pdc monthly news commentary - july 2011 (eng)

8/6/2019 PDC Monthly News Commentary - July 2011 (Eng)

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THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AND DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE MILITARY JUNTA

Noticeably, the USDP led government has increased restrictions upon the National League for

Democracy (NLD). U Thein Tan, Chairperson of NLD (Mandalay Division), said on June 23 rd that

they were pressured to remove the party's signboard in Chanayetharzan Township, Mandalay, by the

Townships General Administrator. Ministry of Home Affairs of the USDP led government sent a

letter to NLD Chairperson U AungShwe and General Secretary Daw Aung San Suu Kyi dated on

June 28th, citing the party's dissolution and warning them of the importance of abiding by the laws.

Due to the USDP led government's large pressure on Prof. Dr. Kyaw Yin Hlaing and his teammembers, 2 trainings on politics, economics and development have been forcibly revoked. They were

tentatively planned to be held in Baydar School in Rangoon on June 6th by Youth Network members.

Township authorities in North Okkalapa barred the reconstruction of the Free Education School run

by the NLD in North Okkalapa.

On June 29th, the NLD issued a statement responding to the warning of Ministry of Home Affairs,

claiming its legal right to a political party does not go against any constitutional law and its

willingness to discuss the matter with the Home Affairs Minister. The government owned newspapers

said that NLD should not play a political game but rather, come and stand in the upcoming elections.

Extra sheets of the Bangkok Post newspaper released on June 19 th featuring Daw Aung San Suu Kyiand depicting pictures of the Saffron Revolution were asked to be removed by the USDP led

government, newspaper agent U Myo Aung said.

Social groups which are closely associated with the NLD have also been restricted. Volunteer medical

doctors for the Thuka Free Clinic in Pyay, under the leadership of movie actor U Kyaw Thu, were

pressurized. Authorities issued an official letter on June 10th that prevented members of Myo Myintta

Parahita Blood Donation Group from doing any activities unless they received official permission

from the Home Affairs Ministry.

It can be safely said that the USDP led government has started taking steps to annihilate the existenceof the NLD by applying laws enacted during the SPDC's reign.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHNIC GROUPS AND THE NEW REGIME

There are indications that the ongoing fighting between the USDP led government and KIO, SSA,

KNU and DKBA might spread into urban areas.

Fierce fighting broke out when the government troops attacked KIA military camps stationed near

Tarpain Hydro Power project in Momauk, Kachin State. During this fighting, KIA captured 6

government soldiers while the government troops captured one KIA soldier. In a POW exchange,

KIA freed the unharmed 6 government soldiers but the government troops returned one dead KIA

soldier who had been brutally tortured. At 3:45 pm on June 10 th, about 500 government troops

PDC News Commentary ~ Ju ly 2011 Page 1 o f12

PDC NEWS COMMENTARYJuly 2011

Compiled and commented by the Political Defiance C ommittee (PDC)National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)


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attacked, with heavy artillery support, the Samguan and Boansam military posts stationed in the

controlled areas of the KIA Battalion # 15 under the command of Brigade # 3. This was in response

to KIA's resistance to the government's order to withdraw the KIA troops who were stationing around

Tarpain Hydropower project before 12:00 pm on June 10th.

After ferocious fighting during days and nights, KIA troops were forced to withdraw from Samguan

camp on June 12th. During the fighting, KIO Central Committee sent its official letter to NorthernMilitary Command, Commander Brig-Gen Zeya Aung, expressing its readiness to hold discussions

with the USDP led government. When there was no response from the government until June 12 th,

KIO withdrew its business establishments including Bukvar company and liaison offices in urban

areas, including the one in Myitkyina. KIA Spokesperson and Joint Secretary (2) U La Nan said that

Colonel Aung Toe, Tactical Commander of Mongmit Township was wounded during fighting on June

13th. Over 2000 local Kachin people were forced to flee into China to escape the fighting. 30 Chinese

workers who had been caught in Tarpain Hydro Power project compound since the fighting broke

out, managed to return to China in afternoon of June 14th.

Primary, secondary and high schools and all religious schools in KIA controlled areas were closeddown and all army reserve members were put on alert as the government deployed more troops, along

with 105 MM and 120 MM, in their 3 military camps near Laizar area where the KIA Headquarters is

located. In its maneuver to incapacitate the government's communication means, KIA Lt.Col Yaw

Hton said on June 16th that KIA mined the 10 important bridges, including Nam Phakhabridge, in

Mongmit Township, which resulted in the death of one battalion commander and 10 government

soldiers, and the capture of 6 government soldiers.

Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry's spokesperson Hong Lai remarked on fighting between the

government and KIA on June 16th that both sides should come to the table to address concerns in

order to prevent a worsening conflict. Consequently, U La Nan said that the USDP led governmenthad offered a cease fire proposition with the KIA via delegates of the Kachin Consultative Council on

June 17th. However, KIO insisted on international mediation such as United Nations. Brig Gen Zau

Seng of KIA rejected the government's claim in its own newspapers that "KIA started war and left

them no choice to fight back" and reaffirmed that KIA fought back in self-defense to counter

government troops intrusion into their areas.

On June 19th, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), which had distanced itself from the

National League for Democracy (NLD) when its cease fire agreement was in effect, held a lavish 66th

birthday ceremony for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Laiza. KIO leaders attended the event in a bid to

put political pressure on the USDP led government. The following day, KIO sent a letter to USDPSecretary U Thein Zaw to call for a withdrawal of the government's ongoing offensive in KIO

controlled areas and demanded the official document to cease the fighting.

On June 19th, KIA troops attacked a Military Affairs Security office based in Nam Sang Yam village

on the Myitkyina Bamaw road and mined 4 positions including road and bridges between LoaiJel

and Momauk. A series of bomb blasts occurred at Police Station # 1 and Immigration Office in

Myitkyina on the night of June 21st. On June 22nd night, Nam Koi bridge on the Myitkyina-Mandalay

railway was destroyed. On the same evening, KIA troops engaged in clashes with the USDP led

government troops near Malikha and Khayankha river, Puta-O, in the northern part of Kachin State.

U La Nan said that 1 government soldier was killed and 5 others who were patrolling on Sumparabon



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road were wounded in bomb attack. On the same day, another 3 government soldiers were killed in

fighting that broke out in Manse Township, Bamaw.

Lower House Speaker and member of National Defense and Security Council Thura Shwe Mann said

to the reporters on June 24th that in spite of outbreak of fighting, thanks to the mediation efforts of

Myitkyina USDP MP U Thein Zaw, the situation had been restored to normal in the Kachin State.

The KIO denied it. KIA Vice-Chief of Staff Maj-Gen Gun Maw said on June 21st that KIO wouldconsider talking with the government, but only if they offered a tangible solution for peace. KIO

Spokesperson U La Nan said on June 27th that tensions may be intensified due to the USDP led

government's failure to fulfill the demands and the KIA was still hoping to obtain Chinese

government mediation.

Kachin News Group (KNG) reported on June 25 th that a secret meeting between Chinese and

Burmese officials was held in Mangshi, Yunnan Province on June 23rd. where they had discussed

permitting a crossing of the border by Burmese troops and its allies to attack and capture Laiza of

KIA Headquarters. Maj-Gen Guan Maw said on June 27th that he would not believe that the Chinese

government would allow any military actions on its territory. KDA (Kaungkha), which is one of themilitia groups in Kachin State, rejected the report that the USDP led government would use militia

groups in Kachin State in their offensive against KIO Headquarters.

Reports on houses arrests of President Zahkung Ting Ying, leader of former NDA-K, which

transformed to juntas Border Guard Force (BGF), Vice President Brig-Gen Wahlaw Hong Khung,

and Col Lasang Aung Wah of KIO splinter group in their defiance to follow the regime's order to

attack KIO, was rejected by the authorities. The USDP led government avoided having direct

communication with KIO but assigned the Kachin State government to conduct talks with the KIO.

A prayer service for peace was held by the Bamaw Christian Council on June 26th with the help of the

State government. On June 28th, the Kachin State Prime Minister formed a peace mediation team with5 members to initiate the cease fire talks. Kachin Consultative Council Chairperson Sin WaNau, who

is also a member of the peace mediation team, confirmed this. Meetings of both sides were

commenced on June 29th, U La Nan said. It is less likely to achieve tangible results because of the

KIO's lack of trust in the USDP led government.

SSA alleged the use of chemical weapons by Light Infantry Division (LID) # 33 during fighting that

occurred south of Mogaung amid escalating fighting between SSPP/SSA and the USDP led

government troops. On June 12th the SSPP/SSA was forced to retreat from its Kawng Sao Merng

base, located in the Hsipaw Township, after an intense shelling campaign and an attack involving the

300 government troops under command of Military Operation Command # 1. On June 13 th, SSAtroops under the command of Brigade # 74 and government troops under the command of Mong Hsu

based MOC, exchanged fire on Loi Cho Mountain in Mong Hsu Township. Intense fighting broke out

near Kyeethee Township since June 21st after the government deployed more troops in their

maneuver to take over the SSA Wan Hai stronghold. Both sides had heavy losses.

A series of bomb blasts occurred in the Shan State, including in Pyinoolwin and Mandalay. At about 9

pm on June 8th, a bomb exploded in the "officer guest house" in Muse, northern Shan State. On June

23rd, 8 bombs exploded in Tanyang but no causalities were reported. At about 1am on June 27 th, an

unknown armed group attacked Namkhan Township, in northern Shan State, which resulted in the

death of 3 militia members and destroyed the Forestry Department office in Wang Kan village. On

June 24, a series of bomb blasts occurred in Naypyidaw, Mandalay and Pyinoolwin. The USDP led



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government owned newspaper reported on June 29th that Sai Sam, SaiAike and SaiKyawMyintOo

were responsible for these bomb attacks. On the night of June 29th, 2 undetonated bombs were found

after a bomb explosion in the Mansan hydro power plant, part of the Shweli Hydro Power Project in

northern Shan State. Fighting continued in the operating areas of SURA/SSA, which is in the eastern

part of the Shan State.

During this month, UWSA and the USDP led government deployed more troops in their respectiveareas even though there were no armed clashes between them. Southern Military Region # 171 of

UWSA on the Thailand-Burma border asked its soldiers on leave to report back to the base and has

given military training to the new recruits and members of its military groups. UWSA released a

statement on June 16th, expressing its concern over the suffering of the local community as a result of

fighting between KNU, SSA, KIO and the government troops. On June 27th, UWSA held the 6th Drug

Eradicating Ceremony at its Pang Sang headquarters. In order to prevent the regime's attack under the

pretext of "fighting against drugs", the ethnic cease fire groups, especially UWSA, KIO and NDA-K,

were attempting to inform the world about their campaigns against drugs in their respective regions.

Fighting continued between KNU, DKBA and the government troops in Karen State. Thegovernment has deployed 3 more battalions under the command of Brigade # 22 in the areas between

Kawkayike and Kyarinn-Sategyi in Karen State. Additionally, more troops under Brigade # 66 were

deployed in Mying Gyi Ngu HQs of DKBA as some Karen Border Guard Forces returned to DKBA

which resulted in more fighting in that area.

On June 5th, an unidentified masked armed group attacked the Military Affairs Security Office in the

Three Pagoda Pass in Kyarinn Sate Gyi Township, which resulted in the death of a MAS member and

a child, and four people wounded. On June 6th, DKBA, KNLA and ABSDF released a joint statement

launching a joint offensive called 'Ma Nel Soe' [winning in advance]. On June 7th, Karen combined

forces attacked LIB # 284 which is based in Mae Ka Thar village near the Three Pagoda Pass. TheKaren combined forces also exchanged fire with IL # 373. On June 11th, combined forces of KNLA

Battalion # 17 and DKBA Kolohtoobaw Tactical Force ambushed government troops belonging to

LIB # 201 under Brigade # 22 near Lamphar village, southern Kawkayike. Eight government soldiers

were killed and 7 others wounded in this attack. On the same day, Karen combined forces engaged

fighting with LIB # 563 under the command of MOC # 19 near Maekathar village. In the afternoon

on June 14th, unidentified armed men set fire to a local businessman, U Tin Win's house in the Three

Pagoda Pass. He is known to have close business ties with the USDP led government.

On June 9th, The New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that the KNU was responsible for the

bomb explosion on a train near Naypyidaw which happened on May 17th. KNU responded that it wasthe government's attempt to point fingers at the KNU during an important Thai high military official

visit to Burma. More than 3 people were wounded in the bomb blast in the public toilet of the

Naypyidaw Myoma Market at about 9 pm on June 10th. On June 13th, Aung Ko Latt, who was living

in Yeni Military Training Center # 5, was arrested under suspicion of this bomb blast by the

Naypyidaw Special Information Unit. On June 18th, KNU rejected the government's accusation,

reported in the state owned newspaper, that the KNU had given Aung Ko Latt, 35 years old, 3 million

Kyat for this attack. An unknown armed group attacked the Thaukyaekhat Chaung Hydro Power

project in Taungoo at 12 pm on the same day, with motors. On the afternoon of June 29th, a bomb

exploded near Khapaung Hall and Stadium on the Matetabala road, Taungoo, where riot police and

army troops were deployed for security.



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On June 20th, the combined KNU and DKBA force attacked the Yetakhunlay camp of IB # 230 in

Kawkayike Township which resulted in one killed and one wounded on the government side. The

Karen combined force attacked LIB # 275 under the command of MOC # 12 which is based on the

Kawkayik-Myawaddy road. On June 22nd,The Mirror newspaper reported that a company

commander and 25 members of Battalion # 709 belonging to Brigadier General Htay Maung's KNU/

KNLA Peace Council came to surrender and a ceremony was held in Yehthanlwin Hall of

Kyikemayaw Township on June 13th.

The USDP led government assigned Regional Commander Col. Saw Chit Thu to re-organize the

scattered 4 BGF battalions which were transformed from the DKBA and sent him along with forces

under Brigade # 66 to launch an offensive on Myaing Gyi Ngoo on June 16 th. On June 29th, troops

under the command of Maj Saw Pi, who returned to DKBA from BGF, attacked the government

military camp based in Kamamaung village, Papun Township and destroyed a bridge. The following

day, the same Karen troops destroyed two bridges between Kamamaung village and Shwe Gwan

village and a bridge near Minzee village.

While there was no offensive against the New Mon State Party, the Southern East Military Commandissued an ultimatum on June 26th that all armed groups in Mon State hand over their weapons before

June 30th. NMSP said on June 29th that since they had no formal cease fire agreement with the current

administration, they had no reason to lay down their arms. In the early morning of the same day, a

bomb exploded near the MAS office and the residence of the Township Administrator of

Thanphyuzayut, Mon State. And at about 9 am, an unidentified armed group set fire to two passenger

buses on the Ye-Thanpyuzayut highway and took away 6 people; drivers and other associates.

About 500 government soldiers and other heavy weaponries were put on standby in Shwenattaung

stadium near the Southern East Military Command in Mawlamyaing in response to increasing

outbreaks of fighting in the Karen and Mon States. Between June 25 th and August 30th, about 100warrant officers and deputies were given special military training on urban warfare in the Pyichar

military training center in Palaw, Tanintharyi Division. The USDP led government has reportedly

bought 100 SINO military trucks from China, and missiles and heavy weaponries from North Korea

amid ongoing fighting in the ethnic areas. Given the different responses of the government towards

the cease fire groups, there are signs that show disagreements in the USDP led government.

THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AND DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES

While Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders have regularly received visits from foreign

national leaders and diplomats, political activities of the NLD have also escalated.

On the evening of June 2nd, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with US Senator John McCain. Vice

Chairperson U Tin Oo and other CEC members met separately with Senator John McCain. The

senator also gave a two hour visit to an HIV/AIDS Center which is run by the NLD in South Dagon.

On June 7th, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other CEC members received a visit of Mr Markus Loning,

Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, where Daw

Aung San Suu Kyi stressed the need for judicial independence in working to improve human rights

conditions in Burma.

On June 17th

, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with Mr. Douglas Gibson, South African Ambassador toBurma, in her residence. On June 20th, India's Foreign Secretary Ms. Nirupama Rao and delegates



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paid a visit to Daw Aung Suu Kyi's residence. On June 21st, Daw Aung San Kyi met with an EU high

ranking delegation led by Special Advisor to Foreign Affairs and Security, Mr. Robert Cooper. The

other CEC members and CRPP members also met separately with the EU delegation and discussed

the current political developments and fighting in the ethnic areas. On June 29th, Daw Aung San Suu

Kyi met with Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Kikuta and delegates and

discussed the Japan-Burma relationship.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi continued to give videotaped speeches to international events and received

interviews with international media agencies.

In her video speech to the 100th International Labor Organization's Conference, Daw Aung San Suu

Kyi stressed the need to establish independent labor unions in Burma to ensure that Burmese workers

enjoy rights in accordance with the international standards. On June 22nd, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

appealed to US legislators to support a call for the establishment of a UN Inquiry Commission on

Burma. On June 26th, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sent a videotaped message to the International

Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), calling for an end to the use of landmines by all armed parties.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi compared democracy movements in Arab countries to the 8/8/88 democracyuprising in Burma in her speech on BBC's Reith Lectures program. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also sent

a videotaped speech to the Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies held on June

30th.

Over 40 people, mainly members of NLD and other activists, attended prayer services for the release

of political prisoners held by the NLD in Kyikewyne Pagoda in Mayangone Township on June 5th.

On June 6th, NLD's legal assistance team demanded legal proceedings for NLD-youth member Ko

Soe Myat Thu, who was stabbed in a quarrel involving 3 other men, including an army captain. The

incident occurred in Asia Light restaurant in Mingala Taung Nyunt on the night of June 4 th. On June

3rd, 4th and 5th, the Social Assistance Team led by NLD CEC member, U Ohn Kyaing visited cycloneaffected areas in Bogalay and Pyarpon townships in the Irrawaddy Division. His team assisted the

120 families of the fishermen who have gone missing at sea. For families with school-age children,

they donated 15,000 Kyat per family, and for all the rest, they donated 10,000 Kyat per family.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited to the family members of the imprisoned Shan leaders on June 13th.

On June 14th, she visited to the Thidagu World Buddhist University in North Dagon, Rangoon and

paid homage to Thidagu Aayadaw U Nyanissara. A music contest from June 10th to June 19th and a 3

day-souvenir-sale fair from June 16th to June 19th were held in honor of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's 66th

birthday and Womens Day in Burma. About 500,000 Kyat, earned from the souvenir sale, was

donated to the NLDs Social Assistance team some of these proceeds came from the sale of DawAung Suu Kyi's personal belongings which she received as presents since her release from house

arrest.

On June 19h, the 66th birthday ceremony for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was held in NLD Headquarters

in Rangoon. NLD leaders and members from different divisions and states, CRPP leaders and ethnic

leaders, veteran politicians, Rangoon based foreign diplomats, including American and British

ambassadors and others attended her birthday ceremony. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that her

birthday wish was to see national reconciliation in Burma and to see peace prevail

In honor of her birthday, NLD offices in other townships held birthday events and merit-making

events. In commemoration of Daw Aung Suu Kyi's birthday and one year anniversary in advance, the



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Political Prisoners Assistance Network in Mandalay planted 60 plants near the Sapalayone Moneastry

in Chanmyatharsi Township on June 15th. A birthday ceremony for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was also

held by NLD- Youth in Taung Goke. They also sent a letter to the President, calling for 4 demands

including the unconditional release of all political prisoners.

NLD released a statement on June 20th calling on all parties involved in armed conflicts in Kachin,

Shan and Karen States to find ways to restore peace. In meeting with youth representatives fromdifferent divisions and states held in NLD GHQ office from June 28 th to June 29th, Daw Aung San

Suu Kyi said that Burmese society needed to change the tradition of using violent means to obtain

political power and to change the government. On June 27th, Dr May Win Myint announced plans to

extend the free interest micro loan program to other townships as the pilot project had been working

well with 50 beneficiaries from Yar-Pyae market in the Tarmwe Township.

NLD Vice Chairperson U Tin Oo said that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's tour would begin only after

discussion with the government authorities due to the recent bomb blasts. Ko Yarzar, one of the

leaders of NLD- Youth, also appealed the public to be vigilant for the security of Daw Aung San Suu

Kyi.

Activities of social groups also occurred during June. On June 17th, Thidagu Sayadaw U Nyanissara

invited high ranking government officials to the opening ceremony of Thidagu World Buddhist

University in Rangoon and preached to them the importance of unity and peace in the country. 51

farmers and female villagers of Shwe Bonthar village in Myingyan, Mandalay, resisted the authority's

order to relocate from their ancestral lands and stood in front of the bulldozers. The government has

planned to seize 6000 acres of farming land from 51 villages in order to establish an industry zone.

Green activists launched a campaign for growing trees in Rangoon and Mandalay on World

Environment Day, June 5th. On June 5th, youth members of the non-violence movement donated

school books to students from the Shwepyithar free education school.

On June 6th, 55 Cap-1 factory workers decided not to attend work when the factory owner failed to

resolve issues including the disregard of factory regulations and arbitrary cuts in employees' wages

by two female persons in charge. Cap-1 Company is located near Kamarnat village in Hinthar Gone,

Pegu Township. Due to the mediation of Township Administrator and Labor Department, some of the

demands were agreed on June 10th. Although the wives of 45 fishermen, who went missing at sea in

March following strong winds, have requested compensation from the employers and the authorities,

nothing has happened so far, Lawyer Ko Poe Phyu said on June 7th. 101 factor workers of Tailor

Garment in HlaingTharyar Industry Zone # 4, Rangoon Division, decided to protest by resigning

from the work on June 6th when approximately 15,000 Kyat was cut from their salary.

On June 7th, young political activists in Taung Goke donated 17 shortwave radios to the poor in

Myoma market. 53 local Muslims of Maung Taw, Arakan State, submitted their 5 requests to Arakan

State Prime Minister, U Hla Maung Tin during his visit. 65 villagers of Ohn Taw village track,

KyaukPyu Township, submitted their complaint letter to the State Prime Minister to protest the Shwe

Gas project's dumping sewage into streams close to their villages.

On June 9th, local farmers in Hukawng valley, Kachin State submitted a letter to the State Prime

Minister and other 9 ministries to return their land which has been confiscated by the Yuzana

Company. On June 12th, 63 landless farmers in Pegu Town sent an appeal letter to Home Minister,

Lt.GenKoKo, to settle the land distribution problems. 71 farmers from Pale, Shwe Nanthar village



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track, Shwe Nanthar and Paung Koo village in Mingaladone Township tried to secure permission to

grow paddy in their 800 acres which was confiscated with little compensation (600000 kyat per acre)

by the Zaykabar Company belonging to USDP MP U Khin Shwe. Due to the pressure from the ILO

and other groups inside and outside Burma, the sentence of 5 farmers from Sisayan village, Kamma

Township, Magwe Division was reduced from 8 years to 3 months imprisonment and they were freed

on June 30th.

On June 12th, families of political prisoners and former political prisoners who were recently released

met at political prisoner Ko Pandate Tun's house and discussed ways for their releases within the

given legal framework. On June 15, the International Burmese Monks Organization Spokesperson,

Ashin Dhmma Thiri, said that the all walks of people in Burma should participate in the prayer

services for the release of political prisoners and other gatherings organized by 9 political activist

groups inside Burma. Young political activists have been distributing the political prisoners releases

campaign letters in public, holding prayer services and mailing campaign letters by post in Rangoon,

Mandalay, Irrawaddy, Mikehtila, Pegu and Arakan State since June 16th.

On June 25th, veteran lawyer U Than Tin who has been widely respected in the law business from theparliamentary era to the present, donated 1 million Kyat to the NLD to rebuild the Rangoon Students'

Union building on his 90th birthday. On June 26th, students and youth in Rangoon, Mandalay and

some towns in upper Burma, distributed leaflets in honor of the 35th anniversary of Chin student

leader, Salai Tin Maung Oo, who was hanged to death by Burmese Socialist Programme Party

(BSPP).

On June 27th, a fight broke out between ethnic Chinese gem traders and local Burmese gem traders at

a gem market in Mahaaungmyay Township in Mandalay in which hundreds of local residents

protested by singing the Burmese national anthem against the unfair treatment of the riot police over

the Burmese gem traders. There have been many complaints against the USDP's appointments of itsmembers and associates to the positions of wards and villages heads. On June 28th, about 100

residents in Thingangwun Township, Rangoon, sent a petition to the authorities against USDP's

appointments of its members and associates to the 30 positions of ward administrators in their

township. U Han Shwe, a spokesperson of National Unity Party (NUP), said on June 24th that similar

public antagonism in areas within Rangoon, Pegu and Magwe have been spread out. A plan for the

public demonstration by U Mint Aung (National Democratic Front party), Independent Candidate U

Win Cho (Dala), Nay Myo Wai (Peace and Diversity Party) and U Soe Kyi (Democratic Party) to

demand the release of political prisoners in Burma were cancelled due to government disapproval.

THE M ILITARY JUNTA AND DOMESTIC SITUATION

THE SITUATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MILI TARY JUNTA

The USDP led government has attempted to extend its relationship not only with its neighboring

countries, but also with Russia, USA, some European countries as well as international organizations

such as ILO and ICRC. In the meantime, it wants to pose itself as a clean government as much as

possible in the public eye. The USDP led government is trying to build its civil and military apparatus

to be strong and stable while it continues to procure weapons from North Korea, China, and India to

intensify the on-going civil war. During President Thein Sein's visit to China, a joint statement was

issued to promote a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between China and Burma. On

June 13th, Golden Triangle Region Commander Brig Gen Than Tun and Brig Gen Bwalian

Kyanparphan, Vice Commander in Chief of Lao People's Democratic Republic, discussed bilateral



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cooperation in law enforcement to suppress the increasing level of robberies and kidnapping crimes

along the Mekong River in the Golden Triangle Region.

On June 1st, Lower House speaker Thura Shwe Mann, Upper House speaker U Khin Maung Myint,

and Foreign Affairs Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin met with US Senator John McCain and

discussed a bilateral relationship. Nathan Kent (28 years old), who was one of the America's most

wanted men, was arrested in Rangoon by the Burmese government in January and held in InseinPrison later. He then was extradited to United States of America at the end of May. Home Minister

Lt.GenKoKo pledged to eradicate drugs in Burma on the International Day against DrugAbuse and

Illicit Trafficking on June 26th as a good gesture to western countries including the US government.

This move can also be suggested to weed out the defiant armed ethnic groups under the pretext of

drug suppression.

On June 2nd, Union Solidarity and Development Party General-Secretary Htay Oo received Chinese

Politburo member, Li Yuanchao, of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and his

colleagues at party headquarters in Naypyidaw and an MoU was signed between the two parties. Vice

President Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, and Foreign Affairs Minister U Wunna Maung Lwinreceived Mr. Roobert Cooper and his high ranking European delegation during their 5 day goodwill

visit to Burma.

On June 22nd, Burma's Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin received Indian Foreign Minister,

S.M. Krishna, and Deputy Foreign Minister, Ms. Nirupama Rao, during their 3 days visit and

discussed border security and bilateral cooperation. A parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of

Pyithu Hluttaw Thura Shwe Mann left on 25 June on a goodwill visit for the Russian Federation at

the invitation of Speaker of the State Duma Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, BV

Gryzlov, to learn the Russian parliamentary system. At the invitation of the USDP led government,

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Kevin Rudd, visited Burma on June 30th.

Attorney General Dr. Tun Shin attended the meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council in

Geneva and called for a lift of the economic sanctions imposed on Burma as its' human rights

conditions were improved. Burmese Foreign Affairs Minister, U Wunna Maung Lwin, said in the

meeting of ASEM held on June 6th that even though EU had imposed sanctions on Burma, the

Burmese government was committed to upholding its good faith in relationships with EU countries.

The Swedish government, which is an EU member country, has confirmed that several members of

the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) traveled to

Sweden in May as part of a Swedish initiative to promote sustainable development and corporate

social responsibility.

On June 2nd, the USDP led government held a meeting with UN agencies and NGOs in Naypyidaw

and decided to launch a five-year plan to provide ARV treatment to HIV/AIDS patients. The USDP

led government invited the Commissioner of Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the

Pacific (ESCAP) and held a meeting on development in Naypyidaw on June 28 th. Cooperation with

ILO on forced labor and ICR on Prison Visits issues were reportedly agreed upon in this meeting.

Although the USDP led government has completed 90 days at the end of June, there have been no

noticeable improvements in its performance. Reports indicate that there have been confusions

between the government positions and power distribution. CNP and CPP leaders said on June 1st that

although they won two ministry posts in the Chin State government, they were not able to perform



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their duty until June and non-affiliated departments were forced to attach under their ministries. Chin

National Party (CNP) and Chin Progressive Party (CPP) won two seats in the 2010 election.

According to State MP in Kayah, Kayah State Ministers who do not their own houses in Loikaw,

have to stay at the rental houses as their housing arranged by the government remains under

construction.

90 days after taking office, the USDP-led government removed all ministerial titles under the regionaland state government which had been created in accordance with the need of the states and regions,

and replaced them with 9 new ministries in its meeting held on June 29 th and 30th. It indicated the

control power of the central government led by President Thein Sein over the State and Region

governments. The Office of President issued Order No. 3/2011, which abolished the 29 working

affairs bodies.

In a bid to show itself as a clean government, the USDP led government issued directives that take

actions against corruption, gambling, trafficking, illegal border crossing, and drug trafficking, taking

effect on July 1st. Dr Nay Zin Latt, a member of political advisory team to the President, said on June

7th that the government is taking reform sector by sector, having awareness of the mass movements inthe Middle East and African countries. Lower House Speaker, Thura Shwe Mann, stated in the

meeting with MPs from the Rangoon Region Assembly, UMFCCI representatives and members of

press on June 24th that if the country gets into turmoil because of poor economic conditions and

poverty, the country itself will suffer more. USDP General Secretary U Htay Oo said on June 2nd that

his party was preparing to take part in the upcoming interim elections.

In June, the new Commander in Chief, Gen Min Aung Hlaing, reshuffled staff officers and tactical

commanders in some military regions including North Eastern Region. Col. Myo Chit, a staff officer

in the North Eastern Region Command, Tangyan Tactical Commander Col Khing Zaw, and Mongyai

Tactical Commander Col Kyi Myint, all fell victim to the June 3rd reshuffle. Some divisioncommanders of the newly appointed division commanders in 2010 have reportedly been under

investigation. Golden Region Command commander Brig Gen Than Tun Oo has reportedly been

questioned by the Special Investigation Team (Army) for his alleged involvement in importing illegal

vehicles. The four-monthly meeting of the Burmese Army held from June 22nd to 24th in Naypyidaw

reportedly decided to transfer 6 army division commanders.

Under the administration of the USDP led government, there have been indications that the volume of

arms procurement has increased from North Korea, China, India and Russia in order to deal with the

renewed civil war. On June 12th, The New York Times reported that the US Navy destroyer,

McCampbell, managed to make the suspected the North Korean cargo vessel return to its original seaport. The M/V Light was carrying missile technology to Burma.

Speculation also surfaced about tension between soft-liners group led by President Thein Sein and

hard-liners group led by vice President Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE PEOPLE

Due to the recent fighting in the Kachin and Karen states, thousands of refugees have been forced to

flee into neighboring countries and number of IDPs in remote areas has also been increased. The KIO

office said that numbers of people fleeing from fighting into the China border reached over 1300 onJune 23rd. KWAT (Thailand) reported that 18 Kachin women were raided by the Burmese army.

PDC News Commentary ~ Ju ly 2011 Page 10 of12


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According to the UNHCR 2010 annual report released on June 20th, Burma is the worlds fifth largest

refugee producer with 415,700 people fleeing from the conflict at home.

Prisoners, as well as local people, have been forced to work as porters for the army. Numbers of

robberies and extortion by unidentified armed groups on the Myawaddy-Kawkayike road and Ye-

Mawlamying road have reportedly increased. Owing to more bomb blasts across the country recently,

people are living in fear and have faced tighter security restrictions and been forced to stand sentry.Because of unstable conditions of border trade with China and Thailand, and Burmese currency

appreciation, border trades has been declined and the commodity prices have risen. This year, a

gallon of gasoline went up to 4500 Kyat-5500 Kyat compared to last years black market cost of 2000

Kyat-3000 Kyat per gallon of gasoline. Burma's Kyat currency appreciation against US dollar

(slighlty less than 800 kyat/US Dollar) has created difficulties for export businesses and garment

factories, along with farmers and workers. A Mae Sod based money transfer agent said on June 23rd

that volume of remittance flow from Mae Sod to Burma had dropped to 2 billion kyat during a month

because of Burma's Kyat currency appreciation against the Thai Baht.

Although the Burmese National Planning and Economic Development Minister, Tin Naing Thein,was quoted in the New Light of Myanmar on June 7th, saying that poverty in Burma fell by 6 per cent

in five years, according to the ""Failed State Index 2011", Burma ranked 8th on failed state index for

its failure to meet the needs of the people, lack of the government's responsibilities. Burma was also

regarded as the most unstable member state of the ASEAN in the report. The Freedom House report

ranked Burma as 17th on the worst human rights condition and repression in the world for 2011.

UNODC reported in its 2011 report that Burma is the second largest opium producer in the world and

had seen a 20 % increase in opium growing.

INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

While meaningful progress and human rights conditions remain elusive in Burma, more international

involvement is required in dealing with the Burmese government as challenges lie in the relationship

between the US and Burma, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs,

U.S. Department of State Joseph Yun said in the Testimony before the House Committee on Foreign

Affairs on June 2nd. US Senator John McCain warned on June 3 rd that unless Burma is truly

committed to democratic changes, it will face an Arab-Style uprising.

On June 24th, the US Department of State released a statement in which the US government called for

an end to all military offensives in ethnic areas, including the Kachin State, and expressed its concern

over armed conflict. According to statement, The United States of America is truthfully committed to

the establishment of an International Inquiry Commission on Burma in order to investigate whether

or not the Burmese government commits crimes against humanity.

US Department of State Spokesperson, Mark Toner, said on June 28th that US government has called

on the Burmese regime to allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi freedom of movement, freedom of

expression and full participation in political activities. This call followed the Burmese government's

warning to Burmese opposition groups to end political movements.

US nominee Mr. Derek Mitchell on Special Envoy on Burma said on June 29th that the US

government has tried to seek cooperation from some countries with important role but little interest in

Burma's democratic struggle. Former Charge d'Affairs of American Embassy in Rangoon said on



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June 7th that she was worried for security of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on her planned tour. On June

27th, the US Campaign For Burma submitted a petition to U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Timothy

Geithner, to take action against a further 42 individuals who are providing economic and political

support for the ruling regime in Burma, as authorized by the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act

of 2008.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on June 2nd that as the present leadership of Burma has notreally proved that they are serious about embarking on the road of democracy, she is worried about

Burma's interest in taking over the presidency of the ASEAN. The EU High Level delegation held a

press conference in Rangoon after completing their 5 day visit to Burma on June 22nd, stating that the

Burmese government's commitment to bring reforms is vital to the relationship between the EU and

Burma, even though Burmese government has shown its interest to improve ties with EU.

UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki Moon said in the statement released on June 8 th that the UN is

committed to helping the road to peace and democracy in Burma, but Burmese government are

required to show the tangible changes in the country. The New York Office of United Nations

announced on June 14 that the UN will appoint a fulltime special envoy to Burma in due time toassist the Burmese government to work towards democratic reforms. The 100th meeting of the ILO

held in Geneva, Switzerland urged the Burmese government to legislate freedom of association in

Burma and decided to extend for further 12 months, its work in Burma, on June 16th.

Although the US government has tried to seek pressure from the Chinese government on the Burmese

government, the Chinese government will not be interested in putting pressure on Burma unless there

is fierce fighting between China border based armed ethnic groups, including UWSA, and the

Burmese government.

// End of Report // Thursday, July 14, 2011// End of Translation // Wednesday, July 27, 2011


pdc monthly news commentary - july 2011 (eng)

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