Burma Update: Feburary 18, 2008

News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Authorities Ban Dhamma Talk in Magwe
Democratic Voice of Burma: Rice Export Restrictions Drive Up Prices
Mizzima News: NLD Rejects Burmese Junta's Referendum and Election Plan
Mizzima News: Two Journalists Arrested in Rangoon
Narinjara News: Sittwe Students Protest Bus Fair Increase
Narinjara News: Bangladesh Authorities Return 19 Burmese
Kachin News Group: Russians Arrive in Phakant much before Mining Agreement
Khonumthung News: Mizos Concerned over Influx of Burmese Refugees
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Japan to Accept Burmese Refugees
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Hundreds Attend Mahn Shah Funeral
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Gambari Starts Asian Tour
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Russian Company Signs Gold Exploration Deal with Burma



News from Global Media

Bangkok Post: Myanmar Pro-Democracy Party Warns that Referendum Plan could be Destabilizing
Xinhua Online: Russian, Myanmar Officials to Meet on Military Co-Op
The Straits Times: Japanese Team Heads to Myanmar on Journalist's Killing: Official
Xinhua Online: Vice FM: China Backs UN Mediation Efforts on Myanmar Issue
International Herald Tribune: UN Envoy Says Myanmar now in 'Critical Phase'
Borneo Bulletin: Myanmar Allows Octogenarian Prisoner a Heart Check-Up
The Strait Times: 3 M'sians Lose Appeal against Death Sentence for Brutal Attack on Myanmese
The Australian: Rambo DVD Hot Commodity in Burma
Xinhua Online: Myanmar, Russia Celebrate 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Establishment



Opinion/Other

Mizzima News: Elections? The Numbers Don't Add Up [Analysis]
The Nation: Burmese Junta Hedges Its Bets for the Future [Regional Perspective] - Kavi Chongkittavorn