Burma Update: March 3, 2008

Highlight

Burma Partnership Weekly Briefer: Five More Arrests & Student Leaders Charged to 20 Years

"Last week of February witnessed more disturbing incidents in Burma. Five people were arrested in Rangoon on 28th and 29th. Three family members of imprisoned democracy activists were arrested. They are: (1) wife of Mya Aye, a leader of the 88’ Generation Students group (name ; (2) Hla Moe, a member of National League for Democracy and husband of another 88’ GS group Mie Mie (a) Thin Thin Aye; and (3) Kanet, brother of Markie (a) Kyaw Kyaw Htwe. An activist couple Mr. Naing Htwe and Ms. May Mie Lwin were also arrested on Feb 28 and their whereabouts are still unknown..."

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.."


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: ILO Says Forced Labour Increasing in the Military
Democratic Voice of Burma: Officials Identify People Opposed to Referendum
Democratic Voice of Burma: Activist Unable to Leave Town for Medical Treatment
Mizzima News: Will 'No' Votes Even be Counted?
Mizzima News: Burma Reigns King of Methamphetamines
Narinjara News: Two Constables Arrested for Teak Smuggling
Independent Mon News Agency: Junta Authorities Expedite Family List Work
Kaladan Press Network: Junta to Issue Temporary Certificates to Youth
Kaladan Press Network: Diesel Smuggled to Burma from Bangladesh
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Three People Arrested for Comments on Referendum
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burmese Migrants Keen to Vote in Referendum
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Ceasefire Groups Getting Citizenship Cards
Irrawaddy News Magazine: House Arrest of Deposed Prime Minister Relaxed


News from Global Media

Irish Sun: Sri Lankan Navy Rescues 71 Drifting at Sea for 11 Days
Xinhua Online: Myanmar to Participate in Cross-Country Friendship Car Rally
AKI: Indonesia: Govt Wants Pro-Democracy Dissident Suu Kyi to Run in Burmese Polls


Opinion/Other

Independent Mon News Agency: Media With A Conscience [Commentary] - Lawi Weng
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Last Chance for Gambari? [News Analysis] - Lalit Kjha
Irrawaddy News Magazine: ‘Rambo’ Muddies Burma’s Media Message - James Rose