Weekly Diary, No. 264 (24 – 31 August 2007)

Weekly Diary, No. 264 (24 – 31 August 2007)
 
·         FUROR AGAINST FUEL PRICE HIKES!
·         SPDC WAGES TERRORIST WAR AGAINST PEOPLE!

Think Piece
The name's a little difficult to remember. Here's how I did it: Aung San sounds a lot like 'unsung', as in unsung hero. Aung San Suu Kyi is truly an unsung hero.

_{Jim Carrey, Actor-Comedian, posted 28 August on YouTube, AP}

In any Asean capital, increasing the price of fuel by 500% would invite sustained riots, whether it's Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta or Bangkok.

_{Debbie Stothard, Spokesperson for Alternative Asean Network on Burma, Reuters, 28 August 2007}
 
(Bystanders are reluctant to join the protests, because) everyone knows that to be arrested is to be punished and jailed, tortured and even killed.

_{Josef Silverstein, Burma expert and retired professor of Rutgers University, New Jersey, AP, 29 August 2007}
 
(A)cts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations are activities aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy.
_{United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy resolution, 8 September 2006, reported by Irrawaddy, 29 August 2007}
 
You members of the USDA* and the SAS,**  should not think that you are doing something good for the country. Try to clearly understand you are protecting a small clique of people.
_{88 Generation Students statement, 24 August 2007
*USDA           -           Union Solidarity and Development Association
*SAS               -           Swan Ar Shin (People's Power Holders)}
 
People are making a mountain out of a molehill.

_{Thaung Tun, ambassador to the Philippines, AP 26 August 2007, on the ongoing protests in Burma}

 
The World
23 August 2007
WHO warns a new deadly infectious disease like Aids and Ebola is bound to appear in the 21st century. Since 1970's, new diseases have been identified at the rate of one or more per year, says its report.
WHO Director-General is Margaret Chan. (AFP)
 
25 August 2007
Sweeping forest fires in Greece kills 63 and leaves thousands homeless. (Agencies)
 
29-30 August 2007

The Taliban free all 19 South Korean captives. The freed hostages are among 23 Christian aid workers kidnapped on 19 July. Two were executed and 2 freed earlier. (AFP)

 
International Relations
24 August 2007
Burma's May Thingyan Hein, 33, named one of the two recipients of the 2007 Knight International Journalism Award winners for her coverage of topics such as corruption, HIV/AIDS and poverty. (Editor and Publisher)

24 August 2007
_{Soe Win}
Gen Soe Win, PM, sends message to Ukrainian counterpart on the country's independence anniversary which falls today. Paper also says Acting PM Thein Sein will be leaving for a visit to Sri Lanka. (Kyemon)

29 August 2007
At its 99th plenary session on 8 September 2006, the UN condemned "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes." According to its Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy's definition, the Burmese junta's use of organized groups of thugs to attack peaceful demonstrators is nothing short of terrorism. (Irrawaddy)
 
30 August 2007
A 16 member Working Group on China to seek Chinese help in shaping the future of Burma formed. (Irrawaddy)

30 August 2007
Ottawa Declaration calls Burma's neighbors to convene a multi-party talks on Burma along the lines of the 6-party talks on North Korea. (Irrawaddy)

31 August 2007
European Burma Network declares today Europe-wide Day of Action on Burma. Protests take place in at least 14 countries across Europe. (Mizzima/Burma Campaign UK)

Condemnations
20 August 2007
The European Union "condemns" detention in Burma. (Statement)
 
20 August 2007
US Campaign for Burma
 
23 August 2007
_{Ban Ki-moon}
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appeals to Burma to "exercise restraint." (Mizzima)
 
24 August 2007
_{Carl Bildt}
Swedish FM Carl Bildt "condemns" the arrests and calls for "immediate release." (Statement)
 
28 August 2007
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Burma Media Association (BMA)
 
27 August 2007
AAPP calls for international action on Burma. (Irrawaddy)
 
27 August 2007
_{Louise Arbour}
Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, demands immediate release of protesters. (AP)
 
27 August 2007
Asian Human Rights Commission saying arrests in Burma epitomises lawlessness of the country condemns them as "state sponsored abduction." (Statement)
 
27 August 2007
UN warns fuel price hikes in Burma can worsen the country's precarious economic situation. (AP)
 
28 August 2007
23 organizations and individuals call for Asean intervention. (Mizzima)
 
29 August 2007
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) calls for

• a day of fasting on 4 September
• a day of prayer on 9 September

(Statement)

29 August 2007
The Japanese Parliamentary Group Supporting Democratization in Myanmar condemns latest actions by Burma's junta. (Statement)
 
30 August 2007
The Asia Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC) calls for Asean and UN to act and come to the aid of the people of Burma. (Mizzima)
 
30 August 2007
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expresses concern. (Statement)

30 August 2007
_{George W. Bush}
President Bush strongly condemns the crackdown on protestors in Burma. (AFP)

*Others include France and Britain.

 
Thai-Burma Relations
26 August 2007
More than 200 exiles hold a 15-minute protest (time allowed by Thai authorities) in front of the Burmese embassy in Bangkok. (Network Media Group)
 
27 August 2007
8-days after the referendum for the draft constitution was held and adopted, Bangkok announces free and fair general elections on 23 December. (Agencies)
 
27-28 August 2007
_{Photo: Myanmar Times}
Army Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin on a visit to Burma in an attempt to ensure smooth cooperation between the two countries' border forces after his retirement at the end of next month. (Bangkok Post) He is received by Gen Maung Aye at the new capital's airport. He later calls on Gen Than Shwe, his Burmese counterpart. (New Light of Myanmar) The visit is considered "ill considered" by Bangkok Post considering the ongoing popular protests in Burma.
 
Gen Sonthi, concluding his visit to Burma says he had been asked by the Burmese military to help the junta reconcile with ethnic rebel groups:

• He had promised to do everything he could to encourage the rebels to come to the table and talk with SPDC. He declines to elaborate how he will help. He says he will not act as a mediator, otherwise the Thai Army could be viewed as getting involved with the groups. "We will let them do the talking," he says.
• He is also urging rebel groups to cooperate with Burmese military and "share benefits from the exploitation of Burma's rich natural resources."
• He has also ordered troops along the border to prevent rebel groups from launching campaigns on Thai soil. He has instructed commanders to befriend the Burmese soldiers.

(Bangkok Post)

 
Politics/ Inside Burma
26 August 2007
The protests that began on 17 August in Rangoon spread to Pegu, Irrawaddy and Mandalay divisions. This is the third time the junta has increased the fuel prices skyhigh:

• July 1997                     -           gasoline, 1 gallon, from K25 to K180

                                -           diesel, 1 gallon, to K160

• 19 October 2005         -           gasoline/diesel, 1 gallon, to K1,500

                                -           CNG, 165 cubic feet, from K100 to K200
(NDD)
 
27 August 2007
There is no more discussion at the National Convention. "What we are doing now is combining the materials to publish a book", says KIO delegate Dr Manam Tuja. (Irrawaddy)

31 August 2007
The Junta awards senior convention delegates permits to import vehicles. Under the strictly controlled import regulations, a permit to import cars is highly lucrative. (Mizzima)

 
Protests and Arrests
22 August 2007
More than 100 monks march peacefully against fuel prices in Kaba Aye. The act by people regarded as holy by the majority of Burmese confuses junta's handpicked "thugs". (RFA) More than 200 monks march in protest on the next day. (RFA) The action by monks started on 20 August following curfew order on monasteries in Syriam, east of Rangoon. (RFA)
 
22 August 2007
Akyab. Students walk to the university from their homes after bus fare is increased from 50 kyat to 150 kyat. Authorities later decide to reduce the school bus fare back to previous rate.
 
23 August 2007
Among the arrested are 2 Septuagenarians, one of whom, a woman was beaten in the face before being detained. (DVB)
 
23 August 2007
Yenangyaung. Ends peacefully. Authorities agree to reduce bus fares.
 
Rangoon.40 people walk for two miles before a dozen of them are dragged into waiting trucks and buses.
 
24 August 2007

88 Generations students vow to intensify protests in major cities.
 
Rangoon. A group of 20 protestors, mostly women, arrested as they just start their protest march.
 
Reporters covering the protests complain they are being harassed by pro-regime elements.

24 August 2007
Solo protestor in Bassein, Aye Win, arrested. He is released on 30 August. (DVB)

25 August 2007
13 detained activists including Min Ko Naing are being interrogated says junta-run New Light of Myanmar. At least 65 activists have been detained, it says. One of those arrested today is Htin Kyaw, 44. NLD spokesman Nyan Win meanwhile says 8 demonstrators have been released.
 
Authorities are searching for other activists, including Htay Kywe and Tin Htoo Aung. For Htin Kyaw and Htay Kywe, there have been a 500,000 kyat ($400) reward each for their arrests. More than 150 people in Mogok hold a peaceful protest march.

12 ethnic parties including the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy call for release of activists.
 
26 August 2007
Htay Kywe, who has fled to the border, appeals to the UN to act in time to help stop ongoing arrests in Burma.
 
Junta ambassador in Manila Thaung Tun says recent increase in fuel prices was triggered by spiraling global oil prices. Burma would no longer afford to subsidize it, he claims.
 
The person closely supervising the use of force against protestors is Police Col Than Han, the same officer who was in charge of the Depayin massacre in 2003.
 
A week long protests present no immediate threat to the rulers because very few people joined the demonstrations and the key organizers were swiftly detained, say analysts.
 
Rangoon is tensely quiet today.
 
Aung Lan. Anti-junta posters seen on the walls of the town's market, high school and some words. Pulled down by authorities later.
 
27 August 2007
Pegu. About 50 protestors who are marching in silence arrested after 30 minutes.
 
At least 100 people have been detained between 21-25 August, says exile Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
 
Photographs, video clips and first hand reports about the protests are being sent by brave amateur journalists.
 
28 August 2007
_{Su Su Nway}
Rangoon. 50 protesters led by Su Su Nway broken up after 10 minutes. 8 arrested. Nway manages to slip away. (AFP/Reuters)
 
Sittwe (Akyab). 200 protestors, mostly Buddhist monks march for an hour. It is the center of Burma's oil industry. No arrests reported. (Reuters)
 
29 August 2007
Tension is high, but no demonstrations are known to have taken place. (AP)
Junta is freeing prisoners from jail to recruit them to bolster gangs used to attack activists, say campaigners and diplomats. (The Independent)
 
29 August 2007
A hundred students in Tavoy ride motorcycles and shout slogans round the town. Authorities do not intervene. (Independent Mon News Agency)
 
30 August 2007
12 NLD elected members stage a march protest in Mandalay. (DVB) Detained protestors stage hunger strike demanding authorities provide medical treatment to Ye Thein Naing, 37, who suffered a broken leg during his arrest on 28 August demonstration. (RFA)
 
Junta authorities circulate photographs of 6 activists including one woman who are still at large and issue arrest warrants for them. (Mizzima) Anti-regime pamphlets call for banging of pots and pans on 11-13 September at 19:02, 20:01 and 21:00. (Irrawaddy)

31 August 2007
Two men in Taunggup beaten and arrested after they stage a protest. (DVB) Love Journal accuses reporters of conspiring with the protestors. "The reporters reached the protest area in advance," says its author. (Irrawaddy)

 
Shans/ Shan State
24 August 2007
12-ethnic parties, including Shan Nationalities League for Democracy and Kokang Democratic Party from Shan State, denounce junta handling of the peaceful protests. (Statement)
 
29 August 2007
_{Col Yawdserk}
Col Yawdserk sets conditions for parley:

• To hold concurrent talks with the armed opposition movements
• To hold political talks following ceasefire
• To hold tripartite dialogue

(SHAN)

 
Economy/ Business
24 August 2007
Ruling junta has warned people to avoid using some brands of medicine and toothpaste imported from China, Thailand and the Philippines which it has deemed unsafe. (Irrawaddy)
 
28 August 2007
Goods are piling up on the Indo-Burma border following 20 August order by police for the closure of border trade road#2 for two months. There was a tip-off that opium and ammunition are likely to be trafficked from Burma to India. (Khonumthung)
 
28 August 2007
Tourist arrivals through Rangoon checkpoint alone hit over 47,000 in April-July, up 20% from last year, reports Weekly Eleven. (Xinhua)

 
Human Rights
29 August 2007
Ba Chan Pru, 54, member of Arakan League for Democracy, the third winning party in 1990 elections, sentenced to 20 years in prison last month. He was arrested on 22 January on suspicion of having connection with an opposition group in exile. (Narinjara)

 
Environment
28 August 2007
International Organization for Migration (IOM) that started operating in Burma since April 2006 has been running 6 malaria control units in Mon State. (Independent Mon News Agency)

 
Drugs
26 August 2007
Despite $ 600 million counter-narcotics programme, Afghanistan produced a record 6,100 tonnes of opium last year. (AP)
 
29 August 2007

The World Food Program (WFP) that has been helping the ex-poppy farmers in Shan State given $1.1 million by Japan. The total projected cost is listed at $ 52 million, but to date it has been able to raise a mere $11.6 million. (Mizzima)

 
War
23 August 2007
Asean energy ministers endorse Singapore's proposal for a Nuclear Energy Safety Sub sector Network Agreement. It is likely to be signed next year in Bangkok. (Thai Press Reports)
 
27 August 2007
More than 1,000 people have fled Burma Army attacks in Karen State since the start of August, says Free Burma Rangers. (DVB)

 
Obituary
21 August 2007
Dr Po Thaw Da, 70, deputy chief of KNU Health and Welfare Department, passes away in Maesod, of heart failure. (Irrawaddy)