Burma Update: October 20, 2008

Highlight

• International Crisis Group: Burma/Myanmar After Nargis: Time to Normalise Aid Relations [Report]
  

"Aid alone, of course, will not bring sustainable human development, never mind peace and democracy. Yet, because of the limited links between Myanmar and the outside world, aid has unusual importance as an arena of interaction among the government, society and the international community."

• Amnesty International: ASEM summit: human rights must be on the agenda [Letter to French Foreign Minister]
  

"Amnesty International urges the French Presidency to show leadership within ASEM, by calling on the Myanmar government to end all violations in the ongoing military offensive against civilians in eastern Myanmar."

News from Burmese Media

• The Irrawaddy: Burmese Migrant Women in Thailand Targeted by Rape Gangs
• The Irrawaddy: Two Bombs Explode in Rangoon; One in Border Town
• Mizzima News: Humour magazine censored, publishing deferred
• Democratic Voice of Burma: NLD hopes to reconcile with youth members
• The Irrawaddy: Nargis Still Taking a Toll on Children in the Delta
• Mizzima News: Campaigners overjoyed at success of garment boycott
• The Irrawaddy: KNU Appoints Karen Woman General-Secretary
• Narinjara News: Arakanese Revolutionists Languish in Bangladesh Prisons
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Two 88 Generation Students jailed for three years
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Farmers concerned by embankment project
• Mizzima News: Wrong date of arrest contested
• Narinjara News: Arakanese Elephants to be Tracked with Video
• Mizzima News: Time for Europe to confront Burma's generals
• Narinjara News: Land Confiscations Begin for Trade
• Mizzima News: Man killed in Rangoon bomb blast
• Independent Mon News Agency: Traffic police corruption endangering motorists; accidents kill at least 2 during pagoda festival
• Mizzima News: KNU confirms change of guard in top posts
• Kachin News Group: Former foes play 'friendship football match' in Myitkyina
• Kaowao News Group: Mon Pay Final Tribute to Thai Princess
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Cotton farmers forced to grow sugar cane
• Democratic Voice of Burma: EU to raise Burma at Asia-Europe Meeting
• Democratic Voice of Burma: PNLO launch attack against regime troops
• Kaladan Press Network: Burmese authorities survey friendship road site in Arakan

News from Regional/International Media

• Crain's Manchester Business: Cotton Traders pledges to stop Burmese sourcing
• Relief Web: Myanmar: Temporary shelters need permanent upgrade [IRIN]
• The Peninsula: Myanmar warns of Chinese dairy products
  
• The Star Online: Buddhist association’s fund-raising efforts for disaster victims pays off
• The Peninsula: Old dissident has hope for a democratic Myanmar
  
• Practical Fishkeeping: New Psilorhynchus described from Myanmar

Opinion/Other

• Shan Herald Agency for News: A message on the End of Lent - Venerable Dr. Khammai Dhammasami MPhil
• The Irrawaddy: Regime Still Impeding Relief Effort [News Analysis] - William Boot
• New Statesman: Burma's resolve - David Hockaday
• International Herald Tribune: With aid money going to the Delta, an imbalance forms in Myanmar
• The Earth Times: Artists in Myanmar must create under strict censorship - DPA
  

Statement/Press Release

• International Crisis Group: Burma/Myanmar After Nargis: Time to Normalise Aid Relations
  
• Burma Campaign UK: Boycott Success: Cotton Traders Pull Out Of Burma
  
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations: TCG Launches First Periodic Review of Humanitarian Relief and Early Recovery Efforts in Cyclone Nargis Affected Areas
  

Report/Briefer

• Karen Human Rights Group: Human minesweeping and forced relocation as SPDC and DKBA step up joint operations in Pa'an District [News Bulletin]
  
• Free Burma Rangers: Villager Killed and More than 200 Displaced by New Attacks in Central Karen State
  
• Shan Heral Agency for News: Weekly Diary, No. 323 (11 – 17 October 2008)