Burma Update: March 19, 2008

Highlight

Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Myanmar: Briefing to the Secretary Council

"...I regret that I was not able to meet the senior Govenment leadership and other parties, inculding the "88 Generation" group, 1990 MPs-elect, and representatives of ethnic minority groups. Moveover, whereas each of my previous visits produced some result that could be built upon it is a source of disappointment that this latest cisit did not yield any immediate tangible outcome..."

UN Security Council: Latest Visit to Myanmar Yeilded no 'Immediate Tangible OUtcome', Secertary-General's Special Adviser Tells Security Council


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Detainee on Hunger Strike to Protest Ill-Treatment
Democratic Voice of Burma: Military Requisitions Cattle and Drivers
Democratic Voice of Burma: Funeral Held for Son of Former KNU Leader
Democratic Voice of Burma: Burmese Military Scorches Border Island
Mizzima News: Monks Alliance Urges Monks to Boycott Religious Examinations
Narinjara News: Soldiers Commit Robbery in Plainclothes
Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta Authorities Coax, Threaten Civilians to Support Charter
Shan Herald Agency for News: Non-Ceasefire Wa Spurns Surrender Offer
Kaladan Press Network: Junta Campaigns to Get "Yes" Vote in Northern Arakan
Kaladan Press Network: Fined for Renovation of Mosque in Maungadw
Kachin News Group: Temporary National Identity Cards for Villagers of Sumprabum
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Thailand’s Business Plan for Burma
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Funding Shortfall Reduces Food Rations in Refugee Camps


News from Regional/International Media

Bangkok Post: Surin Advises Samak on Burma Attitude
UN News Centre: Credible Referendum and Election Process in Myanmar’s Interests, Says UN Envoy
UNIC Yangon: Latest Visit to Myanmar Yielded No 'Immediate Tangible Outcome', Secretary-General's Special Adviser
South Asia Terrorism Portal: 20 Arunachali Youths Held Hostage by NSCN-K in Myanmar, Says Minister of State for Home...
Monsters and Critics: Myanmar Opposes Taiwan Plans for Referendum on Joining UN
Xinhua Online: Myanmar-China Fiber Link Established under GMS Program


Opinion/Other

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Will Burmese Migrants be Able to Vote? [Contributor] - Jackie Pollock
Bangkok Post: Burma Policy Needs Rethink [Editorial]


Statement/Press Release

US Campaign for Burma: Congressional Resolution Introduced to Reject the Constitution Made by the Burmese Military Junta


Fun

Irrawaddy News Magazine: A Coin with Three Sides - Kay Latt

...“Hmmm,” says Ko Paing, thinking to himself. “How about a massage parlor? They’re really popular these days.”

“That’s a business reserved for the generals, I’m afraid,” says the barber. “Hotels, restaurants, spas, beauty parlors, ‘midnight’ massage parlors—it’s all easy bucks if you have the military connections.”

Ko Paing scratches his chin in silence for a minute. Then he snaps his fingers: “You can go to Thailand to work! I’m sure you can make a good salary over there. It’s the land of opportunity, they say!”...