~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 1 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 2Refugees from Myanmar's Shan State fleeing the fighting arrive at Nansan in Yunnanprovince. Reuters~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 3 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 4~~.-.._._-._....-._-_ -- ---.. , --.-.-_--. ..----...--POLARIS BURMESE LIBRARY ( SINGAPORE )~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 5 MONDAY, 17 AUGUST 2009 18:31 ( - ) (NLD) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 6 (CIA) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 7 (AAPP) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 8 .. MONDAY, 17 AUGUST 2009 18:07 Kuala Lumpur InternationalAirport (KLIA) B 3 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 9 Kajang Semenyih () RELA ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 10 MONDAY, 17 AUGUST 2009 19:40 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 11 TUESDAY, 18 AUGUST 2009 16:02 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1641:2009-08-18-09-03-59&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 12 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 13 TUESDAY, 18 AUGUST 2009 17:15 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1643:2009-08-18-10-16-46&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 The Nation The Nation ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 14 CONTRIBUTORThe Juntas NewBalancing ActBy HTET AUNG Tuesday, August 18, 2009John William Yettaw has been released from Burmas notorious Insein Prison,where hundreds of the countrys political prisoners are currently detainedwhile dozens sacrificed their lives in the past two decades.The Aung San Suu Kyi intruder is now able to return home, crossing~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 15thousands of miles of ocean, not by swimming, but in the comfort of a jet,leaving the innocent victim, Suu Kyi, to serve out her fourth house arrest foranother18 months.The dismal end to the drama couldnt be more frustrating to the Burmesepeople who desperately want to see their beloved democracy leader free. She istheir hope for freedom under the ruthless military dictatorship.US Sen Jim Webb may be satisfied with his mission: he accomplished two ofhis three requests: the release of Yettaw and a meeting with Suu Kyi.But Sen-Gen Than Shwe is smiling too, because he can now safely carry outthe 2010 elections with Suu Kyi safely locked away under house arrest.Now the junta chief can fully concentrate on a major issue that has thepotential to unravel the smooth path to national electionsthe unruly ethnicarmed ceasefire groups.Than Shwe has two goals: to transform the ethnic ceasefire groups into aBorder Guard Force and to persuade the groups to form political parties intheir respective areas and to field candidates in the upcoming election.So far, Than Shwe has convinced only one group, the Democratic KarenBuddhist Army, to transform into a Border Guard Force, under the commandof government officers.The task must be done in line with the new constitution and its Section 338,which states: All the armed forces in the Union shall be under the commandof the Defense Services.~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 16However, the most powerful ethnic ceasefire groups have not signed on to theplan, especially the largest groups along Burmas frontier bordering withChina. The United Wa State Army and the Kachin Independence Army, thestrongest of the armed ethnic groups, have rejected the governments order.They dont trust the junta. Their common position is they want to deal withthis issue after a parliamentary government is formed following the 2010election.Although the junta enjoys Chinas political support in keeping internationalpressure at bay, it hasnt received its neighbors support on the border guardissue. Instead, China has pressured the junta to tackle the issue carefully andnot to destabilize the border area.Having successfully drawn India, at one time a strong supporter of Burmasdemocracy movement, into its camp by playing a balancing act with China, thejunta can now play the same diplomatic game between China and the UnitedStates.If the US decides to practice a more flexible engagement policy, the threat ofUN Security Council might be reduced, meaning that it may not need to relyso much on Chinas veto in opposing anti-Burmese junta resolutions. Thatcould give the junta more bargaining power in tackling the issue of the armedethnic groups along the border with China.If the Obama administration sees Webbs achievement as a positive step andan opportunity for engagement with the junta, it means the junta has moreleverage in playing the two superpowers off one another.Furthermore, it means a significant diplomatic triumph for the junta to winthe official recognition of the US, the generals major foe that is often accused~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 17of neo-colonialist meddling in the countrys internal affairs.If not, the junta has nothing to lose. The more it delays the release of Suu Kyi,the more the US might feel responsible for Suu Kyis fourth detention, whichwas triggered by the actions of an American.But for the time being, the Democratic senator can bask in hisaccomplishment of snatching Yettaw from the hands of a ruthless junta.The author is an independent researcher and a graduate in InternationalDevelopment Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.orgCONTRIBUTORWebbs Visit Could Yield Benefits forBurmese PeopleBy DAVID I. STEINBERG Tuesday, August 18, 2009US Senator Jim Webb's visit to Burma was an important initial step in theefforts to improve the lives of the Burmese peoples. He was able to accomplishfar more than UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and the receptiveness ofthe military junta to his visit indicates that, within certain strictures, theregime is interested in improving relations with the United States.The US media has concentrated on the plight of John Yettaw. That may beunderstandable from an American nationalist perspective, but it is simply an~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 18indicator of a far more important, but still potential, reassessment of relations.The pattern has been for the Burmese government to try those foreigners whoviolate the stringent regulations on political activity. The Burmese usuallymake the point of finding them guilty, and then, after a relatively short period,expelling them. In any case, John Yettaw would probably not have served hisfull seven-year sentence, even without Webbs intervention.More importantly, Webbs visit indicates the start of a process ofaccommodation between the US and Burma that could be important. It is,however, simply a beginning.The junta has sent the US a signal, reiterating the one sent on March 2009when Burmas foreign minister had an unprecedented meeting with a mid-level Department of State official. The US had also sent a signal, not onlyverbally through the public statements concerning a review of US policies, butalso by signing the Asean Treaty of Amity and Cooperation that it hadpreviously refused to consider largely because of Burmas membership.Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright had made impassionedspeeches against Burmas entry in 1997.Webbs meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi was important as well as symbolic.For a high-level US visitor not to have seen her, even on a private visit, couldhave had negative political repercussions in the US.Although details of their conversation have not yet been made public, its apositive sign that she has apparently talked about the sanctions issue in amoderated position. Her apparent support of sanctions in the past (as well asher views against investment and even tourism, and, at an earlier stage,international NGO assistance) have spurred the human rights and Burmeseexpatriate communityand, it can be argued, determined US policy toward~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 19that country.The forces opposed to improving relations with the regime have invoked herearlier positions without any clear understanding of her current views.Although Webb called for the release of Suu Kyi from house arrest, whichvirtually all foreign observers and officials want and advocate, it has beenapparent that the junta had planned to keep her detained until the 2010elections are over, as officials were fearful that she might "disrupt" them.The trial was unnecessary from this vantage point as policy trumps law, andsome means would have been found to keep her out of circulation withoutarraigning her in a court of law.The military will continue to hold effective power under the provisions of the2008 constitution, but there will be opposition political parties and perhapssome modest space between the state and the political process, although it istoo early to predict how this may occur. The US has already dismissed the2010 elections as a "sham" and a "fraud," yet we should remember that in the1990 elections, which the NLD so overwhelmingly won, the votes seem to havebeen fairly counted even if the campaigning was severely restricted. What willhappen in 2010 is uncertain, except that the reins of power will continue to beheld by the military.Webb's visit is an important first step, even if it may not change the politicalprocess in the near future. The US has many interests in Burma and in itsgrowth and potential. It could mean the beginning of negotiations by whichthe lives of the ordinary Burmese may be improved from the dire poverty inwhich at least half the population find themselves. It is to that end that effortsshould now be focused.David I. Steinberg is Distinguished Professor of Asian Studies, School of~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 20Foreign Service, Georgetown UniversityCopyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.orgCONTRIBUTORWebb Visit a Success?By DEBBIE STOTHARD Monday, August 17, 2009Senator Webbs visit to Burma has been considered successful because hewas able to tick three items off his checklist: rescuing John Yettaw fromseven years in jail with hard labor; meeting Snr-Gen Than Shwe; and meetingDaw Aung San Suu Kyi.In the eyes of international stakeholders who have gotten accustomed to theBurmese juntas intransigence, the visit was a coup. This has been the biggeststride forward since former UN Special Envoy Razali Ismail secured Suu Kyisrelease in 2002 and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon was able to persuadethe generals to accept lucrative aid in 2008.How ironic. Sen Webbs success stems from the leverage enjoyed by the USssignificant (and effective) sanctionsa ban on imports from Burma and a banon financial servicesthat were imposed in 2003 on top of the 1997 ban onnew investment.The USs previous willingness to put their money where their mouth is hasgained the respect of the Burmese regime. The State Peace and Development~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 21Council (SPDC) has invested millions of dollars over the past decade to woothe US into greater engagement, compared to its cavalier treatment of Asean.Than Shwe respects power by the extent to which is exercised. He recognizesthat the US has traditionally backed its statements with action. RememberAseans great achievement of persuading the SPDC to open up to CycloneNargis aid? Well, it wouldnt have been possible without the USS Essex-ledcarrier group and other foreign navies on standby off the Burmese coast. ThanShwe was given the impression he had to make the choice of cooperating withAsean or deal with the US navy.The junta has generally responded to the relatively hollow diplomaticovertures made by the UN, EU and Asean with empty promises and bizarrestatements, comfortable in the knowledge that these stakeholders are unlikelyto hit them where it hurts.A global arms embargo and a UN Security Council Commission of Inquiry intocrimes against humanity in Burma will make this junta sit up and payattention. It will be the catalyst for a type of engagement that is based ondialogue and negotiation.While Sen Webb basks in the gloryand I dont grudge him thatlets notforget that the essential problems in Burma have not dissipated in any way.Over 2,000 political prisoners, Suu Kyi included, remain imprisoned. Themilitary has stepped up its brutal atrocities in Eastern Burma, terrorizinghundreds of villages with rape, torture, forced labor and death.Since July 27, over 10,000 civilians have been forcibly displaced from 500villages in central Shan State. Attacks in Karen State forced over 6,000~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 22civilians to seek refuge in Thailand. Refugees continue to flee their homesevery day. This prolongation of one of the worlds longest-running wars islikely to get worse as the regime tightens the screws on ethnic ceasefire andnon-ceasefire groups in an effort to completely control the 2010 elections.Oh, and lets not forget the chilling evidence of this regimes chummycooperation with North Korea: tunnels, long-range ballistic missile technologyand a nuclear program.Sen Webb must seriously consider: if this is the damage the regime can dowithout access to US resources, what would be possible if sanctions aredismantled willy-nilly?Its time to refocus our energies on the original checklist for Burma: theunconditional release of all political prisoners; the cessation of militaryhostilities in ethnic areas; and a tripartite review of the 2008 constitution.Debbie Stothard is coordinator of Alternative Asean Network on Burma(Altsean).Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.org~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 23Suu Kyi Clarifies Her Sanctions PolicyBy WAI MOE Tuesday, August 18, 2009Burmas detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi told US SenatorJim Webb on Saturday that interaction must first be established inside thecountry, according to her lawyer.The comment was made in response to Webbs assertion that, with regard tosanctions, Burma needs interaction with the international community, thelawyer said.Daw Suu told methat when she metwith SenatorWebb onSaturday shereiterated theneed for theBurmese regimeto first interactinside thecountry. She saidonly when that happens will Burma benefit from relations with theinternational community, said Nyan Win, Suu Kyis lawyer, who met her forabout one hour on Monday afternoon.A pro-democracy activist holds a portrait ofBurmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyiduring a protest in New Delhi in August. (Photo:Reuters)~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 24Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Tuesday, Nyan Win said he asked Suu Kyiabout the recent reports in several British newspapers that she had agreed toan overturn of the international tourism boycott on Burma. She replied thatshe had not discussed the issue with anyone recently, Nyan Win said.According to the lawyer, who is also a spokesperson for Suu Kyis NationalLeague for Democracy (NLD) party, Suu Kyis stance on sanctions has notchanged since she issued a statement in 2007.Suu Kyi said that as she was not the one who imposed sanctions against theBurmese regime, she is not in a position to lift those sanctions, he said.The NLD leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate has in the past, however,offered an olive branch to the ruling generals. In November 2007, followingthe crackdown on monk-led demonstrations, she said, In the interest of thenation, I stand ready to cooperate with the government in order to make thisprocess of dialogue a success Suu Kyi said she explained to Webb that despite some early agreements withMaj-Gen Aung Kyi, the minister of relations, who was appointed by thegovernment to liaise with her after the monk-led protests, nothing ultimatelytranspired from the meetings.Nyan Win said that one of topics raised during Suu Kyis conversation withWebb was Chinas influence within the Burmese regime. The US senatorapparently referred to Beijings involvement in Burma as a fearful influence.However, Daw Suu told Webb that she rejects such terminology with regardto China, and she wants Burma to be on good terms with all its neighboringcountries as well as the international community at large, Nyan Win said.She said China is Burmas neighbor and wants to be a good friend of Burma.~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 25She said she did not see China as a fearful influence.Another issue raised by Webb on Saturday was about the participation of herparty, the NLD, in the coming elections in 2010. She told Webb that sheneeded to discuss the matter with members of her party thoroughly, herlawyer said.Suu Kyi met with the Democratic senator in Rangoon on Saturday. OnMonday, Webb told reporters at a press conference in Bangkok that Suu Kyifavors the removal of some of the international sanctions applied by the USand EU.I don't want to misrepresent her views, but my clear impression is that she isnot opposed to the lifting of some sanctions, Webb said.Webb is known for his strong criticism of the US administrations Burmasanctions, arguing that isolating Burma has strengthened China's grip,weakened US influence and done nothing to improve the junta's behavior.According to Nyan Win, Suu Kyi made no comment on whether sheconsidered the US senators trip to Burma to have been beneficial.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.org~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 26MyanmarMore bricks in the wall around herAug 13th 2009 | BANGKOKFrom The Economist print editionThe junta cocks another snook at the Burmese people andforeign opinionReutersTHE only surprise was that it took so long. After many delays, acourt in Yangon this week delivered its verdict on Myanmarsopposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The ruling juntas staunchestfoe was consigned to another 18 months of detention at her home,as punishment for a bizarre incident in May when an Americaneccentric swam to her lakeside villa. This, the court ruled, broke theterms of the house arrest she was already serving. Her reasonabledefence, that as a prisoner she was in no position to fend offuninvited visitors, was brushed aside by the court.The pretext provided by the hapless visitor, John Yettaw, a 54-year-old Mormon, may have been fortuitous. But the outcome was neverin doubt. The junta was always determined to prolong Miss SuuKyis detention, which was about to expire, until after elections thatare planned for some time next year. At large, Miss Suu Kyi, who isprobably as loved as the generals are hated, would jeopardise thistightly controlled exercise. The last time the regime held anelection, in 1990when she was already locked upher party won~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 27over 60% of the votes and 80% of the seats. The results havenever been honoured.This week Miss Suu Kyis initial sentence was for three years hardlabour. But in a carefully choreographed intervention, the interiorminister promptly stood up to announce that the junta leader,General Than Shwe, had magnanimously commuted it. By giving agentler sentence he may hope to minimise international outrage.Another explanation was hinted at by Miss Suu Kyis lawyer, whosuggested the act of clemency might also complicate the appeal sheis to make against the verdict. At the very least, the manner inwhich Than Shwe directed her trial is a reminder, if one werenecessary, of how completely the armed forces control all ofMyanmars institutions. The whole country is a prisoner of theregime.Mr Yettaw, who testified he was motivated to make his swim by avision in a dream, was told to serve four years hard labour andthree years in prison. Aung Naing Oo, a Burmese scholar at ChiangMai University in Thailand, suggests that the regime will be keen toexpel him sooner than that. The generals probably do not want BillClinton pitching up in Yangon, as he did in North Korea, to appealfor mercy.The trial has given the opposition, many of whose leaders are inexile or in jail, some publicity. It has provoked routine internationalcondemnation and calls from activists and others for an armsembargo and further sanctions. Yet it is doubtful that much willchange. Myanmar already faces Western sanctions, while enjoyingtrading links with Asian neighbours. The country can rely onChinese and Russian support in the United Nations Security Council,so harsh new measures against the regimeeven an armsembargoare unlikely. When the UNs secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, visited Myanmar in July to beg the generals to free Miss SuuKyi and other political prisoners, they simply ignored him. This weekthe Security Council could not even agree on a statement criticisingthe verdict on Miss Suu Kyi. As Western and even South-East Asiangovernments condemned it, China urged the world to respectMyanmars laws.Myanmar has been under a military dictatorship since 1962 and thegenerals grip looks as strong as ever. Nonetheless, the plannedgeneral election raises the tantalising possibility that politics couldchange. Although the armed forces will remain supreme, the newadministration will have a civilian face. The election will be neitherfree nor fairit is not even clear how candidates will be selectedyet the establishment of a new system could still amount to thegreatest upheaval in domestic politics since the army seized power.The most optimistic analysis is that the new arrangements offer theremote possibility of some change for the better, even if that is nottheir architects intention.~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 28Outsiders may have more to worry about than the lack ofdemocracy in Myanmar, however. Last month Hillary Clinton, theAmerican secretary of state, while in Thailand for a securityconference, suggested that Myanmar may be receiving assistancefrom North Korea in building nuclear weapons. Defectors speakingto Australian researchers have alleged that an elaborate nuclearprogramme is being concealed in tunnels. If such suspicions persist,that issue may come to shape American thinking on Myanmar atleast as much as the persecution of Miss Suu Kyi and otherunfortunate democrats.BanyanThe Burmese road to ruinAug 13th 2009From The Economist print editionOnce a model for Myanmars generals of successfulautocracy, Indonesia now has even more to teach themIllustration by M. MorgensternIF THERE was ever a role model for Than Shwe, Myanmars vicious,nutty, reclusive senior general, it was Suharto, Indonesias latekleptocrat. Suharto was the senior general who had everything. Hisfabulous wealth made the greedy Burmese generals look likepaupers. His children parcelled out the economy as if it were thefamily vegetable plot. Feted rather than shunned, he was dubbedfather of development by his fan club, and even many foreignersagreed: development banks needed him more than he needed~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 29them. And he held power for 32 years. No wonder the Burmesejunta gazed admiringly at Indonesia.The two countries do have much in common. Both are fabulouslyrich in resourceshydrocarbons, minerals, timber. Both reachedpostcolonial independence by way of Japanese occupation. Both aremultiethnic states haunted by the twin spectres of racial tension anda separatist periphery. And both have armies with inflated views oftheir importance to national survival.A fine recent book on Indonesia by Marcus Mietzner of theAustralian National University* highlights five features of theIndonesian armed forces. Four are also shown by Myanmars. Firstis the armys (debatable) view of itself as the main bringer ofindependence. Second is its disdain for periods of civilian rule in the1950s, dismissed as chaotic, corrupt and, through the spread ofregional rebellions, dangerous to the countrys integrity. Out of thisdisdain grew a third feature, a doctrine known in Indonesia asdwifungsi, or dual function, of running the country as well asdefending it, and a fourth, the entrenchment of the armed forces inthe infrastructure of the state. Last year Myanmars benightedpeople were forced to endorse a dwifungsi constitution in areferendum. Under it, ludicrously undemocratic elections are to beheld in 2010, giving some veneer of legitimacy to the soldiersunbudgeable heft in parliament and government.The fifth point, too, may yet apply to Than Shwe. What Mr Mietznerterms the increasingly sultanistic character of the ageingSuhartos rule opened up a rift with his fellow generals. When theeconomy collapsed in 1998 and the threat of anarchy loomed,Suharto looked over his shoulder and found nobody was followinghim. In the end, dictators, however unpopular, despotic andincompetent, rarely fall because they have too many enemies. Theyfall because they have too few friends left.Fall, however, Suharto did, in 1998, disqualifying Indonesias recenthistory as a serviceable model for Than Shwe. But what hashappened there since Suharto fell should still interest him for tworeasons. The first is that there has been almost total impunity bothfor the grasping dynasty and the torturing soldiers who guarded it.One obstacle to political reform in Myanmar is the generals fear ofwar-crimes trials, truth-and-justice commissions, or perhaps lynch-mobs. Indonesia should offer them hope that political change neednot inevitably bring retribution.But Indonesia is an encouraging example for Myanmar for a betterreason, too. Facing multiple long-lived insurgencies, Myanmarsgenerals fear for their countrys unity. In the late 1990s,Indonesians also worried about national disintegration andcommunal strife. Yet except for tiny East Timor, the countryremains in one piece. Moreover, under Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,just re-elected president, it is politically stable, economicallyresilient and largely peaceful. All political transitions are bumpy. But~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 30Indonesias has been surprisingly free of turbulence. And thecountry is showing signs of some political self-confidence. This weekit reverted to the timid, non-interfering traditions of theAssociation of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), curtailing agathering in Jakarta of exiled Burmese opposition leaders. But atASEANs summit in July, it spoke out for more robust regionalhuman-rights standards and against the Burmese junta.There are two ways, however, in which the Burmese dictatorshipdiffers crucially from Suhartos. The first is that, whereas Suhartofaced only insipid opposition leaders, Than Shwe has a nemesis,Aung San Suu Kyi, who is hugely popular at home andinternationally revered. There was something personally vindictiveabout the Alice in Wonderland trial to which his junta has justsubjected her. Not just the proceedings (sentence firstverdictafterwards) but the supposed crime itselfin effect, being poorlyguardedwere beyond ridicule. His intervention to show clemencyby cutting her sentence was salt in her wounds. The whole farcespeaks of Than Shwes determination at all costs to keep herincarcerated during next years election. The army will never forgetits embarrassment in 1990 when her party trounced the armyscandidates. She was already in detention.The Pyongyang consensusSecond, Suhartos claim to paternity over development was not allhot air. Under him Indonesia achieved average annual economicgrowth of over 6% for three decades. Inequality was stark, but thebenefits of growth were felt by most Indonesians. In Myanmar, atiny, pampered middle class enjoy luxury hotels, golf and shoppingmalls in Yangon; the generals bask in comfort in the mountainfastness of Naypyidaw, their absurdist capital. But most ofMyanmars people still toil away as subsistence farmers. Economiccollapse is not a risk. There is nothing to collapse.In this respect, perhaps Than Shwe has, after all, found a new rolemodel. That other vicious, nutty recluse, Kim Jong Il, shows thesame almost infinite capacity to let his people suffer to keep him inpower and cognac, and has an appealing knack for nukes. However,he exudes neither the durability nor the respectability commandedby Suharto in his pomplet alone by the popularly elected MrYudhoyono, who, Than Shwes underlings might like to recall, usedto be one of Suhartos generals.~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 31 WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST 2009 19:51 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1658:2009-08-19-12-52-14&catid=14:2008-10-21-07-40-03&Itemid=32 () ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 32 USS Essex ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 33 Alternative Asean Network WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST 2009 17:02 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1649:2009-08-19-10-04-55&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 (KNLA) (DKBA) KNLA KNLA ( -/) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 34 KNLA KNLA KNLA DKBA KNLA DKBA DKBA KNLA DKBA KNLA DKBA KNLA DKBA DKBA (IDP) (Ei Tu Hta) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 35DKBA IDP DKBA DKBA DKBA DKBA ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 36 DKBA DKBA DKBA KNLA WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST 2009 19:11 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1655:2009-08-19-12-13-00&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 (Foundation for Education and Development- FED) FED ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 37 () FED FED FED ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 38 WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST 2009 19:23 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1656:2009-08-19-12-25-12&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 Empolyment Permit System (EPS) (KLT) EPS (HRD) HRD KLT ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 39 KLT EPS KLT HRD HRD EPS ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 40 EPS KLT EPS WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST 2009 19:29 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1657:2009-08-19-12-30-28&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 41 () - ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 42 UNHCR THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 16:21 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1660:---unhcr--&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 Kuala Lumpur InternationalAirport (KLIA) UNHCR UNHCR UNHCR (Yante Ismail) KLIA Kajang Semenyih () ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 43 RELA THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 15:23 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1659:2009-08-20-08-25-13&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 AP ( - AP) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 44 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 45 THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 16:23 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1661:2009-08-20-09-24-29&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 () (Paolo Memorial Hospital) () () () ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 46 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 47 THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 17:36 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1662:2009-08-20-10-37-45&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 48 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 49CONTRIBUTORTime for Decisive ActionBy AUNG MOE ZAW Thursday, August 20, 2009Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is guilty and her sentence is three years hard labor.That was the judgment handed down by a court in the compound of thenotorious Insein Prison on August 11th, 2009. As a result, the military regimein Burma may believe that it has fulfilled its aim of excluding her and the pro-democracy forces from the country's political process.There should be no doubt that Snr-Gen Than Shwe and the junta have nointention of reconciling with either Suu Kyi or any of the pro-democracymovement and ethnic forces for the interest of the various peoples or thenation.They have made that blatantly clear time and time again, and now, this latestverdict is a loud resounding "No!" to domestic and international calls forreconciliation and an inclusive political process.The National League for Democracy (NLD), the leadership of the pro-democracy movement, has decided to appeal the court decision. Whileexposing the absence of an independent judiciary and the rule of law is crucialto understanding the current state of Burma, is it really possible for a legalcase to reform the judiciary system?When the charges are trumped up, when the verdict is ridiculous and thewhen the sentence is politically manipulated, is it remotely possible for an~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 50appeal to successfully secure the release of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate?Than Shwe has already given us his answer when he intervened to put hisstamp of recognition of the courts' verdict and colluded with the court tosentence her to 18 months house arrest. However, he did not use hisomnipresent power to intervene for her release.His intervention can only be interpreted as a sign that the regime refuses toreconcile with Suu Kyi or to move toward national reconciliation anddemocratic transition.It may be that the leadership of our movement has a strategic plan to bringabout positive change through taking on the judiciary system and, indeed, inthe face of such injustice, it is of course absolutely necessary to fight in thecourt.The trial may also encourage international sympathy and support for themovement and contribute to raising public awareness, fueling discontent withthe regimes wily ways.However, one can't help but worry that the legal battle will divert the NLD'sdirection away from mobilizing the public, which is surely the most criticalchallenge at this current juncture; critical because the response to the loomingchallenge will define the future of the country's political process. Thischallenge is the 2010 election.The forthcoming electionwhich will exclude all democrats from the nation'spolitical processwill soon be accomplished, just as the referendum wasaccomplished, unless pro-democracy groups can change Than Shwe and hismilitary cliques minds.The election result will be just as rigged as the referendum'sunless, of~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 51course, the pro-democracy groups can change the rules of game beforehand.The election will activate the military constitution, but will otherwise gonowhere except to legalize military rule in Burma.The NLD proposed to the regime through its ''Shwe-Gone-Taing Declaration''that it would consider participating in the election if certain conditions weremet. Two vital conditions are the release of its leader, Daw Aung san Suu Kyi,and all other political prisoners, and the review and revision of the 2008constitution. The NLD has indeed offered some middle ground to break t thecountry's political deadlock.Again, Than Shwe has said No by transferring Suu Kyi to Insein Prison andbringing yet more charges against her.In my opinion, in the face of all these refusals, the leadership of the pro-democracy movement is left with no choice but to oppose the elections in 2010and must state so urgently and without diversion.This is the right moment for them to bring all political forces on board toboycott the elections.Time is running out for the leadership of the pro-democracy movement. Theplace for today's strategic battle is in the political arena, supported by thepeople. It is time for the leadership to take decisive action to prepare andmobilize for a mass boycott of the 2010 elections.Aung Moe Zaw is chairman of the Democratic Party for a New Society, anopposition group based in exile.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.org~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 52COMMENTARYGarbled words; Naive ExpectationsBy KYAW ZWA MOE Wednesday, August 19, 2009It was an upbeat story after a string of depressing eventsa little like a cagedbird being set free. A momentary sense of freedom, of compassion.Everyone can share in the good fortune of John Yettaws release after he wassentenced to seven years hard labor for intruding into the lakeside home ofpro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in May.Yettaw, a wayward, misguided US citizen, set off an unfortunate chain ofevents leading to a further 18-month sentence under house arrest for Suu Kyi.Amid the hoopla of Yettaws release, many Burma observers, policy makersand foreign media have praised US Sen Jim Webb, who managed to meet Snr-Gen Than Shwe and Suu Kyi during his Burma mission, praising his visit as asuccessa potential game-changing moment in US-junta relations.Not so. For the record, let me summarize the pertinent facts: Suu Kyisdetention was due to expire on May 27: the junta was searching for an excuseto extend her detention beyond the 2010 election. Eccentric Yettaw, whobelieved he was sent by God to save her from assassination, was arrested onMay 3. As a main defendant, he was sentenced along with Suu Kyi, whoreceived a three-year sentence on Aug 11.Yettaw was released on Aug 16. To see Yettaw walk out of prison wasnt a~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 53surprise, but it reeked in bitter irony.Webb was Yettaws savior; Yettaw was the juntas savior. In twisted logic, thejunta might even have seen his release as a reward for being the God-sent,unwitting tool of Snr-Gen Than Shwes devious plotting.Behind this deeply dramatic story, however, there are two specific momentsthat we must not forget.Before May 3, Suu Kyi was scheduled to be released; after Aug 11, she is undera new period of house arrest until 2011.That is the real story.So, how much importance should we give to the recent clamor about apotential breakthrough moment in US-Burma relations?The US and Western countries could lift sanctions on the regime, open upeconomic engagement, lift visa bans on the generals, and so on, but the wiseobserver should not expect anything in return: no release of Suu Kyi and the2,100 political prisoners, no full participation of opposition parties in theelection, no free and fair election.Any quid pro quo offer is not in the cards with the junta. Its never give-and-take with the generals; its always give-and-give. If you dont believe it, lookat the generals history.Already, they are reveling in their good fortune. On Tuesday, the juntas state-run newspapers called Webbs visit a success. An opinion piece in The NewLight of Myanmar said: The visit of Mr Jim Webb is a success for both sidesas well as the first step to promotion of the relations between the twocountries. It is interesting to see that the junta and Webb on are the same~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 54page in their views of the events.More interestingly, Webb told reporters in Bangkok on Sunday: I dont wantto misrepresent her [Suu Kyi] views, but my clear impression is that she is notopposed to the lifting of some sanctions,But the next day that interpretation began to unravel. What Suu Kyi said toWebb was that interaction between the junta and the domestic oppositionmust occur before sanctions are lifted. The senator may have believed that theinteraction referred to the junta and the international communityssanctions, according to Nyan Win, a spokesperson of her party, the NationalLeague for Democracy, who met with Suu Kyi on Monday.She told me that when she met with Sen Webb she reiterated the need for theBurmese regime to first interact inside the country. She said only when thathappens will Burma benefit from relations with the internationalcommunity, Nyan Win told The Irrawaddy.He said the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who is regarded as a strong supporterof economic sanctions, also told Webb: She was not the one who imposedsanctions against the Burmese regime. She is not in a position to lift thosesanctions.Understandably, the international community is anxious to know exactly whatSuu Kyi said. The New York Times, in its Wednesday editorial, wrote: Wewould like to hear her views directly, referring to Webbs statement that sheis not opposed to lifting some sanctions.Thus, Suu Kyis clarification is important for international policy makers,including the Obama Administration, in order for it to shape its policy on thereclusive regime.So whats the bottom line on this sorry episode? You can be happy that Yettaw,~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 55an ill man, is not in Insein Prison, but mourn the day the eccentric Americandecided to swim to Suu Kyis rescue, offering the junta a golden opportunity toextend her house arrest.On Webbs breakthrough, theres no such thing. The future will be more ofthe same: a manipulative junta set in its ways, determined to form a military-dominated parliament next year, determined to ignore the calls of theinternational community.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.orgCONTRIBUTORA Sunrise in the West?By NGA ZAW Wednesday, August 19, 2009Those from US and British embassies visited NLD (headquarters) 30 times inJuly, claimed Burmas state-run mouthpiece The New Light of Myanmar onAugust 4.The thinly veiled accusation from headlines such as this is that the NLDleaders are stooges of the Western powers, which, in turn, are known inBurmas state press as "neo-colonialists" and "internal destructionists."It is logical for a military regime that has endured a four decade-long civil warto look for enemies both externally, as well as internally. This keeps the armyunified and under control. The ruling junta justifies its illegitimate rule thiswaypointing at its history of armed struggle and warning the Burmese~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 56public about the dangers of the Wests involvement with the opposition.Senator Webbs meeting with Snr-Gen Than Shwe and the State Peace andDevelopment Council team was indeed significant. The visit could have animpact on the antiWestern mindset of the military generals and those closeto them. The visit took on added significance when the senator was allowed tomeet with Aung San Suu Kyi so soon after a similar request from UNSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon was denied.It would be nave to expect any progress toward Suu Kyi being released tocome from Webbs visit. Whatever expectations the Virginia senator sethimself, the mere willingness of the SPDC to engage with him, reflects a desireto engage with the US and the West in general.The question iswill the Burmese state media now accuse the militarygenerals of being stooges of the West?The regime has tried various ways of fostering closer ties with the USgovernment for years. However, the Americans have been reticent because ofthe regimes inhumanity.From 2001 until the Depayin massacre in 2003, the regime hired the DCIgroup, a Washington-based lobby firm, according to Aung Lin Htut, formerlythe deputy chief of mission at the Burmese embassy in Washington. He saidthat the Burmese authorities paid the lobby firm hundred of thousands ofdollars to approach the US government and make a case for them.Many influential persons in Burma would love to have access to the US. Itproduces military hardware and arms favored by Burmese commanders andsoldiers, according to a senior diplomat and military intelligence officer whodefected to America.~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 57Made-in-the-USA pilot jackets are famously sported by the generals. Theyfrequently send shopping lists for suits, shirts and other goods to anyone whois visiting the US.But will engagement work?Perhaps if expectations are set low. It could work if all political parties areincluded. It could work if the agenda is less about politics, but more aboutprograms aimed at rebuilding the dismal Burmese public health andeducation sectors.Engagement should also focus on economytraining entrepreneurs, skills-transfer and out-sourcing models for the growth of a middle-class that wouldbe the driving force of social change.Educating military cadets and sending them to gain experience in the Westwould help open up the eyes and ears of a new Burmese military generation.Burmese activists and lobbyists have warned that the Webb visit couldlegitimize the junta's 2008 sham constitution and 2010 elections. One shouldnot anticipate a U-turn in the US policy overnight.However, gradual engagement with tangible results may lend a hand inbringing the generals to the dialogue table with Suu Kyi. But a sudden changein policy by the SPDC would create a backlash.Engagement will, at least, prove that the NLD and the Lady are NOT stoogesof the West, and could pave the way for the military to work with theopposition and the ethnic groups in rebuilding the nation.Nga Zaw is a Burma observer living in the United States.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.org~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 58Yettaw Says No RegretsBy MARIA SUDEKUM FISHER / AP WRITER Thursday, August 20, 2009CHICAGO American John Yettaw said Wednesday he has no regrets abouttaking a secret swim to the home of Burma's detained democracy leaderadecision that landed them both in prisonand indicated that he still believeshis bizarre visit somehow saved her from being assassinated."If I had to do it again, I would do it a hundred times, a hundred times, to saveher life," an exhausted-looking Yettaw said of Aung San Suu Kyi in aninterview with The Associated Press after arriving in the US on Wednesday.He added, "Thatthey locked herup, it just breaksmy heart."Yettaw, 53, hastestified that heswam to theNobel Laureate'shouse in May towarn her that hehad a "vision"that she would be assassinated. Though Yettaw was released, Suu Kyi and herJohn Yettaw of Falcon, Mo. waits for a trambetween terminals at Chicago's O'HareInternational Airport on August 19. (Photo: AP)~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 59two live-in aides remain in detention because of Yettaw's visit, and Yettaw hasbeen called a fool and a madman by some of her supporters.Yettaw was wearing a blue surgical mask and clutching a green Harrods bag ashe was pushed in a wheelchair through Chicago's O'Hare International Airportafter his arrival. Yettaw, who has been ill since his arrest in Burma, wore themask to guard against infection.The American is from the tiny south-central Missouri town of Falcon, but hegenerated global headlines after he was arrested and sentenced to hard laborfor visiting the home of Suu Kyi. Yettaw was deported Sunday from Burmaafter the intervention of Democratic US Sen. Jim Webb.As he waited in Chicago to board a flight to Springfield, Missourihis lastdestination after a nearly 24-hour journey from BangkokYettaw sat with hishead in his hands, his eyes bloodshot.His companion, who did not identify herself, said he was "very tired." Heflashed the sign language symbol for "I love you" and nodded and smiledwhen asked whether he was happy to be home.When asked later if he would comment further, Yettaw said "I wish I couldtalk more. I can't" and made a zipper motion across his mouth. When hearrived in Springfield on Wednesday night, he was greeted by a police officerafter collecting his luggage. He did not speak to media on the flight.Yettaw had flown with Webb to neighboring Thailand on a US governmentplane Sunday and underwent two days of medical tests at a private Bangkokhospital.Webb said Yettaw had suffered a "medical incident" just before leaving Burmaas authorities there read him his deportation order. While in custody in a~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 60Rangoon jail during his trial, he had a seizure and was hospitalized for a week.He also reportedly suffers from diabetes and asthma.Yettaw, a Mormon who lives on a military pension from serving in the Armyfor about a year in 1973, traveled to Burma in early May and donnedhomemade flippers for a nighttime swim to Suu Kyi's lakeside home. Theincident led to a trial that sparked global condemnation in which Suu Kyi wassentenced to an additional 18 months of detention for breaching the terms ofher house arrest. She has already spent 14 of the past 20 years in detention.Suu Kyi's lawyers have described Yettaw's release was a "very ugly" turn.Yettaw testified that he was on a divine mission to save the democracy leader,saying he had a "vision" she was going to be assassinated and wanted to warnher. Suu Kyi testified that she repeatedly asked Yettaw to leave but relentedbecause he complained of exhaustion and she was concerned for his safety.Associated Press Writer Jocelyn Gecker in Bangkok contributed to thisreport.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.orgYettawHeads HomeBy JOCELYN GECKER / AP WRITER Wednesday, August 19, 2009BANGKOK American John Yettaw boarded a flight home Wednesday,ending an infamous journey that started three months ago with a secret swimto the home of Burma's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi thatlanded them both in prison.~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 61Yettaw, 53, of Falcon, Missouri, was sentenced last week to seven years of hardlabor but freed Sunday with the help of a visiting US senator.Meanwhile, democracy icon Suu Kyi and her two live-in aides remain indetention because of Yettaw's visita turn of events that the 64-year-oldNobel Peace Prize laureate called "very ugly," according to her lawyers.Yettaw, who is reportedly in poor health, flew with Sen. Jim Webb toneighboring Thailand on a US government plane and underwent two days ofmedical tests at a private Bangkok hospital.Seated in a wheelchair and wearing a face mask, Yettaw said "Love you!" to anAssociated Press reporter before heading onto a United Airlines flightWednesday morning. He repeatedly flashed the sign language symbol for "Ilove you," but made no other comments.Dressed in a rumpled white shirt and tan pants, Yettaw looked pale andhaggard. Asked about his health, he pointed to an IV inserted in the back ofhis right hand.A woman who identified herself as a nurse held Yettaw's other hand as he wasJohn Yettaw of Missouri is pushed through Bangkok,Thailand's Suvarnabhumi airport on Wednesday. (Photo:AP)~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 62wheeled to a business class lounge at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport andtold a reporter "he needs rest."Yettaw was ticketed through to Springfield, Missouri in a business class seat,with stops in Tokyo and Chicago, according to airline officials who spoke oncondition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose hisitinerary.US Embassy spokeswoman Cynthia Brown said she "cannot confirm his travelplans due to privacy concerns."In early May, Yettaw traveled to Burma and donned homemade flippers for anighttime swim to Suu Kyi's lakeside home. The bizarre incident led to trialthat sparked global condemnation in which Suu Kyi was sentenced to anadditional 18 months of detention for breaching the terms of her house arrest.She has already spent 14 of the past 20 years in detention.Yettaw testified that he was on a divine mission to save Suu Kyi, saying he hada "vision" she was going to be assassinated and wanted to warn her. Suu Kyitestified that she repeatedly asked Yettaw to leave but relented because heJohn Yettaw of Missouri avoids a reporter's question as he ispushed through Bangkok, Thailand's Suvarnabhumi airport onWednesday. (Photo: AP)~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 63complained of exhaustion and she was concerned for his safety. Suu Kyi's twoassistants who live with her received the same sentence."It's very ugly that the person who caused the problem was released but thethree people in the house remain detained," Suu Kyi said, according toattorney Nyan Win who visited her Monday.Burma has said that Yettaw was freed on humanitarian grounds and becauseof his health. He reportedly suffers from diabetes, epilepsy and asthma andwas hospitalized for a week during his trial after suffering seizures.Burma has been under military rule since 1962. The junta last called electionsin 1990 but refused but refused to honor the results when Suu Kyi's oppositionparty won overwhelmingly.Diplomats and Burma experts widely believe Yettaw's intrusion into Suu Kyi'shome gave the junta a legal pretext to keep her locked up through generalelections scheduled for next year, which will be the first in two decades.When Webb, a Democrat from Virginia, visited Burma last weekend he wasgiven unprecedented access. He held rare meetings with both Suu Kyi and thecountry's reclusive leader, Snr-Gen Than Shwe, becoming the first senior USpolitician to meet the junta chief.The junta's uncharacteristic hospitality has fueled questions over whether thiscould mark a turning point in Burma-US relations and lead to a softening oflongtime sanctions a prospect academics say is unlikely as long as the juntaignores international demands to free Suu Kyi ahead of 2010 elections.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.org~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 64DKBA Chief Recovers after OperationBy SAW YAN NAING Wednesday, August 19, 2009A senior commander of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA)received medical treatment in a military hospital in Rangoons MingaladonTownship, according to sources close to the DKBA.Col Chit Thu, commander of DKBA Battalion 999, was hospitalized and hadsurgery on his stomach because of gastric illness, the sources said.A Rangoon source also said that the commander is now in better health.Meanwhile, a source close to the DKBA in Kawkareik Township in Karen Statesaid Chit Thus condition is improving, and he recently attended a meeting inDKBA headquarters in Myaing Gyi Nyu in Karen State.He has been suffering from gastric problems for a long time, the DKBAsource said. He also smokes too much and received medical treatment forthis.However, unconfirmed reports suggest that Chit Thu was hospitalized after ashooting incident with members of the DKBA who dislike him, but TheIrrawaddy has been unable to gain independent confirmation.Karen sources have been speculating that Col Chit Thu was involved in anambush that killed San Pyote (aka Soe Myint), the influential commander ofDKBA Battalion 7.~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 65San Pyote was ambushed and killed by an unknown armed group whiletraveling by longtail boat on the Moei River on June 26.Chit Thu is now believed to be the most powerful man in the DKBA. He alsoowns large businesses dealing with logging and auto trading, and he isrumored to be involved in drug trafficking.The recent week-long offensive against the Karen National Liberation ArmyBrigade 7 that ended on June 21 was reportedly ordered by Chit Thu,according to sources at the Thai-Burmese border.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.orgArsenal to Offer Training AcademyBy KO HTWE Wednesday, August 19, 2009The Yangon United Football Club has signed a joint-venture agreement withBEC Tero Sasana FC of Bangkok to contract with Arsenal, the Premier Leagueclub in Britain, to offer a youth football training academy before the start ofthe Myanmar National League season on September 5, according to the state-run newspaper Myanmar Alin.As the soccer season nears, soccer observers are talking about Yangon UnitedFCs owner, Tay Za, who is known to be close to the ruling generals and theowner of Air Bagan, who reportedly invested more than 500 million kyat (US$500,000) into his team this year, according to a source at the Myanmar~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 66Football Federation.Some observersquestioned how aBurmese soccerclub could expectto recoup such alarge investment.Tay Za told theFirst Elevenjournal that hewill pay highersalaries to some players this year, and he plans to distribute 10,000 freejerseys. He also plans to offer free transportation for fans who wish to attendgames in Mandalay, about 383 miles north of Rangoon.Yangon United Club has been scheduled to play a friendly match withThailand Port FC, Pattaya United and Tero Sasana FC on August 20, 24 and26 in Thailand. The team will fly in sports reporters from Burma to cover thematch.According to soccermyanmar, an online magazine, Sai Khin Maung Aye, theCEO of Yangon United, said the match against Tero Sasana FC has beencanceled because the Thai club will begin league competition in August.After the league competition in Burma, promising youth players will be sent toTero Sasana FC of Thailand to improve their skills, according to soccersources.Fans of the Yangon United FC cheer from thestands before the start of the Myanmar NationalLeague soccer championship final match on July.(Photo: Reuters)~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 67Tero Sasana FCs managing director, Brian Marcar, is American-Burmese,according to sport journalists in Burma.Salaries for players with Yangon United FC reportedly range from $200 to$1,200 a month. Each game's best performer is awarded a Man of the Matchaward of 500,000 kyat ($500).The president of the club, Pyae Phyo Tay Za, the son of Tay Za, said a shopselling football club products will open soon on Sule Road at Rangoon.The new professional clubs were formed with a minimum investment of 200million kyat ($180,000). Some clubs have spent more than 1,000 million kyat($900,000) to cover costs of salaries, players contract fees, transportation,advertising and equipment, according to local sports journalists.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.orgNEWS ANALYSISPro-democracy Camp to US Senator:What Success?By MARWAAN MACAN-MARKAR / IPS WRITER Wednesday, August 19, 2009BANGKOK A rare visit by a United States senator to Burmabilled assuccessful in some quartersis winning little applause from sectors criticalof the military regime that rules the country.Western diplomats based in Bangkok, speaking on condition of anonymity,~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 68lauded the visit, saying they "welcome this breakthrough."Critics, however, warned that the two-day visit by Senator Jim Webb, whichbegan on August 14, could be used by the country's strongman, Snr-Gen ThanShwe, to bolster his image and win more concessions without conceding anyground to improve human rights and to let a democratic culture flourish inBurma, officially the Union of Myanmar.Webb, after all, has been a strong proponent of engaging with the State Peaceand Development Council (SPDC), as the military junta is formally known. Hehas also called for the lifting of the economic sanctions that Washington hasimposed on Burma since the mid-1990s, declaring that it has failed to pushthe junta down the road towards democratic reform.Little wonder why the treatment Webb received during his mission was akinto one that the junta offers to heads of states. It included meetings with thereclusive Than Shwe and one with Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democracyleader who the junta has shut away from public life for over 14 years.United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon did not get to meet Suu Kyiduring his July visit to Burma. Ban had called for the release of Suu Kyi and allother political prisoners during his meeting with Than Shwe. His request tomeet with the detained leader was denied."There is no surprise at the way Senator Webb was welcomed in Burma by themilitary regime. Than Shwe wants to open up good relations with the USgovernment, and he knows Webb's views on Burma, said Bangkok-based ZinLinn, information director for the National Coalition Government for theUnion of Burma, the democratically elected government forced into exile."The winner was the SPDC and Than Shwe; not Webb," he added in aninterview. "Than Shwe exploited this situation the way he has done with other~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 69foreign visitors. He knows when to ignore leaders and when to meet them."The highpoint of Webb's visitfrom the US point of view, at leastwas thesuccess of securing the release of US citizen John Yettaw on humanitariangrounds. The 53-year-old American was sentenced on August 11 to seven yearsin prison and hard labour for swimming across a lake in Rangoon andentering the home of Suu Kyi.The Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyi was not as fortunate. The same court,located within the compound of the notorious Insein Prison in the formercapital, found the 64-year-old opposition leader guilty of violating theconditions of her house arrest by letting the uninvited Yettaw into her lakesidehome in early May.Suu Kyi was condemned to a further 18 months under house arrest, removingall doubt that the trial lived up to its expectations as a "farce," as someBurmese analysts have described it. Yettaw's quest to reach herbecause hewas writing a book on "faith-based heroism"set the tone to this Kafkaesquecase.The further isolation of Suu Kyi is the reality that matters to Burmese activistsand not the humanitarian gesture the junta offered Webb. They see thesuppression of Suu Kyi's freedom, effectively denying her a role in the generalelections the junta has pledged to have in 2010, as a confirmation of thejunta's mindset."The release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is most important. We need to judge ifSenator Webb's trip was a success or failure based on that," said Bo Kyi, headof the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in Burma(AAPP), a group of former political prisoners campaigning for the rights of thecountry's jailed activists. "Yettaw's release is not that important."~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 70Yettaw's freedom, in fact, is not a surprise, added Bo Kyi during a telephoneinterview from Mae Sot, a town along the Thai-Burma border. "The militaryregime had no use of him anymore. They needed him earlier to find a way ofkeeping Daw Suu under house arrest," he revealed, using the honorific "Daw"as Burmese do when referring to senior women.A similarly critical tone is echoed by Burma watchers on another messageWebb has been pushing since leaving the Southeast Asian nation: to ease thecurrent sanctions regime. Webb, who chairs the Senate Foreign RelationsCommittee's East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, is trying to drum upsupport for a "new approach" to dealing with the regime.They say it is reminiscent of a view that emerged in the region in 1997, whenBurma was admitted as a member of the Association of Southeast AsianNations, a 10-member regional bloc. Aseanwhich includes Brunei, Burma,Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand andVietnamdescribed its policy towards the region's pariah as "constructiveengagement."The Burmese regime, the successor to the military dictatorships that haveruled the country since a March 1962 coup, benefited from the protective wallthat Asean built around it. It helped deflect criticism at the UN SecurityCouncil and Asean chose not to tow the line of the punitive sanctions policiesimposed by the US government and the European Union."Asean walked into a web of a different kind in 1997 when it opened its doorsto Burma. It said, 'don't criticize the regime; don't pressure it,'" said DebbieStothard of the Alternative Asean Network on Burma, a regional human rightswatchdog. "Asean believed at the time that by engaging with the militaryregime, it would change."~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 71Yet, the contrary has unfolded in the past decade, with the regime tighteningits grip on the country and its list of human rights violations lengthening,Stothard told IPS. "This regime is a bad enemy but an even worse friend," shesaid."This is why democracy activists are shocked at the message Webb is sendingout," Stothard added. "They are outraged that Webb's approach wouldundermine the pressure on the regime and send the wrong message, becausethe regime is desperate to get legitimacy for the 2010 elections."Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.orgAsean Officials to Discuss Suu KyiPardon ProposalTuesday, August 18, 2009A Thai government proposal for a request by the Association of SoutheastAsian Nations (Asean) to the Burmese junta to pardon Aung San Suu Kyi isexpected to be discussed at a meeting of senior Asean officials in theIndonesian capital, Jakarta, on Wednesday and Thursday.Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Monday that the pardonproposal had been winning more support among Asean member countries,according to a report in the Bangkok English-language daily The Nation.Cambodia and Vietnam, however, were reported to be still opposed to the~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 72proposal.We respect Burma's justice system but are concerned about the unity ofAsean too, since Aung San Suu Kyi's case makes Asean and Burma a commontarget, Kasit was quoted in The Nation.Kasit noted that Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as Indonesia and Singapore,had spoken positively about the rate of progress in Burma.American Senator Jim Webb, who met Burmese junta leader Than Shwe inNaypyidaw last week, said in a CNN interview on Monday that an Aseanrequest for a pardon for Suu Kyi would be a major step forward in resolvingthe situation.Webb said: "I am of the understanding that we are possibly going to see fromAsean. a petition of some sort that would ask for amnesty for her as well.During his visit to Burma, Webb, chairman of a US Senate foreign relationssub-committee on East Asia, secured the release of John Yettaw, the Americanwho intruded into Suu Kyis home and then found himself on trial alongsidethe pro-democracy leader. Yettaw was sentenced to seven yearsimprisonment, while Suu Kyi was given a further 18 months house arrest.Burma will also be on the agenda of an Asean summit in October in Thailand,when leaders of the grouping will announce the formation of the AseanHuman Rights Body. Observers say Burma is one of the issues challenging thecredibility of the first human rights body in the region.Copyright 2008 Irrawaddy Publishing Group | www.irrawaddy.org~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 73 NLD FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2009 19:41 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1710:---nld-&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 NLD CEC NLD ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 74 FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2009 18:59 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1709:2009-08-28-12-04-21&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 MAP ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 75 MAP MAP MAP Miss Pin Miss Pin ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 76 MAP MAP MAP MAP Jackie Pullot (Domestic Worker) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 77 FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2009 18:11 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1707:2009-08-28-11-13-28&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ( - TomKramer/TNI) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 78 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 79 (HRW ) THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2009 19:30 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1700:2009-08-27-12-33-42&catid=1:news&Itemid=2- ( -) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 80 () - AP ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 81 () () () () (KIO) (UWSA) ( ) MNDAA KIO KIA ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 82 THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2009 19:20 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1699:2009-08-27-12-22-38&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 7 Day ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 83 sakura Golding oil ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 84 FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2009 16:43 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1704:2009-08-28-09-45-16&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ( - AP) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 85 AP AP ( ) Pulau Pinang Kajang Semenyih () ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 86 WEDNESDAY, 26 AUGUST 2009 19:20 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1694:2009-08-26-12-26-23&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 (Map created byTransnational Institute)~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 87 ( - shanstateforum) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 88 SSA - ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 89 WEDNESDAY, 26 AUGUST 2009 16:33 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1693:2009-08-26-09-35-45&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 Living Silence in Burma ( ) Living Silence in Burma Christina Fink Christina Fink ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 90 Christina Fink () The Military: a Life sentence Christina Fink( -/) ( ) Christina Fink International Sustainable Development Studies Department of Sociology Christina Fink ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 91 (FCCT) THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2009 19:13 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1698:2009-08-27-12-19-59&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 92 THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2009 16:18 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1697:2009-08-27-09-19-55&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 93 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 94 THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2009 16:16 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1696:2009-08-27-09-18-40&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 (YCDC) YCDC (/) YCDC YCDC ( /) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 95 WEDNESDAY, 26 AUGUST 2009 19:50 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1695:2009-08-26-12-51-47&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 96 " () " " " " " ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 97 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 98 WEDNESDAY, 26 AUGUST 2009 16:15 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1692:2009-08-26-09-16-49&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 () ( ) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 99 (UWSA) WEDNESDAY, 26 AUGUST 2009 15:27 ( -/) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 100 NGO ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 101 (WFP) WFP ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 102 Search engine TUESDAY, 25 AUGUST 2009 20:10 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1689:-search-engine-&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 (MCPA) Search engine Search engine ( ) MCPA MCPA Search engine Search engine - Proxy Proxy ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 103 pandia.com Search engine - .. 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FRIDAY, 21 AUGUST 2009 18:50 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1670:2009-08-21-11-51-00&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 - ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 123 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 124 (NLD) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 125 FRIDAY, 21 AUGUST 2009 17:57 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1669:2009-08-21-10-59-37&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 () () () ( -) World Vision ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 126 FRIDAY, 21 AUGUST 2009 16:25 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1668:2009-08-21-09-26-52&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 (DKBA) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 127 DKBA DKBA DKBA DKBA DKBA DKBA DKBA (KNU) KNLA () (KNLA) (DKBA) KNLA KNLA KNLA KNU KNLA ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 128 FRIDAY, 21 AUGUST 2009 15:38 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1667:2009-08-21-08-41-05&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ( - ) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 129 () / () / () () () () THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 19:39 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1665:2009-08-20-12-40-59&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 130 () () - ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 131 THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 18:35 7 Day News ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 132 7 Day News () ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 133 THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 17:36 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1662:2009-08-20-10-37-45&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 134 ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 135 UNHCR THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2009 16:21 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1660:---unhcr--&catid=1:news&Itemid=2 Kuala Lumpur InternationalAirport (KLIA) UNHCR UNHCR UNHCR (Yante Ismail) KLIA Kajang Semenyih () ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 136 RELA FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2009 18:36 http://www.irrawaddy.org/bur/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1708:2009-08-28-11-39-58&catid=2:articles&Itemid=30 ( -) ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 137 "" " " " " " " " " " " '' ~~... .~ . .. -.._._-. _....-._-_ - - -- -.. , 138