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By Nan Tin Htwe and Jessica Mudditt

AS part of a government amnesty that saw 93 prisoners released on April 23, U Myat (Sonny) Swe, co-founder of The Myanmar Times, was released from Taunggyi Prison in Shan State after serving more than eight years of a 14-year sentence. But he says he feels “half empty” because his father, a former senior Military Intelligence official, remains behind bars.

U Myat Swe was imprisoned in 2005 after being convicted of bypassing censorship regulations at The Myanmar Times.

He arrived at Yangon airport at 11am on Wednesday and was greeted by about 30 colleagues from the company, as well as by his wife, Daw Yamin Htin Aung, and his 18-year-old son, Nicholas Swe.

“I’m happy to see my family, old colleagues and friends. But I’m not fully happy, as my father is still inside,” U Myat Swe said in an interview at The Myanmar Times’ office.

“I feel half empty,” he said. “I thought both my father and I would be released together, but it didn’t happen.”

His father, former Brigadier General Thein Swe, is serving a term of 152 years in Myingyan Prison, and U Myat Swe said he is not in good health.

U Myat Swe said that before he was released he had only six months left to serve on his term because it had been reduced several times under previous amnesties.

‘I feel half empty,’ says MT co-founderU Myat (Sonny) Swe (left) is greeted by former colleagues from ‘The Myanmar Times’ at Yangon airport on April 24, a day after his release from Taunggyi Prison. Pic: Kaung Htet

By Ei Ei Toe Lwin

MONKS have intervened to avoid a potentially bloody confrontation between villagers and police near the Letpadaung mine.

It came after clashes b e t w e e n p o l i c e a n d protesters on April 24 and 25 left scores injured and resulted in three protest leaders being arrested. On April 26 about 500 villagers demonstrated to call for the release of the detained people by midnight.

About 300 police formed three lines in front of the protesters near Wettmay village at about 2:30pm, said U Ba Htoo, a member of the Yangon Public Service Network.

“They warned us they will shoot if we passed the third line. They were ready to shoot us,” he said.

“We stood 500 yards from the first line and asked them to release the three people but they didn’t response and just warned us again. At 3:30pm, we went back to the villages because the monks requested us to and we didn’t want to get injured again,” he said. “But it doesn’t mean we will give up our protest campaign – we’ll try again.”

Ko Aung Than Myo of Tone Ywa village said one of the detained, Ko Aung Soe, is a member of the Yangon Public Service Network, while the other two are area residents.

The violence erupted on April 24 after police and local officials ordered

villagers to stop ploughing fields owned by Ma Yi Yi Win and Ko Win Kyaw, from Setal and Moegyopyin villages respectively.

The fields are within an area where a Section 144 curfew remains in place. State media said on April 25 that the confrontation left three villagers and 15 police officers injured.

But activists accused police of instigating the violence and said they returned the following day and fired on the villagers, injuring one man.

“Dozens of police arrived and threatened us and told us to stop our works but we refused the order … they started the violence by beating up some of the villagers,” said Ko Aung Than Myo.

“At the time, there were 30 people there so we went back to the villages and asked other people to help and eventually there were almost 70 of us,” he said.

Ko Aung Myint Thein from Moegyopyin village said police used excessive force to disperse the villagers on April 25, leaving three people seriously injured.

“Ko Tin Zaw from Ton Ywa village was shot and he is in Monywa Hospital. Two others were also wounded and in hospital. They are in a critical condition. More than 20 other villagers were also injured but didn’t need treatment at hospital,” Ko Aung Myint Thein said.

Monks step in to avert clashes at mine siteScores injured in latest violence at Letpadaung after villagers begin ploughing land inside curfew zone

More page 4More page 4

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No. 675, April 29 - May 5, 2013 Heartbeat of The Nation www.mmtimes.com

Comment 2April 29 - May 5, 2013

THE recent disappearance of Myanmar’s pro-democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is the saddest news for a long time.

It was hard enough when the human rights lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit vanished in Bangkok in 2004 when investigating allegations of torture by police officers.

Similarly shocking was the 2007 abduction of Jonas Burgos, an advocate for landless peasants, in a shopping mall in the Quezon City district of Manila.

Then, just four months ago, Sombath Somphone, the Lao educator and rights activist, was stopped by the police in Vientiane and later dragged off in a pickup truck.

None of them have been seen again.Now comes the myster ious

disappearance of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, whose friends and close associates suspect was engineered by the military leaders and their mega-rich cronies.

If so, they have been unusually cunning and replaced her with a lookalike double, as has been done elsewhere in the past for political figures as varied as Winston Churchill, Henry Kissinger and Saddam Hussein.

Let us try to recap how this dastardly act occurred.

In 1988, when she returned to Myanmar, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi became a fearless advocate for a secular, multiparty democracy, free from state-sanctioned corruption, drug dealing and ethnic cleansing.

She rebuked the military dictators for misgoverning her resource-rich nation and impoverishing its people – and in the process she won the Nobel Peace Prize, while enduring house arrest most of the time.

Then, in 2010, she was released from detention and permitted a degree of political latitude that was unprecedented.

She campaigned around the country, won a seat in parliament and even travelled overseas to collect her Nobel prize and be feted by world leaders in Washington, London and Paris.

Then, suddenly, she vanished – or at least the real Daw Aung San Suu

Kyi that we all know vanished. In her place another lady appeared, assuming the same name and having a similiar appearance.

This new creature, a Faustian figure, like a distaff Lee Kuan Yew or Hun Sen, promptly jumped into bed with the generals and their well-heeled sidekicks.

“It’s genuine, I’m fond of the army,” she gushed on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs show – while picking “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles and “Green Green Grass of Home” by Tom Jones among her songs.

Was this the real Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – praising army officers who, let us remember, recruited child soldiers, pillaged and raped ethnic minorities, and murdered hundreds of civilian protesters in 1988 and 2007?

No, it must be an impostor, because the woman even lauded the cronies, gleefully accepting cash donations at a party fundraiser from people like U Tay Za and U Kyaw Win, whose ill-gotten millions, along with their Ferraris and Rolls-Royces, came from military contracts and other activities.

Furthermore, this Daw Aung San Suu Kyi decoy endorsed the Letpadaung copper mine, co-owned by a Chinese military conglomerate and the army-owned Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings.

This long-controversial project has displaced hundreds of farmers and turned a bucolic rural area into a kind of hellish lunar landscape that would challenge Hieronymus Bosch.

Even after security forces fired white phosphorus munitions on protesting farmers, the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi mimic reiterated that she backed the mine and she chastised the peasants for demonstrating against it without permits.

Final proof of this decoy charade came when Muslims in Meiktila, Yangon and Rakhine State were slaughtered by gangs of rightwing Buddhists from the majority Bamar community – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s heartland vote bank.

Did the Lady stand up and rage against these pogroms? She did not.

It was so unlike the real Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that the only explanation possible is that it is a diabolic military-hatched scheme whereby she has been abducted and replaced by a sycophantic stooge.

Let us hope someone frees her – and soon.

Oh Daw Suu, where art thou?AsiAn Focus

In Depth with Roger Mitton

Dear editor,

AS an Australian who has lived in and enjoyed the beauty of Myanmar, including the people, for eight months, with my Burmese-born wife, I have found The Myanmar Times to be an invaluable source of

information and considered opinion, presented with balance and reason. I see it as part of the education system.

The community needs to be informed, taught and challenged to think and act.

The high level of smoking is a challenge. I fear for the

20 million children under 15. What is their health future? More education on the risks of smoking and secondary smoke is needed.

Teashops are a buzz. They are great but sadly there are cigarette lighters and smokers everywhere. Non-smoking areas are needed.

Shopping recently at a large department store, I had to grab my wife as she tripped on a raised tile. On showing staff, they looked bemused, as if nothing was wrong.

U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e principle of duty of care,

as well as occupational h e a l t h a n d s a f e t y , is improving but everyone needs to be more fully informed. As private general insurance companies are established, public liability claims will eventuate, especially with increasing tourism.

The “what’s the problem?” attitude is not sustainable. I know from 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

Please continue to be part of the education diet of this great country.

Graham Goodall

Got something to say? We want to hear from you. Address all correspondence to the Editor, The Myanmar Times (English). We endeavour to respond to all correspondence in a timely manner.

Address: 379-383, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Kyauktada township, Yangon. Telephone: (+951) 392-928, 253-642. Fax: (+951) 392-706 Email: [email protected]

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi speaks during a press conference in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on January 30. Pic: AFP

Editor Mailbox

newsApril 29 - May 5, 2013

3

AS an international human rights group criticises the government over last year’s violence in Rakhine State, pressure is growing for the release of the government’s own investigation report.

The long-awaited report of an investigation commission into the Rakhine violence is in the hands of President U Thein Sein – but it is still not clear whether or when the report will be made public.

Presidential spokesperson U Ye Htut confirmed that the president received the Rakhine report on April 22, one day ahead of the extended deadline. “The president is studying the report, and we cannot yet confirm whether the report will be made public or not,” U Ye Htut, who is also deputy information minister, told The Myanmar

Times on April 24. In the meantime, Human

Rights Watch released its own 153-page report on April 22, titled All You Can Do is Pray: Crimes Against Humanity and Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Burma’s Arakan State. The HRW report is strongly critical of the government, claiming that it engaged in a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya that continues to this day through the denial of aid and restrictions on movement (see related story page 21).

Commission member Ko Thura, better known as the comedian Zaganar, said on April 23: “We have submitted final report to the president’s office, with copies in both Myanmar and English. But I can’t say whether it will be published.” Zaganar said that, at 105 pages long, the report might be too big to publish in the state-run media, as has been done with other reports.

The commission plans to hold a news conference at

the Myanmar Peace Centre at the end of April to explain its findings. “We’ve printed 500 books about the report to be distributed at the conference,” said Zaganar.

The President’s Office announced the formation of the 27-member committee on August 17, 2012 to look into the causes of the violence in Rakhine State the previous May and June and to make recommendations. The report was due to be filed by November 16. Since the report was not complete at the time – more unrest broke out in late October – the commission filed an interim report that has not been made public.

The government has said it will abide by the commission’s findings and recommendations.

Commission member U Aung Naing Oo hinted that the findings would differ from those of Human Rights Watch. “International observers might take a different view of Rakhine than local people. We must study the views of all parties

to the conflict, not just one side. Above all, we must study the local context in detail. But we shouldn’t neglect criticisms,” said U Aung Naing Oo, who is also director of the Myanmar Peace Centre ’ s peace dialogue program.

“Our report contains advice that we believe to be in the best interests of the state and the people, especially in terms of ensuring a lasting peace in Rakhine State in the long term,” he said.

U Shwe Maung, a Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Buthidaung in Rakhine State, said the president s h o u l d p u b l i s h t h e report in the interests of transparency.

“I assume the report’s recommendations are in the best interests of both communities. Peaceful co-existence is the most important point. I would be prepared to back the people’s demands in that respect,” said U Shwe Maung, who is a member of the Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Pressure grows on govt to publish Rakhine report

In Depth with

Ei Ei Toe Lwin

Investigation commission’s report sent to president but not released to public

By Tim McLaughlin

OFFICIALS from Human Rights Watch say the government has been unwilling to discuss the group’s recent report, which accused security forces of ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity in Rakhine State.

Mr Phil Robertson, the deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, and the group’s Myanmar researcher, Mr Matthew Smith, arrived in Myanmar on April 24 to meet officials from civil society groups, UN agencies, Yangon embassies and the government.

“We have been seeking m e e t i n g s w i t h t h e government but getting no reply,” said Mr Robertson. “We are prepared to engage them and this is an issue that isn’t going to go away.”

The government’s only reaction to the damning report came from presidential spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Htut. Shortly after its release on April 22, he posted a message on his Facebook page saying it was biased (see related story page 21).

Mr Robertson described U Ye Htut’s comments as a “shoot the messenger” reaction and challenged

the government to make a “substantive response”.

In the week since it was released, the use of the term “ethnic cleansing” in the report’s title has become a point of contention.

Comedian and former political prisoner Zarganar, who is a member of an investigation commission established to probe the Rakhine State conflict, dismissed the report and urged others to wait for the commission’s findings. Myanmar National Human Rights Commission secretary U Sit Myaing, Aung Myo Min from Human Rights Education Institute of Burma and members of 88 Generation all told Mizzima that they strongly rejected the use of the term “ethnic cleansing”.

But Mr Robertson said that Human Right Watch stood by its decision.

“Human Rights Watch doesn’t use heavy words like ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity without justification,” he said. “We are not into hyperbole. We are not into exaggeration.”

Mr Robertson said it is important that people read the 150-page report before drawing conclusions and “sounding off to the press”.

“People look at the title and have a visceral reaction.”

Government stonewalls visiting HRW officials


4

By Ei Ei Toe Lwin

ACTIVISTS working with a committee established by the government to free political prisoners are divided over the latest prisoner release.

Almost 60 political prisoners were freed under an amnesty on April 23 but hundreds remain behind bars, according to activists.

T h e F o r m e r P o l i t i c a l Prisoners Association confirmed 59 political prisoners were freed from eight prisons on April 23 and 24. However, a spokesperson for the group said it had not supported the amnesty because many more political prisoners who it had proposed releasing were still in jail.

“Most prisoners [in the latest amnesty] were freed from Tharyarwady Prison. Many of them are from Shan armed forces [and their release was] proposed by a Shan party,” said U Thet Oo, a spokesperson for the association’s News and Information Committee.

“The committee members proposed a list of prisoners for the amnesty … They asked us to sign the list to show our agreement. But most of them did not meet our criteria [for the definition of a political prisoner] … so we didn’t signed it,” he said.

The committee , led by Minister for the President’s Office U Soe Thein, was formed

on February 6 to ensure all political prisoners are released. It invited a number of political parties, activist groups and individuals, including the National League for Democracy, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, 88 Generation, Former Political Prisoners A s s o c i a t i o n , A s s i s t a n c e Assoc iat ion for Pol i t i ca l P r i s o n e r s ( B u r m a ) a n d comedian Zaganar, to help it

identify those who should be released.

“But they release prisoners that they want. They don’t care about our views,” said U Thet Oo, adding that the amnesty was a response to the European Union’s decision to lift sanctions. “Now we are preparing to respond to the amnesty.”

Altogether 93 people were

released under the amnesty, w h i c h w a s o r d e r e d b y President U Thein Sein on September 17 under section 204(a) of the constitution and section 401(i) of the Code of Criminal Procedure “to ensure all inclusiveness in political processes and further strengthening the amity between the countries and on humanitarian and social grounds”.

Comedian Zaganar said he signed the committee’s list of prisoners for release “because I don’t want anyone to be in prison”.

He said political parties and civil society groups initially believed there were still 630 political prisoners in Myanmar jails, but after consulting with the committee the number had declined to 360 because some had already been freed and others had “disappeared”.

Zaganar said more amnesties were likely in the near future.

“The [committee] said to us that they would granted this amnesty … as a first batch and they will propose that the president release others who are still in prison.”

NLD spokesperson U Nyan Win said he also signed the committee’s prisoner release list but was unsure about which other groups had supported the amnesty.

“We do not complete ly agree with the committee on everything but it doesn’t mean we are against their [amnesty],” he said.

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NGOs divided over latest political prisoner releaseThe Former Political Prisoners Association accuses the government of ignoring the plight of hundreds of prisoners who remain behind bars and refuses to back April 23 amnesty

From page 1

Villagers, police clashAn April 25 report in the state-run New Light of Myanmar said members of the Yangon Public Service Network were behind the unrest and had “instigated the villagers to commit harsh acts against security forces”.

“Due to their instigation, the crowed started throwing stones at the security forces,” the report said, adding that security forces arrested three people and fired three warning shots in the air, pushing the crowd back. The report said some villagers even threw handmade “fire bombs” and wielded sticks and swords against police, who fired rubber bullets into the crowd.

The report warned that “punitive actions will be taken against those who were taken into custody for their anarchic acts and those who committed unrest and violence will be exposed and taken into custody”.

But villagers said they would continue to defy police and work their land, regardless of the section 144 order.

“We don’t care what [the police] say. They declared [a

curfew] in the whole region. We will do our work. The owners of that land haven’t sold it to anyone and haven’t accepted any compensation,” Ko Aung Than Myo said.

“We won’t give up on our goal of protecting the Letpadaung

area. We don’t care what methods they use,” he said.

The clashes are not the first at the mine between police and pro testers; on November 29, 2012, police broke up a protest camp with incendiary smoke grenades in a pre-dawn raid,

leaving almost 100 – including many monks – injured.

An investigation commission set up just days after the raid confirmed police used the grenades but could not clarify how they got them or who ordered their use.

Police stand in the last of three lines facing about 500 protesters near Wettmay village on April 26, in front of a sign that warns they will shoot if approached. Pic: Supplied/Han Wai Aung

MT co-founder freed“I was in prison for eight years and five months. Now my family is my priority. I will push for my father’s release. I can say nothing about work at the moment.”

But his former partner at The Myanmar Times, Mr Ross Dunkley, said U Myat Swe’s release would “undoubtedly” have an effect on the ownership struggles that have plagued

the company in recent years. Mr Dunkley is facing several criminal charges following an altercation with the wife of his business partner, Dr Tin Tun Oo, which occurred following tense negotiations over the future of the company.

Mr Dunkley called on Dr Tin Tun Oo, who bought U Myat Swe’s shares at a reduced price when he was forced to sell them in 2005, to return them to the company’s founder.

“U Myat Swe is entitled to buy back his shares back at no more than the price his family was paid for them all those years ago,” he said.

“To be honest, I think he should get the shares back for free. Once this issue is resolved, we will push on to realise our joint ambitions.

“There hasn’t been a day in this past eight-and-a-half years that I haven’t thought of him and his situation:

being in prison, being unjustly detained for doing nothing wrong. It’s a sad episode that has finally [ended]. Now I only wish to see his father released.”

M r D u n k l e y a n d U Myat Swe established The Myanmar Times in 2000. Its parent company, Myanmar Consolidated Media, Ltd, remains the only foreign-invested media organisation in Myanmar.

‘They release the prisoners that they want. They don’t care about our views.’


6

By Than Naing Soe

S O M E r e s i d e n t s i n Mandalay queued up for three hours yesterday to be the first to get their hands on a K1500 SIM card.

In Mandalay the cards were sold on a “first-come, first-served” basis, said the administrator of Yan Myo Lone ward in Chan Aye Tharsan township.

“ R e s i d e n t s s t a r t e d lining up outside the ward administrative office at 5am, but we started to sell [the cards] at 8am,” he said.

M a n d a l a y R e g i o n a l Minister for Transport and Communications U Kyaw San said 32,400 SIM cards were distributed in urban Mandalay, while 31,600 cards were sold across

the region’s seven other districts.

While the 64,000 SIM cards allocated to Mandalay was barely half the number given to Yangon, residents in Mandalay still had fewer difficulties obtaining a card because of the region’s smaller population.

In some high-income areas there were almost no buyers, while in other wards residents said they were too busy: Ma Yin Yin Mar from Aung Pin Lae ward in Chan Mya Tharsi township said few of her neighbours bothered to queue up for the SIM cards because they had to go to work.

Yangon was allotted 119,000 of the K1500 cards, with 30,000 of those reserved for civil servants, and these were distributed through a lucky draw system.

Residents queue up for hours for cards

By Htoo Aung and Pyae Thet Phyo

HUNDREDS of thousands of CDMA SIM cards were released to the public yesterday through quarter administrative offices for K1500, but cards are already trading for 10 times that amount on the resale market.

Several sources said cards were trading for K15,000 to K20,000 within hours of the release, as many people missed out on buying them at the official price.

“The SIM cards are now valued at anywhere from K10,000 to K30,000. People who don’t need them just resell them. I bought one for K10,000 from my friend when he said he would sell his one,” said IT technician Ko Kyaw Aung.

Some observers expressed surprise that the cards

were issued by MECTel, a te lecommunicat ions arm of the military-owned M y a n m a r E c o n o m i c Corporation, a move that had not previously been announced. Top-up cards for the new SIMs are also manufactured by MECTel.

T h e r e w a s a l s o disappointment in Nay Pyi Taw, where it appeared ward offices had not received instructions about how to distribute SIM cards. About 50,000 were allocated for sale in the capital, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said.

“I still haven’t been told anything yet but people have been arriving here since the early morning,” an official from Pyimana township’s general administration office said yesterday.

“Up to now we haven’t known how many [SIMs] will

be given. Nor have we had an idea whether application is submitted,” an official from the Zabuthiri township general administration office said.

This left many Nay Pyi Taw residents disappointed. “We don’t know how to manage the release of the SIM cards in Nay Pyi Taw. I came [from my village] at 7am to buy a SIM card but it was a waste of time because the local administration office said they didn’t know anything about selling the cards,” said Ko Phoe Lay from Kywal Chin village in Nay Pyi Taw’s Ottarathiri township.

M y a n m a P o s t a n d Telecommunication chief mobile engineer U Htay Win confirmed on April 23 that no quota had been devised for how to distribute the cards allocated to Nay Pyi Taw. As a capital territory, it does not come under the control of a state or region government, which had been given control of distribution.

“If there are disputes

over the distribution of low-priced SIM cards, it’s up to the relevant state or region government to resolve it. The ministry won’t intervene,” he said.

But in many Yangon wards the distribution process appeared to go smoothly, even though many residents went home disappointed. In Bahan’s Yedashe quarter, 484 people took part in a lucky draw for 86 SIM cards.

Administrator U Phay Tike Aung said a 10-person committee was formed to oversee the lucky draw, which was conducted in public. He said he had worked hard to ensure the process was transparent, and had had difficulty sleeping in recent days because he was worried about receiving complaints.

“The SIM card that I won will help me communicate with everyone. It will also help me with my business,” said Yedashe quarter resident Ko Nyi Nyi Oo, 39. – Translated by Thit Lwin and Zar Zar Soe

Not so cheap now: SIMs resold for up to K30,000The resale market for K1500 SIM cards takes off within hours of release, while Nay Pyi Taw residents wonder where their 50,000 cards have gone

A student pulls names out of a container during a lucky draw in Bahan’s Yedashe quarter. Pic: Aung Htay Hlaing

An official conducts a lucky draw in Bahan’s Yedashe quarter. Pic:

Aung Htay Hlaing


7

A LONG-TIME opponent of the government is to step down from his post citing health reasons this week. Colonel Khun Okkar, chairman of Pa-O National Liberation Organisation, said it was time to hand over his responsibilities to the next generation.

He will formally resign at the organisation’s annual conference to be held from April 28-30 in Mae Hong Song, Thailand.

Col Khun Okkar has been campaigning for the rights of the Pa-O ethnic group since 1972, and has been chairman

of PNLO since 2009. He is also general secretary of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), a position he will continue to hold.

According to the Pa-O National Liberat ion Organisat ion constitution, a chairman’s term is three years.

“I don’t want to serve another term. I’m ready to hand over to whoever is duly elected chairman by the conference,” said Col Khun Okkar, adding: “But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up politics. I will continue fighting for genuine democracy in any

other role.”Thailand. Pa-O political

forces, civil societies, women’s organisations and observers will attend the conference to discuss local politics, foreign relations, social issues and future directions.

During Col Khun Okkar’s chairmanship, the PNLO signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in August 2012 and then held union-level peace talks. “I’m satisfied with my actions during those three years,” said Col Khun Okkar.

– Ei Ei Toe Lwin

PNLO chairman to resign this weekPNLO chairman Colonel Khun Okkar (right) at a press conference on March 23. Pic: Boothee

By Tim McLaughlin

A CHINESE official says he is “deeply shocked” by a government minister’s comments that Kachin peace talks planned for earlier this month were delayed because China refused to allow international observers to attend.

Mr Xiong Guofeng, secretary to the China’s ambassador to Myanmar, was responding to an April 19 report on Radio Free Asia in which Minister for Environmental Conservation and Forestry U Win Tun was quoted as saying that China opposes the presence of monitors from the United States, United Kingdom or United Nations at the talks.

“China seemed to be reluctant to invite representatives of the United Nations, the US and Britain to be present at the talks. China showed its reluctance to the Kachin side, not to the government side. The invitation was made by the Kachin side,” U Win Tun was quoted as saying.

Mr Xiong said the he was not authorised to comment on whether the minister’s comments would affect China’s role in the peace talks.

U Win Tun’s comments came after China rejected allegations from the

Kachin Peace Network that the delay was over its reluctance to allow observers. The talks were due to be held on April 6 in Myitkyina.

The Chinese embassy said in a statement on April 7 that it “feels regret for [the] lack of factual basis” in media reports in which the Kachin activist group alleged Chinese interference in the peace process.

“Chinese side is willing and always ready to render its humble support and assistance to the peace talk between the two sides in the future, as requested by the Myanmar government, helping them get long-term peace through peace talk,” the statement said.

But KIO spokesperson U La Nan backed up the Kachin Peace Network’s allegations.

“China proposed to us that it was proper to invite Asian observers. They are not willing to let Western countries sit at the round table and see what they are discussing in regards to the Kachin issue,” he told The Myanmar Times earlier this month.

A spokesperson for the Peace-talk Creation Group, a Kachin-based organisation that is helping to arrange the meetings, said on April 24 that no date had been set for the next round of talks.

China ‘shocked’ over comments on talks: embassy


8

By Aye Sapay Phyu

RESIDENTS at Inle Lake are worried about a possible repeat of the 2010 drought, which saw large swathes of the water body dry up completely.

No pre-monsoon rain has fallen in the lake’s catchment area yet, and water levels are significantly down on the pre-Thingyan period, with just 1 foot (30 centimetres) of water remaining at the jetty at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda.

“The water level normally keeps going down until Kasone [in May] so villagers are worry about seeing the same situation as in 2010. It will not be good if we have no rain in next 10 or 15 days,” said U Tin Soe, joint secretary of the Intha Literature, Culture and Regional Development Association.

He said the water level had dropped about five inches over the past two weeks, effectively cutting off some villages from water transport.

“Almost no pre-monsoon rain has fallen in the lake area this year. Instead of rain we saw thick fog at the

lake, even in the afternoon. There was less water from streams that flow into the lake and water was flowing quickly out of the lake,” said U Tin Soe, who lives in Tha Pyay Pin village on the lake’s west bank. “As a result, some villages, such as Heya Ywama, Minchaung, Lin Kin and Tha Pyay Pin, are difficult to access by waterways.”

U Win Oo Tan, general manager of Aureum Palace Resort at Inle Lake, said the low water level made it difficult for boats to approach Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest Buddhist site in southern Shan State.

“If we don’t see rain in May the situation will be serious. The water level has dropped day by day – it decreased about 8 inches to 1 foot in just 20 days. The weather is very hot and there are no trees in the area,” he said.

Travelling to other popular tourist sites on the lake, such as Indein, Samkar and Alotawpauk Pagoda, is also more difficult, with boats having to take slower alternative routes.

U Kyaw Kyaw Oo, a staff officer in the Irrigation Department, said the low water level was the result of both a 36 percent drop in monsoon rainfall last year

and no serious pre-monsoon rain in 2013.

“Last monsoon we had about 30 inches of rain in Nyaung Shwe, below the average of about 47 inches. That is the main reason that the level of the lake is down this year. The deputy minister for agriculture and irrigation visited the area on April 20. Since yesterday our department has been working to clear waterways to ensure convenient transportation near Phaung Daw Oo and other areas,” he said on April 22, adding that the water level near Phaung Daw Oo was about 2 feet, and just 1 foot near the pagoda’s jetty.

Villages cut off as hot season bites at Inle Lake

Boats berth on the canal linking Nyaungshwe and Inle Lake. Pic: Win Oo Tan

By Yu Yu Maw

The Union of Myanmar Travel Association will make a third, and final, attempt to elect a new executive committee this weekend – more than six months after the original election, a source within the organisation has told The Myanmar Times.

Results of an earlier election on October 7, 2012, were annulled as fewer than 50 percent of members voted.

Representatives from several travel companies spent seven hours venting the i r f rus t ra t i ons a t the meeting about the assoc iat ion ’s “ lack o f leadership” with regard to exorbitant hotel room rates.

After annul l ing the results of that election in late October, the committee drafted rules for a new election to be held in December but the meeting was later cancelled.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism will supervise the new election on April 28 and three members have been chosen to oversee the process: U Yan Win, chairman of the Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF); U Khin Zaw, managing director of the Tour Mandalay Travel

Company; and U Win Kyi, a principal of the Hotel and Tourism training centre run by Yangon’s Kandawgyi Palace Hotel.

There are 610 members of the UMTA and each company must send at least one person to the meeting to cast a vote. All members of the association are being advised to attend the meeting.

The source said they were not sure if Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Htay Aung

will attend the upcoming election, which will be held at the Inya Lake Hotel. The ministry and committee members will hold meetings this week to discuss the agenda, the source said.

A chair, two vice chairs, a general secretary, two assistant secretaries, a treasurer and 22 executive members will be selected in the election.

The election committee had previously instructed members not to discuss the re-election with journalists.

UMTA re-election slated for April 28

Results of an earlier election were annulled.


9

US officials continue dialogue with navy

Highway police monitor cars on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway. Pic: Su Hlaing Tun

By Tim McLaughlin

THE navy’s top brass met United States officials in Nay Pyi Taw last week in another indication of the country’s strong desire to engage with Myanmar’s military and its naval realignment to the Asia-Pacific region.

US naval attaché Captain Sean Cannon, defence attaché Colonel William Dickey and US ambassador to Myanmar Derek Mitchell met Commander-in- Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral Thura Thet Swe on April 23.

A U S e m b a s s y spokesperson said the group met Vice Admiral Thura Thet Swe as part of an “ongoing discussion” with Myanmar’s military leaders.

H e s a i d t h e U S i s continuing to take “a measured and calibrated approach” to engagement with the Tatmadaw.

“We are talking about role of the military. We want to get more exposure to the military and more i n t e r a c t i o n w i t h t h e military here. It is good for

the relationship for that to happen,” the spokesperson said.

Vice Admiral Thura Thet Swe was promoted to head of the navy in August 2012 when his predecessor U Nyan Tun was appointed vice president following the retirement of Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo.

Capt Cannon is stationed in Bangkok, while Col Dickey, of the US Army, is based at the US embassy in Yangon.

Nilanthi Samaranayake, a research analyst at CNA, a not-for-profit research and analysis organisation based in Virginia, said that the visit showed “US interest in incremental engagement with the Myanmar Navy”.

T h i s m a r i t i m e engagement, though still cautious, is likely to focus on more than military-related naval issues.

“There is much worthy of maritime coordination, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” Ms Samaranayake said, citing the US Navy’s efforts to provide aid following the destruction of Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

The meeting is not the f irst between off icials from the two navies since Washington began warming to President Thein Sein’s reformist government.

On November 18, 2012 – a day before President Barack Obama’s landmark trip to Yangon – Myanmar nava l o f f i cers toured amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard while it was in the Andaman Sea.

“The dialogue provided an opportunity to have a frank and open discussion with the Burmese military on human rights and rule of law issues and concerns,” the US Pacific Command said in a statement at the time.

T h e s e n a s c e n t interactions fit with the broader realignment of US naval activities from the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific region. Last year US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said the US Navy will reposition 60 percent of its warships into Asia by 2020 and increase the number of military exercises it conducts in the region.

By Su Hlaing Tun

ALMOST 500 drivers have been nabbed speeding on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway during a month-long police blitz.

Police Colonel Nay Win from the Highway Police Force said 489 drivers had been charged with speeding on the highway since April 1 – an average of more than 40 a day, because the police force did not monitor the highway over the 10-day water festival break.

In one case, the driver of a Toyota Landcruiser was caught speeding at 167 kilometres an hour, two-thirds above the 100km/h limit.

Pol Col Nay Win said the blitz was not designed to generate income through fines;

drivers are not given the option of an on-the-spot fine and instead have to appear in court in Yangon, Mandalay or Nay Pyi Taw, depending on where the alleged speeding offence took place.

“We are charging them so they have to go to court, where judges can enlighten them about dangerous driving. We are trying to train them to drive within the speed limit,” said the police colonel.

“We have to explain patiently to them that our task is not to get fines.”

Fines are, however, levied at the court. Those appearing in Yangon or Mandalay have to pay fines totaling K31,500, while at Nay Pyi Taw the total is just K1500.

“As soon as possible we will make the fines equal,” Pol Col Nay Win said.

– Translated by Zar Zar Soe

Police catch hundreds in camera blitz

Upper myanmar 10April 29 - May 5, 2013

By Win Ko Ko Latt

THE government will pay out K20 billion (about US$22.5 million) in compensation to residents of 23 villages forced to move for the Paunglaung hydro dam project, a Ministry of Electric Power official says.

The 140-megawatt dam in southern Shan State’s Pinlone township is scheduled for completion in 2014.

“We will give K11 billion to cover resettlement, including moving their houses, making new farms and compensating for trees that were lost. The rest will be used to build new monasteries, a school, water and electricity supply, Buddhist temples and so on,” said U Win Naing, an assistant director from the ministry.

He said that the government will give K600,000 to cover the cost of clearing each acre of farmland, while K450,000 will be given to compensate for the lower agricultural productivity of the new site. Those who previously had no farmland will receive K300,000 to cover the cost of developing two acres, he said.

He said compensation will be given in two payments, with 50 percent handed out prior to moving and the remainder after moving.

The 23 villages comprise 2474 households and 9755 people.

“I received K2.5 million for my house and K300,000 for two acres of new farmland. I am pleased with the government compensation,” said U Kyaw Myint from Shan Kone village.

On April 8, the government handed out K1.418 billion to 539 households in six of the villages.

Govt to pay K20b compensation over Paunglaung dam

By Aung Ye Thwin

BUYERS at Mandalay’s jade market are urging officials to crack down on fake jade sales, which they say have increased since the start of the year.

The jade market in Maha Aung Myay township has always had its share of fraudsters, said gem dealer U Swe. But the problem has grown significantly and is harming the market’s reputation among foreign and local jade buyers, he said.

“Officials should take a c t i o n a g a i n s t t h e m effectively. The centre will be disgraced if foreign visitors buy these fake stones. In China, the officials put up photos of fake gem sellers around the gem trading center if they arrest them, along with a brief explanation of how they cheat buyers,” he said.

“Their techniques can’t trick the experienced gem dealers, so they target visitors,” he said, adding that little had been done to crack down on the practice.

Most of the methods for producing fake jade have

been imported from China, one gem dealer said. These include dyeing or pouring plastic liquid onto cheap stones to make them appear better quality.

Gem dealers at the Maha Aung Myay market said people who show foreign visitors around the market, such as tour guides, should have a good knowledge about how the market operates. If possible, they should encourage their clients to work only with trusted gem dealers. – Translated by Zar Zar Soe

By Phyo Wai Kyaw and Si Thu Lwin

PLANS to develop low-cost housing in Mandalay will go ahead, Mandalay City Development Committee says, despite protests from people who were evicted from the land being used for the project.

“We are planning this project so that we offer good quality housing at the cheapest price possible,” senior committee official U Tun Kyi said on April 23. “We will be talking to engineers and contractors on April 26.”

The houses are slated for Chan Mya Tharsi township in the southeast of the city, in a section bounded on the north and south by 44th and 48th streets, and on the east and west by Yuzana Street and the Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin railway.

The plan is to build four four-storey buildings, with a total of 5000 rooms. MCDC issued a tender for the project in February.

The project, however, was beset by controversy before it even started. Removal of the area’s former residents by MCDC in August and September 2012 led to violent clashes.

U Aye Thein, a senior member of a group called the Peace and Public Fairness Association, which has campaigned on behalf of the evicted residents, said protests were planned if the dispute is not resolved “fairly”.

He was quoted in Mandalay journal Myanandar as saying that the former residents had been told they would be given the first chance to buy housing

in the new complex but they were not satisfied with this offer.

While MCDC says the residents bought land in the area illegally, one resident countered that MCDC knew about the land sales and did nothing to stop them.

U Tun Kyi said that those who object to the removals – and the housing

project – are misunderstanding MCDC’s motivations. “We removed the landowners who wrongfully bought ownership documents. Some (former residents) object to the project because they don’t understand the good intentions of the government. We will continue with the project and hope to get started soon.”

Mandalay traders issue warning on jade

Protests fail to deter MCDC housing plan

By Khin Su Wai

THE Venerable Sitagu S a y a d a w w i l l l e a d a sermon in Mandalay next month aimed at combating the spread of “extreme opinions”, particularly the “969” campaign, organisers of the event say.

“We are arranging to hold a preaching event with Sitagu Sayadaw and other monks to control extreme opinions found on the 969 campaign preaching CDs. We also hope to distribute recording o f S i t a g u S a y a d a w ’ s sermon,” said Daw Amar Ni of the newly formed Committee of Prevention for the Creation of Riots (Mandalay).

The location and date of the event has not yet been confirmed, she said.

The c ommit tee was e s t a b l i s h e d s h o r t l y after the Meiktila riots as a means of publicly

opposing hateful messages. Daw Amar Ni said the movement to strengthen the voices who oppose the violence is spreading to other regions and more than 80 young National League o f Democracy members have recently joined the Mandalay group.

Daw Amar Ni said she

and others involved in the committee felt the need to act after realising the impact the “969” sermons were having on friends and family.

“My son l i s tened to extreme Buddhist doctrine at our neighbour’s house,” she said.

“After the violence that took place in Meiktila, I

realised that extremist opinions are widely spread … the aim of the committee is to give real information and wipe out the rumours.

“We aim to ensure that this democratic country has freedom of worship.”

The committee’s efforts, she sa id , are a lready having an effect. During

Thingyan, Daw Amar Ni said rumours began to spread in Mandalay that someone had been splashed with acid in Pyin Oo Lwin.

“We were able to spread the message that the rumour was not true after we enquired at clinics and hospitals with the help of young monks from the Asia Alin Yaung Monastery,”

she said.T h e c o m m i t t e e h a s

also distributed 20,000 pamphlets with signatures and quotations from monks who oppose the violence.

It was established after collaborating with local monks and other religious leaders to educate the public, she said. There are seven sub-committees within the committee.

I r o n i c a l l y , o n e o f c o m m i t t e e ’ s l e a d i n g members i s S ayadaw Wirathu, who has been accused of initiating the 969 campaign , which encourages Buddhists to only frequent businesses run by other Buddhists.

The commit tee a l so f e a t u r e s S a y a d a w U S a t e t i t a f r o m A s i a Alin Yaung Monastery, Sayadaw U Withuta from the Yay Taw Monastery and Sayadaw U Tayzar Bartha f rom the Kan Tat Kone Monastery. – Translated by Zar Zar Soe

New committee planning anti-extremist sermon day

People tend to a woman injured in a confrontation between MCDC staff and Chan Mya Tharsi residents in August 2012. Pic: Phyo Wai Kyaw

A trader at the Mandalay jade market. Pic: Aung Ye Thwin

‘After the violence that took palce in Meiktila, I realised that extremist

opinions are widely spread.’

Sitagu Sayadaw will lead effort to counteract extremist ‘969’ campaign

Upper myanmar11April 29 - May 5, 2013

By Win Ko Ko Latt

REHABILITATION efforts in Meikti la should be completed within three months, an official said on April 20, a month after violence broke out in the Mandalay Region town.

A dispute in a gold shop on March 20 sparked days of bloody violence in the town, which left at least 44 people dead. The unrest later spread to Bago Region.

“Our recovery plan for Meiktila won’t take as long as in Rakhine State because there was not as much damage and it was not as widespread. Recovery will likely be completed within two or three months,” U Sa William French, deputy director of the Relief and Resettlement Department, told The Myanmar Times in Meiktila.

He said the government has enough food for those displaced, with more than 6000 bags of rice and other items. As of April 20, about K490 million in donations

in cash and kind had been received.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a situation report released on April 9 that more than 8400 displaced people were still living in relief camps, while 1594 homes were destroyed or damaged by arson. Some will be transferred to other locations as the schools they are staying in are due to reopen, U Sa William French said.

“Under the first step of our rehabilitation plan we sent refugees from the Teacher Training College to the transportation school. ... We are also planning to relocate 2317 refugees staying at government schools to other places,” he said.

M a n d a l a y R e g i o n Attorney General U Ye Aung Myint sa id the regional government plans to build low-cost houses, at an estimated cost of K3.5 million each, for those who lost their homes in the violence.

However, he would not say when construction would begin.

“We will wait for the situation to be stable. If we think it is okay between the two communities we will start building houses,” U Ye Aung Myint said.

But Ma Nge, a 30-year-old Muslim resident of Thirimingalar ward whose home was destroyed, said the financial and emotional impact of the violence will

linger long after houses are rebuilt.

She said she cannot afford to send her six-year-old son to school and worries whether “he may be discriminated against because I am Muslim”.

“We have lost everything, including my father [who was killed in the violence]. I do not know what to do in the future. Refugee camps only can give us food,” she said.

Meiktila recovery complete within three months: official

By Win Ko Ko Latt

THE second hearing in the trial of seven Muslims a c c u s e d o f k i l l i n g a Buddhist monk during unrest in Meiktila last m o n t h w a s h e l d o n Tuesday, a police official said.

The death of the monk prompted an escalation of the Meiktila unrest, which saw more than 40 people killed. The monk, U Thawbita from Hanzar village in Thazi township, was killed on March 20 while visiting Meiktila to buy items for a donation ceremony.

“The first hearing was on April 22 and we had the second hearing on April 23,” said an official from Meiktila’s No 2 police station. The accused are next due in court on April 29.

The head of the station, U Myint Than, is acting as the plaintiff in the case. He sent the case to Meiktila District Court on April 10 and U Aye Lwin, head of

the district court, accepted the case.

“The [seven suspects] are accused of killing a Buddhist monk and have been charged with murder, causing serious injuries, arson, and aiding and abetting,” he said.

He said s ix lawyers a re r epresent ing th e defendants, while the

prosecution has one lawyer. He refused to comment

further, other than that security had been tightened around the court. “The court will decide whether they are guilty,” he said.

Meiktila residents said they were following the case closely and wanted to see an impartial judgement.

“We are interested in the case but unfortunately the court won’t let people in to watch,” said Ko Thu Ra, 32.

Trial begins for seven accused over killing of monk

‘The court will decide whether they are guilty.’ Monks walk past a burning truck during riots in Meiktila

in late March. Pic: Si Thu Lwin

SEVEN minor earthquakes were recorded between April 1 and 22, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said.

The first earthquake was recorded about 11pm on April 3 and measured 5.5 on the Richter scale. The epicentre of the quake was 49 miles south of Nay Pyi Taw, or 190 miles southwest of the Mandalay earthquake measuring centre that records seismic events.

The next day, a second earthquake hit at 5:30am, 40 miles southwest of Nay Pyi Taw, and was measured at 4.7. Just before 10pm that night, another earthquake, this one with a force of 5.4, struck 40 miles southwest of Nay Pyi Taw. And at 1:15pm the next day, on April 5, an earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale struck 33 miles west of Taungoo.

On April 12, another quake shook the area 29 miles southwest of Nay Pyi Taw just after 3pm, measuring 4.8. A week later, on April 18, an earthquake struck 50 miles northwest of Katha, with a measurement of 4.5. Yet another was felt on April 22, this one measuring 4.6, five miles north of Haka in Chin State.

Four earthquakes were recorded in January, while three were detected in March – Than Naing Soe, translated by Thit Lwin

Central Myanmar sees seven tremors in 22 days

Upper myanmar 12April 29 - May 5, 2013

By Myat May Zin and Soe Than Lynn

TEN residents of Maday Island are facing prison terms after they allegedly p r o t e s t e d w i t h o u t permission over a China-backed oil pipeline.

About 200 residents took part in the protest outside a China National Petroleum Corporation construction site on Maday Island in Rakhine State on April 18, citing a list of nine grievances, including low wages and compensation for land acquisitions.

The protest was organised by the Maday Is land Development Association. The group’s chairman, U Tun Kyi, said he had twice applied twice for permission to hold the protest, in December and March, but on both occasions had been denied.

On April 19 and 20, local officials charged 10 protest organisers, including U Tun Kyi, with violating section 18 of the peaceful protest law. U Tun Kyi said the authorities had instructed those charged

not to leave Rakhine State without permission. All 10 were bailed and will soon face court.

The protest came just 30 minutes after a meeting b e t w e e n a s s o c i a t i o n members and officials from CNPC, the main investor in the oil pipeline, a CNPC spokesperson told The

Myanmar Times.“At 1:30pm on April 18 the

group of protestors led by U Tun Kyi met us and discussed their nine points and they signed an agreement. I can’t understand why they then went out and protested at 2pm after the meeting. We already explained about the land compensation issues

and promised to improve transportation on the island in early May,” the spokesperson said.

“We also didn’t request the local authorities arrest them. As far as I know, the police station just asked why their protest was held without permission and then they were able to return home after a few hours,” he said.

T h e s p o k e s p e r s o n conceded that the process of compensating landowners was difficult because most land on Maday Island was officially registered as vacant.

“We already finished compensation for long-term land rent [of 30 years] but in some areas where land is being rented on a short-term basis it has not been concluded because the ownership is unclear. Most land at Maday Island is vacant land. We already applied to the government to use those areas but U Tun Kyi, who led the protest, asked us to compensate the residents. In those complicated areas we are

yet to pay compensation.”U Tun Kyi said most

residents did not have official land ownership documentation. “They are working and living there on the land of their ancestors. If [CNPC] doesn’t compensate residents who can’t show land ownership certificates we will continue to push for the rights of our people,” he said.

“They also promised to improve transportation on Maday Island after May 7 when we met with them. If they don’t start these

projects we will protest again, whether we have permission or not.”

One resident told The Myanmar Times that wages were also an issue.

“A main point is that wages for locals who work on the Chinese projects are so low, and also the compensation given for farmland is low. So we protested to demand our desire … we need to demonstrate like that to get a reasonable wage and compensation for our farmland,” the resident said on April 22.

CNPC is one of several investors in oil and gas pipelines that will link Rakhine State with China’s Yunnan Province. Only the oil pipeline passes through Maday Island.

Meanwhile, on April 20, two senior members of the Rakhine Nationalities D e v e l o p m e n t P a r t y departed for China at the inv i tat ion o f the China Communist Party. Chairman Dr Aye Maung and U Zaw Aye Maung were among 10 politicians invited on the eight-day trip.

Ten charged over anti-CNPC protest in Rakhine State

‘A main point is that wages for locals who work on the

Chinese projects are so low.’

An official stands in front of hundreds of protesters outside a China National Petroleum Corporation construction site on Maday Island on April 18. Pic: Supplied

China-backed oil pipeline targeted by residents of Maday Island, who issued a set of nine grievances over the project

BriefsMan kills himself at second attempt

A MAN who survived a suicide attempt hung him-self later the same day, police in Mandalay said.

The 27-year-old man, originally from Yangon’s Htantabin township, hung himself with electrical cables in a Myanmar CP Livestock office in Chan Myar Tharsi township on April 8.

The man was not em-ployed by the company.

“At about 6am the same day, he attempted to com-mit suicide by throwing himself into the path of an oncoming truck laden with rocks. He survived because the truck managed to stop in time,” a police official said. – Si Thu Lwin

Fewer accidents during NPT Thingyan

FEWER injuries and deaths from vehicle acci-dents were reported during Thingyan festivities in Nay Pyi Taw this year, police said.

“There were fewer pan-dals than last year so traffic police could better control vehicles,” Lance Corporal Soe Min of the Traffic Police Force said on April 22.

This year’s festival saw nine accidents in the Nay Pyi Taw area. Thirty-eight people were injured, while six people were killed.

While sobering, these numbers were an improve-ment on 2012, when 93 people were injured and 10 killed in 15 accidents.

– Pyae That Phyo

No plan to raise Dhammazedi bell

THE Ministry of Culture has no immediate plans to raise the Dhammazedi Bell from the Yangon River, an official said last week.

The ministry was respond-ing to reports in local jour-nals and online forums quot-ing writer Chit San Win, who said the ministry has already hatched a plan to recover the bell. But an official from the ministry’s Department of Ar-chaeology, National Museum and Library rejected the re-port on April 22.

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13

Commission invites civil society to help out with poll

By Bill O’Toole

THE International Crisis Group awarded President U Thein Sein its annual “Pursuit of Peace” award at a black-tie dinner in New York on April 22, in a move that has puzzled and even outraged opposition groups inside Myanmar.

Minister for the President’s Office U Aung Min accepted the award on behalf of U Thein Sein, who did not attend the ceremony. Past winners include Bill Clinton and George HW Bush.

The decision was first announced in December

and has only become more controversial since then as a result heavy fighting in Kachin State and deadly riots in central Myanmar.

In both cases, U Thein Sein was accused of not doing enough to stem the violence.

The dinner was also held just hours after Human Rights Watch released a report alleging that the army and U Thein Sein’s government were guilty of an “ethnic cleansing” campaign against Rohingya, or Bengali, communities in Rakhine State.

The International Crisis Group’s representatives in Brussels, New York,

and Jakarta could not be reached for comment. However, a statement on the group’s website said: “[U Thein Sein’s] leadership has seen decisive action towards improving Myanmar ’s relations with the political opposition and liberalising past repressive laws. He has made significant strides in ending the country’s decades- long internal conflicts, securing ceasefires with all but one of the ethnic armed groups.”

The group also says that “[k]ey challenges remain to be addressed [that are] a legacy of Myanmar’s authoritarian past”.

U Khun Htun Oo, a prominent Shan politician, told The Myanmar Times by phone from Lashio that the awarding of the prize was “premature”. He said the peace process “hasn’t gone so far” and the government often “says one thing and does another”.

“We still have fighting between the government troops and [Shan State Army],” he said, despite the government agreeing an initial ceasefire with the Shan group in December 2011.

“We need to do a lot to implement law and order before” anyone in Myanmar

deserves a peace award, he said.

Ma May Sabe Phyu, a program director with the Kachin’s Women’s Peace Network, said she was unsure whether U Thein Sein deserved a prize. “I will say that during his a d m i n i s t r a t i o n t h e r e have been over 100,000 [internally displaced people] in Kachin [State] … as a civil society group we don’t see any peace,” she said.

Ma May Sabe Phyu said receiving the award could be a positive symbolic step for the country and inspire progress, but added that U Thein Sein has more work to

do to prove he is “interested in peace.”

The President’s Office could not be reached for comment but in a video played at the reception, U Thein Sein said: “This is a time for possibilities. ...We must chart a collective path towards something better – a society that is open, inclusive, tolerant, and respectful of individual dignity.

“I am mindful of the challenges. But, I am also heartened to know that we have friends in the international community who will keep us diligent and honest, but pick us back up if we stumble.”

Activists criticise ICG over U Thein Sein peace prize

By Nan Tin Htwe

PREPARATIONS for the 2015 elections are already underway, says the chairman of the Union Elec t i on Commiss ion , who has called for the increased participation of civil society groups.

“I’m calling for suggestions and advice, and will try to prepare everything this year. But I want to say that I can do nothing after 2013 because there [won’t be enough] time left,” said U Tin Aye.

On April 26, the commission met civil society groups that monitored the 2012 by-election to discuss the challenges that the observers faced, as well as UEC’s current challenges, at its office in Nay Pyi Taw.

U Tin Aye said civil society par t i c ipat i on was c r i t i ca l , p a r t i c u l a r l y g i v e n t h e commission’s inadequate budget, staffing and equipment.

T h e c i v i l s o c i e t y g r o u p s included Myanmar Network for Free Election, Karen Women’s Action Network, Myo Myanmar and Kumudra Foundation.

Ko Myo Yan Naung Thein, director-in-charge of the free e lec t ion network , sa id the registration process for observers should be simplified.

“Anyone should be able to observe an election,” he told the meeting. “At the moment, the registration process has to go through the Ministry of Home Affairs. I think the commission should handle registration.”

Karen Women’s Action Group director Daw Susanna Hla Hla Soe said the commission should educate voters about their rights, as her group saw some voters being ill-treated at polling stations.

U Tin Aye said the commission would work with the ministries dealing with ethnic affairs to help overcome the language barrier in ethnic areas.

Daw Susanna Hla Hla Soe also warned of possible tensions fol lowing the 2015 elect ion as Myanmar is still an infant democracy.

“There will be strong competition between two big parties,” she said referring Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy and the Union Solidarity and Development Party. “There might be tension if some people are not happy with their results.”

By Soe Than Lynn

U THEIN Nyunt has used a meeting with the Union Election Commission to call for clearer regulations on party fundraising, and criticise the major parties over their income sources.

The New National Democracy Party chairman said at the Electoral Stakeholders Roundtable Meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on April 26 that the commission and other groups need to ensure that parties’ funds have been acquired legally and are used in accordance with the law.

He sa id “some power fu l political parties” – an oblique reference to the National League for Democracy, of which he was formerly a member, and the Union Solidarity and Development Party – are receiving money and other assistance from abroad or using state money and materials.

“If they accept foreign assistance thinking it is for the party’s [community activities], not for the party’s political activities, it still contravenes the law, which bans ‘directly or indirectly’ receiving foreign help for the party’,” said the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Thingangyun.

“Using money and materials from the state or assistance from abroad is a controversial issue, and the Union Election Commission need to … give an exact definition on taking foreign assistance and using state money in political parties before the 2015 election. If the current law isn’t clear, a new law should be presented to the hluttaw. We will all support it.”

He said foreign financial support had historically been an important issue in Myanmar, citing the role China played in supporting the Burma Communist Party.

“Any party that receives overseas support for its network and thinks that it doesn’t concern its political activities needs to understand that the party is at risk of coming under the influence of a foreign country sometime in the future,” he said.

Twenty-one political parties, including the NLD and USDP, attended the meeting, along with Myanmar civil society groups and non-government organisations, such as the 88 Generation, Myanmar Egress and Yangon

School of Political Science, and government officials and presidential advisers.

International groups were also invited, with representatives from UN agencies, bilateral aid agencies, the International

Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, International Foundation for Electoral Systems and Asia Foundation all present.

The morning session featured expert input on voter registration and political party financing, while the afternoon session focused on voter education and civil society election monitoring.

U Thein Nyunt was one of six party representatives to discuss party financing. Election commission member Dr Daw Myint Kyi responded by outlining the ways parties could legally generate income, including membership

fees, donations and party-owned businesses.

She said the funding system allowed in a country related to the level of its democratic development, the political knowledge of its people and the finances of the state.

She said that funding was important for parties because of the high cost of registering

candidates, the need to spend money on campaigning and the potential court costs related to filing an objection over election results.

She said it was important that funds received by parties are recorded and managed “systematically”, preferably with the help of an accountant or other expert.

A representative for the Chin National Party said the registration fee should be reduced to enable smaller parties to compete, and the government should subsidise the appointment of parties’ poll station representatives.

“We should also be allowed to receive financial support from Chin family members who are overseas and restrictions on party fundraising should be relaxed,” the representative said.

– Translated by Thiri Min Htun and Thit Lwin

Politician calls for stricter controls on party financingU Thein Nyunt criticises major parties for accepting foreign donations and using state funds

New National Democracy Party chairman U Thein Nyunt (left) talks with Union Election Commission chairman U Tin Aye outside the April 26 meeting in Nay Pyi Taw. Pic: Soe Than Lynn

‘If the current law isn’t clear, a new law should be presented to the hluttaw.

We will all support it.’


15

By Noe Noe Aung

SHOPKEEPERS at the Yarpyae Market in Tarmwe township are planning to defy an order from municipal authorities to vacate by May 1 unless they are they are given proof that they will be given spaces in the redeveloped project.

A u n g K a u n g K y a w Construction will redevelop the market into a 12-storey building and has apparently promised shopkeepers they will each be given a plot. But shopkeepers say they do not believe either Yangon City Development Council (YCDC) or the developer.

“We want some proof from the company or YCDC,” shopkeeper Daw Khin Mya

Mya said on April 26.“They said they will give us

shops in the redevelopment but only verbally. We want to see a contract as proof in case there’s a problem later,” she said.

“We are not saying that we won’t move out but this is our business and we’ll be ruined if we can’t get our shops back after the building is finished.”

YCDC’s Department of Markets told shopkeepers on April 7 of the planned relocation but did not say where they would be temporarily relocated to.

Daw Cho Cho Myint, another shopkeeper, said: “YCDC said a company will build a 12-storey building here but they didn’t show us any designs and the

official did not answer our questions about where the temporary market would be.”

She added that a separate official held a meeting with shopkeepers before Thingyan but did not provide much information.

“The officer just said we would be given space at Bo Sein Mhan ground [in Bahan township] until the construction is finished,” greengrocer Daw Myint Myint Aye said. “He said we should submit applications for permits to operate in that temporary market but we have since been told that the first location has been changed.

“Another YCDC official told some shopkeepers that we would have to move to

a government market in Tarmwe township,” she said.

“It’s become obvious to us that we can’t trust any of the verbal promises we’ve been given.”

Yarpyae Market was built in 1989 and almost all of the shopkeepers have been working there since then, Daw Myint Myint Aye said. She added that there are nearly 600 shops in the market and more than 300 shopkeepers.

“It will not be okay for us to work in government market because the prices of our competitors will be lower. And I’m not sure that our customers will follow us if we have to move,” said U Kyaw.

But U Aye Soe, chief

executive officer of Aung Kaung Kyaw Construction, said the company will honour i ts agreement and give spaces to the or ig inal owners when the redeve lopment i s completed.

“I promise that we will ensure all shopkeepers are given space, even if YCDC changes its plan,” he said. “But shopkeepers have to talk to YCDC about moving to a temporary market because that has nothing to do with us,” he added.

“ W e h a v e m a d e a n agreement with YCDC and we will start building work as soon as the site is handed over. We have already built a space for shopkeepers at the government market in Tarmwe – everything is

ready for them if they are willing to move.”

H e a d d e d t h a t shopkeepers will be given space in the ground floor of the redevelopment, which will include parking in the basement and on the second floor. All other floors will be residential, he said.

“The project will take two years and could be finished by the end of 2015,” he said.

“We finished a similar project at the Thingangyun Market, even though we had so many challenges to face in meeting the construction deadline.

“But I kept my promise and all the shopkeepers were given ground-floor spaces. The shopkeepers at Yarpyae Market don’t need to worry.”

Tarmwe market shopkeepers to defy YCDC order

Activist Ye Min Oo facing more chargesPolice lead Ko Ye Min Oo from Bahan Township Court on April 22. Pic: Aung Htay Hlaing

By Naw Say Phaw Waa

DETAINED political activist Ko Ye Min Oo was last week charged a third time, apparently over his involvement in recent religious violence.

Ko Ye Min Oo, secretary of the Federation of Students’ Unions (Organising Committee), had previously been charged for inciting unrest under section 505(b) in Bahan and Kyauktada township courts. On April 22, he was charged in Thaketa Township Court under section 153, a similar charge to 505(b).

Following the Thaketa hearing, he was taken to Bahan Township Court, where about 40 supporters, including 15 monks, were waiting for him. Supporters said he had not been told he would be taken to Thaketa court before the Bahan hearing.

The situation became heated when police only allowed monks to enter the courtroom and speak with Ko Ye Min Oo.

“They didn’t even let the media meet me. The fourth pillar is very important for our country, which is going towards democracy, and they are afraid to let the media meet me. This is not democracy, even though they are saying it is democracy. There needs to be transparency while we are going on the road of democracy,” Ko Ye Min Oo told The Myanmar Times at Bahan court.

Ko Ye Min Oo’s lawyer, U Kyaw Hoe, said it was still unclear what he had been charged for, as the prosecution’s case so far had not been very specific.

“I don’t know what to say because the allegations of Police Officer Yu Kyi at Bahan court on April 8 were not specific about Yae Min Oo’s case. The police officer

didn’t mention anything, he just said Ye Min Oo was charged under section 505b of the Penal Code for allegedly committing an action that could incite people to commit an offence against the state or public tranquillity,” U Kyaw Hoe said.

Ko Ye Min Oo’s family and supporters said they believe his arrest is linked to recent communal violence, citing Ko Ye Min Oo’s involvement in protests concerning unrest in Rakhine State. He was living in a monastery in Bahan township when he was arrested in late February.

“I just found out that my brother was sent to Thaketa Township Court this morning. None of his family members knew about it until now. The police said Ko Ye Min Oo was charged under section 153 for inciting the monks and civilians,” said his brother, Ko Ye Min Aung.

Sittwe relief camp residents attack officials over censusBy Kyaw Hsu Mon

ABOUT 200 residents of a large camp for displaced Muslims attacked immigration officers as they collected household information in preparation for next year’s national census, a Rakhine State Government spokesperson said.

The dispute at the camp in Thatkepyin village, about 10 kilometres from the state capital Sittwe, occurred on April 26 when the officers tried to list the ethnicity of camp residents as Bengali. Some of the camp’s residents refused, saying they would only sign as Rohingya.

About 70 ,000 Musl ims displaced by rioting in June and October 2012 are thought to live in the camp.

“It happened at about 11am, while the immigration officers were in the middle of a group of Bengalis. They hit them with stones because they wanted to be listed as Rohingya,” government spokesperson U Win Myaing told The Myanmar Times. “They said that if the immigration officers didn’t accept them [as Rohingya] that they would fight.”

Several officers suffered minor injuries in the incident, he said.

“President U Thein Sein already announced to the world that we don’t have Rohingya in our country but they still want to show the world that they are Rohingya. In my personal opinion, some people or some groups are behind this incident,” U Win Myaing said.

Rakhine Pyithu Hluttaw representative U Aung Mya Kyaw said two officers were hospitalised following the incident.

Meanwhile, a post on the Rohingya Blogger Facebook page said immigration officers had used violence when entering the nearby Baw Du Pha camp, which is also in Sittwe township. The report said the officials at that camp also tried to get residents to register as Bengalis, rather than Rohingya. The post also carried photos of an injured teenage boy and said he had been shot with a rubber bullet.

However, comments on the page said the camp’s residents had formed a “human wall” to stop and attack the officers.

Immigration officials entered the camps to collect data as preparation for next year’s census. In March 2014, Myanmar will conduct its first census since 1983 in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund.

U W i n M y a i n g s a i d preparations had begun in late 2012 but it was the first time officials had tried to collect data in the Thatkepyin camp.

“It is an extremely difficult to get information about the situation inside the Bengali camp … I feel that they are scared of people knowing what their real population is,” he said.

Sittwe resident Ko Aung Hla Kyaw said the confrontation came a few days after some camp residents visited Sittwe and got into an argument with the town’s Muslim population. Sittwe’s Muslims, he said, do not like the people in the camp, who have mostly come from near the border with Bangladesh.

U Win Myaing said the violence was hindering regional development efforts. “The guest must follow the rules of the host – that is essential,” he said.

‘They hit them with stones because they wanted to be listed

as Rohingya.’


16

By Bill O’Toole

A NEW report from the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime has detailed the increasingly interconnected world of organised crime and smuggling in East Asia, shedding light at the challenges facing both Myanmar and the region.

“This report outlines the mechanics of illicit trade: the how, where, when, who and why of selected contraband markets affecting this region,” UNODC deputy executive director Mr Sandeep Chawla said at the report’s launch in Sydney on April 16.

The report, “Transnational Organized Crime in East Asia and the Pacific”, is being touted as “the first of its kind” because it surveys many dozens of statistics and studies published by Asian governments, NGOs and UN agencies in the 10 years to April 2012.

The scope of the report is vast, covering the sale of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in China, illegal logging in Cambodia and tiger poaching in Vietnam, and it illuminates the role Myanmar plays in regional and global trade

in illicit substances, including drugs.

“Today, almost all of [East Asia’s] heroin production in the region is confined to the politically-contested parts of Myanmar,” the report says. The report details how chemicals used to refine heroin are smuggled into Shan State from China’s Yunnan Province, where the drug is made, and then smuggled in turn back to China, where it feeds the addiction of over one million users.

In the case of amphetamine, the report explains how manufacturing yaba has become one of the few industries where Myanmar can beat its neighbours in the region. “There is evidence of domestic production in most of the countries of this region, but two countries have advantages that allow them to undercut local prices. The first is Myanmar, where political instability in Shan State and the special regions adjoining China has provided cover for large-scale drug manufacturing.”

The authors state in a “threats summary” at the end of the chapter on illicit drugs that this manufacturing appears to be prolonging armed conflicts in both Shan and Kachin states, as rebel armies are loathe to give

up territory and lose lucrative markets.

The report also seeks to show how the problems of one nation can affect an entire region. “These transnational criminal activities are a global concern now. Illicit profits from crimes in East Asia and the Pacific can destabilise societies around the globe. Dollars from illicit activities in East Asia can buy property and companies and corrupt anywhere. We need to talk about this, and organise a coordinated response now,” said

Mr Jeremy Douglas, the UNODC representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

The report ends with a detailed series of recommendations for stemming the massive flow of illegal goods, one of which simply says, “Prioritise Myanmar”.

“Recent positive polit ical developments in Myanmar ... provide a window of opportunity to effectively address opium, heroin and [methamphetamine] production in the country,” it says.

“Poppy-growing areas are becoming more accessible to law enforcement intervention, and there is high-level pressure from the president to eliminate poppy cultivation.”

But it warns that “international experience clearly indicates that crop elimination efforts must be accompanied by effective a l t e r n a t i v e d e v e l o p m e n t strategies if the livelihoods [and human rights] of poor farmers are to be protected, and the benefits are to be sustained.”

By Aung Shin

CIVIL society groups are planning to hold a national conference on education reform in June, the National Network for Education Reform said at a meeting in Yangon last week.

The conference, to be held on June 8 and 9, will include participants from t h e n e t w o r k ’ s m e m b e r organisations, as well as social associations, political parties, education experts and other individuals.

The venue and program will be announced after a network meeting on May 7 but organisers have already decided that they will focus on gathering the public’s views on what a national education policy should look like. Organisers say the conference will be the first on education organised by the non-government sector in “decades”. In February 2012, the government convened a Development Policy Options conference in Nay Pyi Taw that focused primarily on health and education policy.

Dr Thein Lwin said the government’s conference was organised through a “top-down” approach, while the network’s would focus on giving perspectives from the ground level.

“ N a t i o n a l e d u c a t i o n policy is the main focus [of the conference],” said N a t i o n a l N e t w o r k f o r Education Reform member

Dr Thein Lwin. “This policy must be focused on public opinion. We are also going to discuss other education sectors, accountability and responsibility, management, o b j e c t i v e s , c u r r i c u l u m suggestions, evaluation and exam systems and vocational education.”

The Education Network, an initiative of the National League for Democracy of which Dr Thein Lwin is also a member, will donate K200,000 towards covering the cost of holding the conference, he said.

Outcomes of the conference will be reported to a Pyithu Hluttaw education committee and could be reflected in legislation submitted during the next session of parliament, which begins in June, Dr Thein Lwin said.

Union So l idar i ty and Development Party Pyithu Hluttaw representative Dr Mya Oo proposed the creation of a national education law at a parliament meeting in November, 2012. The NLD has also been pushing hard for an overhaul of education policy.

In addition to the upcoming national conference, NNER has already started running regional education seminars.

NNER was formed following an education seminar in Yangon on October 6-7, 2012 and includes political parties, activist networks like the 88 Generation, non-government g r o u p s a n d m o n a s t i c , Christian and private schools.

By Yhoon Hnin

THE Ministry for Education will make almost 30 policy changes for the 2013-14 school year, including extending primary and secondary schooling from 11 to 12 years.

Other policies will see the high school-leaving rate tackled through improving the transfer of students from primary to secondary schools, applying pressure on parents to keep their children in school and providing more than 11,000 scholarships.

The recommendations of the recently completed Comprehensive Education Sector Review will also be implemented, while teachers will receive training in child-centred education techniques and be provided teaching aids.

T h e p o l i c y c h a n g e s w e r e a n n o u n c e d b y M i n i s t e r f o r Education Dr Mya Aye at the end of a three-day seminar at Yangon University on April 25.

Other new policies will see school councils established by the end of July, the scouts program developer further and more private schools opened in accordance with Ministry of Education rules.

The seminar – which was hosted by the Ministry of Education and attended by pro fessors , teachers, and regional educational representatives – centred around six different reports, each dealing with a different area of concern.

“We are planning to upgrade Myanmar education in line with ASEAN standards. The workshops wi l l d i scuss the d i f f i cu l t ies and barriers facing Myanmar education. Then we will find out which education sector needs to change its ways,” Dr Mya Aye said in his opening address on April 23.

“We are planning to implement a long-term project for education development which will take 20 years. In the short term, we will divide this project into four sectors of five years.

“ M a k i n g f r e e e l e m e n t a r y education compulsory, offering scholarships, increasing teacher recruitment and upgrading basic education infrastructure are part of this plan.”

The reports focused on topics including the Comprehensive E d u c a t i o n S e c t o r R e v i e w , upgrading basic education, pre-elementary education and teacher training centres.

Dr Mya Aye also said the 30 percent increase in the education budget would allow the ministry to upgrade and improve existing buildings, and build more sports facilities.

The infrastructure works will result in a reduction in classroom sizes in the long term, as the new classrooms can accommodate a maximum 50 students.

There is also money in the budget for the recruitment of new teachers, he said.

Civil society plans national education conference for June

Govt unveils education policy changes for 2013

UN report details Myanmar’s place in global drug trade

By Yhoon Hnin

THREE schools have been selected for a pilot project to improve the quality of English teaching, Minister for Education Dr Mya Aye has announced.

Speaking at a conference on upgrading national education at Yangon University on April 23, the minister said the objective was to uncover weaknesses in education and to fill the gaps.

The schools are Basic Education High School 1 Bahan, Basic Education Primary School 2 Kamaryut and an elementary school in Pyinmana township, Mandalay Region. The project will examine teaching methods and the assessment of students.

“If these three schools are successful in implementing the pilot project then we will apply these methods to other schools. I am negotiating with the British Council and trainers from Singapore for the teaching of English in basic education,” Dr Mya Aye

The minister also said a political science department would soon open in Yangon University.

English pilot program to be launched in three schools

Poppy plants lie on the ground after police destroyed a field in Shan State in January 2012. Pic: Reuters

Minister announces changes at three-day seminar, including steps to tackle high school drop-out rates


17

By Su Hlaing Tun

FARMERS in Nay Pyi Taw who lost land to the expansion of a state-run cement factory are closer to receiving compensation that was promised to them in January.

The head of the factory said the official documentation for the compensat ion was now at the township survey department and the compensation would be paid after they were submitted to the Land Administration Committee in Nay Pyi Taw.

T h e f a r m e r s apparently secured more t h a n U S $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 i n compensation from Nay Pyi Taw City Development Committee for 170 acres of land confiscated in December 2012 for the expansion of the factory.

The factory said it would pay K1.2 million for each acre of paddy land and K1 million for other types of cultivable land, and the compensation is thought to be the highest paid in the Nay Pyi Taw Council area, which comprises eight townships.

However, the head of

the cement factory said the compensation amount would be decided by the L a n d A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Committee, casting doubt over whether farmers will receive the figure promised.

“We can’t confirm when the compensation will give because we haven’t got an exact list of the land for which we need to pay compensation. The list of farmland is at the township Survey Department. The list will then be given to the Land Administration Committee and compensation will be paid according to the rate determined by the committee,” the head of the cement factory told The Myanmar Times.

“Some people claimed compensation for land where nothing had ever been grown – they shouldn’t do that. We were only able to reach a deal with them when we said we would hand the case to the Land Administration Committee,” said another official from the factory.

Factory officials said four rates of compensation would be used based on the category of the land. This appeared to contradict

the earlier arrangement, whereby farmers would receive K1 million or K1.2 million an acre.

Additionally, there is disagreement over the number of acres for which compensation will be paid, ranging from 143 acres to 305 acres.

Farmers said they wanted the issue to be resolved as soon as possible.

“We made a deal to get K1 million for an acre of farmlands but we don’t know exactly when we’ll get it. It would be great if it was before the rainy season starts though so we can start cultivating our other land,” said Ko Aung, a farmer from the Aungchantha area.

“We have to grow the crops in the farmlands according to the season. We only know that business. Rumours are spreading neighbouring v i l lages that we get a lot of money for our farmland but we still haven’t got anything. We’d like to be given the compensation fairly and quickly,” said a farmer who grows sugarcane near the cement factory. – Translated by Thiri Min Htun

Farmers still waiting for factory payout

Double trouble for Mandalay trainsFiremen extinguish a blaze that broke out on an upper-class carriage parked at Mandalay Railway Station on April 21. Officials said the fire, which caused extensive damage, was started by an unattended cigarette. The blaze came just two days after another upper-class carriage was damaged in a fire started by an unattended mosquito coil. Pic and caption: Si Thu Lwin

FeatUres 18April 29 - May 5, 2013

By Maria Danmark

MEMBERS of the national parliament are increasingly making use of the powers afforded them in Myanmar’s new political system: not only are they questioning ministers on a wide variety of topics, but they are also enacting new legislation and revising existing laws.

D e s p i t e t h e i r industr iousness , MPs still face challenges in implementing the system of checks and balances outlined in Myanmar’s constitution.

One of these is access to information. A February study of 40 MPs by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) found many wanted more research to support their work in the parliament.

Based on an assessment mission in July 2012, the IPU started a short-term project on December 13 to establish a parliament library in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Unlike in many other countries, however, they still have to do most of the research themselves.

“ I n m o r e m a t u r e parliaments, the members of parliament often don’t find the information by themselves, because they don’t have the time to look it up in a book. They have support staff to do that. Here the MPs have to do everything by themselves, because they have no office, not all of them have a computer and they don’t have enough support staff,” said Ms Moire Fraser, one of the experts attached to the IPU project.

In early 2013, there was about one support staff for every MP in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. In mature parliaments the ratio is usually two to three support staff for each MP.

“If you look at senators in the United States, then they have around 30 staff members to support them,” Ms Fraser said.

It is estimated that it will take about three years to establish an effective information and research service in the library for the MPs. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw library already has a current collection of 20,000 books but most of them are sorted by donor rather than

subject. The focus in the coming months will be to develop the collection.

“ T h e c o l l e c t i o n i s reasonable, but there are not as many newspapers, journals and video clips. Now they have to focus on current information for MPs like government reports, comparative information and s tat i s t i c s in the collection,” Ms Fraser said.

She said another challenge for the library was that education for librarians in Myanmar often focuses on academic libraries, which are different from those in parliaments.

“There is a big focus on

the collection here, but a parliament library should have a focus on the services and the MPs. It should be about taking the book down from the shelf and finding the answers for the members that will help them do the work, whether it is debating in the chamber or committee, making the law or policy work,” Ms Fraser said.

The first phase of the project will also involve training the library staff and library committee so they can assist MPs in finding the right information. This is particularly important given it is thought that two-thirds

of MPs do not know how to use the internet.

“In other parliament libraries 95 percent of the work is done on computers and the last 5pc is the books. But the research training that we are giving now is not what we would think of as full tailored parliamentary research. It will come later, when we have the right kind of staff to do it. But what we are doing now is simply improving their searching for information and [teaching] how to present it for the members,” Ms Fraser said.

The latest workshop in internet research focused

on how to find information about Thailand and South Korea. Meanwhile, two groups of library staff are going to visit the parliament libraries in these countries to see how they work and in particular offer services to the MPs.

“I hope that we can share our experience and that the parliament libraries in Asia can work together, but first we have to reach the same standards,” said Ms Sunida Boonyanon from the parliament library in Bangkok.

During her visit she supplied an example of the Thai parliamentary

library’s collection policy to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw library, as the latter does not have any policies, rules or regulations yet.

Library staff readily concede they need assistance and training so they can better serve MPs.

“Since we haven’t had a hluttaw library for 30 years, we don’t have much experience with a parliament library, so I would like to observe the library in [South] Korea – how they supply the MPs’ needs and how they support the staff of the MPs,” said the library’s assistant director, Daw Ni Ni Aye, who was an academic librarian for 22 years before arriving in the hluttaw library.

She said she is looking at ways to encourage more MPs to use the library.

“We plan to open another reading room for the MPs, just near the Pyithu Hluttaw, where we will provide computers and newspapers. In that way we can attract users and at the same time promote what kinds of services they can get from the hluttaw library,” Daw Ni Ni Aye said, adding that she hopes the library will provide assistance to up to 100 MPs during the next session, which will begin in late June.

So far, almost 20 MPs have used the facilities in the library. But Ms Fraser says whether there are MPs in the library is not an important indicator.

“In other parliaments you would expect the library to come to the MPs. The library staff need to go where the members are. The MPs don’t know what kind of service they can get here. The next workshop will probably be focused on preparing a brochure and how to communicate the message out to the MPs,” Ms Fraser said.

The IPU project runs until the end of 2013. If it is not extended, the project is likely to be taken over by the United Nations Development Program: the agency’s three-year, US$150 million Country Program Action Plan approved on April 8 contains a focus on strengthening institutions of democratic and local governance, including the development of the parliament library.

Hluttaw library gets a helping handForeign experts train library staff as part of a project to build information and research services for Myanmar’s MPs

Ms Moire Fraser, a parliament library expert from Australia, with hluttaw staff at a research workshop in Nay Pyi Taw on April 8. The workshop was conducted under an Inter-Parliamentary Union project. Pic: Maria Danmark


19

By Yamon Phu Thit

THE National League for Democracy’s health network will conduct its first outreach activity with a visit to Yangon’s Dagon Seikkan township next month, where it will provide free health screening and treatment to residents, the network’s president said last week.

The National Health Network will provide screening for hypertension, diabetes, cervical cancer and breast cancer, network president Dr Tin Myo Win said. The expenses will be covered using some of the K400 million raised at an event on April 6.

A mobile team of volunteers will be sent to the township to ensure that all residents have access to the network’s services.

“Everything will be free of charge,” he said. “We chose this township because most of its residents are poor.

“We plan to provide treatment to the patients according to their requirements. For example, by providing medicine or surgery.”

The network established the service as a means of tackling common diseases and health problems in Myanmar that respond well to early detection and treatment.

Dr Tin Myo Win said the visit to Dagon Seikkan is a pilot project ahead of a larger rollout to other parts of the country, including Ayeyarwady and Bago regions and Mon and Kayin states.

Speaking at the fundraising event on April 6, NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said the network also planned to send doctors to remote areas that are neglected by the state system, and also ensure hospitals have enough medicines.

But to expand its activities, the network will need to raise significantly more than K400 million, said Dr Tin Myo Win.

Network vice president Dr Than Aye said it will hold music shows, sporting events and health talks to generate more donations.

The NLD launched the National Health Network in early February.

NLD health group plans first activities

By Shwe Yee Saw Myint

THE Ministry of Health plans to distribute 300,000 HIV test kits to rural areas in order to help identify – and contain – the spread of the virus.

“These test kits are for pregnant women and their husbands in rural areas, so they can get HIV tests done,” said Dr Tun Nyant Oo, a spokesperson for the ministry’s HIV department. “Now we are training medical staff, such as midwives, nurses and assistants, on how to use these test kits.”

The program, which began with support from the Global Fund, will see kits distributed to medical staff in 250 of Myanmar’s 330 townships over the next two months.

A c c o r d i n g t o g o v e r n m e n t figures,0.8 percent of pregnant women in Myanmar are infected with HIV.Prevalence nationwide among those aged 15 and over was estimated at 0.53pc in 2011, with 8300 new infections occurring each year and 216,000 people living with the disease.

These numbers may appear high, but Dr Tun Nyant Oo says they are likely to understate the real size of the HIV-infected population – something the new test kits will help to correct by making blood tests possible in more areas of the country.

“This figure cannot show the real number of HIV-infected people in Myanmar because in rural areas there are no blood test centres. People can’t check their blood easily and they don’t know their status

themselves,” Dr Tun Nyant Oo added.

While the new kit will make testing for HIV blood antibodies easier than previous tests, the kit will give only preliminary results. For absolute certainty, follow-up laboratory tests will be needed.

“After staff have conducted a blood test with the kit, patients will have to bring the blood sample to their nearest township hospital blood test center,” Dr Tun Nyant Oo said.

In some areas, he said, patients can also be tested anonymously at public health department offices.

Regardless of the method used, Dr Tun Nyant Oo said it was important to undergo a follow-up test if the preliminary results indicated a

patient was HIV-positive. “When you get an HIV test done,

you either make sure that HIV is something that you do not have and do not have to worry about spreading, or you make sure you seek treatment as soon as possible. There are many benefits to early treatment that can be taken advantage of when HIV is caught in its earliest stages,” he added.

Still, getting an accurate test is only the first struggle in curbing the spread of HIV in Myanmar. While about 125,000 people require antiretroviral treatment, only 35pc receive it. Last year alone, 18,000 people died of HIV-related diseases, at a rate of about 40 a day, according to official figures.

Govt to distribute 300,000 HIV test kits

A HIV test kit of the kind that will soon be sent to rural areas. Pic: MSF


20

UNICEF Vacancy Notice (For Myanmar Nationals only)

Post Title: Child Protection in Emergencies Officer, based in Myitkyina (Temporary Appointment for 364 days)Level: NO-B with good benefits

Purpose: To 1) support the Child Protection Programme team in implementation of Child Protection in Emergency activities including response to emergencies as well as emergency preparedness and risk reduction activities to support the overall Child Protection sub-sector (Protection Sector) in Myanmar, with a particular focus on Kachin State and 2) assist in monitoring and verification under the Action Plan for the Prevention of Recruitment and Release of Children from the Myanmar Armed Forces as well as monitoring and verification of grave child rights violations in Myanmar.

Requirements:• Preferably advanced university degree in Social Sciences. First level University degree may be accepted in exceptional circumstances;• Specific training or experience in the area of disaster mitigation, preparedness and response and programming for children and young people desirable; • At least 2 years progressively responsible professional work experience in Child Protection in emergencies, disaster assessment, preparedness and response;• Current knowledge of development issues, policies and approaches in the Child Protection sector in Myanmar, especially in disaster management and preparedness.• Current knowledge of emergency response issues, policies as well as social programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation;• Excellent spoken and written English and Myanmar; • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and have drive and passion;• Ability to cope with stressful and difficult conditions and political/cultural sensitivity;• Analytical skills and ability to compile and analyze data;• Previous work experience and local knowledge of Kachin State an asset.

Detailed Job Description may be requested by writing to UNICEF Myanmar: [email protected]

Please note that:

1. UNICEF does not discriminate in regard to race, ethnicity and gender or persons living with disabilities.2. UNICEF fosters a climate of impartiality, fairness and objectivity and assures the equitable application of UNICEF regulations, rules and policies.3. Female qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.4. UNICEF is a smoke free environment.

Qualified candidates may submit application with updated CV to UNICEF Myanmar Office to: [email protected])

Closing date: 10th May, 2013

By Yu Yu Maw

THE government is set to outsource the collection of tourist entrance fees at Bagan, in a move that is likely to see tolls rise at the archaeological site.

O r g a n i s a t i o n s h a v e until April 30 to submit a proposal. The Ministry o f Cu l ture i s sued 10 g u i d e l i n e s w h e n i t announced the tender in mid-April, with the winning bidder required to give either US$2 million each year or 85 percent of earnings to the ministry.

While private companies are allowed to take part, t h e m i n i s t r y s a i d i t would give preference to “approved” tourism bodies.

“We don’t have enough staff to handle the collection of zone fees and we hope the private sector can use these fees effectively for tourism development. It will mean we can also get steady revenue each year without having to collect

fees ourselves,” a Ministry of Culture spokesperson told The Myanmar Times.

Among the organisations p lanning to submit a proposal is the Myanmar T o u r i s m F e d e r a t i o n . Secretary U Phyoe Wai Yarzar told The Myanmar Times that the federation had agreed to take part in the tender at a meeting on April 24.

He said it was better for a non-government entity to collect zone fees and the outsourcing would support the processes of tourism promotion and regional development.

While the federation’s proposal is sti l l being drawn up, he said it would opt to give 85pc of income to the ministry rather than pay the annual $2 million fee.

I t wi l l a lso propose raising the entrance fee from $10 to $15.

On April 25, members of the federation’s 11 sub-associations met to work on the proposal.

Ministry issuestender for Bagan zone fee collection

By Noe Noe Aung

EIGHT families who defied an eviction notice from the Tatmadaw have been forced from their homes in South Dagon township in a pre-dawn raid.

The raid occurred in the early hours of April 24 and the families said at a press conference later the same day that their homes and businesses were destroyed.

“There were 150 police, military and [township officials] led by a lieutenant colonel and a major from the No 533 Light Infantry Regiment who came to our place around 5am,” said Daw Myint Myint Khaing, a housewife whose small workshop was demolished. “They were destroying our shops and houses before we even woke up.”

In 2000, Daw Myint Myint Khaing’s family and seven other households rented the land from No 303 Light Infantry Regiment, she said. In 2005, the land was transferred to the No 533 regiment and residents were allowed to continue paying rent.

“Rentals were increased every three or four months, but we paid whatever they demanded,” she said. “For me, I paid K56,000 a month for a 2400-square-foot compound. This year, on March 15, the military issued an eviction notice. But we didn’t move out as we don’t have anywhere to go.

“We begged them to keep

letting us pay the rent to live here because we don’t have any other place to go, but they didn’t take it. … They issued another notice on April 22 and then on April 24 they destroyed our houses by force.”

While the families did not argue with the legality of the eviction, the method and level of force used is likely to raise concerns.

Daw Yin Mya, 71, was asleep in her home with her 13 family members when the soldiers arrived. When she realised what was happening, she abandoned her belongings and fled.

“I didn’t even wake up. They were destroying our

homes like they didn’t even care about the people in the house,” she said. “I am an old woman and if I couldn’t get out from my house in time, what will they do? I called for my grandchildren and we had to run away from the house, from the destruction.”

Her granddaughter also witnessed the raid.

“They pulled everything out from the house. And they piled our furniture and clothes on the road. Our houses and shops were on the ground,” the granddaughter said.

After being forced to leave, the families, totalling about 70 people, were given

refuge by the Myanmar Journalist Network, which also helped them organise the press conference.

“ I can ’ t even th ink where we will stay and sleep tonight. We have big families. There are children and employees in families. We are totally in trouble,” said Daw Myint Myint Khaing.

Attempts to contact the South Dagon township a d m i n i s t r a t o r w e r e unsuccessful, with The Myanmar Times being told repeatedly that he was unavailable to answer q u e s t i o n s a b o u t t h e eviction.

Army, officials evict eight Yangon families

Government workers tear down homes in South Dagon on April 24. Pic: Supplied

TRADE MARK CAUTIONTaco Bell Corp., a company incorporated in the State of California, U.S.A., of 1 Glen Bell Way, Irvine, California 92618, U.S.A., is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

Reg. No. 2705/2013

Reg. No. 2706/2013

Reg. No. 2707/2013

Reg. No. 2708/2013

Reg. No. 2709/2013

Reg. No. 2710/2013

Reg. No. 2711/2013

Reg. No. 2712/2013

Reg. No. 2713/2013in respect of “Class 29: Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs; milk and milk products; edible oils and fats. Class 30: Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee; rice; tapioca and sago; flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastry and confectionery; ices; sugar, honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt; mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice; tortillas, tacos, burritos, nachos and other prepared Mexican foods for consumption on or off the premises. Class 43: Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation”.

Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Marks will be dealt with according to law.

Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.G.P.,D.B.L.for Taco Bell Corp.P.O. Box 60, YangonE-mail: [email protected]: 29th April, 2013


21

By Yamon Phu Thit

THE Myanmar Medical Association has called on young people to make use of its health hotlines, after receiving fewer than 500 enquiries since launching the service 18 months ago.

The hotlines were set up in September 2011 under the association’s Youth Development Program so that young people could ask about health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS and reproductive health, that they were too embarrassed to discuss in person, said Ko Zin Moe Win, a junior project officer with the program.

“We received about five or six phone calls a day on average,” Ko Zin Moe Win said, adding that a higher number had been expected when the service was launched. “We need to promote it more so there is more awareness that this service is available.

“It can be dangerous for young people to do unsafe things if they do not have enough knowledge.”

The service has two lines – a “White Line” for men and a “Pink Line” for women

– that are manned by “well-trained” health professionals, Ko Zin Moe Win said.

He said data showed that 66 percent of callers were men, and most calls came from Yangon and other urban areas. Most callers are aged 16 to 25 and the most frequently raised topics were HIV/AIDS, venereal disease, sexual habits, pregnancy and birth spacing. Callers are required only to give their name and address.

“Young people may feel embarrassed to talk about sex-related issues, even with their parents, as sex education is rather weak in this country,” said Ma Kyi Pyar Nyein Chan Zaw, a consultant with the hotline program.

“They will not get right information if they don’t have the chance to ask frankly,” she said. “From what we see, it’s not that young people don’t have the knowledge, it’s that they are just uncertain about particular issues and need advice. We welcome all young people to discuss freely but have a zero-tolerance policy on abusive language.”

The number for the White Line is 09-7321-2226 and for the Pink Line is 09-7321-2227. The lines are staffed from 10am to 5pm each day.

MMA urges youth to use hotlines

By Tim McLaughlin

THE Shan Human Rights Foundation has alleged that Tatmadaw soldiers fighting in northern Shan State used civilians as human shields during a recent three-day offensive.

The group said that the incident occurred on April 15 outside of the town of Tang Yan, west of the Thanlwin River, a day after fresh clashes between Tatmadaw and Shan State Army-North soldiers broke out.

The SSA-N is the armed wing of the Shan State Progress Party.

“A group of about 50 young men and women travelling to celebrate the water festival were apprehended by Burmese troops, and forced to walk in front and behind them as human shields, to ward off attacks by Shan troops,” the group said in an April 22 statement.

“They were forced to leave their motorbikes at the side of the road, and walk behind and in front of the Burmese troops from Nam Lao to Mong Kao, before they were released and allowed to go back to their homes.”

The move was part of a larger offensive undertaken by nine Tatmadaw battalions to push SSA-N soldiers from their position south of Tang Yan.

SSA-N spokesperson Major Sai La told the Shan Herald Agency for News that four Tatmadaw soldiers had been killed in the fighting, which ended on April 16. A Tatmadaw spokesperson could not be reached for comment or to confirm the figure.

U Sao Yawd Maung from the Restoration Council of Shan State, the political wing of the Shan State Army-South, told The Myanmar Times that the current spate of skirmishes had started about March 24, despite the SSA-N agreeing a preliminary ceasefire with the government in December 2011.

The latest fighting prompted around 700 people to flee their homes for Tang Yan, where they are being housed in a monastery, said Shan Human Rights Foundation U Kham Harn Fah.

The group said that on April 15 the Tatmadaw fired about 50 mortar rounds into two villages, damaging homes and a market and injuring at least two civilians including a child.

Shan rights group accuses army of using human shields

By Tim McLaughlin

SECURITY forces in Rakhine State directly supported the killing of Rohingya and Kaman Muslims during communal violence in the region last year, Human Rights Watch said last week, in allegations that were immediately rejected by the government.

The New York based non-government organisation, which monitors the state of human rights worldwide, detailed its findings in a 150-page report, All You Can Do Is Pray, released on April 22. A government spokesperson responded within hours, dismissing the report as “one-sided”.

But Human Rights Watch said the military’s alleged actions constitute ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

“While the state security forces in some instances intervened to prevent violence and protect fleeing Muslims, more frequently they stood aside during attacks or directly supported the assailants, committing killings and other abuses,” the report said.

The worst violence occurred on October 23 in Mrauk-U township’s Yan Thei village, where at least 70 people were killed after riot and local police as well as Tatmadaw soldiers disarmed Rohingya citizens who were attempting to protect themselves from an advancing mob.

After promising to protect the Rohingya, who are more commonly referred to in Myanmar as Bengalis, the security forces gave up and instead aided the Rakhine attackers, Human Rights Watch said.

“The Arakanese beat and killed us very easily. The security did not protect us from them,” one 25-year-old survivor told the organisation.

The day-long attack claimed the lives of 28 children, 13 of whom were under the age of five, according to the report.

Human Rights Watch said it also uncovered evidence of four previously unknown mass graves in Rakhine. In one grave

in Sittwe, witnesses told Human Rights Watch researchers that police dumped the naked bodies of 18 Rohingya, some of whom had their hands and feet bound. One child was among the dead.

Mr Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division, told The Myanmar Times the violence was partly driven by “a heartfelt fear” in the Rakhine community “of being trapped between the Burman and the Muslims”.

“The Arakanese believe there is a credible threat against them,” he said, adding that Human Rights Watch believed this to be untrue.

He said this has led to the spread of “outlandish”

misinformation, including rumours of weapons caches hidden in mosques and links to terror group Al-Qaeda.

Despite President U Thein Sein’s promise to “reveal the truth behind the unrest” and “find solutions for communities with different religious beliefs to live together in harmony”, the government has failed to do either, the organisation said.

A 27-member commission formed on August 17, 2012 submitted its final report into the violence, which flared up in June and October, to the president on April 22. Chaired by Dr Myo Myint, a retired director general from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the commission was

initially given a three-month deadline, and an extended deadline of March 31 was also missed. The final report is yet to be made public.

Presidential spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Htut slammed the report in a Facebook post shortly after its release.

“The report compiled by Human Rights Watch is based on one-sided data and the words used in the report will not be accepted,” he said.

He also questioned the timing of the report’s release, which coincided with the European Union’s (EU) meeting to discuss whether to lift sanctions against Myanmar.

Source: HRW

80 km

RAKHINESittwe

Violence in June 2012 Violence in October 2012 Displaced persons campsince JuneDisplaced persons campsince October

Bay of Bengal

Violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine stateHuman Rights Watch report alleges Myanmar has waged a “campaign of ethnic cleansing” against Rohingya Muslims

At least 180 people died in outbreaks of Buddhist-Muslim violencein June and October 2012

MAUNGDAW

BANGLADESH

MYANMAR

MYANMARBUTHIDAUNG

RATHEDAUNGDISTRICTSaw violence in both June and October

KYAUKTAW

PONNAGYUNMass gravediscovered

Mass gravediscovered

MRAUK-U

PAUKTAW

SITTWE

MINBYA

MYEBONANN

KYAUKPHU

RAMRITOUNGOP

MUNAUNG

More than 125,000 Rohingya have been forcibly displaced

Some 13,000 Rohingya left by boat in 2012, according to UN estimates

THAILAND

NAYPYIDAW

RAKHINE

CHINA

Home to some800,000 RohingyaMuslims

Security forces involved in Rakhine killings: HRW


22

By Htar Htar Khin

RESIDENTS of FMI Garden City in Hlaing Tharyar say they no longer feel safe in their homes following a string of burglaries over the past three months.

A spokesperson for the housing development’s management board confirmed to The Myanmar Times that there have been four break-ins since February 9.

One homeowner, who did not want to be named but who works in a senior position at a private bank, told The Myanmar Times that a burglar made off with more than K54 million in cash and jewellery in a brazen theft in early March.

“On the night of March 3 we left our house to go and see the doctor because my daughter was ill,” he said. “We left at about 5pm and returned at 7pm to find that our house had been burgled. The thief broke into our safe and stole more than K54 million in cash and jewellery.”

He added that another burglary had taken place on April 7 at a friend’s house at FMI.

“We are all very concerned about this but we have not seen any increase in security at the housing project.”

He added that the modus operandi of the thief appeared to be the same in both break-ins.

“I heard the April 7 break in took place on Orchid Street but nothing was stolen because the owner came home and scared the thief away. We spoke to the officers at the Hlaing Tharyar Police Station, who told us they believe the burglar in both instances is the same individual,” the owner said.

“ T h e m a n a g e r s o f t h e development should be taking this seriously and hiring more security,” he said.

“But so far they have said that they have provided enough manpower and security.”

He said he had informed the Hlaing Tharyar Police Station of the burglary at his home on March 3 but no progress has been made in solving the crime.

U Than Naing, a sergeant at the Hlaing Tharyar Police Station, said the burglaries have not been solved yet but rejected accusations that the police were not doing enough to enforce security.

“We are handling more than just the FMI estate, we are responsible for all of Hlaing Tharyar township,” he said.

“We are trying to catch the thief, and people should not blame us. We have many responsibilities and we’re quite disappointed to hear complaints from people saying that we’re not doing enough,” he said.

U Than Naing said Hlaing Tharyar is a difficult township to police because many vendors and workers stay there temporarily.

The spokesperson for the development’s management said four burglaries had taken place – on February 9, March 3, April 7 and April 17.

“FMI has never suffered from many break-ins until the start of this year,” he said. “We have more than 50 security guards in the development at the entrance and doing patrols but there are 1600 houses in the compound.

“We do plan to add more manpower to boost safety.”

The spokesperson said the development’s management is cooperating with police to try and solve the break-ins and identify the burglar.

“Homeowners are saying that security is weak but everybody k n o w s w h a t t h e s e c u r i t y arrangements are – and we have also distributed information booklets to encourage residents to be more conscious of their own

security and report suspicious behaviour,” he said.

“But the police have told us that the thief is quite clever since he has not been caught.”

He also urged homeowners to be more careful.

“We found that the homeowner who was burgled on April 17 did not lock the door,” he said.

He said management also plans to install CCTV cameras but could not say when the system would be put in.

“We don’t want these things to happen and want all residents

here feeling safe and secure.”But the owner of the home

burgled on March 3 said he plans to sell his house and move from the estate “as soon as possible” because of the incident.

“I chose to live in FMI City because I thought it was safe but this break-in has changed my mind because I no longer believe it’s safe to live here,” he said.

“I believe there are a lot of poor workers living in Hlaing Tharyar now, and I feel as if the environment has changed in the past two years.”

FMI residents rattled by cat burglar

A man rides a bike ast the entrance to FMI City in Hlaing Tharyar township. Pic: Boothee

‘The managers of the development should be taking

this more seriously and hiring security.’

By Cherry Thein

MYANMAR wi l l hos t a regional civil society organisation conference in 2014 when it takes up the rotating ASEAN chair position, a Thailand-based Myanmar NGO says.

At a meeting in Brunei on April 6-8, the ASEAN Civil Society Conference’s management committee agreed to hold the forum in Myanmar next year after getting the agreement of all participants, said Daw Khin Ohmar, coordinator of Burma Partnership.

Also known as ASEAN P e o p l e ’ s F o r u m , t h e conference aims to bring together organisations and individuals in a way that enables them to exchange experiences and perspectives on human rights and other issues, she said.

“The forum can help civil society groups in each ASEAN country share and

submit statements and recommendations to their government so that they can take action or enact policies on the issues,” she said. “We hope all civil society organisations and interested individuals can join the forum in Myanmar and express their perspectives openly and work for a better future.”

She sa id about 300 civil society organisations working on peace and security, the environment, land issues, women’s and children’s issues, migration and refugees, ethnic minority issues and religious conflict attended the Brunei meeting earlier this month.

Twelve people f rom M y a n m a r , i n c l u d i n g m e m b e r s o f B u r m a Partnership, Kaung Rwai Social Action Network, M y a n m a r W o m e n ’ s Organisation and Karen W o m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n (Thailand), took part in the conference.

Myanmar to host ASEAN People’s Forum next year

ATHLETES competing in the Southeast Asian Games, to be held in Nay Pyi Taw later this year, can look forward to Myanmar-style dishes, as well as a full range of international cuisine.

Myanmar Restaurant Assoc iat ion , which is catering the event, has signed an agreement with Unilever Food Solutions to provide technical assistance. Association vice chairman U Khin Aung Htun said Unilever is providing the assistance for free.

“Catering for the games is a great honour, which we really appreciate. We lack international experience, so we’ve asked [Unilever] to help ensure international standards of hygiene and so on. They have a lot of experience. We want to ensure the best possible service,” association member U Kyaw Myat Moe said.

About 5000 athletes and sporting officials are expected to attend the games. They will enjoy a varied menu that will include Myanmar traditional foods.

“We will get international experience and promote our traditional foods to an international clientele at the same time,” said U Kyaw Myat Moe.

Unilever has invited association officials to Thailand to start training ahead of the opening of the games in December.

– Yu Yu Maw

Unilever to help association with SEA Games food

Job Vacancy“Verybest Law Offices” is one of the most fast-growing law firms in Japan. We are looking for ambitious and experienced lawyers for our Yangon office to work as adviser to foreign companies especially Japanese. The ideal candidate shall be a lawyer with extensive experience of corporate cases and/or contract cases. Candidates with excellent business-level English skills are preferable. We seek proactive candidates who can excel under our truly global and expanding work environment. Eager and ambitious and applicants without relevant and satisfying work experience however with respectful english language skills can also apply. Please download the application form from the following URL, fill it up in English and send it to the following e-mail address.http://www.vbest.jp/en/rec/ [email protected] Verybest Myanmar Company Limited.

JOB VACANCYAUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE

INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANTSALARY USD $1440 PER MONTH

The Australian Embassy in Yangon is a medium sized diplomatic agency representing the Australian Government in Myanmar. It is staffed by employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and AusAID.

The AFP Investigative Assistant (IA), works alongside the AFP Senior Liaison Officer (SLO), providing advice on and engagement with Myanmar law enforcement agencies, and assisting Australian staff to progress the work of the AFP in Myanmar. The IA will support the AFP’s law enforcement engagement and capacity building function in Myanmar; manage engagement and correspondence with Myanmar enforcement officials on behalf of the SLO; undertake research, analysis and reporting on law enforcement issues, including translation of documents, and accompany the SLO to official meetings with Myanmar law enforcement and provide interpretation where required.

The AFP is seeking an exceptionally well organised individual, a multi tasker who can work under pressure, demonstrates initiative and takes pride in their work.

The application form, selection criteria and duty statement can be obtained from the Australian Embassy, 88 Strand Road, or the Australian Embassy website at: http://www.burma.embassy.gov.au/rang/home.html.

Applications should be lodged at the Australian Embassy or emailed to [email protected] together with a two page summary addressing the selection criteria and a copy of your CV with one recent passport sized photo. The closing date for applications is

4:00 pm on 17 May 2013

Qualifications and Experience

The appointee should have the following qualifications and experience: • Proven strong liaison and interpersonal skills, including an ability to liaise with contacts at all levels. This requires clearly developed skills in cultural sensitivity.• Proven high level written and oral communication skills in English and Myanmar including translation of documents and interpretation at events.• Demonstrated high level of administrative organisation and prioritisation skills including the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team, and working under pressure and to meet deadlines.• Demonstrated skills to manage challenges by identifying and applying innovative solutions, and• Demonstrated competence in the use of computer software including Microsoft Office

Note:1. The Australian Embassy does not discriminate in regards to race, ethnicity, gender and age.2. Only those candidates whose qualifications and experience are of further interest will be contacted for an interview.


24

INTERNATIONAL arrivals in Myanmar topped one million in 2012, up an impressive 30 percent from the year before. The country, which was recently voted the “top travel destination” by readers of the British magazine Wanderlust, is also attracting the attention of international hotel chains.

Tourism still plays a relatively small role in Myanmar’s economy, at least compared to its neighbours. The ASEAN Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2012 says international tourism receipts in Myanmar were equivalent to just 0.2pc of GDP in 2011, compared to a regional average of 4.6pc. The majority of visitors are from Asia, mainly Thailand (16pc) and China (12pc).

The presence of a military government had discouraged tourists in the past but economic liberalisation and political reforms have brought a new wave of curious visitors. This has accordingly created new opportunities for investors, some of which were highlighted at the Myanmar Hospitality and Tourism Conference held in Yangon at the end of February.

In his welcome letter posted on the conference website, Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Htay Aung pushed for the development of higher quality accommodation.

“People in the industry have demanded [that] international s t a n d a r d h o t e l r o o m s i n Yangon should be developed to accommodate the influx of tourists coming to Myanmar. Therefore, as Myanmar opens her doors to both corporate and leisure travellers, it presents myriad opportunities for foreign investors to seek partnerships and collaboration to meet the immediate needs of the industry,” he wrote.

Myanmar has 787 hotels and guesthouses that can provide 28,291 rooms. Demand is already outstripping supply, pushing hotel prices up to many multiples of what they were only one year ago.

“Tourist infrastructure is very limited and all the hotels are full, which has led to a price hike,” U Aung Myat Kyaw, chairman of

the Union of Myanmar Travel Association, said in March.

But foreign investors are already moving to fill this market gap. Shangri-La, the Asian luxury hotel group, is developing two 21-storey towers of 120 serviced apartments each. The project, which was started in the late 1990s but put on hold, is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year. Shangri-La is also developing an adjoining 800-room hotel, as well as commercial tower adjacent to its Traders Hotel in Yangon.

Other projects are underway: data from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism shows that foreign investors are financing hotel developments that would add more than 6700 rooms.

But hotel space is just one gap needing to be filled. Paved roads and improved public transport, easy international banking and reliable telecommunication services are also in the works, with major upgrades planned ahead of the Southeast Asian Games in December.

Direct access to Myanmar by air is still limited, but this is changing. Last year Condor Airlines began offering flights to Yangon from Frankfurt, Germany, becoming the first European airline to do so. This was only the second route offered outside Asia, after Qatar Airways’ Doha-Yangon flight.

With this sudden inf lux of interest in the sector, the government has recognised the need to develop a structure and guidelines for the industry, stressing an interest in socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable projects. A Myanmar tourism master plan is due to be published this month.

The ministry has expressed the need to consider all aspects of the tourism industry and manage the potential downsides as well as encouraging foreign investment.

“Myanmar is changing rapidly, but it is important we keep our roots,” U Aung Myat Kyaw said. “Our country is about people, culture and religion. We must move in the right direction.”

Tourism industry plots path to sustainable growth

By Yu Yu Maw

AS foreign tourists and investors pour into the country, hoteliers claim delays in granting operating permits to run their businesses are costing them – and maybe the country – money.

In most cases, the hotels have already been built and are simply waiting for approval to open.

“There are shortages o f hotel rooms at all the tourist destinations. The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism should speed up the granting of licences when the need is so immediate. At the moment there is some blockage,” said one hotel owner, who says he has been waiting a year for a hotel licence in Bagan.

Anyone wanting a licence to run a hotel has to go through several stages, starting with the township municipal, health and fire-fighting departments. The next step is the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism in Nay Pyi Taw. In Bagan, approval from the Department of Archaeology is also required.

Delays can occur at any stage of the process, hoteliers say.

U Myint Swe, chairman of Mandalay Hoteliers’ Association, said one source of delay was missing documentation. He said the association was working to assist applicants to speed up the process.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism also said it was ready to help the hoteliers who explained their difficulties to the ministry.

Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Htay Aung said at a meeting with hoteliers that those who are facing delays should email him to resolve the problems.

“I am ready to help them by taking the matter up with the relevant department. Getting approval for a hotel does not only concern the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism; it’s also related to other departments … the ministry can only authorise the granting of a hotel licence,” he said, adding that he accepted there was a need for “more hotel rooms to overcome the current shortage”.

Nature Land Hotel owner U

Than Shwe said the ministry could cut down the steps required for the granting of a licence, and show more flexibility.

“For example, there may be a guest house that offers hotel standards, but has fewer than 20 rooms. The ministry could give them a permit. There are so many grounds for delay, including the location of the hotel and the surrounding environment.”

A particular issue has arisen at Inle Lake, where new rules require hoteliers to also get approval from the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry. “Some hotels at Inle are waiting for licenses. The hotels ministry says they need approval from the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry, but no such approval was required last year.

“This is a big problem for hoteliers who have already built in the protected areas,” said U Win Oo Tan, vice chairman of Taungyi Hoteliers’ Association. “The hoteliers just want the two ministries to settle this question.”

Hoteliers complain on licence approval waitsAmid tourism surge, many hotels unable to open because of red tape

New rules require hotel owners to get permission to open from both the tourism and enviornmental conservation ministries. Pic: Douglas Long

TIMESBUSINESSApril 29 - May 5, 2013

25

By Soe Sandar Oo

THE lifting of European Union sanctions on April 22 might herald a bright future for Myanmar’s garment sector if the country can benefit from the generalised system of preference status, which lowers import tariffs, in the EU and United States.

U Myint Soe, chairman of the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA), said at the start of a business matching event between Myanmar and Hong Kong garment and textile industries on April 24 that Myanmar might be granted GSP status on June 4.

“EU sanctions were lifted last Monday and hopefully we will be granted GSP status by the US on June 4,” he told the 30 representatives at the meeting, which was held at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “This is the huge opportunity for international companies to invest in Myanmar’s garment sector.”

“If we can get GSP status from the US it will mean we can do more business with international companies. They will be able to invest in Myanmar and be assured that they can get access to the EU and US markets,” he said.

U M y i n t S o e s a i d Myanmar’s garment sector had many incentives for foreign companies, including tax breaks, cheap labour and an attractive foreign investment law. However, he said electricity shortages in the hot months were problematic but expected the shortages would be solved by the government, which is working to ensure adequate supplies.

Myanmar’s garment exports hit a high of about US$826 million in 2001, just before the United States announced

a ban on imports. But by 2012, the value of exports had recovered to more than $900 million, with more than 75 percent shipped to Japan and South Korea. Less than $200 million worth of goods were sent to Europe.

U Aung Win, MGMA vice chairman, told The Myanmar Times: “We have continuously made and exported garments since 1993. We are waiting for GSP status but we must also ensure that our quality levels meet the standards required for those markets.”

He added that there are more than 300 garment factories in Myanmar.

Daw San San Myint , deputy director of Myanmar Investment Commission’s Yangon branch, which opened on April 10, said most of the information requests handled by the office since it was opened have concerned the garment sector. She added that 25 of 40 requests have been about the sector.

“MIC has to explain to

investors about the foreign investment law first, especially equity ownership ratios, as well as taxation,” she said. “Companies from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan have shown the greatest interest so far but I think there might be investments made from the EU and possibly Canada too if Myanmar is granted GSP status,” she said.

Mr Lewis Leung, president o f P r i c e E d w a r d R o a d Management in Hong Kong, which operated garment factories in Myanmar from 1995 to 2000, said Myanmar could compete with Cambodia and Bangladesh if it receives GSP status.

“Myanmar can compete with them but the profit won’t be as high as in Bangladesh,” he said. “I am interested in investing in Bago Region because it is so near to Yangon and has a large available workforce,” he said. He added that the quality of Myanmar’s garments is good.

However, U Myint Soe s a i d c o m p a n i e s w o u l d

need to increase the i r awareness of international standards, especially labour rights and conditions. But the MGMA, International Labour Organisation and labour activists would assist companies in this effort.

He added that the average wage for a garment worker is about $100 a month.

U M y a t T h i n A u n g , chairman of the Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone, said many international companies operate garment factories in Thailand but might shift production to Myanmar if it is given GSP status.

“But we still need to solve the electricity shortages and high land prices,” he added.

MIC data shows that most garment production in Myanmar – about 60pc – is cutting, manufacturing and processing work, which provides quick profits to operators but does not help the nation to build a manufacturing base since all raw materials are imported from abroad.

Garment sector plots bright future, with Western help

Workers stitch garments at a garment factory in Yangon last week. Pic: Aung Htay Hlaing

By Myat May Zin

UNDAUNTED by the former sanctions regime, Myanmar’s home-grown garment industry is thriving, industry experts say. They attribute the success to the industry’s ability to cater to local tastes.

Over the past five years, local garment brands have been taking over more space because of their competitive price and good quality, some say. Unlike export-oriented businesses, they can employ and pay staff year-round without the need to wait for orders from overseas.

“We can pay the same wages throughout the year, without night-work and overtime, because we are operating the factory regularly. We know the tastes of Myanmar women and what kind of designs they prefer. Normally we copy the designs from Thai garments,” said Daw Sein Lae Lae, owner of Dear Brand garment factory in Shwe Pyi Thar township. The factory has more than 400 workers.

“Garments produced for the local market create much less stress for our workers than garments meant for export. Sometimes factories producing for export have to pay penalties for not meeting requirements. We can do our best for our own brand. If we don’t maintain our quality, customers will choose another brand,” she said.

“We import the raw materials for our product from China, especially Shanghai. Power cuts here push up the production cost. But I have to look after my workers even when profits dip,” she said.

She added that it is rare for local factories to employ their own designers. Instead, they copy Chinese or Thai designs and modify them for local preferences.

“We do face a problem of design copy from competitors, and from China,” said Daw Phyu Phyu Sein, owner of Spike garment factory, which employs more than 1500 workers.

“When our new design creates a lot of demand, copies come on to the market within weeks. We have our own designer, who designs for the whole country. Some factories produce garments only for one city, and some are oriented towards other states and regions.

“We intend our designs to be suitable for women of all ages. We sell more than 20,000 products for a single design, and every month we produce many different types. So far we are only producing for the domestic market, but we aim to extend overseas as well, including to Malaysia and other countries, although we may have to adjust our design for the overseas markets,” she said.

There are also many small- and medium-sized garment businesses; some do not even have factories and outsource the work to larger producers but use their own designs. One such brand is Dancer, which targets the middle class with designs that change every season, said its owner, Ma Nilar.

“We have no factory but produce our own designs and cut the finished goods. We work closely with other small clothing businesses,” she said.

Domestic fashion industry thriving

BUsiness 26April 29 - May 5, 2013

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Southeast Asia’s efforts to create a single market by 2015 are in their hardest phase owing to protectionist reflexes on sensitive sectors, P h i l i p p i n e P r e s i d e n t Benigno Aquino said.

Despite the challenges, however, ASEAN leaders are working hard to meet the target, Aquino told reporters on April 24 in Brunei where he is attending ASEAN’s annual summit.

“They have finished with the easy parts but the accomplishments will not be as fast as in discussing the hard parts. When you reach that point, there can be some protectionist measures taken by each economy,” Aquino said.

“But since we are focused on reaching the target,

everyone who believes that one community is beneficial to everybody concerned will really try hard (to reach the goal).”

ASEAN, a region of 600 million people in 10 countries, wants to establish a common market and manufacturing base so that it can better

compete as a group with giant neighbours such as China and India in terms of trade and investments.

ASEAN attracted 7.6 percent of the world’s foreign direct investment in 2011, up from 4.3pc in 2006, Jaspal Bindra, Standard Chartered’s chief executive for Asia, wrote in a column in the Borneo Bulletin on April 25.

P h i l i p p i n e T r a d e Secretary Gregory Domingo said ASEAN had already achieved up about three quarters of its targets relating to its single-market goal since beginning the process in 2007.

But he also emphasised there were many challenges, including a framework to open up the services sector such as banking, insurance, telecommunications and retail within ASEAN.

Another challenge is harmonis ing cus toms procedures and putting them online so that businesses can see them real-time, Domingo told a media briefing held with Aquino.

On t rade in goods , agriculture is also among the most difficult sectors to fully liberalise, Domingo said.

“If their agriculture sector is large, they will protect it because there are a lot of farmers (affected),” he said.

Analysts have said that ASEAN has achieved much in cutting tariff barriers to trade in goods, but still has a lot to do before the end-of-2015 target in opening up the services sector by removing non-tariff hurdles.

“ASEAN is fully aware of that and they’re now trying to do an inventory of those non-tariff barriers so that we can eliminate them one by one,” Domingo said. – AFP

ASEAN single market push in hardest phase: Aquino

By Myat Nyein Aye

FISHING operators say they support a recent decision to reduce the fishing season to 45 days, from three months, to help fish populations recover. They say illegal operators from Thailand and China are using sophisticated technology to boost their hauls, and stripping the seas bare in the process.

A fishing company owner in Yangon, who did not want to be named, said there are many illegal boats trawling commercial f i sh ing grounds in Myanmar’s territorial waters using technologies that are unavailable to domestic operators. He added that the illegal foreign operators were able to bribe officials during the previous government to ignore their activities, but added that many in the industry hope the new government will take the issue seriously.

He added that even if the foreign boats were allowed

to operate during the 45-day open season, efforts must be made to regulate catches – to ensure boat owners did not take more than the limits.

“I like the idea of protecting our fisheries because our recent catches have been 50-percent of what we have seen in previous years,” he said. “The former government also closed offshore fisheries but it had no effect – we are hoping that the new

government will be more successful in protecting fisheries,” he said. The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries made the decision to shorten the annual open fishing season from three months to 45 days – from May 1 to June 15 – in mid-April as a response to falling catches that have seen average yields fall by 80pc since 1979. The ministry’s decision was discussed

in depth at a Myanmar Fisheries Federation meeting in mid-April during which a number of stakeholders vented their thoughts. Daw Toe Nandar Tin, treasurer of the Myanmar Fishery Products Processors and Exporters Association and chairwoman of Anawa Devi Fishing, expressed her frustration with the change at the meeting.

“From an expert point of

view, catches are falling and we must conserve Myanmar’s water resources,” she said. “But from a businessperson’s point of view, there are many difficulties. The government should consider the needs of businesspeople whose operations will be affected,” she said.

Those who want the season to remain unchanged argue that even if Myanmar’s fishing companies comply

with the new rules, foreign fishermen will not comply, making the effort to conserve the supply pointless.

“If Myanmar’s fishing season is cut to only six week the fisherman won’t get money from their work, but other neighbouring countries will come and catch fish from our waters,” Daw Toe Nandar Tin said. “So closing the season will not be effective.”

U Maung Maung Soe, chairman of the Yangon branch of the Myanmar M a r i n e F i s h e r i e s Association, said the association was opposed to the reduction of the

fishing season but members have not complained to the ministry about the decision. He said closing the season early will hurt families that rely on fishing.

“There are 700 fishing ships in Yangon; workers and their families depend on those ships,” he said. “And there are cold storage factories and dry fish works that will stop running if the fishing season is reduced.”

Halving of fishing season prompts industry debate

Philippine President Benigno Aquino arrives for a meeting at the ASEAN summit in Bandar Seri Begawan, in Brunei, on April 25. Pic: AFP

‘Closing the season will not be effective.’

By Myat Nyein Aye

DESPITE the removal of European Union sanctions, most fisheries products exporters have failed to position themselves to enter the EU market, industry observers say.

Moreover, production of fisheries goods has fallen 60 percent since last year because of reduced marine catches and a prolonged weakness of the US dollar, w h i c h h a s l e d m a n y farmers to scale back. The fisheries industry is calling for government assistance, especially low-interest loans, to help revive production.

“There are more than 80 cold-storage factories in Yangon but only 13 of them can export to the EU because the others don’t have the necessary Good Management Pract i ce (GMP) certificates. They are not even trying to get one,” said U Myo Nyunt, an executive committee member of the Myanmar F i s h e r i e s P r o d u c t s Processors and Exporters Association.

Speaking to The Myanmar Times on April 24, he said: “The association has

urged factories to get the certificate and offered them assistance to do so, but only one factory has joined up.”

“Even though, the ASEAN Free Trade Area will begin in 2015, the factories can get permission to export only if they have that certificate. But most factories are not interested,” he said.

Association treasurer Daw Toe Nandar Tin said fisheries products have fallen by nearly 60pc. “Fish farmers can’t farm enough fry, and marine fishermen aren’t catching enough,” she said.

As a result of trading losses caused by the unfavourable exchange rate with the US dollar, the number of commercial fish ponds has been allowed to decline from 220,000 nationwide five years ago to only 70,000, said U Than Lwin, chairman of the Myanmar Fish Farmers Association.

“We had to borrow from the government because of our trading losses. We lost our investment when we had to repay the loans, so we have no more to invest. Production is down, but the government doesn’t help us. Government aid would enable us to start up again,” he said.

By Soe Sandar Oo

D O M E S T I C e n e r g y companies should focus on providing services to support future oil and gas exploration projects in Myanmar, the chief executive officer of a Myanmar oil and gas firm said last week.

U Ken Tun, chief executive of Parami Energy, said it is widely believed that most money made from Myanmar’s energy industry is earned through the export of natural gas.

“Most people think that most of the money earned from the energy sector comes from selling natural gas but actually it is not,” he told The Myanmar Times. “Energy operators are spending more money after Western sanctions were eased but all of the money spent on services should go to domestic companies, which provides income for the country and increase gross domestic product,” he said.

He added that f ew domestic energy companies have the capacity to perform major works such as building shells, drilling wells, building pipeline and constructing oil refineries.

On April 11, the Ministry of Energy released a list of 59 companies that has passed prequalification requirements for the second round of onshore block bidding. Only one Myanmar company – MPRL E&P – was included on the list of “potential bidders who have good technical competency, financial capability and well experience in petroleum

exploration”. Expressions of interest for a separate bidding round for 30 offshore - both shallow- and deepwater - blocks are not required until June 14.

A Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise official said Myanmar could learn from the example set by Malaysia, whose service companies are well regarded internationally.

“Malaysia started doing oil and gas servicing more than 30 years ago,” he said. “Malaysia invited in ternat i ona l se rv i ce companies to work in the country but required them to enter into joint-ventures with domestic companies, which boosted the capacity and finances of those firms,” he said.

He added that Norway has also earned extensive wealth from providing services to oil and gas projects.

“Myanmar companies should be encouraged to form joint-ventures with international service firms but it’s important there be no brokers,” he said.

A spokesperson for a domestic energy company based in Kamaryut township, who did not want to reveal the company’s name, said Myanmar is attracting international companies w i t h i t s f a v o u r a b l e operating environment and potentially lucrative oil and gas concessions. He added that by investing in forming service companies, Myanmar firms could profit from exploration activities regardless of whether any natural gas deposits are found and can be exploited.

Fisheries sector not ready for EU markets

Focus on services first, says energy magnate

BUsiness27April 29 - May 5, 2013

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Myanmar bank workers counting kyat in Yangon in September 2011. Pic: AFP/ Soe Than Win

By Aye Thidar Kyaw

THE US dollar strengthened by about 1 percent last week from pre-Thingyan levels following recent falls in international gold prices and reduced interest in the car market, market sources said on April 22.

On April 22 the dollar was trading for K880 to K888 in formal markets, and about K900 informally, sources said. The Central Bank of Myanmar’s website set the official rate for April 22 at K882 to the dollar, with private banks allowed to trade the currency within a band of 0.08 percent of this rate.

Further interest in the dollar was stoked on April 9 at a finance workshop in Yangon attended by Pyithu Hluttaw speaker Thura U Shwe Mann and held at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of

Commerce and Industry. U Win Kyaing, general

secretary of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation, said an exchange rate of K1000 to the dollar was a workable figure for primary producers such as fish farmers and farmers.

He added that many farmers are heavily in debt and some have ceased working their farms in recent years as the kyat has strengthened – making exports unprofitable.

“I don’t know why the US dollar exchange rate is below K1000 but I can say that farmers cannot escape from suffering because of this,” he said.

U Win Kyaw urged the government to do what it could to boost the dollar’s value and help farmers find markets for their produce.

Kanbawza Bank vice chairman U Than Lwin said Japan’s central bank has recently sold treasury bonds

to weaken the yen and boost the competitiveness of Japan’s exports. U Than Lwin said the central bank of Japan’s efforts to devalue the yen and boost exports had worried i ts main competitors – China and South Korea. But he added that Myanmar’s government should follow a similar path to prioritise exports, and needs to weaken the kyat to do so.

“The exchange rate is essential when the central bank sets monetary policy. We can imitate to Japan’s central bank to an extent but Myanmar has a lot of money that enters and exits the country through [the illegal] hundi network ... which is totally different to Japan,” he said.

He said the Myanmar Centra l Bank ’ s da i ly exchange rate, which is set by currency auctions that started in April 2012, also relies on the informal

market rate. He said the bank must be able to set a stronger monetary policy and be able to adjust interest rates and intervene in the market when necessary.

“However, the Central Bank cannot manage all these tasks yet because it’s reforming and reorganising itself at the moment – I think it needs more experts,” U Than Lwin said.

A Ministry of Commerce official said Myanmar had an export deficit in the 2012-13 financial year that he said the government is trying to reverse in coming years by setting a stable exchange rate, as has been suggested by international financial institutions.

“Moreover, the hundi market survives, even though the government has liberalised the remittance system in previous years. We need to renew our focus on fighting that network.”

Kyat falls early in new year

By Aye Thidar Kyaw

THE Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will debate a tax reform bill that will be submitted by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue when it sits again in mid-June, MPs say.

U Win Myint, secretary of the hluttaw’s Bank and Finance Deve lopment C o m m i t t e e , s a i d t h e ministry plans to discuss the bill, which is aimed at boosting collection of commercial, income and state lottery tax, as well as stamp duty, in next hluttaw session.

“ W e w i l l d i s c u s s whether taxpayers follow the current rules and regulation ... because there are many weaknesses in our country’s taxation system, meaning it does not contribute properly to the gross domestic product (GDP),” he said.

H e a d d e d t h a t t h e ministry plans to collect 4.5 percent of GDP in the 2013-14 fiscal year – a target of about K2.2 trillion (about US$2.5 billion), while nations such as Laos and Cambodia collect about 10pc on average, he said.

U W i n M y i n t s a i d commercial tax accounted for 41pc of revenue in the 2012-13 year, while income tax was a further 48pc.

“We want to use revenue to boost spending on health and education,” U Win Myint said.

H e a d d e d t h a t r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s w i l l discuss tax law and the r u l e s a n d r e g u l a t i o n only in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, adding that a focus will be on income tax. U Win Myint said it was common for companies to avoid paying the tax they owed through such actions as lying about how much they paid employees as salaries.

“We will discuss the possibility of what the minimum wage should be considered appropriate for

everyone,” U Win Myint added.

Several ministries have been testing e-government systems to reduce tax avoidance and corruption for several years. And the ministry is trying to implement an open tax office in April next year to collect identification numbers and other data, several sources said.

P y i t h u H l u t t a w r e p r e s e n t a t i v e f o r Aung Myay Thar Zan in Mandalay Region, U Ko Gyi, said he would discuss commercial tax when the bill is put before parliament.

He said the Ministry of Finance and Revenue changed its collection of commercial tax in the 2012-13 fiscal year by putting the onus on traders to pay tax on profits, instead of levying tax from the capital but few people knew of the move.

“There is a lot of tax avoidance among traders because they don’t know the process. I would like to suggest to the ministry that it runs an information campaign to tell people about the changes, and try to make taxes suitable to encourage people to pay them,” he said.

H e s u g g e s t e d t h a t t a x a t i o n o n t o b a c c o , liquor and log exports be doubled, while the import tax on palm oil should be increased 10-fold to 50pc.

“I would like to change these tax rates because these products are harmful to peoples’ health, reduce job opportunities, and kill small- and medium-sized enterprises.”

Hluttaw to discuss tax reform at next sitting of

parliament in June

‘We want to use revenue to

boos t spending on health and education.’

Bank and Finance Development Committee member says state needs to collect more revenues

BUsiness 28April 29 - May 5, 2013

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SINGAPORE – Asia Pacific economies must refrain from competitive currency devaluations and are vulnerable to speculative buying in the housing market, the APEC grouping’s research arm said.

Massive inflows of funds from industrialised economies into the region where they can get higher returns have pushed local currencies to appreciate, eroding competitiveness in the global markets, APEC’s Policy Support Unit said in a research paper.

The paper, released last week ahead of a meeting of Pacific Rim trade ministers in Surabaya, Indonesia, said competitive currency devaluations could lead to bigger trade imbalances.

“It is of concern that the attempt to

regain competitiveness may result in a simultaneous currency intervention by monetary authorities,” said the unit, the research arm of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

“If that were to occur, it would create larger imbalances in the patterns of global trade and investment,” the paper said, adding it was crucial for APEC “to remain committed to refrain from competitive devaluation of currencies”.

The paper said the 21-member APEC should grow 4.2 percent this year and 4.7pc in 2014, from a 4.1pc expansion in 2012.

However, it said challenges remain, including lingering risks of a fallout from the eurozone debt crisis and the impact of

large capital inflows from developed countries seeking larger returns in emerging markets.

“The recent large scale monetary easing programs pursued by some advanced economies have raised some concerns of possible currency intervention by other monetary authorities,” the paper said.

It did not name any country, but analysts fear Japan’s recent efforts toward monetary-easing, which includes allowing a sharply weaker yen to boost Japanese exports, could prompt other countries to take similar devaluations and trigger a currency war.

The paper also raised a red flag about speculative buying that has sent property and stock prices skyrocketing, and urged regional policymakers to take steps to prevent asset bubbles.

“There are ongoing concerns about the health of public finances and the banking system, especially in Europe, as well as price pressures on property and stock markets,” said Denis Hew, the APEC Policy Support Unit’s director.

In Hong Kong, where the property market is driven by demand from overseas buyers, residential property prices in 2012 were higher by 88pc compared to 2007 levels, it said.

Average house price in Singapore in 2012 was 24pc higher than in 2007, it added.

The paper cited data by property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle saying direct investment flow into real estate worldwide should reach US$500 billion this year, up 13pc from last year, with a substantial portion likely to enter the Asia Pacific. – AFP

APEC warns on currency battles, property bubbles

By Myat May Zin and Aye Thidar Kyaw

YANGON’S automotive market is nearly at a standstill after major national holidays and the outbreak of religious conflict, traders said last week, two roadbumps that are only the latest in a turbulent period for the industry.

U Soe Moe, a vehicle trader who has been in business for 13 years, said potential buyers have been scared off by communal violence in Mandalay and Bago regions last month.

“The conflict in other parts of Myanmar has hit the car market badly,” he said. “Only people who have already paid deposits are buying. Everybody else is more worried about other things.”

Last December, the Ministry of Commerce changed the way it set the cost, insurance and freight values of imported vehicles, all of which are used to determine the taxes owed. Traders said the changes caused a temporary lull in the market but when trading started again in January, most prices were lower.

However, U Soe Moe said a recent rumour – a common issue in automotive trading – had again destabilised the market.

“A rumour, which I think was an April Fool’s joke, circulated that the ministry would allow people to import vehicles made in 2004 or later freely. It confused the market.”

U Win Myint, a deputy general manager at the Ministry of Commerce, recently denied rumours that may have led some potential consumers to put the brakes on a new purchase.

Cla ims that owners o f illegally imported cars can pay K4 million to get a legal licence, that duty would be reduced, or that “the government is going to allow brand-new car showrooms” were all quashed.

“We don’t have any plans or

announcements about these,” he said.

U Win Myint also spoke out against rumours that new automobile factories would be opened, saying the domestic market demand would be insufficient. “A factory can only open if people buy about 100,000 a year for only one brand,” he said.

Other factors may make this month a particularly slow one for sales. U Soe Moe said April is always a quiet period for automobiles and other major purchases.

“April includes the long New Year holiday and many people believe that if they start the new year by spending money, they will spend the whole year doing so.” He added that he hoped trading would recover soon, but wasn’t sure whether it would come back fully “before school starts again”.

U Thein Than, treasurer of the Myanmar Automobile Trading Centre (Yangon branch), said the relocation of the Hantharwady car market on March 3 had also affected the market. He added that the new site, on Min Ye Kyaw Swar Street near Pyay Road, is only a temporary location – and the

market will be moved again soon.

“We have heard about a new hospital funded by National L e a g u e f o r D e m o c r a c y chairperson Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw Thura U Shwe Mann, following a meeting on April 9,” he said. “The new hospital will be built at the temporary car market so we have already sent letters to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the hluttaws asking for a new venue,” he said.

The automobile industry has undergone significant changes since September 2011, when the government first allowed private importing of automobiles. Data provided by the Ministry of Commerce to April 8, 2013 shows that a total of 145,796 vehicles have been imported under the new regulations, at a value of nearly US$1 million. Of the imports, 80 percent were cars and the remainder either buses or trucks. The totals include nearly 70,000 vehicles imported as part of the overage car import substitution programs, while 61,000 were brought in by foreign currency earners and individual importers, and just under 15,000 were imported by

sales centres.While some traders are

hopeful that foreign automobile investors will help invigorate the market now that sanctions by European countries have been eased, further imports may not provide the acceleration in the market that sellers have been looking for.

I n J a n u a r y 2 0 1 2 , t h e government allowed foreign currency earners such as sailors, diplomats and trading companies to import cars. In addition, as of last May, every citizen holding a foreign currency account at a bank in Myanmar can individually import a car with an engine no larger than 1350 cubic centimetres in capacity and made in or after 2007, with no import tax charged. As a result, business at some car sales centres has nearly stopped.

Long traffic jams in Yangon may also be keeping the price of imported cars at a standstill, in spite of a recently rising exchange rate, according to U Aung Than Win, a car dealer from Min Ye Kyaw Swar Street.

“Car import prices are not up even though the dollar value is up [against the kyat]. That’s mainly due to demand. The number of cars is surplus to the conditions of Yangon’s traffic system. People will not buy anymore.”

U Aung Than Win added that the prices of many models have actually fallen between K500,000 and K1 million in April alone.

“Dealers don’t make profits any more,” U Aung Than Win said. “We have to pay K10 million first (to buy a new car), but we’re not even certain to make a profit of K200,000 or K300,000.”

In spite of the recent downturn – and the uncertain road ahead – many dealers have no choice but to carry on.

“We will keep going because we have been here for many years.”

Car market stalls, say traders

Auto traders say the market is flat after Thingyan as a result of communal violence but expect sales to pick up again before June. Pic: Ko Taik

Job watch

MTV EXIT is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the following Yangon based positions:

POSITION 1: Myanmar Campaign CoordinatorPOSITION 2: Country Partnerships ManagerFluency in English and Myanmar language required. Full job descriptions can be found at www.mtvexit.org/jobs. To apply please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]

UNFPA Vacancy Notice No.2013/005

Position Title : Programme Analyst (Advocacy, Communication and Resource Mobilization)

Grade : NOB Duty Station : Yangon, Myanmar Issue Date : 29 April 2013 Closing Date : 13 May 2013 (5:00pm) Duration of Appointment : 1 year (Initial) Applications are invited from interested Myanmar nationals for the post of Programme Analyst (Advocacy, Communication and Resource Mobilization). Applications should be addressed to UNFPA Representative. Attention : International Operations Manager RoomA07, UNFPA, No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon.Email : [email protected] For details on duties and responsibilities, educational and other requirements, please see the vacancy announcement posted at UNDP bill-board. No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon and also at UNFPA website (http://myanmar.unfpa.org) Applications will be considered only when meeting all requirements set in detailed vacancy announcement.

UNFPA Vacancy Notice No.2013/004

Position Title : Project Assistant Grade : SC - 5 Duty Station : Sittwe, Rakhine State Issue Date : 29 April 2013 Closing Date : 13 May 2013 (5:00pm) Duration of Appointment : Up to December 2013 Applications are invited from interested Myanmar nationals for the post of Project Assistant. Applications should be addressed to UNFPA Representative.Attention : International Operations Manager RoomA07, UNFPA, No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon. Email : [email protected] For details on duties and responsibilities, educational and other requirements, please see the vacancy announcement posted at UNDP billboard. No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon and also at UNFPA website (http://myanmar.unfpa.org) Applications will be considered only when meeting all requirements set in detailed vacancy announcement.

Website: www.esearchmyanmar.com

Apply Now! ♦ Sales and Marketing manager (pharmaceutical) ♦ Brand manager ♦ Sales manager ♦ Tour operation Manager ♦ Tour operation Assistant ♦ Tour Sales manager ♦ Sales girl - 30 staff (Fresher) ♦ Sales boy- 30 staff (Fresher) ♦ Engineers (BE/ME/) ♦ Accountants ♦ Secretary ♦ Human Resources Manager

No.851/853, 3rd Floor, Bogyke Aung San Road, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon.Tel: 222963/ 229406/ 229437/ 728261E-mail: [email protected]

BUsiness29April 29 - May 5, 2013

MAI25 x 4

ASEAN 2014 Web Portal Establishmentfor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

in The Republic of The Union of MyanmarPublication reference: NOR/2013/COMP2/PORTAL/001The International Management Group (IMG) intends to award a supply contract for the ASEAN 2014 Portal Establishment for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Republic of The Union of Myanmar with the financial assistance from the Government of the Kingdom of Norway.The tender dossier is available for download at the IMG website:http://www.img-int.org/Central/Public08/PublicTenders.aspxTender dossier is also available for collection at the International Management Group Office Yangon: Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condo, Room 506, Building 52, Yawmingyi Street, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar; Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.The deadline for submission of tenders is 9 May, 2013 at 13:00 Yangon local time at the address mentioned above- hand delivery only. Late tenders will not be considered.

International Management Group

By Noe Noe Aung

A Y A N G O N C i t y Development Committee threat made in early March to seize advertising billboards following the Thingyan holiday has lapsed, with no action by municipal authorities.

“We announced that YCDC is going to seize billboards operated by private companies after March 31,” a spokesperson for YCDC’s Department of Administration said in mid-April.

“Now we are surveying all the billboards in Yangon and I think YCDC will begin taking billboards down after Thingyan,” the spokesperson added.

The March 31 YCDC a n n o u n c e m e n t s a i d billboard leases that had been authorised in the 2012-13 financial year, which ended March 31, would not be renewed in the following financial year. However, YCDC will continue to allow billboards under its control.

U Aung Kyaw Oo, the managing director of Idea digital inkjet printing and signs, said YCDC’s

a n n o u n c e m e n t l e f t advertising companies that specialised in billboards completely in the dark about their futures.

“YCDC announced that if businesses want to advertise their products on billboards legally they would have to work with YCDC,” he said. “We also heard that YCDC will seize billboards that were not in compliance with its order. But we really don’t know what’s going on – all we know is that we can’t accept new orders and just have to wait and see what happens,” he said.

In August last year, YCDC announced that it would standardise billboard sizing in Yangon to clean up the streets. At first it announced that there would only be three sizes of billboards across the city.

However, the March 2013 announcement said companies would need to apply to the Department of Administration – and inferred that only one size (45 feet by 15 feet) would be allowed. Billboards cost up to K20,000 a square foot and the cost to change the design is at least K50,000, U Aung Kyaw Oo said.

Billboards remain as YCDC deadline comes and goes

YCDC has not acted on a pre-Thingyan threat to tear down unauthorised billboards. Pic: Kyawt

MYANMAR is considering a proposal from Indonesia to build a coal-burning power station but approval will only be granted if it meets international standards of environmental protection, officials say.

Current ly Myanmar has only one coal-based power station, in Pinlaung township, Shan State, according to the Ministry

of Electric Power.A ministry spokesperson

told The Myanmar Times on April 26: “Indonesia is interested in building a 200 megawatt (MW) capacity coal-powered station. But first we have to assess the potential environmental damage.”

If the Indonesian proposal m e e t s i n t e r n a t i o n a l standards, it could help e x p a n d M y a n m a r ’ s electrical power production capacity, he said, adding: “We welcome investment in electricity because we need more power for the future.”

“Indonesia exports plenty of coal, so they have lots of experience. Myanmar could benefit from the technology, the employment , and financially” from the plan, he said.

They possible investment could either be a joint-venture with the Ministry o f Electr i c Power , or 100 percent funded by Indonesia, he added.

The investors need to borrow the money from the World Bank or ADB, which would assess whether their proposal met international standards, he said, adding: “A coal-powered station

could produce from 120MW to 200MW. But the greater the yield, the greater the possible damage to the environment”.

An off ic ial from the ministry’s hydropower department said Myanmar’s electricity relied heavily on hydropower, and ways could be found to supplement that energy source. However, any such proposal would have to be examined from the point of view of its environmental and social impact.

There are 20 hydropower electric stations and 10 natural gas stations in Myanmar.

Electric power ministry to consider coal power plant

In Depth with

Soe Sandar Oo

property 30April 29 - May 5, 2013

By Michael Fletcher

MIAMI – Big investors are pouring unprecedented amounts of money into real estate hit hard by the housing crash, bringing those moribund markets back to life but raising the prospect of another Wall Street-fueled bubble that won’t be sustainable.

Drawn by the prospect of double-figure profit margins on rents and the resale of homes whose prices plummeted in the crash, hedge funds, Wall Street investors and other institutions are crowding out individual home buyers.

If the chain of easy credit and dangerous leverage that started on Wall Street fanned the housing bubble and eventual crash, some analysts find it disturbing that major investors are the ones snapping up the bargains – and eventual big profits – left in its wake.

“There is the possibility that Wall Street and the banks and the affluent 1 percent stand to gain the most from this,” said Jack McCabe , a rea l estate consultant based in Deerfield Beach, Florida. “Meanwhile, lower-income A m e r i c a n s w i l l l o s e their opportunity for the American Dream of building wealth through owning a home.”

Real estate executives say institutional investors – which in some cases are bidding on hundreds of homes a day – account for as much as 70 percent of sales in some Florida markets. Over the past two years, analysts say, they also have accounted for most of purchases in other parts of the country where housing prices are rebounding sharply.

The influx of investors may explain why home prices have been rising in parts of the country most affected by the housing crash, despite high jobless rates and relatively few new mortgages being issued by lenders. In the past year, prices have risen 23pc in the Phoenix area, 15pc in Las Vegas, 9pc in Tampa and 11pc in Miami, the Case-Shiller home-price indexes show. Nationally, prices are up more than 8pc over the past year.

“I don’t know whether things are as good as they seem to be. A lot of properties are being occupied by institutional investors, not the end user,” said Scott Kranz, co-principal of Title Capital

Management, a firm that helps big investors scout, buy and manage homes in Florida. “The end user would need to see a great increase in jobs, availability of mortgage money and a loosening of the reins that have been holding them back. But all the economic indicators are that we are

not at that point.”The ability of investors to

make cash deals is helping them buy a large portion of the distressed homes that continue to flood the market. Property brokers and others in Florida say traditional buyers – even those able to qualify for financing in a still-tight mortgage market – are finding it difficult to compete with the cash and market savvy of large investors.

“ T h e i n v e s t o r s a r e making i t hard for a r e g u l a r h o m e o w n e r to buy a property,” said Robert Russotto, a broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “They are getting outbid by people with cash.” Russotto noted that out of the 20 home sale

contracts he is completing, 17 of the buyers are major investors.

Before the housing crash, big investors almost never wanted s ing l e - fami ly homes, largely because of slow returns and the money-draining hassle of managing tenants in often far-flung properties.

But with prices still depressed and with low interest rates and high stock prices limiting prospective

returns elsewhere, major investors see the prospect of healthy profits in single-family homes.

“Residential property is an on-fire asset class,” said Kranz, noting that his firm has ploughed more than US$100 million into residential real estate for investors in the past year

and is on course to spend $250 million to buy an extra 2000 homes in 2013.

A t T i t l e C a p i t a l Management, nearly four dozen analysts and lawyers are glued to computer monitors – some seven days a week – hunting for deals among the flood of foreclosures that have bedeviled this state.

Aided by its proprietary software, Title Capital sizes up each home for square footage, special features and the prices and rents they can command. The firm’s legal team then scrubs each property for liens and title problems before determining a price that would allow its clients on Wall Street and elsewhere to turn a tidy profit.

The company bids on about 200 houses a day, making it one of the largest players in Florida that help hedge funds and other Wall Street firms buy distressed properties. It is proving to

be a lucrative niche.Last year, famed investor

Warren Buffett said on CNBC: “If I had a way of buying a couple hundred thousand single-family homes, I would load up on them. It’s a very attractive asset class now. I could buy them at distressed prices and find renters.”

A g r o w i n g n u m b e r of private-equity groups have done as much. Over the past year, Blackstone has amassed a portfolio of 20,000 rental homes worth $3 bi l l ion, spokesman Peter Rose said. American Homes 4 Rent, a firm run by warehousing magnate B Wayne Hughes, has bought about 10,000 rental properties, news reports show.

The strategy makes sense, as a shrinking share of Americans own their homes. After more than a decade of robust increases, the national homeownership rate peaked in 2004 at 69.2pc. Since then, it has been in steady decline, falling to 65.4pc at the end of 2012, show Census Bureau figures.

The big investor activity is pushing up prices, which is good for the large number of homeowners whose mortgages are larger than their home’s values. But for people being shut out of the biggest bargains offered by the housing market, it means a longer, slower slog to building equity. It also raises the spectre of future price declines when investors lose interest

or decide to dump their properties.

“Clearly the investors are moving markets in some places,” said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research and author of a popular housing blog. “In some markets at the bottom end, you are looking at 30 or 40pc gains year-to-year. That is frightening to me. At some point the music stops. The investors if they get hurt, that is their problem. But invariably a lot of other people will get caught up in that.”

But as things stand, many investors say the opportunities are growing, particularly in Florida. The data firm RealtyTrac reported this month that one in 104 properties in the state had received a foreclosure filing in the first three months of 2013, the highest rate in the nation. On top of that, nearly half of the homeowners with mortgages owe more than their houses are worth, which means many more foreclosures are on the way. Investors think foreclosures could surge for up to five more years.

Dallas Wharton, co-f o u n d e r o f D e l a v a c o Residential Property Trust, a real estate investment firm in Fort Lauderdale, is ready. The firm, which is backed by Canadian investors, started out with 14 homes two years ago and now has 700. Meanwhile, Delavaco is preparing for a public offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange that Wharton hopes will raise as much as $40 million.

Wharton said his company is riding a lucrative wave. It is able to scoop up many homes for $60,000 or $70,000, which is just

a fraction of the building costs. After making repairs, the company rents them out for as much as $1700 a month. The firm’s biggest client is the federal Section 8 program, which subsidises the rents of low-income tenants. Delavaco notes that Section 8 provides “over 60pc” of the firm’s revenue.

“That’s a pretty good opportunity,” Wharton said, adding that investors help stabilise communities even as they make money. “If the end user does not have the ability to enter in the market, and they do down the road, have they missed an opportunity? Perhaps. But if it weren’t for investors, where would the market bottom be? What would happen to neighbourhoods if homes were just to sit there and rot?” – Washington Post

Wall Street bets big on single family homes

‘There is the possibility that Wall Street and the banks and the affluent 1 percent stand to gain the most from this.’

‘The investors are making it

hard for a regular homeowner to

buy a property.’

An Orlando, Florida, man stands in front of the home his parents built by hand before it was reposssessed in October 2007 following the sub-prime lending collapse. Pic: AFP

property31April 29 - May 5, 2013

By Myat Nyein Aye

THE 24 former owners of a plot of land now occupied by the Hledan Center in Kamaryut township are battling with the developer, Asia World, to be given apartments and additional land they say there were promised.

“Asia World promised us that we would be given apartments when we vacated the land in 2003,” said Daw Cho Cho Mar, one of the formers owners. “At that time, the company promised us an apartment in the building, and told us that it would take three years to build. But the construction period was actually 10 years,” she said.

The land covers 1.522 acres and belonged to 24 owners.

Daw Cho Cho Mar said the owners had waited for 10 years for the building to be finished but

Asia World had never offered any compensation for the delays. She added that Asia World met owners in November last year, many of whom told the company’s representatives

that the delays had cost them thousands of dollars in rent.

In 2003, the government told owners of a plan to build the Land Mark building at Hledan Junction and asked the owners to vacate. Daw Cho Cho Mar said the owners were told the Land Mark building would be a 28-storey building – and every owner would be given an apartment when it was finished.

“At that time, Yangon Region Commander Myint Swe promised us that we would not suffer for leaving our land and said we would be given an apartment each,” she said. “But Hledan Center was built instead – and there are only eight floors.”

Daw May Oo Kyaw, a spokesperson for Asia World, said the company has not opened Hledan Center yet and could not provide any comment until that happened.

The Department of Human S e t t l e m e n t a n d H o u s i n g Development gave 68 apartments to 49 families that vacated their land to make way for the building,

U Aung Htun, the department’s director, said during meeting with the former owners on November 23, 2012. He added that the other 15 people would have their rents paid by DHSHD.

However the November meeting broke down when Asia World officials and the former owners clashed.

“That meet ing had to be stopped because the Asia World representatives were just telling us about their problems,” said Daw Ni

Ni Aung, a former land owner. “We were so angry because that was the first meeting we had had with the company in 10 years and we wanted to negotiate about the apartments we were promised.”

Asia World project manager U Pone Nyunt told the former owners of the many difficulties the company had faced during construction and explained why the building could not be 28 storeys high.

He said the company expected to lose from K6 billion to K10 billion on the project as a result.

“We just want an apartment that’s worth the same as our land was,” said Daw Ni Ni Aung.

“We don’t care if Asia World has lost money on the project – that’s the company’s business.

“We have waited 10 years and it’s time Asia World paid us back for the years that we’ve had to live somewhere else and for the company to compensate us for what we have lost.

“Where we have lived has always been temporary, none of us has viewed these places as our home.”

Former owners battle Asia World over Hledan site

‘We don’t care if Asia World has lost money

– that’s the company’s problem.’

Owners say they were promised apartments at the development by former Yangon commander

ATHENS – Greece will be offering residence to non-EU investors purchasing o r r e n t i n g p r o p e r t y o v e r 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 e u r o s (US$326,000), in a bid to revive its moribund real estate industry, officials said last week.

The initiative, voted into law by parliament the week before, comes in response to strong demand from Arab, Chinese and Russian investors, the officials from the interior ministry and property groups told a news conference.

Val id for f ive years and open to renewal, the residence plan follows similar measures adopted by Hungary, Spain and Portugal in the past.

“Finally, the property market can move out of its paralysis a little,” said Stratos Paradias, head of the confederation of Greek home owners.

The permits will enable the holders, their spouses and children under the age of 18 to freely travel – though not work – in the Schengen area for three consecutive months at a time.

The recession gripping Greece for a sixth straight year and heavy taxation has crippled the country’s construct ion industry that was previously one of pillars of the economy.

– AFP

Greece offers residency to foreign investors

The former owners of the land occupied by Hledan Center are demanding that Asia World provide apartments they say they were promised in the development. Pic: Ko Taik

teChnology 32April 29 - May 5, 2013

SYDNEY – Tech start-ups could be worth A$109 billion (US$111 billion) to the Australian economy by 2033 – on a par with retail or education – and create half a million jobs, a report for Google has found.

The Pricewaterhouse-Coopers (PwC) study “The Startup Economy”, released on April 23, said that by global comparisons there is “no better time to be an entrepreneur in Australia”, with some 1500 tech start-

ups and support for the industry expanding rapidly.

Were growth to accelerate to a rate of 5600 new start-ups by 2023, PwC said the sector could account for 1.1 percent of gross domestic p r o d u c t , f r o m 0 . 1 p c currently.

Ten years later, in 2033, that figure would be 4.0pc, the PwC study said. If achieved, it would mean 540,000 new jobs.

The report called for Australia to flaunt its

technological successes, which include the invention of WiFi Internet technology and bionic Cochlear hearing technology.

It also boasts several global success stories in the start-up sector, including investor f i r m C o m p u t e r s h a r e and software developer Atlassian, among whose clients are Boeing, NASA, Sony, HSBC and American Express.

But Google Australia, which commissioned the

study, said tapping the sector’s potential would require hard work, including increasing the success rates for start-ups and boosting computer science education.

Some 1100 of today’s 1500 start-ups are expected to fail by the end of 2013 and numbers of domestic computer science graduates have fallen two-thirds in the past decade.

“In the short-term it’s e s t imated we ’ l l need to have 2000 more tech

entrepreneurs drawn from the existing workforce each year,” said Alan Noble, engineering director at Google Australia.

“My hope for the long-term is that success will breed success.”

The report said greater government funding for early-stage projects would be needed, with current levels at one-tenth that of the United States and one-twentieth that of Israel.

The government could

also play a major role as a buyer of tech start-up services, with spending in the sector last year totalling A$41 billion.

I n d u s t r i e s s u c h a s finance, manufacturing, mining and healthcare all had significant scope for tech start-ups, with few firms yet targeting those sectors, the report said.

“A strong homegrown tech sector is vital to future Australian jobs and wealth,” Noble said. – AFP

Tech start-ups to boom Down Under, predicts study

SAN FRANCISCO – Reddit apologised last week for being a rallying point for online witch hunts as amateur sleuths used the social news website to expose those behind the bombing at the Boston Marathon.

“Though started with noble intentions, some of the activity on Reddit fueled online witch hunts and dangerous speculation which spiralled into very negative consequences f o r i n n o c e n t p a r t i e s , ” Reddit general manager Erik Martin said in a blog post on April 22.

“We all need to look at what happened and make sure that in the future we do everything we can to help, and not hinder, crisis situations.”

Reddit along with some of its users and moderators apologised privately to the family of a missing college student wrongly implicated during a quest to use crowd-sourcing to identify who was behind the bombing, said Martin.

“The Reddit staff and the millions of people on Reddit around the world deeply regret that this happened,” Martin said.

The San Franc i s co -b a s e d n e w s - s h a r i n g platform maintained that Reddit, overall, served as a “great clearinghouse” for information in the aftermath of the April 15 twin blasts that killed three and wounded 200.

“ T h e v a s t m a j o r i t y of these activities were

positive,” Martin said. “They provided a way for people to stay informed, as well as a place to just discuss, cope, and try to make sense of what happened.”

Reddit traffic hit a peak of about 272,000 users when reports hit that a second suspect was captured, a c c o r d i n g t o G o o g l e Analytics figures cited by the service. Reddit is a subsidiary of US news giant Advance Publications.

Sel f -anointed cyber-detectives took to social media en masse in the days after the bombing, sharing and analysing photos and videos from cellphones, cameras and TV coverage of the bombing, near the Boston marathon finish line.

Taking the lead from the official investigation, the online manhunt notably focused on people with black rucksacks, posting and highlighting photos of a

string of potential suspects – sparking warnings of vigilantism.

One of the main forums for online Boston bomber s l e u t h s w a s R e d d i t , where a subreddit – a space for discussion on a particular subject – called findbostonbombers was used to exchange comments and images.

Images of Blue Robe Guy, Running Away Guy, Brown Sweatshirt Guy and others have been

analysed in minute detail on sites including Reddit and 4chan.

One of the main forums for online Boston bomber s l e u t h s w a s R e d d i t , where a subreddit – a space for discussion on a particular subject – called findbostonbombers had been used to exchange comments and images.

“I don’t think we know yet whether crowd-sourced invest igation l ike the Reddit one can work, since

this is really v e r y n e w , ” Cindy Cohn of digital rights non-profit group

the Electronic Frontier Foundation told AFP.

“Real law enforcement is a skill, and even they get it wrong sometimes with horrible results for those affected,” she said, citing cases of mistaken identity a t the 1996 At lant i c Olympics and the 2004 Madrid bombings.

“ S o i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t that amateurs trying to help exercise discretion and avoid jumping to conclusions.” – AFP

Reddit offers apology for Boston blast witch hunts

Objects printed with 3D printers at the “Inside 3D Printing” conference and exhibition in New York on April 22. The two-day exhibition featured tutorials and seminars offering ideas on how to invest in and use 3D printing as well as the latest products and services from leading manufacturers and developers. Pic: AFP

‘The Reddit staff…deeply regret that this happened.’

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that HA LI FA PTE LTD of 257 PANDAN LOOP Singapore 128434 is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks: -

BALLGUS(Reg: No. IV/14164/2012)

BoBo(Reg: No. IV/14161/2012)

the above five trademarks are in respect of: -“Fish, sea food and meat food products, derived from fish, seafood and meat; prepared meals consisting substantially of fish, seafood and meat processed food products, all prepared from chicken, beef, lamb, caviar, crayfish and

other crustaceans, cuttlefish, fish, herrings, lobsters, octopi, mussels, prawns, salmon, sea cucumbers, shellfish, shrimps, squids, tuna and seafood; fish and chicken ball and/or cake; vegetable ball and/or cake; prawn ball and/or roll; fish or chicken roll; food product consisting primarily of fish or chicken; crab meat products; octopus ball and/or cake; vegetable food products with fish or chicken; bean curd; bean curd ball with fish and/or chicken; dried bean curd with fish/chicken; prepared vegetable products; canned fish, meat, poultry and vegetable; chilled foods consisting predominantly of fish, meat and poultry; frozen seafood products; frozen fish products; frozen meat products; meat, preserved; preserved prepared meat; preserved seafood; processed meat products; processed seafood” – Class: 29 “The bringing together for the benefit of others a variety of goods, enabling customers to conveniently view and purchase those goods in a retail store, in a wholesale outlet, from a mail order catalogue, from a general merchandise catalogue, by telecommunications or from a global computer network web site (excluding the transport thereof), all in the field of food products, all the aforesaid services also provided on-line from a computer database or via the global communications network or by means of telecommunications; hypermarket retailing; retail sale of prepared meat and meat products (butcher’s shop); export-import agency services; import-export agency services; export agency services; export

promotion services; export services, not being transport services; import services, not being transport services; franchising services [group purchasing, group advertising]; procurement services for others (purchasing goods and services for other businesses); ordering services (for others); advertising; business administration; business assistance; business information; business management; business project management; information, advisory and consultancy services in relation to all the aforesaid services” – Class: 35“Services for providing food and drink; takeaway services; takeaway food and drink services; preparation of food and drinks; preparation and provision of takeaway food and drink; consultancy services in relation to food and beverages preparation; food and drink catering; food cooking services; consultancy, advisory and information services relating to the aforesaid services; information, advisory and consultancy services in relation to food and beverages and the provision of food and drinks” – Class: 43

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associates for HA LI FA PTE LTDP.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 29th April, 2013

(Reg: No. IV/14163/2012)

(Reg: No. IV/14165/2012)

(Reg: No. IV/14162/2012)

TIMESWORLDApril 29 - May 5, 2013

33

TAIPEI – Asian countries urged renewed vigilance against a spread of H7N9 bird flu last week after Taiwan reported a case o f the deadly s tra in , the world’s first outside mainland China.

The self-governing island on Apri l 25 urged its residents to take “enhanced precautions” when visiting China – placing Shanghai, Beijing and five Chinese provinces on particular alert for travellers after at least 22 deaths were confirmed there.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed on April 24 that a 53-year-old Taiwanese man, who had been working in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, showed symptoms three days after returning home via Shanghai on April 9. The man, who was infected in China, has been hospitalised since April 16 and is in a serious but stable condition, it said.

There have been at least 111 confirmed cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza in China, including the fatalities, figures from Chinese authorities and the World Health Organisation showed on April 25.

State news agency Xinhua reported early on April 26 that the eastern province

of Jiangxi had reported its first case. Xinhua, citing local health authorities, said a 69-year-old man was in a critical condition in hospital.

On April 25, the WHO maintained i ts g lobal advisory for combating the bird flu, urging against contact with live poultry but not recommending any restrictions against travel to China.

T h e “ e n h a n c e d precautions” urged by Taiwan’s CDC were in line with WHO advice, counselling people to avoid going to poultry markets, stay away from anyone with a fever and eat only thoroughly cooked bird meat and eggs.

WHO experts said on April 24 that H7N9 was a particularly lethal influenza virus but that there was no proof yet of sustained transmission between humans.

Chinese researchers reporting in The Lancet on April 25 confirmed poultry as a source of the virus and also said they found no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Asian nations stressed they had measures in place, pioneered during a deadly outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) a decade ago. – AFP

Asia on guardas bird fluthreat spreads

W A S H I N G T O N – U S President Barack Obama issued a new warning to Syria on April 26 that using chemical weapons would be a “game changer” as he faced rising pressure at home and abroad to intervene in the civil war.

But a day after US officials said they suspected that the deadly agent sarin had already been used in small-scale attacks, Obama warned Washington must act prudently and establish exactly if, how and when such arms were used.

O b a m a , w h o h a d previously told Syrian

President Bashar al-Assad the use of chemical weapons would cross a “red line,” promised a “vigorous” US and international probe into the latest reports.

But he appeared wary of launching military action based on initial intelligence reports of chemical weapons use, even as other official comments and media suggested that is exactly what had happened.

Obama did reiterate that the use of chemical weapons would be “a game changer,” as he met Jordan’s King Abdullah II in the Oval Office.

“I think all of us, not just in the United States but around the world, recognise how we cannot stand by and permit the systematic use of weapons like chemical weapons on civilian populations,” he said.

But the US leader, who has been reluctant to plunge the US military into action in Syria after extricating it from Iraq, warned: “We have to act prudently. We have to make assessments deliberately.”

Adding to the political pressure on Obama, the Syrian opposition urged the

UN Security Council to take immediate steps, possibly even by imposing a no-fly zone.

A n d B r i t i s h P r i m e Minister David Cameron said the growing evidence that Assad had turned chemical agents on his own people was “extremely serious.”

The fighting in Syria, which the UN says has left more than 70,000 dead since March 2011, showed no signs of abating on April 26, with fresh clashes outside the capital, Damascus, and elsewhere throughout the country. – AFP

Pressure increases on Obama over Syria

Bangladeshi volunteers and rescue workers search for survivors amid the rubble of a collapsed eight-storey garment factory near Dhaka on April 25. The death toll in the country’s worst industrial accident rose to 324 early on April 27. Full report, P. 38. Pic: AFP

world 34April 29 - May 5, 2013

LUXEMBOURG – The European Union unlocked its door to Serbia and Kosovo on April 22 in reward for striking a landmark agreement to normalise ties and turn the page on the last searing trouble-spot in the Balkans.

But in the ethnically split northern Kosovo town of Kosovska Mitrovica, 10,000 angry Kosovo Serbs protested against the accord, accusing Belgrade of “betraying” them and “abandoning” its former province.

In Brussels, the deal garnered praise from EU ministers and officials after the European Commission recommended the launch of formal negotiations on Serbia’s entry into the EU and talks to strike a special pact with Kosovo.

This “is a game-changer for Kosovo, for Serbia, for the whole region,” said the commiss ioner for enlargement, Stefan Fuele.

“The rubicon has been passed,” said Swedish

Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, a key longtime player in EU-Balkans relations. “I think it is a very big achievement.”

However officials also cautioned that seeing the

normalisation of ties through would be a test for Kosovo and Serbia, which fought a 1989-1990 conflict.

“Implementation will be

difficult,” Bildt said.Serbia hopes to be given a

date to start long-awaited EU accession talks at a summit in June after clinching the deal with Kosovo on April 19,

the last remaining hurdle in lengthy efforts to win a berth in the bloc.

Kosovo, whose 2008 declaration of independence

is recognised by all but five of the 27 EU states, has its eyes on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU – less than membership, but a big step towards embracing the bloc.

Slovenia is so far the only member of the former Yugoslavia to have entered the bloc.

The green light from Brussels came as the governments of both Serbia and Kosovo approved the deal brokered by EU foreign

policy chief Catherine Ashton aimed at settling the fate of some 40,000 ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo who refuse to recognise Pristina’s authority. The text of the accord has yet to be made public by the EU, but media reports in Kosovo said the Kosovo Serbs will have their own police and justice representatives, working under Pristina’s authority, in the few areas where they comprise a majority of the population. – AFP

EU hails pact between Serbia and Kosovo to normalise ties

‘It is a very big achievement.’

LONDON – Two campaign groups called last week for Britain to stop recruiting 16 and 17-year-olds to its armed forces, a practice that has been abandoned by most countries.

C h i l d S o l d i e r s I n t e r n a t i o n a l a n d F o r c e s W a t c h s a i d o n April 23 that Britain’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) wasted up to £94 million (US$143 million) a year by recruiting minors, who it said were twice as expensive to train as 18-year-olds.

But the MoD said the report ignored the benefits that a military career offered young people, and said it had no plans to change its policy.

C h i l d S o l d i e r s International – which c a m p a i g n s p r i m a r i l y against the use of child

soldiers in armed conflicts in Africa and Asia – said fewer than 20 countries continue to recruit soldiers from the age of 16.

“The large majority of countries worldwide now recruit only adults aged 18 or above into their armed forces,” the London-based charity said.

“The UK is the only member of the European Union and only permanent member of the UN Security Council still recruiting from age 16.”

In a report co-authored by the British campaign group, ForcesWatch, the charity said under-18s were more likely to join the

infantry, where the risk of fatality in Afghanistan has been five times that faced by the rest of the army.

Young troops were also more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual harassment and b u l l y i n g , i t c l a i m e d , while money is wasted on training minors because

they take longer to develop their skills and have a higher drop-out rate.

The report argued that while under-18s are banned in Britain from many activities considered harmful – including drinking alcohol and smoking – they are allowed to risk their lives in the military.

The Ministry of Defence denied that it was wasting tens of millions of pounds a year by recruiting minors.

“We do not recognise the figures suggested in this report, which ignores the benefits and opportunities that a military career offers young people,” a ministry spokesman said.

“We continue to actively recruit across all age groups and as part of our duty of care to our recruits no young person under the age of 18 years

may join our armed forces without the formal written consent of their parent or guardian.

“There are currently no plans to revisit the government’s recruitment po l i cy f o r under -18s , which is fully compliant w i t h U n i t e d N a t i o n s Conventions.” – AFP

British military urged tostop recruiting teenagers

‘The UK is the only member of the European Union...still recruiting from age 16.’

PARIS – French lawmakers defied months of angry protests on April 23 to approve a bill that is to make France the 14th country worldwide to legalise same-sex marriages.

Opponents of the law vowed to fight on, quickly fi l ing a constitutional challenge and promising more demonstrations to pressure President Francois Hollande into backing down from signing the bill.

In its second and final reading, the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, voted 331 to 225 to adopt the bill allowing homosexual marriages and adoptions by gay couples.

Socialist Justice Minister Christiane Taubira hailed the approval of the bill as a “historic” moment.

Soon after the law was voted through, lawmakers from right-wing parties filed a legal challenge with the constitutional council.

Senators from the main opposition UMP and other

right-wing parties said “the definition of marriage, a fundamental principle... cannot be modified by a simple law”.

Prov is ions a l l owing adoption by gay couples v i o la te “ fundamenta l principles” of France, including “the principle of human dignity and equality”, they argued.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference o f France expressed its disappointment at the law and Bishop Bernard Podvin told AFP of his “deep sadness”.

“Democracy has spoken,” he sa id . “But such a controversial law will not produce social cohesion.”

But for Nicolas Gougain, a spokesman for Inter-LGBT, France’s leading gay rights group, the law was a victory for equality and democracy.

The constitutional council has a month to make a ruling, but the government expressed confidence that the constitutional challenge would be dismissed. – AFP

French MPs approvesame-sex marriages

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that JAPAN TOBACCO INC. a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal office at 2-2-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

(Reg: No. IV/1525/2013)in respect of:- “Tobacco, whether manufactured or unmanufactured; smoking tobacco, pipe tobacco, hand rolling tobacco, chewing tobacco, snus tobacco; cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos; substances for smoking sold separately or blended with tobacco, none being for medicinal or curative purposes; snuff; smokers’ articles included in Class 34; cigarette papers, cigarette tubes and matches” - Class 34

Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law.

U Kyi Win Associates for JAPAN TOBACCO INC. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 29th April, 2013

world35April 29 - May 5, 2013

L O N D O N – B r i t i s h newspapers last week rejected government plans for a state-backed press watchdog and published their own proposal for self-regulation in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal at Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World.

The three main political parties struck a deal in March for a beefed-up regulator underpinned by law, which they said was needed to rein in the excesses of Britain’s raucous tabloid press.

But the newspaper industry on April 25 unveiled its own plans f o r a s e l f - r e g u l a t o r y system without any state involvement, saying the government proposal to set up a watchdog by a so-called royal charter threatened press freedom.

“ A n u m b e r o f i t s re commendat ions are unworkable and it gives politicians an unacceptable degree of interference in the regulation of the press,” said a statement

c o o r d i n a t e d b y t h e Newspaper Society, the industry body.

The rival regulatory plan proposes fines of up to £1 million (US$1.5 million) and prominent corrections, just as the government scheme does.

But it demands more public consultation to allow newspapers and magazines to have their say on the terms of the royal charter.

It also opposes any legal u n d e r p i n n i n g o f t h e regulator.

The government said it would consider the proposal.

But campaign group Hacked Off said newspapers were “defying the will of parliament”.

“This desperate move by editors and proprietors – rejecting the royal charter agreed last month by all parties in parliament and due to be approved by the

queen in days – is only the latest proof that most of the industry has learned no lessons from the Leveson experience,” it said.

The government proposal was agreed in March in response to the findings of the Leveson Inquiry, a probe into the ethics of the press set up by Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 after the News of the World scandal.

The plan involves the creation of a p r e s s w a t c h d o g under a royal charter, a special document used to establ ish organisations such as

the Bank of England and the BBC.

The statutory element is that the charter itself would be protected by a separate law stating that all charters passed after March 1, 2013 could only be modified by a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Newspapers and free speech advocates say that any underpinning in law, no matter how vague, would restrict free speech. – AFP

UK newspapers spurnpress watchdog plan

Newspapers say the plan threatens press freedom.

MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin last week denied the existence of any elements of Stalinism under his rule but warned there needed to be “order and discipline” in modern Russia.

“ I d o n o t s e e a n y elements of Stal inism here,” Putin said on April 25 in his annual question-and-answer session with Russians amid growing criticism from activists over a crackdown on civil society.

“Stalinism is linked to the cult of personality, mass violations of the law, repressions and camps.” B u t h e a d d e d : “ T h i s does not mean that we should not have order and discipline.”

Put in ins i s ted that present-day Russia could not be compared with the Stalin era, however, saying that now there are no political prisoners.

“People are punished for breaking laws or breaching the rights of other people,” he said, citing Pussy Riot punk band, two of whose members have been jailed for two years in remote prison camps for an anti-

Putin performance in a church.

Millions of Soviet citizens were sent to prison camps or executed under Stalin’s rule, while millions also died in horrific famines blamed on his brutal agricultural polices.

“There is nothing like this in Russia and, I hope, never will be again,” said Putin.

However rights groups in Russia have accused Putin of using Stalinist repression techniques, including the jailing of opponents and impeding the work of NGOs with repressive laws. – AFP

Putin says there’s no Stalinism in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin during the question-and-answer session last week. Pic: AFP

Brothers planned NY attack: Mayor

NEW YORK – The broth-ers accused of staging the Boston Marathon bomb-ings planned to detonate more explosives in Times Square as they were be-ing hunted by police, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on April 25.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev con-fessed the plan to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents in his hospital bed, Bloomberg said, calling it a “horrific reminder that we remain targets for terror-ists.”• More reports, P. 32.

166 on hunger strike at Guantanamo

WASHINGTON – More prisoners have joined a hunger strike to protest against their indefinite detention at the US-run Guantanamo military prison, with 92 out of 166 detainees refusing food, a spokesman in a statement said on April 24.

The hunger strike began on February 6, lawyers for the detainees said. – AFP

Briefs

TRADE MARK CAUTIONDreamwell, Ltd. a company incorporated in the United States of America, of 2215-B Renaissance Drive, Suite 12, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, U.S.A., is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

Reg. No. 12495/2012 in respect of “Class 20: Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics; mattresses; mattress foundations; box springs and pillows. Class 24: Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes; bed covers; table covers; sheets; blankets; mattress pads; bedding clothes”.

SimmonsReg. No. 12496/2012

SMART RESPONSEReg. No. 12497/2012

in respect of “Class 20: Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics; mattresses; mattress foundations; box springs and pillows”.


Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.Lfor Dreamwell, Ltd. P. O. Box 60, YangonE-mail: [email protected]: 29 April 2013

world 36April 29 - May 5, 2013

THE world, in all its tangled webs, will be read into the Boston bombing suspects.

For some, the Tsarnaev brothers are Chechen avengers, young men seared by the long war in Russia’s “southern backyard.” For Vladimir Putin and his regime, this deed of terror in an American city is, doubtless, a vindication of the iron fist with which the Russians fought their long war against Chechnya, proof of the malignancy of the Islamist menace.

Foes of immigration can be expected to offer the Tsarnaev brothers as evidence that a nation that throws its gates wide open courts this kind of calamity. One way or the other, the matter of Islamist radicalism hovers over this episode.

There are other testimonies that speak to the puzzlement of our time, to the difficulty of drawing hard lines between cultures in conflict.

A classmate who knew Dzhokar, the younger of the two brothers, from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School described him as a cool guy, a regular American kid on the wrestling team. Another classmate, Ty Barros, describes a boy who liked sport and listened to rap music and hung out with other kids in the neighbourhood. Dzhokar never discussed religion and politics, this acquaintance adds. Pamela Rolon, a residential adviser in the dorm where Dzhokar lived, at University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth said that the young man “studied hard and spoke English beautifully.”

The world outwits us, furrows run across it: We look for fixed identities

and whole, intact worlds, and we find instead the shaking up of continents, the intermingling of peoples and ways.

For me, the earliest evidence of the foreign birth of the bombers was not their features, as we saw them in the grainy early footage, but the baseball caps – one turned backward – and the backpacks.

This was Americanism

as the two assailants understood it – easily available, the kind that could slip across boundaries, evade detection. American urban culture fashioned the look, but it is now the property of one and all.

We know the pattern. These assailants live on the seam between countries and cultures.

Think of Faisal Shahzad,

the young Pakistani who, three years ago, sought to detonate a car bomb in Times Square. He had driven his car from his home in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He had worked for Elizabeth Arden and completed that all-American degree, the MBA. The US was his home and wasn’t; Pakistan, the land of his birth, was no longer home. It could no longer answer his needs.

He came to militant Islam after personal failure and disappointment. For him, the faith had become a weapon. He found it online, on the World Wide Web – that mix of modern technique and belligerent enmities.

Of all that has been said and written about this breed of “nowhere men” who have risen to war against the very messy world that forged

them, the most poignant was said about the Lebanese-born terrorist, Ziad Jarrah, who is thought to have been at the controls of the plane forced down by its heroic passengers in Shanksville, Pennysylvania, on September 11: “He never missed a party in Beirut and never missed a prayer in Hamburg.”

The pampered boy of an affluent family was unhinged by a radical reading of

the faith that h e f o u n d i n the storefront m o s q u e s i n H a m b u r g .

Modernity fa i led and unsettled Jarrah.

There are echoes of Jarrah’s story in reports about the older Tsarnaev brother, Tamerlan. Like Jarrah, Tamerlan was in his mid-20s. He had become a legal US resident in 2007; he had shown no early interest in Islam. His passion was boxing, but then Islam entered his life through the

social media. Civilisational battles were once waged by warriors who donned the garments of different lands and spoke the languages of different worlds – the Moors on one side, the Castilians on the other. The borders were easy to see and to make out. The global landscape is different today. It is boys with baseball caps who carry death and ruin in their backpacks.

Home is neither in the lands of their birth nor in the diaspora communities where people flee the fire and the failure of tormented places. No “intel” can find and identify this unsettled breed –ordinary neighbourhood types who step forth to do battle against a modernity, and an order, they had once yearned for.

– Bloomberg News(Fouad Ajami is a senior

fellow at the Stanford U n i v e r s i t y ’ s H o o v e r Institution and author of The Syrian Rebellion).

Assailants on fault lines between countries and cultureCOMMENTby Fouad Ajami

No ‘intel’ can find and identify this unsettled breed.

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev could face the death penalty after being charged on April 22 for his alleged role in the attacks that left three people dead and 200 wounded.

The teenager was said to be alert as he was arraigned in his hospital bed on charges of using and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction, and malicious destruction of property by means of

deadly explosives, the US Department of Justice said.

I f T s a r n a e v , 1 9 , a naturalised US citizen of Chechen descent, is convicted of the federal charges , he cou ld be sentenced to death.

“We’ve once again shown that those who target innocent Americans and attempt to terrorise our cities will not escape from justice,” said US Attorney General Eric Holder. A first court hearing was set for May 30.

The unsealing of the federal charges against Tsarnaev, who suffered gunshot wounds to the head, neck, legs and hand before his capture late on April 19, came as White House spokesman Jay Carney said he would not be deemed an “enemy combatant.”

“We will prosecute this terrorist through our civilian system of justice,” Carney

said after some Republicans had called for Tsarnaev to have the same status as the “war on terror” detainees held in Guantanamo Bay.

Tsarnaev was caught after a massive manhunt that virtually shut down Boston and its suburbs on April 19. His brother and alleged accomplice Tamerlan, 26, had been killed in a chaotic shootout with police.

A clearer picture of Tsarnaev’s role in the attacks emerged with the release of an affidavit from an FBI agent on April 22, which revealed the teenager had been caught on film planting the second backpack bomb.

Surveil lance footage showed Tsarnaev calmly walking away from the scene after the first bomb was detonated, said the affidavit.

Tsarnaev, who remains bedridden and hospitalised, spoke only one word aloud at

his bedside hearing on April, saying “no” when asked whether he could afford a lawyer, said a transcript of the hearing released on

April 22.Otherwise, the record

s h o w e d h e n o d d e d when asked whether he understood the process and

the charges against him. The federal judge said she found him “alert, mentally competent, and lucid,” said the transcript.

FBI investigators are still hoping to get answers from Tsarnaev about the brothers’ possible motive and learn if other attacks were being planned.

A n u n n a m e d U S government source told CNN that “preliminary interviews with Tsarnaev indicate the two brothers fit the classification of self-radicalised jihadists,” and that international groups were not involved.

B o s t o n P o l i c e Commissioner Ed Davis said on April 21 that the brothers, who had been living legally in the United States for more than a decade, had more homemade explosive devices and appeared to have been planning more attacks. – AFP

Blasts suspect charged in bedside hearing

A monk meditates during a moment of silence held near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 22 to mark the first week since the bombings occurred. Pic: AFP

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Pic: AFP

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE i s he reby g iven t ha t GLOBAL CONQUISTADORS S.A a company organized under the laws of Republic of Panama, with offices at Cuba Avenue N36-36, PO Box 0816-06748, Panama 5, Republic of Panama is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

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U Kyi Win Associatesfor GLOBAL CONQUISTADORS S.AP.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 29th April, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that Kantar Media UK Limited a company incorporated under the laws of England and having its principal office at Ealing Gateway, 26-30 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London W5 2AU, England is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

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U Kyi Win Associatesfor Sandvik lntellectual Property AB P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 29th April, 2013

world37April 29 - May 5, 2013

TEL AVIV, Israel – Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel and his Israeli counterpart on April 22 hailed a major arms deal as a sign of “ironclad” US support for the Jewish state after talks on Iran’s nuclear drive and Syria’s war.

The US defence secretary, who has been accused of being too critical of Israel, sought to convey a message of solidarity on his first visit to the region since he took office two months ago.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon in Tel Aviv, Hagel confirmed the two had agreed on a multi-billion dollar weapons deal that will see Israel receiving an impressive array of advanced US missiles and aircraft.

“Today we took another significant step in the US-Israel defence relationship,” Hagel said, reiterating Washington’s “ironclad pledge” to ensure Israel’s military edge in a region

rocked by turmoil.“Minister Yaalon and

I agreed that the United States will make available to Israel a set of advanced new military capabilities,” including anti-radiation missiles, radars for fighter jets, KC-135 refuelling aircraft, and the V-22 Osprey, which the United States has not released to other countries, he said.

Yaalon admitted Israel had already “acted” to stop advanced weapons from falling into militant hands, in what was seen as implicit confirmation of Israeli involvement in a strike on an arms convoy inside Syria in January.

He said Israel had laid down three “very clear red lines” for the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the first of which was “not to allow sophisticated weapons to be delivered or be taken by... Hezbollah or other rogue elements.”

The US defence secretary

said he had had “clear, direct conversations” with Yaalon that covered the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program, which Washington and much of the West believe is a drive for a weapons capability, but which the Islamic republic denies.

At a meeting on April 22 between Hagel and Shimon Peres, the Israeli president said “your visit sends a message that you’re determined not to let Iran become nuclear.

“I have full trust in your position,” he said, adding that diplomacy in dealing with Iran was “better but if diplomacy won’t be enough then all options are on the table.”

US-Israeli relations have been strained over how to address the Iranian threat but Hagel had insisted there was no major disagreement on the issue.

Before arriving in Israel on April 21 at the start of a six-day regional tour, Hagel

had said the arms deal sent a “very clear signal” to Tehran that military action remains an option to stop it from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Israel, believed to be the Middle East’s sole if undeclared nuclear power, has refused to rule out a pre-emptive military strike

on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Hagel said on April 22 that “every sovereign nation has a right to defend itself”.

– AFP

US, Israel clinch massive weapons deal

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel is welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) at his office in Jerusalem on April 23. Pic: AFP

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki warned on April 25 of a return to “sectarian civil war” as 179 people were killed over three days.

Maliki called for people “to take the initiative and not be silent about those who want to take the country back to sectarian civil war,” in remarks broadcast on state television.

The violence erupted on April 23 when security forces moved against anti-government protesters near the Sunni Muslim town of Hawijah in northern Iraq, sparking clashes that left 53 people dead.

A wave of subsequent unrest, much of it apparently revenge attacks for the Hawijah clashes, killed dozens more people and brought the toll by April 25 to 179 dead and 286 wounded.

The pro tes t - re la ted violence is the deadliest so

far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago.

The protesters have called for the resignation of Maliki, a Shiite, and railed against authorities for allegedly targeting their community, including with what they say are wrongful detentions and anti-terrorism charges.

The military said the operation in Hawijah that sparked the clashes was aimed at the Naqshbandiya Army, which it said had infiltrated the ranks of the anti-government protesters.

Two l eaders o f th e Hawijah protest said on April 25 they would form a wing of the Naqshbandiya Army in response to the April 23 killings.

“We will take revenge for the massacre of Hawijah,” protest spokesman Hamed al-Juburi said. – AFP

Iraqi president fears‘sectarian civil war’

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U Kyi Win Associatesfor AstraZeneca UK LimitedP.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416Dated: 29th April, 2013

asia 40April 29 - May 5, 2013

KABUL – In a dusty city of grey concrete blast walls where there’s not always much to smile about, the organisers of a children’s circus try to provide a splash of colour and some moments of joy.

The Kabul-based Mobile Mini-Circus for Children (MMCC) was founded in Afghanistan in 2002, months after the fall of the hardline Taliban Islamic regime which banned music and dance.

Fewer than one million children – and no girls – attended school nationwide at the time.

While other NGOs and government agencies focused on food, shelter and education, MMCC (www.afghanmmcc.org) strove to introduce “soft” values bringing children together to foster a more joyful atmosphere despite frequent hardship.

“It’s a special circus,” said founder David Mason, a former salsa and tango dance instructor from Denmark.

“It’s a circus to educate, give meaning to life, make children happy, make them dream and realise their dreams and gain self-confidence and inspiration.”

Professional adult artists tour and perform for children throughout the war-torn country.

In the past 11 years, Mason told AFP, the circus and its local partner, the Afghan Educational Children’s Circus, have attracted a total live audience of more than 2.7 million people in 25 provinces.

At a show in Kabul on April 21 to mark World Circus Day, young

performers in colourful cloaks circled a courtyard on rollerskates and headscarved girls showed off their juggling skills.

Children performed cartwheels and backward somersaults and formed human pyramids, dancing and clapping to entertain an audience of their peers from a camp for internally displaced people and an orphanage.

Conditions in the camps housing the country’s half a million internal refugees are notoriously harsh. In the winter of 2011-2012 about 100 people, mostly children and the elderly, lost their lives in the cold.

“When you are living under a plastic sheet in a Kabul winter, then... hardship and surviving makes people forget about living. And then once you have survived, there’s nothing much to live for,” said Mason, 47.

The circus works to change that.A total of 120 girls and boys attend

a centre in Kabul after regular school hours to learn circus skills before they give performances in schools and refugee camps.

“They are semi-professionals,” said Mason, co-director of the non-profit body with his partner Berit Muhlhausen. MMCC also draws on support from almost 100 international professionals and volunteers.

Enjoyment is the main message but the circus also stages hour-long educational performances starting with a Koran recital. They include messages lasting for 10-15 minutes on the importance of hygiene, school attendance, mine awareness and malaria prevention.

Children “never forget the messages because the music is there, the story is there, compared with traditional messages,” Mason said.

But the overriding message is to be happy. “It’s difficult to convince academics and people in power that having a reason to be joyful is a huge achievement, an aim in itself,” he said.

Every year the circus brings together children from across Afghanistan for major events such as festivals and children’s assemblies. This, says MMCC, promotes unity in a multi-ethnic country. – AFP

A circus helps bring smilesto children in Afghanistan

David Mason, co-founder of the Mobile Mini Circus for Children, at its ceremony in Kabul on April 21 to mark World Circus Day. Pic: AFP

NEW DELHI – A senior Indian government minister said on April 23 that a new rape outrage showed that “something terrible” was happening to society.

Protests have been taking place in New Delhi since it emerged that a five-year-old girl had been repeatedly raped for nearly two days after being abducted from her home in a working class suburb on April 15.

The attack has reignited anger over the shocking levels of sexual violence in India, which flared in December after the fatal gang-rape of a student on a bus in the capital.

In an interview with the NDTV network, Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid sa id that author i t ies needed to listen to what the protesters had to say rather than simply confront them.

“We need to take protests

on board as part of our democratic commitment. We can’t be upset that somebody is protesting... We need to be sensitive to people’s anger,” said Khurshid, who was previously the country’s law minister.

“ T h e r e ’ s s o m e t h i n g terrible happening in our society. It needs to be analysed, it needs to be studied, it needs to be uncovered.”

Khurshid’s comments followed a speech by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in which he called for a collective effort to “root out this sort of depravity from our society”.

The five-year-old victim is recovering in a hospital after undergoing surgery for severe internal injuries suffered during her ordeal.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of rape and kidnap. – AFP

Graffiti last week in New Delhi, where the victim of the latest rape outrage was a five-year-old girl. Pic: AFP

Minister defends protests

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that SAKURA COLOR PRODUCTS CORPORATION a company organized under the laws of Japan and having its principal office at 10-17 , Nakamichi 1–chome, Higashinari -ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu, 537-0025 Japan is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademarks:-

(Reg: No. IV/11347/2012)

SAKURA(Reg: No. IV/11348/2012)

The above two trademarks are in respect of:-“Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists. “ – Class: 2“Crayons; pastels; colored pencils; ball-point pens; felt writing pens; marking pens; highlighter; writing instruments; erasers; paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists’ materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional; and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); printer’ type; printing blocks. “ – Class: 16


U Kyi Win Associatesfor SAKURA COLOR PRODUCTS CORPORATIONP.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416, Dated: 29th April, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTIONMERCK KGaA, a partnership limited by shares, of Darmstadt, Germany, is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

Reg. No. 4515/2010

Reg. No. 4516/2010in respect of “Class 1: Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry. Class 2: Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artist. Class 3: Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices. Class 5: Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides. Class 9: Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic

data carriers; recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computers; fire extinguishing apparatus. Class 10: Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth; orthopedic articles; suture materials. Class 16: Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; book binding materials; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists’ materials;paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture), instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); printers’ type; printing blocks. Class 29: Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs, milk and milk products; edible oils and fats. Class 30: Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt, mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice. Class 35: Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions. Class 41: Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities. Class 42: Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software. Class 44: Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services”.


Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.GP.,D.B.L.for MERCK KGaAP.O. Box 60, YangonDated: 29th April, 2013

asia41April 29 - May 5, 2013

The top US military officer, General Martin Dempsey, with his Chinese counterpart, General Fang Fenghui, at a joint news conference in Beijing on April 22. Dempsey, on his first visit to China since becoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in October last year, told the news conference that the US sought to be a “stabilising influence” in the Asia-Pacific region and to have a stronger relationship with China. Fang, the chief of the People’s Liberation Army general staff, said the armed forces of the two countries needed to deepen cooperation. “The Pacific Ocean is wide enough to accommodate us both,” he said. Pic: AFP

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Southeast Asian leaders last week called for urgent talks with China to ensure that increasingly tense territorial disputes over the South China Sea did not escalate into violence.

T h e 1 0 - m e m b e r Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) wrapped up a two-day summit in Brunei on April 25 with a chairman’s statement in w h i c h t h e y e m p h a s i s e d t h e i m p o r t a n c e of “peace, stability and maritime security in the region”.

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the host of the talks, told reporters after the summit that the leaders wanted to “urgently work on a code of conduct” with China aimed at defusing tensions over the strategic maritime region.

The flashpoint South China Sea issue dominated

the meeting, amid growing c o n c e r n a m o n g s o m e Southeast Asian countries over China’s increasing aggression in laying claim to the waters.

C h i n a s a y s i t h a s sovereign rights to nearly all of the South China Sea, which is believed to sit atop huge deposits of oil and gas. It is also home to some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and richest fishing

grounds.ASEAN members the

Phi l ippines , Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan, also claim parts of the sea.

The competing claims have for decades made the area one of Asia’s potential powder kegs for military conflict. China and Vietnam fought battles in 1974 and 1988 for control of islands that left dozens of soldiers

dead.Tensions have r isen

again in recent years as China has used increasingly aggressive diplomatic and military tactics to assert its authority.

Among the actions that have caused alarm were China’s occupation of a shoal close to the Philippines’ main island last year and the deployment last month of Chinese naval ships to

within 80 kilometres (50 miles) of Malaysia’s coast.

A S E A N e n d u r e d unprecedented infighting last year as the Philippines and Vietnam failed to persuade the bloc to send a united message of concern to China.

Cambodia, a close China ally that held the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2012, blocked the efforts of the Philippines and Vietnam.

Southeast Asian leaders said last week’s summit had successfully led to a regained sense of unity within ASEAN on the issue, with Philippine President Benigno Aquino praising his Brunei host for deft diplomacy that helped build a consensus.

Nevertheless, analysts said ASEAN’s calls for China to agree on a legally binding code of conduct for

the sea would l i k e l y l e a d nowhere.

A S E A N a n d C h i n a

first agreed to work on a code in 2002, but the Asian superpower has since refused to discuss it further.

“ C h i n a w a s n e v e r enthusiastic about a code of conduct, as it does not want to sign an agreement that will constrain its s o v e r e i g n t y - b u i l d i n g activities,” Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, told AFP. – AFP

ASEAN presses China for talks

‘China was never enthusiastic about a code of conduct.’

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that YKK CORPORATION of 1, KANDA IZUMI-CHO, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

(Reg: No. IV/14827/2012)in respect of: - “Metallic building materials, namely, bindings of metal, boards, bolts, brackets of metal for buildings, metal joinery fittings for buildings, prefabricated buildings of metal, casement windows, cladding for construction and building, door bolts, door cases, door closures, door fittings, namely, keys and key cylinders, hinges, door frames, door handles, door panel, door, door stops of metal, fences, fittings of metal for windows, namely, metal window sills, crescent, window handles, flashing of metal for building, gates, gratings, greenhouse frames of metal, small hardware of metal, namely, metal gate latches, pulleys, springs, nuts, washers, insect screens of metal, jalousies of metal, lining of metal, locks of metal for bags, outdoor blinds of metal, reinforcing materials of metal for building, namely, waterproof louvers, slide shutters, shutters, window shutters, rivets of metal, metal roofing, sash fasteners of metal for windows, sash pulleys, screw, tiles of metal for building, window frames, windows, venetian blinds, bay windows, sidings, curtain walls, common metals and their alloys for further manufacturing, ceiling boards, all of metal” – Class: 6“Non-metallic building materials, namely, synthetic boards, ceiling boards, stone for buildings, window glass for buildings, window frames, window, panel for building, casement windows, doors, door frames, door panels, fences, gates, roof coverings, balustrade, marble, granite, andesite, sandstone, limestone, tuff, artificial marble, plaster, plywood, wall claddings, boards, building timber, moldable wood, partitions, insect screen, shutters, tiles for building, joinery fittings (not of metal), prefabricated building kits (not of metal), cement, all not of metal”- Class: 19


U Kyi Win Associates for YKK CORPORATION P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 29th April, 2013

asia 42April 29 - May 5, 2013

SAVAR, Bangladesh – Exhausted rescuers raced on April 27 to dig out dozens of people found alive in the rubble of a Bangladesh garment factory complex that caved in three days earlier as the death toll in the country’s worst industrial accident rose to 324.

Police said they arrested two factory owners early on April 27 as rescue workers pulled two survivors from t h e wreckage, g i v i n g fresh hope t o t h e teams of firefighters, police and volunteers who worked through the night.

“Two of them were pulled out alive just a few minutes back (nearly 70 hours after the disaster),” deputy chief of Dhaka police Shyaml Mukherjee told AFP.

Rescuers were digging in a desperate race to reach about 50 people found alive in the rubble on April 26.

The discovery of more survivors brought new hope to the thousands of relatives huddled at the site, but an intense stench suggested

many bodies were trapped in the rubble.

Some vented their anger at the pace of rescue work.

“I’ve been here since Wednesday. We still don’t know what happened to my aunt and sister-in-law who worked at a garment factory in the building,” said Harunur Rashid.

“The rescue work is going on very slowly. There are too many people, yet too little work. Had they stepped up

cutting of the concrete, I think they could save quite a lot of people,” he said.

More than 2300 people have been rescued alive since the collapse but many are severely injured.

Police said they had arrested two owners of garment factories in the collapsed building and charged them with “death due to negligence”.

Widespread anger has been fuelled by revelations that factory bosses forced workers to return to the Rana Plaza building, which

collapsed within minutes on April 24.

Police on April 26 battled to control huge crowds of garment workers protesting against the latest tragedy in the sector, which is a big foreign exchange earner for the poor nation.

Police f ired tear-gas and rubber bullets at the workers – who sew clothes for well-known Western brands for as little as US$37 a month – as they blocked

roads and attacked factories and buses in textile-

making districts around Dhaka.

T h e a c c i d e n t h a s prompted new accusations f rom labour ac t iv i s ts that Western clothing companies place profit before safety by sourcing t h e i r p r o d u c t s f r o m Bangladesh, despite its shocking track record of deadly disasters.

The building collapse “shows the urgent need to improve Bangladesh’s protections for worker health and safety”, Human Rights Watch said. – AFP

Race to save survivorsas building collapse

death toll reaches 324

‘The rescue work is going on very slowly.’

SEOUL – North Korea has rejected South Korea’s offer to open formal talks on restarting operations at the Kaesong joint industrial zone, Yonhap news agency said on April 26, citing the North’s National Defence Commission.

Seoul had the previous day had given the North 24 hours to agree to formal negotiations on the Kaesong complex, warning of unspecified “significant measures” if Pyongyang declined.

“If the South Korean puppet force continues to aggravate the situation, it would be up to us to take any final and decisive grave measures,” Yonhap cited the defence commission statement as saying.

The South’s ultimatum had been seen as a thinly veiled threat of a permanent withdrawal from Kaesong, which normally employs 53,000 workers at 123 South Korean firms.

The industrial zone, about 10 kilometres (six miles) inside the North, was seen as a rare example of cooperation across the heavily militarised border.

But Pyongyang pulled out its workforce on April 9 and suspended operations, angered by the South’s mention of a “military” contingency plan to protect its staff at the site.

The South Korean firms that usually operate at the complex have vowed to remain and fight to defend their investment whatever Seoul’s decision.

The Korean peninsula was already engulfed in a cycle of escalating tensions – triggered by the North’s nuclear test in February – when Pyongyang decided on April 3 to block all South Korean access to Kaesong.

– AFP

North Koreaspurns talksultimatumfrom South

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was on April 25 formally arrested over the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, prosecutors said.

The Bhutto case is the second of three cases dating to his 1999-2008 rule for which Musharraf has been arrested. The latest arrest came a day after a Pakistani court refused to extend his bail.

Musharraf will remain in his villa on the edge of Islamabad where he is under a two-week house arrest over his decision to sack judges when he imposed emergency rule in November 2007.

Musharraf is accused of conspiracy to murder Bhutto, who died in a gun and suicide attack in December 2007.

H i s a r r e s t a n d disqual i f i cat ion from contesting elections on May 11 have been a humiliating blow for the former ruler of nuclear-armed Pakistan, who returned home last month promising to “save” the country.

N o b o d y h a s b e e n convicted or jailed for Bhutto’s assassination, despite a long-running court case. – AFP

Musharrafarrested for murder

Anwar holds lead, shows opinion poll

KUALA LUMPUR – Op-position leader Anwar Ibrahim holds a slight edge over Malaysian premier Najib Razak ahead of elec-tions on May 5, showed an opinion poll released by the University of Malaysia’s Centre for Democracy and Elections late on April 25.

Anwar was considered the more qualified prime minister choice by 43 per-cent of voters, compared to 39pc for Najib, who is bat-tling to stave off the biggest electoral threat to the rul-ing coalition in its 56 years in power.

Campaign ambush kills 12 in Philippines

ILIGAN – Twelve people were killed in an ambush on a Philippines mayor, of-ficials said on April 26, in the deadliest of a string of violent incidents that have marred the campaign for May elections.

Gunmen opened fire on a truck carrying Mayor Ab-dulmalik Manamparan and his supporters on southern Mindanao island late on April 25, a local military commander said.

The attack brought to 30 the death toll from election violence since the campaign began in February.

Man rescued five days after quake

BEIJING – A man, 78, has been rescued five days after an earthquake hit south-western China, killing 196 and making thousands homeless, state media re-ported on April 25.

He was found by rescuers in Muping township, in Ba-oxing County, Xinhua said, without giving further de-tails. – AFP

Briefs

TRADE MARK CAUTIONNOTICE is hereby given that Mepha Schweiz AG, a company organized under the laws of the Switzerland and having its principal office at Kirschgartenstrasse 14, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademarks:-

ARTEQUIN(Reg: Nos. IV/921/2001, IV/9241/2012 &

IV/2800/2013)in respect of :- “Pharmaceutical products and preparations for health care purposes; disinfectants; all being goods in.” - Class: 5

MEPHA(Reg: Nos. IV/1179/1998, IV/9238/2012 &

IV/2801/2013)in respect of :- “Pharmaceutical preparations and substances.”


U Kyi Win AssociatesFor Mepha Schweiz AG,P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon.Phone: 372416 Dated: 29th April, 2013

TRADE MARK CAUTIONPizza Hut International, LLC, a company incorporated in the State of Delaware, U.S.A., of 14841 N. Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75254, U.S.A., is the Owner of the following Trade Marks:-

Reg. No. 2696/2013

Reg. No. 2697/2013

Reg. No. 2698/2013

Reg. No. 2702/2013

Reg. No. 2699/2013

Reg. No. 2704/2013

Reg. No. 2703/2013in respect of “Class 29: Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs; milk and milk products; edible oils and fats. Class 30: Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee; rice; tapioca and sago; flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastry and confectionery; ices; sugar, honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt; mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice; pizza, pizza pie crusts, pizza dough; pizza sauce. Class 43: Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation”.

in respect of “Class 29: Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs; milk and milk products; edible oils and fats. Class 30: Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee; rice; tapioca and sago; flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastry and confectionery; ices; sugar, honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt; mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice; pasta. Class 43: Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation”.

Reg. No. 2700/2013

Reg. No. 2701/2013in respect of “Class 29: Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs; milk and milk products; edible oils and fats. Class 30: Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee; rice; tapioca and sago; flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastry and confectionery; ices; sugar, honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt; mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice; pizza, pizza pie crusts, pizza dough; pizza sauce. Class 39: Food and beverage delivery services. Class 43: Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation”.


Win Mu Tin, M.A.,H.G.P.,D.B.L.for Pizza Hut International, LLC.P.O. Box 60, YangonE-mail: [email protected]: 29th April, 2013

Time out43The Myanmar Times April 29 - May 5, 2013

By Nuam Bawi

T H E M y a n m a r M u s i c Association’s threat to take action against unauthorised use of music during Thingyan water festival has borne fruit, and MMA officials said last week that there were fewer incidents this year of performers singing songs from other artists without permission.

“We received lists of songs from MRTV-4, Channel-7 and 5-Plus television stations detailing the songs that would be used for live p e r f o r m a n c e s d u r i n g Thingyan,” Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, the association’s general secretary, told The Myanmar Times.

“Sky Net made their own deals with individual artists, so there was no problem with them.”

The association released an announcement on April 8, less than a week before the start of Thingyan, saying that artists must be notified and compensated if their songs were broadcast on television during the festival.

“ T h i s t y p e o f announcement makes it easier to build trust between artists and broadcasters,” said Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein. “Otherwise, there wil l always be doubts when we work together, and artists will worry that their songs

will be used without giving notice.”

However, not everyone cooperated with the request, she said.

“There was one pandal in Mandalay that invited broadcast media to cover their performances, and even though some songs were broadcast on TV, no deal had been made beforehand with the artists whose songs were performed,” she said.

“We’ve already received all the documents from the artists who want us to solve the problem, so now we are going to lead the negotiations.”

A spokesperson from MRTV-4 and Channel-7 told The Myanmar Times that the situation was confusing becau se some a r t i s t s preferred to deal directly with the TV stations rather than go through MMA.

“The MMA announcement on April 8 was specifically for Thingyan, and as soon as we heard it, we sent the association a list of songs that we planned to broadcast during the festival,” said the spokesperson, Pyae Phyoe Han.

“It would be useful if MMA would create a standard system that everyone in the music industry can follow throughout the year. This will make it more convenient for us, and it will even help us estimate the costs of producing our programs.”

MMA tracks use of songs at Thingyan

By Zon Pann Pwint and Ei Ei Thu

SINCE censorship of print media in Myanmar ended last year, it has become increasingly common for weekly journals to publish s i ng le -pane l ca r toons commenting humorously on politicians, social ills and current conflicts in the country.

“Cartoons commenting controversial issues, such as the Letpadaung copper mine conflict and delays in the distribution of cheap SIM cards, have recently appeared in local journals,” said well-known cartoonist Soe Thaw Dar. “But the problem is that the cartoons are not fresh when the journals publish them a week late.”

The situation started improving on April 1 when several local newspapers began publishing daily, three of which have carried editorial cartoons.

“I hope more editorial cartoons will appear in the newspapers that are expected to launch daily editions soon,” Soe Thaw Dar said.

Cartoonist Shwe Bo also hoped that the boom in daily publishing will create more space for the work of cartoonists.

“ C a r t o o n i s t s h a v e gained the freedom of creation, but they haven’t had a forum to present their ideas, opinions and creations to the public in a timely way,” he said. “I expect daily newspapers will help us convey our ideas and opinions to the public without delay.”

Poet, satirist and cartoonist Saw Wai added: “I hope more cartoons that comment on the everyday things that affect our lives today will appear in tomorrow’s newspapers, if emerging newspapers regularly feature cartoons.”

S o e T h a w D a r s a i d compensation for a single-panel cartoon is very low, with one popular journal paying K12,000 but some paying as little as K1500.

“ M o s t j o u r n a l s p a y around K4000 for a single cartoon. On top of that, the cartoonists can’t collect their payment when the editor is out of the office,” Soe Thaw Dar said.

Shwe Bo said that if more newspapers print cartoons on a regular basis, artists will be able to “earn a comfortable living”.

Soe Thaw Dar said the use of editorial cartoon in Myanmar dates back to before the 1960s, when newspapers like Hantharwady, Oway, The New Light of Myanmar and

Mirror featured such work as an expression of editor’s outlook on the social ills of the day

He sa id newspaper s a p p o i n t e d f a m o u s cartoonists such as U Pe Thein and U Aung Shein, who

also wrote regular columns for newspaper.

“Editors supplied the cartoonists with the opinion they wanted to convey, usually relating to the events of the day. The resulting cartoons were fresh and re f lected the cur rent situation as well as the views of the editor,” Soe Thaw Dar said.

“Today the system is d i f fe rent : Cartoon i s t s create their own work that comments on the failings of politicians, the government system and current conflicts, and then they send their cartoons to the journals. The editors select what they like.”

He said that nowadays most cartoons are derived from the feel ings and opinions of the cartoonists themselves, whose ideas are driven by current conflicts and social problems.

“For example, many cartoons predicting the outcome of the Letpadaung copper mine issue popped up in journals at that time. The opinions of the cartoonists were expressed in the cartoons, many of which predicted that the copper mine would be cancelled,” Soe Thaw Dar said. “It seemed l ike a popular subject for cartoons at that time, and then the situation all went wrong.”

He added that if more cartoons start appearing i n l o c a l n ewspape r s , cartoonists must be careful to remain faithful to the accuracy of events.

“ L i k e j o u r n a l i s t s , cartoonists shouldn’t show strong feelings in favour of, or against, one group of people or one side in an argument. Their works should based on fair judgment,” Soe Thaw Dar said.

Cartoonists hope for publishing boon

Cartoon by Soe Thaw Dar

timeoUt 44April 29 - May 5, 2013

By Nuam Bawi and Ei Ei Thu

LOCAL pop-punk band Bloodsugar Politik will perform at the Artwork is Work ASEAN Music Festival in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 11.

The band’s front man, vocalist and guitar player Han Htue Lwin (Kyar Pauk), told The Myanmar Times that he felt nervous about playing at the festival even though it was not a competition.

“They’ll watch us as a band from Myanmar, so I’m worried they will say the performance is bad,” he said, adding that it mark the first time the band will play outside the Myanmar.

The one-day Artwork is Work ASEAN Music Festival is being organised by the US embassy in Hanoi in cooperation with CAMA Vietnam concert promoters, and is intended as a celebration of creative Asian youth culture.

Other musicians performing at the event include Thai funk act Molam International, Vietnam nu-metal band 18+ and electronic sound artists Muon from Singapore).

Bloodsugar Politik formed last year as a side project of popular Yangon band Big Bag.

The members of both bands are the same, but Bloodsugar Politik sings original English-language songs, while Big Bag focuses on Myanmar-language lyrics.

Other band members are bassist Ye Zaw Myo and drummer VNo Tun.

Bloodsugar Pol it ik’s f irst album One Second Sentence was

released in July 2012 and was made available on iTunes late last year.

Han Htue Lwin said band members applied to play at the festival as Bloodsugar Politik so they can perform English-language songs.

“ I ’m happy because we were invited to perform as professionals, so we will be able to earn the same amount of money as we do when we perform in our own country,” he said.

The band will present a 45 to 55 minute set at the festival, and they are now rehearsing 15 songs for the event, including two in the Myanmar language.

“We aren’t too accustomed to playing our Bloodsugar Politik songs, so we’ve been practicing two or three times harder than we do for gigs in our own country. This is a chance to present our songs on an international stage, so we are preparing to present them as well as we can,” Han Htue Lwin said.

He acknowledged that the band has no idea what to expect at the festival because few people in the audience will be familiar with their songs.

“We’ve prepared out minds so that even if no one appreciates our music, we will give our best performance,” he said.

He added that the band plans to play shows in several other cities in Vietnam following their appearance at the festival.

Bloodsugar Politik to rock Hanoi

‘This is a chance to present our songs

on an international stage, so we are

preparing to present them as well as we can.’

By Zon Pann Pwint

STREET artist Arker Kyaw, who gained international notoriety for his murals of US president Barack Obama that appeared in Yangon last November, struck again last week with a birthday portrait of President U Thein Sein.

The U Thein Sein painting appeared in the early morning

hours of April 20 on a wall near Chawtwingone traffic light in Mayangone township. It was a accompanied by the message wishing the president a happy birthday.

The mural was short-lived, however, as police swarmed in at 1pm on the same day and covered it with white paint.

“I learned the date of the president’s birthday just a week beforehand, and I wanted to paint his portrait to mark of his 68th birthday on April 20,” Arker Kyaw said.

“The Chawtwingone traffic light is busy in the morning, so I knew that bus passengers

would see the painting along with the words ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’. That way they would know April 20 was his birthday.”

Arker Kyaw said he started painting the mural at 4am.

“A reporter from Seven Days journal called me up around 1pm the same day and told me that he had photographed the mural, and immediately afterward the police had arrived and sprayed white paint over my work,” he said.

“All of my murals get painted over, so I have to be pretty thick-skinned to do this work. But I still felt a sharp pain when I heard my work had been covered.”

Last November, Arker Kyaw created a mural of Barack Obama on a wall near Kandawgyi Park, just a week before the US president’s historic visit to Myanmar. But the mural was vandalised with spray paint later that same day.

He created a new, nearly identical Obama portrait a few days later on November 17, on a wall near Excel Tower at Shwegondine Junction. It was just two days before the US president’s arrival in Yangon.

“The same night, on November 17, the second mural was attacked. A man in a private car threw a plastic bag containing fresh paint at the face of the mural,” Arker Kyaw said.

“As soon as I heard about it, I rushed to correct the artwork. Only the face of the painting was damaged, so I was able to correct it in time.”

The second mural ended up lasting about one month before municipal workers painted over it, just before construction work started on

the Shwegondine Junction flyover.

M e a n w h i l e , Ya n g o n mun i c i pa l au tho r i t i e s continue waging a low-key war against street art. Last December, authorities announced a ban on graffiti and street art in the city. Yangon-based graffiti artist Thu Myat said he’s heard of no one receiving excessive punishment since then.

“A f te r the ban was a n n o u n c e d v i a s t a t e newspapers and television, we did have difficulty getting permission to paint on buildings where we used to paint,” he said. “But we still paint on houses and shops owned by our friends.”

He sa id art i sts have cont inued paint ing on walls, some officially, some commercially and some illegally at night.

“The ban hasn’t had a severe effect, and authorities seem quite lenient with artists. There are no big obstacles hindering us from painting,” he said. “And no artists have been severely punished yet for making street art.”

Thu Myat said that before the ban was announced, artists who were caught painting in the street were asked to sign a pledge promising never to paint in the public places. Since the ban, penalties have also not

been severe.“Before the ban, I was

asked once to sign the pledge, and some artists even spent two days at the police station. And last year I painted a wall alongside a stretch of army-owned railroad tracks in Ahlone township, and I was caught and kept in Ahlone Police Station for eight hours,” he said.

“Since the ban started, though, none of us have been asked to sign the pledge, but the police now move quickly to whitewash the artwork.”

Thu Myat said that if street artists were given a particular place in the city to work, the site would become

a cauldron for the creation of new ideas.

“But artists can’t be deterred from working in the streets. If we see the police we run away, and if we’re hopeless at running, we get caught,” he said.

One thing that has changed since the December ban was announced: There are now more police and municipal workers prowling the streets at night.

“We see them especially along Pyay Road and Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, but they never bother us. I think they’re focused on catching reckless drivers, but their presence does make us more cautious,” Thu Myat said.

Art destined for destructionYangon street artists struggle for acceptance even as they are targeted by a low-key war waged by municipal authorities

Big Bag and Bloodsugar Politik front man Han Htue Lwin (Kyar Pauk) performs in Yangon. Pic: Christopher Davy

A mural of President U Thein Sein in Mayangone township, Yangon, on April 20. Pic: Supplied

‘All of my murals get painted over, so I have to be pretty thick-

skinned to do this work. But I still felt a sharp pain when I heard my work had been

covered.’


By Lwin Mar Htun

THE short film Floating Bliss, which explores relations among a group of young Yangon artists of different re l ig ious backgrounds, will be submitted to the Singapore-Myanmar Film Festival, scheduled to be held in Singapore in July.

The film’s director, Mg Mg Tha Myint, said he was inspired to make the film by the recent conflicts between Buddhists and Muslims in Myanmar.

“At the time of these conflicts, a group of young artists of different religions and ethnicities would meet at the river at the bottom of Latha Road at a place they called the Floating Bar,” the director said.

“When I saw them I realised that even though they were of different religions, they could still have fun together. I want my film to give the message that no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what your religion might be, the main thing is what is in your mind.”

Float ing Bl i ss i s the second film by Mg Mg Tha Myint. His first, Scrap, was shown at the 2012 Wathann Film Festival in Yangon.

He said the festival, which

is being held for the first time this year, is organised by a Myanmar filmmaker living in Singapore.

“It’s a good opportunity f o r m e t o g e t m o r e

experience as a filmmaker and to compete in film festival,” he said.

Mg Mg Tha Myint said that even though the film is a drama, all the cast

members are real artists who went to the river to hang out twice a week.

“I didn’t impose any fake style on them. All the scenes from the film are based on

reality, but there is some acting to create continuity from scene to scene. But the scenes where they’re having fun at the waterfront are real,” he said.

The main cast members are street artist Arkar Kyaw, photographer Saw Win Htut, musician Sam and author Soe Wai Htun.

Soe Wai Htun, who is also

general manager of ART Entertainment, said he is also collaborating with Mg Mg Tha Myint on a film for the Human Rights Festival to be held in Yangon in June.

“This is the first time I’ve performed as an actor, but i t wasn’t d i f f icult because all the scenes reflect my daily lifestyle,” he said. “I’m very happy

and satisfied because my first film will hopefully compete in a festival in Singapore.”

He said Floating Bliss also contained a message about

keeping one’s priorities straight in life.

“Many young people in Myanmar are serious about creating music, which is a good thing. But some are so serious that they forget about important things like education. I don’t want this to happen, so this message can also be found in the film,” he said.

Arkar Kyaw told The Myanmar Times that the film shows young people not only having fun but also working, which is important becau se “mos t young people in Myanmar don’t have dreams or direction”.

Mg Mg Tha Myint said one problem with shooting the film was the crowds at the waterfront, so they had to wait until midnight to shoot some of the scenes.

“After 11pm the crowds disappeared and we could start shooting. But it was a l so dangerous for us because there were some drunk people around, but we also had a lot of people in our own group,” he said.

F l o a t i n g B l i s s w a s produced by Nut and Butter film production and ART Entertainment. Following the Singapore-Myanmar Film Festival, the film will be uploaded onto the Youtube website so it can be seen by people around the world.

‘Floating Bliss’ aims for Singapore filmfest

‘I want my film to give the message that no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what your religion might be, the main thing is what is in your mind.’

A still image from the short film Floating Bliss. Pic: Supplied

Food & drink47April 29 - May 5, 2013

Versatile salads suitable as a snack or side dish

Phyo’s Cooking AdventurePhyo cuts through culture to reveal life’s true taste

Main TipsLow-salt corn chips are better for the salad so you can enjoy the delicate taste of the dressing.Don’t cook the beans in boiling water, but rather cook them slowly over medium heat. Corn chip are available at the supermarket.

A FRIEND o f mine introduced me to this

beautiful Asian-style Chinese cabbage

and crispy noodle salad, which she made for a BBQ dinner we both attended.

I had eaten stirfried Chinese

cabbage and kimchi in the past, but this was the first time I tried fresh Chinese

cabbage.The recipe my friend used

was actually printed on a package of fried noodles. The style of those noodles was very similar to sar ka lay khwe (fried wheat or bean paste), which are commonly used in Myanmar. You can find sar ka lay khwe at supermarkets and even at snack stalls on the street.

You can have this salad as a snack, and you can also add it to your diet plan. It works with grilled meat and seafood, and you can easily adjust the recipe to make it more spicy or sour according to your taste. Some of the ingredients in the original recipe are quite expensive in Myanmar, so I made some adjustments to cut costs.

I have also included a recipe for Mexican-style bean salad. Pae ka ti par (velvet beans) are the best local beans for this recipe. They are very nice to eat, and I love their dense texture.

I hope you all had a great Thingyan holiday, and I wish you all the best for the Myanmar New Year. Chinese cabbage and crispy noodle saladINGREDIENTS

(6 servings)1 Chinese cabbage (800-

850g)6 spring onions or shallots1 pack of crispy fried

noodles (sar ka lay khwe, 80-100g)

2 or more green chilies100g of roasted peanuts

(crushed)

Dressing¼ cup of white vinegar 50g of caster sugar 2 tablespoons of Kikomon

soy sauce2 teaspoons of sesame oil¼ cup of peanut oil (fried)

PREPARATIONFor the dressing, mix all

the ingredients in a jar and set aside.

W a s h t h e C h i n e s e cabbage and shred it finely. Cut the shallots finely and diagonally. Remove the skin from the peanuts and crush them roughly.

In a big bowl, add the Chinese cabbage, roasted peanuts, shallots and crispy noodles. Pour the dressing over the mix just before you’re ready to eat. Toss well.

Mexican bean saladINGREDIENTS

(4 servings)3 tablespoons of olive oil3 tablespoons of lime juice2 teaspoons of nonsweet

chilli sauce (without garlic)¼ teaspoon of caster sugar2 cups of shredded lettuce

leaves250g of cherry or grape

tomatoes½ cup of uncooked velvet

beans (pae ka ti par)125g of corn (cooked)150g of corn chips

PREPARATIONSoak the beans in water

overnight. Then boil the water and add a generous amount of salt into the pot.

Turn the heat down and cook the beans until they become soft. Drain them well.

Wash the tomatoes and halve them. Prepare the shredded lettuce.

For the dressing, dissolve the sugar in the lime juice, then add the oil and chili sauce and mix well. I use Myanmar red hot chili sauce from Sharky’s because it’s similar to Mexican chili sauce. Avoid using sweet chili sauce.

In a large bowl, mix the cooked beans, corn, tomatoes and dressing. Let it sit for awhile to allow the beans to soak up the dressing. Salt to taste. When it is ready to serve, add the lettuce and corn chip and toss well.

7/10

Score BOX

White Wine

Red WineLa Fleur Du Barril du Chateau Haut-Goujon

2009Now is a good time to pop the cork on this full-bodied and

resolutely tannic merlot, which is just now coming into maturity.

Chateau La Gravelle Bordeaux Blanc Sec

2011The season for pouring water is over, but it’s always a good time to pour

wine. Astute tasters might detect citrus and almond in this floral white.

QUAFFING QUOTE“My mom made two dishes: Take it or leave it.” — Steven Wright (American comedian)

NEXT WEEKMexican-style shredded chicken and bean salad

8/10

Score BOX

Ks16,100

Ks9,600

Pic: Phyo

IT seems like everywhere you go in Yangon, there’s an Italian restaurant lurking around the corner. It’s one of the favoured types of Western food in Myanmar, and seems more agreeable to the local palate than, say, Mexican or German food.

Café Napoli on Shwegondine Road is among the more recent additions to the Yangon scene. The dining room is reasonably spacious, with black and white chessboard tiling on the floor. The lighting is a tad too bright, but the music is kept at that perfect level where it’s noticeable if you’re listening to it, innocuous if you’re not paying attention.

Wine bottles, packages of pasta and huge jars of mayo are used as decorative elements, as if the contents of the supply room had spilled out into the dining room. There’s a portrait of Napoleon on horseback, pointing towards the front door so you know how to leave the restaurant once you’ve finished your meal.

The menu offers many pages of food and drink choices. Each main dish was accompanied by a tomato and basil salad, which were delivered promptly to our table. The bruschetta (K3000)

we had ordered came not long after.

Among our party of three we

ordered beef lasagna (K4500), fettucini carbonara (K4000) and seafood paella (K4000). The lasagna was hearty and cheesy, while the fettucini came out delectably creamy and topped with bacon cooked to just barely pre-crispy perfection. Both dishes were deemed delicious and very good value for money.

The paella was judged to be “not so bad but not great”, and

the friend who ordered it was d isappointed that a l though the dish was advertised on the menu as spicy, the only heat she encountered was when she bit directly into the single dry chili hidden in the rice.

For drinks, we all went with the passable house red wine (K2000 a glass), but there is also a wide array of fruit juices, smoothies, freshly brewed coffees and milk

shakes on the menu. The meal was topped off with slices of fresh fruit (mango, papaya and watermelon) on ice.

Café Napoli treads territory already occupied by several Italian restaurants in Yangon, so the decision to eat there might sometimes be based on convenience: You go because the food is good, the prices are reasonable, and it just happens to be the Italian restaurant closest to where you are when you start feeling peckish.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Good food, few surprises at Café Napoli Pic: Tom Kean

Café Napoli287 East Shwegondine Road, Bahan township, Yangon; Tel 01-554-957, 09-420-207233

Food: 8Drink: 8Service: 8Atmosphere: 7X Factor: 7Value for Money: 8

8/10

Score BOX

Pic: Douglas Long

soCialite 48April 29 - May 5, 2013

Saw Yu Mon and Theint Htoo Eain @ Park Royal Hotel New Year Donation Ceremony

Model @ Himoinsa New

Product Launch

Mascots members @ Mascots Company 15th Anniversary

Guests @ Red Scarf Spa Promotion

Ko Win Nyunt Lwin and Ko Aye Zaw Myo @ Ko Myo Min Tun and Ma Po Po Aung Wedding Reception

Model @ Mr and Ms Wanlima 2013

Dr Win Kyaw @ Mascots Company 15th Anniversary

Ko Kyaw That Tun, Ma Khin Marlar Aung and Ko Pyae Phyo Lin @ IKON Mart Coffee Class Program

Ma Thin Thin @ Himoinsa New Product Launch

Ma Kyar Phyu @ IKON Mart Coffee Class Program

Min Thaw Tun and Ar T @ Yangon Lifestyle Furniture Fair 2013Contestant @ Mr and Ms

Wanlima 2013

Mr Giuseppe, Ms MiKi Ow and U Aung Mya Soe @ IKON Mart Coffee Class Program

Mr Marco @ Himoinsa New Product Launch

Mr Hermann Feial @ Park Royal Hotel New Year Donation Ceremony

Mr Gilles Gaiemet @ Himoinsa New Product Launch

Michelle Win and Khin Nandar Kyaw @ Park Royal Hotel New Year Donation Ceremony

Ma K @ Mascots Company 15th

Anniversary

Anty Marlar and Thada Marioh (Ms Lorenzo) @ Yangon Lifestyle Furniture Fair 2013

Contestant @ Mr and Ms Wanlima 2013

Contestant @ Mr and Ms Wanlima 2013

Ei Chaw Po @Red Scarf Spa Promotion

U Tin Myint @ Himoinsa New Product Launch

Ma Thet Su, Ma Nan and Norah @ Ko Myo Min Tun and Ma Po Po Aung Wedding Reception

Mr Francois Xavier @ Himoinsa New Product Launch

soCialite49April 29 - May 5, 2013

SOCIALITE WITH NYEIN EI EI HTWE

HAPPY New Year to all of our readers!

The Thingyan holidays flew by all too quickly,

and now it’s time for Socialite to get

back to the work of writing this breathtakingly glamorous column. Ready? Let’s go First, there’s a bit of catching up

to do: Just before the holiday, Socialite attended the launch of a coffee class being offered by Ikon Mart in Sanchaung township, as well as the Red Scarf Spa promotion event. On April 6 she went to the Himoinsa product launch at Micasa Hotel, and the next day she dropped by Traders

Hotel for the Mr and Ms Wanlima 2013 Contest. On April 9 Socialite was back at Traders for Mascots Company’s

15th anniversary celebration. She kicked off the new year at Park Royal Hotel’s New Year celebration and donation

event on April 17. She also attended the wedding reception for Ko Myo Min Tun and Ma Po Po Aung at Panda Hotel,

and wishes all the best for them.

U Lin Lin Htun and Dr Win Kyaw @ Mascots Company 15th Anniversary

Ma Shwe Yee and attendees @ Red Scarf Spa Promotion

Bridegroom @ Ko Myo Min Tun and Ma Po Po Aung Wedding Reception

Nat Ray’s Family @ Yangon Lifestyle Furniture Fair 2013

Ma Thuzar, Tin Nilar Win, Daw Kyin Yone, Mu Mu Swe and Thazin @ Ko Myo Min Tun and Ma Po Po Aung Wedding Reception

Ko Freddy @ Park Royal Hotel New Year Donation Ceremony

Red Scarf Spa staff members @ Red Scarf Spa Promotion

Ma Sint Sint, Ma Yin Yin Win and Ma Su That Hlaing @ Himoinsa New Product Launch

Model @ Mr and Ms Wanlima 2013Ko Thaw Zin Tun @ Park Royal Hotel New Year Donation Ceremony

Ko Sai Kyaw Kyaw and Ma Moh Moh Thaw @ Ko Myo Min Tun and Ma Po Po Aung Wedding Reception

Thada Marioh (Miss Lorenzo) @ Yangon Lifestyle Furniture Fair 2013

travel 50April 29 - May 5, 2013www.mmtimes.com/images/flight-schedules.pdf

Subjectto change

without notice

Domestic6T = Air Mandalay

W9 = Air Bagan

YJ = Asian Wings

K7 = AIR KBZ

YH = Yangon Airways

UB = FMI UB Charter

Y5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines

SUN YH 918 9:15 10:25YJ 892 9:15 10:256T 402 9:35 10:45K7 223 9:50 11:05YJ 751/W97751 11:00 12:10YH 506 11:55 14:006T 501/K7 224 16:00 19:00YH 732 16:25 19:15YH 738 16:40 18:50

YANGON TO SITTWEMON 6T 603C 7:00 9:05

6T 611 14:30 15:55TUE K7 422 6:45 8:40

6T 603C 7:00 9:056T 607 11:15 12:40

WED 6T 603C 7:00 9:056T 607 11:15 12:40

THRU 6T 603C 7:00 9:056T 611 14:30 15:55

FRI 6T 603C 7:00 9:056T 607 11:15 12:40

SAT 6T 607 11:15 12:40SUN K7 422 6:45 8:40

6T 611 11:30 12:55

SITTWE TO YANGONMON 6T 604C 12:35 14:00

6T 612 16:15 17:40TUE K7 423 8:55 10:50

6T 604C 12:35 14:006T 608 13:00 15:00

WED 6T 608 13:00 15:006T 604C 12:35 14:00

THUR 6T 612 16:15 17:406T 604C 12:35 14:00

FRI 6T 604C 12:35 14:006T 608 13:00 15:00

SAT 6T 609 13:00 15:00SUN K7 423 8:55 10:50

6T 612 13:15 14:40

YANGON TO MYEIKMON K7 319 7:00 9:05TUE K7 319 7:00 9:05

YJ 301 12:15 14:25WED K7 319 7:00 9:05THUR K7 319 7:00 9:05

YJ 301 6:30 8:40FRI K7 319 7:00 9:05SAT K7 319 7:00 9:05SUN K7 319 7:00 9:05

YJ 301 12:40 14:50

DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr

SAT YJ 891 6:10 8:15YH 917 6:10 8:306T 401 6:20 8:25YH 909 6:30 8:10K7 222 6:30 8:40K7 244 6:45 8:10YJ 001 8:00 8:55Y5 131 8:00 9:00YJ 517/W9 7517 12:00 13:25YJ 601/W9 7601 10:00 11:25YJ 761 11:00 12:55YH 729 11:15 14:156T 501/K7 224 14:30 16:35YH 731 15:00 17:10

SUN YJ 211 6:00 7:25YJ 891 6:10 8:15YH 917 6:10 8:306T 401 6:20 8:25YH 909 6:30 8:10K7 222 6:30 8:40YJ 001 8:00 8:55Y5 131 8:00 9:008M 6603 9:00 10:10YJ 251/W97251 11:00 12:25YJ 751/W97751 11:00 12:55YH 737 11:15 13:25K7 622 12:00 13:256T 501/K7 224 14:30 16:35YH 731 15:00 17:10

MANDALAY TO YANGONMON YH 910 8:10 10:15

YJ 892 8:30 10:25YH 918 8:30 10:256T 402 8:45 10:45K7 223 9:00 11:05Y5 132 9:30 10:30YJ 002 11:00 11:55YJ 202 14:30 15:556T 502/K7 225 16:50 19:00YJ 762 16:35 18:00K7 623 16:40 18:05YH 728 16:45 18:10YJ 518/W97518 16:50 18:15YH 732 17:10 19:15

TUE YH 910 8:10 10:15YH 918 8:30 10:25YJ 892 8:30 10:256T 402 8:45 10:45K7 223 9:00 11:05Y5 132 9:30 10:306T 502/K7 225 16:50 19:00YJ 762 16:35 18:00YJ 202 10:30 11:55K7 623 16:40 18:05YH 732 17:10 19:158M 6604 17:20 18:30YH 730 18:00 19:25K7 823 18:00 19:25YJ 252/W97252 18:05 19:30

WED YH 910 8:10 10:15YH 918 8:30 10:25YJ 892 8:30 10:256T 402 8:45 10:45K7 223 9:00 11:05Y5 132 9:30 10:30K7 623 16:40 18:056T 502/K7 225 16:50 19:00YH 732 17:10 19:15

THUR YH 910 8:10 10:15YH 918 8:30 10:25YJ 892 8:30 10:256T 402 8:45 10:45K7 223 9:00 11:05Y5 132 9:30 10:30YJ 002 11:00 11:55K7 227 15:50 17:156T 502/K7 225 16:50 19:00YJ 762 16:35 18:00YJ 516/W97516 17:00 18:25YH 732 17:10 19:15YJ 202 17:15 18:408M 6604 17:20 18:30YH 730 18:00 19:25

FRI YH 910 8:10 10:15YJ 892 8:30 10:256T 402 8:45 10:45K7 223 9:00 11:05YJ 201/W97201 9:10 11:05Y5 132 9:30 10:30YJ 002 11:00 11:55YJ 212 13:20 14:456T 502/K7 225 16:50 19:00YH 728 16:45 18:10YH 732 17:10 19:15K7 825 17:40 19:05YJ 752/W97752 17:50 19:15

SAT YH 910 8:10 10:15YH 918 8:30 10:25YJ 892 8:30 10:256T 402 8:45 10:45K7 223 9:00 11:05Y5 132 9:30 10:30YJ 002 11:00 11:55YJ 517/W97517 15:50 17:15YJ 602/W97602 16:20 17:45YJ 762 16:35 18:00YH 728 16:45 18:106T 502/K7 225 16:50 19:00YH 732 17:10 19:15

SUN YH 910 8:10 10:15YH 918 8:30 10:25YJ 892 8:30 10:256T 402 8:45 10:45K7 223 9:00 11:05Y5 132 9:30 10:30YJ 212 11:00 12:25YJ 002 11:00 11:556T 502/K7 225 16:50 19:00K7 623 16:40 18:05YH 732 17:10 19:158M 6604 17:20 18:30K7 823 17:20 18:45YH 738 17:25 18:50YJ 752/W97752 17:50 19:15YJ 252/W97252 18:05 19:30

YANGON TO NYAUNG UMON YJ 891 6:10 7:30

YH 917 6:10 7:456T 401 6:20 7:40K7 222 6:30 7:50YH 909 6:30 8:556T 501/K7 224 14:30 17:20YH 731 15:00 17:55

TUE YH 917 6:10 7:45YJ 891 6:10 7:306T 401 6:20 7:40K7 222 6:30 7:50YH 909 6:30 8:556T 501/K7 224 14:30 17:20YH 731 15:00 17:55

WED YH 917 6:10 7:45YJ 891 6:10 7:306T 401 6:20 7:40K7 222 6:30 7:50YH 909 6:30 8:55K7 242 6:45 8:056T 501/K7 224 14:30 17:20YH 731 15:00 17:55

THUR YJ 891 6:10 7:30YH 917 6:10 7:456T 401 6:20 7:40K7 222 6:30 7:50YH 909 6:30 8:556T 501/K7 224 14:30 17:20YH 731 15:00 17:55

FRI YJ 891 6:10 7:30YH 917 6:10 7:456T 401 6:20 7:40K7 222 6:30 7:50YH 909 6:30 8:55K7 242 6:45 8:056T 501/K7 224 14:30 17:20YH 731 15:00 17:55

SAT YJ 891 6:10 7:30YH 917 6:10 7:456T 401 6:20 7:40K7 222 6:30 7:50YH 909 6:30 8:556T 451 10:45 12:056T 501/K7 224 14:30 17:20YH 731 15:00 17:55

SUN YJ 891 6:10 7:30YH 917 6:10 7:456T 401 6:20 7:40K7 222 6:30 7:50YH 909 6:30 8:556T 501/K7 224 14:30 17:20K7 224 14:15 16:25YH 731 15:00 17:55

NYAUNG U TO YANGONMON YH 918 7:45 10:25

YJ 891 7:45 10:256T 401 7:55 10:45YH 910 8:55 10:15K7 225 16:40 18:006T 502/K7 225 17:40 19:00YH 732 17:55 19:15

TUE YJ 891 7:45 10:25YH 918 7:45 10:256T 401 7:55 10:45YH 910 8:55 10:156T 502/K7 225 17:40 19:00YH 732 17:55 19:15

YANGON TO NAY PYI TAWMON UB-A1 7:45 8:45

UB-B1 11:30 12:30UB-C1 16:00 17:00

TUE UB-A1 7:45 8:45UB-B1 11:30 12:30UB-C1 16:00 17:00

WED UB-A1 7:45 8:45UB-B1 11:30 12:30UB-C1 16:00 17:00

THUR UB-A1 7:45 8:45UB-B1 11:30 12:30UB-C1 16:00 17:00

FRI UB-A1 7:45 8:45UB-B1 11:30 12:30UB-C1 16:00 17:00

SAT UB-A1 8:00 9:00SUN UB-A1 15:30 16:30

NAY PYI TAW TO YANGONMON UB-A2 9:15 10:15

UB-B2 13:00 14:00UB-C2 17:30 18:30

TUE UB-A2 9:15 10:15UB-B2 13:00 14:00UB-C2 17:30 18:30

WED UB-A2 9:15 10:15UB-B2 13:00 14:00UB-C2 17:30 18:30

THUR UB-A2 9:15 10:15UB-B2 13:00 14:00UB-C2 17:30 18:30

FRI UB-A2 9:15 10:15UB-B2 13:00 14:00UB-C2 17:30 18:30

SAT UB-A2 10:00 11:00SUN UB-A2 17:00 18:00

YANGON TO MANDALAYMON YH 917 6:10 8:30

YJ 891 6:10 8:156T 401 6:20 8:25YH 909 6:30 8:10K7 222 6:30 8:40YJ 001 8:00 8:55Y5 131 8:00 9:00YJ 201 10:00 11:25YJ 511/W9 7511 10:00 11:25YJ 761 11:00 12:55YH 727 11:15 13:25K7 622 12:00 13:256T 501/K7 224 14:30 16:35YH 731 15:00 17:10

TUE YJ 891 6:10 8:15YH 917 6:10 8:306T 401 6:20 8:25YH 909 6:30 8:10K7 222 6:30 8:40Y5 131 8:00 9:008M 6603 9:00 10:10YJ 251/W9 7251 11:00 12:55YJ 761 11:00 12:55YH 729 11:15 14:15K7 822 11:30 12:55YJ 201 6:00 7:25K7 622 12:00 13:256T 501/K7 224 14:30 16:35YH 731 15:00 17:10

WED YJ 891 6:10 8:15YH 917 6:10 8:306T 401 6:20 8:25YH 909 6:30 8:10K7 222 6:30 8:40Y5 131 8:00 9:00K7 622 12:00 13:256T 501/K7 224 14:30 16:35YH 731 15:00 17:10

THUR YJ 891 6:10 8:15YH 917 6:10 8:306T 401 6:20 8:25YH 909 6:30 8:10K7 222 6:30 8:40YJ 001 8:00 8:55Y5 131 8:00 9:008M 6603 9:00 10:10YJ 511/W9 7511 10:00 11:25YJ 761 11:00 12:55YH 729 11:15 14:15K7 226 12:00 13:25YJ 201 12:45 14:10YH 731 15:00 17:106T 501/K7 224 14:30 16:35

FRI YJ 891 6:10 8:156T 401 6:20 8:25YJ 211 6:30 7:55YH 909 6:30 8:10K7 222 6:30 8:40YJ 201/W9 7201 7:30 8:55YJ 001 8:00 8:55Y5 131 8:00 9:00YJ 751/W97751 11:00 12:55YH 727 11:15 13:25K7 824 13:00 14:256T 501/K7 224 14:30 16:35YH 731 15:00 17:10

WED YJ 891 7:45 10:25YH 918 7:45 10:256T 401 7:55 10:45YH 910 8:55 10:15K7 225 16:40 18:006T 502/K7 225 17:40 19:00YH 732 17:55 19:15

THUR YJ 891 7:45 10:25YH 918 7:45 10:256T 401 7:55 10:45YH 910 8:55 10:156T 502/K7 225 17:40 19:00YH 732 17:55 19:15

FRI YJ 891 7:45 10:25YH 918 7:45 9:506T 401 7:55 10:45YH 910 8:55 10:15K7 225 16:40 18:006T 502/K7 225 17:40 19:00YH 732 17:55 19:15

SAT YJ 891 7:45 10:25YH 918 7:45 10:256T 401 7:55 10:45YH 910 8:55 10:15K7 225 16:40 18:006T 502/K7 225 17:40 19:00YH 732 17:55 19:15

SUN YJ 891 7:45 10:25YH 918 7:45 10:256T 401 7:55 10:45YH 910 8:55 10:156T 502/K7 225 17:40 19:00YH 732 17:55 19:15

YANGON TO MYITKYINAMON YJ 201 10:00 12:50

YJ 511/W9 7511 10:00 12:55K7 622 12:00 14:55

TUE YJ 201 6:00 8:50YJ 251/W9 7251 11:00 13:55K7 622 12:00 14:55

WED K7 622 12:00 14:55THUR YJ 201 12:45 15:35

YJ 511/W9 7511 10:00 12:55FRI YJ 211 6:30 9:20SUN YJ 211 6:00 8:50

YJ 251/W9 7251 11:00 13:55K7 622 12:00 14:55

MYITKYINA TO YANGONMON YJ 202 13:05 15:55

K7 623 15:10 18:05TUE YJ 202 9:05 11:55

K7 623 15:10 18:05YJ 252/W9 7252 16:35 19:30

WED K7 623 15:10 18:05THUR YJ 202 15:50 18:40SUN YJ 211 9:05 12:25

K7 623 15:10 18:05YJ 252/W9 7252 16:35 19:30

YANGON TO HEHOMON YH 917 6:10 9:15

YJ 891 6:10 9:006T 401 6:20 9:20K7 828 10:00 11:15YJ 761 11:00 12:10YH 727 11:15 12:406T 501/K7 224 14:30 15:40K7 224 14:15 15:30YH 731 15:00 16:25

TUE YJ 891 6:10 9:00YH 917 6:10 9:156T 401 6:20 9:20YH 711 10:30 11:55YJ 761 11:00 12:10K7 822 11:30 13:456T 501/K7 224 14:30 15:40YH 731 15:00 16:25

WED YJ 891 6:10 9:00YH 917 6:10 9:156T 401 6:20 9:20K7 826 12:30 13:45K7 224 14:15 15:306T 501/K7 224 14:30 15:40YH 731 15:00 16:25

THUR YJ 891 6:10 9:00YH 917 6:10 9:156T 401 6:20 9:20K7 828 10:00 11:15YH 711 10:30 11:55YJ 761 11:00 12:106T 501/K7 224 14:30 15:40YH 731 15:00 16:25

FRI YJ 891 6:10 9:00YH 917 6:10 8:406T 401 6:20 9:20K7 242 6:45 9:00YJ 201/W97201 7:30 9:40YJ 751/W97751 11:00 12:10YH 727 11:15 12:406T 501/K7 224 14:30 15:40K7 224 14:15 15:30YH 731 15:00 16:25

SAT YJ 891 6:10 9:00YH 917 6:10 9:156T 401 6:20 9:20K7 224 6:45 9:00YJ 761 11:00 12:10K7 826 12:30 13:45K7 224 14:15 15:306T 501/K7 224 14:30 15:40YH 731 15:00 16:25

SUN YJ 891 6:10 9:00YH 917 6:10 9:156T 401 6:20 9:20YJ 751/W97751 11:00 12:10YH 505 10:30 11:55YH 737 11:15 12:40K7 822 11:30 13:456T 501/K7 224 14:30 15:40K7 224 14:15 15:30YH 731 15:00 16:25

HEHO TO YANGONMON YH 918 9:15 10:25

YJ 892 9:15 10:256T 402 9:35 10:45K7 223 9:50 11:056T 501/K7 224 16:00 19:00YJ 762 15:50 18:00YH 728 16:00 18:10YH 732 16:25 19:15K7 829 16:30 17:45

TUE YH 918 9:15 10:25YJ 892 9:15 10:256T 402 9:35 10:45K7 223 9:50 11:05YH 712 11:55 14:006T 501/K7 224 16:00 19:00YJ 762 15:50 18:00YH 732 16:25 19:15K7 823 17:10 19:25

WED YH 918 9:15 10:25K7 243 9:15 11:30YJ 892 9:15 10:256T 402 9:35 10:45K7 223 9:50 11:056T 501/K7 224 16:00 19:00YH 732 16:25 19:15K7 827 16:30 17:45

THUR YJ 892 9:15 10:25YH 918 9:15 10:256T 402 9:35 10:45K7 223 9:50 11:05YH 712 11:55 14:00YH 732 16:25 19:156T 501/K7 224 16:00 19:00K7 829 16:30 17:45YJ 762 15:50 18:00

FRI YH 918 8:40 9:50YJ 892 9:15 10:25K7 243 9:15 11:306T 402 9:35 10:45K7 223 9:50 11:05YJ 201/W97201 9:55 11:05YH 732 16:25 19:156T 501/K7 224 16:00 19:00YH 728 16:00 18:10

SAT YJ 892 9:15 10:25YH 918 9:15 10:256T 402 9:35 10:45K7 223 9:50 11:05YH 732 16:25 19:15YJ 762 15:50 18:006T 501/K7 224 16:00 19:00K7 827 17:10 18:25

MYEIK TO YANGONMON K7 320 11:30 13:35TUE YJ 302 14:40 18:15

K7 320 11:30 13:35WED K7 320 11:30 13:35THUR YJ 302 8:55 12:30

K7 320 11:30 13:35FRI K7 320 11:30 13:35SAT K7 320 11:30 13:35SUN K7 320 11:30 13:35

YJ 302 15:05 18:40

YANGON TO THANDWEMON K7 420 6:45 7:40

YH 503 10:30 11:356T 601 11:15 12:10

TUE K7 422 6:45 7:40YH 711 10:30 13:106T 607 11:15 13:50

WED 6T 607 11:15 13:50YH 711 12:00 15:30

THUR K7 420 6:45 7:40YH 711 10:30 13:106T 601 11:15 12:10

FRI YH 503 10:30 11:356T 607 11:15 13:50

SAT YH 505 10:30 11:356T 607 11:15 13:50

SUN K7 422 6:45 7:40YH 505 10:30 13:106T 601 11:15 12:10

THANDWE TO YANGONMON K7 421 7:55 8:50

YH 504 11:35 12:256T 602 12:25 13:20

TUE K7 423 9:55 10:506T 608 14:05 15:00YH 712 13:10 14:00

WED 6T 608 14:05 15:00YH 712 15:30 16:20

THUR K7 421 7:55 8:506T 602 12:25 13:20YH 712 13:10 14:00

FRI K7 243 10:35 11:30YH 504 11:35 12:256T 608 14:05 15:00

SAT K7 245 10:35 11:30YH 504 11:35 12:256T 608 14:05 15:00

SUN K7 423 9:55 10:506T 602 12:25 13:20YH 506 13:10 14:00

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travelApril 29 - May 5, 201351

www.mmtimes.com/images/flight-schedules.pdf

By Gregory Viscusi

PARIS — Few historical figures have as contentious an image as Napoleon Bonaparte.

A military genius, he ended 10 years of revolutionary bloodletting in France, wrote a code that still underpins many of the world’s legal systems, introduced the metric system, gave the continent its first telegraph network and emancipated J e w s a n d C h r i s t i a n dissidents across Europe.

At the same time, his armies executed prisoners and looted art throughout Europe. He muzzled the press in France and imposed his family as rulers across Europe, and reinstated slavery in French colonies. Millions died in his wars, though France was as often the victim of aggression as the aggressor.

A new exhibit ion at the Paris Invalides War Museum makes no effort to hide the bad side of the emperor whose imprint is still felt on every aspect of modern France.

At the start of the show, the viewer comes face to face with Jacques-Louis David’s painting of a dashing Napoleon crossing the Alps in 1800 on a fine steed. The panels make clear the painting was a work of propaganda, and include copies of other paintings that show him more prosaically riding a sturdy mule in a heavy wool coat.

The display makes ample use of such contrasts. David’s sketch for his massive adulatory paint ing of Napoleon’s 1804 coronation is hung next to a drawing by English caricaturist George Cruikshank showing a bratty Napoleon and an obese Josephine.

The exhibition doesn’t have a military theme, even if it’s in France’s national war museum. There are no mock ups of battlefields and few weapons on display. The show’s title makes it clear the emphasis is on how Napoleon influenced Europe, and how other Europeans viewed him.

Paint ings , cartoons, statues, newspapers and coins show that during his rule, portrayals throughout Europe ranged from dashing liberator to squat tyrant.

Nine European countries shared collections for the show, including Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum, which lent Lord Nelson’s uniform from the Battle of Trafalgar, complete with deadly bullet hole; and the Kremlin Museum, which sent a Russian general’s uniform and standard.

By the end of his reign, Napoleon had made enemies of all of Europe. Toward the end of the show, a uniform of Napoleon is cleverly placed surrounded by biographical panels of George III of England, Ferdinand VII of Spain, Czar Alexander I, Pope Pius VII, Austrian Emperor Francis I, Prussian Queen Louise Augusta, and the exiled Louis XVII.

A quote best sums up Napoleon’s energetic rule: “You kings, defeated, can return to your thrones. I, to remain, need victories.”

How right he was, as shown by a final statue by Vincenzo Vela of an emaciated Napoleon dying on the faraway island of Saint Helena.

“Napoleon and Europe” runs through July 14 at Musee de L’armee, 129 rue de Grenelle, Paris. Information: www.musee-a r m e e . f r / e n / e n g l i s h -version.html.

— Bloomberg News

Paris exhibit analyses life of Napoleon

Napoleon at the Saint-Bernard Pass by Jacques-Louis David, shows an idealised view of the crossing that Napoleon made across the Alps in 1800.

Pic: Heymann-Renoult

YANGON TO BANGKOKMON PG 706 07:15 09:30

8M 333 08:20 10:058M 335 08:40 10:25TG 304 09:50 11:45PG 702 10:30 12:25TG 302 14:55 16:508M 331 16:30 18:15PG 704 18:20 20:15TG 306 19:45 21:40

TUE PG 706 07:15 09:308M 333 08:20 10:058M 335 08:40 10:25TG 304 09:50 11:45PG 702 10:30 12:25TG 302 14:55 16:508M 331 16:30 18:15PG 704 18:20 20:15TG 306 19:45 21:40

WED PG 706 07:15 09:308M 333 08:20 10:058M 335 08:40 10:25TG 304 09:50 11:45PG 702 10:30 12:25TG 302 14:55 16:508M 331 16:30 18:15PG 704 18:20 20:15TG 306 19:45 21:40

THUR PG 706 07:15 09:308M 333 08:20 10:058M 335 08:40 10:25TG 304 09:50 11:45PG 702 10:30 12:25TG 302 14:55 16:508M 331 16:30 18:15PG 704 18:20 20:15TG 306 19:45 21:40

FRI PG 706 07:15 09:308M 333 08:20 10:058M 335 08:40 10:25TG 304 09:50 11:45PG 702 10:30 12:25TG 302 14:55 16:508M 331 16:30 18:15PG 704 18:20 20:15TG 306 19:45 21:40

SAT PG 706 07:15 09:308M 333 08:20 10:058M 335 08:40 10:25TG 304 09:50 11:45PG 702 10:30 12:25TG 302 14:55 16:508M 331 16:30 18:15PG 704 18:20 20:15TG 306 19:45 21:40

SUN PG 706 07:15 09:308M 333 08:20 10:058M 335 08:40 10:25TG 304 09:50 11:45PG 702 10:30 12:25TG 302 14:55 16:508M 331 16:30 18:15PG 704 18:20 20:15TG 306 19:45 21:40

YANGON TO DON MUENGMON FD 2752 08:30 10:20

FD 2756 12:50 14:40FD 2754 17:50 19:35

TUE FD 2752 08:30 10:20FD 2756 12:50 14:40FD 2754 17:50 19:35

WED FD 2752 08:30 10:20FD 2756 12:50 14:40FD 2754 17:50 19:35

THUR FD 2752 08:30 10:20FD 2756 12:50 14:40FD 2754 17:50 19:35

FRI FD 2752 08:30 10:20FD 2756 12:50 14:40FD 2754 17:50 19:35

SAT FD 2752 08:30 10:20FD 2756 12:50 14:40FD 2754 17:50 19:35

SUN FD 2752 08:30 10:20FD 2756 12:50 14:40FD 2754 17:50 19:35

YANGON TO SINGAPOREMON MI 509 00:25 05:00

8M 231 08:00 12:25Y5 233 10:10 14:40SQ 997 10:25 14:458M 6232 11:30 16:053K 586 11:30 16:05MI 517 16:40 21:15

TUE MI 509 00:25 05:008M 231 8:00 12:25Y5 233 10:10 14:40SQ 997 10:25 14:453K 586 11:30 16:058M 6232 11:15 15:50VN 942 14:25 17:10MI 517 16:40 21:15

WED 8M 231 08:00 12:25Y5 233 10:10 14:40SQ 997 10:25 14:458M 6232 11:30 16:053K 586 11:30 16:05MI 517 16:40 21:15

THUR 8M 231 08:00 12:25Y5 233 10:10 14:40SQ 997 10:25 14:453K 586 11:30 16:058M 6232 11:15 15:50VN 942 14:25 17:10MI 517 16:40 21:15

FRI 8M 231 08:00 12:25Y5 233 10:10 14:40SQ 997 10:25 14:453K 586 11:30 16:058M 6232 11:30 16:058M 233 15:05 19:30MI 517 16:40 21:15

SAT 8M 231 08:00 12:25Y5 233 10:10 14:40SQ 997 10:25 14:458M 6232 11:30 16:053K 586 11:30 16:058M 233 15:05 19:30MI 517 16:40 21:15MI 509 00:25 05:00

SUN MI 509 00:25 05:008M 231 08:00 12:25Y5 233 10:10 14:40SQ 997 10:25 14:453K 586 11:30 16:058M 6232 11:15 15:50VN 942 14:25 17:108M 233 15:05 19:30MI 517 16:40 21:15

YANGON TO KUALA LUMPURMON 8M 501 07:50 11:50

AK 1425 08:30 12:45MH 741 12:15 16:30AK 1421 16:45 21:00

TUE 8M 501 07:50 11:50AK 1425 08:30 12:45MH 741 12:15 16:30AK 1421 16:45 21:00MH 743 16:55 21:10

WED AK 1425 08:30 12:458M 501 07:50 11:50MH 741 12:15 16:30AK 1421 16:45 21:00

THUR AK 1425 08:30 12:45MH 741 12:15 16:30AK 1421 16:45 21:00

FRI AK 1425 08:30 12:458M 501 07:50 11:50MH 741 12:15 16:30AK 1421 16:45 21:00MH 743 16:55 21:10

SAT AK 1425 08:30 12:458M 501 07:50 11:50MH 741 12:15 16:30AK 1421 16:45 21:00

SUN AK 1425 08:30 12:45MH 741 12:15 16:30AK 1421 16:45 21:00MH 743 16:55 21:10

YANGON TO BEIJINGTUE CA 906 14:15 21:55WED CA 906 14:15 21:55THUR CA 906 14:15 21:55SAT CA 906 14:15 21:55SUN CA 906 14:15 21:55

YANGON TO FRANKFURTWED DE 2369 06:10 19:35

YANGON TO GAUNGZHOUMON CZ 3056 17:40 22:15TUE 8M 711 08:40 13:15WED CZ 3056 11:20 15:50THUR 8M 711 08:40 13:15FRI CZ 3056 17:40 22:15SAT CZ 3056 11:20 15:50SUN 8M 711 08:40 13:15

YANGON TO TAIPEIMON CI 7916 10:50 16:10TUE CI 7916 10:50 16:10

BR 288 11:35 17:20WED CI 7916 10:50 16:10THUR CI 7916 10:50 16:10FRI CI 7916 10:50 16:10

BR 288 11:35 17:20SAT CI 7916 10:50 16:10

BR 288 11:35 17:20SUN CI 7916 10:50 16:10

YANGON TO KUNMINGMON MU 2032 14:40 18:00TUE CA 906 14:15 17:35

MU 2032 14:40 18:00WED CA 906 14:15 17:35

MU 2032 14:40 18:00THUR CA 906 14:15 17:35

MU 2032 14:40 18:00FRI MU 2032 14:40 18:00SAT CA 906 14:15 17:35

MU 2032 14:40 18:00MU 2012 12:20 18:10

SUN CA 906 14:15 17:35MU 2032 14:40 18:00

YANGON TO KOLKATAMON AI 234 13:40 16:55FRI AI 234 13:40 16:55

AI 228 18:45 19:45

YANGON TO CHIANG MAITHUR W9 9607 14:20 16:10SUN W9 9607 14:20 16:10

YANGON TO HANOIMON VN 956 19:10 21:30WED VN 956 19:10 21:30FRI VN 956 19:10 21:30SAT VN 956 19:10 21:30SUN VN 956 19:10 21:30

YANGON TO HO CHI MINH CITYTUE VN 942 14:25 17:10THUR VN 942 14:25 17:10SAT VN 942 14:25 17:10SUN VN 942 14:25 17:10

YANGON TO GAYAMON 8M 601 07:00 08:20

AI 234 13:40 15:00WED 8M 601 07:00 08:20FRI 8M 601 07:00 08:20

AI 234 13:40 15:00SAT 8M 601 07:00 08:20

YANGON TO DOHAMON QR 619 08:15 11:15TUE QR 619 08:15 11:15WED QR 619 08:15 11:15THUR QR 619 08:15 11:15FRI QR 619 08:15 11:15SAT QR 619 08:15 11:15SUN QR 619 08:15 11:15

YANGON TO PHNOM PENHWED 8M 403 16:50 19:15SAT 8M 403 16:50 19:15

YANGON TO SEOULMON KE 472 23:40 8:05+1:00TUE KE 472 23:40 8:05+1:00WED KE 472 23:40 8:05+1:00THUR KE 472 23:40 8:05+1:00

0Z 770 00:35 09:10FRI KE 472 23:40 8:05+1:00SAT KE 472 23:40 8:05+1:00SUN KE 472 23:40 8:05+1:00

0Z 4763 00:35 09:10

YANGON SIEM REAPMON 8M 401 17:05 19:15FRI 8M 401 17:05 19:15

YANGON TO HONG KONGMON KA 251 01:10 05:45TUE KA 251 01:10 05:45THUR KA 251 01:10 05:45SAT KA 251 01:10 05:45

YANGON TO TOKYOMON NH 914 21:30 06:40+1WED NH 914 21:30 06:40+1SAT NH 914 21:30 06:40+1

MANDALAY TO BANGKOKMON 8M 335 08:25 10:45TUE 8M 335 08:25 10:45

TG 782 09:30 11:55WED 8M 335 08:25 10:45THUR 8M 335 08:25 10:45FRI 8M 335 08:25 10:45

TG 782 09:30 11:55SAT 8M 335 08:25 10:45

TG 782 09:30 11:55SUN 8M 335 08:25 10:45

TG 782 09:30 11:55

MANDALAY TO SINGAPOREMON Y5 233 08:10 14:40

8M 335 08:25 15:15TUE Y5 233 08:10 14:40

8M 335 08:25 15:15WED Y5 233 08:10 14:40

8M 335 08:25 15:15THUR Y5 233 08:10 14:40

8M 335 08:25 15:15FRI Y5 233 08:10 14:40

8M 335 08:25 15:15SAT Y5 233 08:10 14:40

8M 335 08:25 15:15SUN Y5 233 08:10 14:40

8M 335 08:25 15:15

MANDALAY TO DON MUENGMON FD 2761 10:45 13:10TUE FD 2761 10:45 13:10WED FD 2761 10:45 13:10THUR FD 2761 10:45 13:10FRI FD 2761 10:45 13:10SAT FD 2761 10:45 13:10SUN FD 2761 10:45 13:10

MANDALAY TO KUNMINGMON MU 2030 14:40 17:20TUE MU 2030 14:40 17:20WED MU 2030 14:40 17:20THUR MU 2030 14:40 17:20FRI MU 2030 14:40 17:20SAT MU 2030 14:40 17:20SUN MU 2030 14:40 17:20

MANDALAY TO GAYATUE 8M 603 11:10 12:15THUR 8M 603 11:10 12:15SUN 8M 603 11:10 12:15

BANGKOK TO YANGONMON TG 303 07:55 08:50

PG 701 08:50 09:408M 334 11:30 12:15TG 301 13:00 13:45PG 703 16:45 17:35TG 305 17:50 18:458M 332 19:15 20:00PG 705 20:15 21:30

TUE TG 303 07:55 08:50PG 701 08:50 09:408M 334 11:30 12:15TG 301 13:00 13:45PG 703 16:45 17:35TG 305 17:50 18:458M 332 19:15 20:00PG 705 20:15 21:30

WED TG 303 07:55 08:50PG 701 08:50 09:408M 334 11:30 12:15TG 301 13:00 13:45PG 703 16:45 17:35TG 305 17:50 18:458M 332 19:15 20:00PG 705 20:15 21:30

THUR TG 303 07:55 08:50PG 701 08:50 09:408M 334 11:30 12:15TG 301 13:00 13:45PG 703 16:45 17:35TG 305 17:50 18:458M 332 19:15 20:00PG 705 20:15 21:30

FRI TG 303 07:55 08:50PG 701 08:50 09:408M 334 11:30 12:15TG 301 13:00 13:45PG 703 16:45 17:35TG 305 17:50 18:458M 332 19:15 20:00PG 705 20:15 21:30

SAT TG 303 07:55 08:50PG 701 08:50 09:408M 334 11:30 12:15TG 301 13:00 13:45PG 703 16:45 17:35TG 305 17:50 18:458M 332 19:15 20:00PG 705 20:15 21:30

SUN TG 303 07:55 08:50PG 701 08:50 09:408M 334 11:30 12:15TG 301 13:00 13:45PG 703 16:45 17:35TG 305 17:50 18:458M 332 19:15 20:00PG 705 20:15 21:30

DON MUENG TO YANGONMON FD 2751 07:15 08:00

FD 2755 11:35 12:20FD 2753 16:35 17:00

TUE FD 2751 07:15 08:00FD 2755 11:35 12:20FD 2753 16:35 17:00

WED FD 2751 07:15 08:00FD 2755 11:35 12:20FD 2753 16:35 17:00

THUR FD 2751 07:15 08:00FD 2755 11:35 12:20FD 2753 16:35 17:00

FRI FD 2751 07:15 08:00FD 2755 11:35 12:20FD 2753 16:35 17:00

SAT FD 2751 07:15 08:00FD 2755 11:35 12:20FD 2753 16:35 17:00

SUN FD 2751 07:15 08:00FD 2755 11:35 12:20FD 2753 16:35 17:00

SINGAPORE TO YANGONMON SQ 998 07:55 09:20

3K 585 09:10 10:408M 6231 09:10 10:408M 232 13:25 14:50MI 520 22:10 23:35Y5 234 15:35 17:05MI 518 14:20 15:45

TUE SQ 998 07:55 09:203K 585 09:10 10:408M 6231 08:55 10:25VN 943 11:40 13:258M 232 13:25 14:50MI 518 14:20 15:45Y5 234 15:35 17:05

WED SQ 998 07:55 09:203K 585 09:10 10:408M 6231 09:10 10:408M 232 13:25 14:50MI 518 14:20 15:45Y5 234 15:35 17:05

THUR SQ 998 07:55 09:203K 585 09:10 10:408M 6231 08:55 10:25VN 943 11:40 13:258M 232 13:25 14:50MI 518 14:20 15:45Y5 234 15:35 17:05

FRI SQ 998 07:55 09:203K 585 09:10 10:408M 6231 09:10 10:408M 232 13:25 14:50MI 518 14:20 15:45Y5 234 15:35 17:058M 234 20:30 21:55MI 520 22:10 23:35

SAT SQ 998 07:55 09:203K 585 09:10 10:408M 6231 09:10 10:408M 232 13:25 14:50MI 518 14:20 15:45Y5 234 15:35 17:058M 234 20:30 21:55MI 520 22:10 23:35

SUN SQ 998 07:55 09:208M 6231 08:55 10:253K 585 09:10 10:40VN 943 11:40 13:258M 232 13:25 14:50MI 518 14:20 15:45Y5 234 15:35 17:058M 234 20:30 21:55MI 520 22:10 23:35

BEIJING TO YANGONTUE CA 905 08:05 13:15WED CA 905 08:05 13:15THUR CA 905 08:05 13:15SAT CA 905 08:05 13:15SUN CA 905 08:05 13:15

FRANKFURT TO YANGONTUE DE 2368 14:05 05:10+1

KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGONMON AK 1424 06:55 08:00

MH 740 10:05 11:158M 502 12:50 13:50AK 1420 15:05 16:15

TUE AK 1424 06:55 08:00MH 740 10:05 11:158M 502 12:50 13:50MH 742 14:45 15:55AK 1420 15:05 16:15

WED AK 1424 06:55 08:00MH 740 10:05 11:158M 502 12:50 13:50AK 1420 15:05 16:15

THUR AK 1424 06:55 08:00MH 740 10:05 11:15AK 1420 15:05 16:15

FRI AK 1424 06:55 08:00MH 740 10:05 11:158M 502 12:50 13:50MH 742 14:45 15:55AK 1420 15:05 16:15

SAT AK 1424 06:55 08:00MH 740 10:05 11:158M 502 12:50 13:50AK 1420 15:05 16:15

SUN AK 1424 06:55 08:00MH 740 10:05 11:15MH 742 14:45 15:55AK 1420 15:05 16:15

GUANGZHOU TO YANGONMON CZ 3055 14:45 16:35TUE 8M 712 14:15 15:50WED CZ 3055 08:40 10:30THUR 8M 712 14:15 15:50FRI CZ 3055 14:45 16:35SAT CZ 3055 08:40 10:30SUN 8M 712 14:15 15:50

TAIPEI TO YANGONMON CI 7915 07:00 09:50TUE CI 7915 07:00 09:50

BR 287 07:45 10:35WED CI 7915 07:00 09:50THUR CI 7915 07:00 09:50FRI CI 7915 07:00 09:50

BR 287 07:45 10:35SAT CI 7915 07:00 09:50

BR 287 07:45 10:35SUN CI 7915 07:00 09:50

KUNMING TO YANGONMON MU 2031 13:30 14:00TUE CA 905 13:00 13:15

MU 2031 13:30 14:00WED CA 905 13:00 13:15

MU 2031 13:30 14:00

FD & AK = Air Asia IC = Indian Airlines LimitedTG = Thai Airways W9 = Air Bagan8M = Myanmar Airways International 3K = Jet StarY5 = Golden Myanmar Airlines AI = Air IndiaPG = Bangkok Airways QR = Qatar AirwaysMI = Silk Air KE = Korea AirlinesVN = Vietnam Airline NH = All Nippon AirwaysMH = Malaysia Airlines SQ = Singapore AirwaysCZ = China Southern DE = Condor AirlinesCI = China Airlines MU=China Eastern AirlinesCA = Air China BR = Eva AirlinesKA = Dragonair DE = Condor

International

Subject to change without notice

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr

THUR CA 905 13:00 13:15MU 2031 13:30 14:00

FRI MU 2011 08:35 11:30MU 2031 13:30 14:00

SAT CA 905 13:00 13:15MU 2031 13:30 14:00

SUN CA 905 13:00 13:15MU 2031 13:30 14:00

KOLKATA TO YANGONMON AI 227 10:10 12:55FRI AI 227 10:10 12:55

AI 233 13:30 16:00

CHIANG MAI TO YANGONTHUR W9 9608 17:20 18:10SUN W9 9608 17:20 18:10

HANOI TO YANGONMON VN 957 16:35 18:10WED VN 957 16:35 18:10FRI VN 957 16:35 18:10SAT VN 957 16:35 18:10SUN VN 957 16:35 18:10

HO CHI MINH CITY TO YANGONTUE VN 943 11:40 13:25THUR VN 943 11:40 13:25SAT VN 943 11:40 13:25SUN VN 943 11:40 13:25

GAYA TO YANGONMON 8M 602 09:20 12:30WED 8M 602 09:20 12:30FRI 8M 602 09:20 12:30

AI 233 15:00 16:00SAT 8M 602 09:20 12:30

BANGKOK TO MANDALAYMON 8M 336 06:15 07:35TUE 8M 336 06:15 07:35

TG 781 07:25 08:50WED 8M 336 06:15 07:35THUR 8M 336 06:15 07:35FRI 8M 336 06:15 07:35

TG 781 07:25 08:50SAT 8M 336 06:15 07:35

TG 781 07:25 08:50SUN 8M 336 06:15 07:35

TG 781 07:25 08:50

SINGAPORE TO MANDALAYMON Y5 234 15:35 19:05

8M 336 16:05 07:35TUE Y5 234 15:35 19:05

8M 336 16:05 07:35WED Y5 234 15:35 19:05

8M 336 16:05 07:35THUR Y5 234 15:35 19:05

8M 336 16:05 07:35FRI Y5 234 15:35 19:05

8M 336 16:05 07:35SAT Y5 234 15:35 19:05

8M 336 16:05 07:35SUN Y5 234 15:35 19:05

8M 336 16:05 07:35

GAYA TO MANDALAYTUE 8M 604 13:15 16:20THUR 8M 604 13:15 16:20SUN 8M 604 13:15 16:20

DOHA TO YANGONMON QR 618 21:05 07:00+1TUE QR 618 21:05 07:00+1WED QR 618 21:05 07:00+1THUR QR 618 21:05 07:00+1FRI QR 618 21:05 07:00+1SAT QR 618 21:05 07:00+1SUN QR 618 21:05 07:00+1

PHNOM PENH TO YANGONWED 8M 404 20:15 21:40SAT 8M 404 20:15 21:40

SEOUL TO YANGONMON KE 471 18:40 22:55TUE KE 471 18:40 22:55WED KE 471 18:40 22:55

0Z 4753 19:30 23:40THUR KE 471 18:40 22:55FRI KE 471 18:40 22:55SAT KE 471 18:40 22:55

0Z 4753 19:30 23:40SUN KE 471 18:40 22:55

SIEM REAP TO YANGONMON 8M 402 20:15 21:25FRI 8M 402 20:15 21:25

TOKYO TO YANGONMON NH 913 11:10 17:05WED NH 913 11:10 17:05SAT NH 913 11:10 17:05

HONG KONG TO YANGONMON KA 250 21:35 23:35WED KA 250 21:35 23:35FRI KA 250 21:35 23:35SUN KA 250 21:35 23:35

DON MUEANG TO MANDALAYMON FD 2760 08:50 10:15TUE FD 2760 08:50 10:15WED FD 2760 08:50 10:15THUR FD 2760 08:50 10:15FRI FD 2760 08:50 10:15SAT FD 2760 08:50 10:15SUN FD 2760 08:50 10:15

KUNMING TO MANDALAYMON MU 2029 14:00 13:50TUE MU 2029 14:00 13:50WED MU 2029 14:00 13:50THUR MU 2029 14:00 13:50FRI MU 2029 14:00 13:50SAT MU 2029 14:00 13:50SUN MU 2029 14:00 13:50


Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)Maintain your pract ice of meditat ion, and understand that close friends who seem to be in opposition to you are mostly motivated by greed. The more you can remain calm and stable, the more you will be free from confusion. Family relationships will change for the better, and don’t be surprised by the advent of miracles that will help you enjoy love and beauty.

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)Your optimistic outlook will elevate your social status to a remarkable level. It is now more important than ever to adhere to the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would have them do onto you. The keys to leading yourself exceptionally well are learning self-management and controlling your emotions.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)Proud statements in your relationships will be your long and heavy burden, which cannot have a good end. Reduce your resistance to uncritical

self-acceptance and self-applause. Make sure your actions are managed by wise decisions. Adjust your attitude according to changes in the social environment that surrounds you. Immerse yourself in the purity of love and pleasure.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)Visualise yourself overcoming all obstacles. When dealing with questions about how to deal with difficult situations, the answer lies in changing your thinking from negative to positive. Expend energy on a healthy relationship that will help bring your knowledge into equilibrium. Purify romance that is inextricably linked to the realm of sensuality.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)Maintain a balanced outlook in your perspective of the world. Your life will be adventurous and exciting, and perhaps a bit unusual. Success is not sexy but it’s all about working the basics of excellence with a passionate consistency. Qualify yourself by taking responsibility for your role in what is not working in your life.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)Abandon your impractical ways and strive to take a more sensible approach to life. Avoid obsessing over your social duties and family responsibilities. No one is able to pass beyond the way of sorrow. Let some scope remain for emergencies and unexpected

events that might come your way. Undertake everything in accordance with the philosophy of making the right challenge.

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)You must take the leader’s vision to make it reality. Strive to replace your blue misconceptions with truth, and note its effect on your peace of mind. View your relationships through the lens of understanding and humanity. Get ready for what you must do in order to gain time for contingencies. Let love bloom in its own way and according to its own nature.

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)Make everything as simple as possible, because a simple idea can have an awe-inspiring effect on the world. Remember to give something back and realise that all people can contribute to building beauty in society. Always focus on quality over quantity, and create a harmonious future by performing good deeds and social services.

Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22)Be careful to use information wisely. Impartiality and justice for all is of the utmost importance to you in all aspects of life. Unexpected social favours will help improve your lifestyle. Your desire to become a beloved object of affection will come true following a short spell of social disturbance. Take steps to release the gloom from your heart.

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)Concentrate on quality communication, especially when it comes to making financial agreements and investments. Improve your level of thought through concentration and meditation. Your memory can be better than you think, and you should stop your mind from sleeping during your waking hours. Remaining optimistic will result in emotional satisfaction on the road to finding love.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)Gain experience through free expression and release yourself from your emotional tension. Small financial steps can lead to a sudden and quantum leap forward through careful persistence. Learn to answer ill treatment with moderation. Know that every challenge is nothing more than a chance to make things better. Love is not to be challenged.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)Being superbly fit is a brilliant move that will positively influence every area of your life. Revealing your emotional tides to the person you love is a way for you to continue endearing yourself to your partner. It’s time to take better care of yourself and make an effort to find the right mental balance in your life.

For a personal reading contact Aung Myin Kyaw,4th Floor, 113, Thamain Bayan Road,

Tamwe Township, Yangon. Tel: 0973135632,Email: [email protected]

YOUR STARSBy Astrologer

Aung Myin Kyaw

By Hank Stuever

YOU may have thought (as I did) that Leonardo da Vinci was old, left-handed and gay. But the plucky and occasionally fun new drama series, Da Vinci’s Demons, which airs in Myanmar on Fox Movies Premium on Sunday nights, begs to differ.

“ I ’m ambidextrous,” announces a taut, young and sexy Leonardo (Tom Riley), who also seems to have invented the stubble trimmer and Supercuts along the way to designing the paraglider and the helicopter. And judging from the way high-class Medici mistress Lucrezia Donadi (Laura Haddock) vigorously (and

toplessly) passes the time with Leonardo — time he’s supposed to spend painting her portrait — well, so much for his place in gay history.

At first look, Da Vinci’s Demons predictably resembles cable’s many period dramas, most of which seem to exist to provide employment opportunities for British actors. The show takes liberties wherever it likes while remaining within the general frame of history; there is just enough here to enjoy, stopping well short of enthralling.

One byproduct of the “golden age of television” is that anything cheap can be easily made to look better than it is. That means a lot of

one-hour dramas, Da Vinci’s Demons included, possess the basic, perfected blandness of advertising, filled with rolling fields, colourful costumes and standard editing tricks. When Leonardo is struck by an idea, his frantic and pretty pencil drawings come to life, swirling and building around him, much like a commercial for, I don’t know — software? Soy milk? Credit cards?

Created and written by David Goyer (who co-wrote Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Batman films), Da Vinci’s Demons breezily and capably finds a balance between amusing wit and dour drama.

Devil-may-care Leonardo is a busy polymath, living off the largess of Florence’s temperamental Lorenzo Medici (Elliot Cowan), who tolerates the genius’s antics after Leonardo promises to devise new military machines to ward off the troops of Pope Sixtus IV, who heads a cabal of evil. It’s the pope (James Faulkner) who is burdened with playing the vicious gay stereotype here, preying like a crocodile on young men who have the misfortune of taking a dip in his vast Vatican hot tub.

Da Vinci’s Demons heads in a lot of different directions at once, as our easily distracted Renaissance Man, Leonardo, discovers from a wayward mystic that he’s part of a kooky lineage of super-geniuses.

This part of the plot puts Leonardo in the dangerously ho-hum genre of shows about differently abled sleuths who see details others don’t and whose minds run like high-speed broadband while the simpletons around them remain strictly dial-up. But Riley takes the role of Leonardo for a real joy ride, giving Da Vinci’s Demons a spark of invention it would otherwise lack.

— The Washington Post

Leonardo findsthe heat in ‘DaVinci’s Demons’

‘There is just enough here to enjoy, stopping

well short of enthralling.’

By Nuam Bawi

EXPERIENCING a bad case o f t he po s t -Th i ngyan doldrums? Beaten down by the relentlessly hot days of summertime? Well it’s time to wake up, and there’s no better way to give yourself a massive energy injection than to crank up DJ Jay’s new album Done Done Dine Dine (the hard-hitting sound).

Done Done Dine Dine is the seventh album by DJ Jay, also known as Dhamma Phunk, and it’s packed with 18 tracks inspired by diverse forms of electronic music, from dubstep and house, to glitch-hop and wobble bass.

Guest performers on the album include Anagga, Kyet Phah, G-Tone, Kyaw Htut Swe, ASH (Aung Hein), Ye Naung (PBD Hood), Adino, Chicz Co Co, KP, The Un 1k, DJ Breezee, Doshy, Htike Htike, Glock, and H.rayz.

DJ Jay — who learned his musical craft in China, where he studied as a child — released his debut album House Vibration in 1999 at the age of 14.

His last album, 2010’s The

Future Sound of Asia (an obvious homage to British electronic pioneers The Future Sound of London), was not distributed in Myanmar because the censors would not allow it to be released under the name Dhamma Phunk. However, has been available for download from Amazon and iTunes.

DJ Jay told The Myanmar Times that the three-year gap

between The Future Sound of Asia and the release of the new album was the result not only of a meticulous creative process, but also of a desire to wait until more music fans in Myanmar became familiar with dubstep music.

Dubstep is a form of electronic dance music originating in the United Kingdom but heavily inspired

by the syncopated drum and bass rhythms that character i se Jamaican music.

“I was worried that local audiences were unfamiliar with dubstep music, but now I think they’re quite familiar with the sound from being broadcast on TV channels and on radio as backing music,” he said.

It’s clear that DJ Jay has a

strong sense of the type of music he wants to create, and he’s made it part of his mission to introduce local audiences to sounds that have not yet become popular in Myanmar.

“It’s very easy to attract an audience. I could just remix a hit song or create familiar electronic house music with a soft sound, and I’d be 100

percent certain to get an audience. But I wanted to take on the challenge of presenting some unfamiliar music,” DJ Jay said.

On the other hand, he said dubstep has its own built-in attraction, so there’s little risk in completely alienating music fans here.

“The bass, sequences and arrangements of dubstep can uplift our mind and soul, as well as being appealing to listen to,” he said.

DJ Jay added that although Myanmar fans expect DJ albums to consist purely of dance music, Done Done Dine Dine holds many additional surprises for listeners.

“My music is unlike the DJ albums that we normally hear locally. For example, even the hip-hop I present is different from what is normally heard here. It’s more like glitch-hop, which is rapping robot-style. And there are wide gaps between the beats in my music, like broken beats,” he said.

Done Done Dine Dine was released in Myanmar on March 30. It will see worldwide distribution in June through iTunes download.

DJ Jay’s seventh albumchallenges Myanmar fans

‘It’s very easy to attract an audience. ... But I wanted to take

on the challenge of presenting some unfamiliar music.’

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Coordination) 62A, Bawdiyeiktha-Thanlwin Rd, Bahan, Yangon. Or through [email protected], closing date : 3rd May 2013.

SOLIDARITES Int'l (SI) is seeking Deputy Logistics Coordinator in Yangon: 4 years of professional experience in Logistics field with INGO/ NGO. University Degree or Diploma (preferably in Logistics Or related proven experience in similar area.). Knowledge of IT management & MS office. Fluent in English & Myanmar. Pls submit application (CV, cover letter, references) to the attention of: The Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Unit - Solidarites Int'l office - 44-A, Tharyarwaddy Lane, Ward, Bahan, Yangon or per email: [email protected].

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SOLIDARITES Int'l (SI) is seeking Logistics Manager in Monywa/ Sagaing Division: 3 years experience in Logistics field with INGO/ NGO. University Degree or Diploma (preferably in Logistics Or related proven experience in similar area.). Knowledge of IT management & MS office. Pls submit application (CV, cover letter, references) to Logistics Coordinator, Yangon Logistics Unit - Solidarites Int'l office : 44-A, Tharyarwaddy Lane, Bahan, or per email: [email protected]

Local PositionMBIS is a private int'l school located in Taunggyi, Shan State is seeking for the academic year (2013-2014). Teaching Position: 3 posts : Age 20 ~ 30, Bachelor degree (Preferable English Major), Thorough understanding in Early Childhood Care & Development, 2 ~ 3 years experience with children, Must stay in Taunggyi, Shan State. Pls apply CV along with the recently taken photograph,

recommendation letters from Township Police Officer & Ya Ya Ka, a copy of household registration, a copy of NRC & related educational documents to : MBIS, 72/ 9, Kan Baw Za St, Yay Aye Kwinn Qtr, Taunggyi, Shan State. Email : [email protected]

(1).OFFICE MANAGER (or) Office Admin 1 Post :Graduate (Foreign graduate preferred but not necessary).Good in English. Comfortable with computers and have working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Be extremely well organized. Efficient at executing tasks. Able to multi-task. (2).Marketing - 1 Post : Graduate (Foreign graduate preferred but not necessary) . Good in English. Result oriented; must be able to make things happen, meet set targets . Must enjoy and natural at selling and explaining products/ services. Able to cold call potential customers and go out on marketing campaigns (mostly will be within Yangon) . Any experience of education related marketing will be looked at favorably or have a passion for education. Other terms, applicable for both posts: 6 working days per week. 3 month probation period during which salary will be 20% lower than agrees salary. Pls submit application CV, 2 passport photo with necessary documents to HR Dept : 380 , 10th flr, FMI Center, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan, Closing date: 30-4-2013.

WE are currently seeking (1). Sales & Marketing Executive - M/F 1 Post : Any graduate, Good command of English, Software skills (2). Customer Service Executive - M/F 1 Post : Any Graduate, Good command of English, Software skills. (3). Data Entry - M/F 1 post : Any graduate, Excellent software skill, Good typing skill (Myanmar, English) (4).Driver - M 1 post : Age 30 ~ 50. Pls submit application letter with personal details, qualification details, along with copies of related documents, 1 passport photo to Vinco Int'l Shipping Co.,Ltd : Rm.902, 9th Flr, Strand Rd, Ahlone Tower, Ahlone. Ph: 212707, 09-4200-74913 or via email [email protected] Closing date: 30th April, 2013.

RISK Management & Assurance Analyst 2 Posts : Tertiary qualifica tions in Accounting, Finance, Commerce (or) Economics. Membership with professional, Accounting (or)

Auditing Associations. Skill requirement : Ability to perform end to end financial & operational reviews. Sound understanding of Risk management framework, Audit methodologies & process improvement principles. Fluent English must be able to write review findings present to senior management in English. Comprehensive computer skills (Accounting Software, MS office Word, Excel, PowerPoint ). Able to type Myanmar and English. Minimum working experience professional experience in either accounting Auditing (or) related positions. Pls submit application with detail & complete curriculum vitae, 2 passport photo with necessary documents to HR Dept 380, 10 th flr . FMI Center, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan. Closing date : 30-4-2013.

APPLE ION Co.,ltd is seeking (1)Manager - 1 post (2)Marketing Executive - 2 posts (3)Marketing Staff - 5 posts (4)Driver -1 post (5)Web designer - 1 post. Position (1 to 4) are for Real Estate services and all applicants must be graduated and good in health, self-motivated and active to work in less of supervision. Driver must possess valid driving licence and able to drive with good skill in Yangon area. Positions (2 and 5) are for web developing and on-line services. Male or female are welcome for all position (except Driver post) & age between 25 ~ 40. Relevant experience and expertise will be good advantage. Selected candidates will be offered good salary plus good commensurate package & other benefits depend on performance.Pls submit to via email:[email protected]

SUPER LUCK Construction is seeking (1) Account Executive : B.Com/Dip in L.C.C.I Level III, Age under 45, 3 ~ 5 years experience in construction sector, Good in English, computer literate, able to use internet/email/fax, Microsoft Office , Skillful in computerized accounting, Able to prepare financial situation report (2)Administration Clerk : Any graduate, Age under 45, 3 years experience in a related field, Fluent in English, Computer literate, able to use internet/email/fax, Microsoft Office, Able to travel and work. 139, Damazedi Rd, Bahan. Ph: 09-430-32729.

HousingforRentK Y A U K T A D A , ( 1 )Pansodan St(Condo) 1500 Sqft, 1 MBR, 2SR. 1750 USD. (2)Pansodan St (Condo) Near City Mark. 1500 Sqft, 1MBR, 2SR, 2300 USD. (3)Diamond Condo (Near Hlae Tan Bridge) 1200 Sqft, 1MBR, 1SR. 1300 USD (4) Near UNDP Office (750 Sqft) (3+4) Flr.Hall Type. USD 800. (5)Near Taw Win Shapping Mall.(Condo). 1375 Sqft, 2MBR, 1SR .very good location USD 1800.Ph : 09-492-14276. 09- 4211 77105.

(1) 8 Mile, Kabaraye Villa (Condo) 2000 Sqft 1MBR. 2SR. USD 3000. (2)Near Park Royal Hotel, Bo yar nyunt St, 1500 Sqft, 2MBR. 1SR, Fully furnish. USD 2000.(3) Near Kandawgyi Park, (good view condo) 2500 Sqft , 2MBR, 1SR USD 3000. (4) Yan Kin Centre condo. 1600 Sqft, 2MBR, 1SR Fully furnish USD 2069. (5) Pan Hliaing Condo, Near Pan Hlaing Golf. 1500 Sqft, 2MBR, 2SR. USD 3500. 09- 4211 77105. 09-420 114749.

BAHAN, (1)New University Rd, 80' x 60', 2 storey new house. K 45 lakhs. (2)Moe Myint San Condo, 2400 sqft, f f, 5 A/C, 30 Lakhs (3)Pearl Condo, 1750 sqft, 1 MB, 2 BR, 5 A/C, f f, 25 lakhs. Call Maureen: 09-518-8320.

YANKIN, Moe Kaung Rd, 50' x 90' RC, 1 storey house. 25 lakhs. Maureen : 09-5188320.

HLAING, (647), # 8-C, Inya View Condominium, Pyay Rd. Ph: 09-4200-35206, 09-4200-767665. (No Agents).

BAHAN, University Avenue compound 85' x 120, 3 MBR, 1 reading room, living room, dinning room, kitchen, servant quarter, BBQ house in the garden, ph, 3AC. Ph: 09-513-7802, 534542.

HousingforSaleM A Y A N G O N E , Apartment 1320 sqft 4 rooms, 8 mile condo apartment to be sold direct by First Owner. Call 09-514-2568.

SANCHAUNG, 12.5’ x 55’, 2 Flr, 1 A/C. 1 ine ph. 350 Lakhs. Negotiable. Ph:09- 501-2801, 519 268

MAYANGONE, 9 miles Bonyarna Lane, 50'x 70' garden with including house (3700 Lakhs) no agent please. Ph: 09-503-6519, 09-421-029911.

HLAING THARYAR, 129 (A), Thakin Pholagyi 5 St 20’x 60’ (Price- Negotiable), (Near to Shwe Yin Aye Market & bus stop) Ph:09-431-29221, 09-731-35807

No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp.Tel: 01-527506email: [email protected] www.inya1.com

The Essentials

Emergency Numbers Ambulance tel: 295133. Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022. Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764. Red Cross tel:682600, 682368Traffic Control Branch tel:298651Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384, 591387.Immigration tel: 286434.Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037.Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067-407007.Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) tel: 254563, 370768.Ministry of Foreign Affairs tel: 067-412009, 067-412344.Ministry of Health tel: 067-411358-9.Yangon City Development Committee tel: 248112.

HOSPITALSCentral Women’s Hospital tel: 221013, 222811.Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888.Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096.Worker’s Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811.

Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809.Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837.Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494, 384495, 379109.Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861, 220416.Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123, 281443, 256131.

ELECTRICITYPower Station tel:414235

POST OFFICEGeneral Post Office 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel: 285499.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTYangon International Airport tel: 662811.

YANGON PORTShipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722

RAILWAYSRailways information tel: 274027, 202175-8.

UNITED NATIONSILO Liaison Officer Rm (M1212~1220), 12 Fl-A, Traders Hotel. 223, tel: 242 393, 242811. fax: 242594.IOM 12th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, tel: 252560 ext. 5002UNAIDS Rm: (1223~1231), 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. tel: 252361, 252362, 252498. fax: 252364.UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. tel: 666903, 664539. fax: 651334.UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: 542910-19. fax: 292739.UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tsp. tel: 546029.UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. tel: 524022, 524024. fax 524031.UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl, Traders Hotel.tel: 254852, 254853.UNIC 6, Natmauk St., BHN tel: 52910~19UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, KTDA. tel: 375527~32, fax: 375552 email: unicef.yangon@unicef. org, www.unicef.org/myanmar.UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, MYGN. tel: 666903, 660556, 660538, 660398, 664539, fax: 651334. email: [email protected] www.unodc.org./myanmar/UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd

floor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 951-657281~7. Fax: 657279.UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O. Box 650, TMWE tel: 542911~19, 292637 (Resident Coordinator), fax: 292739, 544531.WFP 3rd-flr, Inya Lake Hotel, 37, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 657011~6 (6-lines) Ext: 2000.WHO 12A Fl, Traders Hotel. tel:250583.ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Township. Ph: 225258.FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673. fax: 641561.

EMBASSIESAustralia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. tel : 251810, 251797, 251798, 251809, 246462, 246463, fax: 246159Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. tel: 515275, 526144, fax: 515273, email: [email protected] 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 507225, 507251, 507482. fax: 507483. email: [email protected] 17, Kanbawza Avenue, Golden Velly (1), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 566985, 503978, fax: 512854 email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mmCambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 549609, 540964, fax: 541462, email: RECYANGON @mptmail.net.mmChina 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 221280, 221281, 224025, 224097, 221926, fax: 227019, 228319Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 222886, 222887, fax: 222865, email: egye mbyangon@mptmail. net.mmFrance 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 212178, 212520, 212523, 212528, 212532, fax: 212527, email: ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.frGermany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 548951, 548952, fax: 548899 email: info@rangun. diplo.deIndia 545-547, Merchant Street, Yangon. tel: 391219, 388412, 243972, fax: 254086, 250164, 388414, email: indiaembassy @mptmail.net.mm

Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 254465, 254469, 229750, fax: 254468, email: kukygn @indonesia.com.mmIsrael 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: [email protected] 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang.mail@ esteri.itJapan 100, Natmauk Road, Yangon. tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, fax: 549643Embassy of the State of Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: No.416, 418, 420, 422, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: 544500.North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 512642, 510205, fax: 510206South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 527142-4, 515190, fax: 513286, email: [email protected] A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. tel: 222482, fax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@mptmail. net.mmMalaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 220248, 220249, 220251, 220230, fax: 221840, email: [email protected] 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mmPakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Road, Yangon. tel: 222881 (Chancery Exchange) fax: 221147, email: pakistan@ myanmar.com.mm

Philippines 50, Sayasan Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 558149-151, fax: 558154, email: p.e. [email protected] 38, Sagawa Road, Yangon. tel: 241955, 254161, fax: 241953, email: rusinmyan@mptmail .net.mmSerbia No. 114-A, Inya Road, P.O.Box No. 943-Yangon. tel: 515282, 515283, fax: 504274, email: serbemb@ yangon.net.mmSingapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 559001, fax: 559002, 559922, email: singemb_ ygn@_sgmfa. gov.sgSri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. tel: 222812, fax: 221509, email: [email protected], [email protected], www.slembyangon.orgThailand 94 Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon. tel: 226721, 226728, 226824, fax: 221713United Kingdom 80 Kan-na Road, Yangon. tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, 370863, 370864, 370865, fax: 370866United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Yangon. tel: 536509, 535756, 538038, fax: 650306Vietnam Building No. 72, Thanlwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. tel: 511305, fax: 514897, email: vnemb [email protected] Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. tel : 01-536153, 516952, fax : 01-516951

General Listing

Avenue 64 HotelNo. 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Yangon. 09 8631392, 01 656913-9Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400.

Chigo 216, 38 St (Upper), Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 373472

Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 243377.fax: 243393, [email protected] www.ghmhotels.com

Lobby BarPARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day GUNKUL Engineer supply Co., Ltd. No.437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. P., O 11041 Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) 502016-18, Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi Taw- Tel: 067-420778, E-mail : [email protected]. URL: http://www.freshaircon.com

General 83-91, G-F, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 706223, 371906

Green GardenBeer Gallery Mini Zoo, Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar.

BARS

ACCOMMODATION-HOTELS

AIR CONDITION

50th Street 9/13, 50th street-lower, Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.

No. 205, Corner of Wadan Street & Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon. Myanmar. Tel: (95-1) 212850 ~ 3, 229358 ~ 61, Fax: (95-1) 212854.info@myanmarpandahotel .com http://www.myanmarpandahotel.com

No.7A, Wingabar Road,Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781~4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. [email protected]

Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872

PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 250388. fax: 252478. email: [email protected] Website: parkroyalhotels. com.

Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. [email protected]. Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 6506 51~4. fax: 650630.MiCasa Hotel Apartments 17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. tel: 650933. fax: 650960.Sakura Residence 9, Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 525001. fax: 525002.The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residence 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp. tel 951-256355 (25 lines).

ACCOMMODATION

ACCOMMODATIONLONG TERM

ACCOMMODATION-HOTELS (NAy PyI TAw)

Tel: 09-7349-4483, 09-4200-56994.E-mail: [email protected], http://www. happyhomesyangon.com

HAPPY HOMESREAL ESTATE & PROPERTY

MANAGEMENT

Hotel Yangon 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Mayangone. tel : 01-667708, 667688.Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537.MGM Hotel No (160), Warden Street, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. +95-1-212454~9. www. hotel-mgm.com

Royal White Elephant HotelNo-11, Kan Street, Hlaing Tsp. Yangon, Myanmar. (+95-1) 500822, 503986. www.rwehotel.com

Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Seasons of Yangon Yangon Int’l Airport Compound. tel: 666699.

Sweet Hotel 73, Damazedi Road, San Chaung Tsp, Ph: 539152Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900.Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880.Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966.Thamada Hotel 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon. tel: 243639, 243640, 243641. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax: 242838.Windsor Hotel No.31, Shin Saw Pu Street, Sanchaung. Yangon, Myanmar. Ph: 95-1-511216~8, www.hotelwindsoryangon.comWinner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 503734, 524387. email: reservation@winner innmyanmar.comYangon YMCA 263, Mahabandoola Rd, Botataung Tsp. tel: 294128,Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600, 543367Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944

Reservation Office (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon TownshipTel : 951- 255 819~838Hotel Max(Chaung Tha Beach)Tel : 042-423 46~9, 042-421 33,E-mail: maxhotelsreservation@ gmail.com

Reservation Office (Yangon) 123, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Dagon TownshipTel : 951- 255 819~838Royal Kumudra Hotel, (Nay Pyi Taw)Tel : 067- 414 177, 067- 4141 88E-Mail: [email protected]

(Nay Pyi Taw)

No. (356/366), Kyaikkasan Rd, Tamwe Township, Yangon, Myanmar.Ph: 542826, Fax: 545650Email: [email protected]

mt QUiCk gUide 56April 29 - May 5, 2013

Est. 1992 in MyanmarCold Storage Specialist, Solar Hot Water Storage Solutions.Tel: 09-504-2196, 09-731-94828. E-mail: [email protected], glover2812@ gmail.com

La Source Beauty Spa~80(A), Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp,tel: 512 380, 511 252.www.lasourcebeautyspa.com

Acacia Tea Salon 52, Sayar San Rd, Bahan Tsp, Tel : 01-554739.Cafe47 47-A, Pyay Rd, 7½ miles, Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 01-651774.Traders Café Traders Hotel, Yangon. #223, Sule Pagoda Rd. Tel: 242828 ext: 6519

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

Innwa Book StoreNo. 246, Rm.201/301, GF, Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Tsp. Tel. 389838, 243216, 374324, 514387

La Brasserie (International)PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel : 250388.

MYANMAR BOOK CENTRENandawun Compound, No. 55, Baho Road, Corner of Baho Road and Ahlone Road, (near Eugenia Restaurant), Ahlone Township. tel: 212 409, 221 271. 214708 fax: 524580. email: [email protected]

BOOK STORES

CAFÈS

ADVERTISING

CONSULTING

DUTY FREE

CONSTRUCTION

COLD STORAGE

U Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA.,RL Advocate of the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon. tel: 253 273. [email protected]

LEGAL SERVICE

PHIH-Specialist Clinic FMI Centre (4th Floor) #380, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Tsp. tel: 243 010, 243 012, 243 013

Vibhavadi Hospital 214. 1st Floor, Waizayanter Rd, Thingangyun Tsp.Email: vibhavadimyanmar @gmail.com, Hot line: 09-2011-772, 09-731-650-45, 09-86-250-86

HOME FURNISHING

HEAVY MACHINERY

GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS

HEALTH SERVICES

GENERATORS

GEMS & JEWELLERIES

Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel : 245543, 09-730-37772.Mandalay : Room No.(B,C) (National Gas), 35th St, Btw 80th & 81st, Chanaye-tharzan Tsp. Tel : 09-680-3505, 02 34455, 36748, 71878.

98(A), Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 553783, 549152, 09-732-16940, 09-730-56079. Fax: 542979 Email: [email protected].

22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 660769, 664363.

Lemon Day SpaNo. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476.E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com

24 hours Cancer centreNo. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 9 666141Fax : (951) 9 666135

24 hours Laboratory & X-rayNo. (68), Tawwin Street, 9 Mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 9 666141Fax : (951) 9 666135

Natural Gems of MyanmarNo. 30 (A), Pyay Road (7 mile), Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel: 01-660397, 654398~9. E-mail: spgems.myanmar @gmail.com

Winning WayNo. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951-645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm

Floral Service & GiftCentre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: [email protected].

Mr. BetchangNo.(272), Pyay Rd, DNH Tower, Rm No.(503), 5th flr, Sanchaung Tsp, Tel: 095041216

FLORAL SERVICES

Floral Service & Gift ShopNo. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 559011, 09-860-2292.Market Place By City MartTel: 523840~43, 523845~46, Ext: 205.Junction Nay Pyi TawTel: 067-421617~18 422012~15, Ext: 235.Res: 067-414813, 09-492-09039. Email : [email protected]

ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION & TAILOR

FOAM SPRAY INSULATION

Foam Spray InsulationNo-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazuntaung Road, Pazuntaung Tsp, Yangon.Telefax : 01-203743, 09-730-26245, 09-500-7681. Hot Line-09-730-30825.

ELECTRICAL

ENGINEERING

Est. 1992 in MyanmarElectrical & Mechanical Contractors, Designers, Consultants.Tel: 09-504-2196, 09-731-94828. E-mail: [email protected], glover2812@ gmail.com

Flora Service & Gift ShopNo.173(B), West Shwegonedaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, YGN. Tel: 09.731 800 30No.75/77, Yaw Min Gyi St. Dagon Tsp, YGN. Tel: 09.431 432 34.Home: 01-577 387, Email: [email protected]

SAIL Marketing & CommunicationsSuite 403, Danathiha Center 790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd & Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 211870, 224820, 2301195. Email: [email protected]. com

WE STARTED THE ADVERTISINGINDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991

M A R K E T I N G & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

A D V E R T I S I N G

Shwe Hinthar B 307, 6 1/2 Miles, Pyay Rd., Yangon.Tel: +95 (0)1 654 [email protected]

Myanmar Research | Consulting | Technology

Acupuncture, Medicine Massage, Foot SpaAdd:No,27(A),Ywa Ma Kyaung Street, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 01-511122, 526765.

FITNESS CENTRE

Sports & FitnessGrand Meeyahta Executive Residence.Shop 4-5,Ph: 256355, Ext: 3015, 3204 09 731 94684email: [email protected]

No.94, Ground Floor, Bogalay Zay Street, Botataung Tsp,Yangon.Tel: 392625, 09-500-3591Email : [email protected](Except Sunday)

Dance Club & Bar

Zamil SteelNo-5, Pyay Road, 7½ miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 652502~04. Fax: (95-1) 650306.Email: [email protected]

Sein Shwe Tailor, No.797 (003-A), Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of Wardan Street, MAC Tower 2, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Ph: 01-225310, 212943~4 Ext: 146, 147, E-mail: [email protected]

24 Hour International Medical Centre @ Victoria HospitalNo. 68, Tawwin Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon, MyanmarTel: + 951 651 238, + 959 495 85 955Fax: + 959 651 39824/7 on duty doctor: + 959 492 18 410Website: www.leo.com.mm

“ One Stop Solution for Quality Health Care “

Aesthetic Medical Spa5 (C), Race Course Condo, South Race Course Street, Tarmwe, Yangon.Mobile: [email protected]

Balance FitnesssNo 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Yangon01-656916, 09 8631392Email - [email protected]

European Quality & Designs FurnitureSuitable for Outdoor or Indoor UseNo. 422 - 426, FJVC Centre, Ground Floor,Room No. 4, Strand Road (Corner of Botahtaung Pagoda Road), Botahtaung Township, Yangon 11161, Myanmar.Tel: 01 202063, 01 202064H.P: 09 509 1673Fax: 01 202063E-mail: [email protected]: www.wovenfurnituredesigns.com

A Little DayspaNo. 475 C, Pyi Road, Kamayut, Yangon. Tel: 09-431-28831. Traders Health Club.

Level 5, Traders Hotel Yangon#223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Tel: 951 242828 Ext: 6561

Diamond Queen 75, Oo Yin Lane, New University Avenue Rd, Bahan Tsp. Tel : 01- 548001, 704398

Diamond & Me Junction Square, Ground Floor, Kamayut Tsp. Tel : 01- 527242, (Ext : 1082)

Franzo Living Mall 15 (A/5), Pyay Rd, A-1, 9 Miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 664026

•150 Dhamazedi Rd., Bahan T/S, Yangon. Tel: 536306, 537805.•Room 308, 3rd Flr.,

Junction Center (Maw Tin), Lanmadaw T/S, Yangon. Tel: 218155, Ext. 1308.•15(B), Departure Lounge,

Yangon Int’l Airport.•45B, Corner of 26th &

68th Sts., Mandalay. Tel: (02) 66197. Email: [email protected]

Duty Free ShopsYangon International Airport, Arrival/Departure Tel: 533030 (Ext: 206/155)

Office: 17, 2nd street, Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.

Piyavate Hospital (Bangkok) Myanmar Represent ative (Head office)Grand Mee Yahta Executive Residences. No.372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, PBDN. Ph: 256355, Ext: 3206. Hotline: 09-7377-7799. Email: [email protected], [email protected], Website: www.piyavate.com

Marina Residence, YangonPh: 650651~4, Ext: 109Beauty Plan, Corner of77th St & 31st St, MandalayPh: 02 72506

193/197, Shu Khin Thar Street, North Okkalapa Industrial Zone, Yangon. Tel: 951-691843~5, 951-9690297, Fax: 951-691700 Email: [email protected]. www.supermega-engg.com

LS SalonJunction Square, 3rd floor. Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp.Tel 527242, ext 4001

Spa & Boutique FashionNo. 24, Inya Road, Kamaryut Township,Yangon, Myanmar.Tel: 951 534 654, [email protected]

Ruby & Rare Gems of Myanamar

No. 527, New University Ave., Bahan Tsp. [email protected] Tel: 549612, Fax : 545770.

ATC Co., Ltd.27 (A), Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin TSP:, Yangon, Myanmar. T & F : 665610, [email protected]

ATC Co., Ltd.27 (A), Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin TSP:, Yangon, Myanmar. T & F : 665610, [email protected]

mt QUiCk gUide57April 29 - May 5, 2013

WEB SERVICES

WATER HEATERS

WATER TREATMENT

The Global leader in Water HeatersA/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 251033, 09-730-25281.

Road to MandalayMyanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governor’s Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860fax: (951) 217361. email: [email protected] www.orient-express.com

PLEASURE CRUISES

Water HeaterSame as Rinnai Gas cooker and cooker Hood Showroom Address

Ocean Supercentre (North Point ), 9th Mile, Mayangone Tsp. Tel: 651 200, 652963.Pick ‘n’ Pay Hyper Market Bldg (A,B,C), (14~16), Shwe Mya Yar Housing, Mya Yar Gone St, Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 206001~3, Fax: 9000199Sein Gay Har 44, Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 383812, 379823.Super 1 (Kyaikkasan) 65, Lay Daunt Kan St, Tel: 545871~73Victoria Shwe Pone Nyet Yeik Mon, Bayint Naung Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. Tel : 515136.

TRAVEL AGENTS

Asian Trails Tour Ltd73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. fax: 211670. email: [email protected]

Asia Light 106, Set Yone Rd.tel: 294074, 294083.Capital Hyper Mart 14(E), Min Nandar Road, Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136.City Mart (Aung San Branch) tel: 253022, 294765. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (47th St Branch) tel: 200026, 298746. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Junction 8 Branch) tel: 650778. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (FMI City Branch) tel: 682323.City Mart (Yankin Center Branch) tel: 400284. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Myaynigone Branch) tel: 510697. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm)City Mart (Zawana Branch) tel:564532. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Shwe Mya Yar Branch) tel: 294063. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Chinatown Point Branch) tel: 215560~63. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm)City Mart (Junction Maw Tin Branch) tel: 218159. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm)City Mart (Marketplace) tel: 523840~43. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm)City Mart (78th Brahch-Mandalay) tel: 02-71467~9. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm)IKON Mart IKON Trading Co., Ltd. No.332, Pyay Rd, San Chaung P.O (11111), Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 95-1-535-783, 527705, 501429. Fax: 95-1-527705. Email: [email protected] Mawtin Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Cor of Wadan St. Lanmadaw.

SUPERMARKETS

STEEL CONSTRUCTION

No.35(b), Tatkatho Yeik Mon Housing,New University Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 951-549451, 557219, 540730. www.yangon-academy.org

World-class Web ServicesTailor-made design, Professional research & writing for Brochure/ Catalogue/e-Commerce website, Customised business web apps, online advertisement and anything online. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing. Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

Yangon International SchoolFully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun Township, Yangon. Tel: 578171, 573149 www.yismyanmar.netYangon International School New Early Childhood Center Pan Hlaing Golf Estate Housing & U Tun Nyo Street, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon. Tel: 687701, 687702

International School Yangon 20, Shwe Taung Kyar St, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 512793.

ILBC IGCSE SCHOOLNo.(34), LaydauntkanRoad, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 542982, 545720,549106,545736,400156Fax: 541040Email: [email protected]

ILBC 180, Thunandar 9th Lane, Thumingalar Housing, Thingungyung.tel: 562401.

Horizon Int’l School25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. fax : 543926, email : [email protected], www.horizon.com

SANITARY WAREMedia & Advertising

Intuitive Design, Advertising, Interior DecorationCorporate logo/Identity/ Branding, Brochure/ Profile Booklet/ Catalogue/ Billboard, Corporate diary/ email newsletter/ annual reports, Magazine, journal advertisement and 3D presentation and detailed planning for any interior decoration works. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing, Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

MARINE COMMUNICATION &

NAVIGATION

Top Marine Show RoomNo-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon.Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597

Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd.Islands Safari in the Mergui Archipelago4 Days, 6 Days, 8 Days TripsTel: 95 1 202063, 202064E-mail: info@islandsafari mergui.com. Website: www.islandsafarimergui.com

Traders Gourmet CornerLevel 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel : 242828 ext : 6503Traders Gallery BarLevel 2, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6433Traders Lobby LoungeLevel 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6456Western ParkThakhin Mya Park, Ahlone. Tel: 225143

The Ritz Exclusive LoungeChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Ground Floor, Tel: 544500 Ext 6243, 6244

OFFICE FURNITURE

PEB Steel Buildings21/5, Thirimingalar Avenue, Kabaaye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 653410, 09-7325-7042, 09-515-0332, 09-4016-01948. [email protected] www.pebsteel.com.mm

Streamline Education 24, Myasabai Rd, Parami, Myangone Tsp. tel: 662304, 09-500-6916.

Lunch/Dinner/Catering 555539, 536174

RESTAURANTS

Pansweltaw Express Cafe: 228, Ahlone Rd, Ahlone Tsp. Tel: 215363 (1)-Rm-309, 3rd flr, Ocean, East Point Shopping Center, Pazundaung Tsp. Tel: 397900 Ext: 309. (2)–G-Flr, Ocean North Point Shopping Center. Tel:652959, 652960, Ext: 133. Royal GardenNat Mauk Road, Kandaw Gyi Natural Park, Bahan Tsp. tel: 546202Spicy Forest Thai, Korean and European Food Rm-051/Basement-1 (B1), Taw Win Center, Pyay Rd. Tel : 09-7320-9566, 01-8600111 (1151)

The Emporia RestaurantChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp. Lobby Level,Tel: 544500 Ext 6294

1. WASABI : No.20-B,Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd,Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa),Tel; 666781,09-503-91392. WASABI SUSHI : MarketPlace by City Mart (1st Floor). Tel; 09-430-67440Myaynigone (City Mart)Yankin Center (City Mart)Junction Mawtin (City Mart)

Commercial scalewater treatment

(Since 1997)Tel: 01-218437~38. H/P: 09-5161431,

09-43126571.39-B, Thazin Lane, Ahlone.

Relocation SpecialistRm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : [email protected]

Crown WorldwideMovers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Flr Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. Fax: 229212. email: crown [email protected]

REMOVALISTS

Bo Sun Pat Tower, Bldg 608, Rm 6(B), Cor of Merchant Rd & Bo Sun Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel: 377263, 250582, 250032, 09-511-7876, 09-862-4563.

Legendary Myanmar Int’l Shipping & Logistics Co., Ltd.No-9, Rm (A-4), 3rd Flr, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon.Tel: 516827, 523653, 516795. Mobile. 09-512-3049. Email: [email protected] .mmwww.LMSL-shipping.com

Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.fax: 651250. email: sche [email protected].

Summer Palace (Chinese) Restaurant Level 2, Traders Hotel, #223, Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242828. ext:6483

Admissions Office:Than Lwin Campus: 44, Than Lwin Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 951-535433, 959-8503073. Email: [email protected]: www.rvcentre.com.sg

PAINT

TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon.Ph: 09-851-5202

Monday to Saturday (9am to 6pm)No. 797, MAC Tower II, Rm -4, Ground Flr, Bogyoke Aung San Rd,Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon.Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: [email protected]

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate AgencyOur Services - Office, House & Land (For Rent)(Agent Fees Free)Tel: 09-501-8250, 09-732-02480.

Win

Heaven Pizza 38/40, Bo Yar Nyunt St. Yaw Min Gyi Quarter, Dagon Township. Tel: 09-855-1383

Sole DistributorFor the Union of Myanmar Since 1995Myanmar Golden Rock International Co.,Ltd.Level 6, FJV Commercial Center, Botahtaung TspYangon. Ph-202092-96,Fax: 202079

World’s No.1 Paints & Coatings Company

Grohe79-B3/B3, East Shwe Gone Dine, Near SSC Women’s Center, Bahan Tsp. Tel : 01 401083, 09-73056736.

SCHOOLS

World famous Kobe BeefNear Thuka Kabar Hospital on Pyay Rd, Marlar st, Hlaing Tsp.Tel: +95-1-535072

Black Canyon Coffee & International Thai Cuisine 330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 0980 21691, 395052.

No.430(A), Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon.Tel : 01-523840(Ext-309), 09-73208079.

No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp.Tel: 01-527506email: [email protected] www.inya1.com

Kohaku Japanese RestaurantChatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6231

Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, YangonTel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. [email protected]

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653.

Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: [email protected] Ph: 652391, 09-73108896

Bld-A2, Gr-Fl, Shwe Gabar Housing, Mindama Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. email: [email protected] Ph: 652391, 09-73108896

22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel 541997. email: [email protected]://leplanteur.net

Car Rental with English Speaking Driver. (Safety and Professional Services).Tel : +95 9 [email protected]

sport 58April 29 - May 5, 2013

LAS VEGAS – American boxing star Floyd Mayweather says neither jail time nor ring rust from a one-year layoff will diminish him this week when he returns against compatriot Robert Guerrero.

“Of course I feel unbeatable. I’m in the sport where I’m the best,” Mayweather said in a Wednesday teleconference call. “I’m not going into the fight thinking I’m beatable.”

Mayweather, 43-0 with 26 knockouts, will defend his World Boxing Council welterweight title against southpaw Guerrero, 31-1 with 18 knockouts, on May 4 at Las Vegas, a year after beating Miguel Cotto by unanimous decision.

It will be Mayweather’s first fight since serving two months in jail for domestic battery, a fact that gives challenger Guerrero a confidence boost.

“ M o s t d e f i n i t e l y F l o y d Mayweather i s tak ing me seriously,” Guerrero said. “It has been his longest training camp in a long time. Being a whole year’s layoff, he’s going to feel the punches. We’re going after him the whole fight.

“It’s going to take a little time to shake that ring rust off.”

Mayweather, 36, says he is as fit

as he has ever been and ready to face whatever challenge Guerrero brings.

“If that’s his way to psyche himself out and build confidence, more power to him,” Mayweather said. “I’m in tip top condition. I’m in great shape. I have been working hard.”

As for jail time, Mayweather would not say his stay behind bars changed him.

“It was just an obstacle that was in my way,” he said. “I’m happy to be home. There’s nothing cool about losing your freedom. Freedom is extremely important.”

Mayweather, who will launch a six-fight deal over 30 months with the Guerrero matchup, has fought only four times since December of 2007 and says resting his body for peak performance is far from losing fight fitness.

“I took a long time off before. I just call it a vacation,” Mayweather said. “Sometimes the body needs time to heal. The body needs time to rejuvenate. The body needs time to rest.”

M a y w e a t h e r h i n t e d a t retirement after completing his latest fight deal, although an perfect run would leave him on the brink of a 50-fight win streak, and

said he would wait and see how he fared in the ring over the span.

“I only have 30 months left,” Mayweather said. “After this fight I’ve got five more fights. That’s all I have got to do, finish putting those stamps on my legacy. I just want to stay active, go out there and keep the fans happy.

“I don’t know yet (if I will retire). I don’t know. By 30 months, I’ll be pretty close to 40. It might be time to get out of the sport. We have to see how these next six fights play out.

“I want to stay active. The busier I am the better it is for me.”

Mayweather termed Guerrero “flatfooted” and called him “more like a grappler, a wrestler, than a boxer.”

“Everybody always says what they are going to do to me. He’s a solid opponent. He talks a good game. Now we have to see if he can fight as well as he talks.”

Mayweather said he was ready for any punishment Guerrero might bring, but ready to adjust his style to cope, saying, “You can’t

go to a gunfight and basically not think you’re going to get shot. We have to see how the fight goes.”

Mayweather will be trained by his father, Floyd Snr, rather than his uncle Roger because his uncle is ill. Mayweather has a strained relationship with his father.

“My thing is to try to leave all the negative things behind,” Floyd Jnr said. “As far as arguments we had in the past, that’s in the past. We leave it in the past and focus on the future.”

– AFP

By Aung Si Hein and Kyaw Zin Hlaing

MYANMAR’S young female weightl i fters not only got their first chance to participate in a competition outside of East or Southeast Asia recently, but performed so well that they were able to qualify for the World Youth Olympics, which will be held in 2014 in Nanjing, China.

O n l y 1 5 o u t o f 5 2 countries qualified for the World Youth Olympics, with Myanmar securing 8th position overall.

T h e I W F Y o u t h W e i g h t l i f t i n g Championships were held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from April 6 to 13. The Myanmar female team won three silver and one bronze m e d a l . S i x M y a n m a r w o m e n w e i g h t l i f t e r s competed in Tashkent in five of the seven weight categories.

Khine Khine,16, was the runner-up in the women’s 44 kg category, lifting 66 kg in the snatch, 85 kg in the clean and jerk, and a total lift of 151 kg to draw three silver medals. Risu Yan from DPR Korea was the winner overall with three gold medals.

Mai Zin Pwint Phyu, 14, clinched a bronze medal in the 48 kg category, lifting 71 kg in the snatch.

The team’s success at the IWF games gives hope that similar, or greater success, is possible at the

upcoming 27th Southeast Asia Games, which will be held in Myanmar in December 2013. Myanmar was only able to achieve a bronze level for the previous SEA Games, vice president of the Myanmar Weightlifting Federation U Kyaw Aung Soe said.

The Myanmar team – both men and women - had taken three gold medals, f our s i lver and e ight bronze at the Asian Youth Championships, held in Yangon last November. T h e m e n ’ s t e a m w a s not sent to Uzbekistan to compete because they did not qualify for that international tournament, U Kyaw Aung Soe said. However, both the men and the women will compete in the SEA Games in December.

The team’s goal , he said, is to win three gold medals at the SEA games out of 11 overall categories. They are now in intensive training at the Nay Pyi Taw Gold Camp and are bound for China on May 15 for a three–month joint training.

A t o t a l o f 4 4 6 weight l i f ters f rom 52 countries participated in the tournament, but the standout performers were the Asian athletes, according to published reports on the website for the event. The presence of the East and Southeast Asian athletes “changed the a tmosphere , ” the reports said.

Female weightlifters impress at youth championshipsNEW DELHI – Record-

breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar turned 40 on April 24 with no plans to retire despite media speculation and recent form suggesting that age is finally catching up with the “Little Master”.

T e s t a n d o n e - d a y cricket’s greatest run-scorer approaches the game with undiminished enthusiasm and insists he has much to offer despite slipping from the dizzying heights he reached earlier in his 24-year career.

“People have been talking about my retirement since 2005, but that does not worry me at all,” Tendulkar chided reporters at a promotional event in New Delhi last week.

“Your job is to write, my job is to play. I will stick to my job and you stick to yours.”

Tendulkar , a f forded almost religious status in India, burst onto the world cricket scene as a 16-year-old in 1989 and has played a record 198 Tests and 463 one-dayers, scoring an unprecedented 100 international hundreds.

He was singled out by Don Bradman but the Australian legend’s Test average is one of the few marks that Tendulkar has not been able to threaten, wi th h is 15 ,837 runs coming at 53.86. Bradman averaged 99.94.

However, questions over his future mounted when he struggled for a year to score the ton he needed to take him to 100 centuries. He finally

achieved the landmark against Bangladesh in Dhaka in March 2012.

Tendulkar, who decided not to play Twenty20 internationals after just one match in 2006, announced his retirement from one-day cricket last December in a bid to prolong his glittering Test career.

But his form in the five-day format has also dipped by his own stellar standards. He has scored just 1,145 runs in 21 Tests at an average of 31.80 since being part of India’s World Cup-winning team two years ago.

And Tendulkar has not added to his tally of 51 Test centuries since making 146 against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2011.

But despite his struggles with the bat, the veteran is refusing to follow fellow modern greats such as

compatriot Rahul Dravid and Austral ia ’s Ricky Ponting into retirement.

Sunil Gavaskar, the first man to reach the 10,000-run milestone in Tests, suggested last year that Tendulkar’s reflexes were on the slide. Former Australian captain Steve Waugh also feels he is past his best.

“He is not playing up to his standards,” Waugh said last week. “But he himself has to decide [on retirement].”

When India succumbed to a Test series defeat against England at home in December, former skipper Sourav Ganguly backed calls for Tendulkar to quit.

“He is getting a long rope because of what he has achieved,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by London’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.

“And I think if I were Tendulkar, I would go [retire].”

But Kapil Dev, another ex-India skipper, says Tendulkar is fit and hungry for success even after so many years of gruelling cricket. “Sachin passes on both counts. He could go on for years if he wanted to,” he told AFP.

Six months ago, Tendulkar admitted in a television interview that retirement had crossed his mind, but said he would take it series by series before making a final call.

“I am 39-plus and it is not abnormal for me to think of retirement,” he said. “I will go by what my heart says. At this moment, my heart says I am OK.”

There has been speculation in the media over whether Tendulkar will play in India’s next Test outing – a three-match away series against world number one side South Africa starting late in the year.

There is even talk of o rgan is ing two home Tests against an unknown opponent before the tour of South Africa to enable Tendulkar to bow out with 200 appearances in a farewell series.

But few would be surprised if the player, described by former India coach Gary Kirsten as cricket’s “greatest role model”, bats on at the top level.

Tendulkar, who last year accepted a government offer to take up a nominated seat in India’s upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha, has never revealed what he wants to post-retirement. – AFP

India’s Tendulkar to bat on at 40

Mayweather, time away will not weaken him

Floyd Mayweather Jr. works out at the Mayweather Boxing Club on April 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pic: AFP

TIMESSPORTApril 29 - May 5, 2013

By Aung Si Hein

DAVIS Cup matches scheduled to start in Yangon on April 22 were postponed indefinitely by the International Tennis Federation after concerns were raised over the security of players from participating Muslim countries.

Asia and Oceania Zone Group III and IV matches were to take place at the Thein Byu Tennis Center from April 22 to May 5.

The postponement came, the Oman-based Muscat Daily reported, after seven participating nations – Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen – sent a letter to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) pressing the federation to provide proper security for their players, officials and fans in the wake of anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Myanmar last month.

The ITF confirmed that they had received a correspondence but would not comment on the content.

The Tennis Federation of Myanmar (TFM) received a letter from Myanmar’s Ministry of Sports on April 13 informing the federation that the ITF had decided to postpone the matches. They have not yet been rescheduled.

TFM secretary U Lay Naing said the letter failed to properly explain the reasons behind the postponement.

“The message came to us on April 13, which is during water festival. We were not prepared to deal with this during the holiday,” he said.

“The reason was not stated in the message from the ministry either. We were just told to put off the tournament.”

However, the ITF told The Myanmar Times on April 23 that the recommendation to postpone had come from the Tennis Federation of Myanmar based “on the advice of the Myanmar government.”

U Lay Naing said that the matches for Group III and IV will be rescheduled for sometime between May and September.

“It is a big loss for us because we want our people to experience a high level of the game. But we have lost these great chances to boost the attitude and quality of our amateur players,” he said.

A member of the Myanmar team, Min Min said that the biggest disappointment for the squad was the loss of home court advantage.

The announcement is yet another embarrassment for Myanmar’s nascent tennis program. On April 5, a Davis Cup tie-break match

between Pakistan and New Zealand at Yangon’s Pun Hlaing Golf and Country Club was stopped prematurely and awarded to New Zealand due to poor court conditions. The ruling is under appeal.

U Lay Naing insisted that the two events were not related.

The ITF decision to postpone the

Davis Cup matches means Myanmar will lose home-court advantage in Group IV, where it is drawn alongside Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Turkmenistan.

Group III includes Cambodia, Hong Kong, Iran, Malaysia, Oman, UAE and Vietnam.

Davis Cup axed over security fears

A player walks across an empty court at the Thein Byu Tennis Center on April 24 in Yangon. Davis Cup matches were scheduled to start at the venue on April 22. Pic: Aung Htay Hlaing

By Kyaw Zin Hlaing

SHB Da Nang captain Nguyen Minh Phuong converted an extra time penalty to secure a victory for the Vietnamese league champions over Ayeyawady United 3-2 on April 23 at Thuwana Stadium in Yangon.

The loss marked the end of a disappointing AFC Cup campaign for Ayeyawady United, which collected a mere three points in four matches, with three losses and only one win.

“I congratulate all of my players today for their great play in the first half,” Ayeyawady United coach Marjan Sekulovski said.

“SHB Da Nang is a professional team and I hope that they qualify for the next round.”

Ayeyawady United striker Nanda Lin Kyaw Chit scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute, but the visitors equalised just before halftime with a goal from Hyunh Quoc Anh in the 41st minute.

Substitute Ha Minh Tuan scored a minute later putting SHB Da Nang up 2-1 heading into the break.

At the start of the second half, Ayeyawady striker Otomo Satoshi netted a goal, knotting the match at 2-2 but Ayeyawady then let their emotions get the best of them.

Hein Thiha Zaw and Phyo Ko Ko Thein were both sent off for reckless play.

“Ayeyawady United’s players couldn’t control their emotions but I’m sorry that they were shown red cards.” SHB Da Nang coach Le Huynh Duc said.

It was then on SHB Da Nang captain Minh Phuong who delivered on a penalty kick two minutes into extra time for the win.

The victory was SHB Da Nang’s third in group play and moved the team into second place in Group G behind Kelantan FA of Malaysia.

Ayeyawady knocked out of AFC Cup

By Aung Si Hein

YANGON United FC secured a spot in the knockout stage of the AFC Cup after routing Indonesia’s Persibo Bojonegoro FC 7-1 on April 24 at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta.

Yangon United becomes the first Myanmar football club to move beyond the group stage in the AFC Cup tournament since teams from the country began competing last year.

Forward Cezar scored a hat-trick and Adama Koné scored twice.

Koné’s goals gave him eight total

for the competition, he has scored in every match of the AFC Cup.

Though they are through to the next round of play Yangon United has one remaining match against Hong Kong’s Sunray Cave JC Sun Hei on May 1. If Yangon United wins and they take the top spot in Group F it would give them home field advantage in the knockout stage match against the runners-up from Group H.

Yangon is tied atop Group F with New Radiant SC of the Maldives with 12 points each.

Yangon has collected four wins in five matches. The team’s only loss came on April 9 when they fell 3-1 to New Radiant.

Yangon United FC through to knockout round

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