Burma Update: February 21, 2008

News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Military Forces Out Villagers in Mon State
Democratic Voice of Burma: Saw Wai Denies Responsibility for Anti-Junta Poem
Mizzima News: Reform of Government in Exile Agreed in Principle
Narinjara News: 13 New Bangladesh Rifles Camps Set Up on Border
Narinjara News: Demonstration Against Senior Burmese Monks in Bangladesh
Independent Mon News Agency: Burmese Army Forces Home Relocation for New Road
shan Herald Agency for News: Ethnic Armed Groups Condemn Dam Projects on the Salween
shan Herald Agency for News: Burmese Soldiers Harassing Villagers
shan Herald Agency for News: Junta Makes Free Use of Villagers' Tractors
Kaladan Press Network: BDR Seizes Goods Worth Tk. 2.5 Million in Two Months from Border
Kachin News Group: KIO Wants Free and Fair Referendum and Election
Kachin News Group: Burmese Authorities Collect Money to Build Pylon in Myitkyina
Khonumthung News: Chins in Exile Reject Burmese Regime's Announcements
Irrawaddy News Magazine: USDA Starts Recruitment Drive Ahead of Referendum
Irrawaddy News Magazine: UN Envoy to Burma to Discuss Planned Elections
Irrawaddy News Magazine: ASEAN ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ about Ratifying Charter


News from Global Media

Bangkok Post: UN Envoy to Return to Burma in Early March
Viet Nam News Agency: Viet Nam Backs Myanmar’s Reconciliation Process
The Bookseller: Petition against Lonely Planet Burma Guide
Channel News Asia: UN Envoy to Myanmar to Gold Talks in Indonesia
BBC: Credibility of Burma's Constitutional Plans Doubted
People's Daily: Indian Company to Explore Gas in Myanmar Inland Block


Opinion/Other

Mizzima News: Suu Kyi's Disputed Candidacy Status [Commentary] - Derek Tonkin
shan Herald Agency for News: Is There a Way Out for the Opposition? - Sai Wansai


Fun

Irrawaddy News Magazine: New Animals in the New Capital - Kay Latt

"...U Thet Shay replies: “We are going to Naypyidaw to find out about the new cemetery.”

U Toke Kyee is caught off guard. He looks up from his journal and looks at the old man from over his spectacles: “What new cemetery? I only heard about the new zoo.”

U Thet Shay turns and replies confidentially to U Toke Kyee from the barber chair: “We heard they were digging up important people’s graves and moving them to the new capital. In a few years it will be the most prestigious cemetery in Burma. We’re going up to reserve our plots.” ...