Burma Update: April 24, 2008

Highlight

European Parliament: Burma: Broadened and More Targeted Sanctions Needed, Say MEPs

"Broadened and more targeted sanctions, a worldwide arms embargo and the release of political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, recipient of the 1990 Sakharov prize, are among the demands of MEPs in a resolution adopted today by the House. The Burmese military junta led by General Than Shwe intends to hold a referendum on a new Constitution on May 10, 2008..."


News from Burmese Media

Shan Herald Agency for News: Rubber Fields Forever for Wa?
Kaladan Press Network: Pro-Military Group Put Up Posters in Arakan
Kaladan Press Network: Campaign for 'Yes' Vote by Pro-Military Groups in Kyaukpru
Kachin News Group: Junta Woos Rural People with Rice and Salt in Referendum Campaign
New Light of Myanmar: Commission for Holding Referendum for Approval of Draft Constitution Holds Meeting
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burma’s Neighbors Line Up for Three Port Deals
Irrawaddy News Magazine: More Harassment, Attacks on Opposition Activists Underway
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Shorter Stays Proposed for Burmese Visitors to S. Thailand
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Junta Using Threats to Win Referendum Vote, Says NLD
Democratic Voice of Burma: Burmese Authorities Harass Youth Campaigners
Democratic Voice of Burma: Factory Workers Pressured to Cast Multiple “Yes” Votes
Democratic Voice of Burma: Anti-Referendum Campaigners Arrested in Arakan State
Mizzima News: Bengali-Burmese Friendship Soccer Match for Solidarity with Burmese Rebels
Independent Mon News Agency: Polling Stations in Schools for May Referendum


News from Regional/International Media

Bangkok Post: Myanmar Official Says Constitutional Referendum will be Free and Fair
Xinhua Online: Myanmar to Telecast Live on Referendum Activities
International Herald Tribune: EU Parliament Calls for Tougher Sanctions against Myanmar
ABC-CBN: No Press Freedom for Myanmar Constitution Vote: RSF
Coleraine Times: Be Inspired by the Lady of Burma
Rediff: Why Myanmar Army Team was in Kohima
Xinhua Online: Over 4 mln Yangon Population Declared as Eligible Voters for Myanmar Referendum
Yahoo: U.S. Seeks Tougher U.N. Scolding for Myanmar
Xinhua Online: Myanmar to Hold Second Horticulture Show
ABC News: Book Shines Light on Thai-Burma Railway Horror
TV3: Free Trade Deal with Burma Likely Despite Human Rights Issues
Forbes: European Parliament Urges Banking Curbs on Myanmar
European Parliament: Wednesday in Plenary: Slovenian President, Visas to US, Burma
Imphal Free Press: Cross Border Arms Smuggling in Manipur a Serious Threat to Internal Security: Official Sources


Opinion/Other

Irrawaddy News Magazine: UN Disappoints Many in Burma [Commentary] - Aung Zaw
Asian Tribune: American Policy in the Burmese Context - Kanbawza Win
Bangkok Post: Justice Avoided [Commentary] - Sanitsuda Ekachai
Escape of People of Burma through the Tunnels of Death - Ahmedur Rahman Farooq


Statement/Press Release

Reporters Without Borders: Press Forbidden to Refer to Campaign for a No Vote in Referendum on New Constitution


Report/Briefer

Forced Migration Review: FMR30: Burma's Displaced People

"With the ‘Saffron revolution’ of September 2007, Burma was catapulted into the centre of international attention. It was briefly headline news as people monitored the regime’s response and watched for hints of progress towards democracy and the restoration of rights. With little action on either front (and no visible resurgence of violence or protest), interest has since waned. This issue of FMR aims to help bring the crisis of forced displacement of Burmese people back into the international spotlight..."