#2276
LaoPo
Rare Species Member Eating Tough Leaves Posted 2010-06-26 06:29:34
The UK Guardian newspaper has published unseen photographs of Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of her 65th birthday. A strikingly beautiful lady. Here Thank you for the link! Very beautiful photos and amazing to see her, enjoying her freedom and time in England and Scotland. She must have fond memories and be sad at the same time since she can't see her sons.  LaoPo #2277
bangkokburning
Potstirring Member Posted 2010-06-26 07:36:04
I had thought on George Bush's way out of office, especially with his wife's interest in Myanmar that he should have held "training excercises" in the gulf and a few planes "suffered severe navigation difficulties as a result of computer malfunction" - dropped massive bombs on this disgrace of a city, blow it to bits. The chimpster could have then shrugged and said....gee sorry. smirk.
Who would have complained? Edited by bangkokburning, 2010-06-26 07:46:44. #2278
Damaz6052
Senior Member Posted 2010-06-26 16:13:10
Myanmar clash triggers exodus into China (China Daily) Updated: 2009-08-28 09:22 A clash in Myanmar's Kokang region Thursday triggered an exodus of ethnic Kokang people into China's nearby Yunnan province, said Yunnan's foreign affairs office Thursday. "The number of people crossing the border is on the rise," the office said in a statement. Yunnan set up reception areas and offered shelter and daily necessities to the displaced people, the office said. Thousands have already fled this month from northeastern Myanmar into China after tension ramped up between government troops and the Kokang area's regional army, AP reported on Wednesday. Several thousand have streamed over the border each day into the town of Nansan, in southern Yunnan province, AP quoted one resident as saying. Between Aug 8 and 12, about 10,000 people are believed to have left Kokang, most of them were Chinese traders and expatriate workers, according to reports in the Chongqing Evening News. Tension started to rise on Aug 7 after Myanmar's government troops sent 30 police officers into a weapons repair factory in Kokang to find out whether the facility was being used to produce drugs, the paper reported. The Kokang army, which has observed a ceasefire with the national government since 1989, disliked the incursion. It said in a statement that the government army was pressuring it to join a border security force under the government's control ahead of Myanmar's elections planned for next year, AP reported. The Kokang army is part of an alliance of four ethnic groups called the Myanmar Peace and Democracy Front. "The clash indicates that the Myanmar government has intensified its efforts to control the Kokang army loyal to Kokang supreme commander Peng Jiasheng. There's division among the Kokang army, and the government wants to take advantage of it," said Song Qingrun, senior researcher on South Asia studies with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations. "The government's top priority is to ensure a peaceful election, especially in regions like Kokang," Song explained. Song said the situation will not impact China-Myanmar relations but will hurt local businesses and border trade. More than 10,000 Chinese businessmen and workers earned their living in Kokang, where up to 90 percent of shops are owned by Chinese. Source: China Daily LaoPo Anyone know what's stopping these groups coming together and toppling the current gov? #2279
sabaijai
Thaitanium Member Posted 2010-07-01 16:34:05
Rare white elephant caught in Myanmar
(AFP) June 29, 2010 YANGON A rare white elephant, historically considered an omen of political change, has been captured in the west of military-ruled Myanmar, state media reported Tuesday. The female pachyderm was captured by officials on Saturday in the coastal town of Maungtaw in Rakhine state, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper said. She is aged about 38 and seven feet four inches (more than two metres) tall, the English-language paper said, although it did not mention where she would be kept. Kings and leaders in Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country, have traditionally treasured white elephants, whose rare appearances in the country are believed to herald political change. The Southeast Asian country, which has been military-ruled since 1962, is due to hold its first elections for two decades later this year, although a date has not yet been announced.  -- ©Copyright AFP 2010-06-29 | AFP News Sponsor Published with written approval from AFP. 
#2280
LaoPo
Rare Species Member Eating Tough Leaves Posted 2010-07-01 17:03:57
The female pachyderm was captured by officials.....
Isn't that sad? I wish they would have ignored her and let her enjoy her freedom. The freedom she had for 38 years. What a coincidence with Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom.... (other emoticons not available)LaoPo Edited by LaoPo, 2010-07-01 17:05:57. #2281
sabaijai
Thaitanium Member Posted 2010-09-08 11:51:31
Bringing Light to Darkness
THE IRRAWADDY By SAW YAN NAING Tuesday, September 7, 2010 The Irrawaddy continues to expand its news coverage, supplying a growing number of news readers inside and outside Burma who are hungry for independent news, say two senior staff members. "The Irrawaddy remains one of the credible sources of news on Burma," says founder Aung Zaw. "We are a window on Burma and strive to help our readers see as much of what is going on inside Burma as possible. We see ourselves as servants to our readers both in and outside Burma." Credited, quoted and referred to by many news organizations including international news agencies and some of the worlds leading figures, The Irrawaddy has seen its reporting in 2010 cited in US Congressional reports, the International Crisis Group analysis on Burma, and by international TV, radio and print media such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. "We grow simply because of our strong commitment to independent journalism, which is not only thanks to all our dedicated and brave reporters, but also to our supporterswhether readers or donors, organizations or individuals," Aung Zaw said. Aung Zaw, who started The Irrawaddy in 1993 with only two people, said: We appreciate the strong support from our readers both inside and outside Burma. "We are currently in exile, but we fervently hope we will be able to bring our work back home to a free Burma soon," he said. Based in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, The Irrawaddy has been growing steadily and has over 60 editorial and administrative staff in its rapidly expanding multimedia section, according to Win Thu, the manager who joined the organization in 1994. Win Thu has witnessed the success of The Irrawaddy's Burmese-language website, and says its daily online website has had more than 5.2 million visits in 2010. "Hits on The Irrawaddy's website were three times higher than in 2009, with a heartening three-fold increase from visitors accessing the site from inside Burma," he said. Each month approximately 220,000 different people from 198 countries visit the website, according to Win Thu. We are making a big impact in Burma and will strive to maintain the highest standards of professional journalism, said Aung Zaw. The Irrawaddy has become a training ground for professional journalists, training several young reporters who came out of Burma as refugees and migrants. "Young trainees [in journalism] don't just come from cities inside Burma," he said, "but also from refugee camps on the Thai-Burmese border. "Our young reporters have shown dedication and great commitment to independent journalism," he said. The Irrawaddys correspondents inside Burma provide information to the world through the website right under the nose of the Burmese military government, Aung Zaw said We greatly value and truly admire our correspondents and sources inside Burma for taking risks and working with us, he said. A non-profit publication funded by annual grants from international organizations, The Irrawaddy produces daily Burmese and English language news coverage on Burma and the Southeast Asia region on its website and a weekly Burmese-language electronic journal covering Burmese news, politics and society. Its weekly broadcasts include a radio show called "Election in Burma 2010" and a weekly podcast of roundtable discussions on Burmese politics and general news, as well as regular webcasting, video and photographic slide shows. The Irrawaddy promotes international debate, analysis and critique to maintain the global spotlight on freedom for Burma, publishing a monthly print magazine the contents of which may also be read on-line. Readers include activists, government officials and policy-makers, politicians, academics, researchers, nongovernmental organizations, students and democracy and freedom supporters. The Irrawaddy recently launched its on-line store to raise additional income. "Donating to The Irrawaddy is simple and will help get information flowing out of Burma into the world," said Win Thu. Every individual donation however large or small is very important for us. People can support The Irrawaddy by donating via the website, by buying the magazine or by buying a gift at The Irrawaddy on-line store by visiting www.irrawaddy.org. #2282
webfact
Admin Posted 2010-09-24 20:11:31
Myanmar officials now say Suu Kyi can vote in poll
YANGON (AFP) -- Myanmar officials said Friday that detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be entitled to vote in the upcoming election, despite earlier statements that she would be barred from taking part. Raising confusion over the Nobel Peace laureate's rights and the interpretation of the electoral laws, an official told AFP: "Aung San Suu Kyi and her two live-in maids will get the right to vote. "But they will not get permission to go outside on election day." The official, who asked not to be named, suggested: "The authorities might ask them to vote in advance." Later Friday an AFP correspondent saw Suu Kyi's name on the electoral roll at the Election Commission office in Bahan Township in Yangon, where the 64-year-old lives under house arrest in her lakeside mansion. On Monday officials had said Suu Kyi did not appear on the voting list because serving prisoners have no right to vote under Myanmar's 2008 constitution. But another official on Friday confirmed her right to vote in the first election in two decades, due on November 7, saying the relevant authorities "are likely to inform her soon". He said she had the right to vote on the basis that she is under house arrest rather than in prison. Suu Kyi was, however, earlier this year barred from standing as a candidate in the elections on the grounds that she is a serving prisoner. Aung Naing Oo, a Thailand-based Myanmar analyst, said the country's electoral laws were "quite elastic... so they may be differently interpreted according to the need, the politics on the day". He expressed doubt that Suu Kyi would exercise her right to participate. "On the part of the military it's best for them to let her vote," he said. "It's not that important an issue because she has already boycotted (the election)." Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party decided to boycott the upcoming polls, saying the rules were unfair, and has subsequently been disbanded by the ruling generals. The party won the last election in 1990 by a landslide but was never allowed to take office, and Suu Kyi has spent most of the past 20 years in detention. Her incarceration was lengthened by 18 months in August last year for breaching the terms of her detention after an American man swam to her home. The opposition leader's current house arrest term is due to expire just days after the November election, which has been widely condemned by activists and the West as a charade aimed at legitimising military rule with a civilian face. -- ©Copyright AFP 2010-09-24 | AFP News Sponsor Published with written approval from AFP.
#2283
webfact
Admin Posted 2010-10-04 09:01:30
EDITORIAL
Burma's elections to test Thai will By The Nation Was Kasit's threat to return refugees after the poll a joke? The general election orchestrated by the Burmese military regime, come November 7, will provide the much needed instruments for all concerned to adopt a variety of exit strategies regarding Naypyidaw. Again, the Burmese generals, especially General Than Shwe, have the correct reading on international hypocrisy and lack of conviction - explaining why they can outlast short-lived global sentiment and repeatedly deploy the same strategies over and over again. Just take as an example the latest measure to free opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi - a week after the poll. Western countries which used to preach democracy and human rights are now in limbo because Burma is opening up with new plans to run the country with those same generals in civilian clothes. After more than two decades of engagement, they are suffering from severe fatigue related to Burma. Like Asean, they all want out of the quagmire as soon as possible. The love-hate poll has indeed become a necessary evil for all. After all, both the US and Europe want to do business and invest in Burma's energy sector and counter China's influence inside the country. Deep down, the generals' flirting with nuclear proliferation also worries the Western powers. Doubtless, Burma - as it understands the helplessness of both regional and international communities - is astutely playing real politics. The final stage of the seven-point roadmap of installing a regime with new clothes could be accomplished within this year. It's regrettable the international community does not have an audacity of purpose and perseverance like the Burmese generals. But the most disturbing aspect of all these exit strategies is the Thai attitude towards post-election Burma. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya told a US audience recently that Thailand had a plan to repatriate Burmese refugees and those in exile back to Burma. He said that the Thai government would even assist in their return to "half-democratic" Burma. Kasit, who used to be one of the strongest champions of Burmese in exile here, must be kidding saying that in front of a Washington audience. Obviously, he is testing local and international opinion regarding the future of an estimated four-million Burmese living in various capacities and status. Thailand has been a haven for refugees from neighbouring countries since World War II. The Indo-China crisis in the 1970's saw more than three million refugees cross over to Thailand. Somehow we managed it and were given credit for their complete repatriation. By all means, we should continue to extend our hospitality to all of them. Certainly, there are ways to improve the lives of these people and ensure their eventual return to their homelands. However, international support must be forthcoming as the Thai government does not have sufficient resources to maintain them long-term. The Abhisit government has made clear that it respects human rights and integrity of all concerned, including those residing in Thailand. The prime minister must make sure he follows every word he has uttered in the past. He should reiterate this message during his one-day visit to Burma on October 11 to impress on Burmese junta leaders that the world and Asean are watching the upcoming poll. Thailand, under his leadership, must not and should not tolerate any undemocratic exercise in Burma that would eventually lead to cross-border problems.  -- The Nation 2010-10-04
#2284
LaoPo
Rare Species Member Eating Tough Leaves Posted 2010-11-12 17:55:28
Is Daw Aung San Suu Kyi free ?
 Suu Kyi's party seeks boost from her release Written by Our Correspondent, Friday, 12 November 2010  NLD still alive, despite 'dissolution' Although it is not certain, Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's democracy icon and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, appears to have been freed on Nov. 12 in the wake of near universal condemnation of Nov. 7 Burmese elections, which were widely described as rigged to keep the junta in power and rife with vote fraud. The Chiang Mai-based expatriate publication The Irrawaddy reported that authorities entered Suu Kyi's lakeside house on University Avenue at noon, reportedly to deliver a release warrant, according local journalists who were waiting outside her compound. "Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and authorities seemed to be talking in the house after the release warrant was read and she is likely to come out of the compound at 4:00 pm," a reporter outside her residence told The Irrawaddy. Continues: http://asiasentinel....2817&Itemid=168 LaoPo #2285
gotlost
Titanium Member Posted 2010-11-12 20:03:27
Hope your correct but I'll believe this when it has been verified. IMHO it is still a rumor.
#2286
sabaijai
Thaitanium Member Posted 2010-11-13 16:28:21
Junta in Dilemma Over Suu Kyi's Freedom
By BA KAUNG Saturday, November 13, 2010 Burma's military regime is in a dilemma over the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose current term of house arrest is due to expire at 7 pm today, according to one of her closest political colleagues. The regime is concerned about the possible huge consequences of any action Daw Suu might take regarding the widespread vote fraud and latest ethnic tensions, said Win Tin, a senior member of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party, referring to last week's election and the ensuing violence on Burma's border with Thailand. On the other hand, legally she must be released. The junta may also believe that releasing her will lessen criticism of its sham election, he added. I think the regime is still in a dilemma. Although there were reports that the junta is negotiating with Suu Kyi on the terms of her release, Win Tin said, It might not be true because she has never accepted any conditions on her previous releases. According to party members, a crowd of nearly a thousand people, including foreign diplomats, had gathered near Suu Kyi's home on Saturday morning waiting for news of her release, which under Burmese law should take place no later than this evening. She is not a detainee. She is serving a criminal sentence which expires at 7 pm and can no longer be extended in any legal way, said Nyan Win, Suu Kyi's lawyer, speaking with The Irrawaddy this morning. According to a source close to a colleague of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who was allowed to enter her compound this morning, Suu Kyi's release could come as early as 3 pm. However, foreign news agencies quoted a Burmese senior police official as saying that she would be released at 6 pm. A thousand people are now waiting near her house. Everyone is excited, said Yarzar, an NLD member who was among those gathered in anticipation of Suu Kyi's release. He said that the barriers around Suu Kyi's house have not yet been removed, while plainclothes police were on guard near her lakeside home on University Avenue in Rangoon. Security has also been tightened elsewhere in the former capital, where anti-riot police trucks have been spotted in a number of locations. Suu Kyi's release will come less than a week after the country's military regime held an election marred by reports of widespread vote rigging. The junta-backed party has claimed a landslide victory in the Nov. 7 election, although the final results have yet to be announced. The election also triggered renewed fighting between junta troops and ethnic Karen rebels based on the Thai-Burmese border. The clashes sent at least 20,000 refugees from the Burmese border town of Myawaddy fleeing into Thailand. The NLD was officially disbanded earlier this year for failing to register for last Sunday's controversial election, which the party said would be held under undemocratic conditions. In Burma's last election in 1990, the NLD won an overwhelming majority of the vote, but the junta officially nullified the results. The 65-year-old Nobel laureate has been released twice before during the 15 years of the past 21 years that she has spent under house arrest. In August 2009, Suu Kyi's current period of detention was extended by 18 months over a bizarre incident in which an American swam uninvited to her lakeside home. If she isn't released today, this will show a lack of rule of law, said Nyan Win. http://www.irrawaddy...hp?art_id=20061 #2287
LaoPo
Rare Species Member Eating Tough Leaves Posted 2010-11-13 18:10:49
Myanmar democracy icon Suu Kyi released: official
Finally!  http://www.thaivisa....02#entry4020502 LaoPo #2289
sabaijai
Thaitanium Member Posted 2010-11-13 19:18:27
Topic of ASSK's release from house arrest is continued in Thailand News here:
http://www.thaivisa....u-kyi-released/ #2290
LaoPo
Rare Species Member Eating Tough Leaves Posted 2010-11-13 19:23:37
65 year old Daw Aung San Suu Kyi looks AMAZINGLY YOUNG and beautiful.
 ...... 13 November 2010 Last updated at 11:34 GMT Burma releases Aung San Suu Kyi  Ms Suu Kyi appeared at the gate of her compound in a traditional lilac dress Continue reading the main story Burma: Battle for Democracy
http://www.bbc.co.uk...acific-11749661 LaoPo #2291
LaoPo
Rare Species Member Eating Tough Leaves Posted 2010-11-23 12:27:05 
Kim_Aris&Son.jpg 60.69K
2 downloadsKim Aris, right, son of Aung San Suu Kyi, left, shows his arm tattooed with a symbol of his mother's NLD party's flag on his arrival at Yangon (Rangoon) International Airport on Nov. 23. (Photo: AP) Aung San Suu Kyi Reunited with Her Son RANGOON Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was reunited Tuesday with a son she last saw a decade ago, in an emotional moment at the Rangoon airport 10 days after she was released from detention. Kim Aris, 33, was finally granted a visa by the military regime after waiting for several weeks in neighboring Thailand. Just before walking into the airport terminal, the 65-year old Suu Kyi, who was released Nov. 13 after more than seven years under house arrest, told reporters, "I am very happy." A smiling Suu Kyi slipped her arm around her son's waist as the two posed briefly for photographers. Through her lawyer Nyan Win, Suu Kyi thanked the authorities for issuing the visa to her son, who resides in Britain and last saw his mother in December 2000. He has repeatedly been denied visas ever since by the ruling junta. Continues here: http://www.irrawaddy...hp?art_id=20152 LaoPo |
Sponsored by... |
