Burma Update: March 31, 2008

Highlight

Members of Parliament from Burma (Myanmar): An Appeal Letter to Parliamentarians around the World: The Military Junta’s Sham Constitution should be Rejected by the People and Not Recognized by the International Community

"...In light of this situation, we, on behalf of the people of Burma and Members of Parliament, urgently appeal to our fellow Members of Parliament, Senators and Congresspersons around the world to:

(1) Call for the SPDC to comply fully and immediately with the recommendations made by the UN Security Council and call for their respective governments to apply diplomatic and economic pressure against the SPDC to fully cooperate with the UN and democratic forces led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

(2) Declare that they will not accept or recognize the SPDC's constitution, written without participation of the NLD and ethnic party representatives and without meeting the expectation of ethnic nationalities and urge their governments to do the same.

(3) Call for the UN Security Council to impose a binding resolution, which will instruct the regime to fully comply with the recommendations made by the UN Security Council, and strengthen the mandate of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and urge their governments to do the same.

(4) Urge their respective Governments to stop selling weapons and intelligence systems to the SPDC immediately and also urge their governments to call for the UN Security Council to impose a global arms embargo and financial and banking sanctions against the SPDC, a call supported by ten Nobel Peace Laureates on February 19, 2008, including South Africa Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu and President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica.

(5) Call for Chinese Government to stop protecting the Burmese military regime and start cooperating with members of the UNSC to enforce positive change in Burma with all-party inclusive and democratic process, and urge their governments to do the same..."


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: NLD Members Arrested after Demonstration
Democratic Voice of Burma: Burma Military Pressures People to Vote Yes
Democratic Voice of Burma: Rights Activist Hospitalised after Attack
Democratic Voice of Burma: NLD Doubts Junta’s Promise to Transfer Power
Shan Herald Agency for News: Changed Titles Change Druglord’s Status Little
Kachin News Group: KIO Arrests Key Tibetan Activists at China's Insistence
Kaladan Press Network: Myanmar Muslim Council’s Office Raided in Maungdaw
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Draft Constitution Surfaces, Stirring More Debate
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Junta No 2 to Visit India
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Thailand’s Burma Loan to Come under Scrutiny


News from Regional/International Media

Bangkok Post: Burmese MPs Blast 'Weak' UN Response to Plight
Bangkok Post: Thai Anti-Graft Body Wants Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Prosecuted for Loan to Myanmar
Kuwait News Agency: India, Myanmar to Deepen Energy, Communication Ties During Junta leaders
Xinhua Online: Myanmar to Defend Title in ASEAN Championship Women Soccer Match
International Herald Tribune: Myanmar's Draft Constitution Bars Suu Kyi, Cements Military Role in Parliament
Reuters: India, Myanmar to Seal Deal on a Port Near Gas Field


Opinion/Other

Inter Press News Agency: Burma: Junta Split May Hasten Civilian Rule [Analysis] - Larry Jagan


Fun

Cartoon: As Harn Lay Sees It
Source: Shan Herald Agency for News