Burma Update: September 12, 2008

Highlight

"I share the frustration many feel with the situation in Myanmar. We have not seen the political progress I had hoped for. We want to see the parties, in particular the Government of Myanmar, take tangible steps toward establishing a credible and inclusive political process in the country, which of course must include progress on human rights."

"On Myanmar, I am as concerned as you are, and as frustrated as everybody else. But I would like not to characterize Mr. Gambari's visit as a failure. If you talk about failure, then if we stop making progress through all possible diplomatic means, that should be viewed as a failure. I continue to make progress in this, as mandated by the General Assembly. As you may know, I'm going to convene an ambassador-level meeting of the Group of Friends on Myanmar tomorrow afternoon to discuss this matter with concerned Member States. I'll try to continue to do whatever I can, in close coordination with Member States, particularly those countries which may have some influence on Myanmar."

Ban Ki-moon
UN Secretary-General
September 11, 2008

News from Burmese Media

• Democratic Voice of Burma: Army officer accused of attempted rape of doctor
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Eight sentenced for political activities and media contact
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Lawyer U Kyi Win ‘positive’ after Daw Suu visit
• Narinjara News: Rice Price Reduced After Trade Ban Lifted
• Narinjara News: Hostel Owners Warned of Students' Politics
• Shan Herald Agency for News: Burma Army continues violating child rights
• Kachin News Group: Junta collects municipal taxes but provides no service for civilians in Myitkyina
• Kawwao News Group: 14 Year Old Girl Raped at Refugee Camp
• Khonumthung News: Construction of school with money from residents
• Khonumthung News: Chin college student stabbed to death in Myingyan town
• Kaladan Press Network: Locals attack refugee ration trucks to Lada camp
• Mizzima News: Magwe Division activists sentenced to long prison terms
• Mizzima News: U.N. shares opposition's frustration over pace of reforms
• Mizzima News: Rising Irrawaddy floods five villages in Sagaing Division
• Mizzima News: Arakan University student Parents lodge complaint to PM Thein Sein
• The Irrawaddy: No Political Progress in Burma: UN
• The Irrawaddy: Min Ko Naing Defiant at Hearing: Lawyer
• The Irrawaddy: Suu Kyi Wins Concessions from the Regime

News from Regional/International Media

• UN News Centre: Secretary-General calls for tangible political progress in Myanmar
• The Straits Times: Myanmar blasts kills 2
• Relief Web: Myanmar thanks PGMA for sending relief goods, medical team in wake of devastating cyclone (Government of the Philippines)
• Irish Sun: US, Britain call for more pressure on Myanmar
• IRIN: Myanmar: Forewarned, not forearmed
• VOA: Burmese Exiles Say Authorities Arrest Activist in Rangoon

Opinion/Other

• The Irrawaddy: A Risky Fight for Basic Rights [Commentary] - Kyaw Zwa Moe
• Kachin News Group: Kachins' struggle for survival nipped in the bud - Hkahku Gam

Statement/Press Release

• Members of Parliament Union (Burma): Statement of the Democratically Elected Representatives of the People of Burma on the Security Council Meeting Regarding Burma
• 88 Generation Students (Exile): Statement on Credential Challenge on the Burmese Regime in the UNGA
• Asian Human Rights Commission: Burma: Blogger charged without evidence for upsetting tranquility during protests

Report/Briefer

• ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus: Myanmar/Burma News Update (Edition 98)
• Burma Issues: Burma Issues Newsletter (August 2008)
• Security Council Report: Update Report No. 1, Myanmar (10 September 2008)

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The Irrawaddy: Food for Thought? - Harn Lay