Burma Update: March 5, 2008

Highlight

Burma Partnership: ASEAN Should Ensure That All Are Included In The ‘Road to Democracy’ In Burma! [Open Letter to ASEAN]

"...We, representing nine national and regional organisations under the banner of Burma Partnership, stand against the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)’s decision through its new constitution to exclude the pro-democratic leaders, particularly Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, from the 2010 election. We believe that the reasons given by the SPDC are absolutely unacceptable. We urge ASEAN not only to condemn the Burmese military government on its decision, but also to reject its illegitimate constitution.."


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: NLD Member Loses Sight Due to Lack of Treatment
Mizzima News: Burma Campaign Warns Gambari
Mizzima News: Ethnic Leaders: No Expectations for Gambari's Visit
Independent Mon News Agency: Corrupt Regime Authorities Aiding the Spread of Opium Production in Shan State
Shan Herald Agency for News: Authorities Levy House Tax in Southern Shan State
Shan Herald Agency for News: Local Authorities Renew ID Cards to the People
Shan Herald Agency for News: Yawdserk: Hope Samak Continues Thaksin Policy on Non-Burmans
Kachin News Group: Junta to Repair Irrawaddy Bridge
Kaladan Press Network: Junta Distributes Land for House Construction
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Junta Increases Pressure on Media
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burmese Women Activists Receive International Award
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Food Transports for Karen IDPs Halted
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Samak to Visit Burma


News from Regional/International Media

Bangkok Post: Security Beef-Up After Cop Shot
The Straits Times: Suu Kyi's Party Fails in Bid to Sue Myanmar Junta
International Herald Tribune: UN Envoy Returns Thursday to Myanmar on Latest Mission to Coax Democratic Reforms
The Earth Times: Thailand to Ink Investment Protection Pact with Myanmar


Opinion/Other

Independent Mon News Agency: Where There Was War, There Was Aid [Commentary] - Lawi Weng
Irrawaddy News Magazine: USDA—The Regime’s Protégé [News Analysis] - Wai Moe
Irrawaddy News Magazine: How Will You Vote: Coke, or Pepsi? [Commentary] - Kyaw Zwa Moe
Mizzima News: The Price of Truth [Interview]
Los Angeles Times: Laughing Through the Junta's Gag in Myanmar - Paul Watson


Statement/Press Release

The Burma Campaign UK: Willis Ceases Cover to Burma, Pressure Mounts on Insurers Operating in Burma
The Burma Campaign UK: Gambari Visit Last Chance For UN Envoy to Make Progress in Burma