Burma Update: January 9, 2008

Highlight

Now is Time to Act in Burma: Countries Must Press Junta to End Rights Violations, Hold Real Dialogue ... R. Nicholas Burns, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs

"Three months have passed since the world called on Burma's dictators, Gens. Than Shwe and Maung Aye, to end their brutal crackdown on tens of thousands of peaceful monks and other demonstrators and begin a genuine dialogue with Burma's democratic and ethnic minority leaders -- with the goal of a transition to democracy. The time has come for them to act.

With the strong backing of the U.N. Security Council, U.N. special adviser Ibrahim Gambari has made two trips to Burma since the crackdown to try to facilitate a dialogue. Through him, democratic leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has reaffirmed her willingness to participate in a "meaningful and time-bound" dialogue to be joined by representatives of the country's ethnic minority groups.

This is a rare opportunity to help put Burma on the path to democratic civilian rule and to greater stability and prosperity. But while the regime initially made a few unremarkable gestures, such as appointing an official to interact with Aung San Suu Kyi and allowing her to meet once with a few democratic colleagues, it has since halted even this hint of progress and, in fact, has moved backward..." Read More »


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Dagon Man Charged After Fight with Official’s Family
Democratic Voice of Burma: Karen People Celebrate New Year
Democratic Voice of Burma: Rights Activists' Appeal Denied by Court
Independent Mon News Agency: Burmese Authorities Silent on Renewing Satellite License Fees
Independent Mon News Agency: Burmese Farmers Get Low Paddy Yield in Mon Sate
Kachin News Group: KIO/A Servicemen Dance on State Day Eve
Kachin News Group: NNDO Calls for Boycott of Naga New Year Festival
Irrawaddy News Magazine: US Presidential Hopefuls—Who’s Best for Burma?
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Exodus of Medical Students from Burma
Irrawaddy News Magazine: University Privileges Granted to Than Shwe’s Grandson
Mizzima News: Veteran Ethnic Politician's Book Circulates in Rangoon
Mizzima News: Miners Jobless After Gold Mines Shutdown in Kachin State
Mizzima News: Authorities Continue Detaining Monks, Activists
Mizzima News: Millions in Burma Need More Food and Humanitarian Aid: WFP


News from Global Media

VOA: Burma's Control of Transportation System Causes Millions to Go Hungry
The Earth Times: World Food Programme Ups Aid to Myanmar
Monsters and Critics: Myanmar Nationals Detained Over Forged Documents in Malaysia
Bloomberg: Myanmar Moved Away From Democracy After Protests, Burns Says


Multimedia

Irrawaddy News Magazine: A Visit with the Moustache Brothers


Opinion/Other

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burma Faces More of the Same in 2008 [Commentary] - Aung Zaw
The Honolulu Advertiser: World Must Persevere in Pressuring Burma [Commentary] - R. Nicholas Burns


Report/Briefer

Shan Herald Agency for News: 2007 Roundup