Burma Update: January 18, 2008

Highlight

UN Security Council: Security Council Press Statement on Myanmar

"The following Security Council press statement was read out today by Council President Giadalla Ettalhi ( Libya):

Council members discussed the situation in Myanmar on 17 January with the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari. They reiterated their full support for his efforts.

Council members affirmed their support for the objectives set out in the Council’s presidential statement of 11 October 2007. They regretted the slow rate of progress so far towards meeting those objectives.

Council members underscored the importance of further progress, noting that an early visit to Myanmar by Mr. Gambari could help facilitate this. They looked forward to continuing contacts with the special envoy and will remain seized of the issue."


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: NLD Member Threatened During Interrogation
Democratic Voice of Burma: SSA in Low-Level Clash with State Troops
Democratic Voice of Burma: Security Council Urges More Progress in Burma
Mizzima News: Junta's Obduracy Makes ICRC Helpless
Narinjara News: Police Deploy to Key Places in Taungup
Narinjara News: Dhaka and Naypyidaw Meeting to Clarify Maritime Boundary for Gas Exploration
Independent Mon News Agency: Monland Restoration Party Plans to Step Up Movement in 2008
Shan Herald Agency for News: Customs Official Abuses His Power in Burma Border Town
Shan Herald Agency for News: Police Force Villagers to Grow Sunflower Plants
Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta Forces People to Buy Motorbikes
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Mandalay Journals Act as Junta Mouthpieces
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Western Embassy Staff Complain of Visa Problems in Burma
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Security Forces on Alert in Rangoon after Bombings
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Japan Urges Burma to Speed up Democratic Reforms


News from Global Media

Channel News Asia: UN Security Council Criticises Myanmar for Slow Pace of Democratic Reforms
The Straits Times: Parliament Set for Airing on Inflation, Myanmar Issues
ABS-CBN NEWS: Myanmar Opposition Asks Junta for Aung San Suu Kyi Meeting
Irish Sun: Dhaka-Yangon to Discuss Maritime Boundary, Gas Search
The Times of India: Gambari Says India's Stand Clear on Myanmar
Xinhua Online: Myanmar to Liberalize Fuel Import
UN News Centre: UN Envoy’s Return to Myanmar Could Spur Further Progress, Says Security Council


Opinion/Other

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Time for Kyaw Hsan to Switch Off - Ye Ni
Inter Press Service News Agency: INDIA/CHINA: Eyeing Burma - John Feffer


Fun

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Give us Bananas! We are Monkeys!