BurmaNet News, April 23, 2009

[Editor]

April 23, 2009, Issue #3696


INSIDE BURMA
Irrawaddy: Release of political prisoners still key issue: UK Ambassador
Mizzima News: Junta prohibits reporting on the arrest of murderer
Mizzima News: Real estate market on upswing in Laputta

ON THE BORDER
The Daily Star (Bangladesh): Tension again along border with Myanmar

HEALTH / AIDS
Xinhua: Over 1,800 HIV patients receive ART treatment in Myanmar

ASEAN
Xinhua: ASEAN workshop on youth, culture underway in Myanmar

REGIONAL
Mizzima News: Over 200 Burmese arrested in Malaysia
Financial Times: Malay officials accused over human trafficking

INTERNATIONAL
Irrawaddy: Child soldiers still common in Burma: UN Report

OPINION / OTHER
The Nation (Thailand): Twenty Years on, the Wa-Burmese Cease-fire looks
shakier – Tom Kramer
Irrawaddy: Than Shwe’s empty well – Aung Zaw

PRESS RELEASE
CSW: Top British politicians call on UN to prioritize the release of
political prisoners in Burma



____________________________________
INSIDE BURMA

April 23, Irrawaddy
Release of political prisoners still key issue: UK Ambassador

The release of political prisoners is still the key to progress in Burma,
Britain’s ambassador to the country, Mark Canning, told an audience during
a panel discussion hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand
in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Citing the ruling junta’s intensifying crackdown on dissent over the past
two years, Canning described Burma as “one of the most repressive places
in the world,” with more than 2,100 political prisoners, including Nobel
Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

At the panel discussion to discuss developments in Burma since Cyclone
Nargis hit the country almost exactly one year ago, Canning said that the
international response to the deadly cyclone has done little to change the
regime’s attitude, but there is still hope that it could have some
positive effect in the long run.

However, the ambassador said that the signs are not encouraging as the
junta prepares for national elections to be held sometime next year.
Critics say that polling is unlikely to be free and fair because the junta
is intent on eliminating any genuine opposition ahead of the vote, which
will be based on a constitution approved last year in a referendum widely
dismissed as a sham.

Although he stressed the need for a political solution to ease the
country’s deepening social and economic woes, the ambassador also said
that it was important for the international community to continue
assisting people inside Burma.

Canning, who has served as the UK’s ambassador to Burma since 2006, was
joined on the panel by Chris Kaye, the World Food Program’s country
director for Burma, and Frank Smithius, the country director and medical
coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (Holland).

The panel discussion was recorded for broadcast by the BBC program
“Question Time” to mark the one-year anniversary of Cyclone Nargis.
Organizers said that Burmese aid workers declined an invitation to take
part in the discussion after learning that it would air on the BBC.

____________________________________

April 23, Mizzima News
Junta prohibits reporting on the arrest of murderer – Nem Davies

Local Weekly Journals in Rangoon said they have been prohibited from
publishing follow-up news on a murder case that took place in Botahtaung
Township of Rangoon in early April.

Despite Botahtaung police station and Rangoon division police confirming
the arrest of an individual accused of killing a husband and wife, they
have warned local journals not to publish additional information
concerning the case, an editor of a Rangoon-based weekly told Mizzima.

“They have openly warned us not to report about follow-up news regarding
the case. I have tried various means to persuade them otherwise, but they
have even threatened to arrest me,” said the editor, referring to the
strict censorship board, which maintains tight control over local
publications.

In early April, Aye Aye Win, daughter of a retired military officer, and
her husband, Khin Maung Lay, a sailor, were both found dead inside their
residence in Botahtaung Township.

On Monday, a police officer in Botahtaung police station told Mizzima they
had arrested a murder suspect on April 15 and were interrogating him. But
the officer declined to provide further details, other than to state he is
an important individual.

Editors and reporters of local weeklies in Rangoon believe the murderer
could be related to military officials, which is why they have been
restricted from reporting further on the case.

News of the murder was reported in early April by at least three journals
– Weekly Eleven, 7 Day News and The Voice.

One local journal has, however, indicated they have submitted their paper
to the censorship board inclusive of follow-up news on the arrest, though
it remains to be seen whether or not authorities permit publication of the
edition.

____________________________________

April 23, Mizzima News
Real estate market on upswing in Laputta

In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, a new satellite town is being built
beside the Myaungmya-Latputta Highway, about three miles away from
Latputta. Currently, the real estate business is on a upswing in this
area.

Earlier, it was reported that these new plots would be distributed to
victims of the Cyclone Nargis, who had lost their houses. However, the
local authorities of the Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC) are
reportedly selling the plots to affluent people, and as a result the local
real estate market is doing well.

"Previously we had heard that these new plots would be distributed to the
cyclone victims. Now they have said that anyone can buy these newly
developed plots,” a local resident from Laputta told Mizzima.

Accordign to him, each plot is worth about Kyat 1 million (USD 833) and in
some key areas it could fetch up to Kyat 1.5 million (USD 1250). We have
learnt that some plots have already been bought for Kyat 1.5 million from
the local TPDC authorities, the local said.

The place, where the new town is being developed is about three miles from
a former cyclone victims' relief camp. Only the main thoroughfares and
side lanes have been built in the area.

The real estate market has been high in Laputta town after Cyclone Nargis
lashed the area in early May 2008. The departmental offices and NGO
offices from Rangoon are pouring into this area for relief work, causing
the rent of office buildings and the prices of plots into a sharp rise.

A grocery store owner from Strand Road in Laputta town said, "I bought a
50'x60' plot on Strand Road for Kyat 2 million [USD 1,666], about four
years ago. But after the Cyclone, the price has shoot up and some even
offered Kyat 8 million [USD 6,666].”

“Recently, a person from Rangoon offered me Kyat 12 million. The plots at
key locations are in high demand as many buyers from both local and other
places are trying to buy them,” he added.

In order to please their bosses, the local authorities of Laputta TPDC
have issued orders to the owners of  cyclone-hit dilapidated houses, to
renovate their houses with plank walls and zinc coated CI (corrugated
iron) roofing, but most of the owners were unable to abide by their order,
as they were odd job and menial job workers.

"How can we build these houses? We are mere daily wage earners and menial
job workers. There were not many supporters of the people living in
Laputta town area and low income earners like us after Cyclone Nargis hit
our region,” a local resident living at No. 7 Ward at the entrance of
Laputta town said.

“They regarded only rural people as the cyclone victims. We told the local
TPDC office that we could not renovate our houses as they instructed and
asked them to build new houses for us. Then this order ran out of steam,"
he added.

The Tripartite Core Group (TCG) has asked for funds for the reconstruction
work in the cyclone-hit region, but the availability of the donation is
delayed.

____________________________________
ON THE BORDER

April 23, The Daily Star (Bangladesh)
Tension again along border with Myanmar

BDR jawans have taken positions at the bank of Naaf river in Palongkhali
union of Ukhiya upazila as Myanmar border force Nasaka again started
erecting earth embankment within 80 yards of the zero point.

The Nasaka has deployed 300 workers to build the embankment without
consultation with Bangladesh government though they stopped the work
yesterday following a protest from BDR.

BDR officials claimed that Nasaka has stopped their work while they blew
whistle and showed red flags.

But the local people yesterday said, Nasaka did not stop their work. Few
days back, Nasaka built around 300 feet of the embankment, they said.

On last Tuesday, BDR and Nasaka had a company commander level flag meeting
on the issue at Dekhiboniya Nasaka outpost where the BDR requested them
not to erect any embankment within the zero point.

Meanwhile, a total of 135 Rohingyas whose jail term ended have been
staying in the Cox's Bazar jail while the Myanmar government is totally
reluctant to receive them.

Jailer Anwar Hossain said there were 2,750 detainees, including 440
Rohingyas, on Wednesday in the jail against its 440 capacity. Of the
Rohingya detainees, 135 have been staying there though their jail term
ended in between December last year to January this year.

The 135 Rohingyas could not be sent back due to non-cooperation of Myanmar
government.

Sources said Myanmar embassy in Dhaka gave one way passport to 65
Rohingyas out of 135 for sending them home. But the military junta of
Arakan state in Myanmar is refusing to take them.

Anwar Hossain said, "After getting passports of 65 Rohingya detainees we
have completed all formalities of handing over the detainees to the
Myanmar authorities but they yet to response. We even contacted with
Myanmar authorities through BDR on April 17 but did not get any response."

Rohingyas are creating various problems in the jail and extra money and
time are being spent for them, sources said.

____________________________________
HEALTH / AIDS

April 23, Xinhua
Over 1,800 HIV patients receive ART treatment in Myanmar

A total of 1,850 HIV patients received anti-retroviral therapy (ART)
treatment through state hospitals in the first three months of this year,
the local Biweekly Eleven reported Thursday.

Of the 75,000 HIV patients in need of ART treatment in the country, 14,000
have been fulfilled, accounting for only about 20 percent, the report
said.

Myanmar began introducing ART treatment for HIV/AIDS patients in 2005.

According to the report, about 25,000 died of the disease annually in the
country.

UNAIDS figures show that about 240,000 people in Myanmar were infected
with HIV/AIDS in 2007, however dropping from 300,000 in 2001.

In recent years, Myanmar has stepped up prevention against HIV infection
occurring among groups who move about for their living.

The authorities stressed the urgent need for HIV prevention work through
education on such groups whose undertakings are posing a high level of
danger to the society, citing those earning their living through sex trade
and their partners as well as those working with the career, drug users
and their close associates, hotels and inns, and Karaoke entertainment
centers.

HIV prevalence rate has reportedly attained the most critical point
especially in the border areas where socio-economic status is complicated.

With the assistance of UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), measures
are being taken to educate those moving across border for their living
especially in their entertainment sector, the authorities said.

As disclosed by the authorities, a total of 2,190 people, engaged in the
sector, were exposed as carrying HIV in 2008.

HIV/AIDS is among the three major communicable diseases of national
concern designated by Myanmar. The other two diseases are tuberculosis and
malaria.

Myanmar treats the three diseases as priority with the main objectives of
reducing the morbidity and mortality in a bid to become no longer a public
problem and meet the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations.

____________________________________
ASEAN

April 23, Xinhua
ASEAN workshop on youth, culture underway in Myanmar

An ASEAN workshop on youth, culture and development, hosted by Myanmar, is
underway in the country's second largest city of Mandalay, the state
newspaper NewLight of Myanmar reported Thursday.

The five-day regional workshop running from Wednesday to Sunday is jointly
organized by Thailand-based Southeast Asian Ministers of Education
Organization, Regional Center for Archaeology and Fine Arts, and ASEAN
Foundation.

Dozens of youth delegates from the departments under the Myanmar Ministry
of Culture, National Culture and Fine Arts Universities and some social
organizations are attending the workshop, the report said.

Meanwhile, culture- and arts-related ministers of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to enhance the regional cooperation
in the areas of culture and arts at a meeting of ASEAN Ministers
Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) held in the new capital of Nay Pyi
Taw in January last year.

The areas of cooperation was outlined as human resources development,
protection, preservation and promotion of ASEAN cultural heritage, and
development of small and medium cultural enterprises.

According to disclosure, the ASEAN ministers endorsed the work plan of the
working groups set up by related ASEAN senior officials, agreeing that
funding for cultural cooperation activities be streamed and broadened.

The regional ministers resolved to enhance the cultural profile of ASEAN
among the member states and internationally, then report said, adding that
at the AMCA+3 (China, Japan and South Korea) meeting attached, the
regional ministers supported China's proposal to expedite the drafting of
an implementation plan for cultural cooperation between ASEAN and China,
welcoming the prospect of a memorandum of understanding between ASEAN and
South Korea to formalize cultural cooperation and Japan's initiatives on
such cooperation with ASEAN including the proposed ASEAN+3 computer
graphics art gallery.

The AMCA met in Nay Pyi Taw to promote a deeper understanding of the
region's civilization, arts and culture, and was aimed at contributing
towards the emergence of an ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community by 2015. The
roadmap for the community called for preservation and promotion of the
region's cultural heritage and cultural identity.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

____________________________________
REGIONAL

April 23, Mizzima News
Over 200 Burmese arrested in Malaysia – Salai Pi Pi

In a fresh crackdown on migrants, Malaysian authorities arrested at least
200 Burmese nationals on Wednesday, in Kuala Lumpur.

During a joint operation conducted by the Malaysian police, immigration
officials and peoples’ volunteer corps – RELA – on Wednesday, at least 200
Burmese nationals, both possessing legal documents as well as illegal
migrants, were picked up at Zalam Imbi in Kuala Lumpur.

“At around 7:00 pm yesterday, they started launching the operation in Imbi
near Times Square. It took over two hours,” Bawi Hre, Chairman of the Chin
Refugee Committee- Malaysia, who is following the case closely, told
Mizzima.

“Some were arrested on the streets and some were picked up from their
residence,” he added.

He said, among the arrested Burmese, including women and children, several
of them were registered refugees of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR), while some have legal travel documents. However,
many of them are illegal migrants, seeking jobs.

“They took them [the Burmese nationals] to the nearby immigration centre
in Putrajaya, where they are being temporarily detained,” he said. “I have
heard that they will be taken to Bukit Jali [a suburban town in Kuala
Lumpur],” he elaborated.

Nearly a hundred of the detained Burmese, who had legal documents, were
later released.

Kyaw Htoo Aung, Assistant Secretary of Malaysia-based Burmese Workers’
Rights Protection Committee (BWRPC) told Mizzima, that during the
operation, RELA and the police used batons against the Burmese nationals,
who are now being detained.

“They used batons in the operation and beat some Burmese nationals,” Kyaw
Htoo Aung said.

Although, such operations against illegal migrants and arrest of Burmese
workers are not uncommon, the arrests on Wednesday were significant as it
included several children as well as women, he said.

Rights groups and Bar Association in Malaysia have voiced their concern
against the government-backed RELA groups’ action against migrants. RELA
has attracted severe criticism by rights groups and campaigners for its
harsh crackdowns on illegal migrants and foreign nationals.

Malaysia, which is one of the emerging economies of Southeast Asia has
long been a refuge for millions of migrant workers from regional
countries, including Burma, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

However, with the world economy in recession, observers say that Malaysia
is conducting fresh operations on migrants since mid-2008, in order to
reduce the burden of its citizens losing jobs.

Min Thein, officer in-charge of the Malaysia-branch of the Burmese
political party, - Democratic Party for New Society (DPNS), – said, “The
recent operation might be because of the impact of the global recession,
which also hit the Malaysian economy. And it is also an act, to prevent
more influx of migrants into the country.”

According to him, Malaysia, since last year, has intensified its crackdown
on migrants far more than in the past. Since the beginning of this year,
at least 1,000 Burmese nationals have been arrested and are being detained
in detention centres or immigration camps.

In the first week of April, about 200 Burmese nationals were arrested in
Kuala Lumpur and are being detained at the Lengang and other detention
centres.

According to Kyaw Htoo Aung, there are about 500,000 Burmese nationals
commonly working in restaurants and construction sites in Malaysia. While
several of them have legal documents including over 30,000 UNHCR
recognized refugees, the majority are left without any legal documents to
stay.

____________________________________

April 23, Financial Times
Malay officials accused over human trafficking – Demetri Sevastopulo

An influential US senator has accused Malaysian officials of complicity in
the human trafficking of Burmese refugees who have been sold into
prostitution and other kinds of forced labour in recent years.

Richard Lugar, the top Republican on the foreign relations committee, on
Tuesday handed the Malaysian government a report on a year-long
investigation into allegations that refugees who fled the Burmese junta
for Malaysia had been handed over to traffickers on the Malaysia-Thailand
border.

The report, which was obtained by the FT, highlights the plight of Burmese
migrants who crossed Thailand into Malaysia in the hope of registering
with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and then
being resettled in a third country.

According to the investigation, Malaysian officials have transported
migrants – including some who had registered with UNHCR – from detention
centres to the Thai border for deportation. At the border, however,
migrants are handed to traffickers unless they can pay a ransom.

“Migrants state that those unable to pay are turned over to human peddlers
in Thailand, representing a variety of business interests ranging from
fishing boats to brothels,” said the report.

The Senate investigators also received multiple reports of Burmese women
being sexually abused by traffickers, including some in front of their
husbands because, as one NGO employee cited in the report put it, “no one
dares to intervene as they would be shot or stabbed to death in the
jungle’’.

“[Burmese women] are sold at a brothel if they look good,” recounted one
refugee. “If they are not beautiful, they [the traffickers] might sell
them at a restaurant or house-keeping job.”

The committee launched the investigation in 2007 after hearing allegations
about the trafficking of Burmese migrants “with the knowledge, if not
participation” of Malaysian officials.

“The prospect that Burmese migrants, having fled the heavy hand of the
Burmese junta, only to find themselves in harms’ way in Malaysia seemed
beyond belief,” said the report.

While raising concerns about the role of “government officials” – which
the report defines as immigration and police officials, and the
semi-official People’s Volunteer Corps [Rela] - Mr Lugar welcomed the
Malaysian police’s recent decision to investigate the allegations.

The Malaysian prime minister’s office did not respond to a request for
comment.

The report estimated that a few thousand Burmese have been brought to the
border with Thailand in recent years, and in particular to the Sungai
Golok in Thailand and Padang Besar in Malaysia. It said Burmese refugees
now residing in the US had provided names and bank account details for
people involved in the trafficking, which have now been forwarded to
Malaysian law enforcement officials.

The 2008 State department human rights report also found that while
Malaysia “generally” had a good human rights record, there were some
problems, including “credible allegations” that immigration officials were
involved in trafficking Burmese refugees. It also highlighted abuses by
Rela, including rape, beatings, and the destruction of UNCHR status
documents.

Human Rights Watch also concluded in its 2009 World Report that
“testimonies from migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers deported from
Malaysia to the Thai border indicate collusion between Malaysian
immigration officials and human smuggling gangs who charge steep fees to
facilitate deportees’ return to Malaysia or back to Burma”.

Additional reporting by John Burton in Singapore

____________________________________
INTERNATIONAL

April 23, Irrawaddy
Child soldiers still common in Burma: UN Report – Lalit K Jha

The Burmese military regime’s army and nine other armed groups are still
recruiting child soldiers, according to the latest Annual Report of the UN
Secretary-General to the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict,
released on Wednesday.

The report accuses both the Burmese junta and an array of armed ethnic
groups, including ceasefire groups and active anti-government forces, of
continuing to engage in the practice of recruiting child soldiers.
A child soldier wearing a Burmese army uniform (Photo: Yuzo/The Irrawaddy)

Apart from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the Karenni Army
(KA) and the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S), all of the armed ethnic groups
singled out in the report have signed ceasefire agreements with the
Burmese regime.

The ceasefire groups implicated in the report include the Democratic Karen
Buddhist Army (DKBA), the Karen National Union-Karen National Liberation
Army Peace Council (KNU/KNLA PC), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the
Karenni National People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF), the Myanmar National
Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

The non-ceasefire KNLA and KA are the only groups that have sought to
conclude an action plan with the UN to end recruitment of child soldiers,
according to the report. But the report, authored by Radhika Coomaraswamy,
the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed
Conflict, adds that the UN has been prevented from establishing a formal
dialogue with these groups by the Burmese military junta.

The 51-page report, which documents recruitment of child soldiers around
the globe, further alleges that the Burmese military junta has denied
humanitarian access to children during the reporting period.

The report also refers to a meeting between UNICEF officials and Wa
authorities in early 2008, during which the UN officials visited two
military camps where the UWSA was managing and running four primary
schools. “This is worrisome, given the allegations of their recruitment
and use of child soldiers,” the report said.

The Wa denied that the students were given military training and explained
that the children were dressed in military uniforms because they were
orphans, street children or children from poor families who could not
afford other clothing. No further assessment was carried out and there has
been no further contact with the Wa authorities, the report said.

Reports from camps along the Thai-Burmese border found one case of a child
recruited by the KNU and three cases of children associated with the
Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the political wing of the KA,
the UN report said. A monitoring and reporting mechanism has been
established in all nine refugee camps along the border in order to improve
the verification of cases and raise awareness of the issue of child
soldiers among camp residents, it said.

Referring to official reports shared by the junta, the UN report said the
Burmese government continues to screen and release underage children found
in its armed forces during the training process. The junta reported that
68 children were detected in various military training schools and were
released to their parents and guardians.

The 68 cases included 12 children who were released through the
International Labor Organization (ILO) mechanism, one released and
reported to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and two
released and reported to the ILO and ICRC.

The ILO, through its mechanism to eliminate the use of forced labor, has
verified the release of 23 children, mostly from involuntary military
enrolment, based on complaints filed by parents and relatives. An
additional 14 cases either await government response or remain open while
the process continues, it said.

While the Burmese regime claimed that it has discharged nine military
recruitment officers from service for violating the national military
recruitment law, the UN reported that it has not been able to verify that.

However, on underage recruitment cases received by ILO, no action against
perpetrators has been taken under either the Penal Code or military
regulations, the report said.

The report also said that even as the regime has informed the UN country
task force that it has put procedures in place for the rehabilitation and
reintegration of underage recruits, the UNICEF has not been given access
to children who were released through the government’s mechanisms for
follow-up purposes.

The UN report said the world body has also not been able to establish
contact with any of the armed ceasefire groups identified in the 2007
annual report as perpetrators of child recruitment. These include the
DKBA, the KNU/KNLA PC, the KIA, the KNPLF and the MNDAA. It also has no
contact with the non-ceasefire SSA-S.

____________________________________
OPINION / OTHER

April 23, The Nation (Thailand)
Twenty Years on, the Wa-Burmese Cease-fire looks shakier – Tom Kramer

TWENTY years ago, on April 17, 1989, ethnic Wa troops put an end to the
communist insurgency in Burma and established the United Wa State Army
(UWSA). With Chinese-donated weapons they inherited from Burman
communists, the UWSA became the largest ethnic insurgent army in the
country. Following the Wa mutiny, other ethnic armed opposition groups
along the Thai border asked the Wa army to join their alliance. Instead,
the war-weary Wa leaders decided to accept an offer from the military
government for a cease-fire agreement.

This week the UWSA will hold a grand ceremony to celebrate their 20th
anniversary. Wa leaders feel that they are doing better than ever before.
The Wa region, an isolated and mountainous area in the northern Shan State
along the Chinese border, is now at peace, and under the control of a Wa
army led by Wa leaders, who are following an ethnic Wa nationalist agenda.
Paved roads have been built, linking the major towns in the area, where
Chinese-style concrete buildings have replaced bamboo huts. And after
decades of international isolation, international NGOs are now
implementing community development projects.

However, the UWSA faces serious challenges. First of all, the UWSA has
been singled out and demonised by the international community for all the
drug problems in the region. In 2005 the US Department of Justice
announced the indictment of eight UWSA leaders on heroin- and
methamphetamine trafficking charges, including UWSA chairman Bao You
Chang. It calls the UWSA "one of the largest heroin-producing and
trafficking groups in the world". This has confined Wa leaders to their
region, further isolating them and making them more dependent on ethnic
Chinese drug traffickers like Wei Xue-kang - who was also indicted.

This approach of trying to arrest "drug kingpins" follows the decades-old
US-led war on drugs, which has been a complete failure.

Clearly the UWSA is not innocent of narcotics-related crimes. But to
single them out for all the drug problems in the region and to blame all
the problems on drug kingpins or "narco-armies" is too simplistic. There
are very few conflict actors in Burma who can claim to have clean hands on
this issue. Furthermore, the drug trade is a hugely profitable business,
and it is clear that corruption and the involvement of people in
high-ranking offices in all countries in the region plays an important
role.

The Wa region was once Burma's largest opium-producing area. Under
international pressure - especially from China - the UWSA banned opium
cultivation in 2005. In return, it hoped to gain international recognition
and development aid to offset the impact of the ban on the population.
Instead they were "rewarded" by the US indictment, and most ex-poppy
farmers still today have not been able to find alternative sources of
income and resent the opium ban; but they are in no position to resist the
UWSA's authoritarian leadership.

The weak capacity of the UWSA's leadership has also prevented it from
transforming the economy of the region. It has promoted Chinese investment
in rubber, tea and sugarcane plantations, but these are not benefiting
farmers. Current levels of international assistance are insufficient to
sustain their livelihoods. This raises serious questions about the
sustainability of the opium ban.

Furthermore, twenty years on, the cease-fire with the UWSA still holds,
but the tension with the Burmese military government is growing. The
cease-fires with armed groups such as the UWSA are essentially military
agreements, enabling the UWSA to administer its territory and maintain its
arms. The cease-fires have ended open hostilities, curtailed the most
serious human rights abuses, and brought some development to the region.
However, the main weakness is the lack of political development and a
genuine peace-process as a follow-up to the truces.

Instead, the military government started a national convention to produce
a new constitution. Cease-fire groups such as the UWSA were invited to
attend, and put forward their political demands. In May 2008, just days
after Cyclone Nargis devastated the Irrawaddy Delta, killing 130,000
people, the regime organised a controversial referendum to approve the new
constitution, which it claims was approved by 90 per cent of the voters.
Opposition groups have denounced the referendum. The new constitution also
does not reflect the main grievances and aspirations of the UWSA.

The northern Wa region along the Chinese border was the one of the very
few areas that officially produced a "no" vote in the referendum.
According to the Wa Education Bulletin, a monthly magazine published in
the UWSA capital Panghsang, out of 38,000 voters, 55 per cent voted 'no',
35 per cent voted 'yes', and 11 per cent abstained.

The main aim of the UWSA is to build a Wa State in Burma. The new
constitution provides for the creation of a Wa Autonomous Division. This
excludes all UWSA territory along the Thai border, but more importantly
for the UWSA, also the strategic Mong Pawk and Hotao areas in the north.
"We have been managing and building that area for over 40 years," says
UWSA vice-chairman Xiao Min Liang. "This is unacceptable for us."

The regime wants the cease-fire groups to disarm, but the UWSA is unlikely
to do so unless some of its basic demands have been met.

"We are not willing to give up our weapons," says Xiao Min Liang.

The military government now proposes that groups like the UWSA will be
integrated into the regular army, and become a kind of border force.

"They realised that it is not realistic to disarm all these cease-fire
groups. They are still working on the details, and we have not made our
decision yet."

UWSA officials say in principle they will participate in the 2010
election. "We have already 20 years of peace agreements, and our principle
is not to be separated from Burma," says Zhao Wen Guang, the powerful UWSA
Agricultural Minister.

"Because the current government of Burma is military, we will see the
outcome of the election. If it is good, we will become more pro-active.
But if it is still a military government, we will keep our current
position."

The recent tension between the UWSA and the military government has led to
speculation about a renewal of the armed conflict. But Wa leaders say they
will not initiate hostilities.

"If the Burmese military does not shoot first, we will maintain the peace,
and will not fight," says Zhao Wen Guang. "But we have to protect
ourselves."

Tom Kramer is a researcher at the Drugs & Democracy Programme of the
Transnational Institute (TNI).
____________________________________

April 23, Irrawaddy
Than Shwe’s empty well – Aung Zaw

If you want to know what Snr-Gen Than Shwe is thinking these days, I
suggest you read his recent Armed Forces Day speech in Naypyidaw.

There was nothing new in his annual speech, which contained an admonition
that the democratization process would be slow.

Here is part of his speech:

“Democracy in Myanmar [Burma] today is at a fledgling stage and still
requires patient care and attention,” the general said.

“As a Myanmar proverb puts it, a recently dug well cannot be expected to
produce clear water immediately; understanding the process of gradual
maturity is crucial, as is contributing to it through concerted
constructive efforts in an environment of peace and tranquility,” he
added.

Phew. This is disappointing indeed. How many times have we heard this
nonsense over the past two decades?

After hearing about his speech, some Burmese joked that maybe Than Shwe
was digging his well in the wrong soil.

Clearly, it is Than Shwe who is not ready for democracy, and not the
people of Burma, who have often demonstrated that they are more than ready
to return to life in a democratic society.

Than Shwe is not interested in amending the new constitution, and has
shown no inclination to make his “road map” more inclusive, as the
intentional community has repeatedly requested.

In his speech, Than Shwe warned against efforts to undermine the
constitution, which he said had been adopted by the people in last year’s
referendum.

He also warned potential participants in next year’s planned election
against engaging in personal attacks.

“I would like to request those who will be involved in organizing work for
parties to refrain from inciting unrest, to avoid personal attacks and
smear campaigns against other parties and to find unity in diversity by
practicing tolerance, forgiveness and understanding toward one another.
Everyone following such ways and means of mature party organizing work
will receive the blessing of the government,” he said.

It is obvious that Than Shwe intends to plow ahead with his road map, even
if there is good reason to believe that most people, including many in the
military, are unconvinced that it will extract the country from its
current quagmire.

Sources in Naypyidaw say that Than Shwe and top leaders are having
difficulty selling the road map, which will culminate in the 2010
election, even to soldiers and officers. The army is divided on the
election issue and some senior army officers want Than Shwe to extend an
olive branch to opposition leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, the
sources said. But the stubborn old general has shown no signs of backing
off.

To Than Shwe, the road map is his own personal exit strategy, which he
hopes will enable him to relax his iron grip on power so that he can spend
his dotage without fears of reprisal, either from his military successors
or from some future civilian government.

Official sources said that Than Shwe knows that he and his family are
intensely disliked both in Burma and in countries where Burmese political
exiles have largely succeeded in portraying his regime as the epitome of
oppression.

The sources said that he has been closely monitoring news and criticism of
his regime. What he sees when he holds this mirror to his face must indeed
be truly frightening.

Than Shwe knows that in the dog-eat-dog world of Burmese despotism, there
is a very real danger that he could end up spending his final days as a
prisoner, just as his own boss did.

Gen Ne Win, who ruled Burma for 26 years, spent his last days as a
prisoner of the regime and died while under house arrest in 2002. This is
not the fate that Than Shwe wants to find awaiting him.

So does this mean that Than Shwe could yet find it within his heart to
make a compromise with the opposition and bend somewhat to international
opinion?

Not likely. When United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently
visited the region, Than Shwe did not extend an invitation because he knew
that he would be asked to make concessions that are anathema to him.

Officials close to Than Shwe say that he spends a great deal of time
pondering the possibility of releasing prisoners, including Suu Kyi,
before the election, as a gesture to placate the international community.
But at this stage, he still feels that such a move would be too risky.

Than Shwe, a former psychological warfare officer who takes great care to
anticipate his enemies’ every move, is no gambler. He doesn’t dare risk
releasing Suu Kyi even if it is a guaranteed way to win the world’s
applause.

Suu Kyi, for her part, has shown no reluctance to discuss any issue on the
table, including sanctions. She has signaled her willingness to meet with
the regime’s leadership through the junta’s liaison minister, Aung Kyi.

The thought of such an encounter with his nemesis no doubt sends chills up
Than Shwe’s spine. Better to break out the shovels and tell his minions to
keep digging that well that could take forever to finally yield water fit
to drink.

But the Burmese people are getting thirsty, and the soldiers are getting
tired of the backbreaking labor required to keep a hated regime in power.
Sooner or later, Than Shwe will learn that you can’t keep people waiting
forever.

____________________________________
PRESS RELEASE

April 23, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Top British politicians call on UN to prioritize the release of political
prisoners in Burma

Former leaders of Britain’s three main political parties have added their
support to Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s (CSW) petition calling on the
UN Secretary-General to make the release of Burma’s 2,100 political
prisoners his personal priority.

The Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague MP, who was leader of the
Conservative Party from 1997-2001, has signed CSW’s ChangeforBurma!
petition. Mr Hague said: “In the wake of the shocking prison sentences
imposed on activists in Burma, and the regime’s continuing crimes against
humanity, it is vital that we do everything in our power to summon up the
will of the international community to influence the junta in Burma and
seek the release of all political prisoners.”

Neil Kinnock, Labour Party leader from 1983-92 and David Steel, Liberal
Party leader from 1976-88, both now in the House of Lords, also added
their support. Lord Kinnock said: “Burma’s democracy leader Aung San Suu
Kyi, and all political prisoners in jail today, are detained simply for
speaking about freedom. These courageous people deserve our support. We
must use our liberty to promote theirs.”

The Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew
Mitchell MP, is another signatory to the petition. Mr Mitchell became the
first elected British politician in many years to visit Rangoon in 2007,
where he met former political prisoners. He also visited internally
displaced peoples inside Karen State, with CSW.

CSW’s campaign is part of an international coalition led by the Assistance
Association for Political Prisoners and the Forum for Democracy in Burma.
The petition has drawn over 250,000 signatories so far, with support from
prominent figures such as Nobel Laureate Jody Williams, a campaigner for
an international landmine treaty. Jody Williams said: “Many of us
struggling for peace around the world can use our freedom to express our
views. But the people of Burma risk prison to do this. We need to stand
shoulder to shoulder with those democracy activists who have been locked
up in the dark. We must show them they have not been forgotten.”

CSW’s East Asia Team Leader Benedict Rogers said: “We are delighted to
have the support of such major political figures for this campaign. It
shows just how seriously the issue is taken, and it should send a message
to the regime in Burma that their gross abuse of prisoners of conscience
has not gone unnoticed by the world. We will not stay silent, and will
continue to campaign until all political prisoners in Burma, including
democracy leader and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, are free.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Theresa
Malinowska, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on 020 8329
0045 / 078 2332 9663, email theresamalinowska at csw.org.uk or visit
www.csw.org.uk.

CSW is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom,
works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and
promotes religious liberty for all.

Note to Editors:

CSW launched a joint campaign with Partners Relief and Development last
year, to highlight human rights violations in Burma. The
ChangeforBurma!campaign includes calls for a case to be brought to the
International Criminal Court.

To view the ChangeforBurma! petition, please click here or visit
www.changeforburma.org