July 30 - August 5, 2012

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Myanmars first international weekly Volume 32, No. 637 1200 Kyats
A woman pans for gold in Thabeikkyin township, Mandalay Region. Pic: Kaung Htet

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Reps ignore ministry on land-grab committee

Record number of MPs join debate on proposal over forming committee to investigate land-grab complaints
By Soe Than Lynn THE Pyidaungsu Hluttaw last week overruled the deputy minister for agriculture and approved a proposal to establish a committee to investigate land disputes following a debate involving more than 40 parliamentarians. The proposal of U Tin Htut, Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Zalun, to probe the cases of confiscated farmlands so as to be fair to the farmers, was approved on the afternoon of July 26. Forty-two hluttaw representatives the largest number for a single proposal in the hluttaws short history took the floor to discuss the proposal and many raised alleged land-grabbing cases that had occurred in their constituencies. At the end of the discussion, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Aung Myint invited Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann to give his thoughts on the proposal, after which the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, U Ohn Than, urged the hluttaw not to approve the motion. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Than said no land confiscation claims predating the formation of the U Thein Sein government should be assessed. Concrete evidence of land grabbing during the Burma Socialist Program Party era before 1988 is not available now and these acquisition were accomplished in accordance with the laws and procedures that existed then so it is not possible to examine and settle them, he said. Land acquisitions in the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and State Peace and Development Council governments were also carried out in conformity with the laws then in place so it is not possible to change them either, he said. He said that the government should investigate who was inciting the farmers to complain about losing their land. In order to maintain the stability of the state, the government should strictly uncover those who are inciting behind or in the front of and in the name of the farmers to spoil the stability of the state and to cause unrest by exploiting the impressionable and honest farmers throughout the country, he said. However, 395 voted for the proposal and 176 against, with 24 abstentions. The proposal of U Tin Htut is approved I think that it will be most effective to organise commission to investigate the cases of farmland-grabbing to avoid suffering by the farmers, U Khin Aung Myint said after the vote. We are going to review all cases. He said the commission would focus on cases involving all types of land, not just farmland, to make it more inclusive, as suggested by U Thein Tun Oo of Amarapura constituency. More page 4

Quick boom turns to bust as prices dive in Mandalay outskirts

In Depth
with Phyo Wai Kyaw A PROPERTY bubble in Mandalays outskirts has burst, with prices declining rapidly in the final weeks of July, real estate brokers said. Prices in undeveloped areas on the outskirts of the city, particularly in its outer suburbs of Chanmyathasi and Pyigyitagun townships, doubled or even tripled in less than two months in late 2011 in. While prices remained steady following the initial sharp increase, they began to decline in July, brokers said. Prices hit K30-35 million for a 2400-square-foot plot but have since fallen by K10-15 million only slightly higher than they were before they started rising in 2011. Experienced freelance broker U Aung Win described the boom as an unnatural market built on speculation. The prices shouldnt have doubled or tripled liked that because those areas are undeveloped settlements are still rare there. Most brokers believe that this situation happened because some people pooled a large amount of money and played the market to make a large profit, he said. Members of this group who brokers said they believed were mostly Chinese allegedly bought up large amounts of land before the boom, and sold properties to each other in a bid to heat up the market. After other buyers entered the market, they silently sold up their stake, pocketing a significant profit. But as a result of the price declines in recent weeks, many other investors have been left holding properties worth less than they paid for them and forced to decide whether to cut their losses or hope land values will recover. Another real estate broker, U Kyaw Myint, said sales of land on the citys outskirts had been slow since the start of the year but prices had remained steady until recently. Most of the owners stood firmly asking for high prices but it started to come down a little in June as they couldnt stand it any longer. In late July, the prices came down rapidly, about K10-15 million on average, he said. While the market has declined, some owners who are yet to More page 4

Foreign mining firms eye Golden Land

As a recent mining summit in Yangon showed, theres significant interest abroad in Myanmars mining sector. But with outdated and unfriendly investment rules, uncertainty over permit applications and a ban on exports of ore, coal, gold and gemstones, those who attended the summit said they were little more than window shopping until the government introduces a more friendly foreign investment environment. Full coverage pages 18-19.

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Jakarta voters are caught in a jam

AsiAn Focus

InsIde cover
with Roger Mitton IT is a typical early evening in Jakarta, and when my interview ends, darkness has fallen and it has begun to rain, lightly at first, then heavily. We call several taxi companies; none respond. After waiting in vain for half an hour, we push up our umbrellas and start trudging along the ill-lit pavement. About 20 minutes later, by some kind of minor miracle, the headlights of a taxi approach out of the satanic deluge and the car stops and picks us up. When we get to my colleagues place, he gets out and I ask the driver to continue to my downtown hotel. His expression turns sour, but he relents and sets off. Several times, we have to churn through quite deeply flooded sections of road and I fear he will refuse to continue and leave me stranded again. But he presses on and finally we arrive, a mere two hours after my suburban appointment had ended. The receptionist gazes at me and smiles. Do if you realise what I went through to get here? I say. Drolely, he replies: I think I probably do, sir. Like other Jakarta residents, its a given that hes been through much worse himself many times. Raining or not, the traffic in Indonesias capital is horrendous.

It makes even street-clogged Ho Chi Minh City and Manila appear to have swift and stressfree vehicular movement. And it pales in comparison to once gridlocked Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, which now have extensive and efficient public transportation systems. Jakarta has no such saving grace. That is why Governor Fauzi Fuke Bowo faces a tough battle in the campaign, which began on June 24, to win another five-year term. The July 11 gubernatorial race involves half a dozen candidates, but in reality the fight is between Fauzi, 64, and his dynamic younger rival, Joko Jokowi Widodo, 51. Fauzi, backed by the Democratic Party of Indonesias President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, remains the favourite but that could change as fast as rising flood waters during the rainy season. Not unexpectedly, a recent poll confirmed press reports that flooding and incessant traffic jams are the key issues for most voters and that most dont think Fauzi has done much about them in his first term. Indeed, his indecisive performance echoes that of his party boss, SBY, whose modus operandi reminds one of the old English ditty: She didnt say yes, she didnt say no; she didnt say stay, she didnt say go. Still, in Fauzis defence, around half of those polled said they feared a new governor would do no better than him in tackling the chronic traffic and flooding problems. They blame KKN: Korupsi,

A worker at a construction site for a high-rise office building in Jakarta on June 27. Pic: AFP Kolusi dan Nepotisme. Widodo, however, claims he will cut through corruption, collusion and nepotism and do for the capital what he has done for Solo, his home town in central Java. There, he has been named as one of 25 leading mayors in a global competition after successfully marketing small, but culturally renowned Solo as The Spirit of Java and by upgrading municipal services. As well as being backed by former president Megawati Sukarnoputris Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, he is supported by presidential wannabe Prabowo Subianto, the controversial former Kopassus boss. Meanwhile, much is being made of demographic loyalties, with Fauzi being half-Betawi, a local Jakarta ethnic group with 27 percent of the citys population, while his running mate is also a local Jakarta boy. That gives him an advantage over Solo-born Widodo, who is a generic Javanese, while his running mate is a Chinese Christian, which may appeal to that demographic, but could alienate the majority Muslims. So it remains a toss-up. And that makes it a much more exciting prospect which I shall witness in Jakarta as the votes are counted. My only fear is that I shall be stuck in a traffic jam in the rain when the result is announced.

Youth, and their votes, hold the key to nations future

By Hnin Wint Nyunt Hman PROGRESS in Myanmar will not continue without the active participation of its youth. Making up approximately one-third of the population, this demographic will be running the country in about 15 to 20 years and also represents a large bloc of voters right now. Winning elections, therefore, will require parties and candidates to win this youth vote, and winning the youth vote will require an understanding of this groups voting behaviour and priorities. But something is sorely missing in politicians understanding of young people in Myanmar today. That something widely known but little talked about is the fact that anyone under 35 has little or no memory of the events of 1988. As a result, this post-88 generation is not weighed down by the emotional baggage that older generations carry today. Such a difference in collective memory has an impact on voting behaviour. In the lead-up to the April 1 by-elections, polling conducted by Myanmar Affairs showed that voters aged 20-39 were likely to exceed 50 percent of total registered voters countrywide and that their turnout rate and voting behaviour would likely decide the outcome of the elections. The major opposition party breezed to victory in April 2012 but the rapid pace of reform means that there is ample time for dramatic changes to occur to the political context over the next three years. If the electoral landscape becomes more inclusive, with varied, credible choices among the opposition parties, it could have significant ramifications for the main opposition party. But for any party to win in 2015, it will have to prove its worth in very concrete terms to this 50pc-plus group of voters. The difference in voting behaviour among the post-88 generation also means that politicians will have to respond to a different set of priorities. With reforms picking up speed, the decades-old over-simplified distinction between the good guys and the bad guys is fading. Parliamentary action is also increasingly subjected to public scrutiny. Bills, draft laws, and committee workings are reported by the media in great detail. Soon, we may see members of the public start to keep track of which bills their representative has introduced and how they have voted. Young voters of the post88 generation in particular will notice whether their representatives are working to meet their particular set of demands. And just how exactly are their demands different from the rest of the voters? Their top priority is likely to be jobs. Figures from the International Labour Organisation database show a labour force participation rate of around 57% in the 1524 age group approximately 5.17 million employed out of 8.95 million. The figures are better for the 25-34 age group, at a rate of around 93% with 7.68 million employed out of 8.23 million. Assuming that the 15-24 age group stays out of the work force until completion of high-school at age 16, and subtracting those in tertiary education about 507,660 people nationally, according to UNESCO still leaves roughly four million young Myanmar unemployed. Simple low-wage jobs will not do either. They want gainful employment and the purchasing power to go along with it. Improved higher education is also a priority for the young; improvement not only in quality, but also in access. Better information and communications technology (ICT) is another demand. Young people are painfully aware of the embarrassing state of ICT in their country. They do not need to venture outside Myanmar to realise that their peers in neighbouring countries have far easier access to modern gadgets such as iPhones and iPads, can socialise globally on the internet and ravenously consume social and mass media. Not being adequately plugged in to the rest of the world creates not only a sense of isolation, but also a feeling of backwardness. Lets not forget that the post-88 generation has different social values too. They are more socially and politically progressive and receptive of global cultural trends. A growing segment of this generation is also foreign-educated urban youth, who are tracking the countrys progress in great earnest. Additionally, the increasing use of social media guarantees that news will be disseminated within a matter of minutes. Simply following an online media organisation on Facebook lets one know which bills are being debated and which parliamentarians are sleeping on the job. Political blunders will not go unnoticed. Efforts to create jobs, revamp higher education and improve ICT will take years to produce concrete results. But politicians hoping for success in 2015 would be advised to start including these priorities in their political agendas. (Hnin Wint Nyunt Hman is a research associate with the ASEAN Studies Centre at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore. This article does not necessarily reflect the views of the ASEAN Studies Centre or the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.)

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Committee continues to vet the militarys VP nominee

Announcement on U Myint Swe expected this week as committee investigates eligibility for VP job
By Kyaw Hsu Mon THE proposed appointment of U Myint Swe to the vacant vice president post remains in doubt, with a committee last week continuing the process of scrutinising his credentials. The elevation of the Yangon Region chief minister, who was nominated by military MPs on July 10 following the resignation of Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo, was supposed to be confirmed on July 16. However, it was delayed after allegations surfaced that a family member holds foreign citizenship, in contravention of eligibility transition to democracy and lawmakers needed to ensure the nominee meets the eligibility criteria. If the decision is incorrect, it will have to take the blame. This period is most important for the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, said experienced journalist and former politician Maung Wuntha. Analysts said the current deliberations were particularly important given the same provision effectively bars Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from being nominated for president. However, nobody said they expected the hluttaw to amend the constitution to make U Myint Swe eligible if he did not meet the existing criteria. The hluttaw will select the person who meets the qualification set out in the constitution. Im of the opinion that the hluttaw is re-examining the background of U Myint Swe because they didnt look at his qualifications in detail when the military representatives nominated his name for the post, said U Thu Wai, chairman of the Democratic Party (Myanmar). The role of the hluttaw is becoming more important and it has more authority, he said. In 2015, there will be someone else who is caught up by the provisions of the current constitution. While many names were floated in the week leading up to the July 10 announcement, General Hla Htay Win is considered the frontrunner should U Myint Swe be deemed ineligible. However, the online editor of a Chiang Maibased news agency said she believed U Myint Swe was the only person in the running. Should U Myint Swe get the vice president job, he will be forced to resign as Yangon Region chief minister. Lt Gen Wai Lwin is considered his likely replacement to head the government in the countrys largest city and economic centre. Translated by Thiri Min Htun U Nay Myo Wai (right) of the Peace and Diversity Party on a tractor in Shwenanthar village, Mingalardon township, in early May. Pic: Ko Taik

Zaykabar files defamation charge against politician over land dispute

By Noe Noe Aung and Win Ko Ko Latt CONSTRUCTION firm Zaykabar last week filed defamation charges against a politician assisting farmers embroiled in a land ownership dispute with the company in Yangons Mingalardon township. I applied directly to a court of law to charge U Nay Myo Wai of the Peace and Diversity Party in the third week of July because some of his words have hurt our companys reputation, Zaykabar manager U Myint Zaw told The Myanmar Times on July 23. Mingalardon court has transferred this case to the township police. The police are examining it and my witnesses and I were interviewed recently, he said. The case, which has been widely covered in local and international media, relates to a dispute over almost 1000 acres of land in Shwenanthar village that the company allegedly acquired with the assistance of local officials, who told the farmers the land was to be acquired for a government project. Zaykabar says it always planned to use the land for an industrial zone Yangon Industrial Zone 4 and the project had been approved by the Yangon Region government and Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development. The dispute has been a public relations disaster for the company, which in May defied an order from local officials not to destroy embankments on the contested land. To establish its ownership rights, the company was then forced to apply for permission to farm the land, despite originally stating that it would be used for an industrial zone. The companys decision to file defamation charges is only likely to increase scrutiny on its activities in Mingalardon. Zaykabar chairman U Khin Shwe, who is also an Amyotha Hluttaw representative, confirmed the charge on July 24. Of course, we charged him at the Mingalardon court a week ago. The court will name a section or an act for him after they examine [the case], U Khin Shwe said. He said that the company only wanted to have U Nay Myo Wai charged and the case was not related to the Peace and Diversity Party. We charged him because his words are insulting to the company and also to me. And his words can ruin our reputation, said U Khin Shwe. Peace and Diversity Party member U Aung Myo Oo said Mingalardon township police had informed U Nay Myo Wai of the complaint and its plan to investigate the allegations. U Nay Myo Wai was interviewed by police at 10am on July 23. I believe that the court will decide correctly. There is no problem, I think, U Nay Myo Wai told The Myanmar Times as he returned from the township police station last week. All I did was help the farmers. I didnt aim to insult anybody with my personal feelings, he added. When The Myanmar Times contacted Mingaladon police station, an official said he had been instructed by the higher level not to comment on the case.

The role of the hluttaw is

becoming more important and it has more authority.

criteria outlined in the constitution. A decision on the vice president post is expected this week, with a sevenmember parliamentary committee, comprising the two speakers, their deputies, two representatives from both the upper and lower houses and one military representative, tasked with vetting U Myint Swe. U Htay Oo, general secretary of the Union Solidarity and Development Party and a member of the committee, told reporters on July 24 that nominees were still being vetted and attributed the delay to procedural issues. Our board is still exploring who will be suitable for the vice president post. I cant say [who will be selected]; the board will announce it as soon as we are finished, he said. Analysts said the decision on Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oos replacement comes at a critical time in the countrys

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Reps ignore ministry

Earlier, Thura U Shwe Mann said the proposal was an opportunity for all of us: citizens and our union. We dont need to say it is a challenge. In our country, the legislature, executive and judiciary are selected according to democratic rules. In the hluttaw, we can systematically ask or confer or decide the questions or proposals or bills freely and openly. The hluttaw has now implemented the peoples desire, the peoples opinion and the peoples needs, he said. The current government is going to do projects and plans that are in the interest of the people and the state by confiscating land. We should welcome and agree with those projects that are implemented equitably and with goodwill. He said the discussion had raised a number of important issues, including the need for accurate land ownership maps and for government departments to work fairly and within the law while implementing policy or projects. He said projects that require land nationalisation needed to be worthwhile, suitable and transparent. Communities needed to have some ownership over the projects, he added. Our representatives have conferred about U Tin Htuts proposal with goodwill. And I wish all officials who have to implement projects according to the decision of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw do so by considering all sides so as not to harm the farmers, the speaker said. While most representatives expressed support for the motion, not all were in favour. Among the dissenting voices was U Khin Shwe, an Amyotha Hluttaw representative and chairman of construction firm Zaykabar, who took the opportunity to defend his company against recent allegations of land-grabbing in Yangons Mingalardon township. He blamed a local political party, the Peace and Diversity Party, for helping the farmers campaign to have their land returned. Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development only paid K10,000 an acre for more than 2000 acres that make up Mingladon Park City in about 1997. My company, though, paid K300,000 for an acre of land which was the then-market price for the remaining 800 acres to be used as Industrial Zone 4. This was after negotiating several times with the leaders of the farmers and agreeing to pay as they demanded, he said. Afterwards, the farmer relinquished their land according to the contract. The company took rent from tenant farmers as the nature of work required. Road were built for Industrial Zone 4, drainage was dug, lamp posts were put up and electricity installed. Only when 80 percent of the infrastructure was completed and the plots for the industrial zone were sold, the farmers demanded their land back through local and foreign media because of the incitement of a political party. Because it was sold as an industrial zone, the land cannot be given back to the farmers. The permit to develop Industrial Zone 4 was already given by different levels of the government, including the State Peace and Development Council, Ministry of Construction, Yangon Region government and Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development. The things the farmers are saying via news media are not true. Translated by Thiri Min Htun

PRESIDENT U THEIN SEIN shares a light moment with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during a press conference at Government House in Bangkok on July 23. U Thein Sein on July 22 began his first official trip to Thailand since coming to power in March 2011. Economic ties were top of the agenda, with both sides recommitting to the Dawei Special Economic Zone project. Full story page 18. Pic: AFP

Govt looks to rebuild rice bowl

By Myo Lwin THE government is aiming for Myanmar to regain its status as the rice bowl of Southeast Asia, a senior official said as he pitched the countrys agriculture sector to prospective foreign investors last week. Speaking at a two-day agriculture summit in Yangon on July 25, Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Dr Kan Zaw said there were excellent opportunities to expand the agriculture sector with foreign assistance. We are now opening all fronts between Myanmar and its business partners from all over the world, Dr Kan Zaw said in his opening remarks. The government was aiming to overcome many of the existing barriers to investment, including the banking system, exchange rate, land policy, infrastructure and lack of human resources, he said. By taking theses steps, we have to look forward to regain the position of rice bowl in the region. We have to get growth that can reduce poverty and we must try to drop the inequality to get income security, said Dr Kan Zaw. I hope this meeting will bring more recommendations and concrete ways forward [for a] better rice economy. In a brief interview with The Myanmar Times after his address, Dr Kan Zaw said the country was moving in the right direction and invited foreign investment in the agriculture sector, which directly and indirectly employs about two-thirds of the countrys workforce. The Into Myanmar Agri Trade, Investment and Infrastructure Summit, organised by Singapore-based Magenta Global, attracted about 200 stakeholders from the global agribusiness sector, many of whom were scouting for new opportunities in Myanmar. More than 20 presentations were made by foreign and local experts at the July 25-26 event, focusing on topics such as the rice industry, electricity, water, banking, marketing, other food crops and fertiliser. Representatives from some foreign firms at the event said they had already started joint ventures with Myanmar partners while many are still looking for a suitable opportunity. The spokesperson for the producer of Tra Chang-brand ploughs said the company had seen a large increase in business, with 10,000 diesel ploughs sold in Myanmar last year. Normally we sell a few thousand units a year, but last year was a big increase, said Mr Issares Thumrongthunyawong of Thai firm Siam Kubota. Mr Simon Luu, country manager of Victory Capital, a Cambodia-based investment management firm that also has a presence in Vietnam, said his company was in the process of opening an office in Yangon. However, he said many prospective investors were still somewhat sceptical about the countrys political stability. People realise that Myanmar has huge potential. Human resources and technology will be the problems here, he said. Business in Vietnam is slow. The market is already saturated. So, were interested in Myanmar. A spokesperson for Singapore-based fertiliser producer Yara said his firm also saw a great deal of potential to expand business in Myanmar. The country produces 100,000 tonnes of fertiliser a year, importing about 700,000 tonnes to meet the rest of the demand. But we still have no idea which crop will bring maximum income for the farmers here. Only then can we give the right solution, said Mr Adrian Ng, market development manager for Yara, which has branches in 11 countries. A business development adviser from Malaysia, Mr Hishamuddin Koh, said the summit addressed many issues related to production, financing and marketing of agricultural products in Myanmar. Myanmar is now in the best position to act as a provider of food to a region where no other nations have similar resources, said Mr Koh, who has been based here for 20 years. Myanmar has rich bio-diversity and can grow many horticultural and food crops, he said. Myanmar exported 844,000 tonnes of rice last year earning US$324 million, a 57 percent increase on the 536,800 tonnes exported the previous year, according to Ministry of Commerce figures. The government has targeted increasing rice exports by 20pc, to more than one million tonnes, this year.

Clarification
An article published in the July 9-16 issue of The Myanmar Times, titled Opium fight fuels food insecurity, stated that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) receives US$9 million funding from the German and Japanese governments for four programs in Myanmar. While these two countries do provide funds to UNODC, the European Union is the largest donor to the agency in Myanmar.

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Quick boom turns to bust in Mandalay

finalise contracts and ownership documentation have been rushing to the Settlement and Land Records Department office in recent days to take advantage of a tax reduction that is expected to disappear at the end of August, broker U Tin Maung said. Under the tax break, which was brought in about five years ago and renewed each year, buyers only have to pay 15 percent of the purchase price in tax, below the normal 25pc.

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Daw Aung San Suu Kyi urges legislation for ethnic equality
By Soe Than Lynn DAW Aung San Suu Kyi last week urged the Pyithu Hluttaw to amend and enact laws to safeguard the rights of ethnic minorities with the Pinlon spirit, a reference to the historic conference overseen by her father that helped ensure Myanmars independence. The representative for Kawhmu, in her first address to parliament on July 25, said laws should be introduced based on equality, mutual respect and trust. Twenty-seven representatives applied to discuss the proposal of Union Solidarity and Development Party member U T Hkun Myat, the representative for Kutkai, who proposed that laws should be enacted to protect the rights of ethnic people. Safeguarding the rights of ethnic people is about more than the preservation of their language and culture, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said. I urge discussion by all representatives to bring about a real democratic union based on equality, mutual respect and trust that is not different from and cannot be kept separate from the Pinlon spirit, and to amend and enact laws as Thiha of Pyin Oo Lwin and U Min Thu of Ottarathiri discussed it on July 25. In her presentation, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi used figures from the Asian Development Bank to highlight the extent of poverty in areas dominated by ethnic minorities. In our country, the places stricken with the worst poverty are states. Chin States poverty rate, according to Asian Development Bank statistics, is 73.3 percent, eastern Shan States is 46.4pc, northern Shan State is 37.2pc, southern Shan State is 25.1pc and the average in Shan State is 39.1pc. Rakhine States poverty rate is 43.5pc, she said. The poverty rate for Myanmar as a whole is 25.6pc so it is noticeable that it is higher in these states. Similarly, in Kachin State it is 28.6pc higher than the average. In contrast, Mon, Kayah and Kayin states have lower rates it is obvious that development of our states is not satisfactory. Additionally, the fire of internal conflict has failed to be extinguished, she said, adding that conflict in Shan and Kachin states and the state of emergency in Rakhine State only served to increase poverty. Translated by Thit Lwin

President to meet 14 more parties

By Naw Say Phaw Waa PRESIDENT U Thein Sein is expected to soon meet representatives from another 14 registered political parties, following a meeting with leaders of 10 parties on July 18, sources said last week. Minister for Rail Transportation U Aung Min and Minister for Industry U Soe Thein met representatives of 14 parties on July 22 to finalise the details, U Tun Aung Kyaw, chairman of Modern Public Party, told The Myanmar Times last week. Their intention in meeting with these 14 parties is to negotiate for a meeting with President U Thein Sein, said U Tun Aung Kyaw, who took part in the meeting. The two ministers instructed the politicians to frankly discuss difficult issues, such as internal peace and reconciliation, adding that party membres should not feel constrained to express their views in the current political environment. Other politicians present at the meeting included U Khun Tun Oo of the Shan National League for Democracy and U Nay Myo Wai of the Peace and Diversity Party.

NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi addresses the Pyithu Hluttaw on July 25 in her first speech to parliament. Pic: AFP necessary to safeguard the rights of 24, the 13 th day of the fourth the ethnic peoples. I hereby second Pyithu Hluttaw session. Nine the proposal of U T Hkun Myat, representatives, including four from she said. the National League for Democracy Hluttaw representatives began Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Ohn debating the proposal on July Kyaing of Mahaaungmyay, U Kyaw

Literature experts tasked with drafting Shan textbook

By Pinky ABOUT 200 members of 52 Shan literature organisations met last week to discuss the publication of a proposed Shan-language textbook that will be used to teach Shan in state schools. The main point discussed at the meeting, held at Shan Monastery at 9-Mile in Mingalardon township on July 22, was whether to use a translation of the current Myanmar-language textbook, or write a new Shan-language textbook, with all participants agreeing on the latter option. At an earlier meeting on July 15, the literature experts examined a translated textbook and found that it was inadequate for Shan students. There were many inconsistencies and problems with pronunciation, characters and spelling and they decided it would not suffice. Following the decision, the organisations last week formed a committee of seven experts to oversee the drafting of the new textbook. We used to have our own textbook that we used to teach in Shan monasteries or private tuition but we never had the chance to use it in government schools. Now the government will allow Shan-language teaching in schools so we must have

A monk looks at Shan-language books at Shan Monastery on July 22. Pic: Pinky a good quality textbook. The Shan language varies from region to region but this textbook will use only one version of the Shan language, said Dr Sai Win Myint Yin, chairman of the Yangon Shan Literature organisation. The July 22 gathering stems from an earlier meeting in Nay Pyi Taw, on June 15, at which the Ministry of Education announced it would allow ethnic minorities to teach their own languages in state schools. The ministry gave Shan delegates two months to decide on how the textbook would be compiled, said Taunggyi University teacher Dr Nan Nwet Nwet Win. For this project we need to get help from Shan literature organisations, she said. While Myanmar would remain the language of instruction for most classes, U Sai Aung Tun, the head of the committee tasked with compiling the textbook, said the governments decision was an important step forward for ethnic minority rights and would help to strengthen national unity. Nowadays most Shan children cannot speak, read or write their own language. There will be many benefits from the governments decision to allow ethnic groups to teach their languages in their own regions. For example, when students know their own language very well, they will be more willing to learn other languages as well, he said.

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July 30 - August 5, 2012
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Child Law amendments complete

Changes will bring 1993 law into line with Convention on the Rights of the Child
By Ei Ei Toe Lwin AMENDMENTS to the Child Law have been completed and are likely to be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw for approval before the end of the year, the top official in Myanmar for the United Nations Childrens Fund, which helped draft the changes, said last week. The child law has been already updated. I think its completed but we are waiting for formal endorsement in the parliament to ratify new law, said Mr Ramesh Shrestha, UNICEF representative in Myanmar. Myanmar signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991and the Child Law was promulgated in 1993, with by-laws enacted in 2001. Following a request from the Ministry of Social Welfare in August, UNICEF began helping draft amendments to bring it into line with the convention, particularly in terms of protection and meeting international standards on juvenile justice. We have been advocating for many years to fill in some gaps where the child law does not correspond to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, said Ms Nette Wijnants, head of UNICEFs child protection department. We are hoping [the amendments] will go to parliament before the end of year, Ms Wijnants said. So it has not been enacted as a law yet. And we are also proposing to have new chapter on protection of children affected by armed conflict well have to wait until the minister has approved the amendments and it goes up to parliament. UNICEF and other nongovernment organisations involved in the updating process proposed changing it a stronger law. But U Aung Tun Khaing, deputy director general of the Department of Social Welfare, said the submission of the amendments to parliament might not take place until 2013. The draft has already been completed but we cannot say exactly when it will be discussed in the parliament. It is impossible to discuss during this session and it may not be until 2013. We still have some processes to complete before we get to that complemented by the governments decision to sign an action plan on the issue of underage recruitment in late June. Well continue monitoring whether the government follows the action plan. We particularly urge them to focus on the rights of ethnic children who live in remote areas, Dr Ohnmar Khaing said. The government must control the entry of children into the military, particularly through the use of fake documents and citing reasons like, the army accepted the child because they want to join up. World Vision data shows about 40 percent of underage soldiers were recruited within their communities and she said this highlighted the need to focus on community interventions. Most children were recruited at the age of 15 to 16, she said. Children do not know what their rights are and in many cases even their parents lack knowledge about child rights. Childrens rights are likely to be violated if their parents do not know what those rights are, said Daw Si Si Myint, a child specialist with World Vision. Education and awarenessraising programs about CRC need to be conducted for parents to protect the rights of their children, she added.

Ratana Metta begins childrens legal aid program

By Yamon Phu Thit A PROGRAM to provide a free legal assistance to children in Yangon Region got underway last week, the head of implementing organisation Ratana Metta said. Under the program, children involved in a lawsuit are eligible for free legal assistance and psychological support if necessary. The organisation will also cover their expenses. We will help children whether they are the plaintiff or defendant. The main purpose is to help them financially and psychologically, Ratana Metta president U Myint Swe said on July 23. If they become a defendant, we are trying to ensure they receive their rights under the law rather than protect them through unlawful means. Though the organisation planned to introduce the program in more than 250 townships in collaboration with the United Nations Childrens Funds (UNICEF), lack of funding has meant it will initially only take place in Yangon Region. We are going to expand the program later on. Now we have started it as much as we can in Yangon Region. The project will also see education support and vocational training given to children who face legal problems. We need to give moral education as much as help them to be free from legal action. If they commit theft, we need to figure out why they committed it for example, if they did it because they are poor or lack education, he said. Children in Yangon Region who are in need of legal assistance can contact Ratana Metta Organisation on (01) 201-480 or 09-7302-4794.

wait until the minister Well have tothe amendments and it has approved goes up to parliament.
the age definition of a child and the definition of criminal responsibility. Already the child law had those provisions. But in some areas, they did not correspond fully to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. For instance, the definition of a child under the convention is anyone up to 18, while the child law is up to 16, she said. The Child Law already had a lot of [provisions for the] protection of childrens rights but we are just trying to make stage, he said. Experts who took part in the amendment drafting process said they were optimistic the changes would have a positive impact. I expect the new child law will increase protection of child rights because many points in the old law have been changed to bring it into conformity with the convention, said Dr Ohnmar Khaing, manager of child protection at World Vision. She said it would be

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MyanMar tiMes July 30 - August 5, 2012

Newly independent Central Bank eyes monetary markets

By Aye Thidar Kyaw and Stuart Deed THE Central Bank of Myanmar was last week granted independence from the Ministry for Finance and Revenue, leaving it free to intervene in the countrys monetary markets as needed, an official said on July 27. Deputy governor U Maung Maung Win said the Central Bank was made independent on July 25. We will have the approval to manage monetary policy, he told The Myanmar Times. In the past we had to submit any proposed actions to the Ministry for Finance and Revenue and [go through] many steps by steps. But now our banks board of directors will handle any monetary market issues and we will be better able to fulfill our responsibilities, a Central Bank spokesperson added. He said the Central Bank was working to establish a capital market, build capacity within the banking network and facilitate the creation of international banking linkages. U Maung Maung Win said the bank is urging private insitutions to gain experience in foreign banking operations from regional players to prepare for the countrys integration into the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. The Central Bank is in the process of drawing regulations [for foreign banking] and our thinktank for the Ministry of Finance is discussing this, said U Maung Maung Win. According to the outcomes we will decide which type of entry is the best, he said. He confirmed that the bank was working with Daiwa to develop the countrys stock exchange. Its under discussion [and] we have some relationships with Daiwa from Japan. For example, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Daiwa and the Tokyo Stock Exchange to establish a stock exchange in Myanmar, he said. We have an agreement between the two governments to start official development assistance from Japan [and] according to this program JICA is the focal institution. JICA arranged to assist the financial sector and ICT development and assigned Daiwa and Fujitsu and NTT Data. They are coming [to Myanmar] and discussing with the respective departments but they have not started work yet. U Maung Maung Win said listings on the stock exchange would likely use the local currency. I think we can start with our local currency [but] we need to encourage public companies to list in the stock exchange because we have so many companies but most of them are privately owned.: With only government treasury bonds currently available, he said the country needed to develop a secondary bond market.

An employee handles bank notes at the Central Bank of Myanmar in Yangon. Pic: AFP U Maung Maung Win said the floating of the kyat on April 2 was the start of the process of unifying the countrys different exchange rates. That means the Central Bank is required to intervene in the market and try to establish a foreign exchange [formal] market in the country, he said, adding that the International Monetary Fund had provided technical assistance in the flotation. The unification aimed to align economic reforms with political reforms undertaken since President U Thein Seins government took office on March 30, 2011, he said. Since the float, the national currency has depreciated about 7 percent against the US dollar: the Central Banks recommended rate on July 27 was K873, compared with K818 on April 2. However, U Maung Maung Win said the bank was also monitoring comments from economists and businesspeople from key sectors, as well as watching international currency exchange rates, commodities such as gold and fuel, and trade volumes to discover the appropriate rate. We will discover the appropriate rate, which depends on monetary sector, but it has to be convenient for all sectors, he said, adding that an exchange rate of between K870 and K900 would satisfy some. He added that the Central Bank would like private domestic banks to form joint ventures with foreign counterparts, with subsidiary offices as a second step and full branch offices as the final step. The Central Bank has about 1200 employees but U Maung Maung Win said this was insufficient for the banks future responsibilities and it plans to double its workforce.

By Naw Say Phaw Waa

THE Union Election Commission is reviewing the electoral system and plans to submit a bill to parliament to amend the election law, officials told members of a 10-party alliance at a meeting last week. The minority alliance, a mixture of both Burmese and ethnic parties, has been lobbying to change firstpast-the-post to proportional representation for several months and met Union Election Commission chairman U Tin Aye and Constitutional Tribunal member Dr Tin Aung Aye to discuss the issue on July 27. Because the issue of proportional representation concerns only the election law, Union Election Commission chairman U Tin Aye will submit it to the hluttaw. He seemed impressed by this system, said U Thar Hla Tun, secretary of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party. The parties contend that proportional representation, whereby seats are distributed according to the proportion of votes received, would be fairer as it would give minority parties and independent candidates a better chance of winning seats. U Saw Than Myint from the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party told The Myanmar Times that the 17 minority party leaders urged the commission to amend the election law so the new voting

Election commission flags voting system change US to let import ban expire, at least temporarily
system was in place by the 2015 general election. The benefits of the proportional representation system are that its easy for voters during the election, no parties would be disadvantaged and its fairer. Another thing is that voters ballots wont be wasted, said Democratic Party (Myanmar) chairman U Thu Wai, who also took part in last weeks meeting. The state-run New Light of Myanmar published a detailed report of the meeting on July 28, quoting U Tin Aye as saying the electoral system should be modified after systematically studying the various important situations. He also revealed the issue had been forwarded to the Constitutional Tribunal for review. As it must be assessed whether the [Proportional] Representation System recommended by the political parties is in conformity with the concepts of the constitution or not, the suggestion was sent to the Constitutional Tribunal of the union for seeking its recommendation. The Constitutional Tribunal of the union will give the best recommendation for the suggestion, he said. The Union Election Commission will submit the outcome from the meeting to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw after reviewing it so as to make a decision. When the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, which is the highest legislature of the state, has approved it as a law, the commission will carry out necessary tasks for it. The report said the 10 parties had submitted a paper to the commission, titled Suggestion on Improvement of Election System. Last weeks meeting comes after representatives from the parties discussed electoral reform and other issues with President U Thein Sein in Nay Pyi Taw on July 18 in what was the presidents first official meeting with a registered political party. After meeting the Union Election Commission on the morning of July 27, party leaders also held talks with Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann in the afternoon. Discussions with Thura U Shwe Mann focused on the hluttaw, U Thu Wai said. U Shwe Mann said their main intention is that all parties can give suggestions at any time if they are good for the people. He said we could meet in person or write to coordinate our activities to work for the countrys development. The alliance includes the Democratic Party (Myanmar), All Mon Regions Democracy Party, Party for Democracy and Peace, Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, Chin National Party, Union Democratic Party, Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party, National Democratic Force and Unity and Peace Party. In an interview with the The Irrawaddy last week, Stanford University democracy scholar Larry Diamond agreed the electoral system needed to be looked at. However, he said straight proportional representation might not be the best system as representatives should have a connection to constituencies and voters. It is not good for democracy to have any party, even one committed to democracy, to have a near-hegemonic presence. You want competition, you want opposition, you want pluralism. So the bottom line is not only that is not only is proportional representation intrinsically a fairer system but it may be more effective at giving a stake in the political system to a variety of forces, including the current ruling party, if those forces dont do very well in the next election, he said. At the same there is a need in country like Burma that is still overwhelmingly-rural to have geographically-based representation, in which there are representatives that people can identify, each in their own constituency, to represent them and speak for them, that they can have access to express grievances and interests. I think the answer is some kind of mixed electoral system, in which there is a substantial if not full proportionality in the distribution of votes into seats but at the same time that people can identify individual representatives that speak for them. WASHINGTON A US ban on imports from Myanmar is set to expire, at least temporarily, at the end of September because of a clash between lawmakers over funding for an African trade provision. The two issues are tied together in a bill that has the backing of the Obama administration and that lawmakers hope to pass before their month-long August recess. The White House has eased some sanctions on Myanmar in response to economic and political reforms. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell proposed separating the two measures so the ban on imports from Myanmar could be renewed. But Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Democrat, objected on the grounds that it would jeopardise approval of the African trade measure, which he said was vital to clothing industry jobs on the continent. He rejected Mr McConnells charge that Democrats were turning renewal of sanctions on Myanmar into a partisan issue after years of strong support from both parties. Mr Baucus said he hoped to work with Senator Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican, in coming days to address his concerns about funding for the African trade provision. The African Growth and Opportunity Act, first passed by Congress in 2000, allows eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa to ship thousands of goods to the United States without paying import duties. A provision that expires September 30 waives duties on clothing from most African Growth and Opportunity Act countries, even if the yarn or fabric is made in a third country like China, South Korea or Vietnam. Mr Coburn has objected to the use of US Customs Service user fees spread out over 10 years to pay for the US$200 million cost of the trade bill. Those are the types of provisions that have created a huge mountain of US government debt, he said. Reuters

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July 30 - August 5, 2012
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UN agency to begin joint land program

By Thomas Kean A JOINT government and United Nations program focusing on implementation of the countrys new land laws is set to get underway in August, a UN Human Settlements Program official said earlier this month. The two-year Land Administration and Management Program (LAMP) is scheduled to begin August 1. Funded by the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT), the countrywide program will be implemented by UNHABITAT in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigations Land Settlement and Records Department (SLRD). The overall objective is to support the government as it implements the new land laws in Myanmar. You could say the sub-objective is to make sure that those laws are implemented in a way thats inclusive of the poor majority, being smallholder farmers in rural areas, said Mr Eben Forbes, program officer with UN-HABITAT. The program has three main components: research studies and pilot projects; expert group meetings; and technical assistance and training. While LAMP is yet to get underway, some activities are already in the pipeline. The International Labour Organisation has offered to train lawyers and officials from land management committees on dispute resolution. UN Food and Agriculture Organisation is expected to undertake a study of the likely or potential impact of the new laws on farmers, as well as a pilot of a land information system in Bago Region. A land information system would be right now you have separate maps and registries so this would be integrating them in a digital format so that you can click on a parcel of land and find out the owner and the dimensions, Mr Forbes said. Theres a lack of knowledge, a lack of research studies about the current land administration systems. We know a lot of vague things, for example that the mapping is quite sub par, whereas the registration, the list of who owns what, those records are relatively up to date, he said. Another component is expert group meetings and that would be exposing the relevant government officials with their counterparts in other countries, especially countries that have had success with their land management programs, he said, adding that two threeday meetings are planned for later this year. While the initial period for LAMP is two years, Mr Forbes said there was potential for the program to not only continue but also expand in many different directions. In the big picture these two years are really like the launching of a larger land overhaul. In most countries to achieve any countrywide land reform of any sort would take around 10 years or longer it could take decades. Its inevitable that it will take more than two years and so LAMP could expand within these two years and thereafter with LIFT or other donors. It could turn into a huge thing or another scenario is it could be swallowed up by World Bank, he said. Its a huge program, itll touch on all aspects of UNHABITATs work. Were excited about it but its daunting too because its so all-encompassing. He said another element of LAMP was to foster partnerships within government, within ministries, within departments in the same ministries, and of course partnerships and communication between government and civil society. He said UN-HABITAT is also prepared to assist the government on land-related issues not directly included in the program, including the drafting of rules and regulations for the new land laws. Were prepared to assist the government if requested [but] we cant just show up tomorrow at their door and say were going to help you with the rules and regulations. Its on a request basis but were prepared to do that. Weve got the support of our headquarters in Nairobi and they have a land unit so thats a huge resource we can draw upon. Its a step by step approach, right now were working with SLRD from the director general level down and we have to kind of wait and see whether we can end up working at a higher level. Also theres no real precedent for this kind of program; with the changes in government its difficult to predict exactly where the program will go. We have lots of hopes, we have a proposal document and so forth, but its a moving target. Mr Forbes said the passage of the two new land laws the Farmland Law and Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law through the parliament had created a huge spike in interest in land-related issues among both local and international groups. He said there was a widely held view that as Myanmar opens up land will be a critical area. Theres the potential for sustainable development or theres the potential for it to go in a really bad direction. It doesnt depend on any one thing, it doesnt depend solely on the text of the laws, it depends on how theyre implemented, what the rules and regulations are that cascade down from the laws and how much autonomy is given at the local level of government to administer the laws.

A woman speaks to the media during a protest in Dagon Seikkan township last week. Pic: Yadanar

Farmers protest agri zone, call for return of farmland

By Noe Noe Aung FARMERS from Dagon Seikkan, South Dagon and East Dagon townships staged a legal protest last week to demand redistribution of thousands of acres of farmland taken for an agriculture project in 2008. Prominent land rights legal consultant U Phoe Phyu said on July 20 that the farmers wanted to demand back their farmland legally, even though it was taken illegally. Protesters received permission to demonstrate under the new Peaceful Protest Law and 270 from five villages gathered in front of the office of Pin Lel Koe Thwel company in Dagon Seikkan township. Altogether 1085 farmers in Dagon Seikkan, South Dagon and East Dagon lost their farmland more than 10,000 acres in 2008, U Phoe Phyu said. He said the companies attempted to use legal means to assert control over the farmland. Some of the companies made a promise to the farmers that they would do contract farming with them but in reality it didnt happen. So if the companies take legal action against the farmers from these five villages who are demanding their farmland back, we will just take legal action against the companies, said U Phoe Phyu. U Kyaw Kyaw Min from Nyaung Pin village told The Myanmar Times the firm that confiscated his land in 2008 farmed some of it but left most fallow. The company does some farming but there are many acres of farmland left out there. Now some farmers cultivate 60 acres [without permission], he said. The company does farming but just on the land near company buildings. They dont farm all of the land, there are many acres left, so we told the companies to give back the farmland that they dont farm. They said that they will report about this to hluttaw. But we have been waiting for too long. Nothing is going to happen and thats why we decided to protest today. We want to farm on the farmland that they arent using, he added. An agriculture industry source with knowledge of the case said the previous military government had created a special agricultural zone on the disputed land. Land in the zone, which encompassed five existing villages, was given to 16 companies to farm in 2009. U Khin Htay, a farmer who took part in the protest, said he and many other farmers received some compensation when the land was taken in 2008. I had 11 acres before. My family and all of our ancestors lived there and farmed on that land for the past 90 years. But in 2008, a company took my farmland and the land of some other farmers and gave us K50,000 an acre each as compensation. [Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development] also gave K20,000 to some farmers. We didnt want to take it but they forced us to, he said. U Maung Nyo, a farmer from Thayetpin Chaung village said that some companies promised that they would give the farmland back to the farmers after three years. They promised contract farming after we gave the farmlands to them. But we didnt get any contract, U Maung Nyo said. It has been three years now. I think its time to demand our land back.

Location survey for storm radars underway

By Aye Sapay Phyu A TEAM of experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency has begun surveying possible locations for new storm radars, an official from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said last week. He said the team from the JICA head office in Japan and DMH officials had earlier in July conducted a survey in Mandalay, Yangon, Kyaukpyu and Thandwe townships in Rakhine state, Putao township in Kachin state and Monywa in lower Sagaing Region. The expert team will collect the data to determine which place will be best to set up the radars. It is expected two or three radars will be provided by the Japanese government. A more detailed plan will be worked out based on the results of the survey, he said. Weather radars are important to forecast not only storms but also precipitation and flooding. The DMH official said detailed information on storm intensity, storm tracking, density of clouds and precipitation could be gleaned from the weather radars, adding that the network would improve disaster preparedness. The countrys first and only weather radar was set up on Min Pyin Hill in Kyaukpyu township in 1974 and was used to forecast storm intensity and track the Gwa cyclone in 1982. According to Dr Tun Lwin, a former director general of DMH, the radar has been out of service since 1997 and the department has had no radar to watch approaching storms, including Cyclone Nargis in May 2008.

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MyanMar tiMes July 30 - August 5, 2012
Air Bagan, Air KBZ, Air Mandalay, Asian Wings and Yangon Airways charge essentially the same price, with a variance of just $1-2 on each route. Last week, spokespersons for three of the airlines all said they planned to increase fares the same amount from October 1: 10pc. We will increase airfares 10pc this coming high season. We already announced to all travel agencies that we will increase airfares two months ago. We cant say exactly how much we will increase each flight, said a spokesperson from Air Mandalay. However, figures provided to The Myanmar Times show a rise of about 15pc on most tourist routes, with fares to increase almost 40pc between Yangon and Thandwe, the gateway to Ngapali Beach. The rises are even more significant when compared with the 2011-12 high season. It is also unclear why fares for local travellers are scheduled to drop about 5pc from October 1, making airfares on the main tourist routes anywhere from 24pc to 40pc cheaper for Myanmar nationals than foreign travellers at last weeks exchange rates. We dont usually increase local airfares. The low season and high season rates are normally about the same, an Air KBZ

Airlines plan large foreigner fare rise

By Yu Yu Maw DOMESTIC airlines insisted last week that fares for foreign travellers would rise about 10 percent for the coming high season, despite figures showing an average 30pc increase on the same time last year. The planned increases mean a flight from Yangon to Myitkyina in Kachin State will cost US$200 one way from October 1, while the popular YangonMandalay and YangonHeho/Nyaung Oo routes will be $128 and $120 respectively, according to a list of fares provided to The Myanmar Times last week. The high season runs from October to the end of April. Travel agents said the increases were unreasonable and warned they would deter foreign travellers. Prices for every tourismrelated product are high its getting worse and worse by the day. Tourism officials and third parties should conduct a serious analysis on this issue and find a solution to the problem as soon as possible, said U Aye Kyaw, managing director of travel company Ruby Land. While Myanmar ostensibly has competition in its domestic airline industry, all five private carriers

Sky High: domestic fares set to rise

Fares
2011 low season (May 1-Sep 30)

Average 30 percent year-on year jump planned for high season

2011-12 high season (Oct 1-April 30) Foreign $99 $93 $109 $90 $48 $68 Local K99,000 K93,000 K109,000 K90,000 K48,000 K68,000 2012 low season (May 1-Sep 30) Foreign $110 $105 $121 $86 $51 $70 Local K80,000 K69,000 K96,000 K75,000 K33,000 K50,000 2012-13 high season (Oct 1-April 30)* Foreign $128 $120 $139 $120 $61 $88 Local K78,000 K65,500 K93,000 NA K32,000 K48,000

Route
Yangon-Mandalay Yangon-Nyaung Oo/Heho Yangon-Sittwe Yangon-Thandwe Nyaung Oo/Heho-Mandalay Nyaung Oo-Heho

Foreign $79 $74 $99 $75 $38 $56

Local K65,000 K53,000 K80,000 K65,000 K23,000 K40,000

*proposed increase based on figures provided to travel agents

spokesperson said. Airlines also usually charge higher fuel surcharges to foreign travellers than locals. The spokespersons were evasive when asked why fares would increase for foreign travellers, citing aviation fuel prices of K4100 a gallon still below international rates and the fact fares normally rise each high season. However, this years increase comes following an unprecedented rise on May 1 at the end of the 2011-12 high season: while fares normally drop during low season, this year the five airlines boosted them an average 10pc. The low season rate was higher than the last high season and now they have increased airfares again for

the coming high season, U Aye Kyaw said. A spokesperson from Asian Wings said: We will increase airfares but this happens every year during high season. We have still not yet decided exactly how much airfares will increase. We will increase them 10pc. Fares normally rise for high season and come down during low season, a spokesperson from Air KBZ said. The increases mean airfares for flights to many domestic destinations from Yangon will not be significantly different than international services between Yangon and Bangkok, and more expensive than flights on AirAsia, which charges from

$100 to $200. AirAsia was also last week selling one-way flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket on October 1 on its website for about 1700 baht including taxes, or about $60. Spokespersons for the domestic airlines said AirAsia can charge lower fares because it is a budget carrier, while they serve food to passengers. Daw Sabei Aung, managing director of Nature Dream Travels and Tours, confirmed her company had received an announcement that fares were set to rise. The rate for all tourism businesses, including restaurants, guide fees and hotel rooms, are up. And airfares are increasing too.

How can small or mediumsized travel companies survive in this situation? she said. The Air Mandalay spokesperson conceded domestic airfares were really high and expressed concern that many travellers, both foreign and local, would instead take the bus between tourist destinations. Bus fares on the YangonMandalay route are about K16,000 one way barely 15pc the cost of an air ticket for a foreigner. We are afraid that foreign independent travellers will not choose flights anymore and if the airfares keep rising, nobody will purchase tickets, the spokesperson said.

Foreign hotels meet cap as local prices take off Briefs

By Zaw Win Than MOST foreign-owned hotels in Yangon have started complying with a government order to reduce prices, following a warning from Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Tint Hsan. The ministry on June 25 set a cap of US$150 for standard hotel rooms following lobbying from travel agents and fears that skyrocketing prices would damage the international image of the industry. However, hotels only began complying with the notice after the minister met hoteliers, travel agents and private tourism bodies at Inya Lake Hotel on July 17 to clarify the room rate instruction released by the ministry. We receive contracts from Sedona and Traders Hotel with the rate announced by the ministry for the coming season, from October to March 2013. We are still waiting to get contracts from Chatrium and Parkroyal hotels. We havent received them yet but they say they are working on the contracts, Ma Sabei Aung, managing director of Nature Dream Travel and Tours, said on July 26. We really appreciate their response with the new contracts. The situation is much better than before, she said. Ma Thiri Kyarnyo, marketing and communication manager of Parkroyal Hotel said the hotel was delighted to comply are really not suitable for foreign guests. So, I really appreciate the engagement from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism to safeguard the image of Myanmar as an attractive tourist destination, Ms Jung said. Relations with foreign hotels is now quite ok. But there is a problem with local hotels, Ma Sabei Aung told The Myanmar Times on July 27, citing large recent room rate increases at Mya Yeik Nyo, Mingalar Garden, Summer Palace, Clover and newly opened Green Hill hotels. U Tin Soe from Joyful Jupiter Tours said he had booked rooms for group tours in October and January 2013 at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel and received confirmation from the hotel but he was later told prices would increase dramatically. Mya Yeik Nyo is owned by construction company Zaykabar, whose chairman, U Khin Shwe, is a member of the Amyotha Hluttaw. They said they would send the contract later and the hotel staff said the room rate for a single room would be about $70 and a double room about $80. This is the normal price at all the locally owned hotels in Yangon. But on July 21 I received the room rate from Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel in which the single room rate had almost doubled to $120 and double room was $180. How can I do my business with these skyrocketing prices? U Tin Soe said.

Youth Union holds first press meet

THE organising committee of the Myanmar Youth Union held its first press conference at the House of Media and Entertainment office on July 25 and called on the president to reduce unemployment rates and improve education standards. The group issued a seven-point statement and chair Ko Htet Pine Aung said it wanted the president to promptly solve [these] problems encountered by young people across Myanmar. He said the union will work with other organisations to achieve its aims and cautioned that young people will continue to travel abroad for work unless local salaries increase and vocational training standards improve. We havent sent a statement to the president yet. The first step was making our demands known to the public, Ko Htet Pine Aung said. MYU was established in December 2011 and has approximately 40 members but remains unregistered. Vice president of the Federation of Students Union organising committee, Ko Si Thu Maung, said: I feel encouraged that the government now allows a variety of organisations to exist. I believe that our country is on the road to democracy. Naw Say Phaw Waa

Sedona Hotel in Yangon, one of several foreign-owned hotels that has started complying with a price cap. Pic: Supplied with the rate proposal issued by ministry for our travel agent partners. We look forward to a healthy growth in Myanmar tourism, Ma Thiri Kyarnyo said. At the moment were preparing the contracts and they will be ready in a week time and we will be very happy to receive booking from all the travel agents. Ma Stella Kyaw Win, director of sales at Sedona Hotel Yangon, said the company would comply with the standard room rate cap. I have nothing especially to say about the issue between the agents and hotels. But I would like to say that we are giving contracts with the price mentioned by the ministry for the travel agents, she said. M s K e r s t i n J u n g from Gracious Myanmar Travel said Traders and Parkroyal had dropped prices dramatically and offered rates for standard rooms according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourisms guidelines. My biggest concern is the value of the contract, she said, referring to whether the contracts would be honoured. But as foreign-owned hotels began complying with the cap, some locally owned hotels responded by increasing room rates significantly. Ms Jung said rates at some locally owned hotels were three to four times higher than a year ago. Im really not sure if that is a healthy development for the tourism sector, she added. Actually Yangon has many hotel rooms. But to be honest, many local hotels just dont want to work with agents and some of the hotels

Small fire at Gamone Pwint

SHOPPERS were forced to evacuate from the Gamone Pwint shopping centre on Kabar Aye Pagoda Road in Mayangone township on July 26 after an LED board overheated, starting a small fire, a fire brigade official said. U Thin Htay Shwe from the Yangon Region Fire Services Department said the fire started in the ceiling of Lily Footwear at 1:32 pm and was extinguished after just 13 minutes. Despite its brevity, 164 firemen, 26 reserve firemen and fourteen engines were dispatched to the scene. Damage was estimated at K15,000. Kabar Aye Gamone Pwint Condominiums opened on December 17, 2009. The complex includes 14 storeys and 108 apartments. Htoo Aung

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Former mayor sparks outrage with interview

By Ei Ei Toe Lwin and Win Ko Ko Latt U AUNG Thein Linn said last week a Chinese newspaper had misquoted him after his controversial comments sparked a public outcry and forced his Union Solidarity and Development Party to distance itself from the former Yangon mayors views. In the interview, U Aung Thein Linn, an executive member of the USDPs central committee, said the Myitsone Dam must be resumed, that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is only popular because of her father, Bogyoke Aung San, and that there is still a group who want to seize power to set up a puppet regime in Myanmar. He was also critical of both the United Nations and United States, saying that Secretary of State Hillary Clintons historic visit in December 2011 was not for our people but only for that woman, a reference to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. On the suspension of the Myitsone dam, he said: That is our national policy, not a resolution by the parliament. We oppose [the presidents] decision. ... We need electrical power. The power shortage in Myanmar has been a long-running problem and a political one. The interview was published in Chinese-language paper Southern Weekend on July 6. An English translation appeared shortly afterwards and a subsequent Myanmar translation has been widely circulated to widespread condemnation, with angry comments flooding websites U Aung Thein Linn also criticised Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the interview, saying it was precisely because of that woman that Myanmar has faced sanctions, but said the USDP had always worked for the country and would win the next election if they try. Most politicians said last week they did not want to comment on the interview because they were unsure whether they could trust the accuracy of the Myanmarlanguage translation that has been widely circulated. I was surprised when I read this interview because he has a high-ranking position both in his party and in the parliament. Im not sure if this translation is accurate or not but if he really did say these things hes going to face a lot of problems with the public, said U Myo Nyunt, secretary of the Party for Democracy and Peace. Myitsone was halted by the president because of the public campaigning, such as holding workshops and seminar. Its certain that if it resumes the public will oppose it again, he said. U Thu Wai, chairman of the Democratic Party (Myanmar), said the interview was just his opinion. Every person has freedom to say what he believes. But, in the case of Myitsone, we need to consider deeply whether we want to resume it. In my opinion, it should not restart, he said. U Aung Thein Linn, a former brigadier general, was the mayor of Yangon from 2003 to 2011. He won the Pyithu Hluttaw seat of South Okkalapa in the 2010 election.

US ban on imports hurting people: ICG

BANGKOK A US ban on all imports from Myanmar is stifling key job-creating areas of the economy, such as the garment industry, rather than hurting the interests of the corrupt elite it targets, a report said last week. The International Crisis Group thinktank said on July 27 that Myanmars reform process had challenged the dominance of crony businessmen, who flourished under the previous military government, and nudged the economy towards greater openness at the expense of some key hardliners. But it warned that renewing the US import embargo, due to lapse this year, could have a serious impact on Myanmars economic recovery. The ban is skewing the nations economy towards potentially problematic extractive industries at the expense of sectors that employ large numbers of ordinary people, it said. At this stage in the reform process, it is indeed hard to see how retention by the US of its import ban could in any way serve the interests of the Myanmar people or assist the democratisation process, the ICG report said. Washington lifted a slew of financial and investment sanctions on Myanmar in July, including allowing finance houses to work in the former pariah nation, in response to nascent democratic reforms. But it has retained the ban on Myanmar imports a restriction that a US Senate committee this month said should be extended by three years. The United States says it will keep some sanctions in an effort to pressure President U Thein Seins government to continue reforms as the country emerges from half a century of repressive military rule. The ICG report welcomed economic and political changes that undercut the dominance of cronies and the military. Their [the cronies] key sources of revenue are being removed, including control of monopolies as well as privileged access to permits, licences, and major government contracts. They recognise they have much to lose in the new economic reality,

The cronies key sources of revenue are being removed, including control of monopolies.

U Aung Thein Linn (left) at the opening of the Sitagu academy in Yangon in June 2011. Pic: Hein Latt Aung and petitions being spread not respond to requests for an interview last week. But through email. However, U Aung Thein USDP secretary U Htay Oo Linn told Popular News said he did not support the hed been misquoted. Its comments attributed to U an incorrect translation, he Aung Thein Linn and stressed said in an article published they were his personal views July 26, adding that he would and did not reflect those of contact the weekly newspaper the party. The president [suspended to demand a correction. He said the interview was the dam] because of the conducted about one-and-a- publics desire. We are also members of the public, U half months ago. I said we need to do Htay Oo told The Myanmar detailed research on the Times on July 24. At the time [of the Myitsone Dam issue. Nobody will do this project if it is sure interview] I wasnt near U that it is not in the public Aung Thein Linn, so I do interest based on research not know exactly [what he data, he said. In regards said]. I asked him whether to my comments about [the interview is] right or Western countries, I dont like wrong. He said he did not Western countries because say these things and [the they havent lifted sanctions interview] was [conducted] a completely yet. Actually, long time ago so he does not they extended the term of the remember clearly. However, he answered in a personal sanctions. U Aung Thein Linn did capacity, he said.

it said, adding that the tycoons appear ready to accept a diminished role rather than impede reform. The report also welcomed the recent resignation of a vice president widely regarded as a hardliner, Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo as a key step towards widening reform. U Myint Swe, seen as a marginally more moderate figure, has been selected by the military as the replacement, but his appointment has not yet been formally approved amid uncertainty about whether he is qualified. AFP

World Bank to open Yangon office

THE vice president of the World Banks office for East Asia and the Pacific arrived in Myanmar on July 30 to open the banks new office in Yangon. While the World Bank initially announced the office would open in June, Ms Pamela Cox was scheduled to do open the Yangon office on August 1. During her visit to Myanmar, she will also meet with senior officials and development partners to discuss ways to support of reforms to improve the lives of all the people of Myanmar, especially the poor and vulnerable, a spokesperson said. This is the first visit by World Bank senior management to the country since President U Thein Seins government took office in March 2011. Ms Cox said in a statement in April that the World Bank office will be headed by a new country manager. Ms Karin Finkelston, the vice president for Asia Pacific of the World Banks private sector arm, International Finance Corporation, will also visit Myanmar with Ms Cox. Zaw Win Than

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Pakistani Taliban threaten Myanmar

ISLAMABAD The Pakistani Taliban last week threatened to attack Myanmar to avenge crimes against the Muslim Rohingya, unless Pakistan halts all relations with the government and shuts its embassy in Islamabad. In a rare statement focused on the plight of Muslims abroad, the umbrella Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) group sought to present itself as a defender of Muslim men and women in Myanmar, saying we will take revenge of your blood. Spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan demanded on July 26 that the Pakistani government halt all relations with Myanmar and close down its embassy in Islamabad. Otherwise we will not only attack Burmese interests anywhere but will also attack the Pakistani fellows of Burma one by one, he said in a statement. The Myanmar embassy in Islamabad was not immediately reachable for comment. The TTP frequently claims attacks on security forces in Pakistan but its ability to wage violence in countries further afield has been questioned. But US officials say there is evidence the group was behind a failed 2010 attempt to bomb Times Square in New York, for which PakistaniAmerican Faisal Shahzad was jailed for life. TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud has also been charged in the United States over the killings of seven CIA agents who died when a Jordanian Al-Qaeda double agent blew himself up at a US base in Afghanistan in December 2009. AFP

Visa on arrival for Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw

By Zaw Win Than VISA on arrival will soon also be available at Mandalay and Nap Pyi Taw international airports, Minister for Immigration and Population U Khin Yi said last week during an inspection of Yangon International Aiport. He said the limited visa-on-arrival system reintroduced from June 1 in Yangon had been working effectively and the ministry is planning to expand the service to Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. U Maung Maung Than, director general of the ministrys Immigration and National Registration Department, told The Myanmar Times that visa on arrival would probably be available at the two airports from the start of the peak tourist season. There is a possibility to start from coming October at Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports but it is not confirmed yet, he said. He said the ministry plans to offer the same service at border checkpoints but the required equipment has not been installed yet. The current visa on arrival system is available at Yangon International Airport to business travellers, conference and workshop attendees. and transit visitors. The 70-day business visa costs US$50, while a 28-day entry visa for meetings, workshops and events is $40. A 24-hour transit visa costs $20. Visitors must have a passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry into Myanmar and should also bring two recent (4cm x 6cm) colour photos. Visitors who overstay not more than 90 days on the visas will be required to pay $3 a day extra, while those who overstay more than 90 days will be required to pay $5 for each day spent in the country with an expired visa. Applicants must also have a letter of invitation from the sponsoring company for their first business visit to Myanmar. They must also produce copies of company registration, a business licence or evidence of permission to do business issued by the ministries concerned if the applicant is working in Myanmar. The applicant must also state the name of their workplace, location, sponsors name and position they hold in the business. For entry visas, visitors must show a letter of invitation from the relevant ministry if they are going to attend a meeting, workshop, event or ceremony. Applicants are not allowed to engage in any sort of work with or without payment outside the profession mentioned on the visa application form. Applicants also need to state the name and address of the hotel or guesthouse where they will stay for the duration of their visit.

Taiwans EVA Air to launch Yangon flights

TAIPEI Taiwans EVA Airways said last week it will launch three weekly flights to Yangon from October in expectation of growing demand. The airline said on July 20 it decided to start the new route as it expects the former capital to attract more Taiwanese businessmen and tourists as the country emerges from decades of military rule. China Airlines, Taiwans largest international airline, also announced recently that it will expand services to Yangon to operate a total of five weekly flights from midSeptember, up from the current four. Myanmars main airport is expected to exceed passenger capacity this year, officials said. AFP

Trade Mark CauTion

NOTICE is hereby given that S.C.Johnson & Son inc. a company incorporated in the state of Wisconsin, United States of America and having its principal office at 1525 Howe Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403, United States of America is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademarks: -

(reg: no. iV/1049/2012)

A man inspects a damaged vehicle on Kabar Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan township in the early hours of January 15. Pic: Yadanar

(reg: no. iV/1050/2012) The above two trademarks are in respect of:products for cleaning and polishing footwear and all other polishing and cleaning preparations and substances; scouring and abrasive preparations; bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; dressings for footwear, leather, canvas and cloth, stains and inks for leather; dubbin in Class: 3; Sanitary substances; disinfectants; preparations for killing weeds and destroying vermin; air fresheners and deodorants in Class: 5 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademarks or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for S.C.Johnson & Son inc. P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012

Road deaths rise in Yangon

By May Sandy and Thiha Toe THE number of deaths recorded on Yangons roads rose more than 30 percent in the first six months of 2012, the second significant increase in as many years. From January to the end of June 620 accidents were recorded, resulting in 152 deaths and 956 injuries, figures from the Yangon Region traffic police department show. In the first six months of 2011, 568 accidents, 92 deaths, and 850 injuries were recorded, up from 348 accidents, 82 deaths and 565 injuries over the same period in 2010. U Ba Myint, the director of Yangon Region Supervisory Committee for Motor Vehicles, better known as Ma Hta Tha, said the rise was mainly due to the increased number of vehicles on the roads and drivers ignoring road rules. There are many new cars in the city and the traffic is getting really bad. Most drivers do not obey the traffic rules, he said. While deaths related to bus accidents continued to rise, to 67 in the first half of the year from 62 in 2011, U Ba Myint said bus accidents overall had declined significantly, from 203 to 143. We provide traffic education training programs for bus drivers and conductors twice a month. We have 1500 bus drivers and 90pc of them request to do the training again, he said. Yangon residents were last week divided over the reasons for the increase in accidents, deaths and injuries and what authorities should do to reduce the road toll. More inexperienced drivers are now driving taxis. We have to be careful of them when they are driving, said taxi driver U San Lwin said. Small bus driver U Win Tun said: Taxi licences have become easier [to get] but standards should be kept high. Businessman U Nay Win said taking measures to reduce traffic congestion would cut the number of accidents. We should apply the system that is used in Japan whereby no one can park on the side of the road and buses should only be allowed to stop at the official bus stands. Private cars can park on side streets but not on the main road, he said.

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Community urged to join hepatitis fight

By Yamon Phu Thit SELF-HELP groups and organisations are needed to improve awareness of hepatitis diseases and boost prevention activities, liver specialists said at a ceremony to mark World Hepatitis Day 2012 at Yangons Nursing University. The organisations should focus on sharing knowledge about hepatitis diseases, helping members of the public get blood tests and conducting mass vaccination programs, liver specialist Professor Than Sitt said on July 21. There are no groups like this in our country. As everyone is vulnerable to infection by hepatitis viruses, organisations in which the public can participate need to be formed urgently, he said. If testing services and vaccination programs are conducted in groups, the cost will be so low that it is within the reach of everyone. This would help reduce the infection and mortality rates related to hepatitis diseases. The theme of World Hepatitis Day 2012, which was to be marked officially on July 28, is Its closer than you think, a reference to the fact that hepatitis viruses are highly infectious and infection rates are high because of the relatively low awareness. Liver specialist Professor Khin Mg Win said the hepatitis virus was 100 times more infectious than HIV. While awareness of hepatitis-related diseases and their causes has improved, it is still low, he said. Dr Than Sitt said hepatitis diseases are not considered among the major infectious diseases in Myanmar, such as malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. But we are trying to raise awareness of the diseases through local media, he said. The WHO describes the viruses as major global health risk and the main hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E can cause acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver, possibly leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Dr Than Sitt said that while there were not exact figures for hepatitis in Myanmar, an estimated one in 10 people suffer from chronic hepatitis B, while three or four per hundred have hepatitis C. Liver specialists said the increasing hepatitis infection rates meant regular blood tests and vaccination were more important than ever. The disease can occur with limited or no symptoms. The only way to know for certain is to get a blood test. Therefore, I would like to suggest that everyone get a blood test occasionally, Dr Than Sitt said. The head of Mandalay General Hospitals liver department, Dr Naomi Khaing Than Hlaing said: There is no vaccination for hepatitis C virus so the best thing to do is get blood test regularly, The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluid and through sexual contact but not through casual contact. Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The common transmission modes of hepatitis C virus include contaminated blood, blood products or body fluid and through sexual contact. Those at high risk of hepatitis B and C infection are people who have sexual contact with people infected with the diseases, people who inject drugs with shared needles, medical providers who have contact with the body fluid and blood of patients suffering from these diseases and babies of mothers suffering from the disease. If every newborn was vaccinated against hepatitis B, the liver diseases caused by the virus would be significantly reduced, Dr Than Sitt said.

Participants declare debate a winner

By Khin Su Wai STUDENTS from Mandalays University of Medicine last week won the top prize in a three-day English-language debating contest that highlighted efforts to revitalise the education sector. The Shangri-la team from University of Medicine beat 21 other groups to take home the top prize in the competition, which was held at Mandalay Technological University from July 21 to July 23. Shangri-la was one of three teams from the University of Medicine which took part, along with two teams from the University of Foreign Languages, five from Mandalay Technological University and four each from Horizon International School, Ayeyarwaddy International and Paung Daw Oo Monastic School. English language debates, particularly inter-school competitions between state and private institutions, are rare in Myanmar, and observers welcomed the newfound spirit of extracurricular co-operation. We prepared for about one month for the debate program and it was held using the Karl Popper debate format. We didnt provide a judge for the debate because we wanted people to know that it would be fair, said Dr Aye Myint, rector of Mandalay Technological University, adding that the intention was to improve the English skills of the competitors. The judges were native English speakers from Horizon International School, Paung Daw Oo Monastic School, Ayeyarwaddy International School and the Jefferson Center. A representative from the International Debate Education Association based in Chiang Mai came to Myanmar to assist with the

Members of the Shangri-la team receive the trophy for first prize from U Kyin Sein, head of the English department at Mandalay Technological University, during last weeks debating competition. Pic: Khin Su Wai debate. All competitors were under 22 years of age. We made debate invitation cards and sent them to universities and private schools two weeks before the event, said Ko Moe Oo Kyaw, chairman of the Future Youth Reading Club at Mandalay Technological University. Competitors were given the topics for the first and third rounds two weeks before the event, but topics for the other rounds, semi finals and final were only provided 45 minutes before the start of the debate. The debate topics included fast food should be banned, single sex schools should be banned, poverty is a blessing, technology is a curse and environmental protection is more important than economic development. I often compete in debates at our university, but it normally looks more like a presentation. This debate included other universities and private schools and was of a much higher standard, said Ma Aye Yin Thant from Mandalay Technological Universitys Hu-Hat team, which took out second prize. YER from Horizon International School won third prize. Ma Khaing Zin Ya from the University of Medicine won the first prize in the individual category, ahead of Ma Hsu Latt Phyu from Mandalay Technological University and Ko Soe Thet Paing from the University of Medicine. Meanwhile, the principal of Ayeyarwaddy International School won a prize for most active guest and a team from Ayeyarwaddy International School, whose members are only 12 years old received the young and outstanding award.

Govt, Singapore Polytechnic sign agreement

By Yhoon Hnin Phyu THE Ministry of Labour earlier this month signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Foundation to train Myanmars senior policymakers in boosting workforce development. Singaporean experts will conduct training sessions with an initial group of 30 people, who are mostly employed at the ministrys National Skill Standard Authority and the privately-run TVET Skill Training Centre, Mr Tan Hang Cheong from Singapore Polytechnic and Mr Benedict Cheong from Temasek Foundation said at the signing ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on July 17. U Myo Min, chief executive officer of Professional Study Business School, a private education provider, said the agreement was timely because the government is keen to improve vocational training standards at institutions such as government technological institutes and Yangon Technological University. The youth of Myanmar should receive vocational training as a priority. The entrepreneurial spirit in the work environment will also be boosted if executives at the senior level undergo high quality training, U Myo Min said. Ko Pyi Hein Htet from MIEC Group said the training would help to provide skilled workers for foreign investors. By 2015, foreign investment in Myanmar will be much greater than it is now so signing an agreement to improve vocational training standards within a short space of time is going to deliver significant benefits, he said.

Trade Mark CauTion

NOTICE is hereby given that aSSa aBLoY aB a company organized under the laws of Sweden and having its principal office at Klarabergsviadukten 90, 10723 Stockholm, Sweden is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: (reg: nos. iV/928/1986 & iV/4371/2012) in respect of : - Locks of all kinds and their parts, key blanks, door closures, hinges, bolts, fastenings of all kinds, and all other building hardware and key cutting machines Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for aSSa aBLoY aB P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012

Trade Mark CauTion

NOTICE is hereby given that Federal express Corporation a company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America and having its principal office at 3620 Hacks Cross Road, Building B, 3rd Floor, Memphis, Tennessee 38125, U.S.A is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: (reg: no. iV/12238/2011) in respect of:- Pick-up, warehousing, transportation and delivery of documents, packages and freight by land and air Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for Federal express Corporation P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012

Trade Mark CauTion

NOTICE is hereby given that nuTriBio a company organized and existing under the laws of France and having its principal office at Zone Industrielle 80600 Doullens FRANCE is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark:(reg: no. iV/12840/2011) in respect of:Foods for babies Cl: 5 Milk and milk products Cl: 29 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark or other infringements whatsoever will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for nuTriBio P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012

YaLe

naCTaLia

FEDEX.SOLUTIONS THAT MATTER.

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UN rapporteur Quintana to visit this week

GENEVA The UN expert on human rights in Myanmar is to visit at the invitation of the government, it was announced on July 25. Special rapporteur Tomas Ojea Quintana will tour the country from July 30 to August 4, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said. In a statement released by OHCHR, Mr Quintana spoke of Myanmars ongoing human rights challenges, including ... recent violence in Rakhine State, as well as continuing armed conflict, particularly in Kachin State. Mr Quintana is to meet government officials, politicians, the National Human Rights Commission and civil society in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, according to the Genevabased agency. He also requested visits to Rakhine State and Kachin State and will report his findings to the UNs Human Rights Council, OHCHR said. Mr Quintana said that there had been significant progress on reforms [in Myanmar], which I hope will culminate in the creation of a peaceful and vibrant democracy that respects human rights and upholds the rule of law. A press conference is planned at Yangon International Airport at the end of his six-day mission on August 4. AFP

Hluttaw to debate asset disclosure proposal

By Kyaw Hsu Mon and Soe Than Lynn GOVERNMENT ministers should be required to publicly disclose their financial assets as part of U Thein Seins clean government drive, politicians and observers told The Myanmar Times last week. The call comes after National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Pathein, U Win Myint, submitted a proposal to the hluttaw on July 24 that would require national and regional ministers to reveal their properties, businesses and other assets. The following day, the hluttaw agreed to discuss the proposal and representatives who want to take part in the debate were told to register with the Hluttaw Office by July 26. The president said, Our government is working to realise good governance and to bring about clean government. The people are also hoping that this is the case. [Declaring assets] is a crucial requirement for the development of the state. It corresponds with the democratic practices, U Win Myint told the Pyithu Hluttaw. The government comprises those who have been entrusted by the people to exercise executive power. Transparency and accountability of government members is important for the future of a country. If there is transparency and accountability between the government and the people, the people will trust the government and collaborate in its tasks. As trust and collaboration intensify, the people will do their civic duties better and abide by the law. The country will develop. Democratic values will increase. Our goal of building a real democratic state will be a success. Thats why I have presented this proposal. The proposal was seconded by Pyithu Hluttaw representative U Pe Than from Myebon in Rakhine State. To bring about clean government, it is important that there are clean government members. So I second the proposal, U Pe Than said. Only the president and two vice presidents are required to disclose assets under the 2008 constitution, although these are not publicly released. The president and the vice presidents shall furnish a list of family assets under his direction, namely land, houses, buildings, businesses, savings and other valuables together with their values to the Head of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, section 68 states. Observers said that while transparency has increased significantly under the new political structures, most recently with the publication of draft bills in state media, broadcasting of parliamentary discussions and governments willingness to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. But legislation requiring assets to be declared would be another positive step and give greater credibility to the presidents anti-corruption drive. Governments in every democratic country practice this kind of a system to show that they value transparency. The government here should also take this chance, and by doing so [ministers] will avoid raising peoples suspicions and show they are clean at least while theyre a member of the government, said U Thu Wai, chairman of the Democratic Party (Myanmar). If we can compare their assets now with, say, 2015 we will have a pretty good idea whether they have been obtained legally, he said. When asked about the issue in early July, Minister for Industry and Myanma Investment Commission chairman U Soe Thein told journalists that he valued transparency and would have no problem disclosing his assets. In my opinion, its a good process, he said at a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on July 1. U Thiha Saw, chief editor of Open News journal, said lists of assets of government ministers had already been submitted to the cabinet when the government was formed. But if they release details of their assets to the public, the hluttaw and people can watch what they do during their time in government more closely, he said. It will be a very positive step if it implemented and the government really practices it. But U Thu Wai warned the system would only work if loopholes were eradicated. A similar law was enacted during the Burma Socialist Program Party era but not followed properly. He said it would be a good test of the commitment of members of the government to the presidents reform plans. [Ministers] will show their assets properly if they are committed to clean government and want to set an example and show they are clean, he said.

A vendor during the 2010 Taungbyone Nat Festival in Taungbyone village, Madaya township. Pic: Christopher Davy

Vendors threaten Taungbyone boycott

By Phyo Wai Kyaw and Sithu Lwin VENDORS at the famous Taungbyone Nat Festival in Mandalay Region are fuming over massive increases in store rental fees for this years event, which will take place in late August. Prices for a 24-square-foot space have risen five-fold, to K400,000 from K80,000 last year, vendors said last week. It is impossible for us to open our stalls this year as we cant give that much. We sent a letter to the Mandalay Region chief minister on July 23 expressing our problems. We are all waiting for his reply and hopefully he will solve the situation, U Htin Linn Oo, an unofficial leader of the vendors, said last week. The increase comes after trustees auctioned the rights to rent space to stall owners for the first time in 15 years, raising almost K250 million from two private companies. There have been no auctions for festival operations since 1997. We just needed to pay the fees to rent a place for our stalls to the person who was in charge of organising the festival and the in-charge worked with pagoda trustees, vendor U Zaw Moe Tun said on July 20. But this year, pagoda trustees held an auction sale again. The bidders competed against each other and the winning amount was huge. About 10 auctions were held altogether, for market space, electricity supply, water supply, gold leaf provision, traditional theatres and more. The winner of the auction for space in the small market paid K147 million, while the big market winner agreed to stump up K130 million. The festival takes place in Taungbyone village, Madaya township, in the week leading up to the full moon of Wagaung and this year runs from August 25 to September 1. Held to honour the nat (animist spirit) brothers Min Gyi and Min Lay, it draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from across the country and typically has about 1000 stores across the two main marketplaces. However, vendors warned the festival would be smaller than normal unless the stall pricing dispute is resolved. The auction winners set a deadline of July 28 for stall owners to apply for space at the festival. If we dont get a reply from the chief minister or some other solution by then we wont be able to open our stalls at the festival this year. We will request authorities to abolish the auction system in future years, U Htin Linn Oo said. Daw San San Win, who won the auction for the small market, said she was willing to reduce the rent for some spaces. I want to negotiate with the vendors. I will change some places from K400,000 to about K200,000. I will lose my investment but I cant change the outcome of the auction, she said.

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news
July 30 - August 5, 2012
Maung Yi won the most support from Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives. The representative for Thingangyun argued that a census should be undertaken in Rakhine State with the help of the Tatmadaw during the state of emergency period to help resolve the communal conflict. U Thein Nyunt said the census would help to prevent an illegal influx of foreign immigrants from other countries into Rakhine State and warned that if measures were not taken there could be dominance by aliens in other parts of the country, including Yangon, within 25 or 30 years. The present problem of Rakhine State is an immigration problem as well as a judicial problem. When issuing national registration cards, it is required to review each and every issuance with care, he said. If [the census] is done according to the existing law, we can manage to deal with the international pressure on us to accept illegal immigrants. We should begin preventing it now for the benefit of the country and the safety of future generations, he said. Frankly speaking, we

MyanMar tiMes

MP calls for census during debate on Rakhine State Prison

By Soe Than Lynn HLUTTAW representatives earlier this month approved a state of emergency order in Rakhine State from President U Thein Sein following a lively debate between seven representatives. Speaker U Khin Aung Myint confirmed that the state of emergency order would remain valid until further notice. Paragraph 4 of the order No 1/2012 reads, This order is valid from today until further notice, he said. So if the hluttaw approves the order, it amounts to having approved the duration. Five of the representatives who took part in the discussion on July 16 were from Rakhine State, including two Muslim MPs from northern Rakhine State, U Htay Win and U Shwe Maung. While all expressed support for the presidents state of emergency order, representatives cited a variety of supporting evidence to back up their different historical accounts on how the large Muslim community in northern Rakhine State came to develop. The points raised by U Thein Nyunt and U Khine

terms for 92 Thais

YANGON Almost 100 Thai nationals were sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, a Myanmar official said on July 25, after they were held for illegally crossing the border to run rubber plantations. Ten women and 82 men, who were rounded up during an army sweep in Tanintharyi Region, were given the jail terms for violating the countrys immigration and forestry acts, an official said. They are still being interrogated at the court for cases relating to illegal drugs and weapons, he said. The fate of the detainees was discussed between Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and President U Thein Sein in Bangkok on July 23. Thai government spokeswoman Sansanee Nakpong said the Myanmar leader pledged to help those imprisoned, but because of drug and arms charges, assistance would have to wait until after the cases had been tried. State media detailed weapons seized, including nine assault rifles, but said no shots were fired during the raids. AFP

Government workers clean up debris from a damaged quarter in the Rakhine State capital Sittwe on June 16. Pic: Boothee should not priorities human rights when dealing with this issue. He said he support President U Thein Seins clear-cut policies on illegal immigrants as outlined to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) earlier in July. His words that illegal Rohingyas cannot be accepted because of ethnic unrest threatening security and the UNHCR will have to accept them in Rakhine State and if a third country can accept them we will send them there are rational and practical, he said. U Shwe Maung, the Amyotha Hluttaw representative for Rakhine State constituency 7, which encompasses northern Rakhine State, said the debate should not be just about identification cards. It should just be about how to peacefully coexist in the same land, Rakhine State, he said. We are now Myanmar citizens, said U Htay Win, the Pyithu Hluttaw representative for Buthidaung. It wasnt because we got ID cards; it was because we met the citizenship criteria. Translated by Thit Lwin

Japan debt payment plan gets green light

By Soe Than Lynn THE Pyidaungsu Hluttaw last week approved changes to Myanmars 500 billion yen (US$6.4 billion) debt to Japan that will result in about two-thirds of the figure being waived and the rest repaid under a new, lowinterest loan. The loans were received from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA, formerly Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund) between 1970 and 1987 for development projects. Total debt stood at 500 billion yen on March 31 on the original loans of 328 billion yen, of which about 55 billion had already been repaid. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw late on July 24 approved the governments proposal, made under section 7 of the budget law, to change the remaining debt to a 40-year loan with 0.01 percent interest. According to a joint communiqu issued by the leaders of Japan and Myanmar [in March], Japan will waive a late fee of 176.1 billion yen, revoke debt of 127.4 billion yen and disburse 198.9 billion yen (US$2.5 billion) as a new long-term loan with low interest to repay the remainder of the debt, Minister for Finance and Revenue U Hla Tun said in a message to the hluttaw from the U Thein Sein government. The loan will come via JICA from Japanese commercial banks, including Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, Mitsui Sunitomo Bank and Mizuho Bank. Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi will serve as the facility agent in the loan, according to a report by the joint Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Bill Committee. The first 10 years of the loan will be interest free, with repayments made over the subsequent 30 years at an interest rate of 0.01pc. Myanmar will also have to pay 224 million yen ($2.8 million) in fees and bridging loan interest, the report said. After exchange of notes and loan contracts are signed to get the low-interest loan and the bridging loan, Myanmar will have to repay 100 million yen and interest of an estimated 10 million for 2012-2013 to JICA, according to the loan contract, a member of the bill committee said. The Joint Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Bill Committee found that the [low-interest] loan is of benefit to the state and the people, is conducive to the construction of development projects of the state, is with cheap interest and waives some of what Myanmar owes. So the Joint Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Bill Committee submit that the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw should approve the proposal for settling the JICA debt. Translated by Thit Lwin

Free bus rides to mark anniversary

SOME Yangon buses will carry passengers free of charge on August 20 to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of Ma Hta Tha, the body the oversees the citys bus network. U Win Zaw, deputy head of the Yangon Region Ma Hta Tha, also known as the Supervisory Committee for Motor Vehicles, said bus owners had come up with the idea themselves. On the 50 th anniversary, some lines under Ma Hta Tha will run without charge so bus owners can show their appreciation to passengers, he said. We also hope to give some memento to passengers on that day maybe a golden jubilee t-shirt, towel or keychain. The committee is also planning a range of other activities for August 19-20, including donation ceremonies, a staff party and awards to recognise hard-working employees. Thiha Toe

TiMESbusiness
Mineral prospecting, exploration and production: how the permit system works
By Juliet Shwe Gaung THE Myanmar Mines Law defines three types of permits: for mineral prospecting, exploration and production. Mineral prospecting permits are one-year, with the possibility of a one-year extension, while mineral exploration permits run for three years, with a maximum of two oneyear extensions. One year is then granted for a feasibility study with the possibility of a one-year extension. Large-scale mineral production permits are granted for up to 25 years depending on the investment and production capacity, with extensions of up to five years at a time. Permits for smallscale mineral production defined as an area up to 1 square kilometre run for up to five years, with the possibility of four one-year extensions. Dead rent rent for a mine that does not take into account whether it is profitable starts at K50,000 a square kilometre for the first year of prospecting for industrial minerals or stones. For precious metallic minerals the rent is K200,000 per square kilometre. The amount doubles in the second year. Rents are set at K100,000 a square kilometre for the first year of exploration for industrial minerals and K400,000 a square kilometre for precious minerals. The amount doubles if exploration permits are extended. During the feasibility study period, K800,000 to K3,200,000 a square kilometre is charged during the first year depending on the mineral, while K1.2 million to K3.2 million is charged during the second year. During the mine development period, K1.4 million to K3.6 million is charged a square kilometre for the first year, K1.6 million to K4.2 million for the second year and K2 million to K4.8 million a square kilometre for the third year. After reaching production, K2 million to K6 million is levied a square kilometre a year for up to 25 years. All extension periods are subject to approval by the ministry. The waiting time for approval of permit applications varies considerably on a case-bycase basis and applicants should expect to pay additional administrative and processing fees.

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MyanMar tiMes

Ministry targets investor-friendly changes to law

IN DEPTH
with

Juliet Shwe Gaung

THE Ministry of Mines is drafting a more investorfriendly Union of Myanmar Mines Law and is seeking submissions from outside experts, an official from the Department of Mines said earlier this month. The two main amendments w i l l se e t h e l a w m o r e welcoming of foreign direct investment and also include sections on environmental conservation, the official said. The ministry recently published an announcement in state newspapers calling for suggested amendments to the law from June 1 to June 15. However, few comments were received and the ministry is still seeking suggestions, the official said. We will amend the law by referring to laws from other countries especially those in ASEAN countries. The weak point is that we dont have much [input] on environmental issues, he said. These changes were

confirmed by Minister for Mines U Thein Htaik, who told participants at the First Myanmar Mining Summit 2012 at Sedona Hotel on July 23 that the ministry is trying to amend the Myanmar Mines Law with the advice of experts and the public to facilitate the environmental conservation and green mining and to encourage for the investments more easily and trustfully. He said procedures and notifications had been streamlined and simplified to create an investor friendly environment. While Myanmar is considered to have significant mineral potential, figures from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration show that just 6 percent of foreign investment since 1988 has been directed into the mining sector. Prospective investors and others with knowledge in the industry said a major deterrent was the use of production sharing contracts and inconsistent application of rules and regulations. Mr Jon North, president and chief executive officer of Canadian mining firm

Trade Mark CauTion noTiCe

Notice is hereby given that our client, Primark Holdings, having a principal office at 47 Mary Street, Dublin, Republic of Ireland is the owner and the sole proprietor of the following trademark consists of the word and/or device of :clothing, footwear, headgear, gloves, underclothing, lingerie, underwear, brassieres, swimwear, bikinis, swimming costumes, swimming shorts, swimming suits, swimming trunks, swimming caps, beachwear, beach caps, beach hats, beach dresses, beach robes, beach shorts, beach wraps, sarongs, kaftans, beach shoes, sandals, flip-flops, home furnishings, toys, games, playthings, and sporting articles. being used, proposed to be manufactured, imported and/so sold by or on behalf of the Company in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Our abovementioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trademark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. Soe Win Advocate #0502 / 5, Sakura Tower Ph: 255055/255407 For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. 2875 Michelle Drive, Suite 170 Irvine, California 92606 United States of America Dated: 30th July, 2012

PriMark
(reg no. 4/5809/2012) To be used in connection with the following description of goods: Soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions, eyewear, sunglasses, goggles, swimming goggles, precious metals and their alloys and goods in precious metals or coated therewith, jewellery, horological and chronometric instruments, hair accessories, printed matter, furniture, mirrors, picture frames, small portable domestic utensils and containers, combs and sponges , brushes (other than paint brushes), instruments and materials for cleaning purposes, glassware, porcelain and earthenware, leather and imitations of leather and goods made of these materials, trunks and travelling bags, umbrellas, parasols, walking sticks, luggage, beach bags, beach umbrellas, parasols, handbags, purses, wallets, belts, bags , cases, backpacks, briefcases, satchels, suitcases, duffle bags, holdalls, rucksacks, belt bags, cases, vanity cases, briefcases, attache cases, travel bags, portfolios, cardholders, pouches, textiles and textile goods, bed and table covers, bed and table linen, towels, beach towels, piece goods, sewing accessories,

Northquest, told The Myanmar Times last week that the government needed to consider tax and royalty rates relative to other countries in the region. If it continues to employ production sharing contracts, investors will shun the country, he warned. If the government says they will take 50 percent of your production, nobody will come here, he said, adding that investors preferred profit-sharing agreements. Profit sharing is tax. Nobody complains about tax. In Canada, for example, the royalty rate is zero. They collect 30pc corporate tax. That is all they take. He also expressed concern about the ministrys inconsistent treatment of mining companies and projects in terms of taxation and royalties. The way mining is being administered in Myanmar, as far as I know, in every case is a little bit different I dont know how we will be treated, he said. But Mr North, who has been visiting central Myanmar to collect geological samples since January and has also bought geological data, said he was optimistic about the sectors prospects. I like the geology and there really is no developed mining industry here and that means there is an opportunity to go and do things right the first time. One senior geologist from a private firm who previously worked at the ministerial level in the Ministry of Mines said that the application of the existing law was a major issue. The law is itself quite okay. Just that the ministry should follow the rules and regulations stated according to the law, he said. He cited the example of exploration: the ministry is supposed to allow a prospecting permit holder a one-year extension but there have been cases where it refused to extend the licence. Integrated permits that allow for exploration and feasibility studies to be conducted concurrently are also officially permitted, but in practice have never been issued. Also, in some cases, the exploration permit is issued but the permit does not include the phrase that if [an exploitable deposit] is found, the production permit will be granted, he said. He said companies also needed to be given more financial incentives to invest in mining.

Trucks inside the pit at the Monywa copper mine project in Sagaing Region. Pic: Supplied/MICCL The Ministry of Mines uses production sharing contracts but it will be hard to attract investors with these contracts, plus other things like royalties. While a few large mining projects have been undertaken in Myanmar, including the Monywa copper mine in Sagaing Region and Tagaungtaung nickel mine in Mandalay Region large, internationally renowned mining firms are conspicuously absent, said U Than Maung, an advocate

ministry If the will take says it 50 percent of your production, nobody will come here.

with Kelvin Chia Yangon, an international law firm. Most investment has come from China we havent really seen any other big firms here yet besides Ivanhoe, he said. That could change with the planned amendments to the new law and other reforms in Myanmar, however. U Than Maung said it was important that the amended law was consistent with other pieces of relevant legislation, including the state-owned enterprises, special economic zone, foreign investment and environmental conservation laws. He said that while it was useful to consider laws in other countries, the local context was more important.

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speCial RepoRt
July 30 - August 5, 2012

Mining summit shows international interest, lack of local capacity

By Tim Mclaughlin A MINING summit held in Yangon last week showed the huge interest in the countrys mineral deposits but many delegates admitted that their visits were little more than window shopping. Held at Sedona Hotel from July 22-24, the Myanmar Mining Summit offered many of the delegates their first real look at Myanmar, which has been largely closed to foreign investors courtesy of Western sanctions. The event, the first of its kind for the country, drew roughly 300 attendees from 26 countries in the fields of mining, geology, law, and mining related finance. The turnout was a testament to the considerable interest in the largely unexplored nation, where mining accounts for only 1 percent of gross domestic product. The summit was widely lauded as a positive step forward in the transparency of a key economic sector as Myanmar gradually warms to foreign business interests. It marked a rare opportunity for investors to meet high-ranking government officials, including Minister for Mines U Thein Htaik, who addressed the summit on July 23. Mr Alisher Ali, chairman of Silk Road Finance, spoke of Myanmars transformation in his opening address. Myanmar is in the process of a historical transformation and everyone who has made an effort to come here to Yangon takes that historical opportunity seriously, he said. Notable foreign presenters included mining veteran Mr Owen Hegarty, chairman of Tigers Realm Group and Tigers Realm Metals; Mr Chris de Lavigne, global vice president of industrial practices at Frost & Sullivan; and Mr Hideyuki Ueda, executive director, metals strategy and exploration at Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (Jogmec). U Win Htein, director general of the Ministry for Mines; U Kyi Htun, independent geology consultant; and U Than Maung, lawyer from Kelvin Chia Yangon Ltd, joined from the Myanmar side. The lack of international experience in Myanmars mining sector was most evident when officials from the Ministry for Mines opened the floor to questions from audience members. Inquiries regarding copper and gold production estimates, access to geophysical data archives and the number of exploration drillings that have been done in Myanmar were largely sidestepped by ministry officials. The lack of straightforward answers carried over to pieces of regulatory framework, notably the timeframe for mining and exploration licences to be processed and approved, and what is required to secure a title. Mr Jon North, president and chief executive officer of Canadian mineral exploration company Northquest Ltd, admitted that his exploration licence had not yet been cleared but remains very optimistic that it will be approved. Northquest has been in the country since January but Mr North described its role as geological tourists, at that time due to sanctions. However, the biggest stumbling block for potential miners is Myanmars 30-70 production sharing contract (PSC) between the private party and the Ministry for Mines. Under the Mines Law, enacted in 1994, the Ministry of Mines acts a non-equity partner but is still entitled to 30pc of minerals extracted, plus the relevant income tax and royalties owed. Until PSCs are reworked or abolished, we wont be doing business here, said one Australian industry veteran, echoing the feelings of many delegates. Yet another area of concern is a rule banning exports of ore, coal, gold and gemstones. The lack of access to gemstones did not hold much of a surprise foreign investors have long been forced to buy gems for export at government gem expos but the regulations on coal and gold were less expected. It did throw a lot of people, said Mr Damian Adams, partner at the law firm Watson, Farley and Williams Asia Practice. Gold and coal are of particular interest to Myanmars commodity hungry neighbours India and China. India was the worlds largest importer of gold in 2011 and in 2010 imported 746 tonnes of the precious metal, nearly twice the second-largest market, according to the World Gold Council. Many citizens in the country see the metal as a safe investment and it plays an essential role in traditional wedding ceremonies. More page 22

Because of the scrutiny given to mining projects, particularly on environmental issues, he suggested that the government exercise caution when approving foreign investment in the sector. It is a sector where you have to deal with environmental watchdogs and local residents, he said. It is important to carefully check on the foreign investors capability and if it is a responsible investor. U Zaw Naing Oo, physical resource specialist of consultancy firm Resource and Environment Myanmar, said a clause requiring investors to conduct an environmental impact assessment to the mining law should be the top priority. However, he also suggested having regulations on other pollution issues related to mining, such as the quality and use of water, waste, hazards, land use and noise. The system for the use of water and the handling of the waste produced from the mining should be set as a law. Mine dumping could result in acid drainage into the groundwater and laws should be enacted to prevent these things, he said. Consideration should also be given to possible uses for mining sites at the end of their lifespan. One option, he said, was creating tourism or recreational facilities, such as golf courses. Dr Win Naing, a consultant geologist with Geotecminex Consultants in Singapore, said it was essential that the government got the law right the first time so it did not need to be amended later. He cited the example of

Indonesia, where the mining ministry upset investors by making changes to the countrys mining laws in March that require foreign companies to sell down their stake and increase domestic ownership to at least 51pc by the 10th year of production, along with a 20pc tax on mining exports. Is such a policy change going to be necessary in future? If so, it is better to indicate that now than make it a surprise, Dr Win Naing said. A sustainable development program was the most important feature that should be included in the amended mining law, he said. That is, while issuing mining rights, making sure that the impact on

the environment shall be kept to a minimum and the concession owner is contractually obligated to restore top soil and vegetation upon termination of the mining operation. In terms of making the law more investmentfriendly, he said that while many Asian countries had attractive mineral deposits, taxes, commercial laws and hidden costs often had a significant impact on the viability of projects. He suggested the production sharing or profit sharing ratio should be set on a case by case basis taking into account the risk of the project. Likewise, a mining operation license should be issued based on mine life.

Whos already in Myanmar?

MYANMARS largest mining project, the Monywa copper mine in Sagaing Region, was a joint venture between state-owned Mining Enterprise 1 and a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines of Canada. However, in March 2007 Ivanhoe announced it planned to sell its stake in the project and it was sold to a subsidiary of Chinese arms manufacturer Norinco, Myanmar Yang Tse Copper, about two years ago. Army-run Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd is also involved in the project, according to industry sources. At Tagaungtaung in northern Mandalay Region, Myanmar-China Non Ferrous Metal & Mining has a production sharing contract with Mining Enterprise 3 for nickel mining as part of a project worth almost US$1 billion. Other investors include Nobel Gold, which has an exploration licence for gold and associated minerals in Banmauk, Sagaing Region, and Cornerstone Resources (Myanmar), which is looking for zinc in Shan States Mong Pan township, a spokesperson from the Myanmar Geosciences Society said. Some companies have also received approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) to start work, he said. North Mining Investment is going to look for ferro nickel alloy in Tiddim, Chin State. Simco Song Da joint stock company has also got MIC approval to look for marble at Nayputaung in Taunggok township, Rakhine State, he said. Jogmec from Japan is exploring for antimony at Kalaw in Shan State, while Myanmar Pongpipat has a production sharing contract with Mining Enterprise 2 for a tin mine in Tanintharyi Region. Kenbo Group from China is looking for nickel in Mwetaung in Chin State, while some local companies, including Asia World, are also active. An application by Asia Pacific Mining to explore for gold, lead, copper and thorium at Kantbalu and Wuntho in Sagaing Region was recently rejected by the Ministry of Mines for undisclosed reasons. Juliet Shwe Gaung

Business
July 30 - August 5, 2012
the

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MyanMar tiMes

Employment, complaints flow from pipeline

In Depth
with media and to investigate and resolve complaints.

Juliet Shwe Gaung

WORK on an ambitious US$4 billion oil and gas project linking Rakhine State to Chinas Yunnan Province is marching forward relentlessly but locals in project areas are reporting a number of concerns. When the project is finished in 2013, it will allow China to unload oil at a port on Made Island in Rakhine States Kyaukpyu township and transport it across Myanmar, minimising reliance on the Malacca Straits. Additionally, natural gas from the Shwe project in the Rakhine offshore area will be piped to Myanmars energy hungry northern neighbour. China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is in charge of the project through its South-East Asia Pipeline Company Ltd but partnering with the Ministry of Energy through Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), while private companies from four other countries also have stakes. However, locals in project areas reported a number of serious complaints to The Myanmar Times during a recent visit to Rakhine State. These ranged from wage disputes for workers involved in road construction, non-transparent land compensation payments to farmers, and damage to farmland beyond the scope of the project. CNPC is also funding the Friendship Association for the Myanmar-China Pipeline, a group established by the companies involved in the pipelines to communicate with the

Long hours, shady contractors

Workers helping to upgrade the KyaukpyuYangon road said they must prepare their own lunches and must care for themselves if they are injured while working, despite travelling large distances every day. We work from 7:30am to noon and then 1:30pm to 6:30pm or 7pm, said Ma Mya Yin Oo, who travels two hours from Tha Pyay Gwin village to work on the road. We get paid overtime after 5pm sometimes K500 and other times K1000, she said on a day that the thanakha on her face was streaked with sweat and the temperature hovered above 37 Celsius in the shade. Ma Mya Yin Oo added that she is paid K2000 a day, while the men receive K2500. Before joining the road building project Ma Mya Yin Oo said she weaved fishing nets for a living. We would be paid K1000 for each net, which would take up to two days to weave, she said. However, the lure of higher wages had drawn many of her fellow villagers to the construction project. There are 22 people from my village building this part of the road, she said. U Poe San, the finance officer for the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) in Kyaukpyu, said many people had found employment on the project but added that some serious labour disputes had also arisen. Myanmar Golden Crown Co, which was hired by

Daewoo [a subcontractor for Hyundai Heavy Industries] as a contractor to find workers, promised to pay workers K9000 a day. But the agent told workers they would only receive K4500 and he would take the rest as his fee, he said. The workers agreed at that point but then the agent told them they would need to sign a contract showing that they were being paid K9000 a day, said U Poe San. He said 125 workers had complained to the RNDP after they were presented with the contract by Myanmar Golden Crown. I advised them to visit the governments labour office in Kyaukpyu and said we would submit a report on the issue to the hluttaws. In the end the workers were paid for four-and-ahalf days work at K9000 a day. But immediately afterward, the company fired all of them, he said. He added that many of the workers had come from remote islands such as Myay Pone and had already paid up to K6000 as agent fees. A spokesperson for the Friendship Association for the Myanmar-China Pipeline said responsibility for labour hire rested with the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, not South-East Asia Pipeline Corp During the construction period, the [pipeline] owner (SEAGP) assigns EPC contractors to construct the pipelines through contracts [that] stipulate that the contractor should be responsible for all aspects of the pipelines including the quality, safety and environment ... The owner shall hire a company to supervise the construction

Workers build a road near Kyaukpyu as a truck carrying pipeline passes by. Pic: Juliet Shwe Gaung [works] of contractors and fulfil the acceptance check. After the acceptance, all the responsibilities for the pipelines shall be transferred back to the owner, the spokesperson said. spoiled part of his fields. He said his land was alongside a hill where Punj Lloyd, an Indian company that is subcontracting on the gas pipeline project, was building a worksite to support the pipeline. The construction work dislodged rock and earth that fell onto his farmland. However, U San Thar Kyaw was told by the village head that he needed to provide documents showing he owned the land in order to get compensation. But we had already paid K100,000 to clear the earth that had fallen onto the land, he said. He added that waste water from the building on the hill also flowed onto his land. I could not stand the smell and went to Kyaukpyu to inform the RNDP. The district doctor came paid for land that produced 60 or 70 baskets of paddy per acre, he said. A yield of 60-70 baskets an acre is considered a good harvest in the area. Nobody asked us anything about our land the land department just told us the rates. But we knew all along that we would only be paid compensation if we could prove we owned the land, said U Maung Chan Nu. He said the compensation rates were only given verbally and he did not have enough time to write all the information down. No written information was provided. We didnt dare to ask for information, he added. U Hla Shwe, 41, from Hnan Pae Taung village, who owns a farm and works as a primary school teacher, represented farmers from

Little support for farmers

Farmers said insufficient information was provided by local and township authorities on compensation for land acquired for the project, with large disparities in amounts paid from region to region, said U Poe San. Farmers in Mandalay and Magwe regions have reportedly been paid K3.6 million an acre, while those in Rakhine State were only given K1.8 million or less, he added. U Poe San said most farmers did not receive with any help over the land acquisition negotiations, adding that farmers from 19 villages in Kyaukpyu township had been paid compensation. Village heads had routinely failed to provide important information concerning the compensation rates paid for different crops and farmland, said U Poe San. U Poe San added that farmers had also complained about the spoiling of their farmland as a result of earthworks. When the first rains fell in early June, loose soil and rock from the roadside washed into the surrounding fields, he said, adding that with many parts of Rakhine State receiving 200 inches of rainfall annually, the problem could easily increase as rainy season progresses. U San Thar Kyaw, a 60year-old farmer in Pya Dae village who tills about 5 acres of land, said nearby construction work had

the workers were paid for fo In the endBut immediately afterward, the
to see and as a result of his complaints I signed a statement saying that the sewage system they [Punj Lloyd] had built was not appropriate, he said. The just dug a hole and never bothered to fill it back in, he added. A spokesperson for the Friendship Association for the Myanmar-China Pipeline said the pipeline project department would send a previous article published by The Myanmar Times in June to Punj Lloyd as a warning. U Maung Chan Nu, the head of Kat Tha Pyin village tract, said no open discussion on compensation had been held with the five villagers whose land was acquired for the pipeline. Township officials said the compensation rates were set according to the productivity of the land. We had no idea how much was his village and visited the township office to find out what compensation would be paid. The township office had documents showing how much compensation would be paid for different types of land. I found that my land was listed as type R1 and was worth K1.8 million an acre, while R2 land was valued at K1.6 million and owners of R3 land would be paid compensation of K1.4 million, he said. However, he said he was not paid full compensation for the 0.25 acres of his land that was affected, which would have been about K480,000. Instead, he was paid K330,750, adding that other villagers received even less. I went to the township office and complained about the miscalculation but the official said the compensation documents

Roadworkers sift pebbles at a roadbuilding project near Kyaukpyu. Pic: Juliet Shwe Gaung

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July 30 - August 5, 2012

MyanMar tiMes

By the numbers: MyanmarChina oil and gas pipelines

Oil pipeline: 771km long, 32 inches in diameter Construction of the oil pipeline started in September last year and is intended to finish in September, 2013. When completed, the pipeline should be able to transport 23 million tonnes of oil and will include five processing stations. South-East Asia Crude Oil Pipeline Company Limited (SEAOP) SEAOP is owned by South-East Asia Pipeline Company (a China National Petroleum Company subsidiary based in Hong Kong) and Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise under a 50.9 percent, 49.1pc split. Gas pipeline: 793km, 40 inches in diameter Construction of the gas pipeline started in September 2011 and is expected to be finished by July, 2013. If it performs as intended, the pipeline will transport 12 billion cubic metres of gas a year that will pass through six processing stations. South-East Asia Gas Pipeline Company Limited (SEAGP) Companies from six nations are shareholders in the gas pipeline, including Sout-East Asia Pipeline Co with a 50.9pc share; Daewoo International 25.041pc; ONGC Caspian E&P 8.347pc; Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise 7.355pc; Korea

had already been sent to Nay Pyi Taw, he said. He added that villagers were told that construction work would begin in December last year, after harvest time. However, work began in October before the monsoon paddy was ready for harvest. When I asked why they had started work before wed harvested the paddy I was told that the compensation had already been paid, he said. Si Maw village farmer U Aung San Kyaw, 53, said he had no complaints about the compensation he was paid but was annoyed that he had lost his job. We had worked our farm for generations, he said, adding that he had so far been unable to buy any other land in his community. Farmers were paid

temporary acquisitions. More compensation is still ensuing, he added. According to our surveys, most of the farmers who have received the compensation are satisfied One farmer we surveyed said he would use the compensation money to settle his debts and buy gold for savings. He told us he did not want to buy any more land because farming did not make him enough money, he said. Mr Zhou Ming Quan said acquisition and compensation work had not started in the mountain areas in Rakhine State and northern Myanmar. Where both pipelines run side-by-side, a total of 30 metres has been compulsorily acquired, while in places where there is only one pipeline the

He said the grades of compensation paid to farmers was discussed among the villagers, government and the companies, based on market prices, and suggestions from farmers and the government. The land compensation value is far higher than that in the feasibility report, he said. He added that the teams will supervise the full restoration of terrain and refurbishment of the farmland temporarily acquired after the project has been completed.

Gas Corporation 4.1735; and GAIL India Corporation 4.1735pc. Where both pipelines pass there is an exclusion corridor of 30 metres, but in areas crossed by only one pipeline the corridor is 20 metres.

Unintended side effects

U Poe San said that the compensation money paid to villagers had also had some unforeseen side-effects. One man bought a motorcycle soon after getting his compensation money and was then killed when he was driving it drunk. Others have already spent all their money and have had to set up roadside shops, he said. However, SEAP Co Ltd is attempting to lend assistance to the communities affected by the pipelines and associated work. Starting from April 2011, CNPC has contributed $6 million for socioeconomic projects in pipeline areas. SEAOP and SEAGP will both contribute $1 million annually over the next 30 years, said Mr Zhang Ye, the supervisor of the projects socioeconomic department. CNPCs socioeconomic projects in Rakhine State include the building of schools in Kyaukpyu and Ann townships, both of which are about 90pc finished, and seven rural health centres, which are 75-80pc completed. The program includes similar projects in Magwe and Mandalay regions, and northern Shan State.

our-and-a-half days work at K9000 a day. e company fired all of them.

compensation in two instalments of 50 percent, one in October and the second in February. Mr Zhou Ming Quan, manager of the land compensation department for the project, said payments were made in two instalments because it took from six to eight months to finalise approvals. In consideration of the principle of paying before use, the time schedule of the pipeline project and the full utilisation of dry seasons, the land acquisition and compensation team formulated the [compensation] plan with the approval of MOGE, local authorities and villagers, he said. He said compensation totalling K23.5 billion had been paid for land permanently acquired for the project, with a further K1.2 billion paid for

buffer is 20 metres. Other land acquired includes those slated for use as offices and depots for the transport and management department, pump stations and valve chambers, he said. Temporary land includes construction sites, pipe yards and material transfer stations that will only be needed for the construction phase. He said there are four land acquisition and compensation teams one for each state or region crossed by the pipelines. The teams comprise officials from the Ministry Of Energy, MOGE, personnel from the related departments of local governments and personnel from the South East Asia Gas Pipeline Co (SEAGP) and South East Asia Crude Oil Pipeline Co (SEAOP), he said.

Business
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Job watch
Job Vacancy
NTT Communications is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.(ranked 31st in the Fortune Global 500 list of 2011), is seeking individuals for the following candidates are encouraged to apply. Position Title : Sales Engineer Staff- 1 post 1) Work experience in pre-sales or engineer 2) Work with Telecommunications company or related 3) Good command in Japanese would be advantage 4) Basic Computer literacy especially MS Office software. Please submit your application letter with CV with a recent photo and copies of educational certificates to; NTT Communications(Thailand) Co., Ltd 6th floor, Dusit Thani Bldg., 946 Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand/ E-mail: sakurai.me@ntt.co.th

President U Thein Sein (right) and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra review the honour guard during a welcoming ceremony at Government House in Bangkok on July 23. Pic: AFP

Governments back Dawei project

BANGKOK Thailand and Myanmar pledged on July 23 to press ahead with a multi-billiondollar deep sea port project and to open new border crossings during summit talks focused on strengthening economic ties. The Dawei development on Myanmars southern Andaman coast is a key part of the impoverished countrys plans to transform its economy, giving neighbours such as Thailand an outlet to the Indian Ocean and markets to the West. But the project led by Thai industrial giant Ital-Thai has faced resistance from local villagers and there have been signs of funding troubles. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the development of a special economic zone for Dawei, with Thailand agreeing to provide assistance in areas including security, infrastructure and logistics. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told reporters after talks with visiting President U Thein Sein on a twicepostponed trip to Bangkok that the two nations would set up ministerial-level contacts to address related issues. In our talks, I reaffirmed the commitment of the Thai government to push forward with this cooperation with Myanmar in regard to the development of the Dawei deep sea port to have concrete progress, Yingluck said. The Dawei project would include a 250-square-kilometre (100 square mile) industrial area with a steel mill, petrochemical plant and oil refinery. The Thai developer insists all is going to plan. It is among a number of ambitious foreign-funded projects which started before the long-ruling military handed over power last year to a new civilian government whose ranks are filled with former generals. But doubts about the port development grew after Myanmars government earlier this year blocked a 4000megawatt coal-fired plant that was to be built at Dawei. On July 22, U Thein Sein inspected the Laem Chabang deep-sea port on Thailands Gulf Coast, which is to be connected by road to Dawei, shortening the current sea route around the Malay Peninsula. The two leaders also agreed to open three new border crossings between the two countries in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Kanchanaburi in addition to three existing official checkpoints. U Thein Sein described the talks as friendly and said he had thanked Thailand for its support and reiterated our determination to continue our reforms. Thailand and other Asian nations forged close economic ties with Myanmar during years of Western sanctions against the former pariah that are now beginning to be rolled back in response to dramatic political reforms. U Thein Sein delayed a visit to Thailand in May that clashed with opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyis appearance at the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Bangkok, in her first overseas excursion in more than two decades. The Myanmar leader again postponed the trip in early June. AFP

Position: Office Location: Salary:

Job Opportunity with International Law Firm in Yangon

Administrative Assistant Yangon negotiable

Qualification: good command of English and Myanmar (speaking and writing), multi-lingual is beneficial good computer skills (MS Office, Internet, E-mail) able to work in cross culture environment able to work under pressure interpersonal skills Job Description: office administration management client administrative management reception, law library, petty cash time keeping and billing Contact: Chatsuda Sukplang Myanmar Legal Services Limited Suite 117, Inya Lake Hotel, 37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon, Myanmar Tel. 95 1 657-792 www.myanmarlegalservices.com email: chatsuda@mlslyangon.com

Traders sidestep restrictions to export rice to China

By Myat May Zin UP to 2500 tonnes of rice is being illegally exported to China through the Shan State border town of Muse every day, domestic rice traders told The Myanmar Times. Muse rice exporter U Naing Win said the Chinese government officially prohibits rice imports via border trade but officials were happy to turn a blind eye to the influx of low-grade rice. We export rice illegally to avoid paying high taxes to the Chinese government. If we exported the rice legally through normal trade [done through shipping or air freight] we would pay commercial tax of 65 percent, which includes a 3pc export tax, plus warehousing and purification treatment costs, he said. Corn and sugar are also taxed at 65pc, while beans and pulses are taxed at 13pc. From page 19 (Mining summit shows) Chinas ferocious appetite for coal only grew in the first half of 2012, rising 66pc with the country importing 140 million tonnes, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs in Beijing on July 10. Imports are expected to double by 2015. Domestic demand is more than what we produce, so we cannot export it, said Daw Mya Thu Za, an expert on foreign investment at the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) in regards to the ban on coal exports. Myanmar has shown a willingness to listen to mining entities and take into inconsideration changes that would make the regulatory framework less inhibiting. Minister for Mines U Thein Htaik said the ministry was trying to amend the Myanmar Mines Law with the advice of experts, but an exact date of the release of the new laws has not been announced. Some investors are waiting for the new mining laws. They are hoping to have a new mining law within the coming months, said Mr Adams, who reiterated that Myanmar is only beginning to test the mining waters and that given time it has the opportunity to adjust to the needs and demands of investors, while not ignoring local business interests. It is a blank sheet of paper here, Mr Adams said. People are waiting to see how it [mining law] is passed and implemented to see how to move forward. The concern is when they can jump in. Conspicuously lacking on the list of attendees were representatives from Myanmars largest investor, China, which accounts for US$20 billion in foreign direct investment according to DICA. Only six China-based companies were in attendance. The limited participation was a sign that the sanction years have given China a lengthy head-start over other foreign companies not just in mining but across all sectors of Myanmars economy. Aerospace and defense firm Chinese North Industries Company (Norinco), through subsidiary Myanmar Wanbao Mining Copper, is a partner with the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd in Sagaing Regions Monywa copper mine, the largest mining project in Myanmar to date. Additionally, Myanmar-China Non Ferrous Metal and Mining is working with Mining Enterprise Number 3 on a $1 billion nickel mining project in Mandalay Region. Mr Ali, however, believes that catching up will be a fast process, especially for US companies. Very quickly, US companies will use sharp political leadership which will encourage US investment. There will be deals with large US firms like Caterpillar, Chevron and giants from the fast food industry. These names have a big weight, both financially and politically, said Mr Ali. The three-day event was organised by the Ministry of Mines and Centre for Management Technology. Rice dealers said that a wide variety of items are illegally exported from both countries through Muse. Chinese farmers living in border areas aid the illegal process by overstating the amount or rice they produce, allowing them to incorporate the smuggled rice into their harvests. We pay these farmers [the equivalent of] 1pc tax to sell our rice through them as regional trade between Shwe Li and Kunming, U Naing Win said. During the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) annual general meeting in Nay Pyi Taw in early June, the Myanmar Rice Industrial Association (MRIA) requested the Ministry for Commerce to discuss export terms with the Chinese government. Minister for Commerce U Win Myint said: The Chinese government is reluctant to buy rice from Myanmar because it is considered low quality by World Trade Organisation standards. However, we will ask Chinese government representatives to reconsider this position and reduce export fees. Dr Soe Tun, an MRIA central executive committee member, said: If we want to legally sell our rice to China we have to do so through normal trade. In April, the Myanmar government announced that rice exports would no longer be taxed to try and promote exports, he said. However, we cannot make a reasonable profit using illegal export channels because we have to accept low prices, he said. According to rice traders at the border, China buys Myanmars exported rice for 2600 yuan (US$408) a tonne for ehmeta, which includes 25pc broken grains, and 2840 yuan ($446) if there are only 5pc broken grains.

UNFPA Vacancy Notice

No.2012/007
Position Title Grade Duty Station Issue Date Closing Date Duration of Appointment : : : : : : Programme analyst (Reproductive Health) NOB (Fixed Term) Yangon, Myanmar 30 July 2012 13 August 2012 (5:00 pm) 1 Year, (possible extentions)

Applications are invited from interested Myanmar nationals for the post of Programme analyst (Reproductive Health). Applications should be addressed to UNFPA Representative. Attention : Operations Manager Room A07, UNFPA, No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon. Email : myanmar.office@unfpa.org For details on duties and responsibilities, educational and other requirements, please see the vacancy announcement posted at UNDP billboard. No.6, Natmauk Road, Yangon and also at UNFPA website (http://myanmar.unfpa.org) Applications will be considered only when meeting all requirements set in detailed in vacancy announcement.

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By Myat Nyein Aye Farmers were breeding between 2000 and 3000 fish an acre in recent years and lost money, so were suggesting a limit of 1300 fish an acre, he added. A Myanmar Livestock and Fisheries Federation official said foreign demand for Myanmars carp had been static at about 100,000 tonnes a year for three years said U Win Kyaing. If farmers produce more than this, they try to sell it on the domestic market, which makes prices crash, he said. We need to make farmers aware of the export markets needs, said U Win Kyaing. U Win Kyaing, who also owns Ayeyarwady Fish Farm, said farmers who had suffered through two loss-making years had scaled back production this year, which had resulted in a shortage. We all thought fish farming was a great industry and expected to make plenty of profit. But in the past two years most people lost money, so weve all cut back on the number of fish were breeding, he said. In the monsoon month freshwater fish flood into markets, especially perch (nga pyay ma in Myanmar), which sells at wholesale markets for K800 a viss (1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds), said Dr Myint Sein, vice chairman of the Livestock Breeding Department under the Ministry for Livestock and Fisheries. He added that many customers prefer perch, which reduces demand and prices for carp. We buy 6-inch-long carp fry for K120 each but it costs about K1800 to feed each fish until its large enough for sale. So it costs about K1920 a fish and we can only sell them for about K1925, so we lose money, he said. U Win Kyaing urged farmers to learn how to farm other species that are presently only caught from the sea and whose catches are declining. Fish farmers should start trying to breed species such as giant sea perch [kaka tit], banded snake head fish [nga yant], perch and shrimp that earn high prices internationally, said U Win Kyaing.

MyanMar tiMes

Policy change MFF urges farmers to set fish limits sees imports rise as exports plunge: official
By Aye Thidar Kyaw MYANMARS balance of trade has changed significantly this year, with the value of exports falling by 35pc, the Directorate of Trade official said. He said exports were worth $1.6 billion by July 6, down from $2.2 billion compared with the same period last year. Policy changes relating to vehicle and fuel imports significantly boosted the value of imports, he added. The total volume of trade was about US$4.4 billion by July 6 of the 2012-13 fiscal year, including imports of about $2.8 billion, which climbed by more than $600 million over last year. Cars, fuel and edible [palm] oil are make up about 60 percent of imports, which is a direct result of changed government policy, he said. However, exports from the private sector have declined but public sector exports are regular, he added. Major public exports include natural gas, minerals and timber. He added that exports of agricultural products such as rice and beans and pulses were about the same as last year by volume but had resulted in lower earnings because prices had fallen. Rice exporter U Myo Thura Aye said the volume of rice exports had increased yearon-year, mainly through border trade, but prices were lower. Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association secretary general U Khaing Myint described a similar situation in the rubber industry stable exports but decreased prices. He said rubber prices had fallen by about $1000 a tonne year-on-year to about $2600 a tonne in June. Exporters and farmers are not suffering yet but if prices continue to fall they will face problems, he said. U Win Aung, a beans and pulses trader dealing with India, said exporters were still targeting 1 million tonnes in the fiscal year. Exports have been satisfactory this year and the foreign exchange rate has been stable, the government has cut export taxes and been more flexible than its been in the past, he said. But domestic transportation charges are still high, he said, adding that prices would likely rise in July as demand from India increased. The Ministry of Commerce is expecting a total trade volume of about $17 billion this fiscal year, with exports tipped to reach $9.6 billion and imports expected to amount to $7.5 billion. The official said beans and pulses exports had amounted to about 40,000 tonnes by July but peak prices were $400 a tonne, compared with more than $600 at the same time in 2011. He said border trade between Sittwe, Maungdaw and Bangladesh would plunge as a result of conflict in Rakhine State. MYANMAR Fisheries Federation is urging farmers to limit the number of fish they farm to prevent a glut on the market, and increase the size of fish sold in markets. U Win Kyaing, general secretary of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation, said at the weekly meeting on July 17 that farmers breeding the freshwater carp species should produce only 1000-1300 fish an acre. Carp is popular with farmers but foreign demand for this fish has fallen continuously for three years, which has resulted in losses for farmers, he said.

Trade Mark CauTion

Ferrero S.p.a., a company organised under the laws of Italy, of Piazzale Pietro Ferrero 1, 12051 Alba, Cuneo, Italy, is the Owner of the following Trade Mark:-

TIC TAC
reg. no. 5037/2003 in respect of candies. Fraudulent imitation or unauthorised use of the said Trade Mark will be dealt with according to law. Win Mu Tin, M.A., H.G.P., D.B.L for Ferrero S.p.a. P. O. Box 60, Yangon E-mail: makhinkyi.law@mptmail.net.mm Dated: 30 July 2012

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July 30 - August 5, 2012
Ko Soe Wunna said his real estate agency has not been affected by rental fraud but said the level of public awareness about existing laws is low. He also advised both landowners and lessees to renew rental contracts. Daw Cho Cho, a freelance real estate agent in Yankin township, said she is optimistic that the draft provisions will promote fairness in the rental market, which she described as the most problematic aspect of the property industry. I think the [proposed] law would largely solve existing problems, particularly in terms of preventing property owners from being cheated. When my friend rented out her apartment in Tarmwe township last year, the tenants fraudulently sub-leased the apartment by pretending to be its owners using a fake lease. And then they ran away with the money, she said. Daw Cho Cho said it is vital to check census records, national identity cards and other documents before signing a lease to avoid being cheated. U Sai Khung Noung, the managing director of Sai Khung Noung real estate, said: Ive encountered fake leases of land in the past, particularly when the property was vacant. Creating fake documents was easier in the past, with land permits fairly easy to replicate. Property lawyer Daw Khin Aye Myint, from Unity real estate agency in Mingalar Taung Nyunt township, said the number of legal disputes over rental agreements has declined and believes that lawyers would welcome the passing of updated legislation. The most common legal scenario involves tenants refusing to pay compensation to the property owner for causing damage, she said. She added that enforcing contracts under the 1960s law is difficult and recommends owners inspect their properties regularly rather than waiting until the lease has expired.

MyanMar tiMes

Industry welcomes proposed law amendment

By Htar Htar Khin PROPOSED legislation aimed at curbing fraudulent property leases and ensuring owners are paid compensation for damage caused by tenants has been praised by the real estate sector. The proposed Urban Home Rental Act is being drafted in parliament and aims to strengthen the ability of property owners to enforce the provisions of rental agreements. Existing property rental legislation was passed in the 1960s and is widely considered ineffective because business and socioeconomic conditions have changed. U Aung Naing Win, a property lawyer at Sai Khung Noung real estate and law firm in Tarmwe township, said the old law generally favours tenants. There have been prominent court cases allowing tenants to permanently remain in a property if the lease expired

A client signs an agreement at Sai Khung Noung real estate agency in Tarmwe township last week. Pic: Boothee more than 12 years earlier, he said. Ko Soe Wunna, the general manager of Shining Star Real Estate Agency in Ahlone township, said: I welcome the proposed law. As I understand, it will update the provisions of the 1960s law and the changes will be widely publicised. For renters and owners, contractual weaknesses resulting from false information being included is too common. Other serious problems include leases not being submitted to the Government Registration Office in Yankin township and the terms of verbal contracts not being enforced, he said. He advised parties to have a thorough understanding of the contents of any rental agreement and emphasised the importance of having contracts witnessed by a third party. He believes that most contracts are made flippantly, because some [property] owners lack the expertise to avoid being deceived by disreputable clients.

Baghdad in need of 750,000 homes: govt

BAGHDAD Baghdad needs 750,000 new homes to make up for a massive housing shortfall, Iraqs investment commission chief said on July 22 as he called for bidders for a new property development project. Iraq is aiming to build one million new homes in the coming years, including a vast construction project southeast of Baghdad that officials hope will provide new housing for 600,000 people. Baghdad now needs 750,000 more homes, Sami al-Araji told reporters. Araji called for bidders for a new housing development project at a former Iraqi army military camp known as Al-Rasheed in southeast Baghdad. The area is home to a small Iraqi army base, as well as a refuse dump where poor families have built makeshift accommodation. Araji hopes that up to 70,000 apartments and 5000 independent houses will eventually be built there, along with sports and entertainment facilities, shopping and medical services. After decades of war, sanctions and underinvestment, Iraq is experiencing a major housing shortfall, and the difficulty in finding a home was one of the reasons protesters demonstrated nationwide last year. About 57 percent of Iraqs urban population lives in slum-like conditions, said a report published by the United Nations in 2011. AFP

The Olympic Stadium at Olympic Park in London on the eve of the games opening ceremony on July 26. Pic : AFP

City council approves NYU expansion plans Stadium nominated for architecture prize
NEW YORK A contentious plan to expand the New York University campus in the heart of Manhattans Greenwich Village won the city councils near-unanimous go-ahead on July 25. NYU, which says it needs more space to remain a topflight institution, will be allowed to add nearly 2 million square feet (185,800 square metres) of new teaching, lab and other facilities. The expansion is sharply reduced from an initial proposal by the university in the already crowded neighbourhood. Activists had bitterly opposed the construction plans, saying they would ruin a neighbourhood famed for decades as the haunt of writers and artists. Vocal protesters attending the council vote were ejected from the chamber, NY1 television reported. The Small Business Coalition, which represents more than 100 shops, restaurants and other businesses, welcomed the scaling back of the expansion, but said it was still not satisfied. We appreciate the reductions in the bulk and size of the buildings, said the coalitions Judy Paul. However, the 20-year timeframe of the project is still a daunting prospect for the community and small businesses alike. AFP LONDON Londons Olympic Stadium has been nominated for the 2012 Stirling Prize, Britains top architecture award, the Royal Institu te of Br itish Ar ch itec ts announced on July 22. The 80,000-seat stadium in Stratford, east London, which hosted the opening ceremony of the Games on July 27, was among six buildings shortlisted for the annual award. The showpiece venue, costing 486 million (US$760 million), has a simple design, drawn up with a view to scaling it down after the games. The steel and concrete upper tier can be dismantled, leaving a 25,000seat sunken bowl. Construction was completed under budget in March 2011. Bids have been sought for a 99-year lease. It is the first time that architects Populous have been shortlisted for the prestigious award. The stadiums fellow nominees are the Hepworth Wakefield gallery in Wakefield, northern England; the Lyric Theatre, Belfast; Maggies Centre, a cancer support centre in Glasgow; New Court, a Rothschild Bank building in London; and the Sainsbury Laboratory at Cambridge University, eastern England. The Olympic Stadium is a world class venue seating 80,000 spectators for the main track and field events and ceremonies, which is then capable of being transformed into a smaller scale venue, RIBA said. The design clearly expresses the main elements of the stadium, distinguishing between the white main structural elements, the black secondary structures and the precast concrete of the seating tiers and plinth to create a striking and legible ensemble, RIBA said. The demountable nature of the structures is expressed through the simple and elegant detailing of its many connections and components. The organisation focuses very much around the ease of movement of the large numbers of people who will use the stadium during the games. The bowl of the stadium provides for clear sightlines throughout and a surprisingly intimate relationship with the events for a venue of this scale. Founded in 1996, the prize is worth 20,000 ($31,000). The winner will be announced at an event in Manchester, northwest England, on October 13. Bookmakers William Hill have the Hepworth Wakefield as their 3/1 favourite, with the Olympic Stadium the outsider at 5/1. AFP

teChnology
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Sun-powered plane returns home after historic flight

ZURICH The Swiss sunpowered aircraft Solar Impulse landed back home in Switzerland late on July 24 after completing the final leg of its historic transcontinental flight. The high-tech aircraft was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters at Payerne airport in western Switzerland two months after it took off from there on May 24 on a journey that took it from Europe to North Africa and back. This was an extraordinary adventure, not only because of what was achieved with this plane ... but also because of the solid team Andre Borschberg, one of the cofounders of the project, said in a statement. Earlier on July 24 pilot Bertrand Piccard took the plane up into a cloudless sky from an airfield near Toulouse, southern France, where it had waited for a week for the right weather conditions to complete a journey which took it to Spain, Morocco and back again to Switzerland. The high-tech aircraft, which has the wingspan of a large airliner but weighs no more than a saloon car, is fitted with 12,000 solar cells feeding four electric engines. With the final stage completed, the 6000-kilometre (3700-mile) journey became the longest to date for the aircraft after an inaugural flight to Paris and Brussels last year. The flight was transmitted live on www.solarimpulse. com, the website of the project run by Piccard, an explorer who has travelled around the world in a hot-air balloon, and fellow pilot Borschberg, who took turns to fly the plane on its latest journey. The trip was intended as a rehearsal for a round-the-world flight planned for 2014 in an updated version of the plane. The organisers said in a statement that Solar Impulse had now demonstrated the reliability of the technology it uses as well as its energy efficiency. Solar Impulse made history in July 2010 when it became the first manned plane to fly around the clock on the suns energy. It holds the record for the longest flight by a manned solar-powered aeroplane after staying aloft for 26 hours, 10 minutes and 19 seconds above Switzerland, also setting a record for altitude by flying at 9235 metres (30,298 feet). AFP

The Swiss-made Solar Impulse piloted by Bertrand Piccard in flight above Toulouse-Francazal airport, France, on July 24. Pic: AFP

NATO confronts tech-savvy Taliban fighters

By Emal Haidary KABUL Once seen as uneducated thugs, the Taliban are producing dangerous new fighters who use the latest digital technology to plan and publicise attacks against NATO and Afghan forces, analysts say. The militants recently released a video of a June 1 attack on a US military base in the eastern province of Khost, on the border with Pakistan, showcasing far more developed techniques to plan the assault than previously thought. The footage shows the fighters, in military uniforms, being briefed by their commander using a model and satellite images of the target, Forward Operating Base Salerno. First we do this operation for Gods sake, second may God accept this [attack] as revenge for the burning of the Koran in Bagram, the commander tells the fighters. We will do our best to avoid civilian casualties, he says after he explains to his men how they should enter the camp. A huge truck bomb is seen destroying the entrance to the facility, before an assault force enters the base to carry out the second phase of the attack wearing US military uniforms, according to the US-based company IntelCenter. The blast and fighting that followed were filmed from at least three angles, showing the militants multiple observation points and their desire to produce a slick video afterwards for propaganda purposes. Analysts say such organised and complex attacks generate more publicity, require fewer fighters and give the insurgents the appearance of being stronger than they may actually be. Maybe in some cases they only want the media impact. On other occasions, we say to ourselves that it looks really serious. These videos show that they have real skills and technical knowledge, a Western official said. The film of the Khost attack was first obtained by Al-Jazeera but later posted on the Talibans Voice of Jihad website. Far from showing a Taliban force weakened and on the ropes, the video is a clear reminder that the Taliban maintains the ability to prepare and execute large-scale attacks, wrote IntelCenter, which monitors jihadist websites. When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, almost all electronic products were outlawed as unIslamic. Photographs of living things were illegal, and ownership of a video player could lead to a public lashing. But now technology plays an essential role in the militants reshaped strategy, with carefullyplanned surprise attacks in places that previously were spared heavy assaults, said analyst Waheed Wafa. Five years ago, for instance, the Taliban would attack in hundreds, mostly in remote towns. But now, 10 fighters can do an even better job in sophisticated attacks in big cities, he said. The Taliban also want to show that they are very clean, organised and high-tech, and that comes whenever a party in conflict feels that it has a chance to come back to power. Afghan writer and analyst Waheed Mujda, a former official in the Taliban regime, added: It is a new generation of Taliban, they are very high-tech and that is because they face a high-tech army as their enemy. They use GPS, they use Google Maps, they use cameras and almost every digital age technology. They can inflict more casualties on their enemy if their attacks are well planned. NATOs US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Afghan interior ministry dismissed the video as a propaganda stunt. It is simply an attempt by the insurgents to sensationalise this action, ISAF spokesman Brigadier General Guenter Katz said. What this video really shows is the insurgents selfish efforts to recruit and propagandise more young men to needlessly die for a failed cause. An ISAF spokesman said one US soldier and an Afghan civilian working on the base were killed in the attack, more than 10 American soldiers were seriously wounded and about 115 were slightly hurt. Two buildings were damaged, including the dining room, and 14 insurgents were killed. Interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi dismissed the video as propaganda and said it would not demoralise ordinary Afghans. But he told AFP: It also raises questions where they got all that training and how they obtained about 10 tonnes of explosives. AFP

Virtual lips for long-distance lovers

SINGAPORE Finding it hard to keep up the passion in a long-distance relationship? Help might be on the way. A robotics professor in Singapore has invented a gadget equipped with motion-sensitive electronic lips that allow amorous but absent couples to exchange long-distance smooches via the internet. Shaped like a small head with oversize silicone lips, the Kissenger short for Kiss Messenger was unveiled in June at a scientific conference in Britain and is still being refined for commercial launch. It can be used between humans to improve their communication, its creator Hooman Samani said. Couples just have to connect the devices to computers via USB cables, link up online and start kissing the silicone material to trigger sensors that move the gadget on the other side. They can stare at each other on screen while exchanging kisses. The main issue is to transmit the force and pressure, and also the shape of the lip, Samani said. The special silicone material chosen for the lips offers the best sensation and feeling, said the scientist, who has personally tested the device. But the Kissenger is not yet ready for the market despite a lot of offers from interested parties because there are ethical issues that need to be resolved on top of the technical aspects, he said. Kissing is very intimate so in order to have a product in market which is going to deal with this sensitive issue we have to do proper studies and

China censors coverage of deadly Beijing flooding

BEIJING Beijings propaganda chief has ordered Chinese media to stick to good-news about weekend floods, according to a report, after the death of at least 77 people sparked fierce criticism of the government. Lu Wei told media outlets to stick to stories of achievements worthy of praise and tears, the Beijing Times daily reported on July 23, as authorities tried to stem the tide of accusations that they failed to do enough. Residents of Chinas rapidly modernising capital have said some of the deaths could have been prevented if better warnings had been issued and the citys ancient drainage systems modernised. Many took to Chinas popular microblogs, known as weibos, to question the official death toll of 37 issued on July 22, although by July 24, censors had begun deleting critical posts from the internet. Residents of the worst-hit area of Fangshan, on the mountainous southwestern outskirts of Chinas sprawling capital, said the government was doing little to help find their missing loved-ones. The government doesnt help at all, every family is responsible for searching for their own family members, said Wang Baoxiang, whose 30-year-old nephew had been missing since going out in the rain on July 21. The China Daily, a state-run English-language newspaper with a predominantly foreign readership, ran an editorial on July 24 urging Beijing authorities to improve the drainage system, which it said leaves much to be desired. But much of Chinas state-run media steered away from critical stories, focusing on human interest angles of residents helping each other out. Senior Beijing leaders at an emergency meeting late on July 23 urged greater efforts to find those still missing, identify the bodies and repair flood-damaged roads. [The storm] was an extremely large natural disaster rarely seen in Beijing ... bringing serious losses to the lives and property of the people, the Beijing Daily quoted mayor Guo Jinlong as saying. All areas of society are greatly concerned with the numbers of fatalities, [so] we must assess the causes of death, he said, adding any increases in the death toll should be reported immediately. AFP

Professor Hoonam Samani, Research Fellow at the Interactive and Digital Media Institute National University of Singapore, displaying the Kissenger. Pic: AFP investigation on the social point of view, cultural point of view, he said. The device is still being refined at a laboratory jointly set up by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Keio University of Japan. Samani calls his field of study lovotics research into the relationship between robots and humans and the Kissenger is just one of several devices being developed by his team. AFP

TiMESWORLD
WASHINGTON Salt Lake Citys mayor extended a tongue-in-cheek invitation on July 26 to host British Prime Minister David Cameron, offering him a map to show him where the middle of nowhere is. The taunt was the latest salvo in a transatlantic heated exchange over the Olympics. It all started when US presidential hopeful Mitt Romney made some illadvised remarks about Londons Olympic preparations after arriving in Britain on the first-stop of an international tour designed to showcase his diplomatic skills. Within hours of landing, NBC television broadcast an interview in which Romney, a Republican, said it was hard to know just how well the Olympics will turn out and said there were a few things that were disconcerting. He even questioned the British Olympic spirit, adding: Do they come together and celebrate the Olympic moment? Thats something which we only find out once the Games actually begin. The British press poured scorn on Romneys comments. Mitt Romney is perhaps the only politician who could start a trip that was supposed to be a charm offensive by being utterly devoid of charm and mildly offensive, the right-leaning Daily Telegraph said. The tabloid Daily Mail was more forthright demanding: Who invited him? Cameron duly responded with what was believed to be a veiled

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attempt to belittle one of Romneys crowning achievements, his rescue of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City from financial ruin. We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world, Cameron said. Of course its easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere. This brought a prickly but amusing response from Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker. While those of us who have had the fortune of visiting London know it is certainly a wonderful city, Prime Minister Camerons comments likely reflect his lack of familiarity with Salt Lake City, he said in a statement sent to AFP. He can stop by, any time wed love to have him and happy to send a map so he doesnt run into any trouble locating the middle of nowhere, said the statement. AFP Related report, P. 28.

Six share Asias Nobel Prize

MANILA A Taiwanese vegetable vendor who gave away huge sums to charity and an environmental activist from Indonesia have won Asias Magsaysay award this year, organisers said on July 26. Chen Shu-chu, Ambrosius Ruwindrijarto and four others were cited by the Philippinesbased foundation for their work to ease poverty and empower ordinary people. In a statement announcing the winners of the annual award the foundation praised those who can begin to change the world through seemingly ordinary acts of empathy and magnanimity. Chen, who sleeps on the floor and eats two vegetarian meals a day, was cited for giving US$320,000 to charity. Ruwindrijarto, 40, founded Indonesian wildlife protection group Telapak, which in 1999 began undercover investigations of the lucrative illegal trade in endangered hardwood. His efforts ultimately forced the government to tighten regulations in the industry. Hasan, 44, and her lawyers group are involved in a court battle to stop toxin-laden ships from entering Bangladesh, where they are dismantled as scrap in work that includes child labourers. The other winners include Romulo Davide, 74, a scientist whose discovery of wormtrapping fungi led to the development of the Philippines first biological pest control product. Former priest Kulandei Francis, 66, was cited for creating a $40 million fund from the savings of women in India to finance village health and sanitation, housing, and childrens education programs. Yang Saing Koma, 46, was honoured for setting up a non-government organisation in Cambodia that helps thousands of farmers improve rice yields. The awards, sometimes considered Asias equivalent of the Nobel Prize, are named after a Philippine president, Ramon Magsaysay, who died in a 1957 plane crash. AFP

A Syrian man mourns a friend killed in clashes between government troops and rebels in the northern city of Aleppo on July 24. Pic: AFP

UN failing civilians in Syria, says Ban

Bans visit received a SREBRENICA, Bosnia- thousands of Muslims from Hercegovina Ban Ki-moon surrounding villages had mixed reaction from locals. While some victims praised said last week that the UN gathered for protection. The episode caused huge it, saying they hoped it will was failing in its duty to protect Syrias civilians as damage to the reputation keep the UN from looking he paid a landmark visit of the UNs peacekeeping on if another genocide is to Srebrenica, the scene of operations, which were at carried out in the future, Europes worst massacre the time headed by Kofi others dismissed it as too Annan Bans predecessor little, too late. since World War II. The fact that Ban is Ban, the first UN chief and the man tasked by the to visit Srebrenica since UN and Arab League to coming today doesnt really say much because the UN did blue helmet peacekeepers bring peace to Syria. Annans peace plan has nothing when the Srebrenica failed to prevent the killing of about 8000 Bosnian struggled to make any massacre happened, Hajra Muslims in 1995, said it was headway, and half of a UN Catic, who lost her husband essential the international observer mission sent to and son in the slaughter, told community learned the supervise an April truce journalists. There will be no justice that never took hold was lessons of history. We have to do all to pulled out of Syria on July as long as... the UN hides behind its immunity, she protect civilians and to stop 25. said, looking out over the bloodshed particularly in vast Potocari cemetery Syria now, when we have with thousands of learned the message of We have to do all to dotted columns marking white Srebrenica, Ban said on July 26. protect civilians and to the graves of the victims. The people who The international stop bloodshed delivered my family to community must be the (Bosnian) Serb forces united not to see any were (UN) blue helmets, further bloodshed in Ban acknowledged that said Hasan Nuhanovic, Syria because I do not want to see any of my successors the United Nations had let a former interpreter for after 20 years visiting Syria the people of Srebrenica the Dutch UN battalion in apologising for what we down, calling it perhaps the Srebrenica who lost both could have done now to most difficult and the most parents and his brother in protect the civilians in Syria painful place for him to visit the massacre. There is no organisation as secretary-general. which we are not doing. T h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l which is more responsible for Ban was speaking after meeting survivors at the community failed to provide what happened in Srebrenica Potocari cemetery near the necessary protection than the UN. But he added that Srebrenica, where more to many people who were than 6500 victims are killed at the time, when Bans visit was important they needed our support, because the UN must take buried. a position... (and) recognise The massacre took place he said. Srebrenica is holy ground i t s r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r after Bosnian Serbs brushed aside lightly armed Dutch for the families and the Srebrenica. AFP Related reports, P. 29 peacekeepers in a so-called victims and also for the and 31; Analysis, P. 33. U N s a f e a r e a w h e r e Family of Nations.

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Hacking charges for Murdoch eight

LONDON British police last week charged Prime Minister David Camerons former media chief Andy Coulson with phone hacking as a long-running press scandal lapped at the door of Downing Street. Former tabloid editor Rebekah Brooks will also be charged at a later date, police confirmed on July 24. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said eight current or former employees of Rupert Murdochs defunct News of the World tabloid would answer hacking charges, which carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison. In total, police issued 19 separate charges of conspiring to illegally intercept the voicemails of some 600 people, including Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jude Law as well as politicians and crime victims. Prosecutors said the other people targeted included England and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney and former Beatle Paul McCartney. I have concluded that a prosecution is required in the public interest in relation to each of these eight suspects, senior prosecutor Alison Levitt said in a live televised announcement. The others charged include Stuart Kuttner, the News of the Worlds former managing editor, former news editor Greg Miskiw, former head of news Ian Edmondson, former chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck, and reporter James Weatherup. The last person is private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, who was jailed for phone hacking for six months in 2007. All eight will appear in court in London on August 16, said the CPS. Australian-born media tycoon Murdoch, 81, closed the weekly News of the World a year ago amid a storm of revelations that its staff hacked into the voicemail messages of a murdered schoolgirl and a slew of public figures. Coulson, 44, edited the News of the World from 2003 to 2007 and went on to become Camerons spokesman, but resigned from that post in January 2011 after he was questioned over the scandal. He was arrested last year. I will fight these allegations when they eventually get to court, Coulson told reporters on July 24. Brooks, also 44, was editor of the tabloid from 2000 to 2003 and went on to edit The Sun, Murdochs top-selling British tabloid, before going on to become chief executive of News International, Murdochs British newspaper group. hacking during the frantic last days of the News of the World. Thurlbeck also protested his innocence, saying he had always operated under the strict guidance and advice of News Internationals lawyers and... the newspapers editors. The announcement came the same day the Leveson inquiry into press ethics, which was set up in the wake of the News of the World scandal, held its last scheduled hearing. Senior judge Brian Leveson said he would produce his report which could cause a seismic shift in the way the British press is regulated as soon as I can. The Guardian, which exposed much of the scandal, said the developments on July 24 highlighted the need for Leveson to ensure plurality in the media. AFP

File images of former News of the World editor and Downing Street communications chief Andy Coulson and former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks. Pix: AFP I am not guilty of these charges, she said in a statement released by her lawyers. I did not authorise, nor was I aware of, phone hacking under my editorship. Brooks was charged in May with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by allegedly trying to cover up evidence relating to phone

UK deploys more troops for Games security British boy flies to Rome
LONDON Britain will deploy an extra 1200 troops to the London Olympics, the government announced on July 24, following a last-minute recruitment meltdown at the Games private security contractor G4S. The extra personnel, who were already standing by on 48 hours notice, bring the total military deployment at the Olympics to 18,200 4700 of whom have been called up to fill in the G4S shortfall. The decision was taken at a cabinet committee meeting chaired by British Prime Minister David Cameron, just three days before the Games officially open with some 10,500 athletes taking part. Olympics minister Jeremy Hunt said that while the numbers of security guards being provided by the beleaguered G4S continues to rise, on the eve of the largest peacetime event ever staged in this country, ministers are clear that we should leave nothing to chance. The government continues to have every confidence that we will deliver a safe and secure Games, he said. G4S admitted earlier this month it could not provide the total 10,000 guards it had promised for the Games. We have made very good progress in the last few days and, in line with the revised deployment plan submitted to LOCOG, currently have around 5800 security personnel deployed at Olympic venues, G4S said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange last week. Significant numbers of candidates are now reaching the final stages of the training and accreditation process each day. G4S has pledged to bear the costs of the extra troops, telling the LSE that its overall losses on the contract would remain within its estimate of 35 million to 50 million (US$54 million to $78 million). Of the 17,000 troops already on Operation Olympics, about 11,800 are from the army, with the rest from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. By contrast, Britain has about 9500 troops on duty in Afghanistan. AFP

without passport, ticket

LONDON Britains Manchester Airport launched an urgent investigation on July 25 after an 11-year-old boy managed to slip through security and fly to Rome without a passport or ticket. Liam Corcoran walked through security checks without showing any documentation and successfully boarded a Jet2. com flight to the Italian capital the previous day, the airport in north-west England admitted. This is an unusual and serious breach and we are keen to find out what has gone on, Transport Minister Justine Greening told the BBC. I treat security breaches very, very seriously indeed, so we are now reviewing urgently with Manchester Airport, and indeed the airline, exactly what happened. Liam was scanned by security staff but they did not notice his lack of a passport and boarding pass as he mingled with a family boarding the plane, the Manchester Evening News reported. Passengers noticed halfway through the flight that the boy was alone and alerted the cabin crew. An airport spokesman said Liam stayed onboard the plane after it landed at Rome Fiumicino Airport and returned on the same plane to Manchester, where he was met by his mother. The Manchester Evening News said he had run away from his mother during a shopping trip at the citys Wythenshawe Civic Centre and travelled to the airport on his own. AFP

Trade Mark CauTion

NOTICE is hereby given that John Player & Sons Limited, a company organized under the laws of Ireland and having its principal office at 21 Beckett Way, Park West, Nangor Road, Dublin 12, Ireland is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of the following trademark: -

(reg. nos. iV/753/2007 & iV/3795/2012) in respect of: - Tobacco whether manufactured or unmanufactured, tobacco products; cigarette papers; cigarette tubes; filters for cigarettes; hand held machines for rolling cigarettes; tobacco substitutes, none being for medicinal or curative purposes; matches and smokers articles Intl Class: 34 Any fraudulent imitation or unauthorized use of the said trademark will be dealt with according to law. U Kyi Win Associates for John Player & Sons Limited P.O. Box No. 26, Yangon. Phone: 372416 Dated: 30th July, 2012

iMPeriaL

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Drought worsens in United States
WASHINGTON The drought in Americas breadbasket is intensifying at an unprecedented rate, experts warned last week, adding to concern food prices could soar if crops in the worlds key producer are decimated. The US Drought Monitor reported a nearly threefold increase in areas of extreme drought in the week to July 26 in the nine Midwestern states where three quarters of the countrys corn and soybean crops are produced. Almost two thirds of the continental United States is suffering drought conditions, the largest area recorded since the Drought Monitor project started in 1999.

Obama abhors beetroot, no artichokes for Hollande

PARIS Barack Obama cant stand beetroot, artichokes are off the menu at Frances presidential palace and Vladimir Putin does not take any chances with dishes that emerge from the Kremlin kitchens. Those were just a few of the culinary tidbits to emerge from the latest reunion of the select club of chefs who ply their trade on behalf of some of the most powerful men and women on the planet. The club des chefs des chefs, which now counts some 20 members, was formed 35 years ago by Gilles Bragard, who revealed that Putin continues the tradition of medieval monarchs who, for fear of poisoning, were reluctant to eat anything that had not been tried first by someone else. Tasters still exist but only in the Kremlin, where a doctor checks every dish with the chef, Bragard told reporters on July 25 ahead of a reception for the chefs hosted by new French President Francois Hollande. Bragards comments were confirmed by Putins head chef, Vakhtang Abushidi, and it seems he is not the only modern day leader who harbours a fear of what they may find on the plates put in front of them. Anton Mosimann, a regular cook for the British royal family, recalled that a visit by a former US president resulted in him being constantly followed around by two FBI guys who wanted to taste absolutely everything I was proposing to cook. Bernard Vaussion, who has cooked for French presidents and their guests for 40 years, confirmed that his new boss Hollande would gladly give artichokes a wide berth. But he is delighted that cheese is back on the Elysee menu after being banished from the table during the term of Hollandes chocaholic predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy. Cristeta Comerford, the head chef at the White House, would not be drawn on US President Obamas aversion to beetroot (also revealed by Bragard), perhaps anxious not to undermine Michelle Obamas drive to get American kids to eat more fruit and vegetables. AFP

Its terrorism, says Russian FM

MOSCOW Russia last week lashed out at the United States for backing the armed opposition to the Syrian regime, saying Washingtons failure to condemn the July 18 blast that killed top security officials meant it was justifying terror. This is quite an awful position, I cannot even find the words to make clear how we feel, Russian How Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters on July 25. This is directly justifying terrorism. How can this be understood? Lavrov expressed bewilderment at calls on Russia to clarify its position on Syria, saying Moscows policy was crystal clear and it was the West whose actions were contradictory. made absolutely clear that we condemn violence in any form inside Syria. She added however: Who bears responsibility for the preponderance of violence in Syria? Who is the one who is using now fixedwing aircraft against their own people, helicopters, artillery, gunships? It is the Assad regime. A n d a s weve said, it is unfortunately not can this be understood? surprising that people are trying to defend themselves we (the United States) will now. Russia has repeatedly continue to support such terrorist acts for as long as rejected accusations Moscow the UN Security Council has is backing the regime of not done what we want, President Bashar al-Assad in the crisis, claiming it has Lavrov said. But State Department an even-handed approach s p o k e s w o m a n V i c t o r i a while rebuking the West for Nuland hit back saying that siding with the rebels. AFP on the day of the attack we He criticised US ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, saying she had argued that the Damascus attacks meant the UN Security Council had to agree a sanctions resolution against Syria on July 19 that Russia vetoed. In other words, to say it in plain Russian, this means

Argentina criticises British war games

BUENOS AIRES Argentina has accused Britain of mounting a show of force in the Falkland Islands with a military exercise that includes missile launches in the disputed South Atlantic archipelago. Britain once again threatens Argentina and Latin America by scheduling missile launch exercises in the South Atlantic. The manouevres put at risk the safety of all vessels in the area, said an Argentine foreign ministry statement on July 25. This year is the 30th anniversary of a brief but bloody war between the two countries over the islands.

A baby giraffe is nuzzled by its mother at Berlins Friedrichsfelde zoo on July 24. The baby giraffe, called Dorle, was born on July 2. Pic: AFP

Earhart search ends in failure

LOS ANGELES A mission aimed at finding the plane flown by aviation legend Amelia Earhart has been unsuccessful, organisers said. As is usually the case with field work, were coming home with more questions than answers, the Earhart Project said on its website on July 23. The expedition searched the area around an island in Kiribati to test the theory that Earhart survived the apparent crash of her twinengine Lockheed Electra aircraft but it found no evidence of wreckage.

Drug maker warned of defects, court told

SYDNEY The German makers of thalidomide were warned of birth defects years before it was withdrawn and Australian distributors used pregnant women as the worlds first test subjects, court papers alleged on July 27. Affidavits sworn in the lawsuit of an Australian woman born without limbs after her mother took thalidomide claimed that the drugs maker Grunenthal ignored and covered up claims that it caused birth defects dating to 1959. Thalidomide was not withdrawn from sale until late 1961, but excerpts of internal company correspondence filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleged doctors first warned of serious deformities more than two years earlier. An estimated 10,000 children worldwide were born with defects after their mothers took thalidomide, which was marketed as a morning sickness drug and sold in nearly 50 countries. The correspondence was obtained in an Australian class action involving up to 100 thalidomide victims, sections of which were published online on July 27 in two lengthy affidavits sworn by counsel leading the case, Michael Magazanik. Magazanik said the previously secret documents revealed repeated warnings to Grunenthal from doctors and distributors from as far afield as Sri Lanka and Lebanon. He said the documents also showed thalidomide was never tested on gestating animals before it went on sale. Instead, the first clinical trials in the world were conducted in Australia in 1960 and used pregnant women rather than laboratory animals as experimental subjects, he alleged. At that time doctors were already allegedly warning Grunenthal that its drug had caused birth defects, and throughout 1960-61 hospitals and pharmacists were returning their entire thalidomide stocks or refusing to buy or supply it. Some six months before it was formally declared unsafe and removed from sale Grunenthals own staff were already refusing to use thalidomide, fearing its side-effects, Magazaniks affidavit claimed. As many as 10 Grunenthal staff had children with birth defects after taking thalidomide between 195961, it said, with a similar number of deformities among children born to employees at its British partner Distillers. In-house lawyers warned the company repeatedly in 1961 that it had behaved improperly in failing to provide adequate warnings to doctors and consumers, had been negligent and was at great risk in legal proceedings, it added. According to the documents, Grunenthal misled and failed to inform distributors in Britain and Germany about the extent of problems and deliberately withheld that information from the US Food and Drug Authority. The Australian case, which is yet to go to trial, is being led by wheelchair-bound Lynette Rowe, 50, who was born without arms and legs after her mother took thalidomide during pregnancy. Distillers, now part of Diageo, settled out of court with Rowe earlier in July and agreed to negotiate with others in her class action, but Grunenthal has denied wrongdoing and vowed to fully defend any legal action. Grunenthal maintains that its actions were consistent with the state of scientific knowledge and the prevailing standards for premarketing and testing of the pharmaceutical industry in the 1950s, it said of Rowes case. AFP

Twitter explains mystery outage

WASHINGTON A freak double failure in its data centres took Twitter down for about an hour on July 26, leaving millions without updates from friends, celebrities and news providers. Mazen Rawashdeh, Twitters vice president of engineering, said the blackout was caused by a data centre system and its backup system failing simultaneously. AFP

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ICRC criticises draft treaty on arms trade

UNITED NATIONS The international Red Cross has joined opponents of a draft arms trade treaty released on July 24 that critics said contains only ambiguities and loopholes. Following the release of the first draft, the 193 UN members needed to agree on a text to regulate the US$70 billion a year arms trade by July 27, the deadline set by the UN General Assembly. Civil society groups condemned the draft text for not including ammunition and for allowing too much scope for arms transfers that would escape the treaty. The International Committee of the Red Cross rarely speaks out on controversial diplomatic topics as it seeks to preserve its neutrality. But Peter Herby, head of the ICRCs arms unit, said: All the core provisions of this draft treaty still have major loopholes which will simply ratify the status quo, instead of setting a high international standard that will change state practices and save lives on the ground. The Red Cross joined Amnesty International, Oxfam and other groups which have launched major campaigns to persuade the major powers to agree a tough, binding treaty. It is a text of ambiguities and loopholes, said Roy Isbister of the Saferworld lobby group. Anna Macdonald, arms control expert for Oxfam, likened the text to a leaky bucket. Isbister said the proposed treaty would have little impact on most of the conflicts claiming civilian lives in the world. The main arms producers the United States, Russia, China, Britain, Germany and France have haggled through three weeks of talks on the scope of the treaty and the criteria for how to judge an arms transfer. The US has opposed the inclusion of ammunition, China does not want small arms included, and both Russia and China have sought restrictions on references to humanitarian law. Syria, North Korea, Iran, Cuba and Algeria and other countries have sought from the start to thwart the treaty, diplomats and activists say. The draft treaty does mention ammunition, but Isbister said it was incomprehensible. This means if you want to control ammunition, you can control ammunition, if you dont want to control ammunition there is nothing here to force you. And that is a glaring problem. Britain has been one of the most outspoken of the major arms producers calling for a binding, all-encompassing treaty. A British diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: The chair has produced a text that we should all be able to work with to get the high ambition result that we need. The next 24 hours will be crucial in narrowing the gaps. The treaty must be agreed by consensus so any of the 193 countries involved could object on July 27. Even if a treaty is concluded, the conference has not yet decided how many countries must ratify it to bring it into force. AFP

Gates issues plea to do more on AIDS

WASHINGTON AIDS cannot be halted through treatment alone, and more prevention tools, in particular a vaccine, are needed to move seriously toward ending it, philanthropist Bill Gates said last week. While the Microsoft tycoon applauded efforts to get more people worldwide on antiretroviral drugs and said his foundation funds both research and care he noted more is needed to stamp out the deadly disease. No one should think that we have got the tools yet. We will get the tools but only if we stay the course in terms of the scientific investments, Gates told the International AIDS Conference in the US capital on July 23. His Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed more than US$2.5 billion in HIV grants to organisations around the world, and has also committed more than $1.4 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Gates spoke to the conference, the worlds largest gathering of AIDS scientists and advocates, as part of a panel on how

Living with HIV

In 2011 Total living with HIV

= 100,000 New infections infections in 2011

34.2 million people

2.5 million new

Of which 23.5 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Children and youth 4.9 million of infected were aged 15 - 24 years

Of which 1.7 million were in SSA Receiving antiretrovirals Total 8 million

3.4 million children under 15

Source: UNAIDS

With

6.2 million in SSA

to improve efficiency in funding of the three-decadeold disease that has killed 30 million people. Gates said research toward a vaccine is very exciting but noted that even if one was introduced it would take time before the effects would be seen in the larger population.

More than eight million people in low and middle income countries were on antiretroviral treatment in 2011, said a UNAIDS report released the previous week, making up about half of those in need worldwide. But Gates warned that no amount of funding can come up with enough money to

treat everyone infected. It is clear that even if you take the most efficient way of doing this work the number of people who will eventually need to be on treatment, the amount of money we have is not enough to treat those people, he said. The world will make a decision how much those lives matter. And we are in a period of incredible uncertainty right now, he added. Singer Elton John told the conference on July 23 that the world needs more than money to end the AIDS epidemic. We need more than money. We need more than medicine. We need love, John said. What we need now is more love for the living, he said, lamenting the discrimination that continues in many parts of the world. There are some people who look at the sick and look for reasons to blame them, he said, adding that fear of isolation often prevents people from seeking testing and treatment. Shame and stigma are killing people all round the world right now, he said. AFP

Clinton calls for an end to the evil of genocide

WASHINGTON US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged greater political will to stop the evil of genocide on July 24. Speaking at an event organised by the Holocaust Memorial Museum, Clinton said that despite all we have learned and accomplished in the last 70 years, never again remains an unmet, urgent goal. Referring to such events as the killings in Rwanda, the fighting that tore apart the former Yugoslavia and more recent power struggles in Ivory Coast and Libya, Clinton said genocide and mass atrocities did not happen spontaneously and were always planned. There were usually organised, targeted propaganda campaigns. Hatred not only becomes acceptable; it is even encouraged. Its like stacking dry firewood before striking the match. Then there is a moment of ignition. The permission to hate becomes permission to kill, she added. A poll unveiled by the Holocaust Museum on July 24 found that 55 percent of Americans think international bodies are not effective against genocide, while only 34pc believe the International Criminal Court was a deterrent. One in six Americans also said the United States should have intervened during the 1994 Rwandan genocide that killed about 800,000 people, mostly ethnic Tutsis. The telephone poll of 1000 people conducted from June 30 to July 10 also found that 78pc of Americans supported the US taking military action to stop genocide or mass atrocities, although 53pc said multilateral action was the most effective path. AFP

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Attacks mark new campaign, Egyptian president names outgoing says al-Qaeda group in Iraq minister to be PM
BAGHDAD Al-Qaedas Iraq front group last week claimed a wave of attacks that killed 113 people on July 23 in Iraqs deadliest day in two and a half years, saying it marked the launch of a new campaign promised by its leader. As part of the new military campaign aimed at recovering territory given up by the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), the war ministry has sent its sons and the mujahedeen on a sacred offensive during the month of Ramadan, the group said in a statement posted on a jihadist website on July 25. The operation by the jihadists has stunned the enemy and made him lose his head. It has demonstrated the failings of the security and intelligence services, the statement said. The attacks came days after the group warned that it would retake territory in an internet audio message purportedly left by its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Iraqs deadliest day in two years

Scores are killed and many more injured as a wave of attacks across the country shatters the calm of the holy month of Ramadan
Main attacks
200 km

Mosul Dibis Kirkuk

IRAN

SYRIA

Tuz Khurmatu Dhuluiya Taji Baquba BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD

Karbala

Sadr City Green zone

r is Tig

Eup

hrat

es

3 km

SAUDI ARABIA

KUWAIT

We are starting a new stage, said the voice on the audio message, purportedly that of Baghdadi, who has

been leader of ISI since May 2010. The ISI leader rose to his position after his

predecessor Abu Omar alBaghdadi was killed in a joint US-Iraqi raid on a safe house in April 2010. Overall, 29 separate attacks were launched in 19 cities on July 23, shattering the relative calm that had held in the lead-up to the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and drawing widespread international condemnation. Extra police and soldiers as well as security force vehicles were deployed on July 24 at market-places in neighbourhoods of Baghdad hit by the violence, witnesses said. In the deadliest incidents a string of roadside bombs and a car bomb followed by a suicide attack targeting emergency responders in the town of Taji, just north of Baghdad at least 42 people were killed and 40 wounded, medical officials said. The July 23 toll was the highest since December 8, 2009, when 127 people were killed. AFP

CAIRO Egypts Islamist President Mohamed Morsi named outgoing irrigation minister Hisham Qandil, a reputed independent, as prime minister on July 24 and tasked him with forming a new government. The appointment came 25 days after Morsi was sworn in as Egypts first civilian and freely elected head of state to replace president Hosni Mubarak, who was driven from office in a popular uprising in February 2011. Qandil was irrigation minister in the outgoing government of Kamal Ganzuri, whom he replaces. This appointment of a patriotic and independent figure comes after much study and discussion to choose a person able to manage the current scenario, said Morsi spokesman Yassir Ali. Dr Qandil had no affiliation to any political party before or after the revolution, said Ali. After talks with Morsi at the presidency, Qandil thanked the president and called on all forces to help achieve the goals of the revolution. I want to thank the president of the republic for the trust he has placed in me for this important, heavy and difficult task, and I ask God to help us, Qandil said. He urged all political forces and the people of Egypt to support us in this difficult mission ... We must exert all efforts to achieve the goals of the revolution. Qandil stressed that his government would be

made up of technocrats and that appointments will not be based on (political) orientations. Competence will be the basis for choosing the ministers, he said. The incoming premier also said Morsi was in regular talks with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which oversaw the transition from Mubaraks rule, over whether SCAF chief Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi would remain in his current post as defence minister. Little known outside political circles, Qandil describes himself as a religious man, telling reporters after his appointment as water minister that he had grown a beard in line with the Sunna, the words and practices of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed. Morsi has repeatedly vowed that his team and government would be inclusive and that he would be a president for all Egyptians. He said he would appoint a woman and a Christian as his deputies. Born in 1962, Qandil graduated from Cairo Universitys faculty of engineering before doing post-graduate studies in the United States. In 1993, he received a doctorate from the University of North Carolina. A father of five, he held various public sector posts in water and engineering, as well as in finance. He was a senior manager at the African Development Bank before heading Egypts Nile Water Sector. AFP

Tigr is

Amid war fears, Israelis stock up on gas masks

MEVASSERET TZION, Israel Youve got to be prepared for anything with whats going on in Syria, said Benny Rahamim, one of a growing number of Israelis picking up gas masks as fears grow over Syrias chemical weapons. Rahamim, 36, was speaking on July 25 in the dormitory town of Mevasseret Tzion, near Jerusalem, one of many sites nationwide where the postal service runs distribution centres for gas masks. He collected gas masks for himself, his wife and four children. Syrian rebels have accused President Bashar al-Assad of moving some of his chemical weapons into border regions, prompting Israeli officials to warn that he could transfer them to the Shiite Hezbollah militia in neighbouring Lebanon or to other radical groups hostile to Israel operating in the region. Israel began the general distribution of gas mask kits in 2010 saying it was a general precaution not linked to any precise current threat. The kits contain masks, a filter, and a drinking tube to allow consumption of fluids without uncovering the face, but do not include protective all-body suits and would therefore be of little use against chemical or biological weapons that can be absorbed through the skin. Postal service spokeswoman Merav Lapidot told AFP that demand has soared. Instead of 2000 daily requests, we have distributed nearly double during the past two days, she said. But people do not tell us what led them to get their gas masks. In Mevasseret Tzion on July 25, service was brisk, with people waiting only a few minutes to receive their kits. There were adverts in the newspaper about the distribution, so I came to take masks for the entire family, said a young mother who gave only her first name, Yifat. How can we not be concerned, with everything thats going around us? she said. AFP

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In the heartland, a gun culture thrives

AURORA, Colorado A of the tragedy as it emerged girl aged five or six tries that Holmes bought his four out a rifle in an Aurora weapons legally. But Romney said gun gunshop, oblivious to Fridays massacre in this laws were tough enough and Colorado town. Honey, not the problem. I still believe that the its too big for you, we will find you another, says her Second Amendment is the right course to preserve and mother. This is a normal scene defend and dont believe in the US heartland where that new laws are going to it takes more than a few make a difference in this mass shootings to drive a type of tragedy, he said. There were, of course wedge between patriotic Americans and their right very stringent laws which to bear arms, as enshrined existed in Aurora, Colorado. in the Second Amendment Our challenge is not the laws, our challenge is of the Constitution. One argument brandished people who, obviously, are by diehard supporters of distracted from reality gun rights is that if the a n d d o u n t h i n k a b l e , citizenry is armed, crazed unimaginable, inexplicable gunmen like alleged Aurora things. In one of Auroras gun shooter James Holmes will be taken down before they stores, Oberly said buying weapons is fairly easy, claim so many lives. If I were there, I would if you are not a criminal; have killed him, and Guns i t s a s i m p l e p i e c e o f dont kill people, people do, paperwork. Indeed, an AFP reporter are popular refrains. found out Speaking that she after a needed only gunman, Guns dont kill a d r i v e r s presumed to licence. With be Holmes, it, the seller shot dead 12 people, people do. checks the people and criminal wounded 58 others in a packed Aurora record of the buyer and, if cinema, John Oberly, 51, a there are no crimes, the sale rugby coach, told AFP it was takes about a minute. Thats why Holmes was not the right to bear arms able to assemble his arsenal: that created the problem. If I had been there, I he had no criminal record would have stopped some apart from a speeding d a m a g e , h e s a i d . I n ticket. Aurora has joined a litany fact if anybody had been carrying a gun, they may of horrific US shootings, have stopped some of the including Columbine (1999), Virginia Tech (2007) and damage. President Barack Obamas Tucson (2011). Advocates of stricter gun Republican challenger in November elections, control measures argue Mitt Romney, reiterated t h a t A m e r i c a i s m o r e his strong support for the prone to these kinds of Second Amendment as he mass shootings than other stressed on July 23 that now countries because the law was not the time to work on in many states is far too lenient. new gun legislation. They have been With emotions so high right now, this is really not disappointed by Democratic a time to be talking about President Barack Obama, the politics associated with but political pragmatists see what happened in Aurora, that he could be committing electoral suicide if he took he said. Calls for a re-examination up such an explosive issue of Americas gun laws during the presidential mounted in the aftermath election campaign. AFP

Images taken of James Holmes during his court appearance on July 23. Pic: AFP

US rampage suspect makes a bizarre court appearance

CENTENNIAL, Colorado His hair being held in solitary confinement, provide crucial details about how he dyed orange, eyes staring wildly or with no bail allowed. He is to make a planned and executed the attack. Calls to re-examine US gun laws not at all, presumed Colorado gunman second court appearance on July 30 mounted as it emerged that in the two James Holmes made a bizarre first when he will enter a plea. P r o s e c u t o r s e x p e c t w e e k s o f months before his arrest, Holmes had appearance in court on July 23, after a rampage in which he allegedly shot dead consultations with families of the legally bought his four weapons, as victims before deciding whether to well as 6300 rounds of ammunition, 12 people and wounded 58 others. on the internet. The deadly shooting frenzy occurred seek the death penalty. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg We will want to get their input just after midnight at a cinema in Aurora, outside Denver, as moviegoers before we make any decision on that, last week urged President Barack packed the first screening of the latest said Arapahoe county district attorney Obama and his Republican rival for Carol Chambers. If the death penalty the White House Mitt Romney to make Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. Wearing a maroon prison jumpsuit, is sought, that is a very long process the bid to clamp down on the rampant proliferation of firearms a talking Holmes, 24, a graduate school dropout that impacts their lives for years. Only one person has been executed point of their respective campaigns. did not speak as lawyers read out a list of Since 48,000 people will be murdered accusations during the short procedural in Colorado since 1976. The gunman emerged from a fire with guns in the four years, the next hearing at Arapahoe County District exit on July 20 shortly after the film four-year presidential term, I would Court in the town of Centennial. Holmes, a former PhD candidate began and threw two canisters of argue its a substantial problem and that they have in neuroscience, an obligation to a p p e a r e d the unable to follow they have an obligation to tell the public before the tellf o r e public be the proceedings as public goes to his head bobbed public goes to the voting booth what they will do. the voting booth up and down and what they will he alternated do, Bloomberg told CNN on July 23. between staring wild-eyed and closing noxious gas into the auditorium. This is a problem weve had for After firing one round directly into his eyes shut as if drugged or in a the air with a pump-action shotgun, many yearsand they should be daze. It was not known if he was on some he began shooting people at random answering the question, he said. Obama paid emotional tribute to the kind of medication and there was no with a military-style assault rifle, victims and survivors of the Aurora indication when the young man accused witnesses said. Authorities said Holmes had painted cinema massacre during a visit to the of one of Americas worst mass shootings his hair reddish orange and claimed he town on July 22. might undergo psychiatric evaluation. Campaigning ahead of the November Holmes gave himself up outside the was the Joker, Batmans sworn enemy cinema, still clad in the body armour he in the comic book series that inspired election, his rival Romney stressed the movie. According to reports and at that now was not the time to discuss wore inside the cinema. He is expected to face 12 murder least one witness, the cinema gunman new gun legislation. Our challenge is not the laws, our charges, 58 attempted murder might have killed more people had his challenge is people who, obviously, charges for those he wounded, and assault rifle not jammed. Police said on July 22 they had are distracted from reality and charges related to his booby-trapped found Holmess computer inside his do unthinkable, unimaginable, apartment. Holmes was ordered to remain in booby-trapped apartment rigged to inexplicable things, Romney said. AFP Arapahoe County jail, where he is kill anyone who entered which could

First US woman in space dies, 61

WASHINGTON Sally Ride, the first American woman to journey into space, died on July 23 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer, her foundation announced. She was 61. Ride first launched into space in 1983 aboard Challenger on the seventh mission of US space shuttle program. US President Barack Obama called her a national hero and a powerful role model who inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars. Tributes quickly poured in on the microblogging website Twitter, including from women who remembered learning as young girls of Rides pioneering flight. One wrote: RIP Sally Ride you inspired me to believe that, as a female, anything was possible. May your journey to the stars be swift. In an interview marking the 25th anniversary of the 1983 mission, Ride said she only later came to appreciate what an honour it was to be selected to be the first (US woman) to get a chance to go into space. Her groundbreaking space voyage came two decades after the first Soviet woman flew into space. Valentina Tereshkova, 26, a textile worker, in 1963 became the first woman in space, orbiting Earth in her Vostok VI spaceship. Ride, born May 26, 1951, in southern California, earned degrees in physics and English from Stanford University. She applied to be an astronaut at US space agency NASA in 1977, and was one of 35 people, including six women, chosen from a pool of 8000 applicants. She flew in two space missions, logging nearly 350 hours in space. However, after the Challenger explosion that killed all seven crew members, her third planned mission was grounded in 1986. Ride served on the commission to investigate the accident and was then assigned to NASA headquarters. She retired from the agency in 1987. On her foundations website, Ride said of her historic foray into space: The thing Ill remember most about the flight is that it was fun. AFP

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feared the regimes fall and its replacement by Islamists or other radical groups. Externally, Russia and Iran acted as the regimes main supporters, while Western countries, Turkey, and Arab states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar extended limited support to different opposition groups. In military terms, the battle was a draw, but the regime kept losing political ground. The central governments machinery seemed intact, and life in Damascus and Aleppo retained a semblance of normalcy, but the regime lost control over increasingly large parts of the country. Conditions were exacerbated by a sectarian civil war between Alawites and Sunnis, which culminated in several atrocious massacres. The worst inter-communal fighting took place in the plains to the east of the Alawites mountain A portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad burns in Selehattin, near Aleppo, during strongholds, raising the fighting between government troops and rebel forces on July 23. Pic: AFP suspicion that Alawites were At the same time, serious back on its heels, but it is preparing for a retreat to reinforced the opposition, and their native region in the sent a message of inevitable fighting has spread into still standing, and responded the heart of Damascus. swiftly to the assassination event of the regimes collapse collapse. So, too, has the oppositions Significantly, whereas the of four major figures, losing and were trying to expand the area under their control. major achievement in striking regime previously sought to no time in appointing a new This pattern of steady at the heart of the security downplay the challenge posed defence minister. Most of erosion has ended, with establishment, killing three by the opposition, Syrian the forces that have kept senior military and other of Bashars most important state television has covered the regime in place for the last 16 months officials joining are still there, the opposition the opposition in increasing numbers. Most Defections havesent a message of inevitable collapse. r e m a i n s divided, and notably, the the US and its Tlas brothers Firas, a businessman, aides: his brother-in-law Asef the fighting in Damascus Western allies are still shy and Manaf, a general and Shawkat, former Defence extensively. The message, it of exerting full pressure on personal friend of Assad Minister Hasan Turkmani, seems, is that a moment of Assads government. But the end is approaching were the first members and his successor, Daoud decision is approaching. It is still too early to predict and serious thought must of the regimes inner core Rajha and fatally wounding to defect. These defections another, national security the regimes imminent be given to several inherent collapse. It has been knocked dangers in the Syrian have weakened the regime, chief Hisham Ikytiyar. situation. In the absence of an effective, well organised, and internationally recognised opposition, the regimes downfall could be followed by anarchy, all-out sectarian civil war, secessionist movements, and de facto partition. Large numbers of refugees could flee into neighbouring states, which could be drawn into the conflict. Chaos and fighting could easily spill over into such weak neighboring states as Iraq and Lebanon. Turkey, always fearful of repercussions among its own Kurdish population, is certainly a major candidate to intervene. Another looming threat is a scenario in which the Assad regimes stockpiles of missiles and chemical weapons fall into or are actually transferred to the wrong hands. Israel has maintained a cautious stance thus far, but has indicated that it will not remain passive if such weapons end up with Hezbollah. Nor can the prospect be ruled out that the regime would seek to depart in a blaze of glory with a final desperate act. Such risks demand far more effective and coordinated international action to prevent Syrias internal struggle from becoming a grave regional and international crisis. Time is growing short. Project Syndicate (Itamar Rabinovich, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States (1993-1996), is based at Tel Aviv University, New York University, and the Brookings Institution).

MyanMar tiMes

Has Syria reached its tipping point?

by Itamar Rabinovich
TEL AVIV During World War II, Winston Churchill famously drew a distinction between the end of the beginning and the beginning of the end. That distinction is equally applicable to the Syrian crisis. Recent events the growing number of high-level defections from the regimes leadership, the killing of four of President Bashar alAssads most senior officials in a suicide bomb attack, and the rebellions spread into Damascus suggest that, after a long period of gradual decline, the Assad regime is approaching collapse or implosion. The Syrian crisis has been raging since March 2011. After several months of mostly quiet demonstrations and brutal suppression, a pattern emerged. The political opposition divided and ineffectual was reinforced by a hybrid and loose military wing operating under the banner of The Free Syrian Army, and by hundreds of jihadis who entered Syria through porous borders and began to launch both military action and terrorist activity. The opposition, political and military, could not topple the regime, and the regime could not quash the opposition. The regime benefited from the active support of the Alawite community and the passive stance of other minorities, as well as of the bourgeoisie in Damascus and Aleppo, whose members

ANALYSIS

If you think this ones bad, check out the campaign in 1800
COMMENT
by Albert Hunt
WASHINGTON The presidential election, by some accounts, is sinking to record depths of negativity and nastiness, with unprecedented attacks on Wall Street, especially the private-equity industry. Its enough to send the children inside. Except that it isnt true. There are still about 100 days to go, but so far the tone and tenor of the contest between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is tame by historical standards. The Republican candidate has said the president is in over his head on the economy and displays an antipathy toward business. Obama has painted Romney as an out-of-touch elitist who, as a businessman, became rich while milking companies and destroying jobs. Sometimes the charges get a bit rawer, though not beyond normal boundaries. Within both campaigns there are excesses. The word lies is tossed around too freely. Obamas deputy campaign manager, Stephanie Cutter, raised the possibility that Romney might have committed a felony in his filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission. John Sununu, the former governor of New Hampshire and a leading Romney supporter, said he wished Obama would learn how to be an American. Sununu later apologised and Cutter sought to walk back her comments. Their political predecessors would chuckle over such stuff being called nasty. Lets start with one of the first presidential elections, Thomas Jefferson against John Adams in 1800. A Jefferson hired hand wrote that Adams was a hideous hermaphroditical character which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensitivity of a woman. In return, Jefferson was called a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father. You dont have to go back centuries to find out what really nasty is. In 1964, Lyndon Johnsons campaign circulated a television ad featuring an adorable little girl and a nuclear explosion, suggesting that some of the Democrats antibusiness behaviour. Its fortunate that these super-sensitive executives werent around in earlier times. Obama has not come close, in eloquence or harshness, to matching Teddy Roosevelts rant against malefactors of great wealth. Or Teddy Roosevelt cousin Franklins boast that he proudly welcomed and had earned the hatred of entrenched greed. Or John F. Kennedys comments, after a showdown with steel executives, that his father had warned him that businessmen were sons of bitches. If tycoons are upset about todays rhetoric, they should try to imagine what the Roosevelts would have said about recent Wall Street excesses that helped bring the global economy to its knees. Likewise, the Obama camp is attacking Romneys background as a privateequity executive at Bain Capital. The Republican nominee made this, not his one stint in government service in Massachusetts, the raison detre of his candidacy and exaggerated his exploits. The merits of the Obama charges can be debated; putting the issue on the table should not be. Similarly, it is legitimate for Romney to rail against labour bosses or labour stooges. (Romneys assertion that a former teachers union president once said he did not represent the interests of school children because they dont pay union dues is fiction, however.) And when Obama makes careless comments such as if youve got a business, you didnt build that, as he did on July 13 in Virginia, the Republicans naturally will pile on. (In reality, the president was talking about infrastructure, not businesses.) The rhetoric against financial executives or oil companies is no different than that against teachers or union leaders. Thats what political campaigns are about. This contest is not alarmingly negative or unfair. But it is not edifying. One of these guys will be elected president and will immediately have to deal with a fiscal crisis that will test his political and leadership skills. What theyve said and how theyve behaved so far will make that task harder. Bloomberg News (Albert Hunt is Washington editor at Bloomberg News).

Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have had sharp exchanges but theyre tame by historical standards, writes Albert Hunt. Pix: AFP his Republican challenger, Barry Goldwater, would precipitate a thermonuclear war. The LBJ forces also crafted a colouring book in which children could fill in pictures of Goldwater wearing Ku Klux Klan robes. In 1988, the unusually honourable George H.W. Bush sanctioned a blatantly racist ad tying a furloughed convict, Willie Horton, to the Democratic presidential aspirant, Michael Dukakis. Eight years ago, a rich Texan financed ads that maliciously and falsely questioned the heroic military service in Vietnam of the Democratic nominee, John Kerry. Still, this time, there are widespread complaints in the business community, and especially the financial sector, that Obama is running a demagogic campaign against them. A while back, Stephen Schwarzman, the chairman of Blackstone Group, compared Obamas plans to raise taxes on private-equity executives to the Nazis designs on Europe: Its a war; its like when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939. More recently, and less over-the-top, Paul Levy, the managing director of the private-equity firm JLL Partners, said Obama had undertaken a broadside against his industry. He has demonised people who are successful, Levy said. More moderately, Jamie Dimon, the chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase, has said hes disturbed at

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The sad battle for Borneos gibbons

PARARAWEN, Indonesia For 15 years Aurlien Brul has lived in the Indonesian jungle, crusading against palm oil multinationals, loggers and corruption in his bid to save endangered gibbons from annihilation. He admits that his is a losing battle. The primates are being forced out of their natural habitat by loggers removing the equivalent of six football fields of jungle every minute to make way for palm oil plantations. About 100,000 gibbons remain in the forests of Borneo, but Brul says there will be few left within the next 15-20 years because up to 1.5 million hectares of jungle are lost every year, despite the efforts of conservationists. For Brul, who has since changed his name to Chanee meaning Gibbon in Thai it is a struggle for which he was probably destined. As a 12 year-old, he spent so much time observing gibbons at a zoo in Frejus, his hometown in southern France, that the local press dubbed him the little strange kid who watches monkeys instead of playing video games. Four years later the teenager published his own encyclopaedia on the critically endangered primates, whose distinctive faces are framed by a ring of white fur. In the media, he talked about his dream of moving to Asia and working to help protect endangered gibbons, which brought the attention of French actress and comedian Muriel Robin who called him one day and gave him the funds to move to Indonesia. Sometimes called the French Dian Fossey after the American zoologist who dedicated her life to preserving African gorillas until her murder in 1985 Brul, 33, has set up a sanctuary and a radio station that helps listeners report gibbons held in captivity. Chanee arrived in Indonesia in 1998 at the age of 18. He went to Borneo and spent the next three months travelling through jungle to reach the tribal lands of the Dayak native people, where Borneos gibbons dwell. Aiming to build a sanctuary in those tropical forests, he returned to Jakarta where he became immersed in the intricacies of a Kafkaesque bureaucracy while he sought permission to establish the refuge. For nine months he pestered authorities until in September 1999 he achieved his objective and returned to Borneo to build the sanctuary named Kalaweit, which in the Dayak language means gibbon. Since then the Kalaweit sanctuary has grown into what he calls the largest program for the rehabilitation of gibbons in the world with more than 250 animals, 50 employees and an annual budget of 400,000 euros (about US$491,000) from private donations. Yet, for Chanee, this is not a success but a failure. He has not fully realised his boyhood dream of returning to the wild gibbons freed that have been kept in enclosures. Gibbons cannot be returned alone to the wild because they would be killed by pairs protecting their own territory. But rampant deforestation has wiped out empty forest sites suitable for single gibbons, meaning that most of those recovered by the sanctuary have nowhere to go. Large tracts of Indonesias jungle have been cleared for palm oil

French environmentalist Aurlien Brul at the gibbon enclosure in the Kalaweit sanctuary he established in Indonesian Borneo. Brul has devoted most of his life to the study and preservation of gibbons, whose faces are framed by a distinctive ring of white fur (inset). Pic: AFP plantations due to surging global demand, one of the main reasons Indonesia is the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China. Indonesia has implemented a two-year moratorium on issuing new logging concessions on peatland and in other highconservation forests. But unsustainable logging continues with concessions still given in forests deemed not to be high-conservation allowing corrupt officials to draw their own map of primary forests that should be protected. Chanee said that he soon realised that if he was to help save gibbons, he would have to expand his work to fight deforestation. In 2003, Kalaweit bought 100 hectares (247 acres) for a reservation. Next month, the organisation will receive a motorised paraglider that will enable staff to photograph illegal logging. But standing up to palm oil giants is a David-and-Goliath fight that is not risk free. In 2009, Chanee and his Indonesian wife, Prada, were attacked by loggers who, while raining blows down on them, told him get lost boule meaning white man in Indonesian. A guard has been stationed outside the house the couple share with their two sons, Enzo, two, and Andrew, eight, ever since. Chanee said he recognised that the risks from his work are real. But its a risk one has to take, because nothing comes from nothing. AFP

Asian market blamed for record elephant, rhino deaths

MANILA China, Vietnam and Thailand are among the worst offenders in fuelling a global black market that is seeing record numbers of elephants and rhinos killed in Africa, environment group WWF said last week. In a report released on July 23 rating countries efforts at stopping the trade in endangered species, WWF said elephant poaching was at crisis levels in central Africa while the survival of rhinos was under grave threat in South Africa. In parts of Asia, rhino horns are highly prized for their use in traditional medicines some believe they can cure cancer while elephants ivory has for centuries been regarded as a precious decoration. Global efforts to stem the trade have been under way for years, but China, Thailand and Vietnam are allowing black markets in various endangered species to flourish by failing to adequately police key areas, said WWF. It said Vietnam was one of the countries of most concern, giving it a worstpossible red score for failing to stem the trade in rhino horns as well as tiger parts. It is time for Vietnam to face the fact that its ille g al c o n sumpti on of rhino horn is driving the widespread poaching of endangered rhinos in Africa, said WWFs global species program manager, Elizabeth McLellan. I t m u s t c rack down on the illegal rhino horn trade. WWF said Vietnam was the top destination for rhino horns illegally imported from South Africa. It described South Africa as the epicentre in an African rhino poaching crisis, despite strong government efforts there that began in 2009 to stop the killings. A record 448 rhinos were poached in South Africa in 2011, and this year could be worse with 262 already killed from January to June, said WWF. The wildlife group accused the Vietnamese government of doing little to stop rhino horns from being imported, describing penalties in Vietnam for buying them as not strong enough to act as a deterrent. It also said Vietnamese diplomats had been arrested or implicated in South Africa for trying to buy rhino horns. WWF said Chinese authorities should be recognised for their strong and effective efforts to stop China has also made genuine efforts to stop the illegal trade of endangered species parts, but elephants ivory remained a big problem because of the huge demand in the worlds most populous country, it said. In Thailand, WWF said the main problem was a unique law that allowed the legal trade in ivory from domesticated elephants. In reality, this was a legal loophole that allowed indistinguishable illegal African ivory to be sold openly in upscale boutiques, it said. The conservation group said there were some bright spots around the world, with India and Nepal receiving a best-possible green score for their efforts to stem the trade in elephants, rhinos and tigers. WWF said significant efforts had been made globally to save tigers after a summit in Russia two years ago that attracted leaders from the 13 countries with wild populations of the endangered animal. Still, it warned more than 200 tiger carcasses were being detected each year on the global black market. With as few as 3200 tigers remaining in the wild, every tiger poaching death is a major concern, it said. AFP

the rhino horn trade within their borders. But it accused China and Thailand of being among the worst culprits in allowing the illegal trade of elephant tusks. Tens of thousands of African elephants are being killed by poachers each

year for their tusks, and China and Thailand are top destinations for illegal African ivory, WWF said. WWF urged China to improve its enforcement procedures and warn Chinese nationals they would face severe penalties if they were caught illegally

importing ivory from Africa. WWF said China banned the use of rhino horn in traditional medicine in 1993, and authorities had followed through with periodic crackdowns that were effective in stopping it being sold in pharmacies.

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produce a cohesive South China Sea policy, a binding set of rules on the handling of disputed claims cannot be enforced. China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the sea, which is believed to hold vast amounts of oil and gas, is one of the regions most important fishing grounds and is home to shipping lanes that are vital to global trade. The Philippines and fellow ASEAN members Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as Taiwan, claim parts of the sea. The rival claims have for decades made the area one of the regions potential military flashpoints, with Vietnam and China engaging in sea conflicts in 1974 and 1988 that left dozens of military personnel dead. Tensions began to escalate again last year with Vietnam and the Philippines accusing China of becoming increasingly aggressive in staking its claims to the sea. In April, Philippine and Chinese vessels became engaged in a tense stand-off at the remote Scarborough Shoal. China last week triggered further anger from around the region when it announced it was planning to build a military garrison on the Paracel Islands. On the diplomatic front, an annual meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers ended in disarray early this month when it failed to agree on a joint statement, a first in its 45-year history, because of divisions over the South China Sea. Meeting host Cambodia was widely seen to have backed China, a close ally. This derailed a campaign by the Philippines for a tough ASEAN position against China. The Brussels-based ICG said in its report that China had worked actively to exploit the divisions in ASEAN by offering preferential treatment to members of the bloc that supported its position in the dispute. A lack of unity among Chinas rival claimants, coupled with the weakness of the regional multilateral framework, has hampered the search for a solution, the report said. All of the trends are in the wrong direction, and prospects of resolutions are diminishing. The report also noted that China and the rival claimants had continued to expand their navies and coast guards amid the dispute, due in part to domestic political pressures and rising nationalism among its citizens. This could lead to an escalation of incidents, including more maritime stand-offs, it said. The ICG said the best way to ease the tensions would be for the rival claimants to agree on ways to share the natural resources on offer in the South China Sea. But it noted that the last effort to do so a joint seismic survey by China, Vietnam and the Philippines broke down in 2008, and the prospects of co-operation in the future were low. AFP

MyanMar tiMes

Conflict possible in South China Sea, warns think-tank

MANILA Tensions over competing claims in the South China Sea could escalate into conflict, with an arms build-up among rival nations raising the temperature, an international think tank warned last week. Prospects of solving the disputes seem to be diminishing after a recent failure by the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations to hammer out a code of conduct aimed at avoiding conflict, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said on July 24. Without a consensus on a resolution mechanism, tensions in the South China Sea can easily spill over into armed conflict, warned Paul Quinn-Judge, the ICGs program director for Asia. As long as ASEAN fails to

Hanoi, Manila condemn garrison move

to parts of the Spratly chain, plans to boost firepower from next month at its base on Taiping, the archipelagos biggest island, Taipeis coastguard said on July 24. Longer-range artillery and mortars are to be added to existing weaponry at the site, in a move that could further stoke tensions in the region. China attracted Hanois ire and sparked a series of rare protests in the Vietnamese capital when it last month designated Sansha as its administrative centre for the Paracels and the Spratly Islands. China and South Vietnam once administered different parts of the Paracels but after a brief conflict in 1974 Beijing took control of all the islands. Vietnam still holds several of the larger Spratlys. Earlier last week, Philippine President Benigno Aquino urged all Filipinos to unite in sending a message to China over a territorial row, insisting his country would not give in to its more powerful neighbour. In his annual state of the nation address to parliament on July 23, Aquino said his government had shown goodwill and forbearance in handling the months-long dispute over competing claims to parts of the South China Sea. I ask for solidarity from our people regarding this issue. Let us speak with one voice. Help me relay to the other side the logic of our stand, Aquino said. If someone entered your yard and told you he owned it, would you agree? Would it be right to give away that which is rightfully ours? Aquino recalled how the row began in April when Chinese government ships blocked Philippine boats from arresting Chinese fishermen in Scarborough Shoal, an outcrop claimed by both countries in the South China Sea. Aquino said the Philippines was looking to find a resolution that was acceptable to all, and made no threats. However, in a separate part of his 90-minute speech, he also stressed he was pushing through with the modernisation of the Philippine military, one of the most poorly equipped in Asia. He said his government had allocated 28 billion pesos (US$67 million) for military modernisation to acquire new hardware and repair old equipment, with new helicopters and a frigate due to arrive next year. And he said the government was

HANOI Vietnam and the Philippines on July 24 criticised Chinas moves to establish a military garrison in the South China Sea, amid escalating tensions in the disputed waters. Hanoi filed a formal protest with Beijing against the plan outlined by China last week to station troops in Sansha in the disputed Paracel Islands, saying it violates international law. Manila, which is involved in a dispute over another archipelago, the Spratly Islands, also weighed into the row, summoning the Chinese ambassador to lodge a complaint against the garrison announcement. An intensifying spat over the South China Sea has seen a barrage of diplomatic moves by countries with competing territorial claims. Taiwan, one of several claimants

Philippines President Benigno Aquino addresses parliament last week. Pic: AFP planning to spend 75 billion pesos on defence during the next five years. AFP

Update puts Beijing flood toll at 77

BEIJING The death toll from the worst rains to hit Beijing in more than 60 years has risen to 77, Chinas official Xinhua news agency said on July 26, more than doubling previous figures. Many residents of Chinas sprawling capital had expressed doubts about the official toll of 37 that Beijing authorities announced late on July 22, believing the real figure to be much higher. The freak downpour on July 21, said to be the heaviest rain since records began in 1951, caused rivers to burst their banks and flood major highways, submerging large numbers of vehicles. In the worst-hit area of Fangshan, on the citys mountainous southwestern outskirts, distraught residents on July 23 reported cars being swept away and said many people were still missing. Many people took to Chinas weibos Twitterlike microblogs to condemn the official response to the disaster in the capital. Some said the number of deaths and scale of destruction could have been lessened if the government had issued better warnings, including by SMS, and modernised Beijings ancient drainage

Trade Mark CauTionarY noTiCe

Notice is hereby given that our client, AKITA, INC. having a principal office at 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, Delaware, 19808, U.S.A. is the owner and the sole proprietor of the following trade mark consists of the word:

CHarTiS
Reg No. 4/6526/2012 To be used in connection with the following:Class 36 - insurance and financial services. being used, proposed to be used the abovementioned mark in any color or combination of colors and claims the exclusive right of trade mark by or on behalf of the Company in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
A night-time image of water surging from the Three Gorges Dam in Chinas Hubei province on July 24 after downpours in the reservoirs catchment caused the highest flood peak of the year. Torrential rain has affected large areas of China in recent weeks. Pic: AFP systems. Authorities ordered state media to stick to stories worthy of praise and tears, while censoring the nations voracious microblogs and threatening arrests. From today onward, we will severely strike at those using the internet to... create and transmit political rumours and attack the (Communist) party, state leaders and the current system, the Beijing Times quoted city police chief Fu Zhenghua as saying on July 24. The threat, reported widely on July 26, did not appear to stifle critical comments. We are again living in the time when the emperor was all powerful, and Chinas leaders are all powerful under heaven, their sanctity cannot be violated, were among the postings on the microblog. Beijing city spokeswoman Wang Hui insisted earlier last week that authorities would not cover up the true number of deaths, acknowledging that the lack of official updates had given rise to public suspicion. City authorities said last week that Beijings mayor Guo Jinlong would step down, after many weibo users called for his resignation. Authorities said the move was unrelated to the floods and that Guo was moving to become Beijings Communist party secretary, a more senior role. AFP

Our abovementioned client has instructed us and wishes us to bring to the notice of the trade and public that they attach singular importance to their abovementioned trade mark and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of the rights of our client. Any inquiry relative thereto may be referred to ourselves being their agent. Soe Win Advocate #0502/ 5, Sakura Tower Ph: 255055/ 255407 For Hilborne, Hawkin & Co. Dated: 30th July, 2012

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Australia slams MPs dumb Beijing speech

SYDNEY The Australian government hit back at criticism of Chinese investment in its economy by opposition leader Tony Abbott, condemning his remarks as dangerously dumb on July 26. Abbott, who is strongly favoured to become Australias next prime minister according to opinion polls, described Chinese business ownership last week as a complicated issue due to the prevalence of state-owned corporations. He said in a speech in Beijing that it was rarely in Australias interest to allow acquisitions by foreign governments, triggering anger from the centre-left Labor government which stressed the importance of China, the countrys top trading partner. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the remarks had put at risk our economic security. What hes been saying over there in China is basically something that would jeopardise Australias economic growth and the strength of our economy, she told ABC radio. Foreign Minister Bob Carr said the comments can only be seen, and will be seen by them I think, as an adversarial approach with China, and I think that is reckless. I think it is really dangerously dumb for this countrys interests, he said. China is Australias number one export market and its top source of imports, with two-way trade worth A$113.7 billion (US$117.5 billion) in 2011, 23.2 percent of Australias total. Carr said Abbott had indicated that he favoured a blanket prohibition on Chinese investment by state-owned companies, which he described as crazy given the potential benefits for Australia of the Asian giants economic boom. Youve got farm communities of Australia that are guaranteed prosperity because Chinese urbanisation is seeing people buy their foodstuff from supermarkets stocked with Australian produce, said Carr. Youve got 5000 mining jobs in Australia directly dependent on Chinese investment, he said. Australia has emerged recessionfree from the global financial crisis, helped by huge Chinese demand for its natural resources, but Chinese takeover moves on industries from telecoms to mining to agriculture have caused unease. Earlier this year Australia excluded Chinese telecoms company Huawei from tendering for broadband contracts, citing national security concerns about critical infrastructure. Several mining takeover bids have failed on similar grounds. AFP

Briefs
Mukherjee sworn in as Indias president
NEW DELHI Former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee called for action to tackle Indias dire poverty as he was sworn in as president on July 25. The presidency is mainly a ceremonial role, but Mukherjee, 76, used his acceptance speech to appeal for India to help the hundreds of millions of poor who have been left behind by recent economic growth. Mukherjee, the official Congress party candidate, was elected president on July 22 after winning 69 percent of the votes cast by national and state lawmakers.

Indian troops help to quell ethnic unrest

GUWAHATI, India Large troop deployments appear to have stemmed an outburst of ethnic violence in northeast India, officials said on July 26, after a week of clashes that left at least 45 people dead. Authorities in the state of Assam were drawing up plans for some 200,000 displaced villagers, who fled their homes for protection in relief camps, to be escorted back under armed guard. Rival gangs from indigenous Bodo tribes and Muslim settlers have fought each other since July 20, in an eruption of anger over long-running land disputes. The situation is returning to normal and we are taking all possible steps to ensure that no fresh outbreak of clashes takes place, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi told AFP. State officials say that about 200,000 people have moved to relief camps, government buildings and schools near their villages to escape the unrest and receive emergency food supplies. We shall review the situation and see if we are able to send back people sheltered in relief camps to their homes under tight security, Hagrama Mohilary, chief of local government body the Bodoland Territorial Council, told AFP by telephone. But some families in the camps, which are protected by soldiers, expressed fears about being attacked by marauding gangs if they return home. We are not going back unless we are sure there is adequate security in and around our villages, said Rahimuddin Ali, whose mother was stabbed to death in the violence. Troops have been on patrol in the west of Assam, under orders to shoot-onsight at mobs breaking curfew restrictions. At least 3000 extra soldiers and paramilitary personnel have been rushed to the region. A statement from the state government on the morning of July 26 put the death toll at 41 and four more bodies were discovered on roadsides later in the day. Some reports said the outbreak of violence was triggered when two Muslim student leaders were shot and badly injured, leading to revenge attacks on Bodo groups. AFP

Boat people record set in Australia

SYDNEY The number of boatpeople coming to Australia has already exceeded the previous annual record despite scores of deaths at sea, the government said on July 25. The Department of Immigration said 92 boats carrying 6557 asylumseekers, excluding crew, had landed in Australian waters in 2012. The previous record was 6555 for the 2010 calendar year. An estimated 94 people drowned en-route in June after two boats sank in waters off Indonesia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and a woman named by state television on July 25 as his wife, Ri Sol-Ju. The announcement ended speculation about the identify of a woman seen with Kim at recent public events, including in this image released by North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency on July 9. Meanwhile, in a report released on July 25, the International Crisis Group said Kim faced no threat to his rule despite the sacking of his military chief earlier this month. However, the Brussels-based think-tank said Kim showed no sign of seeking economic reforms or reducing regional friction. Pic: AFP/KCNA via KNS

China charges fallen leaders wife with murdering Briton

BEIJING The wife of Bo Xilai, the former political leader whose downfall sent shockwaves through China, has been charged with murdering a British businessman, state-run news agency Xinhua said on July 26. Gu Kailai, a former international lawyer whose husband was one of Chinas most promising political leaders until his dramatic fall from grace this year, will face trial for intentional homicide, Xinhua reported in a brief dispatch. Zhang Xiaojun, previously described as an orderly who worked for the highflying couple, will also be prosecuted on the same charge, it said, citing authorities. Xinhua said there was irrefutable and substantial evidence that the pair had poisoned Neil Heywood, a British businessman who had commercial dealings with Bo and his wife. Little is known about the nature of Heywoods relationship with the couples son, Bo Guagua, although he is reported to have helped secure a place for him at Harrow, the exclusive British school that Heywood himself attended. The younger Bo recently graduated from Harvard. Heywoods death in a Chinese hotel room last November was initially blamed on excessive alcohol consumption. Gu and Zhang will be tried at a court in the eastern Chinese city of Hefei on a day to be decided, Xinhua said. If convicted, Gu faces the death penalty, although this is often commuted in the case of high-profile defendants. The scandal, which came to light in February, has sent shockwaves through the highest echelons of power in China and led to Bo being sacked from his post as Communist Party leader of the megacity of Chongqing. Analysts say it has exposed deep divisions within the Communist Party ahead of a crucial, once-in-a-decade leadership transition due to take place at a party congress this autumn. Li Datong, a former editor at the state-run China Youth Daily who was removed for reporting on sensitive issues, said Chinas leaders would be keen to settle the case before then. The whole thing should be handled before the 18th Party Congress. Everything has to be resolved Bo Xilai, Gu Kailai, everything, he said. They cannot leave this problem for the next leadership. It has to be handled now. Li said the case had only been exposed because Wang Lijun, a senior official in Chongqing, had gone to a US consulate in southern China to express his suspicions about Bo and his family. Bo, the son of a revered Communist revolutionary, had earned a national profile with a draconian crackdown on criminal elements in Chongqing and a red revival campaign marked by the mass singing of old Maoist-era songs. Many analysts saw the moves as a bid for entry to Chinas inner circle. But the rapid unravelling of his fortunes has exposed a harsh factional reaction against the charismatic and ambitious leader, and the affair has been seen as a huge embarrassment for the party. AFP

Court grants bail to Arroyo

MANILA A Philippine court on July 25 granted former president Gloria Arroyo bail, saying the charge of vote fraud for which she has been detained for eight months is weak. Arroyo, 65, was released from the military hospital where she had been detained after posting bail of one million pesos (US$23,800). Arroyo has been charged with electoral sabotage, a crime punishable with life in jail, for allegedly conspiring with a feared political warlord to rig the 2007 senatorial elections.

Colombo sets probe timetable

COLOMBO Sri Lanka on July 26 published a roadmap for investigating allegations that elements of the military were responsible for civilian deaths during its final battle with Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009. The plan, which sets timetables for probing the charges and punishing those found guilty of excesses, follows EU and US pressure for Colombo to implement recommendations of a national commission that studied the last stages of the Tamil conflict. In its report made public last December, the governmentappointed Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) had noted considerable civilian casualties and the fact that army shells had fallen on civilian hospitals. While concluding there was no military policy of deliberately targeting civilians, the commission urged the government to investigate certain incidents that might point to wrongful conduct. The roadmap published last week commits the security forces to complete ongoing disciplinary investigations within 12 months and ensure that any resulting criminal charges are filed in court within another four years. AFP

Prosecutors charge presidents brother

SEOUL South Korean prosecutors said on July 26 they have brought graft charges against the brother of President Lee Myung-Bak. They said Lee SangDeuk, 76, would stand trial on charges of taking 600 million won (US$523,000) from two troubled savings banks and 157 million won from a textile company. It is the first time in South Koreas history that a brother of an incumbent president has been arrested. AFP

Time out
By Nyein Ei Ei Htwe THE Bogyoke Aung San Film Executive Board on July 25 announced the actors who have been chosen to play the lead roles in an upcoming biopic about Bogyoke Aung San. Mg Kyauk Khae and Mg Kyaw Kyaw Myo were named for the role of Aung San, while Ma Zarchi Lin and Ma Thin Myat Thandar Hlaing were picked to play his wife, Daw Khin Kyi. The four actors were chosen from 11 finalists, who had been whittled down from more than 300 applicants. Two actors were picked for each role in the event that one is unable to meet the boards expectations or to complete the film for any reason. The rigorous audition period, during which candidates were repeatedly vetted by members of the film board, started in March. The final decision was made after the 11 finalists met the films producer, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, at her house on July 20. Mg Kyauk Khae, 33, said he faced many difficulties during the application and audition period, but he was now ready to tackle the role of Aung San. I left my wife and family in Mandalay to come to Yangon to audition for the film, and I havent earned any money for my family in that time. I met the board members for the first time before Thingyan [in April], and I havent been back home since, he told The Myanmar Times. He said he has been staying at a monastery in Yangon, earning his keep by driving a car to take monks around the city. I have no income, but I am close to the Dhamma [teachings of the Buddha] and I always find time to meditate, he said. Mg Kyauk Khae said he did not feel shaken when he met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and was able to deliver a good performance. In front of Daw Suu Kyi, I didnt feel pressure and I was able to deliver Aung Sans speeches in both Myanmar and English. When I left her house, I felt relaxed and satisfied that I had done well, he said.

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Lead actors for Aung San film announced

favourite of Daw Khin Kyi. I sang one verse and I think I did it well. Ma Thin Myat Thandar Hlaing added that although she felt very tired from the audition process, she was ready to start the training period. U Zaganar, a member of Bogyoke Aung San Film Executive Board, told The Myanmar Times that the finalists could still lose their places if they failed to live up to the boards expectations during the training period. We chose two actors for each role so we could substitute one for another if necessary, he said. He added that many established actors had expressed interesting in playing roles in the Aung San biopic, but the board preferred new faces. Inexperienced actors might have weaknesses, but they can be trained the way we like according to the script, he said. U Zaganar said the writers were expected to have a draft of the script ready by August 18. We will start training the selected actors according to the script. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has also asked the BBC for recordings of Aung Sans speeches and copies of his pictures, which will provide more details to help guide the training, he said. He added that the length of the training period will depend on how quickly and competently the actors can learn their parts. U Zaganar said about 65 percent of the film will be shot at studios in Europe, including in Germany and England, as well as in countries that Aung San visited, such as Malaysia and Thailand. The remaining 35 percent will be shot in Myanmar, mostly in Bago Region where a local businessman has donated 100 acres as a location for the film. We have been offered support from international studios that can provide whatever props we need. For example, if we want shoes from 1935, we can get them in minutes. So we can shoot indoor scenes at the studios, and we can shoot outdoor scenes, like battles that took place in the country, in Bago Region, U Zaganar said.

One of the finalists (left) for a lead role in an upcoming biopic about Bogyoke Aung San auditions in front of members of the Bogyoke Aung San Film Executive Board at the house of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon on July 20. Pic: Supplied And July 24 was my 33rd birthday, so I hoped my birthday present from the board members would be the good news that I had been picked for the role. He said that while dabbling in art and painting in the past, he noticed that he bore a resemblance to Aung San. This led him to read several books on his life before he even knew a film was being planned. I love our Bogyoke, and I had decided that even if I wasnt picked for the lead role I would volunteer as an extra or even to sweep the sets. But now that Ive been selected, Ill do my best to show the strong mind and great character of Aung San to the people, especially to the young generation, because I want to be a dutiful citizen, he said. The second actor to be chosen for the Aung San role, Mg Kyaw Kyaw Myo, is currently busy with his obligations as a player for the Myanmar National Leagues KBZ Football Club, but he said he was happy to hear he had been selected. As soon as I heard the news from the film board, I was so happy I jumped up and down. But for now I need for focus on my work for KBZ Football Club. The season ends before September, and Ill be able to train for the film and satisfy both the club and the film board, he said. Mg Kyaw Kyaw Myo said he never realised he bore a resemblance to Aung San until his friends urged him to apply for the film role. Also, when my KBZ Football Club played Vietnam, MRTV shot a closeup of each of us on the team as we sang the national anthem before the match. The next day I got calls from many people, including journalists, who urged me to apply for the role, he said. He said he felt a little afraid to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, even though she did not ask many questions. I did my best at the audition, and I tried very hard to speak English well because its difficult to duplicate the tone of Aung Sans speeches, he said. I also tried to forget my stress so it wouldnt cause me to make mistakes. I just need to do my best to help my football club become a championship team, and also to be a great actor in the Aung San film. Ma Thin Myat Thandar Hlaing said she was extremely excited to be picked to play the role of Daw Khin Kyi. I dont really look like Daw Khin Kyi so my friends tried to discourage me from applying for the role, which made me feel sad. But the first time I met the board members, they chose me to advance to the next level, she said. This gave me confidence to focus on doing well in playing Daw Khin Kyi, so I started copying her mannerisms in everything I did, including speaking, reading and reading, and I also focused on staying calm like she did, Ma Thin Myat Thandar Hlaing said. She also read Zayyas book Maha Siri Sudhama Daw Khin Kyi and started meditating to develop a calm demeanour. The final meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi wasnt very difficult, but all the finalists were very excited, she said. When it was my turn, she asked me to sing a song. I chose Sein Chuu Kyar Nyung, which I had read was a

Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi starts Daw Suu Kyi documentary

By Nuam Bawi DIRECTOR Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi started filming a featurelength documentary about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on July 21, at the National League for Democracy leaders residence in Yangon. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi said his main inspiration for making the film was his desire to support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Daw Suu Kyi is not only an icon for her pursuit of democracy and human rights in Myanmar, but also shes an icon around the world, he said. There are three people from Myanmar who are known around the world: Bogyoke Aung San, [former UN secretary general] U Thant and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Of these, our generation only has access to Daw Suu Kyi, so Id like to support her as much as I can, he said. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi said he has been trying since 2010 to get permission to make the documentary. When I first met Daw Suu Kyi the month after she was freed from house arrested on November 13, 2010, I gave her a copy of my documentary The Floating Tomatoes. I told her then that I wanted to make a documentary about her life. She agreed, but asked me to wait awhile, he said. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi was an invited guest at the 21 st International Poetry Festival of Medellin in Colombia, where he read his own work as well as a poem written by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. He said that after he returned from the South American festival, he met with Daw Suu Kyi again, at which point she finally gave her consent for the documentary to be made. Because of her busy schedule preparing for the election, we werent able to start for a year, but on July 21 she come back to Yangon from the parliamentary session in Nay Pyi Taw for Martyrs Day, and we were able to film for one hour, Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi said. He added that he thought the documentary would take about two years to complete. Daw Suu Kyi has a busy schedule so she cant give me the time I want. And then Ill need about six months for postproduction, so I guess the film can be screened in 2014. It all depends on how much time she can give for the film, he said. He said the biggest challenge in making the film will be producing a documentary that can stand up to both domestic and international scrutiny. Such a project will be acknowledged by people all around the world, so this is a big challenge for me, he said. I know I need to take big responsibility for this film. Daw Suu Kyi is one of the worlds biggest icons, so if I cant do it properly I will open myself to criticism by people who see the film. There can also be criticism from international audiences about the technical aspects of the documentary. But Im willing to take that risk, Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi said. He said the film would probably be about 90 minutes long and would be divided into nine sections, but it was too early to talk about creative details or how the film might be distributed. Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi entered the Myanmar movie industry in 2003 with the film Maung Yar Zar Nay Win (Clone) and has made five more feature-length films since then. In 2006 he made the short documentary Human Zoo, about ethnic Padaung living in Namb Swe village in Thailand. His second documentary, The Floating Tomatoes (2010), which explores agriculture on Inle Lake, has won several awards at international film festivals.

Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi (right) and his crew shoot footage for a documentary at Daw Aung San Suu Kyis residence in Yangon on July 21. Pic: Myo Myint Swe

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In memory of Taw Paya Galay, a prince of a man

By Ma Thanegi ACTUALLY, he was a real prince. On July 30 the last surviving grandson of the last king of Myanmar would have been 86 years old. He passed away in 2006. It was a tradition for Asian kings to have many queens ranging from chief, to middle and even to lesser rank. But Myanmars last monarch, King Thibaw, had only one true queen, Supayalat, although for political reasons he was also married to her two sisters. King Thibaw and Queen Supayalat were sweethearts since they were 18 and 17 years old respectively, and 20 and 19 when Thibaw ascended the throne in 1878. In 1885, the British colonised the whole of Myanmar and the king, queen and two small daughters were exiled to Ratnagiri on the west coast of India. The queen was heavily pregnant at the time and gave birth to the third daughter in Madras, a few months after their arrival in India. The fourth daughter, a princess most like her mother with her strong personality, was born in Ratnagiri in 1887 and was married to Ko Ko Naing. They had a good marriage, with six children: four boys and two girls born in Myanmar, for Queen Supayalat and her two youngest daughters returned to their country after the king passed away in 1915. Queen Supayalat lived out her life in Yangon but the feisty fourth daughter and her husband were exiled to Mawlamyine in 1932 after some years in Mandalay, for writing a manifesto demanding that the British return the royal gems and jewellery taken on the annexation of the country. Her words were so forceful that she was referred to as the Rebel Princess. Born in 1926, Taw Paya Galay, or Taw Taw as he was affectionately called by young and old, was the princesss fifth child and fourth son. He later took as his name U Thant Zin although royal family members did not use the U and Daw prefixes. He and his siblings were under the supervision of the British government and could not travel freely. It was the British government that decided where the royal offspring went to school, and all six were sent to Catholic missionary schools where Taw Paya Galay was called Prince Frederick. He attended St Patrick in Mawlamyine and later St Paul in Yangon. Facing the wrath of teachers and the risk of expulsion, he insisted on wearing the Burmese longyi at St Paul instead of the Western school uniform; luckily the principal was more understanding. Taw Paya Galay later left St Paul to attend the famous national school Myoma Kyaung in Yangon. By the time he was in his late teens, he became even more political and went beyond the nationalistic views of his brothers to study the ideologies of the day. Taw Paya Galays three brothers were well known and much admired for their efforts to foster sports and culture through youth clubs during the Japanese occupation during World War II. The oldest brother, Taw Paya Gyi, was mistaken for a police officer and killed during an ambush by insurgents. Another brother joined the Burma Independence Army but insisted on serving among the rank and file rather than enlisting in the officer training program as his college friends had done. In those times fascism was on the rise and the opposing ideology was communism. Workers around the world were not yet protected by laws and strong unions, and as with most of the patriotic figures of his time Taw Paya Galay was a leftist. This affiliation earned him a nickname: the Red Prince. However, he was neither a member of the communist party nor a fanatic. The strongest belief he held during his life was that being of royal blood did not give him the right to be conceited or arrogant; rather, it gave him the responsibility of serving the people in any way he could. Taw Paya Galay and his brothers actively supported T h a k i n Ko d a w H m a i n g , the revered father of nationalism. Taw Paya Galay became an active member of the underground resistance before and during WWII, first against the British and then the Japanese. In 1945 he married Ma Khin May, a very pretty niece of a family friend. Taw Paya Galay was only 19 and Ma Khin May 18. Their only daughter Dewi was born in 1947. After independence Taw Paya Galay formed a company called Thibaw Commercial

Tale of young loafers gets OK

By Lwin Mar Htun AFTER spending four years in limbo, a feature-length movie about youth culture in Yangon has finally been given the green light by censors, and the films director hopes to see it screened on MRTV-4 in the near future. Yangon Myo Hma Kyo So Par Ei (Welcome to Yangon) was directed by Michelle Anne Latt in 2008, but the Myanmar Censorship Board under the Ministry of Information rejected nearly half the scenes. The movie was shot with 45 scenes and at that time the censors cut 20 of them. They told me to re-shoot the whole thing. I was very upset when I heard the news, Michelle Anne Latt said. But then last month I was very surprised when the censors said I could screen the movie without making any changes to the original. She said the film shows the lifestyles of young people in Yangon, including where they go, what they do, what they wear and what their relationships are like. In the movie, girls are drinking beer, smoking and so on, but their parents dont know that theyre doing these things. I want the movie to give the message that parents should pay attention to their children, and that they should be more open-minded and friendly in their relations with their kids, she said. At one hour and 20 minutes long, Welcome to Yangon is Michelle Anne Latts first feature-length film, but she has directed a number of music videos and television advertisements. This movie has some similarities to music videos in the sense that there is less dialogue than most movies. And even though it was made four years ago, I think it still reflects the lives of young people in Yangon, she said, adding that it was filmed onlocation in bars, at concerts and on the streets of the city. She said she used her own money to fund the movie, an effort that was boosted by the fact that most of the cast donated their acting efforts, including models A Bawk and Jenny, and musicians Snare, Kyar Pauk and Michelle Anne Latts own brother J-Me. The musicians also contributed their songs to the soundtrack. Although the film has been approved by the governments censorship board, Michelle Anne Latt is still waiting to see if any scenes will be cut by MRTV-4, which has its own system of censorship. Well have to wait and see what they do before the movie is screened on television, she said.

Taw Paya Galay. Pic: Supplied Syndicate, one of the few at the time that were truly owned by the Myanmar, for most companies were owned by Indian entrepreneurs with Myanmar citizens as a front. By the late 1950s TCS Ltd was exporting lacquer sap to Japan and imperial Jade to Hong Kong, with branch offices in each of those places. Taw Paya Galay often flew to Tokyo and Hong Kong to oversee sales, and by the early 1960s his business was booming, with export contracts in rice worth K30 million. But in early 1962 General Ne Win took power in Myanmar in a coup dtat, and Taw Pa y a G a l a y s c o m p a n y, along with all others, was nationalised. At that time there were many peace or friendship associations, one of which was the Chinese-Myanmar Friendship Club. Taw Paya Galay was a member, and he was also part of the World Peace Council. The president of the Chinese-Myanmar Friendship Club was arrested in 1966, just before riots broke out against the Chinese community. Taw Paya Galay went underground for nearly two years until he was caught and sent to Insein Prison, where he remained until 1970. Taw Paya Galays wife and daughter were left in dire financial circumstances, and although he had many friends in high positions, he strictly forbade his wife from asking them for help in securing his release from prison. Ei g h t e e n y e a rs l a t e r, during the countrywide uprising against the socialist regime and the poverty it had created, Taw Paya Galay became a patron of a powerful political assembly known A Myo Thar Naing Ngan Yay Tat Paung Su, or Ma Na Ta for short As a result he was sent back to Insein Prison in 1989 at the age of 63, and was released in 1992. A great number of students were also jailed for political activities during this time. In the bare reality of life behind bars, the students got to know this man who lived his life without pretensions, arrogance or conceit, a man of strong commitment to his principles and with a sense of humour that made light of prison. They found their Taw Taw to be a prince of a man, as do all who knew him and continue to love and admire him.

Singer Daw Mar Mar Aye releases memoir of divorce

By Nyein Ei Ei Htwe FORMER singer Daw Mar Mar Aye marked her 70th birthday on July 25 by releasing a Myanmar-language memoir originally published as a serial in a local magazine starting in 1990. Yin Phwint Kyae Par Tha Nge Chin (Dear Friend, Look Deeply into My Heart) originally appeared in 20 parts in Mahaythi monthly magazine. The stories were based on a diary the author started keeping in 1970 after her divorce was announced in local newspapers. Daw Mar Mar Aye has lived in the United States since 1998 and plans to return to Myanmar at the end of the year for a visit. In the meantime, a video of the author talking about her book was presented at the launch ceremony at Central Hotel in Yangon on July 25. The diary was originally dedicated to my dearest son and daughter because I wanted them to know what happened between my husband their father and me. But in November 1972 I stopped writing because I didnt want them to know the depth of my feelings, Daw Mar Mar Aye said in the video. Then I thought that if I wrote for my friends instead of my children, I could write more openly. So I continued writing my story under the title Tha Nge Chin Thot (To My Friends), she said. By the time she had finished her account, the story took up 12 handwritten diaries of 120 pages each. A friend convinced her to publish the story, and an announcement about the publication even appeared in a local newspaper on June 30, 1973. But for reasons that Daw Mar Mar Aye did not explain, the book was never released. It wasnt until January 1990 that the diary, now edited by the author for readability, started appearing in serial form in Mahaythi magazine and continued for 20 months. I lost some papers when I moved to America, but I tried to collect them all for publication of the memoir. The book ends on page 258 when I return to my parents house [following the divorce], she said, adding that if readers respond positively to the book she would try to continue writing. The book starts with Daw Mar Mar Ayes first days of school and tells about how she met her first boyfriend, and how they subsequently parted ways. According to the memoirs account, she married her second boyfriend at the early age of 16. Although the marriage was happy at first, after their two children were born, her husband started casting doubts and causing problems. Daw Mar Mar Aye said she kept quiet at first and did not tell others about her marital problems, but the situation became worse as her fame as a singer grew and as her husband started blaming her for traveling too much for her career. Daw Mar Mar Aye later worked at Myanmar Radio and Televisions broadcasting department, a job from which her husband tried to force her to resign. They finally divorced, the account of which will come as a relief to most readers following the harrowing details of the marriages degeneration. The books publisher, U Thein Lwin, said he did not have any problems releasing the memoir, but he did need to ask for permission from Daw Mar Mar Aye as well as from her daughter who lives in Yangon. I want let her fans know not only that she can sing very well, but also that she can write perfectly. I was a student of her singing course in the past and I appreciated all of her singing talent. And I knew that her story was published in a magazine, so I wanted to launch it as a book, U Thein Lwin said. He added that he would like to publish another book by Daw Mar Mar Aye after she returns to Myanmar in December. Yin Phwint Kyae Par Tha Nge Chin is available for K3000 at bookstores throughout Yangon.

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Guerilla playlists for Indonesian primates

By Loic Vennin PALANGKARAYA, Indonesia W i t h J u s t i n B i e b e r, Rihanna and Katy Perry on heavy rotation, there seems at first little to d i s t i n g u i s h I n d o n e s i a s Radio Kalaweit from any other pop station. But in the breaks between the teen ballads and angstrock from the likes of Linkin Park come darker messages that subvert those first impressions, bringing the issue of animal rights squarely into focus. In one message sounds of gunfire are punctuated by gibbon cries and a voice that says darkly: For one b a b y, f i v e g i b b o n s a r e killed. God did not create wild animals to serve as garden decorations, insists another jingle, between a piece of K-pop and the latest David Guetta tune. We know that if we just preached directly about animal rights, listeners would flee, said Aurelien Brule, a French national who founded Radio Kalaweit in 2003 and now goes by the name of Chanee, which means gibbon in Thai. Since he was 18 Chanee, now 32, has lived in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, where he has worked to protect endangered gibbons whose ranks have been decimated by rampant deforestation. He said he fell in love with the primates after seeing them in a zoo as a child and was moved by their sadness at being separated from parents or partners. I wondered how we could get our message across to young people, said Chanee. The idea behind t h e st a t ion wa s t o u se entertainment to educate and raise awareness of animal issues without beating listeners over the head about the plight of endangered species, he said. It has paid off, with ratings surging. Since 2003, we have been number one, said Willius Tinus, musical director and station organiser. Music is as important as the message. If you create a radio station that only talks about the environment, we know we will have no listeners, he said. Now many gibbons are discovered after tip-offs from listeners. Rescued primates are housed in a sanctuary, where Chanee and his team attempt to pair them up. Gibbons cannot be returned alone to the wild because they would be killed by pairs protecting their own territory. But rampant deforestation has wiped out empty forest sites suitable for single gibbons. Large tracts of Indonesias jungle have been cleared for palm oil plantations due to surging global demand, one of the main reasons Indonesia is the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases behind the US and China. I n d o n e s i a h a s implemented a two-year moratorium on issuing new logging concessions on peatland and in other high-conservation forests. But unsustainable logging continues within companies existing concessions. Aw a r e n e s s i s n o t a l l the radio station strives for. Kalaweit meaning gibbon in the local dialect is also about what it sees as justice in shaming those who disregard laws against keeping gibbons as pets. We b r o a d c a s t t h e names of anyone found to be holding a gibbon in a cage, even if it turns out to [be someone] as high ranking as the police chief or governor. Most times you get the animal two to three months later, Chanee explained. The kalaweit sanctuary is home to more than 130 gibbons and also other animals including birds and crocodiles. More than 60 percent of the animals who have been freed and now live there came as a result of people who listened to the radio, Chanee said. But to publicly pillory powerful Indonesian bureaucrats carries high risks. In 2006, police raided the stations office in a modest neighbourhood of Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province. They wanted to confiscate the transmitter, recalled Chanee. But the DJs locked themselves in the building and they broadcast the raid on air. Five, then 10, and then 15 villagers arrived and the situation was defused. As he speaks, FrenchIndonesian singer Anggun, who recently represented F r a n c e a t t h i s y e a r s Eurovision Song Contest in Azerbaijan, can be heard imploring on the airwaves: Gibbons are not pets. With the help of what he calls sexy packaging, Chanee said Radio Kalaweit targets the 15 to 22 age group an age when it is not yet too late to change attitudes. Broadcasting over the Palangkaraya area, the stations audience varies from 10,000 to 15,000 listeners a day and commercial advertising ensures it is self-financing, according to Chanee. Kalaweit? Its cool, said Rabyatul Adawiyah who goes by the name Zebi, a 17-year-old schoolgirl who comes from time to time after school to do some volunteer work in the tiny, barely air-conditioned station. Many people at school listen to it, she said, adding: Even if its the music that gets your attention, the environmental message is not far behind. AFP

Details of Myanmar artist Aung Kos The Sights Viewed from Boats on display at the Riverscapes in Flux exhibition in Bangkok on July 21. Pic: Douglas Long

Transformed riverscapes inspire SE Asian artists

By Khin Su Wai WHEN the organisers of the Southeast Asia Press Alliance journalism fellowship gave us the choice earlier this month between spending a day taking a tour with the UN Environment Program or visiting an art exhibition titled Riverscapes in Flux, I did not hesitate to choose the latter. It was definitely my passion for the arts that led me to go there, boosted by the fact that the theme of the exhibition was the river landscapes of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Ayeyarwady and Chao Phraya. The exhibition, coordinated by the Goethe Institute Hanoi, brings together six curators and 17 artists from Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and the Philippines. The show opened in Hanoi from April 12 to 29, then moved to Ho Chi Min City from May 12 to 26. I caught it during its tenure in Bangkok from June 22 to July 22, and from there it will move to Phnom Penh, Jakarta and Manila. The artists used installations, photographs, video and sound pieces to tackle the subject of ecological and cultural changes to major river landscapes in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia is characterised by major river landscapes like no other region in the world, according to the exhibition website (blog.goethe.de/ riverscapes/). They are lifelines and transport routes, economic roads and vital ecosystems. The waterways secure food production and energy supply not only for the local population but often for the vast region. The resulting artworks are varied as the problems faced by the people along their respective rivers, the website continued. I was very interested to see how Southeast Asian artists would approach these issues. We were lucky to enjoy a tour of the exhibition with Mr Apisak Sonjod, director of Tandu Contemporary Art Gallery in Bangkok, who explained the meaning behind some of the artwork. Sometimes I understood, and other times it all seemed a bit over my head. Among the more visually striking pieces was The Sights Viewed from Boats by Aung Ko from Myanmar, which consisted of three large boats hanging from the ceiling made from canvas and bearing painted designs, while on the floor sat a collection of small wooden boats decorated by children from the artists native village along the Ayeyarwady River. The piece Rising Tonle Sap, a series of photographs by Lim Sokchanlina that explored how the concept of climate change is understood by people living along Tonle Sap River in Cambodia, set off a debate among me and my fellow journalists about whether the ice blocks pictured floating in muddy waterways were real or were the result of digital enhancement of the images. I had mixed feelings about some of the multimedia installations. With their piece Loi Krathong, Anothai Nitibhon and Jean David Ciallouet set out to explore changing attitudes towards the Chao Phraya River in Thailand. They created an eerie, dimly lit environment with toilet fixtures and strange sounds, which admittedly I had trouble appreciating. But Sutthirat Supaparinyas video installation My Grandpas Route Has Been Forever Blocked brought a smile to my face, as it explored her grandparents changing relationship with Thailands Ping River, whose course has been obstructed by the Bhumibol dam. Jedsada Tangtrakulwong, meanwhile, used traditional fishing tools and sound to explore changing ways of life and the fading of traditional culture along the Chi River in northeastern Thailand. Although there was plenty to see at the exhibition, I didnt get tired of looking at the artwork. The show made me think about commerce, transport, livelihoods and ecology along the rivers of Southeast Asia, and how these waterways can flow across borders just as good artists can create works that break down barriers and increase understanding between cultures. Riverscapes in Flux will visit Phnom Penh from October 5 to 28; Jakarta from December 13 to January 23, 2013; and Manila from March 2 to 24, 2013. This article was written under the SEAPA Annual Journalism Fellowship 2012 Program.

Springsteen fought depression: report

NEW YORK A history of depression lies behind Bruce Springsteens manic, high-energy concert performances, the singer told The New Yorker in an interview. The intense rock star, who typically puts on three- or four-hour non-stop shows, was quoted saying that at one point he was driven by pure fear and self-loathing and self-hatred. My issues werent as obvious as drugs, the famously health-conscious and abstemious Springsteen said in the latest issue of The New Yorker. Mine were different, they were quieter. A biographer and friend, Dave Marsh, told The New Yorker that Springsteen felt suicidal in 1982 as fame swept over him. He was on a rocket ride, from nothing to something, and now you are getting your ass kissed day and night. You might start to have some inner conflicts about your real self-worth. Troubled by memories of a difficult relationship with his father, Springsteen started seeing a psychotherapist in 1982, the magazine reported. AFP

soCialite
July 30 - August 5, 2012
City Mart Mother Day Donation Bogyoke Aung San Market Waso Robe Offering Ceremony Acer Lucky Draw Awards Ceremony
the

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Daw Than Than Aye

U Min Min and Daw Win Win Tint

U Soe Win

Ko Thura Aung and Ko Zaw Min Htay

U Soe Win Aung and U Zaw Min Aung

Ko Aung Thura

Daw Win Win Tint

U San Naing

U Tun Lin

U Ohn

U Ngwe

Ko Aung Thura, Ma Lwin Zaw May Maw, Ma Nyein Nyein, Ma Nway Nway, Ma The Su and Ko Si Thu

Sony Broadcast and Professional Products Launch

Mr Katsuhiro Masaoko, Mr Masahiro(Matt) Soga, Mr Norihisa Mizuno and Mr Ryuji Kato

Ko Wunna Kyaw

Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi

Mr Chris Grey and Mr Kozo Tetsuya

Mr Chris Grey and Mr Kelvin Tan

U Aung Ko Latt

Dr Win Min Thit, U Wai Lwin and Ma Khine Thit Lwin

Tourism Networking Event 2012

UMG 14th Anniversary

Mr Phonthept

Mr Adimax

U Kyaw Thu

Tina, Mee Mee, Kyaw Ko, Thin Yee and Hnin Ei

Ma Su Su Khaing and Ma May Thu Zaw Ma Nay Chi, Ko Kaung Htet and Ma Myint

Mr Kiwi and Daw Marlar Win Ko Kyaw Kyaw Htoo, Treza, Ma Mon and Ko Steven

Me N Ma Girls

Ko Kyaw Kyaw Htoo, Ma Mon, Ko Kyaw Zaya Tin and Ko Wai Lin Aung

Ma Thuzar Lwin and Ma YaMon Phoo

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July 30 - August 5, 2012
Myanmar Thiha Travel & Tour Company Opening Win and San Pwint Aung Myin Company Car Showroom Opening

MyanMar tiMes

SOCIALITE
WITH NYEIN EI EI HTWE
U Tint Oo

SOCIALITE launched her week by attending the Sony Broadcast and Professional Products launch event at the Strand Hotel on July 17. The next day she made her way to MDG Companys Euro 2012 lucky draw prize ceremony, and on July 19 she dropped by the Myanmar Thiha Travels and Tours opening at Ocean Super Centre. On the following day, Socialite went to the Acer lucky draw program at City Star Hotel, followed by the opening of the Blanco menswear shop in Kandawlay township. On July 21 Socialite joined new shopkeepers at Bogyoke Market as they held a ceremony to donate robes to monks for Waso. Other festivities on that day included the 14th anniversary party for UMG at Sedona Hotel, and the Mother Day donation ceremony at City Marts head office.

Ko Zaw Paing, Ma Mee Mee and Ko Thaung Naing Soe U Aye Saung, U Kyaw Min Oo, U Min Thein and U Kyaw Kyaw Myint

U Aye Lwin

Ma Wut Yee Khine, Ma Cho Thar Min Oo, Ko Chan Myae Aung and Ma Chan Kywe Kywe

Ko Maung, Ko Zaw Paing, Ko Thaung Naing Soe, Ko Thar Min Tun and Ko Aung Thura Tun

MDG Euro 2012 Prize Ceremony

U Zaw Lwin

Ma Thandar and Gold Roast staff

Ko Ronald

Blanco Fashion Shop Opening

Ko Aung Lwin, Ma Cho Nge and May Thazin Lwin

Ko Zaw Lin, Ko Nyan Lin Aung and Ko Htoo Ye Latt

tRavel
DOMESTIC FLIGHT SCHEDULES
Days Flight Dep Arr Days Flight Dep Arr
WED W9 009 W9 109 AW 892 K7 223 W9 021 6T 802 AW 792 YH 738 YJ 752 AW 752 K7 623 THUR W9 009 W9 109 AW 892 AW 902 YH 812 YJ 202 W9 021 AW 202 K7 223 YH 730 K7 227 K7 623 6T 802 FRI W9 009 AW 892 YH 918 YJ 752 K7 223 W9 251 AW 212 YH 731 6T 802 W9 232 08:35 16:35 08:35 08:55 14:10 16:40 16:40 17:10 17:50 17:50 18:35 08:35 16:35 08:35 08:50 13:10 16:00 14:10 16:00 08:55 17:15 10:50 18:35 17:25 10:30 18:10 10:30 11:00 15:10 18:05 18:45 18:35 19:15 19:15 20:05 10:30 18:10 10:30 10:15 14:35 17:25 15:10 17:25 11:00 18:45 12:15 20:05 18:50 10:30 10:30 10:45 19:15 11:00 15:00 17:55 19:25 18:05 19:00 19:15 19:10 20:05 10:30 10:30 11:10 18:10 12:15 14:35 17:35 18:50 18:05 11:00 12:50 20:05 18:45 10:30 10:00 10:30 11:10 18:10 11:00 12:50 20:05 12:45 14:35 18:05 17:25 18:35 17:10 07:35 07:35 07:50 08:05 07:35 07:50 17:10 07:35 07:35 07:35 07:50 08:05 07:35 07:50 07:35 17:05 07:35 07:50 07:50 08:05 07:35 17:10 07:35 17:10 07:35 07:50 07:50 08:05 07:35 07:50 07:35 17:10 07:35 07:50 08:05 07:35 07:50

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www.mmtimes.com/2012/flight/flight.pdf

Days Flight Dep Arr

SAT AW 891 W9 109 6T 403 W9 009 6T 401 YH 917 YJ 891 6T 801 K7 222 06:15 14:30 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:15 10:30 06:30 06:00 06:15 06:15 14:30 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:30 08:40 17:50 07:50 17:25 18:05 16:45 17:20 07:50 17:20 17:25 18:05 08:40 07:50 17:20 17:25 17:55 18:05 07:50 17:20 17:55 18:05 08:40 07:50 17:25 17:55 18:05 08:45 07:50 17:20 17:55 18:05 07:50 17:20 18:25 18:05 07:35 17:10 08:30 07:35 07:50 08:05 07:35 11:50 07:50 07:20 07:35 07:35 17:15 07:35 07:50 08:05 07:50 11:45 19:10 10:30 18:45 19:25 18:05 18:40 10:30 18:10 18:45 19:25 11:45 10:30 18:10 18:45 19:15 19:25 10:30 18:10 19:15 19:25 11:45 10:30 18:45 19:15 19:25 10:05 10:30 18:10 19:15 19:25 10:30 18:10 19:45 19:25

Days Flight Dep Arr

WED AW 911 K7 824 W9 009 W9 109 AW 791 6T 501 YH 731 YJ 751 THUR K7 826 AW 761 AW 201 W9 009 W9 109 6T 501 YH 731 YJ 201 FRI K7 824 AW 211 W9 009 W9 109 6T 501 YJ 751 YJ 601 K7 826 AW 751 W9 009 W9 109 6T 501 YH 731 YJ 761 06:30 12:00 06:15 14:30 14:30 15:00 15:00 11:00 13:30 11:00 11:00 06:15 14:30 15:00 15:00 11:00 12:00 11:00 06:15 14:30 15:00 11:00 15:00 06:30 11:00 06:15 14:30 15:00 15:00 11:00 06:30 07:30 10:30 06:15 14:30 11:00 15:00 15:30 16:45 09:20 09:35 09:20 09:20 09:45 09:45 16:55 17:55 09:20 09:35 09:20 09:20 09:45 16:45 09:45 17:30 16:45 09:20 09:20 09:35 09:20 09:45 09:45 17:55 16:45 09:20 09:20 09:35 09:20 09:45 09:45 17:30 16:45 09:20 09:20 09:35 09:20 09:45 09:45 17:55 08:55 16:45 09:20 09:20 09:35 09:20 09:45 11:35 17:15 09:45 08:40 13:15 09:05 15:25 15:40 16:10 16:25 12:10 14:45 12:10 12:10 09:05 15:25 16:10 16:25 12:10 13:15 12:10 09:05 15:40 16:10 12:10 16:25 07:45 12:10 09:05 15:25 16:10 16:25 12:10 07:45 08:40 11:40 09:05 15:25 12:10 16:10 16:55 17:55 10:30 10:45 10:30 10:30 10:55 11:00 19:10 19:10 10:30 10:45 10:30 10:30 10:55 17:55 11:00 18:45 17:55 10:30 10:30 10:45 10:30 10:55 11:00 19:10 17:55 10:30 10:30 10:45 10:30 10:55 11:00 18:45 17:55 10:30 10:30 10:45 10:30 10:55 11:00 19:10 11:05 17:55 10:30 10:30 10:45 10:30 10:55 12:50 18:25 11:00

Days Flight Dep Arr

SUN AW SPL AW 892 YH 918 YJ 892 W9 009 6T 402 K7 223 K7 827 AW 752 W9 116 08:55 09:20 09:35 09:20 09:20 09:45 09:45 11:35 16:45 16:45 10:05 10:30 10:45 10:30 10:30 10:55 11:00 12:50 17:55 17:55

YANGON TO MANDALAY
MON AW 891 AW 911 K7 222 W9 255 W9 109 6T 801 AW 761 K7 824 AW 791 K7 622 YJ 201 TUE YH 909 AW 891 AW 901 W9 251 W9 109 6T 801 YH 729 AW 761 K7 226 K7 622 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:30 14:30 11:45 11:00 12:00 14:30 14:00 11:00 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 14:30 11:45 11:00 11:00 07:00 14:00 06:15 06:30 11:45 11:00 11:00 12:00 14:00 13:30 14:30 06:15 14:30 15:00 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 14:30 10:30 11:00 07:00 11:45 15:00 14:00 06:15 06:30 14:30 06:30 11:00 11:00 11:45 15:00 14:00 06:00 14:30 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 10:30 11:45 11:30 14:00 16:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 14:30 11:45 11:00 11:00 14:00 08:35 16:00 08:35 08:55 10:50 17:25 08:35 17:20 16:30 16:35 18:35 16:35 08:35 08:35 09:25 08:35 13:25 17:25 13:35 16:20 16:35 08:55 17:20 10:50 18:35 08:20 07:55 08:40 07:55 16:25 13:10 12:55 14:05 15:55 15:25 12:25 07:55 08:20 08:20 07:55 16:15 13:10 12:40 12:55 08:25 15:25 08:20 07:50 13:10 12:10 13:10 14:05 15:25 14:55 16:15 08:20 16:25 17:10 07:55 08:20 08:35 07:55 16:15 13:30 12:55 08:25 13:10 17:10 15:25 08:20 07:55 16:25 08:50 12:25 12:55 13:10 17:10 15:25 07:25 16:15 08:20 07:55 08:20 07:50 13:30 13:10 12:55 15:25 08:20 08:30 08:20 07:55 16:15 13:10 12:25 12:25 15:25 10:00 17:25 10:30 11:00 12:15 18:50 10:30 18:45 17:55 18:00 20:05 18:10 10:00 10:30 10:50 10:30 14:50 18:50 15:00 17:45 18:40 11:00 18:45 12:15 20:05

Exploring Londo
By Jamie Rich THIRTY kilometres, 12 locks and two pints into our boat trip through central London, we needed a cosy place to moor for the night. We were motoring through the murky waters of Limehouse Cut, a small section of the vast canal network that striates the city, a metropolitan wasteland stretching before us. Foreboding brick warehouses, barbed-wire fences and graffiti murals lined the banks of the canal. The runners and bikers who had populated the bustling towpath throughout our weekend voyage had disappeared, and the landscape had taken a grittier turn. Are you sure were going the right way? I asked my husband, Brian, who was at the helm of our 18-metre (58foot) narrow boat, Carli. No, he said, shooing away the map I was waving in his face. Wed decided to venture into territory that was slightly off the map wed been given at the marina, but we expected to reconnect with familiar waters at any minute. Slightly worried, I scanned the badlands, pockmarked with decommissioned smokestacks and abandoned buildings, for familiar landmarks: a bridge marker, a signpost, a spraypainted clue as to where we were headed. Nothing. Then, from among the wreckage, a roller coaster appeared. Well, at first it looked like something plucked straight off the New Jersey boardwalk. But as we rounded the bend, we recognised the towering red jumble of metal, with a space-age observation deck held tight in its grip, as the controversial centrepiece of Londons Olympic park: Orbit Tower. After Orbit, the sparkling tiara points of the Olympic Stadium came into view, and the rush of discovery invigorated my inner sailor. Over three days of urban canal cruising, my family and I were experiencing something intoxicating: liquid London, an underworld of waterways, tunnels and locks coursing through some of the citys most eclectic neighbourhoods, from the quaint boathouses of Little Venice to US$50 million mansions in Regents Park, through the hipster haven of Shoreditch and on to the Olympic zone in un-selfconsciously cool Hackney Wick. Few London sightseeing experiences are as unspoiled by crowds and commercialism as a ride in your own rented narrow boat. From the canals, you can hardly see any of the citys iconic sights, such as Big Ben. Yes, you could arrange for a pilot to navigate the River Thames for a drive-by of Londons main attractions. But we enjoyed hiding away from the typical chaos associated with Big Bus Tours and delving deeper into Londons core. The long, skinny boat we rented was the perfect vessel for navigating centuries-old locks still operated by hand, allowing us to disembark at weekend markets, canalside pubs and lush parks. My husband and I, with our five- and one-year-old daughters, had taken narrow boat trips through the British countryside before for a freshair-infused escape from the city. This time, however, we decided to splash down in the centre of London for a weekend of urban

July 30 - August 5, 2012

SUN W9 143 AW 891 YJ 891 W9 109 W9 009 6T 401 YH 917 K7 222 MON K7 222 AW 792 W9 009 W9 109 6T 502 TUE YJ 762 AW 762 W9 009 W9 109 AW 792 6T 502

YANGON TO SITTWE
MON 6T 611 11:15 12:40 W9 309 13:00 14:45 TUE 6T 611 07:30 08:55 W9 309 12:00 13:25

NYAUNG U TO YANGON

WED 6T 611 07:30 08:55 W9 309 13:00 14:45 THRU 6T 611 07:30 08:55 W9 309 12:00 13:25 FRI 6T 607 07:30 08:55 W9 309 13:00 14:45 K7 426 15:00 16:20 6T 611 07:30 08:55 W9 309 13:00 14:45

WED AW 891 AW 911 6T 801 AW 751 YH 737 K7 824 K7 622 W9 261 W9 109 W9 009 AW 791 YH 731 THUR YH 909 AW 891 AW 901 W9 255 W9 109 YH 729 AW 201 K7 226 6T 801 YH 731 K7 622 FRI AW 891 W9 251 W9 109 YH 917 AW 751 AW 211 6T 801 YH 731 K7 622 W9 271 W9 109 W9 009 YH 909 AW 891 AW 911 YH 729 6T 801 AW 601 K7 622 AW 891

08:35 08:35 08:50 17:50 08:55 13:35 16:30 17:10 16:40 17:35 W9 7752 17:50 YH 728 17:45 K7 623 18:35 AW 892 W9 009 W9 011 W9 109 W9 262 YH 812 YJ 602 6T 802 AW 602 K7 223 K7 827 K7 623 YH 730 08:35 08:35 09:25 16:35 10:50 13:10 16:10 17:25 16:40 08:55 10:45 18:35 17:15 08:35 08:35 08:35 09:25 16:35 08:55 10:45 18:35 11:20 13:10 16:40 16:00 17:10 14:30 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:15 06:30 14:30 06:15 06:15 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:15 06:30 06:15 14:30 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:30 06:15 15:00 06:15 14:30 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:30 06:15 06:30 06:15 14:30 06:15 06:30 06:30 06:15 06:30

SAT

SAT

Few London sightseeing experien in a narrow boat. saturation. We began our recent voyage at the suburban outpost of Yeading, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of London. The London Ring, as the route we were going to follow is known, covers 70 kilometres (44 miles) along the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, the Regents Canal, Limehouse Basin and a short stretch of the Thames. Luckily, Id just finished stocking the boats galley and was standing on deck when we sailed over our first point of interest, the North Circular Aqueduct, where boats float high above a sea of red brake lights flashing on the interstate below. From that point, the excitement built as we continued to drive our version of Willy Wonkas boat through the chocolatecoloured waterway, where empty cans of Red Bull bobbed like metal marshmallows and the smell of Indian curry wafted through the air. Once we hit the fringe of

SUN 6T 611 07:30 08:55 W9 309 13:00 14:45 K7 426 15:30 16:50

WED K7 222 W9 009 W9 109 AW 792 YH 732 6T 502 THUR W9 009 W9 109 YH 732 6T 502 FRI K7 222 W9 009 W9 109 YH 732 6T 502 6T 404 W9 009 W9 109 YH 732 6T 502

SITTWE TO YANGON
MON 6T 608 09:55 11:20 W9 310 15:00 16:45 TUE 6T 612 09:15 10:40 W9 310 13:40 15:05

SAT

SUN K7 826 AW SPL AW 751 W9 009 W9 109 W9 115 6T 501 YH 731 MON W9 116 AW 892 YH 918 YJ 892 W9 009 6T 402 K7 223 AW 792 K7 825 TUE AW 892 YH 918 YJ 892 W9 009 6T 402 W9 116 K7 223 K7 827

WED 6T 612 09:15 10:40 W9 310 15:00 16:45 THUR 6T 612 09:15 10:40 W9 310 13:40 15:05 FRI SAT 6T 608 12:55 14:55 W9 310 15:00 16:45 6T 612 09:15 10:40 W9 310 15:00 16:45

HEHO TO YANGON

SAT

SUN 6T 612 09:15 10:40 K7 427 17:05 18:25

YANGON TO MYEIK
MON K7 319 06:30 08:35 6T 707 11:30 13:30 W9 333 06:30 08:35 TUE AW 301 07:00 09:05 K7 319 06:30 08:35 6T 707 11:30 13:30

SAT

SUN W9 009 YH 910 AW 892 W9 011 W9 109 K7 223 K7 827 K7 623 W9 256 YH 812 6T 802 AW 212 YH 738 MON W9 109 W9 009 AW 891 6T 401 YH 917 YJ 891 K7 222 TUE W9 109 W9 009 AW 901 AW 891 6T 401 YH 917 YJ 891 K7 222

SUN W9 009 W9 109 YH 732 6T 502

YANGON TO MYITKYINA
MON W9 255 06:30 09:25 TUE W9 251 06:30 09:25 K7 622 13:30 16:30

WED K7 319 06:30 08:35 6T 707 11:30 13:30 W9 333 06:30 08:35 THUR K7 319 06:30 08:35 6T 707 11:30 13:30 AW 301 12:45 14:50 FRI AW 301 07:00 09:05 K7 319 06:30 08:35 6T 707 11:30 13:30 K7 319 06:30 08:35 6T 707 08:00 10:00 W9 333 06:30 08:35

WED K7 622 13:30 16:30 W9 255 11:00 13:55 THUR AW 201 06:30 09:20 W9 255 06:30 09:25 FRI SAT W9 251 06:30 09:25 K7 622 13:30 16:30 W9 255 11:00 13:55

YANGON TO NYAUNG U

WED W9 116 W9 009 AW 892 YH 918 YJ 892 6T 402 K7 223 K7 825 THUR W9 116 W9 009 AW 892 YH 918 YJ 892 6T 402 K7 223 K7 827 FRI W9 116 W9 009 AW 892 YH 918 YJ 892 6T 402 K7 223 K7 825 AW 911 W9 116 W9 009 AW 892 YH 918 YJ 892 6T 402 K7 827 AW 752 K7 223

SAT

Tourism Myanmar Update

MMC meeting The Myanmar Marketing Committee held its 10th annual general meeting at Chatrium Hotel on July 14. Members voted for Executive Committee members for 2012-2013. Among those elected were U Phyoe Wai Yarzar as chairman and U Myint Tun Oo as vice chairman. All Asia Exclusive relocates All Asia Exclusive Travels and Tour has changed location to 232 Gant Gaw Myaing Lane (2), Thuwunna, Yangon. The new office can be reached by telephone on 01-569-658. 01571-393 and 09-730-13182. New appointment MMC is pleased to announce the appointment of Honey @ The Ei Nway as its new public relations officer. She will be responsible for supporting the Public Relations Committee to promote Myanmar as a travel destination, and the Fundraising Committee to carry out various fundraising activities. Honey has been working in the hospitality industry for five years, most recently as sales manager at Hotel Amara in Nay Pyi Taw.

SUN YH 909 AW 891 W9 255 W9 109 6T 801 AW 211 AW 751 K7 622 MON YH 634 YJ 202 AW 892 K7 223 W9 262 6T 802 W9 009 W9 262 YH 728 AW 762 K7 623 TUE W9 109 AW 902 AW 892 YH 910 W9 009 YH 812 6T 802 W9 251 W9 150 AW 762 K7 223 YH 730 K7 227 K7 623

SUN AW 211 06:00 08:50 W9 255 06:30 09:25 K7 622 13:30 16:30

SUN K7 319 06:30 08:35 6T 707 11:30 13:30 AW 301 12:45 14:50

MYITKYINA TO YANGON
MON W9 256 09:45 12:40 TUE W9 252 12:05 15:00 K7 623 16:50 19:50

MYEIK TO YANGON
MON K7 320 11:00 13:05 6T 708 15:55 17:55 W9 334 10:50 12:55 TUE K7 320 11:00 13:05 6T 708 15:55 17:55 AW 302 17:15 19:20

MANDALAY TO YANGON

WED K7 623 16:50 19:50 W9 256 14:15 17:10 THUR AW 202 09:35 12:25 W9 256 09:45 12:40 FRI SAT W9 252 12:05 15:00 K7 623 16:50 19:50 W9 256 14:15 17:10

WED W9 009 W9 109 AW 891 6T 401 K7 222 YH 917 YJ 891 AW 781 THUR AW 891 W9 109 W9 009 AW 901 6T 401 YH 917 YJ 891 K7 222 FRI AW 891 W9 109 W9 009 6T 401 YH 917 YJ 891 K7 222

WED K7 320 11:00 13:05 6T 708 15:55 17:55 W9 334 10:50 12:55 THUR AW 302 11:30 13:35 K7 320 11:00 13:05 6T 708 15:55 17:55 FRI SAT K7 320 11:00 13:05 6T 708 15:55 17:55 K7 320 11:00 13:05 6T 708 12:25 14:25 W9 334 10:50 12:55

The Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC), the marketing arm of Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board, aims to market and promote Myanmar as a destination to develop the Myanmar tourism industry. For more information and reference please contact Khine Wai Thwe or visit our website www.myanmar-tourism.com or contact MMC Office at Traders Hotel, Level 3, Business Center, #223 Sule Pagoda Road, G.P.O Box 888, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +951 242 828 Fax: +951 242 800 Email: mtpb@mptmail.net.mm

SUN W9 256 09:45 12:40 K7 623 16:50 19:50

SAT

Domestic Airlines
Air Bagan Ltd.(W9)
56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102

YANGON TO HEHO
MON K7 824 W9 009 W9 109 AW 761 YH 727 6T 501 TUE K7 826 6T 801 W9 009 W9 109 W9 115 AW 761 6T 501 YH 731 YJ 761 12:00 06:15 14:30 11:00 15:00 15:00 13:30 08:00 06:15 14:30 11:00 11:00 15:00 15:00 11:00 13:15 09:05 15:40 12:10 16:25 16:10 14:45 10:20 09:05 15:25 12:10 12:10 16:10 16:25 12:10

Air Mandalay (6T)

146, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon Tel : 501520, 525488 (Head Office) 720309, 652753, 652754 (Airport Office), Fax: 525 937

Yangon Airways(YH)
166, MMB Tower, Level 5, Upper Pansodan Rd, Mingalar Taungnyunt Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (+95-1) 383 100, 383 107, 700 264, Fax: 652 533.

SUN K7 320 11:00 13:05 6T 708 15:55 17:55 AW 302 17:15 19:20

Air KBZ (K7)

33-49,Corner of Bank Street & Maha Bandoola Garden Street, Kyauktada Tsp,Yangon, Myanmar Tel: 372977~80, 533030~39 (Airport) Fax: 372983

Asian Wings (AW)

No.34(A-1), Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Township,Yangon.Myanmar. Tel: 951 516654, 532253, 09-73135991~3.Fax: 951 532333

Domestic
6T = Air Mandalay W9 = Air Bagan AW = Asian Wings K7 = AIR KBZ YH = Yangon Airways

Subject to change without notice

Advertising HOTLINE

392676 392928

43
July 30 - August 5, 2012
www.mmtimes.com/2012/flight/flight.pdf
DAyS Flight Dep Arr DAyS Flight
SUN 8M 231 8M 233 MI 511 MI 517

on by narrow boat
960-metre black hole, wed picked up three local friends and their three kids at the London Canal Museum for a joy ride and lunch. I usually love the eeriness of long tunnels, but between the kids shouting with excitement and a couple of run-ins with the wall, we were all ready for a pint of British ale when the sunlight finally hit our faces. Relaxing on the balcony of the Narrow Boat, a waterfront gastropub overlooking the canal, we indulged in a proper pub lunch of fishcakes and sausages. People, dogs, bicycles and boats moved jauntily along this trendy stretch of water, vibrant with graffiti art, modern architecture and Old World charm. Pubs and cafes all along the London Ring invite boaters to moor up and stay a while. From Little Venices Summerhouse to Camden and Broadway Markets to the Olympic zones Hackney Pearl, some of Londons most festive summer watering holes and eateries line the canals. Back at the Narrow Boat pub, we set our sights on conquering the next seven locks leading to Limehouse Basin while we still had willing friends and happy children. On the way out, we shared a laugh over a sign perched on the bar, offering plastic go cups for those finishing their drink on the canal. I thought Id better not, so I chugged the remaining halfpint of pale ale in my glass and headed aboard Carli. We dropped off our friends a few locks later, at Mile End Road, and continued south to Limehouse Basin, a massive junction where narrow boaters have the option of picking up a pilot and connecting to the Thames, returning the way they came or heading farther east on a new canal. When we arrived at Limehouse, the air had chilled and a misty rain was falling. We didnt know exactly what was ahead, but we agreed to stay on the canals. As our boat idled in the congested marina, Brian worked out a new course that would take us slightly off the map and eventually bring us back to our original track near Islington or Shoreditch. Are you sure you want to do this? he asked, putting the boat in gear. Absolutely, I said. What do we have to lose? The Washington Post

tRavel
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES
Dep Arr
07:55 12:25 13:20 17:50 10:10 14:45 16:40 21:15

DAyS Flight

Dep Arr

DAyS Flight
THUR MI 512 MI 518 8M 232 MI 520 8M 234 FRI MI 512 MI 518 3K 585 8M 6231 8M 232 MI 520 SAT MI 512 MI 518 3K 585 8M 6231 8M 232 MI 520 SUN MI 512 MI 518 8M 232 MI 520 8M 234

Dep Arr
07:55 14:20 13:25 15:20 18:50 09:20 15:45 14:55 16:40 20:20

YANGON TO BANGKOK
MON 8M 335 8M 331 FD 3771 TG 304 TG 306 PG 702 PG 704 FD 3773 TUE 8M 335 8M 331 FD 3771 TG 304 TG 306 PG 702 PG 704 FD 3773 WED 8M 335 8M 331 FD 3771 TG 304 TG 306 PG 702 PG 704 FD 3773 THUR 8M 335 8M 331 FD 3771 TG 304 TG 306 PG 702 PG 704 FD 3773 FRI 8M 335 8M 331 FD 3771 TG 304 TG 306 PG 702 PG 704 FD 3773 SAT 8M 335 8M 331 FD 3771 TG 304 TG 306 PG 702 PG 704 FD 3773 SUN 8M 335 8M 331 FD 3771 TG 304 TG 306 PG 702 PG 704 FD 3773 07:35 09:20 16:30 18:15 08:30 10:15 09:50 11:45 07:45 09:40 10:55 12:50 16:40 18:35 18:05 19:55 07:35 09:20 16:30 18:15 08:30 10:15 09:50 11:45 07:45 09:40 10:55 12:50 16:40 18:35 18:05 19:55 07:35 09:20 16:30 18:15 08:30 10:15 09:50 11:45 07:45 09:40 10:55 12:50 16:40 18:35 18:05 19:55 07:35 09:20 16:30 18:15 08:30 10:15 09:50 11:45 07:45 09:40 10:55 12:50 16:40 18:35 18:05 19:55 07:35 09:20 16:30 18:15 08:30 10:15 09:50 11:45 07:45 09:40 10:55 12:50 16:40 18:35 18:05 19:55 07:35 09:20 16:30 18:15 08:30 10:15 09:50 11:45 07:45 09:40 10:55 12:50 16:40 18:35 18:05 19:55 07:35 09:20 16:30 18:15 08:30 10:15 09:50 11:45 07:45 09:40 10:55 12:50 16:40 18:35 18:05 19:55

BANGKOK TO YANGON
MON FD 3770 TG 305 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 8M 336 8M 332 FD 3772 8M 332 TUE FD 3770 TG 305 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 8M 336 8M 332 FD 3772 8M 332 WED FD 3770 TG 305 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 8M 336 8M 332 FD 3772 8M 332 THUR FD 3770 TG 305 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 8M 336 8M 332 FD 3772 8M 332 FRI FD 3770 TG 305 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 8M 336 8M 332 FD 3772 8M 332 SAT FD 3770 TG 305 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 8M 336 8M 332 FD 3772 8M 332 SUN FD 3770 TG 305 TG 303 PG 701 PG 703 8M 336 8M 332 FD 3772 8M 332 07:10 07:55 17:55 18:45 07:55 08:50 09:15 10:05 15:00 15:50 10:40 11:25 19:15 20:00 16:50 17:35 19:15 20:00 07:10 07:55 17:55 18:45 07:55 08:50 09:15 10:05 15:00 15:50 10:40 11:25 19:15 20:00 16:50 17:35 19:15 20:00 07:10 07:55 17:55 18:45 07:55 08:50 09:15 10:05 15:00 15:50 10:40 11:25 19:15 20:00 16:50 17:35 19:15 20:00 07:10 07:55 17:55 18:45 07:55 08:50 09:15 10:05 15:00 15:50 10:40 11:25 19:15 20:00 16:50 17:35 19:15 20:00 07:10 07:55 17:55 18:45 07:55 08:50 09:15 10:05 15:00 15:50 10:40 11:25 19:15 20:00 16:50 17:35 19:15 20:00 07:10 07:55 17:55 18:45 07:55 08:50 09:15 10:05 15:00 15:50 10:40 11:25 19:15 20:00 16:50 17:35 19:15 20:00 07:10 07:55 17:55 18:45 07:55 08:50 09:15 10:05 15:00 15:50 10:40 11:25 19:15 20:00 16:50 17:35 19:15 20:00

YANGON TO SIEM REAP

WED 8M 401 SAT 8M 401 08:50 11:25 08:50 11:25

07:55 09:20 14:20 15:45 09:10 10:40 09:10 10:40 13:25 14:55 15:20 16:40 07:55 09:20 14:20 15:45 09:10 10:40 09:10 10:40 13:25 14:55 15:20 16:40 07:55 09:20 14:20 15:45 13:25 14:55 15:20 16:40 18:50 20:20

YANGON TO KUALA LUMPUR

MON 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851 TUE 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851 WED 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851 THU MH 741 AK 851 FRI 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851 SAT 8M 501 MH 741 AK 851 SUN MH 741 AK 851 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 00:15 12:15 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 00:15 12:15 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 00:15 12:15 12:15 16:30 00:15 12:15 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 00:15 12:15 09:00 13:00 12:15 16:30 00:15 12:15 12:15 16:30 00:15 12:15

nces are as unspoiled by crowds and commercialism as a ride Pic: The Washington Post/Jamie Rich London at Kensal Green Cemetery, Freddie Mercurys final resting place, the scenery sweetened. Peaceful straightaways hedged by leafy vegetation gave way to bursts of culture. Sleek modern buildings clashed with old-world masonry, and clusters of colourful boats crowded the waters edge. Three hours after shoving off, we found ourselves giddy as we approached romantic Little Venice. Is that a spot? Brian said, motoring past the only mooring left in the quaint pocket of waterfront restaurants. Five minutes later, we were leaving Little Venice. But not before I could snap some pictures of the adorable houseboats, flower boxes and bridges that give the neighbourhood its name. Well hit it on the way back, we agreed. Rather than sleep beneath the weeping willows in the Venetian-inspired setting, we tied up at Paddington Basin, tucked between gleaming towers of glass and steel just outside Paddington Central, a multiuse work-live-play complex. Considering our laid-back accommodations, I opted for my Adidas, a lamb burger and a glass of Malbec at Smiths Bar & Grill, a oneminute walk from where our boat was moored. Two long, low boats parked in front of Smiths showcased the traditional, austere narrow boat aesthetic, which hasnt changed much since the early days of canal commerce. Narrow boats first emerged in the 18th century as the primary method of transporting goods such as coal and flour throughout Britain. They were designed with a narrow hull to squeeze through 2-metre-wide locks, which control the elevation and slope of the canals. Today, these lanky leisure barges mostly carry a cargo of boating enthusiasts and rule more than 3565 kilometres (2200 miles) of British waterways through such historic areas as Stratfordupon-Avon, Dover and London. One of the best scenes for narrow-boat watching in London is Hampstead Road Lock in Camden Town, which was the first of 13 locks we hit on day two of our canal camping trip. Camden Town has a decidedly punk vibe; every third bloke sports a mohawk, and neon-flashing tattoo and piercing parlours line the main drag. The Hampstead Road Lock sits amid a throng of ethnic food stalls, with open grills filling the air with the smell of barbecued meat and Asian spices. Crowds of onlookers gather around the lock, watching the boats rise and fall in the wooden hold and shouting words of encouragement to the crews, who sometimes struggle to open the heavy gates and exit the lock smoothly. All it takes to drive a narrow boat is desire that and an hour of practice before setting off. There will be bumps along the way, but the pace is slow and the dangers are few. On this trip, Brian opened the gates of a lock while I drove the boat in and out of the hold. About an hour down the Regents Canal from Camden, the Islington tunnel makes for a spooky 10-minute stretch of total darkness. Just before arriving at the

KAULA LUMPUR TO YANGON

MON MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 TUE MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 WED MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 THU MH 740 AK 850 FRI MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 SAT MH 740 8M 502 AK 850 SUN MH 740 AK 850 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 18:10 19:20 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 18:10 19:20 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 18:10 19:20 10:05 11:15 18:10 19:20 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 18:10 19:20 10:05 11:15 14:00 15:00 18:10 19:20 10:05 11:15 18:10 19:20

YANGON TO GAUNGZHOU
WED CZ 3056 THUR 8M 711 SAT CZ 3056 11:20 15:50 08:40 13:15 11:20 15:50 08:40 13:15

SUN 8M 711

YANGON TO TAIPEI
MON CI 7916 TUE CI 7916 11:10 04:35 11:10 04:35 11:10 04:35 11:10 04:35

WED CI 7916 FRI CI 7916

YANGON TO KUNMING
MON MU 2032 TUE CA 906 MU 2032 WED CA 906 MU 2032 THUR CA 906 MU 2032 SAT CA 906 MU 2032 SUN CA 906 MU 2032 09:40 12:50 14:15 17:35 09:40 12:50 14:15 17:35 09:40 12:50 14:15 17:35 09:40 12:50 14:15 17:35 09:40 12:50 14:15 17:35 09:40 12:50

GUANGZHOU TO YANGON
WED CZ 3055 THUR 8M 712 SAT CZ 3055 08:40 10:30 14:15 15:50 08:40 10:30 14:15 15:50

SUN 8M 712

TAIPEI TO YANGON
MON CI 7915 TUE CI 7915 07:15 10:10 07:15 10:10 07:15 10:10 07:15 10:10

WED CI 7915 FRI CI 7915

YANGON TO KOLKATA
MON A1 228 FRI A1 228 15:50 16:45 15:50 16:45

KUNMING TO YANGON
MON MU 2031 TUE CA 905 MU 2031 WED CA 905 MU 2031 THUR CA 905 MU 2031 SAT CA 905 MU 2031 SUN CA 905 MU 2031 08:40 09:00 12:40 13:15 08:40 09:00 12:40 13:15 08:40 09:00 12:40 13:15 08:40 09:00 12:40 13:15 08:40 09:00 12:40 13:15 08:40 09:00

YANGON TO CHIANG MAI

THUR W9 9607 SUN W9 9607 14:35 16:05 14:35 16:05

YANGON TO SINGAPORE
MON 8M 231 8M 6232 3K 586 MI 511 MI 517 TUE 8M 231 8M 233 MI 511 MI 517 WED 8M 231 8M 6232 3K 586 MI 511 MI 517 07:55 12:25 11:30 16:05 11:30 16:05 10:10 14:45 16:40 21:15 07:55 12:25 13:20 17:50 10:10 14:45 16:40 21:15 07:55 12:25 11:30 16:05 11:30 16:05 10:10 14:45 16:40 21:15 07:55 12:25 13:20 17:50 10:10 14:45 16:40 21:15 07:55 12:25 11:30 16:05 11:30 16:05 10:10 14:45 16:40 21:15 07:55 12:25 11:30 16:05 11:30 16:05 10:10 14:45 16:40 21:15 TUE

YANGON TO HANOI
MON VN 956 TUE VN 956 19:10 21:30 19:10 21:30 19:10 21:30 19:10 21:30 19:10 21:30

WED VN 956 FRI SAT VN 956 VN 956

SINGAPORE TO YANGON
MON MI 512 MI 518 3K 585 8M 6231 8M 232 TUE MI 512 MI 518 8M 232 8M 234 WED MI 512 MI 518 3K 585 8M 6231 8M 232 07:55 09:20 14:20 15:45 09:10 10:40 09:10 10:40 13:25 14:55 07:55 09:20 14:20 15:45 13:25 14:55 18:50 20:20 07:55 09:20 14:20 15:45 09:10 10:40 09:10 10:40 13:25 14:55

KOLKATA TO YANGON
MON A1 227 FRI A1 227 10:00 12:45 10:00 12:45

YANGON TO HO CHI MINH

VN 942 W9 9607 SUN VN 942 W9 9607 14:25 17:10 14:25 17:10 14:35 16:05 14:25 17:10 14:35 16:05 THUR VN 942

CHIANG MAI TO YANGON

THUR W9 9608 SUN W9 9608 17:20 17:50 17:20 17:50

International Airlines
Air Asia (FD)
33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Ground Flr, Parkroyal Hotel, Yangon. Tel: 251 885, 251 886.

HANOI TO YANGON
MON VN 957 TUE VN 957 16:35 18:10 16:35 18:10 16:35 18:10 16:35 18:10 16:35 18:10

YANGON TO PHNOM PENH

WED 8M 401 SAT 8M 401 15:15 17:40 15:15 17:40

Bangkok Airways (PG)

Air Bagan Ltd.(W9) Air China (CA)

#0305, 3rd Fl, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 255122, 255 265, Fax: 255119

Silk Air(MI)

THUR 8M 231 8M 233 MI 511 MI 517 FRI 8M 231 8M 6232 3K 586 MI 511 MI 517 SAT 8M 231 8M 6232 3K 586 MI 511 MI 517

339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, 2nd Floor, Sakura Tower, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 255 287~9 , Fax: 255 290

WED VN 957 FRI SAT VN 957 VN 957

YANGON TO GAYA
MON A1 234 13:30 14:15

56, Shwe Taung Gyar Street, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 513322, 513422, 504888, Fax : 515102 Building (2), corner of Pyay Rd and Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Hotel Yangon, 8 miles, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : 666112, 655882.

Malaysia Airlines (MH)

335/357, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 387648, 241007 ext : 120, 121, 122 Fax : 241124

Thai Airways (TG)

Room No. 1101, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn. Tel : 255491~6 Fax : 255223

International
FD & AK = Air Asia TG = Thai Airways 8M = Myanmar Airways International PG = Bangkok Airways MI = Silk Air VN = Vietnam Airline MH = Malaysia Airlines CZ = China Southern CI = China Airlines CA = Air China IC = Indian Airlines Limited W9 = Air Bagan 3K = Jet Star

HO CHI MINH TO YANGON

TUE VN 943 11:40 13:25 11:40 13:25 11:40 13:25 THUR VN 943 SUN VN 943

Subject to change without notice

Air India

Myanmar Airways International(8M)

Vietnam Airlines (VN)

75, Shwe Bon Thar St, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 253597~98, 254758. Fax: 248175

08-02, Sakura Tower, 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Ygn. Tel : 255260, Fax: 255305

#1702, Sakura Tower 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon. Fax 255086. Tel 255066/ 255088/ 255068.

PHNOM PENH TO YANGON

WED 8M 402 SAT 8M 402 18:40 20:05 18:40 20:05

GAYA TO YANGON
MON A1 233 11:45 14:45

tea BReak
July 30 - August 5, 2012
the

44
MyanMar tiMes

Chardonnay shines bright as How much gold can you safely eat? Stony Hill marks 60 years
By L V Anderson By Elin McCoy NEW YORK When Peter McCreas parents paid US$7500 in 1943 for an old goat farm on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, California, it came with a house, a barn, a cottage and three chicken coops. The chardonnay vines arrived four years later. The rest, as they say, is history. Their Stony Hill Vineyard is one of Californias oldest great wineries. At a 60th anniversary of the winerys first vintage, held at New Yorks Corkbuzz Wine Studio, a dozen chardonnay bottlings spanning four decades quash any lingering doubts about their quality and ageability. In contrast to the buttery, oaky, alcoholic style that has largely defined California chardonnay, Stony Hills wines are delicate and tightly wound, almost Chablis-like when young. That can fool you, because the wines gain weight and complexity with age. The 1973 (then labelled pinot chardonnay), is amazingly alive, pure, vibrant, stunning. Over the past 30 years, as other wineries kept cranking up an over-the-top chardonnay formula, Stony Hills modus operandi was all about saying no: no to new oak barrels, no to the latest technique, no to a fancy winery, no to an updated label. After all, why mess up a good thing? Terroir and balance are what its really all about, said McCrea, a former vice president of Chevron who, with his wife Willinda, took over after his mothers death in 1991. As bottles chill on ice behind the bar, the bespectacled McCrea, his daughter Sarah and Mike Chelini, winemaker Chelini ticksed off why they taste the way they do. Location counts, of course. Ours is an unforgiving style, he said. You have to pick at the right time and have perfect grapes. Unlike at most wineries he avoids malolactic fermentation, a winemaking step that softens acids, makes wines round at the expense of crispness, and imparts a fat, buttery character. At Corkbuzz, we tasted from youngest to oldest to see how the floral, stony character unfolded at 10 years with notes of earth, citrus and baked apple and at 20 to deeper flavors of nuts, caramel and orange. High points included the ripe 1999, with its tangy lemon custard and dusty earth flavour. Long, citrusy 1984 is perfect right now, while 1981, one of my favourites, has stunning complexity. The 1977, from a drought year, is burnished, mellow, rich. The fruit-filled 2007, the current release ($40), already shows depth and minerality. Luckily, older vintages can be had both at auction and retail. At a May Bonhams sale in New York, lots of 12 vintages sold for $654 to $1785 ($43 to $150 a bottle). In comparison to the inflated prices of Napas current cult cabernets, these seem amazingly modest. I asked McCrea how Stony Hill has resisted fashion for all these years. He chuckled. Its fabulous discipline to have a mailing list of a couple of thousand people who want you to keep making wine exactly the same way. But the McCreas, and winemaker Chelini, arent totally stuck in the past. Their first cabernet, a lean, smoky red with olive and cherry notes ($60) just debuted. And the vines are only five years old. Bloomberg News NEW YORK A New York City food truck is selling a US$666 hamburger dubbed the Douche Burger, which contains lobster, caviar, truffles and a beef patty wrapped in six sheets of gold leaf. How much gold leaf can you safely consume? Theoretically, you could eat your fill of 24-karat gold without falling ill. Pure gold is chemically inert and passes through the human digestive system without being absorbed into the body. Since 24-karat gold is very soft and fragile, most edible gold whether leaf, flakes, or dust also contains a little bit of silver, which is also inert. Non-edible gold leaf, which is used for gilding, sometimes contains copper, which can be toxic in high doses. Consuming impure gold preparations such as colloidal gold or gold salts can lead to a change in skin pigmentation and other adverse health effects. Eating too much pure gold might give you a stomach ache, just like eating too much of anything else might, but it wont have any more dire effects unless youre among the minority of people who are allergic to gold.

Peter McCrea and daughter Sarah, proprietors of Napa Valleys Stony Hill Vineyards, at a 60th anniversary tasting in New York. Pic: Bloomberg News/Elin McCoy since 1973, settle on stools to reminisce. Its hard to picture a more bucolic Napa Valley, with only 10 wineries and no Ferraris, as it was when Fred and Eleanor McCrea bought the 160-acre property as a weekend retreat. Only 200 acres of chardonnay existed in the entire state. The number now is nearly 100,000. Viticultural experts at the University of California at Davis warned that planting disease-prone chardonnay was risky, so Fred McCrea put in riesling, gewrztraminer and pinot blanc, too. But he kept 25 of the 40 acres of rocky volcanic soil, at elevations up to 364 metres (1200 feet), for chardonnay. My dad was inspired by great white Burgundy, McCrea recalled. The McCreas cut budwood from the Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley. The so-called Wente clone, imported from France in 1912, populated the states early vineyards. Stony Hills first vintage, 1952, sold via letters to friends for $23.40 a case, including delivery. Today, half of its annual production of 2500 cases of chardonnay ($40 a bottle) is still sold the same way. Americas chardonnay boom only started after the 1976 Judgment of Paris Tasting, in which Napa Valleys Chateau Montelena beat out famous French white Burgundies. Vintners scrambled to plant. Now the most popular varietal in the United States, Chardonnay accounts for a quarter of all California wine sold. Over the years, styles have been a work in progress. The long disaster era of oaky, plumped-up, buttered popcorn-and vanilla-tasting chardonnay eventually drew a backlash. What followed were unoaked, naked chardonnays aged in stainless steel, many so boring they are indistinguishable from one another. H a p p i l y, i n a r e c e n t redemptive turn, thoughtful producers have come back to the kind of balance Stony Hill had all along. As we sampled the wines,

The United States federal Drug Administration hasnt evaluated edible gold leaf for safety, but the Centres for Disease Control and Preventions Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry doesnt consider gold a toxic substance. Gold is an approved food additive in the European Union, and an independent European food-safety certification agency, TV Rheinland, has deemed 23-karat gold leaf safe for consumption. Gold and silver leaf are also certified kosher. Europeans have been adding gold leaf to food and liquor (like Danziger Goldwasser) since the Renaissance, and gold leaf can also be found adorning certain Japanese candies and South Asian pastries. Homeopaths have prescribed gold as a treatment for heart disease, arthritis, depression and other ailments for hundreds of years, but golds usefulness as a medicine has not been demonstrated. Edible gold leaf has no taste, texture, calories or expiration date. It can cost $120 to $160 per gram. A gram of edible gold would add a dash of glitter to 150 to 200 champagne flutes, or wrap about four Douche Burgers. Slate

The US$666 Douche Burger contains six sheets of gold leaf. Pic: Mackenzie Keegan Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22

YOUR STARS
By Astrologer Aung Myin Kyaw Aquarius
You have a great capacity for dealing successfully with any opposition you might encounter. Learn more about the basic resources available for the implementation of your plan, and share them with people who can help you fulfil your sincere desires. Build your own perfect garden, and make it cool and pleasant for a long-term stay. Make decisions that will help you find true love.

according to the responses and replies of those in your social circle. Learn more about how to engage with the world. When an old love drifts away, it opens space for a new love to appear.

Gemini

Jan 20 - Feb 18

It is time to get going and lead a life full of challenges, aspirations, excitement and happiness. In other words, start enjoying your short time on earth. Your forgiveness is not a mere feeling but an intellectual choice, which will help free you from an emotional prison. Help yourself by allowing your heart to feel free and to focus on creating a new image by following its own rules.

May 21 - June 20

Displeasure will disappear from your life and pleasure will be on the rise because the advantageous position of Saturn will enrich you with cosmic power. Treat yourself well and others will be motivated to treat you well too. Remember the principle of reciprocity, which also means adhering to the rules of social communication. Strong love will stay with you.

Scorpio

Cancer

Pisces

A sense of dedication is a good quality to possess while building a strong social foundation. Dedication is also essential for the development of a system of social interrelation and interdependence while on the road to democracy. Engage in programs that are organised by young, bright people who are motivated to change the world. You will soon be asked to take on increased responsibility. Finding love is the surest way to reach paradise.

Feb 19 - Mar 20

Transfer your attention to personal interests, but never attempt to take away another persons independence for your own gain. Dont be afraid to indulge yourself, but at the same time be sure to behave according to societys expectations. Taking an aggressive attitude in friendships will not do much to set you on the path to greatness. The love within you needs to be purified at all times.

June 22 - July 22

Take a chance by letting new people enter your life without over-thinking about whether they will treat you with dignity and respect. It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself. Everyone in your life is watching to see how you deal with your own shortcomings. Cosmic forces will soon come to your aid, and you will suddenly find that you can stand up for yourself in ways you had never imagined.

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Sagittarius

Leo

Aries

Now is the best time to develop a long-term life strategy, and to build a foundation upon which you can launch into the rest of your life. Learn the right way to stand up for yourself and to stand up to your lover. Use your inherent skills and hard-won wisdom to forge a new path. Love will change you for the better.

March 21 - April 19

Set goals that can endure the test of time. Love others as you would have them love you, and dont neglect to share your good fortune with close friends. Enrich others as they benefit you, and the very best of both worlds will soon be realised. Never forget that giving is an investment in receiving. Emotional love will soon overwhelm you.

July 23 - Aug 22

You have a lusty outlook on life and an unfailing expectation that you will always succeed in whatever you do. You have a high success factor in your favour, but with your rich tastes you will have to be more responsible in how to manage your gains. Build international communication slowly and through personal experience. Tap cosmic energy to fulfil emotional desires.

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Capricorn

Virgo

Taurus

Creating your own experience means making a statement to the world through your attitude and appearance, which will elicit the response you want from other people. Conduct yourself and control the way you act

April 20 - May 20

Forgiveness is not a gift for the person who has hurt you, but rather a gift to yourself to help purify your soul. You may not be responsible for the bad things that happen to you, but you are responsible for handling such situations in ways that will be beneficial. You can help create your own good luck by performing good deeds as part of your daily routine. Let your heart roam freely.

Aug 23 - Sept 22

Checking yourself frequently and maintaining balance are essential to ensuring that your life is travelling in the right direction. Not wanting to let go of the past, and having a conservative attitude about not wanting to lose gains already made, might result in your missing a golden opportunity. Remain in touch with those close to you or risk losing someone in whom you have placed your trust and belief. Love is hot but nourishing like chicken soup. For a personal reading contact Aung Myin Kyaw, 4th Floor, 113 Thamain Bayan Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon. Tel: 0973135632, Email: williameaste@gmail.com

Dec 22 - Jan 19

FOOD LAND MANUFACTURING Co., Ltd, a FMCG company Offers Exciting Career Opportunities to Highly-Motivated and Forward-Looking Individuals
(1) SALES MANAGER / SALES SUPERVISORS Key Responsibilities Effective management of sales team. Pursue and ensure strategic placement of merchandising in outlets. Identify, initiate and sell-in of national and localised promotions. Ensure sell-out of products/brands from the outlets. independently. throughput by distributors. Track monthly sales & marketing expenditure against Good command of spoken and written English. budget. (9) HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER / ASSISTANT Administer sales-related incentive programs. Key Responsibilities Maintain a comprehensive HR filing system Provide staff orientation Provide advice and recommendations on disciplinary actions. Coordinate and facilitate recruitment process Experience & Qualification (10) Higher diploma in HR Management or equivalent. 3 years experience in a relevant position in a manufacturing company. Must be computer literate. Proficient in written and spoken English. PURCHASING MANAGER Good university degree in Business Administration, Economics. 3 years experience in a sales analytical role. Sales operations experience is an advantage. Highly proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to meet deadlines and to concentrate and pay attention to detail. Proficient in written and spoken English.

Experience & Qualification

Qualification & Experience

Sales Managers : Possess 6 years sales managerial experience in a FMCG company. Sales Supervisors : 4 years sales supervisory experience. Graduates in Business Administration or Economic. Proficient in written and spoken English. (6) CHIEF ACCOUNTANT MANAGER / SENIOR BRAND Key Responsibilities

Prepare timely accounting and financial reports for review. Key Responsibilities Responsible for proper accountancy of all Companies Organize Brand Plan based on Brand Strategy & Budget assets and investments. to meet Brand KPIs. Ensure that all laid down accounting policies, procedures Follow up execution of Sales & Brand Teams effectively and rules are followed. and within approved budget. Prepare the daily, weekly and monthly cash flows. Strategise advertising, promotion, sponsorship, PR Supervise accountants and data entry accounts campaigns. clerks. Qualification & Experience Qualification & Experience Good university degree in Business Administration, Good university degree in accounting or finance or Marketing, Economics. CPA. Knowledge of professional advertising, media,. 5 years experience in accounting preferably in a manusociology. facturing company. At least 5 years brand management experience working Experience in APAC or Esker accounting software. in a FMCG environment. Honest and hard working, with high ethical Proficient in written and spoken English. standards. Proficient in written and spoken English. (3) ASSISTANT BRAND MANAGER / BRAND EXECUTIVE (7) ACCOUNTANTS Key Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Develop effective POSM for outlet merchandising to Compile, prepare, monitor and report company improve brand & product visibility. budgets. Conceptualise trade & consumer promotions and Prepare annual and management accounts. produce communication materials. Ensure timely preparation of accurate monthly expen Evaluate performance of sponsorship and promotion diture reports. activities. Monitor and interpret cash flows and predict futuretExperience & Qualification rends. University degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Qualification & Experience Economics. Good accounting degree or completion of Accounting At least 3 years working experience in Marketing or qualifications i.e. CPA or ACCA Media consultant agencies. Minimum 3 years experience of accounting duties Proficient in written and spoken English. preferably in a manufacturing company Hands on experience in producing financial statements (4) CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY TO GENERAL and management accounts. MANAGER Strong analytical and numeracy skills with ability to Key Responsibilities interpret data. Prepare agendas, conduct research, compile information Honest and hard working, withhigh ethical standards. and prepare reports. Serve as liaison between General Manager and other (8) HUMAN RESOURCE & ADMINISTRATION departments. MANAGER Process various administrative records, organizes and Key Responsibilities maintains office files. Co-ordinate on manpower planning and recruitment Maintain a filing system for general records, reports, activities. complaints, correspondences. Process monthly payroll and ensure all transactions Experience & Qualification are processed accurately. Good university degree in Business Administration, Responsible in monthly income tax contributions, ensuEconomics. ring compliance to the law. Minimum 3 years similar experience in a foreign Monitor and update attendance record, overtime claim company. and leave administration. Highly proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Handle support services including security, transport Outlook, and PowerPoint. management, cleaning services. Knowledge of trade and investment policies will be an Experience & Qualifications advantage. Knowledge of Labour Law and good university degree Proficient in written and spoken English. in HR Management At least 6 years working experience in a manufacturing (5) SALES ANALYST environ-ment. Key Responsibilities Excellent disciplinary and performance track record. Prepare sales reports & track sales trends for General Maintain high level of confidentiality in performing tasks Manager given. Update & evaluate sales volume, inventory and Good interpersonal skills, dynamic and able to work

(2) MARKETING MANAGER

Key Responsibilities Supervise and control of stores plus all outsourced contracts. Ensure the availability of stock items by maintain effective reorder levels. Check all purchase requisitions both local and international purchase orders. Ensure effective and timely delivery of purchase orders to suppliers. Coordinate purchasing, shipping and clearance of imports and exports. Evaluate all quotations to ensure that the company procures quality items at the best price. LOGISTICS MANAGER Prepare monthly reports on vehicle mileage, fuel consumption, repairs and maintenance. Deal with Insurance matters relating to motor vehicles and follow up on any accidents. Prepare motor vehicle valuation and/or inspection reports. Ensure vehicles are in good working condition and supervise their maintenance and cleanliness Maintain motor vehicle files for all the vehicles. Good university degree or higher diploma in Business Management. At least 4 years experience in procurement or logistics in a manufacturing company. Honest and hard working, with high ethical standards. Proficient in written and spoken English. WAREHOUSE KEEPER Responsible for the inbound and outbound receiving goods. Responsible for preparing, collecting and checking documentation and invoices. Ensure good housekeeping, safety and accuracy of inventory. Issue materials & finished goods based on FIFO. Good university degree or higher diploma or certificate in Warehouse Management. At least 2 years of working experience in same capacity. Proficient in written and spoken English.

(11)

Key Responsibilities

Experience & Qualification

(12)

Key Responsibilities

Experience & Qualification

============================================ Competitive salary package will commensurate with experience and qualification. Interested individuals, pls send your detailed CV, Resume, NRC card, residence card and a recent photograph to : Food Land Manufacturing Co., Ltd Address : No. 23-28, Upper Pansodan Street, Mingalar Taungnyunt Township, Yangon. Email : FLMGMO@gmail.com Closing Date : 31 August 2012

Employment
INGO Position
MEDECINS du Monde (MDM) is seeking (2) Site Coordinator 1 post: Preferably MBBS (with valid medical registrat-ion: Sama). 2 years experiences in mana-gement of a large team working in HIV field. Fluent in English. Background with HIV medicine & Behavior change activities , among high risk population. Computer literacy (2) Field Administrator 1 Post: University diploma in accounting & general administration. 2 years experience as administrator with significant financial and human resources responsibilities (minimum of 30 staffs). Fluent English Pls submit applications by email. Pls submit CV & a cover letter to MDM Country Coordination Office: 47-B, Po Sein St, Bahan. Ph: 542830. Email: hr. mdm myanmar @gmail. com MEDECINS sans Frontieres - Switzerland (MSF-CH) is seeking Field Coordinator Assistant - MSF-CH Project in Yangon: Certificate or diploma in business or HR, Admin Management or similar education. University degree in: Human Relations, Law or Int'l relations. Diploma or professional qualification on public health. Bachelor with strong humanitarian experiences. Pls submit application (motivation letter, CV and copy of professional diplo-mas) to HR Officer : 101, Dhamazedi Rd, Kamar- yut, Email: msfchrangoon-web@ geneva. msf.org Ph: 502509, 526194. Closing date: 1st August 2012. MYANMAR Red Cross Society is looking for Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Officer 1 post in Nay Pyi Taw : University degree holder. 3 years experience in technical activities such as community based activities, DRR, community preparedness, etc. Computer literate in MS Office pack. Strong reporting skills (activities report in Myanmar & English). Intermediate English languages skills (written & oral). Knowledge of Red Cross Movement. Pls submit a letter of application, relevant documents & CV, Copy of recommendation letter from Police Station, Copy of labor registration card & Good health certificate , 1 passport photo (Cover letter & CV documents only need to be send via e-mail to U Khin Maung Hla, Executive Director, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Nay Pyi Taw mrcshrrecruitment @ gmail.com) before 8th August 2012. MALTESER Int'l is seeking Construction Engineer in Kyaing Tong and Tarchileik, Shan State : AGTI (Civil) or B.Tech (Civil) or B.E. (Civil). Very strong ability in civil engineering design and drawings using AutoCad. 5 years experience in design, project preparation, estimate, & implementation, site supervision of construction or water supply, sanitation projects. Very strong written & spoken English (Report writing, inter personnel relation and presentation skills). Strong capability in other computer applications (word, excel, power point, internet, emailetc.) Willing to work within humanitarian program-mes & to travel to remote areas. Pls submit application incl. CV, 2 photos & copies of educational certificate, National ID, & references to : 14-15 (6F), Pyi Taw Aye Yeik Thar St, Yankin. Email: hr.co.malteser@ gmail.com Closing date : 2nd August 2012 SOLIDARITES Int'l (SI) seeking (1) Administrative & Finance Manager in Kanpelet, Chin State: University level or equivalent in accounting/ manage-ment/ administration. 2 years experience in a similar position with NGO. (2) Deputy Administrative & Finance Manager in Bhamo, Kachin State: University level or equivalent in account ing/ management/ administration. 1 years experience in a similar position with NGO. For all posts excellent knowledge of word & excel, knowledge of accounting software SAGA & HR software HOMERE is a plus. Fluent spoken & written English & Myanmar. (3) Data Management Officer in Kanpetlet base, Chin State: Previous 2 years experience in similar position with INGO, INGO or UN in Myanmar is preferable. Experience in Chin State will be an added value. Any University Degree or Diploma Or related proven experience in similar area. Fluent spoken and written Myanmar, basic 4 skills of English. Good writing & communi-cation skills. Good MS Office (Excel, Word, Power Point) Pls submit application (CV, cover letter, re ferences) by email:hr.solidarites. mm@gmail.com, sol. ygn. hr@gmail.com, hr. solidarites.chin.mm@ gmail.com. Closing date : 31st July 2012. Embassies, INGOs, other Organizations based in Yangon services of Sr. Liaison/ Travel Officer available to head 2 - 3 person Travel Operations Unit. Served with UNICEF MCO for a quarter century & with 2 airlines plus English language service of State Radio. Salary, allowances & benefits in USD or MMK negotiable. Also able to Orientate newcomers on different aspects of Life in Myanmar. Pls contact Email: 10win17 @gmail.com,Available for personal interview on prior arrangement. LIFE HEALTH CARE Services Co., Ltd. Business Develop-ment Manager - M/F 1 Post:Any Graduate with BBA (or) MBA. Age: 35-45 years. Computer literate. 2 years experience in commercial fields. (Export, Import documentation). Ph: 09-400-456714, 09-73111294. KEMBANGAN Group of Medical Centres: (1) Doctor (M/F)- M.B.,B.S, Experience is prefer-able, Able to work full time. (2) Staff Nurse (M/F)- B.Sc Nursing (or) Diploma in Nursing, Experience is prefer-able, Able to work full time. Submit CV form, recent photo, Docu-ments Copies (Sa Ma) (Certificate & Nursing Liscence) not later than (31.8.12) to 365/367, Bo Aung Kyaw St (Upper), IHBC, Kyauktada, Yangon. Ph: 392955 (1) SECRETARY - F 1 Post :Any Graduate. Must have good communi-cation in English (oral & written). 2 years experience. Can use (Microsoft Word, Excel, Page Maker & Outlook). Excellent in 4 skills English. (2) Sale Executive - M/F1 Post: Diploma/ Degree of any discipline. Plan and manage sales & marketing strategies. Supervise all sales activities including product pricing and costing. 4 years experience in related field. Competent computer skills (ie. excel, power point). Pls submit CV, references, 2 color passport photos, Certificate & other necessary documents to hanwha.ygn.recruit @ gmail.com OPPORTUNITY for early childhood Teachers: English /Chinese (Male or female) Preschool . ygn@ gmail.com Contact to: 09505-7367 WE ARE well known International law firm looking for Office Assistant - F : Age 25~30, Any graduate, preferred Business management, Must have 3 years experience in related field (Admin/office) Must have good English skills for foreign firm computer skills (Microsoft office). Submit CV to suhlaing 07@gmail.com MOBILE PHONE service expert 1 post. Ph:09-5179121 WE ARE International law firm looking for a Lawyer ( LL.M ) must have good English skills for communication with foreign clients . Sent CV to 83/8, First Flr, Pansodan St, Yangon. E-mail: info@untlaw. com LOCAL PLANTATION with frequent international contacts wishes to employ staffs in administration and accounts. Must converse and write in English. Office boy cum driver with ability to speak English is also required. Pls send cv to thinzaroo.888@ gmail. com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. WANTED a driver English speaking, non alcoholic, no betel quid eater, honest and quiet in Yangon. Contact; 0943933844 INTER GROUP of companies is a leading managementconsulting company based in Singapore is seeking for Myanmar operation : AdminAssistant:Degree or diploma holder. Must familiar with accounting. Good communication & interpersonal skills. Computer literate. To handle the phone call To Communicate well with clients. Pls submit detailed resume with one recent passport photo and together with copies of educational certificates & testimonials to Inter Consulting Co., Ltd: 30 (B-1), Rm 601, 6th Flr, YadanarInnya Condo, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan. (Opposite of Fruit Market). Ph: 09-7310 5353 , 097310 5340. Email: hr@ icononline. netthe Closing date: 3rd August, 2012. BEAUTY SPA Manager - F 1 Post : 2 years SPA working experiences. Age 25 ~ 35. Any Bachelor degree & Fluent in English. (spoken / written). Pleasant personality & good communication skills. Pls summit CV with recent photo to Lemon Day Spa : 96 (f) Inya Rd, Kamayut . Ph: 514848, 09-732-08476. Email: Lemondayspa.2011@ gmail.com THANH BINH Manufacturing & Trade Company (THABICO) is seeking Information Recruitment : Age 2330. Bachelors Degree in Food Science/ Chemical within related field. Strong technical knowledge; Good sales & Negotiation skills; Team work, ability to learn fast; Decision making and problem solving skills. Good communication & written English. Has a technical background within the Food industry & having a commercial degree would be an added benefit. We offer an attractive compen-sation; benefit package and career oppor-tunities to the successful candidates. Pls send full resume, stating current & expected salary, and enclosing a recent photograph to : Nguyen Van Bay: 629/631, Pyay Rd, Kamayut, Ph: 503603, 534439.Email: vanbay. nguyen-6@ gmail.com MYANMAR Noble College is seeking for highly talented and motivated lecturers who have excel in academic or/and professional back-ground in Business Management : Post graduate level qualifi-cations in Business and/or business related disciplines, at QCF level 7 & above (Ph.d/ MBA/ M.Sc/ CIM etc). 3 years experience in teaching business subjects for int'l qualifications such as NCC, BE, CIM etc. Local A or int'l MBAs subjects teaching and program management experience will be advantage. A high level of verbal and written communication skills in English is a must (IELTS 6.0 and above or pass the language test conducted by Myanmar Nobel College). Pls send CV and copies of evidence of educatio-nal accomplishment with transcripts to : 108, Hninsi St (Upper), Ahlone. Ph: 220 476, 09-731-63975. E-mail: mmhilary@gmail. com with subject title Application for Lecturers for Business subjects. ESTABLISHED M N C is seeking for energetic and dynamic Business DevelopmentManager for FMCG and allied products: key Requirements: Minimum of 6 years or above in an F M C G company.Extensive market knowledge . To be able to come up with a good marketing plan and deliver along with capability to build up new businesses. Good communication & negotiation skills and knowledge of English. Motivated,self starter and wiling to travel extensively. Good pay. Qualification : Graduate or M.B.A/Marketing or Equivalent. Myanmar National. Interested candidates should submit the Resume along with relevant documents to sandarstar@gmail.com or call 09-512-4850. ALLIGATOR Industry Co., Ltd is seeking (1) Sales Manager - M 1 Post : Graduate with DMA, MBA (or) Marketing related education.(2) Marketing Manager M 1 Post: Graduate with DMA, MBA (or) Marketing related education. For 1 & 2:Aged above 30, can travel to rural area. Able to use Computer, Internet & Email for routine works and for presentation. 5 years experience in Marketing is a must. (3) Sales Engineer - M 5 Posts : BE (Mechanical) A.G.T.I, B.Tech. Aged under 30, can travel to rural area. Able to use computer for routine office works. (4) Technical Manager - M 1 Post : B.E (Mechanical). 5 years experiences in Engineering field. Be able to speak & write English. Pls send detailed up-to-date CV with relevant docu-ments, copy of labor registration card, copy of NRC card, recom-mendation from police force, nonreturnable photograph & contact ph to 9, Lion City Bldg., Shwe Marlar Avenue, Bayint Naung Rd, Kamayut,Closing Date: 31-7-2012. OFFICE STAFF - M/F 2 Posts: Strong communication skills in English. Ability to communicate with Customers and Staff in a professional and efficient manner. Cheerful and outgoing personality. Good computer & organiza-tional skills. ble A to work with minimum super-vision. Able to take direction and complete tasks required with accuracy in a timely manner. Willingness to take initiative & enthusiasm in learning and gaining experien-ce. Fast learner. Pls apply with detailed resume, contact details & expected salary to: cityviva@myanmar. com. mm, 162(C), 2nd Thiri Yeik Thar, Lower Kyeemyindine Rd, Ahlone, before 31 July 2012. WE ARE urgently seeking for (1) Tour Operator for international clients & quotations - 2 posts : must have at least 1 year experience in travel agency(2)SalesManager - 1 post. at least 3 years experience. Applicants must have good English skills verbal and written, German is an advantage. Pls contact Uniteam Tours & Travel with your CV until 07th August 2012 by e-mail: info@uniteamtravel-tours.com or at office- i22 Pan Hlaing Rd, Sanchaung. URGENTLY looking for Air con Electricians 2 post must have at least 3 years related good experience with good attitude. English in spoken and wirtten in necessary. Application letter to No.22, U Chit Mg Housing, Tamwe, Ph: 554054, 554052. Mercury Min Enterprise. ICE CREAM BAR FC Dessert Bar & Bistro (Yangon Int'l Hotel) & Ice Cream Bar Outlets (1) Junction Mawtin, (2) Junction Zawana, (3) Inya Rd & (4) Junction Square centre (5) City Mart Thamine. Manager - M/F (1) Post : Fluent English, Highly educated, 3 years of management experienced in F&B field with HR management skill, age between 2435, attractive salary. (1) Supervisor - F 2 posts: fluent English, 2 years experienced in F&B field (2) Kitchen Chef - M 1 post : Asian, Western,Thai (3) Sous Chef - M 2 Posts (4) Kitchen Helper - M 4 Posts (5) Bartender - M/F 6 Posts (6) Service Staff (good salary) - F 20Posts (7) Accoun-tants - F 3 Posts. Pls submit CV form, photo, contact ph, address & expected salary to all branches of Ice Cream Bar. MYANMAR Integrated Port Limited is looking for qualified Personnel Assistant: The basic qualification for this position: University Graduate. English proficiency for speaking/ reading and writing. Good PR skill. Sufficient knowledge and use Note book PC. Duties & Responsibi-lities: Assisting to Port DevelopmentManager. Meeting minutes. Handling visa application & ticketing. Interpreting & translat-ing in English. Applicants should be addressed to MIPL within 2 weeks from advertisement date. No.4, Thilawa Port, Kyauktan , Yangon. Email: maylwinmipl @ myanmar. com.mm, msn-mip@ myanmar. com.mm (1) MECHANICAL Engineer - M : Sales & technical support- B.E/ M.E (mechanical). Must have practical & sales knowledge for Air-condition (speciality for water cool/ Air cool Chiller system). 5 years experience in above item-b.Good command of English in spoken and written is necessary (Driving experience in preferable). Interesting Benefit program that is negotiable based on achievement. (2) Electrical Engineer - M : Sales echnical upport- &T S B.E/ M.E (E.P/ E.C). Must have practical & sales knowledge for Generators and Suchronization system, LV - main swithch board, LV electrical parts and accessories, Tools, etc.. No(22). U Chit Mg Housing. Ph: 554052, 554054. WE are currently seeking Secretary - M 2 posts: Any Graduate. Age 2530 years. At least 3 years experience in related field. English 4 skills & Good computer skill. Selfconfidence. Able to know secretarial procedure. Can work overtime and able to travel. Able to use Email, Internet. HR Department: Victory Myanmar Group Co., Ltd : 216, Bogyoke Aung San Rd., 5th Flr., Botahtaung, Yangon. VACANCIES in our factories. (1). Accounting manager/ financial controller (2). Shipping manager (3). Translators (4). Office administration officer/ manager (5). Garment production manager (6). Warehouse logistics officers (all preferred to be able to speak Cantonese/ Putonghua or English) We pay above the market rate and benefites included. Pls send CV to moelwin999 @ gmail. com I CARE Medical Group is seeking Medical Doctor - F 1 Post : Must have a minimum degree from university M.B.B.S with SA MA registeration. Age 30-35. Good communication in English. 2 years experience at medical field. Must be able to use computer, internet and microsoft application with excellent skills. Pls submit: CV with recent photo, copy of relevant certificates & docu-ments, describe working experience from graduation till present & expected salary. Rm G-07, G Flr, Diamond Center, Pyay Rd, Kamayut. Tel: 532438, 532447, 09-5136584. PADONMAR Restaurant is seeking (1) Receptionist - F 1 Post :Age above 20. Graduate. 1 year experience. Good personality & energetic person. (2) Cashier - F 1 Post : Age above 20 . Graduate. Good personality. 1 year service cashier & familiar with computerized software experience are preferable. (3) Store Keeper - M 1 Post : Aged 30 years. Must have computer data entry experience. 1 year experience. (4) Junior Accountant - F/M) 1 Post : Aged 23 ~ 30 . LCCI I, II. 1 or 2 year experience of Account-ing & computerized system. (5)Bar Manager - Bar experience 2 years. Age 25 ~ 40 years. For 1 , 2 & 5: Able to understand and speak English. For 1,2, 3 & 5 Will provide food & accommodat-ion. (6) Driver - 1 Post : 3 years experience. Non alcoholic and personal hygiene are essential. Pls apply with update CV form, recent photo, Government labor registration, Copies of related data with NRC to 105/107, Kha Yae Bin Rd, Dagon Tsp, Ph: 538-895. 09-730-29973.

Overseas
A WELL-ESTABLISHED company from Singapore specialising in the marketing and distribution of specialty chemical raw materials to the coatings & inks, plastic compounding & processing and food & beverage industries is looking for: Sales Engineer Job Responsibilities: Manage and ensure success of existing business assigned. Identify and develop new accounts and business in support of company business plan and goals. Perform market research, competitive analysis and generate monthly marketing reports. Requirements: Degree in chemical engineering, chemistry or related discipline. Good product development, analytical & problem-solving skills. 1 ~ 2 years experience in a technical sales position in the plastics, coatings and inks industry. Fresh graduates may also apply. Mature team player with the ability to work independently. Please send your full resume to:Email: recruit@ hexachem.com.sg Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

Local Position
FRITZ WERNER Industrie-Ausrstungen GmbH (Yangon Branch) is seeking for a Secretary (Female), must have the following skills: Any University Degree, Fluent English Reading / Writing / Speaking, Excellent skills with internet and Microsoft application, Age between 30 45 years, Minimum 5 years working experiences as a Secretary. Interested person should submit the application with CV, Certificates and recent photo at #A 05-01 Dagon Centre, 262-264 Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tel. 514225 not later than th 06 August 2012. JUNIORJAVADeveloper - 2 Posts: J2EE, Spring Frame-work, Web Java, J2ME or Android Salary 70000 + Bonus. Add : 256/266, Rm-5D, Seikkan-thar St (Upper) Kyauktada, Yangon, Ph: 245643, 398077 NEWLY ESTABLISHED

Hexa Chemicals is an established company specialising in the marketing and distribution of specialty chemical raw materials to the coatings & inks, plastic compounding & processing and food & beverage industries in Singapore. We are setting up an office in Yangon and we now have a vacancy for: Job Responsibilities: Manage and ensure success of existing business assigned. Identify and develop new accounts and business in support of company business plan and goals. Perform market research, competitive analysis and generate monthly marketing reports. Requirements: Diploma or degree in chemical engineering, chemistry or related discipline. Good product development, analytical and problem-solving skills. 1 2 years experience in a technical sales position in the plastics, coatings and inks industry. Fresh graduates may also apply. Mature team player with the ability to work independently. Prospects: This position offers the successful candidate excellent career development opportunity and to participate in the companys growth in Myanmar Please send your full resume to: Hexa Chemicals (S) Pte Ltd 1 Maritime Square, #09-52 HarbourFront Centre Singapore 099253 Email: recruit@hexachem.com.sg Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

SALES ENGINEER

Vacancy Announcement
Transworld GLS (S) Pte Ltd. (MM Branch). Has immediate opening in 1. Marketing 2. Sales 3. Documentation 4. Accounts Dept; For Shipping & Logistics activities, Candidates with experience in related fields will be preferred. Please mail your Resume with recent photograph at admin@tglsmyanmar.com. Ph : 391082, 391365, 391164 Last Date of submission 15th Aug' 2012.

Job Wanted
OFFICE SECRETARY : B .Sc Eng, Age 26 years, Female , 2 years work experience. Contact : candlelight 295 @gmail. com

The Essentials
EMBASSIES Australia 88, Strand Road, Yangon. tel : 251810, 251797, 251798, 251809, 246462, 246463, fax: 246159 Bangladesh 11-B, Than Lwin Road, Yangon. tel: 515275, 526144, fax: 515273, email: bdootygn@mptmail.net. mm Brazil 56, Pyay Road, 6th mile, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 507225, 507251, 507482. fax: 507483. email: Administ.yangon@ itamaraty.gov.br. Brunei 317/319, U Wizara Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 526985, 524285, fax: 512854 email: bruneiemb@ bruneiemb.com.mm Cambodia 25 (3B/4B), New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 549609, 540964, fax: 541462, email: RECYANGON @mptmail. net.mm China 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 221280, 221281, 224025, 224097, 221926, fax: 227019, 228319 Egypt 81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 222886, 222887, fax: 222865, email: egye mbyangon@mptmail. net.mm France 102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 212178, 212520, 212523, 212528, 212532, fax: 212527, email: ambaf rance. rangoun@ diplomatie.fr Germany 9, Bogyoke Aung San Museum Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 548951, 548952, fax: 548899 email: info@rangun. diplo.de India 545-547, Merchant Street, Yangon. tel: 391219, 388412, 243972, fax: 254086, 250164, 388414, email: indiaembassy @mptmail. net.mm Indonesia 100, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 254465, 254469, 229750, fax: 254468, email: kukygn @indonesia.com.mm Israel 15, Khabaung Street, Hlaing Tsp, Yangon. tel: 515115, fax: 515116, email: info@ yangon.mfa.gov.il Italy 3, Inya Myaing Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. tel: 527100, 527101, fax: 514565, email: ambyang.mail@ esteri.it Japan 100, Natmauk Road, Yangon. tel: 549644-8, 540399, 540400, 540411, 545988, fax: 549643 Embassy of the State of Kuwait Chatrium Hotel, Rm: No.416, 418, 420, 422, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe Tsp, Tel: 544500. North Korea 77C, Shin Saw Pu Road, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. tel: 512642, 510205, fax: 510206 South Korea 97 University Avenue, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 527142-4, 515190, fax: 513286, email: myanmar@mofat.go.kr Lao A-1, Diplomatic Quarters, Tawwin Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. tel: 222482, fax: 227446, email: Laoembcab@ mptmail. net.mm Malaysia 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Yangon. tel: 220248, 220249, 220251, 220230, fax: 221840, email: mwkyangon@mptmail. net.mm Nepal 16, Natmauk Yeiktha, Yangon. tel: 545880, 557168, fax: 549803, email: nepemb @mptmail.net.mm Pakistan A-4, diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Road, Yangon. tel: 222881 (Chancery Exchange) fax: 221147, email: pakistan@ myanmar. com.mm Philippines 50, Sayasan Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 558149-151, fax: 558154, email: p.e. yangon@gmail.com Russian 38, Sagawa Road, Yangon. tel: 241955, 254161, fax: 241953, email: rusinmyan@mptmail .net.mm Serbia No. 114-A, Inya Road, P.O.Box No. 943Yangon. tel: 515282, 515283, fax: 504274, email: serbemb@ yangon.net.mm Singapore 238, Dhamazedi Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. tel: 559001, fax: 559002, 559922, email: singemb_ ygn@_ sgmfa. gov.sg Sri Lanka 34 Taw Win Road, Yangon. tel: 222812, fax: 221509, email: slembassy. yangon@gmail.com, info@slembyangon.org, www.slembyangon.org Thailand 94 Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon. tel: 226721, 226728, 226824, fax: 221713 United Kingdom 80 Kanna Road, Yangon. tel: 370867, 380322, 371852, 371853, 256438, 370863, 370864, 370865, fax: 370866 United States of America 110, University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Yangon. tel: 536509, 535756, 538038, fax: 650306 Vietnam Building No. 72, Thanlwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. tel: 511305, fax: 514897, email: vnemb myr@ cybertech.net.mm Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia No.287/289, U Wisara Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. tel : 01-536153, 516952, fax : 01-516951 UNITED NATIONS ILO Liaison Officer Rm (M1212~1220), 12 Fl-A, Traders Hotel. 223, tel: 242 393, 242811. fax: 242594. IOM 12th Flr, Traders Hotel, 223, tel: 252560 ext. 5002 UNAIDS Rm: (1223~1231), 12 Fl, Traders Hotel. tel: 252361, 252362, 252498. fax: 252364. UNDCP 11-A, Malikha St, Mayangone tsp. tel: 666903, 664539. fax: 651334. UNDP 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tel: 542910-19. fax: 292739. UNFPA 6, Natmauk Rd, Bahan tsp. tel: 546029. UNHCR 287, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung tsp. tel: 524022, 524024. fax 524031. UNIAP Rm: 1202, 12 Fl, Traders Hotel.tel: 254852, 254853. UNIC 6, Natmauk St., BHN tel: 52910~19 UNICEF 14~15 Flr, Traders Hotel. P.O. Box 1435, KTDA. tel: 375527~32, fax: 375552 email: unicef.yangon@unicef. org, www.unicef.org/myanmar. UNODC 11-A, Malikha Rd., Ward 7, MYGN. tel: 666903, 660556, 660538, 660398, 664539, fax: 651334. email: fo.myanmar@unodc.org www. unodc.org./myanmar/ UNOPS Inya Lake Hotel, 3rd floor, 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 951657281~7. Fax: 657279. UNRC 6, Natmauk Rd, P.O. Box 650, TMWE tel: 542911~19, 292637 (Resident Coordinator), fax: 292739, 544531. WFP 3rd-flr, Inya Lake Hotel, 37, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 657011~6 (6-lines) Ext: 2000. WHO 12A Fl, Traders Hotel. tel:250583. ASEAN Coordinating Of. for the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, 79, Taw Win st, Dagon Township. Ph: 225258. FAO Myanma Agriculture Service Insein Rd, Insein. tel: 641672, 641673. fax: 641561.

General Listing
ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS
Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40 Natmauk Rd, Tarmwe. tel: 544500. fax: 544400. Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. fax: 227995. Thamada Hotel 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon. tel: 243639, 243640, 243641. Traders Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Rd. tel: 242828. fax: 242838. Winner Inn 42, Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 535205, 524387. email: winnerinnmyanmar @gmail.com Yangon YMCA 263, Mahabandoola Rd, Botataung Tsp. tel: 294128, Yuzana Hotel 130, Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, tel : 01-549600, 543367 Yuzana Garden Hotel 44, Alanpya Pagoda Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, tel : 01-248944

ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS

Charted Certified, Certified Public Accountants. tel: 09-5010563. drtinlatt@matglobal.com

AIR CONDITION
Chigo No. 216, 38 Street (Upper), Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 373472

No.7A, Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : (951) 546313, 430245. 09-731-77781~4. Fax : (01) 546313. www.cloverhotel.asia. info@cloverhotel.asia Confort Inn 4, Shweli Rd, Bet: Inya Rd & U Wisara Rd, Kamaryut, tel: 525781, 526872 Golden Aye Yeik Mon Hotel 4, Padauk Lane, 4th Word, Aye Yeik Mon Housing, Hlaing. tel: 681706. Hotel Yangon No. 91/93, 8th Mile Junction, Mayangone. tel : 01-667708, 667688. Inya Lake Resort Hotel 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 662866. fax: 665537. Orchid Hotel 91, Anawrahta street, Pazundaung Township, Yangon, . Tel: 399930, 399990, 901061~65. E-mail: orchidhotel@ myanmar.com.mm.

ACCOMMODATIONHOTELS (NAy PyI TAw)

The First Air conditioning systems designed to keep you fresh all day GUNKUL Engineer supply Co., Ltd. No.437 (A), Pyay Road, Kamayut. P., O 11041 Yangon, Tel: +(95-1) 502016-18, Mandalay- Tel: 02-60933. Nay Pyi Taw- Tel: 067-420778, E-mail : sales.ac@freshaircon. com. URL: http://www. freshaircon.com General 83-91, G-F, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Kyauktada Tsp, tel : 706223, 371906

Reservation Office (Yangon) 262-264, Pyay Road, Dagon Centre, A# 03-01, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 95-1-501937, 536255, 09-520-0926.
The Oasis Hotel (Nay Pyi Taw)

ASTROLOGER
Saya Min Thoun Dara Astrologer No(2), Maha Wizaya Pagoda North Stairway, Dagon Tsp. tel: 296184

Tel: 95-67-422088, 422099

ACCOMMODATION LONG TERM

Espace Avenir No 523, Pyay Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 505213-222.

BARS
50th Street 9/13, 50th street-lower, Botataung Tsp. Tel-397160.

No. 205, Corner of Wadan Street & Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon. Myanmar. Tel: (95-1) 212850 ~ 3, 229358 ~ 61, Fax: (95-1) 212854. info@myanmarpandahotel .com http://www. myanmarpandahotel.com Panorama Hotel 294-300, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Tsp. tel: 253077. PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 250388. fax: 252478. email: enquiry.prygn@ parkroyalhotels.com Website: parkroyalhotels. com. Savoy Hotel 129, Damazedi Rd, Kamayut tsp. tel: 526289, 526298, Seasons of Yangon Yangon Intl Airport Compound. tel: 666699. Sweet Hotel 73, Damazedi Road, San Chaung Tsp, Ph: 539152 Sedona Hotel Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin. tel: 666900. Strand Hotel 92 Strand Rd. tel: 243377. fax: 289880.

Happy Homes
Real estate & PRoPeRty ManageMent

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance tel: 295133. Fire tel: 191, 252011, 252022. Police emergency tel: 199. Police headquarters tel: 282541, 284764. Red Cross tel:682600, 682368 Traffic Control Branch tel:298651 Department of Post & Telecommunication tel: 591384, 591387. Immigration tel: 286434. Ministry of Education tel:545500m 562390 Ministry of Sports tel: 370604, 370605 Ministry of Communications tel: 067-407037. Myanma Post & Telecommunication (MPT) tel: 067407007. Myanma Post & Tele-communication (Accountant Dept) tel: 254563, 370768. Ministry of Foreign Affairs tel: 067-412009, 067-412344. Ministry of Health tel: 067-411358-9. Yangon City Development Committee tel: 248112. HOSPITALS Central Womens Hospital tel: 221013, 222811. Children Hospital tel: 221421, 222807 Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital tel: 543888. Naypyitaw Hospital (emergency) tel: 420096. Workers Hospital tel: 554444, 554455, 554811. Yangon Children Hospital tel: 222807, 222808, 222809. Yangon General Hospital (East) tel: 292835, 292836, 292837. Yangon General Hospital (New) tel: 384493, 384494, 384495, 379109. Yangon General Hospital (West) tel: 222860, 222861, 220416. Yangon General Hospital (YGH) tel: 256112, 256123, 281443, 256131. ELECTRICITY Power Station tel:414235 POST OFFICE General Post Office 39, Bo Aung Kyaw St. (near British Council Library). tel: 285499. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Yangon International Airport tel: 662811. YANGON PORT Shipping (Coastal vessels) tel: 382722 RAILWAYS Railways information tel: 274027, 202175-8.

Tel: 09-7349-4483, 09-4200-56994. E-mail: aahappyhomes@ gmail.com, Facebook: happyhomes, Yangon Myanmar. Golden Hill Towers 24-26, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel: 558556. ghtower@ mptmail.net.mm. Marina Residence 8, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 6506 51~4. fax: 650630. MiCasa Hotel Apartments 17, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp. tel: 650933. fax: 650960. Sakura Residence 9, Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. tel: 525001. fax: 525002. The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residence 372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Tsp. tel 951-256355 (25 lines). fax: 951-256360. Yangon City Villa (Residence) Pyay Rd, 8 Mile Junction, MYGN, tel: 513101

Green Garden Beer Gallery Mini Zoo, Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar.

INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com

Strand Bar 92, Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar. tel: 243377.fax: 243393, sales@thestrand.com.mm www.ghmhotels.com

Lobby Bar PARKROYAL Yangon, Myanmar. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388.

mt QuiCk guide
July 30 - August 5, 2012
ADvERTISING
WE STARTED THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY IN MYANMAR SINCE 1991

48
the

MyanMar tiMes

ENTERTAINMENT
Room - 4021, 3rd Floor, Taw Win Centre. Ph: 8600111 (Ext:4021), 09-803-2581. La Brasserie (International) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel : 250388.

GAS COOKER & COOKER HOODS

24 hours Cancer centre No. 330, Yangon International Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 218388, 218292 Fax: (951) 218389

M a r k e t i n g & c o M M u n i c at i o n s

A d v e r t i s i n g

SAIL Marketing & Communications Suite 403, Danathiha Center 790, Corner of Bogyoke Rd & Wadan Rd, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 211870, 224820, 2301195. Email: admin@ advertising-myanmar.com www.advertising-myanmar. com

La Source Beauty Spa 80(A), Inya Rd, Kamayut. tel: 512 380, 511 252. Sedona Hotel, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. tel: 666 900 My Way Diamond Condo, Bldg(A), Rm (G-02), Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 52717, 09 51 70528

Zamil Steel No-5, Pyay Road, 7 miles, Mayangone Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (95-1) 652502~04. Fax: (95-1) 650306. Email: zamilsteel@ zamilsteel.com.mm

INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com Traders Caf Traders Hotel, Yangon. #223, Sule Pagoda Rd. Tel: 242828 ext: 6519

DOMAIN

Dance Lessons Mon-Fri 12:00 to 23:00. Sat-Sun 10 am to 8 pm Fun dancing Friday nights with Filipino musicians 4, U Tun Myat St, Tamwe. Tel: 01-541 550 The Uranium Dance Studio Pearl condo Bldg (C), 2nd flr, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 09731-42624, 09-514-0404.

Yangon : A-3, Aung San Stadium (North East Wing), Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel : 245543, 09-730-37772. Mandalay : Room No.(B,C) (National Gas), 35th St, Btw 80th & 81st, Chanayetharzan Tsp. Tel : 09-6803505, 02 34455, 36748, 71878.

GEMS & JEWELLERIES

.biz.mm .per.mm .com.mm .org.mm

FITNESS CENTRE
Espace Avenir 523, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Tel : 505214, 505222 FIT Club - Rm 101~3, Marina Residence, 8, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp, Tel : 650634, 650651 Ext:102 Parkroyal Fitness & Spa Parkroyal Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 250388.

BEAUTY & MASSAGE

BATTERY

CHOCOLATE
A Little Dayspa No. 475 C, Pyi Road, Kamayut, Yangon. Tel: 09-431-28831.

No. (8), Panchan Tower, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 951-516891~3 sm@mtg.biz.mm, www.mtg. biz.mm, www.mmnic.biz.mm.

DUTY FREE
ISO 9001:2008 (QMS)

Natural Gems of Myanmar No. 30 (A), Pyay Road (7 mile), Mayangone Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 01-660397, 654398~9. E-mail: spgems.myanmar @gmail.com

24 hours Medical centre No. 330, Ground Flr, Yangon Intl Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. 24 hour Call Centre : (951) 218 445 Clinic : (959) 4921 8159 Office : (951) 218 446 Fax : (951) 218 389 www.leomedicare.com

HOME FURNISHING

Traders Hotel, 5th Floor Tel: 242828,Ext: Coreana. Sedona Hotel, Mandalay Ground Fl. Tel: 02-36488, Ext: Coreana

Proven Technology Industry Co., Ltd. No. FS 14, Bayintnaung Rd, Shwe Sabai Yeik Mon, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 951-951-701719~20, 527667, 531030, 531041, 530694. Fax: 527667, 531030. http//www. toyobatterymyanmar.com.

G-A, Ground Floor, Pearl Center, Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Yangon. Tel: 09 500 6880 Email: chocolateheaven. sale@gmail.com

GENERATORS

COLD STORAGE

BOOK STORES

Duty Free Airport Shopping Yangon International Airport Arrival/Departure Tel: 662676 (Airport) Office: 17, 2nd street, Hlaing Yadanarmon Housing, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 500143, 500144, 500145.

22, Pyay Rd, 9 mile, Mayangone Tsp. tel: 660769, 664363.

HOTEL MANAGEMENT
Mr. Betchang No.(272), Pyay Rd, DNH Tower, Rm No.(503), 5th flr, Sanchaung Tsp, Tel: 095041216 The Yangon GYM Summit Parkview Hotel 350, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. tel: 211888, 211966. Traders Health Club. Level 5, Traders Hotel Yangon#223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Tel: 951 242828 Ext: 6561 Winning Way No. 589-592, Bo Aung Kyaw St, Yangon-Pathein highway Road. Hlaing Tharyar tsp. Tel: 951645178-182, 685199, Fax: 951-645211, 545278. e-mail: mkt-mti@ winstrategic.com.mm

EDUCATION CENTRE
Est. 1992 in Myanmar Cold Storage Specialist, Solar Hot Water Storage Solutions. Tel: 09-504-2196, 09-73194828. E-mail: gei.ygn2@ gmail.com, glover2812@ gmail.com MHR Business & Management Institute 905, 9th floor, Modern Iron Market(Thanzay Condo) Lanmadaw St. Tel: 707822. NLEC 82 Anawrahta Rd, Corner of 39 St, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 250225.

Hotel ManagementConsultants (Singapore) Yangon Office Tel. : 09-516-6400 Email: info@univel.com.sg

Inya Day Spa

16/2, Inya Rd, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 537907, 503375.

Innwa Book Store No. 246, Rm.201/301, GF, Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Tsp. Tel. 389838, 243216, 374324, 514387 MYANMAR BOOK CENTRE Nandawun Compound, No. 55, Baho Road, Corner of Baho Road and Ahlone Road, (near Eugenia Restaurant), Ahlone Township. tel: 212 409, 221 271. 214708 fax: 524580. email: info@ myanmarbook.com

HEALTH SERvICES

LANGUAGE

CONSTRUCTION

FLORAL SERvICES

ELECTRICAL
Floral Service & Gift Shop No. 449, New University Avenue, Bahan Tsp. YGN. Tel: 541217, 559011, 09-860-2292. Market Place By City Mart Tel: 523840~43, 523845~46, Ext: 205. Junction Nay Pyi Taw Tel: 067-421617~18 422012~15, Ext: 235. Res: 067-414813, 09-49209039. Email : eternal@ mptmail.net.mm

Lemon Day Spa No. 96 F, Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 514848, 09-732-08476. E.mail: lemondayspa.2011 @gmail.com Saw Peter Foot Reflexology Oil Massage, Body Massage, Foot Massage. Any time you want at your place. Tel : 09-518-8047.

81, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 548022, 542979, 553783, 09-8030847, 09-730-56079. Email: asiapacific. myanmar@gmail.com.

CAFS
Cafe de Angel No.24, Baho Rd, Ahlone Tsp. Tel : 703449.

From Singapore, one-stop construction service No.22, U Chit Mg Housing, U Chit Mg Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon. Tel: +951554046 Fax: +951554048 Email: cnqcmyanmar@ gmail.com

Est. 1992 in Myanmar Electrical & Mechanical Contractors, Designers, Consultants. Tel: 09-504-2196, 09-73194828. E-mail: gei.ygn2@ gmail.com, glover2812@ gmail.com

No. 8, Panchan Tower, Dhamazedi Rd, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp., Yangon. Tel: 539581, 539582. nexus@kyaukseinnwe.com www.nexusmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/Nexus. English.Language.Learning. Centre

English Language Learning Centre

Agent Office, 5th Floor, Junction Centre (Maw Tin), Lanmadaw Township, Yangon. Myanmar. Ph: 09-731-56770, 09-5117584, Fax: 01-516313, myanmarmeditour@gmail. com

LEGAL SERvICE
U Min Sein, BSc, RA, CPA.,RL Advocate of the Supreme Court 83/14 Pansodan St, Yangon. tel: 253 273. uminsein@mptmail.net.mm

Flora Service & Gift Shop No.173(B), West Shwegonedaing Rd, Bahan Tsp, YGN. Tel: 09.731 800 30 No.75/77, Yaw Min Gyi St. Dagon Tsp, YGN. Tel: 09.431 432 34. Home: 01-577 387, Email: rosanafloral.ygn@ gmail.com

MARINE COMMUNICATION & NAvIGATION

Acupuncture, Medicine Massage, Foot Spa Add:No,27(A),Ywa Ma Kyaung Street, Hlaing Township, Yangon. Tel: 01-511122, 526765. Piyavate Hospital (Bangkok) Myanmar Represent ative (Head office) Grand Mee Yahta Executive Residences. No.372, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, PBDN. Ph: 256355, Ext: 3206. Hotline: 09-73777799. Email: piyavate@cnt. com.mm, piyavate.cnt@ gmail.com, Website: www. piyavate.com PHIH-Specialist Clinic FMI Centre (4th Floor) #380, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Tsp. tel: 243 010, 243 012, 243 013

Top Marine Show Room No-385, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 01-202782, 09-851-5597

Media & Advertising

Floral Service & Gift Centre 102(A), Dhamazaydi Rd, Yangon.tel: 500142 Summit Parkview Hotel, tel: 211888, 211966 ext. 173 fax: 535376.email: sandy@ sandymyanmar.com.mm.

FOAM SPRAY INSULATION

Foam Spray Insulation No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazuntaung Road, Pazuntaung Tsp, Yangon. Telefax : 01-203743, 09730-26245, 09-500-7681. Hot Line-09-730-30825.

24 hours Laboratory & X-ray No. 330, Ground Flr, Yangon Intl Hotel, Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (951) 218388, (951) 218292 Fax: (951) 218389

Intuitive Design, Advertising, Interior Decoration Corporate logo/Identity/ Branding, Brochure/ Profile Booklet/ Catalogue/ Billboard, Corporate diary/ email newsletter/ annual reports, Magazine, journal advertisement and 3D presentation and detailed planning for any interior decoration works. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing, Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

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mt QuiCk guide
July 30 - August 5, 2012
REMOvALISTS
House of Memories Piano Bar & Restaurant Myanmar Cuisine & International Food 290, U Wizara Rd, Kamaryut Tsp, Yangon. tel: 525 195, 534 242. e-mail: houseofmemories 9@gmail.com Streamline Education 24, Myasabai Rd, Parami, Myangone Tsp. tel: 662304, 09-500-6916. No. 105/107, Kha-Yae-Bin Road. between Pyi Daung Su Yeik Tha (Halpin) and Manawhari Road/Ahlone Road, Dagon Tsp. Tel/Fax: 538895, Tel: 09730-29973, 09-540-9469.
padonmar.restaurant@ gmail.com. www.myanmarrestaurantpadonmar.com

MyanMar tiMes

MARKET RESEARCH

MMRD Research BLDG C, New Mingalar Market, 10-story BLDG, 8 & 9 flr, Coner of Mill St & Banyardala Rd, Mingalar Taungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 200326, 200846, 201350. Fax: 202425.

Crown Worldwide Movers Ltd 790, Rm 702, 7th Flr Danathiha Centre, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lanmadaw. Tel: 223288, 210 670, 227650. ext: 702. Fax: 229212. email: crown worldwide@mptmail.net.mm

OFFICE FURNITURE
Phoenix Court (Chinese) PARKROYAL Yangon. 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. tel: 250388. Royal Garden Nat Mauk Road, Kandaw Gyi Natural Park, Bahan Tsp. tel: 546202 Signature Near U Htaung Bo Round, about Bahan Tsp. tel: 546488, 543387. Summer Palace (Chinese) Restaurant Level 2, Traders Hotel, #223, Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242828. ext:6483 Target Bldg B, 1-fl, Rm F-23, Pearl condo. Bahan tsp. Tel: 09-513-5924, 09-5048750. TG Bar & Restaurant The Grand Mee Ya Hta Executive Residences (2nd Flr), Bogyoke Aung San Rd. Tel: 385101, 256355.

1. WASABI : No.20-B, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp,(Near MiCasa), Tel; 666781,09-503-9139 2. WASABI SUSHI : Market Place by City Mart (1st Floor). Tel; 09-430-67440 Myaynigone (City Mart) Yankin Center (City Mart) Junction Mawtin (City Mart)

No.35(b), Tatkatho Yeik Mon Housing, New University Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 951-549451, 557219, 540730. www.yangon-academy.org

SOLAR SYSTEM
The Brightest AC CFL Bulb 21, 9th St, Lanmadaw Tsp. Ph: 212243, 216861, 216864. spsolarstation@ gmail.com. www. spsolarstation.com

SCHOOLS
INYA1 Resturant & Bar No.(1), Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: 01-527506 email: inyaone@gmail.com www.inya1.com

Monday to Saturday (9am to 6pm) No. 797, MAC Tower II, Rm -4, Ground Flr, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Lamadaw Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 212944 Ext: 303 sales.centuremyanmar@ gmail.com www.centure.in.th

PLEASURE CRUISES

Legendary Myanmar Intl Shipping & Logistics Co., Ltd. No-9, Rm (A-4), 3rd Flr, Kyaung St, Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 516827, 523653, 516795. Mobile. 09-512-3049. Email: legandarymyr@ mptmail.net .mm www.LMSL-shipping.com

Horizon Intl School 25, Po Sein Road, Bahan Tsp, tel : 541085, 551795, 551796, 450396~7. fax : 543926, email : contact@horizonmyanmar. com, www.horizon.com ILBC 180, Thunandar 9th Lane, Thumingalar Housing, Thingungyung.tel: 562401.

STEEL CONSTRUCTION

Moby Dick Tours Co., Ltd. Islands Safari in the Mergui Archipelago 4 Days, 6 Days, 8 Days Trips Tel: 95 1 202063, 202064 E-mail: info@islandsafari mergui.com. Website: www. islandsafarimergui.com

Schenker (Thai) Ltd. Yangon 59 A, U Lun Maung Street. 7 Mile Pyay Road, MYGN. tel: 667686, 666646.fax: 651250. email: sche nker@mptmail.net.mm.

Kohaku Japanese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6231 KSS Setyone Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt. tel: 203320.

PEB Steel Buildings 21/5, Thirimingalar Avenue, Kabaaye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 653410, 09-515-0332, 09-401601948, 09-4250-23062. marketing@pebsteel.com. mm www.pebsteel.com.mm

Myanmar. Tel: 95-1-535783, 527705, 501429. Fax: 95-1-527705. Email: salesikon@myanmar.com.mm Junction Mawtin Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Cor of Wadan St. Lanmadaw Tsp. Tel: Junction Square Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp. Tel: Ocean Supercentre (North Point ), 9th Mile, Mayangone Tsp. Tel: 651 200, 652963. Pick n Pay Hyper Market Bldg (A,B,C), (14~16), Shwe Mya Yar Housing, Mya Yar Gone St, Mingalartaungnyunt Tsp. Tel: 206001~3, Fax: 9000199 Sein Gay Har 44, Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 383812, 379823. Super 1 (Kyaikkasan) 65, Lay Daunt Kan St, Tel: 545871~73 Super 1 (Shwe Bonthar) 397, Bogyoke Aung San St, Pabedan. Tel: 250268~29 Victoria Shwe Pone Nyet Yeik Mon, Bayint Naung Rd, Kamaryut Tsp. Tel : 515136.

ILBC IGCSE SCHOOL No.(34), Laydauntkan Road, Tamwe Tsp, Yangon. Tel: 542982, 545720, 549106,545736,400156 Fax: 541040 Email: info@ilbc.net.mm www.ilbcedu.com ISM Intl School W 22/24, Mya Kan Thar Housing, Hlaing Tsp. tel:530082, 530083. International School Yangon 20, Shwe Taung Kyar St, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 512793.

SUPERMARKETS
Asia Light 106, Set Yone Rd.tel: 294074, 294083. Capital Hyper Mart 14(E), Min Nandar Road, Dawbon Tsp. Ph: 553136. City Mart (Aung San Branch) tel: 253022, 294765. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (47th St Branch) tel: 200026, 298746. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Junction 8 Branch) tel: 650778. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (FMI City Branch) tel: 682323. City Mart (Yankin Center Branch) tel: 400284. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Myaynigone Branch) tel: 510697. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Zawana Branch) tel:564532. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Shwe Mya Yar Branch) tel: 294063. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Chinatown Point Branch) tel: 215560~63. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (Junction Maw Tin Branch) tel: 218159. (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) City Mart (Marketplace) tel: 523840~43. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) City Mart (78th Brahch-Mandalay) tel: 02-71467~9. (9:00 am to 10:00 pm) IKON Mart IKON Trading Co., Ltd. No.332, Pyay Rd, San Chaung P.O (11111), Yangon,

TRAvEL AGENTS

Asian Trails Tour Ltd 73 Pyay Rd, Dagon tsp. tel: 211212, 223262. fax: 211670. email: res@ asiantrails.com.mm Htoo Travels 209/c, first flr, Shwe Gonedaing Rd, Bahan. Tel: 548554, 548039. Sun Far Travels & Tours 27, Ground flr, 38th st, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 380888.

Road to Mandalay Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Ltd. Governors Residence 39C, Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon. Tel: (951) 229860 fax: (951) 217361. email: RTMYGN@mptmail.net.mm www.orient-express.com

Bo Sun Pat Tower, Bldg 608, Rm 6(B), Cor of Merchant Rd & Bo Sun Pat St, PBDN Tsp. Tel: 377263, 250582, 250032, 09-511-7876, 09-862-4563.

Enchanting and Romantic, a Bliss on the Lake 62 D, U Tun Nyein Road, Mayangon Tsp, Yangon Tel. 01 665 516, 660976 Mob. 09-4210-34875 operayangon@gmail.com www.operayangon.com The Ritz Exclusive Lounge Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Ground Floor, Tel: 544500 Ext 6243, 6244

RESTAURANTS

PAINT

24 hours open. 5, Alan Pya Phaya Rd, Dagon Tsp, inside Thamada Hotel. tel 243640, 243047, Ext: 32.

Admissions Office: No. 44, Than Lwin Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel: 535433, 09-850-3073. Email: rviacademygn@ rvcentre.com.sg

WATER HEATERS

22, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp. tel 541997. email: leplanteur@ mptmail.net.mm. http://leplanteur.net Little Tokyo Japanese Fine Dining No.168 (C), Dhamazedi Rd, Bahan Township, Yangon. Ph: 09-731-85168, 09-731-78946 Tiger Hill Chinese Restaurant Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp, Lobby Level, Tel: 544500 Ext 6253 Traders Gourmet Corner Level 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel : 242828 ext : 6503 Traders Gallery Bar Level 2, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6433 Traders Lobby Lounge Level 1, Traders Hotel, #223 Sule Pagoda Road. tel: 242 828. ext: 6456 Western Park Thakhin Mya Park, Ahlone. Tel: 225143 YKKO 28, Saya San Road, Bahan Tsp. tel:01-541998

Bangkok Phuket Yangon www.paintfx.asia

Lunch/Dinner/Catering 555539, 536174

95, Anawrahta Rd. Tel:296552, 293754. 336, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp. Tel: 526456. New University Avenue, 551521, 551951, 553896. U Wisara Rd, Tel: 524599, 501976.

The Global leader in Water Heaters A/1, Aung San Stadium East Wing, Upper Pansodan Road. Tel: 251033, 09-730-25281.

Same as Rinnai Gas cooker and cooker Hood Showroom Address

Water Heater

WEB SERvICES

TOP MARINE PAINT No-410, Ground Floor, Lower Pazundaung Road, Pazundaung Tsp, Yangon. Ph: 09-851-5202

RELOCATION

No.430(A), Corner of Dhamazedi Rd & Golden Valley Rd, Building(2) Market Place (City Mart), Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Tel : 01-523840(Ext-309), 09-73208079. Black Canyon Coffee & International Thai Cuisine 330, Ahlone Rd, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 0980 21691, 395052. email: blackcanyon@ yangon. net.mm. Feel 164/168, War Tan St, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon, Ph: 223697, 09 511 8415, 09 50 14288

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar 85/87, Thein Byu Road, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 295224, 09-501 5653. Pansweltaw Express Cafe: 228, Ahlone Rd, Ahlone Tsp. Tel: 215363 (1)-Rm-309, 3rd flr, Ocean, East Point Shopping Center, Pazundaung Tsp. Tel: 397900 Ext: 309. (2)G-Flr, Ocean North Point Shopping Center. Tel:652959, 652960, Ext: 133. www.pansweltaw.com E-mail: pansweltaw@ myanmar.com.mm

Relocation Specialist Rm 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. Tel: 250290, 252313. Mail : info@asiantigersmyanmar.com

Yangon International School Fully Accredited K-12 International Curriculum with ESL support No.117,Thumingalar Housing, Thingangyun Township, Yangon. Tel: 578171, 573149 www.yismyanmar.net Yangon International School New Early Childhood Center Pan Hlaing Golf Estate Housing & U Tun Nyo Street, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon. Tel: 687701, 687702

World-class Web Services Tailor-made design, Professional research & writing for Brochure/ Catalogue/e-Commerce website, Customised business web apps, online advertisement and anything online. Talk to us: (951) 430-897, 553-918 www.medialane.com.au 58B Myanma Gon Yaung Housing. Than Thu Mar Road, Tamwe, Yangon.

spoRt
July 30 - August 5, 2012
the

50
MyanMar tiMes
North Koreas supporters react as their womens football match against Colombia is delayed at Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, on July 25. Pic: AFP

100 gold medals our target, says minister

By Aung Si Hein MYANMAR is aiming for a total of 100 gold medals when it hosts the 27th SEA Games in 2013, according to comments by the minister for sports. U Tint Hsan unveiled the lofty ambition to Mizzima in an interview at Mount Pleasant Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on July 23. We have set out a plan to secure as many medals as possible from cycling, chess, billiards and racing. We are also targeting gold in football since we qualified for the AFC U-22 Asian Championships, U Tint San said. We hope that out of the 300 gold medals available, over 100 will be for us. Myanmar sport federations, however, say the target is unrealistic since the country won only 16 golds at the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia. The result placed Myanmar seventh out of 11 contesting countries. And jumping from 16 gold medals to more than 100 in only two years is nearly impossible, say federation officials. The home advantage from which Myanmar would be expected to benefit is not considered enough of a contributing factor. The traditional practice of host nations deciding on which events will be included is tempered by the fact that the sports must be agreed on by half of the competing countries according to SEA Games competition rules. But clear advantage can be gained when certain sports only have one or two participants registered, as has happened at previous games. I proposed 32 events for chess so we could confidently clinch more medals with our traditional form of chess. But it was reduced to 16, U Maung Maung Lwin, president of the Myanmar Chess Federation, told The Myanmar Times. We still have a 75 percent chance to win 12 as there is very little chance of us winning international [chess] games. We will have to look to other federations to see if the ministers hope is possible, he said. U Cho Maung, general secretary of Kokine Swimming Club, faced a similar rejection when he proposed additional waterbased events. If we consider swimming, it is not very promising [for Myanmar]. We can only win many gold medals if we include our traditional sports as Thailand did for the 24th SEA Games. I unsuccessfully proposed Inle traditional rowing, where boatman row with their legs. If we could create a variety of events for Inle traditional rowing then we could feasibly target as many as 40 [gold medals], U Cho Maung said. But to win 100 gold medals is next to impossible. Other countries are not doing nothing, they are all preparing hard to compete for medals, he added. Meanwhile, representatives from other countries in the region have suggested adding several other events such as fencing, diving, hockey, petanque, soft tennis, the Indonesian martial art Tarung Derajat and the Vietnamese martial art Vovinam. Adding these would further dilute the home advantage for Myanmar as it lacks participants for the sports. Another obstacle is the regulation that each country cannot compete in all the events for each sport, but by a quota system. Taekwando has 21 medals but we are allowed to compete in only 15, said U Kyaw Than Oo, the Myanmar Taekwando Federation coach. Our target is to win five medals. Based on our current state, even winning five is unlikely. We all have to wait and see if we can reach the number of medals our minister expects, he said.

Korean flag blunder mars Olympics start

GLASGOW Londons Olympics got off to an embarrassing start on July 25 when North Koreas women footballers refused to play after a mix-up over their national flag. The team were incensed after Hampden Parks giant screen showed images of North Korean players next to the South Korean flag before their opening match with Colombia. The game missed its 7:45pm start after North Korea failed to appear. After it finally kicked off at 8:50 pm, North Korea won 2-0 with a goal in each half. Yes, we were angry because our players were introduced as if they are from South Korea, something that may affect us very greatly as you might know, said North Korea coach Sin Ui-Gun. Winning the game cannot compensate this. It is a different matter. We hope there is no repeat in the next matches, he added. Sin said North Korea would have abandoned the game if the problem was not resolved, and said he had even wondered if the wrong flag had not been used on purpose. If this matter was not solved, we thought going on was nonsense, he said. Olympics organisers and FIFA apologised over the blunder. Today ahead of the womens football match at Hampden Park, the South Korean flag was shown on a big screen video package instead of the North Korean flag, said a statement from the London organising committee. Clearly that is a mistake, we will apologise to the team and the National Olympic Committee and steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again. Relations between the two Koreas, still officially at war and sharing the worlds most heavily guarded border, are strained over the communist Norths nuclear programme. The two countries marched together at the 2004 Athens Olympics opening ceremony, but did not even hold talks on repeating the gesture in London. North Korean officials have blocked South Korean media from covering their athletes training sessions, according to the Souths Yonhap news agency. However, South Koreas weightlifters politely rearranged a training session this week after the North Korean team arrived at the same venue at the same time, in a scheduling mistake. North and South Korea will also clash in Olympic table tennis having been drawn to face each other in the first round of the mens team event on August 3. AFP

Bardoe steps into limelight on Yangons big stage

By Stuart Deed LAST time British kickboxer Sean Bardoe stepped into the ring in a competitive bout he emerged with a draw against his older and lighter opponent at a celebration of Kayin New Year in Yangon. But when Bardoe ventures onto the canvas on August 12 hell be fighting a veteran fighter and at one of Yangons biggest arenas, packed with serious boxing fans. His opponent will be Khun Kyaw Swe, a fighter with an aggressive reputation and Bardoe admitted to nerves in the lead up to the fight. I wouldnt have minded fighting in Magwe or Pathein or in one of the provinces with a smaller venue but obviously being in Yangon at a large stadium its a lot more pressure, he said last week. Even though there was probably 5000 people at the Kayin New Year fight [last December] it wasnt so bad because it was like a local atmosphere, which was good. This time there will be a lot more people watching and a lot more serious boxing fans, he added. While Bardoe is going to enter the fight weighing about 160 pounds about 12 pounds lighter than his opponent hes in excellent good shape for a 42-year-old. Bardoe trains up to six days a week with coach Win Zin Oo, former freeweight champion Lone Chaw and up-and-coming fighter Shan Ko at Win Zin Oos house and gym in Mayangone township. During a training session on July 21, Bardoe hustled easily through three 3-minute rounds of sparring Sean Bardoe spars with Shan Ko at their gym in Mayangone township last week. Pic: Stuart Deed Its a bit tough when youve done a 3-minute round [of sparring] and they say no, no, no can you do it again, can you keep going and the round goes on and on. And when youre actually exhausted they want to ask you questions. You can hardly talk at times but its been interesting to see how documentaries are made, he added. The Channel NewsAsia documentary will broadcast Myanmar traditional boxing letwhay to the 20 nations in the network in October after two further fights by Shan Ko and Lone Chaw in September. Win Zin Oo described Khun Kyaw Swe as a veteran fighter who also has plenty of experience on the other side of the ropes. His career as a fighter was about seven or eight years but he has been a boxing coach for about 12 years, Win Zin Oo said. Hes a veteran but also a professional with a big name. And Im sure hell come into the fight in good shape because hes very serious, he added. Win Zin Oo, however, refused to predict a winner. Im not an astrologer but were doing our best and Sean is doing his best to be ready. Bardoe agreed that it was tough to predict who would emerge victorious but was wary of dropping his guard. In a boxing fight somebody can beat the hell out of the other guy for four and a half rounds and then get knocked out heading into the time out for the fifth round, he said. Im just hoping that I put on a good fight and represent our club and gym. Win or lose as long as its a good fight Ill be happy.

Yangon to host international marathon

By Ben White Myanmars international profile in sports continues to rise as Yangon plays host to the countrys first international marathon in decades in January 2013. Yoma Strategic Holdings confirmed sponsoring the event at an official launch at FMI Centre on July 25. About 1,000 participants, both locals and foreigners, are expected to race over three distances; a 42km marathon, a 10km run and a 3km run. The races will begin and end at Peoples Park, taking in Yangons most iconic landmark, the Shwedagon Pagoda. The YOMA Yangon International Marathon will be a charity event with all proceeds from race entries donated to various charitable projects in Myanmar. The marathon will be held on January 27, 2013 with race fees ranging between US$22 US$42. Registration can be made via the official event website: http://www. yangonmarathon.com.

with Shan Ko a much younger man with a long reach and quick feet. Bardoe will undoubtedly enter the fight with a few niggles a sore muscle in his calf or a toe injury but hes fit, much fitter than a non-professional fighter has any right to be. In fact, its hard not to escape the feeling that Bardoe is playing a few mind games to establish himself as the underdog. Adding to the pressure of the venue and big crowd on Bardoe will be the knowledge that several television crews have their cameras honed on him. Im real nervous about this one because its at a big stadium in Yangon, its going to be on television and were also doing a documentary

about the club and Lone Chaw, Shan Ko and myself for Channel NewsAsia, which is based in Singapore, Bardoe said. Channel NewsAsia television has been shooting a documentary on Bardoe for the past two months and will be there to document the man in action. The fight will also be taped by at least one domestic television station, which means win, lose or draw Bardoe will leave the ring with his star status elevated even further. Bardoe said having the film crew shadowing him had, at times, been exhausting. It was interesting and sometimes you have to do things a few times to get it on camera, he said.

tImESsPORt

July 30 - August 5, 2012

Clockwise from above left: Olympic rings shower fireworks, while Myanmars flagbearer Zaw Win Thet leads out his delegation, and a British fan waves a flag during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in London on July 27. Pics: AFP

London opens Games with style

LONDON A stirring ceremony packed with surprises, music and comedy opened the London Olympics on July 27 as Britain welcomed the world with a blaze of colour and creativity. James Bond and David Beckham starred as Britain welcomed the world to the Olympics in an eccentric opening ceremony showcasing the countrys rich history and sense of fun. Oscar-winning director Danny Boyles Isles of Wonder creation, which also featured Muhammad Ali and 7,500 volunteers, was a sharp departure from its predecessor, Beijing 2008s tightly choreographed spectacular. Queen Elizabeth II, who had made a royal entrance like no other in a spoof film with James Bond actor Daniel Craig, declared the Games open as London took on the role of host nation for an unprecedented third time. In front of about 80,000 VIPs and spectators, the Queen was depicted parachuting out of a helicopter with Bond actor Daniel Craig, Mr. Bean played Chariots of Fire and children bounced on National Health Service beds. The show was quintessentially British, as its creator, British film director Danny Boyle, had promised. Details of Boyles creation had remained a closely guarded secret until Fridays 9:00 pm (2000 GMT) start, heralded by Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins ringing a giant bell as farm animals frolicked on grass below. The show traced Britains development from a bucolic past through the Industrial Revolution before fast-forwarding to the present day. Large fluffy clouds circled the stadiums covered track and birdsong was played over the loudspeakers before children counted down by popping giant balloons. A formation of Red Arrows jets flew past, trailing red, white and blue smoke at 8:12 pm, or 2012, and there was a party atmosphere in the stadium as a comic actor and folk singer warmed up the crowd in light rain. But the rural idyll gave way to industrial revolution smoke stacks as actor Kenneth Branagh, dressed as 19th century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, read the Isles of Wonder speech from William Shakespeares The Tempest. A deaf childrens choir evocatively sang the British national anthem in their pyjamas and 600 reallife health workers took part in dance routines celebrating the free British health service. The Queen of Hearts battled Lord Voldemort, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling read Peter Pan and football superstar Beckham motorboated up the Thames with the Olympic torch. Fireworks cascaded from giant Olympic rings before the comedy sketch featuring Bond and the Queen, who was shown jumping out of a helicopter before she appeared in the stadium. The Queen formally opened the Games before Redgrave, receiving the Olympic flame from Beckham, entered the stadium, ending a torch relay of 12,800 miles (20,600 kilometres). Thousands of smiling and dancing athletes trooped in behind their national flags with Flag-bearers Usain Bolt and Novak Djokovic among the stars of the colourful athletes march before last-up Britain entered to David Bowies Heroes, raising an enormous cheer and shower of tickertape. Five-time gold medallist rower Steve Redgrave had brought the torch into the stadium in east London before passing it on to a series of young runners. They embraced their mentors, including decathlete Daley Thompson and middle-distance runner Kelly Holmes, before the teenagers lit a series of torches which hydraulically lifted to create a high-tech cauldron. They lit a fire on the stadium floor which spread and rose to form a raised pyre of more than 200 torches combining as a single giant flame. Beatles legend Paul McCartney then played out the nearly fivehour performance with a singalong rendition of Hey Jude. Tickets were in high demand with two spectators saying they paid 1,600 pounds (US$2,500) for their seats. Boyles liquorice allsorts opening ceremony, costing 27 million (US$42 million) kicks off a two-week festival of sport, seven years and billions of pounds in the making, on a former industrial wasteland in east London. The stage is now set for superstars Bolt, Michael Phelps and Roger Federer to dazzle in competition, while an army of unsung competitors also aim for gold. AFP