Independence Weekly

Independence Weekly, No. 27 (13 - 19 January 2003)

The world
11 January
Naga leaders negotiating with New Delhi announce they are confident the war is over. (The Guardian London)

International
13 January
Burma gets a new name - "Land of Broken Promises" (Bangkok Post)

14 January
Coalition to Stop Use of Child Soldiers demands UN Security Council to act against governments and armed groups that use children in conflict. (Irrawaddy)

Soe Myint of Mizzima News Service filed by a West Bengal court on charges of hijacking a Rangoon-bound plane from Bangkok to Calcutta in 1990. 

Drugs
13 January
Asean and China meeting in Chiangmai pledge to free the region from drugs by 2015. (Bangkok Post)

14 January
PM Thaksin Shinawatra sets 3 month deadline to rid the country of drugs, 1 February-30 April. (Bangkok Post)

15 January
The UWSA is diversifying by upgrading its version of Ecstasy to European standards, reports The Nation. (AFP)

17 January
US figures say opium figures decline from 2,560 metric ton (2,822 US tons) in 1996 to 630 tons (699 US tons) in 2002. UN's estimates for 2002: 828 metric tons (912 US tons). 

James Kelly, US Assistant Secretary of State, however notes speed production has likely increased. (AP)

Thailand's policy of attempting to improve diplomatic and economic ties with Rangoon has undermined attempts to stop the flow of drugs, says Kraisak Choonhavan, senate foreign affairs committee chairman. (Asia Times Online)

Thai-Burma relations
15 January
Army chief Somdhat Attanand will propose talks for border demarcation at Doilang, a disputed border area between Chiangmai and Monghsat during his Burma trip, 21-22 January (Bangkok Post)

Other topics include a joint border patrol and repatriation of refugees. (Irrawaddy)

16 January
Dawn Nee, member of Green November 32, who was arrested last month for holding a meeting on Human Rights Day (10 December) sentenced to 6-month imprisonment by Maehongson court. (NMG)

17 January
Army chief delays his planned visit because Gen Maung Aye has other commitments. 

PM Thaksin meanwhile confirms his official visit to Burma, 9-10 February. Some topics on his agenda: drugs, border problems and tourism."

Joint development will make border areas more open and help eliminate bad people, minority people and bad things hidden along the border and ensure greater security. 
Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, quoted by Asia Times, 17 January 2003

Human Rights
16 January
Two "pseudo nuns" arrested in Rangoon for shouting slogans and demanding release of political prisoners. "The work of NLD terrorists in exile," says Brig Gen Than Tun.

Economy
10 January
Rangoon announces increase in petrol ration. The punch line: price also rises from 180 kyat per gallon to 700, roughly 4-fold. (DVB)

13 January
Kachin Independence Organization, a ceasefire group, makes money by selling coal to China. More than 6,000 tons had been exported last year at the price of $ 9 per ton. It is negotiating with the energy ministry for the exporting of coal from fields in Mongma and Manpang, Tangyan Township. (DVB)

The Opposition
6 January
Military intelligence summons United Nationalities Alliance leaders and warns that the coalition will not be recognized. It is made up of ALD (Arakan), CNLD (Chin), KNCD (Kachin), KNC (Karen), KNLD (Kayah), MNDF (Mon), SNLD (Shan) and ZNC (Zomi). (DVB)

16 January
The opposition is in need of a breakthrough strategy, says a senior activist analyst. 

New Mon State Party, a ceasefire group, holds 5th Conference. It was founded in July 1958 by Nai Shwe Kyin. 

17 January
CRPP, Burma's shadow parliament, has increased from 10 members to 17 during the last year, says Aye Thar Aung, its secretary. 

The Shans
Sao Hearn Kham, first First Lady of Burma (1948-51) and first leader of the Shan State Army (1964-69) passes away in Canada. (S.H.A.N.)

We are friends of Burma, but that doesn't mean we and (Burma's rebel) groups are enemies. 
Gen Thammark Issarangkura na Ayuddhya, during his inspection trip to Chiangmai and Maehongson, across which are Shan State Army bases, Bangkok Post, 18 January 2002.