at Tangra, is
absconding. He is possibly hiding abroad, said sources. The money
transaction was through the hawala route.

Dilip alias Tola Dilip had collected money to the tune of about Rs 50 lakh
to help Binod organise the jailbreak. A part of this was paid by Hua on
behalf of Kema. The rest was collected by Dilip by extorting promoters of
Lake Gardens, New Alipore, Tollygunge, Tiljala, Kasba, Regent Park,
Thakurpukur and Behala.

Both Binod and Dilip are currently in the custody of CID. Interrogation
revealed that the entire jailbreak operation was monitored from outside by
Binod's sisterin-law Pussy through mobile phones. She is the wife of
Binod's elder brother Asghar who is currently in jail.

Dilip would collect the extortion money and keep it with Pussy. She would
arrange to send the money inside the jail to Binod to make the payments to
those who helped him in jailbreak. According to CID sources, Dilip had
entered the jail about 20 times in the guise of plumber Gour Maity working
for ex-convict Chaitanya Pal. During these trips, Dilip had smuggled three
revolvers and 20 bullets into the jail for Binod.


MONEY
____________________________________________

Nov 11, The Independent
Gas export from Arakan to India thru Bangladesh opposed

The people of the Myanmar province of Arakan have been waging a campaign
for a long time against gas export from that region saying the military
government in Yangon will spend the money earned from gas export elsewhere
in the country without taking into stock the interests of the Arakanese.
The Arakanese have constituted an anti-gas export committee comprising
members of all sections of the society.

An Arakanese delegation is now visiting India to urge political parties
and the government not to purchase gas from Arakan at present. The
delegation led by the Arakanese anti-gas export committee's convenor Chow
Han told the BBC, "We have no objection to Indian bid to buy gas from
Arakan. India is our friendly country. But we want to ensure that money
earned from gas sale is spent for the welfare of the people of Arakan. The
military government of Myanmar will never do that. So we urge the
political parties and the government of India not to purchase gas from our
region until the representatives of the Arakanese are included in the
Yangon government." Chow Han added, "We will leave no stone unturned to
persuade Bangladesh against giving permission to construct any pipeline
through this country for carrying gas from Arakan to India. We are
appealing to the political parties and the government of Bangladesh not to
allow construction of pipeline through this country for gas export from
Arakan to Indian so long as we achieve the right to determine our fate.
The relation between the people of Bangladesh and Arakan is very warm and
friendly."

Now much depends on Bangladesh whether the Arakanese will be succeeded in
stopping gas export from Arakan to India.

The Korean Daewoo company engaged in gas exploration in Arakan says there
is ten trillion cubic meter of gas in A-I well. Two Indian companies have
bought thirty per cent stake of gas.
___________________________________

Nov 11, Xinhua
Myanmar earns more in marine product export in 1st half of 2003

YANGON --Myanmar earned 76 million US dollars through the export of marine
products in the first half of 2003, 16 percent more than the same period
of 2002, a latest report of the local Business Tank said.

In 2002, the country fetched 166 million dollars from the export.

Myanmar is endowed with rich marine and inland fishery resources, having a
maximum sustainable yield of 1.05 million tons per year from marine source
alone. Natural lakes, reservoirs, river systems and ponds cover an area of
about 8.2 million hectares.

In Myanmar, production, processing and marketing of all fishery and
related activities are carried out by the private sector, which runs all
state-owned fishing vessels, ice and processing plants sold or leased to
them.

The Fisheries Department's figures reveal that there is a total of 31,380
fishing vessels in Myanmar, of which 2,298 are offshore ones, while 29,082
are small fishing boats including the powered and the non-powered.

Due to encouragement and support by the government, the role of the
private sector has expanded, resulting in an increase of production,
export and consequently state revenue.

With over 2 million Myanmar people being engaged in various fishery
industries, the sector contributes up to 9 percent to Myanmar's gross
domestic products with marine products export accounting for up to 7
percent of its total export, according to the report.

Myanmar's per capital consumption of marine products stands 21. 8 kilogram
(kg), higher than the world average of 16.3 kg.

Meanwhile, official statistics show that since Myanmar opened to foreign
investment in 1988, contracted investment in the fishery sector had
reached 283 million dollars in 20 projects as of the end of 2002.
___________________________________

Nov 11, World Markets Analysis
ONGC Videsh and Daewoo Embark on Myanmar Project

The overseas arm of India's state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp. will
begin exploration in Myanmar within the next month, the company announced
today. ONGC Videsh will conduct drilling in block A-1 off the south-west
coast in a partnership with South Korea's Daewoo Corp. It is not yet
decided whether any gas discoveries would be brought ashore through
Myanmar westward to India, or eastward to Thailand as is the case from the
Yadana and Yetagun fields. Last year Daewoo claimed that it believed
reserves in the block could be as much as 15 Tcf (see Myanmar: 2 September
2003: Daewoo Plays Up Prospects for Western Fields and Myanmar: 17 June
2003: Risks for Oil Investors Increase in Myanmar).

Significance: The latest progress will be welcomed by the military regime
in Myanmar, after renewed criticism over its human rights and democracy
record sparked a new wave of economic sanctions earlier this year.


REGIONAL
____________________________________________

Nov 11, AFP
Malaysia says Myanmar issue not in ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit agenda

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar Tuesday said southeast Asian
nations would not discuss the issue of detained Myanmar leader Aung San
Suu Kyi when they meet in Japan next month.
The 10 Southeast Asian leaders are scheduled to meet premier Junichiro
Koizumi at a special meeting in December.
"It is not going to be the subject matter of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative
Summit," Syed Hamid told reporters after meeting his Japanese counterpart
Yoriko Kawaguchi, who is on a two-day visit to Malaysia.
Syed Hamid said while Malaysia understood Japan's position to press
Myanmar to move towards democracy, ASEAN would like to give Myanmar an
opportunity to undertake the necessary programmes to achieve the
reconciliation process they want to take.
"I think ASEAN's position is clear. Since there is a roadmap, we would
like Myanmar to be given an opportunity," he said.
Syed Hamid said the ASEAN-Japan summit, to commemorate 30 years of
diplomatic relations, should focus on how they can work and advance
together.
"It is to look at future direction and how it should be shaped. It is not
on any single issue. It is looking at global position of ASEAN and Japan,"
he said.
Later, Hatsuhisa Takashima, press secretary to Kawaguchi said while Japan
agreed that the issue of individual countries would not be discussed, the
Japanese foreign minister expressed her concern about the situation in
Myanmar.
"We would like to see the freedom of Aung San Suu Kyi and others and a
time-frame be included in the roadmap," he said.
On Japan-Malaysia ties, Takashima said the state of relations between the
two countries was good.
Kawaguchi, who later met Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, told him
that Japan would continue its polices in the years to come and Prime
Minister Junichiro Koizumi was looking forward to meeting him during the
two-day summit from December 11, he said.
Japan last month urged Southeast Asian leaders to press Myanmar to move
towards democracy and has suspended new aid to Myanmar over its crackdown
on the opposition.
Aung San Suu Kyi was detained in an undisclosed location after a bloody
clash between her supporters and pro-junta demonstrators on May 30.
Following a hospital stay for an operation, the Nobel peace prizewinner
was transferred to house arrest -- a move which Myanmar is portraying as a
positive and planned development.
_____________________________________
Nov 11, AFP
Thai, Myanmar PMs avoid discussing Suu Kyi

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra met his Myanmar counterpart General
Khin Nyunt here Tuesday for talks but avoided discussions about detained
democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.
"I did not raise this issue," Thaksin said through a government statement
after the talks in Yangon. "We had friendly talks about political
progress."
The Nobel peace laureate and several other members of her National League
for Democracy (NLD) were arrested after a pro-junta gang attacked her
convoy while she was on a political tour of northern Myanmar.
Thailand, like many international governments, has called for her release
but stressed Yangon should not be bullied into action by outsiders.
Thaksin said he instead focused on how the neighbour states could increase
economic ties. The sides discussed schemes to increase aid to the
impoverished and isolated nation.
"From now on, there will be more progress including increased humanitarian
support," he said.
On Monday Thaksin said he would address the sensitive issue of migrant
resettlement but there was no mention of the topic in his statement.
Many Myanmar nationals have escaped the dire economic conditions in their
homeland, which has been crippled by decades of financial mismanagement
and a Western sanctions imposed because of Aung San Suu Kyi's continued
detention after her arrest on May 30.
About a million Myanmar nationals are thought to be working in Thailand,
around half illegally.
Thaksin was joined by Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister
Boungnang Vorachith of Laos in a joint courtesy call on Myanmar's military
ruler, Senior General Than Shwe, before leaving for the ancient capital of
Bagan for a mini-summit to discuss economic issues.
 ___________________________________

Nov 11, Xinhua
Thailand to crack down on illegal immigrants

BANGKOK -- Thailand is thinking of establishing three holding centers on
the border area as one of the measures to crack down on illegal
immigrants, local press reported on Tuesday.

Each of the camps for illegal immigrants would hold up to 5,000 people,
Bangkok Post quoted sources at the National Security Council as saying.

Locations of the three camps would be in border provinces of Ranong, Tak
and Chiang Rai, with the first two neighboring Myanmar to the west and the
last one bordering Myanmar and Laos to the north.

The plan has yet to be approved by the government, but the commissioner of
the Immigration Police Bureau confirmed that the camps would be used to
hold illegal immigrants after the planned crackdown.

After holding talk with the National Security Council, Deputy Prime
Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh warned that the government would take
drastic actions against employers illegally hiring alien workers.

"We've been flexible with them for so long. It's about time we get tough,"
he said.

He also said the government is considering giving employers 60 more days
to have their illegal foreign workers registered, but he didn't elaborate
when the period would start.

Thailand's most prestigious Chulalongkorn University has been commissioned
to study the illegal worker problem and is expected to hand the report at
the end of November.

Illegal immigration has been a troublesome issue disturbing the Thai
society for a long time. An estimated 1 million to 2 million migrant
workers from neighboring countries now stay in Thailand illegally.

In a latest registration work organized by the Labor Ministry, only
288,000 aliens registered with the ministry before the deadline ended in
September. The ministry estimated that more than 800,000 did not show up.

Many migrant workers, who reportedly pay 5,000 baht (119 US dollars) a
head to be smuggled into the country, often become victims of employers'
exploit for their illegal status.

The influx of illegal alien workers has also created other social problems
and the alien workers' situation attracted attention from the
international community.

The issue is also believed to be one of the challenges facing new Labor
Minister Uraiwan Thienthong, who was moved from the post of culture
minister in the latest cabinet reshuffle and swore in on Monday.
___________________________________

Nov 10, Narinjara
SPDC Authorities Refuted The News of Muslim Exodus

Maungdaw, November 10: Burmese Authorities at Maungdaw called rubbish to a
piece of news that said large gathering of Burmese Muslims along Naaf
River for an exodus into Bangladesh, Narinjara Correspondent reported from
Maung Daw.

The news appeared in a number of Bangladesh dailies of November 1 issues.
In fear of ripple effect of the Buddhist-Muslim riots in the second
capital Mandalay and other central Burma large cities the Rakhine State
Muslims were at the point of making massive exodus into Bangladesh, the
news reported.

"This is a totally baseless and fabricated propaganda", a Maungdaw NASAKA
officer said. When Maj. General Maung U visited Taungbro heavy security
was posted along the border and sensitive areas. On observation of such
security measure the rumour probably was originated, he opined.

It is said that Rangoon government is underway to upgrade border town
Taungbro into a Sub-Township under the jurisdiction of Maungdaw Township. 
"Burma-Bangladesh border around the Taungbro area was closed on the days
of  October 29 and 30 as the Light Infantry Battalion-263 took position
for security of the visiting Western Division Commander Maj. General Maung
U",
the source said.

A Maungdaw resident Muslim is confident that there won't be any
Buddhist-Muslim riot in such Muslim majority area as Maungdaw Township.
Any exodus would only be for an escape from the torture of the ruling
government, he added.

The oppressed Muslims will flee Burma with the excuse of Buddhist-Muslim
riots as per prevailing view along the border area
___________________________________
Nov 11, Network Media
Sixty houses ordered to relocate for bridge construction

Peoples asked 10,000 Kyat for new plots

(NMG) ­ Sixty houses in Tamu on the bank of Indo-Burma border were ordered
the Chairman of Tamu District Peace and Development Council to relocate
within fifty days so as to construct the bridge across the stream. people
were asked ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 Kyats to get a new plot to rebuild
their homes, local peoples from Tamu said.

“Three members of local authorities came to our house and demanded money
to get a new plot for houses. Some people do not have house number but
some have. There are 39 houses who already have house numbers and the rest
19 houses do not have their house numbers. Authorities charged 10,000
Kyats each from who have house numbers and 3,000 Kyats for who does not
have house number. If somebody wants a good location, they have to pay
10,000 Kyats as extra money,” one local youth from Hna-hmwar-sone quarter
said.
Fifty-eitght households who are currently living Hna-hmwar-sone (also
called Sandaku) quarter No (1) that situated between Tamu and
Nant-Phar-Lon market were ordered to relocate to the south of current
location by Chairman of Tamu District Peace and Development Council, Maj.
Maung Maung Aye.

Though peoples in this area own their homes traditionally through past
generations, the authorities say it is an order that they must move from
their homes.

“Some of these households have to depend on their domestic gardens in this
area. These peoples suffer most. But they don’t have any choice because of
authorities said it is an order from government to relocate within 50 days
from the 7th of this month. Authorities also said if we are not moving
home, they may use force to relocate us,” a local people from Tamu said.

Nant-Phar-Lon market in Tamu becomes an important location for Indo-Burma
trade since the opening of official border trade between two countries.

Previously businessmen have to enter slightly into India’s soil as the
bridge was owned by both countries. The bridge going to be constructed
will be well inside Burma and people do not need to cross India in order
to reach Nant-Phar-Lon market from Tamu.
Network Media Group


INTERNATIONAL
____________________________________________

Nov 10, UN News
Myanmar’s seven-step peace process not inclusive, lacks timeline – Annan

The Government of Myanmar’s proposed seven-step road map to democracy does
not include the opinions expressed by several parties in the country and
has not shown that the process will be participatory and transparent,
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a human rights report.

“The efforts of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to persuade the
Government to agree to include the NLD (National League for Democracy),
other political parties and representatives of all Myanmar’s ethic
nationalities in the earliest stages of the road map process and to set a
time line for the map’s implementation have not borne fruit,” says the
report, an update of an earlier submission to the General Assembly.

The Secretary-General believes that mass rallies are no substitute for the
active participation of political parties in the process of
democratization and national reconciliation, it says.

Mr. Annan appeals once again to the Prime Minister, General Khin Nyunt,
and other government leaders to lift remaining restrictions on the NLD
leaders, including Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and others
detained on or after 30 May, the report says.
___________________________________

Nov 11, Associated Press
WHO steps up action against fake medicines

The World Health Organization on Tuesday launched a drive against
counterfeit drugs in Southeast Asia, where it is feared that millions of
people are being duped by fake and potentially dangerous drugs that are
supposed to treat AIDS, malaria and other killers.

The U.N. health agency said the initiative, launched at a meeting in
Vietnam, mirrored action recently taken in Africa and was in response to
pleas from governments anxious to combat the criminal gangs behind the
fake drug industry, which is worth an estimated US$32 billion globally.

"Combating low quality or illegal medicines is now more important than
ever," said Dr. Lee Jong-wook, WHO director-general. "Expanding access to
safe, effective treatment for AIDS and other illnesses is no longer an
option, it is an imperative."

In industrialized countries, the most frequently counterfeited medicines
are "lifestyle" drugs such as Viagra. In poor countries, up to 25 percent
of medicines on the market are estimated to be fake or of bad quality and
so have little impact against life-threatening conditions such as malaria.

WHO wants to help governments improve their screening and surveillance
procedures, boost cooperation between customs and health authorities, and
heighten public awareness of the risks.

Its action in Southeast Asia will focus initially on six countries: China;
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, which all report problems
with substandard and fake medicines that often have no therapeutic effect
and can sometimes prove deadly.

Substandard medicines are thought to account for 8.5 percent of medicines
on the market in Thailand. Eight percent of randomly collected samples in
Vietnam and 16 percent in Myanmar failed laboratory testing for quality
assessment, according to WHO figures.

From these batches, Rifampicin - used to treat tuberculosis - showed the
highest failure rate at 26 percent, followed by Cotrimoxazole - an
antibiotic used mostly for children - at 24 percent.

WHO said that in 2001 it was estimated there were 2,800 illegal medicine
sellers in Cambodia and 1,000 unregistered medicines on the market. In
Laos, 2,100 illegal drug sellers are said to exist. With more complex
combination medicines now being recommended for drug-resistant malaria,
there is a strong possibility that more substandard and counterfeit
medicines will enter the market in countries hit by malaria, it said.

___________________________________