Burma Update: May 9, 2008

Highlight

Seven Alliances: Referendum Must Be Called Off & International Aid Allowed In
Amnesty International: Constitutional Referendum Flouts Human Rights (Briefing Paper)

News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: UN Chief Criticises Junta’s Referendum Decision
Democratic Voice of Burma: DVB Reporter Witnesses Survivor Dying from Lack of Help
Narinjara News: Bangladesh Sends Second Relief Consignment to Burma
Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta In for An Easy Ride Tomorrow
Kachin News Group: KIO No Longer Neutral on Stand over Referendum
Kachin News Group: Junta to Take Action Against Those Rejecting Constitution
Kachin News Group: Junta Gets 100% Advance 'Yes' Votes from Naga Regions
The Irrawaddy: UN Suspends Aid Shipment to Burma
The Irrawaddy: Cyclone Survivors Now Racked by Disease
The Irrawaddy: Pro-government Thugs Attack Relief Vehicles
The Irrawaddy: Canadian PM Meets Burma’s Exiled Leader
The Irrawaddy: US Ready to Air Drop Aid to Irrawaddy Delta
The Irrawaddy: Eight UNSC Members Oppose French Plan for Burma
The Irrawaddy: HRW Says Cyclone Relief More Important Than Referendum
Independent Mon News Agency: Residents Face Water Crisis after Cyclone Nargis
Democratic Voice of Burma: Funeral Fund Distributes Rice to Disaster Victims
Democratic Voice of Burma: Myaung Mya Provides Shelter for Cyclone Victims
Mizzima News: Junta Expels Qatar Aircraft Carrying Relief Supplies
Mizzima News: 'Many of My Friends are Starving'

News from Regional/International Media

UN News Centre: Top UN Official in Asia-Pacific Joins Call for Urgent Access to Myanmar
UNIC Yangon: Ban Ki-Moon Urges Focus on Emergency Response Efforts
VOA News: UNICEF Estimates Children Account for One-Third of All Deaths from Cyclone Nargis
Bangkok Post: PM to Persuade Burma to Accept Aid from US
Bangkok Post: Myanmar Says UN Claims of Aid Seizure are 'Baseless Accusations'
The Nation: Burma's Junta Holds Tough in Face of World Criticism
Channel News Asia: Myanmar Says It will Accept US Cyclone Aid
International Herald Tribune: Experts Fear Disease Outbreaks after Myanmar Cyclone

Opinion/Other

Democratic Voice of Burma: Burma's Victims Need Help Right Now - Bo Kyi
The Irrawaddy: Forget the Referendum, Prepare for a New Burma [Editorial]
The Irrawaddy: Wanted: Immediate US Aid Air Drop [Commentary] - Kyaw Zwa Moe
The Irrawaddy: Why Is Burma Junta Afraid of Letting Foreign Aid Workers? [News Analysis] - The Associated Press
The Irrawaddy: Burma’s ‘Rice Basket’ Knocked Out, Say Experts - William Boot
Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta Playing God at the Expense of the Suffering People - Sai Wansai
Mizzima News: Should the International Community Force Humanitarian Intervention in Burma?
Bangkok Post: Junta Must Let in Relief Aid [Editorial]
Bangkok Post: Dictators' Priority - Christiane Oelrich
UPI Asia Online: Burma Crisis Deserves Resolute Response - Basil Fernando

Statement/Press Release

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners: Human Rights Violations Continue in Burma
Joint Press Release (Philippines): Activists Liken Burmese Junta to "Vulture" Preying on a Dying Population; Ask ASEAN Again to Ensure Relief Distribution
Asian Human Rights Commission: Burma: Colossal Humanitarian Crisis Demands a Far More Resolute Response from the Global Community and Domestic Government
Asian Human Rights Commission: Burma: Government Officers Force Homeless Villagers Out of Public Buildings [Appeal]
Human Rights Watch: Burma: Postpone Referendum to Save Lives
US Campaign for Burma: Senate Passes Kerry Resolution on Humanitarian Aid for Burma