Burma Update: March 12, 2008

Highlight

National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma: Bullets in the Alms Bowl - An Analysis of the Brutal SPDC Suppression of the September 2007 Saffron Revolution [Report]

"This report is based upon the detailed testimonies of over 50 eyewitnesses to the demonstrations and the SPDC’s brutal response."



News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Train Crash in Ywar Thar Gyi Township
Democratic Voice of Burma: USDA Exploits Water Project to Recruit Members
Democratic Voice of Burma: UN Envoy’s Visit Falls Short of Expectations
Mizzima News: Over 2,100 Displaced in Fresh Offensive
Mizzima News: Cyber Dissidents Draw International Recognition for Risking Lives
Mizzima News: Junta Slammed; Beijing Offered Slight Reprieve
Mizzima News: Than Shwe Rumored to be Hospitalized
Independent Mon News Agency: Four Burmese Soldiers Defect to KNU
Shan Herald Agency for News: Mongla Casinos Doomed but That’s No Big Deal
Kaladan Press Network: Bangladesh Fail to Fulfill, the Need of Gas from Burma
Kaladan Press Network: Five Burmese Refugees Injured in Accident
Kachin News Group: Quiet Confiscation of Unlicensed Motorcycles during Examinations
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Veteran Journalist Calls for People Power to Oust Regime
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Rangoon Division Ordered to Support Referendum
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Security Tightened Again in Rangoon
Irrawaddy News Magazine: US Women Senators Call For Action from Gambari
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Chinese Influx Stirs Age-old Hatred in Burma
Irrawaddy News Magazine: US Say Burma’s Human Rights Record Getting Worse
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burmese Gems Losing Their Luster?


News from Regional/International Media

International Herald Tribune: Myanmar Biofuel Effort Raises Doubts
TVNZ: Chinese Presence in Myanmar Uneasy
Viet Nam News Agency: Thailand to Ink Investment Protection Pact with Myanmar
Gulf Times: Myanmar Rejects Bangladesh Request for Gas


Opinion/Other

The Herald Sun: Steve's Simple Spiel - Alan Howe
IOL: A Nutty Scheme? - Ed Cropley
Guardian Unlimited: Burma's Sham Constitution - Tom Fawthrop


Statement/Press Release

Christian Solidarity Worldwide: Burma: Thousands of Karen Civilians Displaced in Fresh Attacks as UN Envoy Visit Fails


Report/Briefer

Free Burma Rangers: Over 2,100 Displaced as Burma Army Mortars Villages and Burns Homes in New Attacks


Fun

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Don’t Come Back, Un-special Envoy! - Kay Latt

...“Does your daughter have to return to register for the constitutional referendum?” the barber changes the subject.

“I think so,” says the man. “But I’m not sure if she can go back once she has come back here. It’s all very confusing.”

“Indeed it is,” exclaims U Toke Kyee. “Even our not-so-special envoy, Mr Gambari, doesn’t know whether he can come back to Burma!”

“Of course, we’ll know when Gambari returns,” smiles the barber, slowly shaving his customer’s neck. “Because security forces will be all over the street and the Internet and the phone lines will go down again.”...