Burma Update: February 29, 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.."

US Department of State: Burmese Regime’s Referendum Law Continues Climate of Intimidation

"...A credible political transition in Burma must be inclusive and transparent. It must involve universal suffrage, secrecy and security of the ballot, and freedom of speech and association, among other internationally accepted standards. The credibility of the process also must be evaluated through comprehensive, long-term monitoring by independent domestic and international observers..."

State Peace and Development Council: The Referendum Law for the Approval of the Draft Constitution


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Suspicions Surround Death of Labadan Orphan
Democratic Voice of Burma: Army Deserters Surrender to Karen Rebels
Democratic Voice of Burma: Tachilek Residents Urged to Register for ID Cards
Mizzima News: Junta's Referendum Lacks Credibility: US State Department
Mizzima News: ASEAN Told to be Stronger, Asked to Take Lead
Mizzima News: Exiles Call for Unanimous 'NO' Vote in Referendum
Narinjara News: Three Bangladeshi Women Separated from Burmese Husbands
Kachin News Group: Forced Attendance at Brig-Gen Thein Zaw's Referendum Campaign
Khonumthung News: Unidentified Disease Kills Several Mithuns in Burma
Irrawaddy News Magazine: NLD Sues Junta
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Members of Karen Breakaway Group Return to KNU
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Police Raid Burmese Migrant School in Chiang Mai
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Monks and Nuns in Court over September Protests


News from Global Media

Bangkok Post: US Envoy Sees Dark Future for Burma Regime
The Earth Times: Future of Myanmar Junta is 'Bleak,' Warns Senior US Diplomat
AFP: US, Britain Urge Myanmar to Include Suu Kyi in Polls
Reuters: Britain Tells China Don't Fear Action on Problem States
The Times of India: Bush Vows to Push China on Human Rights at Olympics
UN News Centre: UN’s Myanmar Envoy Leaves Tokyo, Completing Asian Consultations


Opinion/Other

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Beijing Needs to Stop Playing Games [Editorial]
Irrawaddy News Magazine: No Kosovos in Burma [Commentary] - David Paquette
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burma’s Referendum—‘History is Repeating Itself’ [News Analysis] - Wai Moe
The Sydney Morning Herald: Where Giants Jostle - Hamish McDonald
Independent Mon News Agency: Is It a Crime by Ethnics to Observe Their National Day? [Feature] - Joi Htaw


Report/Briefer

Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma: Februray 2008 Burma Bulletin

- SPDC announces referendum, elections
- KNU leader assassinated
- Exiles draft constitution
- Rohingya targeted
- Thailand's new Burma policy
- New banking sanctions

IRIN: Thailand: Cultural Orientation Gives Refugees a Glimpse into Their New Future