Burma Update: February 25, 2008

Photo: Fire at Yadanarpon Market in Mandalay, February 25
Source: Shan Herald Agency for News


Highlight

The 88 Generation Students: Calling Citizens around the World to Pressure the Government of China to Withdraw Its Unilateral Support for the Burmese Military Junta and to Boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics

"Today, the 88 Generation Students, a coalition of leading former student activists who spearheaded the country's 1988 national uprising that nearly toppled decades of military rule, call for citizens around the world to pressure the Government of China to withdraw its unilateral support of the Burmese military junta and to boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics in response to China's bankrolling of the military junta that rules our country of Burma with guns and threats..."

International Campaign to Ban Landmines: Landmine Monitor Report 2007: Toward a Mine-Free World (Burma/Myanmar)

"Both the military junta and non-state armed groups continued to use antipersonnel mines extensively. Prolonged military operations in eastern states bordering Thailand increased mine contamination; Burmese migrants gave first reports of mine contamination in Mandalay division. Mine/ERW casualties increased in 2006. ICRC closed five field offices and was unable to serve conflict casualties in border areas. A survey identified 464 mine/ERW casualties in Karen state."

Burma Partnership: Burma in 3rd Week of February


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Myanmar Times to Go Daily
Democratic Voice of Burma: NLD Member Shackled for Two Weeks
Democratic Voice of Burma: Residents Tricked into Attending Referendum Meeting
Mizzima News: Say 'No' to Beijing's Olympics
Mizzima News: Nearly 3,000 Left Homeless after Rangoon Blaze
Independent Mon News Agency: Referendum in a Country with No Freedom of Speech and Activity
Shan Herald Agency for News: Teachers Demand Money for Students to Enter Exam
Shan Herald Agency for News: Villagers Persuaded to Become Soldiers
Shan Herald Agency for News: Local Authority Allows Planting of Taxed Cucumber
Shan Herald Agency for News: 2 Die from Fire at Market in Mandalay
Kaladan Press Network: River Erosion Eats into Bangladesh Territory
Kachin News Group: Brig-Gen Thein Zaw Promises More GSM Phones to Kachin Churches
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Top ILO Official in Burma
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Cement Factory Accused of Destroying Antiquities
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burma Tops List for Landmines


News from Global Media

Xinhua Online: UN envoy to Myanmar Meets Singapore Leaders
The Straits Times: Three Chinese Marine Police Hurt in Myanmar Shootout: Officials
The Earth Times: UN Envoy Urges Credible Referendum and Elections in Myanmar
Xinhua Online: Myanmar Plans Opening of Second Border Trade Zone by Next Month


Opinion/Other

Asia Times: Intrigue and Illness in Myanmar's Junta - Larry Jagan
The Rutland Herald: Mules and Men along the Burma Road - Frederick M. Reed
The Wall Street Journal: Rambo in Rangoon [Review & Outlook]