BURMA BULLETIN

∞∞∞ A month-in-review of events in Burma∞∞∞

A L T E R N A T I V E A S E A N N E T W O R K O N B U R M A
campaigns, advocacy & capacity-building for human rights & democracy

Issue 45 September 2010

• SPDC Election Commission excludes ten political For comprehensive monitoring of the
parties from the elections. Thirty-seven are ruled 2010 elections, please visit the “2010
eligible to contest the polls. Election Watch” at www.altsean.org

• SPDC Election Commission cancels polls in 3,314

Villages in Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, and Shan IN THIS ISSUE
States which precludes approximately 1.5 million
residents in ethnic nationality areas from voting. KEY STORY
• SPDC detains an NLD organizer and six university 2 Ethnics excluded
students for distributing leaflets that urge people not 2 Activists arrested
to vote in the elections. 3 Media restrictions and threats
3 Boycotts and protests
• SPDC Army soldiers in numerous areas across 3 Daw Suu allowed to vote?
Burma protest a shortage of rations by refusing to INSIDE BURMA
perform sentry duty and other routine tasks. 4 Ethnic groups clash with SPDC
• Tensions between the SPDC and ethnic nationality 4 NLD activities continue
groups escalate over the elections and the Border 4 SPDC Army woes
Guard Force issue, leading to clashes in Shan and 5 SPDC buys helicopters
5 Nuclear program goes on
Karen States.
5 Burma behind on MDGs
• SPDC Army soldiers shoot and kill two Pegu 5 Militias and drug production
residents. SPDC authorities fail to take any action HUMAN RIGHTS
against those responsible for the killing. 5 Pegu killing
6 Monks still monitored
• The observance of the third anniversary of the 2007
6 Arrest and prison sentences
monk-led protests causes the SPDC to step up
restrictions on Buddhist monks. Two monks receive DISPLACEMENT
7 Rohingya still pushed back
long prison sentences.
7 Burmese migrants protest
• A Shan Drug Watch report says that the SPDC is INTERNATIONAL
shifting control of drug production and trafficking to 7 Support for CoI grows
proxy militias in Shan State. 8 NLD dissolution condemned
• Six more countries pledge support for a UN- 8 Burma-related meetings in NY
9 SPDC and China cozy-up
established Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Burma –
a total of 12 countries now support a CoI. ECONOMY
9 SPDC arbitrary taxation
• UN, ASEAN, and the US meet in New York to discuss 9 More privatizations
Burma’s elections and call for free, fair, and 10 New deals
inclusive polls. 10 OTHER BURMA NEWS
• Than Shwe visits China to solidify relations ahead of 11 REPORTS
_____________________________________
the November elections. Receive the Burma Bulletin monthly!
email publications@altsean.org
• A new report exposes the SPDC’s arbitrary taxation Online copies are available for
practices. download at www.altsean.org

KEY STORY

In September, the SPDC Election Commission finalized the list of political parties that will be eligible
to participate in the 7 November elections. The SPDC Election Commission’s decisions on political
party registrations can be summarized as follows:

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• Forty-seven parties applied for registration
• Thirty-seven parties were ruled eligible to contest the elections
• Ten parties were excluded by the SPDC Election Commission:
o Three parties were unfairly denied party registration1
o Five parties were dissolved for failing to register at least three candidates2
o Two parties were dissolved for failing to complete the registration process3
• Five parties were dissolved for failing to re-register, including the NLD and the SNLD, which
together won over 84% of the seats in the 1990 elections.4 (Note: The NLD and SNLD, together with
parties previously dissolved by the SPDC, represent more than 90% of seats won in 1990).

Ethnic voters and candidates excluded

On 16 September, the SPDC Election Commission announced that polls would not be held in 3,314
villages in Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, and Shan States because “they are in no position to host free
and fair elections.”5 These areas comprise nearly 50% of Karen State, most of the areas in Kachin State
under the control of the Kachin Independence Organization, and four of the six Townships in the Wa
Self-Administered Division.

State Villages excluded Total Villages Percentage

Kachin State 405 2,884 14.04%
Karen State 961 2,061 46.62%
Karenni State 74 620 11.93%
Mon State 49 1,200 4.08%
Shan State 1,825 17,059 10.69%
Total 3,314 23,824 13.91%

The SPDC’s decision not to hold elections in these areas disenfranchised an estimated 1.5 million
voters in ethnic areas,6 increased the likelihood of armed conflict, and made the chances of genuine
national reconciliation even more remote.

In addition, the SPDC Election Commission rejected the application of 14 Kachin State Progressive
Party members and one Northern Shan State Progressive Party member who applied to run as
independent candidates after their parties were unfairly denied registration.7

Activists arrested

• 1 September: SPDC authorities in Dala Township, Rangoon Division, briefly detained an NLD
organizer for distributing leaflets that urged people not to vote in the elections.8

1
The parties are: the Kachin State Progressive Party, the Northern Shan State Progressive Party, and the United Democracy
Party (Kachin State).
2
NLM (15 Sep 10) Union Election Commission issues Notification No. 97/2010; The parties are: the Mro National Party, the
Myanmar Democracy Congress, the Myanmar New Society Democratic Party, the Regional Development Party (Pyay), and the
Union Kayin League.
3
NLM (17 Aug 10) Union Election Commission issues Notification No. 104/2010; NLM (29 Sep 10) Union Election Commission
issues Notification No. 105/2010; Xinhua (29 Sep 10) Myanmar dissolves one more party for not registering for election; The
parties are: the All National Races Unity and Development Party (Kayah State) and the People’s New Society Party.
4
NLM (15 Sep 10) Union Election Commission issues Notification No. 97/2010; The parties are: the National League for
Democracy, the PaO National Organization, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, the Shan State Kokang Democratic
Party, and the Wa National Development.
5
NLM (17 Sep 10) Union Election Commission issues Notification No. 103/2010, NLM (17 Sep 10) Union Election Commission
issues Notification No. 102/2010, NLM (17 Sep 10) NLM Union Election Commission issues Notification No. 101/2010, NLM (17
Sep 10) Union Election Commission issues Notification No.100/2010, NLM (17 Sep 10) Union Election Commission issues
Notification No. 99/2010
6
This is an estimate based on the number of villages where the elections have been canceled multiplied by the average number
of eligible voters per village.
7
Irrawaddy (16 Sep 10) EC Rejects Individual Kachin Candidates; Kachin News Group (21 Sep 10) Kachin parties, independents
denied EC approval
8
Irrawaddy (02 Sep 10) Only State Proxy Parties to Compete in Naypidaw

2
• 17 September: Police in Rangoon’s North Okkalapa Township arrested six university students for
distributing leaflets that called for a boycott of the polls.9

Media restrictions and threats

On 14 September, the SPDC Election Commission issued Notification No. 98/2010, which stated that
parties that want to campaign on TV or radio must submit transcripts to the Election Commission at
least seven days in advance for approval.10 In the week following the announcement, the SPDC Election
Commission rejected the transcripts submitted by the Democratic Party (Myanmar), the Union of
Myanmar Federation of National Politics, and the 88 Generation Student Youths (Union of
Myanmar).11

During the same period, state-run newspapers stepped up threats and election propaganda. State-run
newspapers published several commentaries that threatened jail for anyone who incited people to
protest the elections or not to vote.12 On 10 September, state-run newspapers also said that people who
do not vote in the elections are “irresponsible opportunists” and “too foolish to enjoy democracy.”13

Boycotts and protests continue

• 1 September: The Zomi National Congress said it would boycott the elections because they are “very
undemocratic.”14
• 3 September: The Committee Representing the People’s Parliament adopted a resolution to boycott
the elections.15
• 7 September: It was reported that Myanmar Democracy Congress General Secretary Kaung Htet
announced that the party would boycott the polls because of the SPDC Election Commission’s
“unacceptable and unsatisfactory” actions.16
• 13 September: The All Burma Monks’ Alliance urged voters across the country to boycott the
polls.17
• 20 September: It was reported that an alliance of five youth groups18 mailed more than 1,000
postcards to businessmen and civil servants across the country that urged them to boycott the
elections.19
• 21 September: Unidentified people distributed anti-election posters in Maungdaw, Buthidaung,
Rathidaung, and Akyab Townships in Arakan State.20

Daw Suu allowed to vote, free at last?

On 20 September, junta officials in Rangoon said that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was excluded from the
voter rolls.21 However, four days later her name appeared on the voter rolls in Rangoon’s Bahan
Township and a local SPDC official said that she would be allowed to cast her vote in advance.22 This
unexpected change prompted concerns that the SPDC would accuse Daw Suu of failing to exercise her

9
Mizzima News (30 Sep 10) Student unions condemn 'unlawful' arrest of activists urging poll boycott; Irrawaddy (29 Sep 10)
Students Arrested for Urging Election Boycott
10
NLM (15 Sep 10) Union Election Commission issues Notification No. 98/2010
11
Irrawaddy (23 Sep 10) Burma's EC Rejects Democratic Party Campaign Ad; Mizzima News (24 Sep 10) Party canvassing on
state media heavily censored
12
AFP (18 Sep 10) Myanmar 'issues warning to Suu Kyi party'; AP (19 Sep 10) Suu Kyi's party warned over election criticism
13
Reuters (10 Sep 10) Myanmar tells baffled voters to do their duty; Reuters (10 Sep 10) Govt urges Myanmese to vote; AP (10
Sep 10) Myanmar media denounce those who push vote boycott
14
Chinland Guardian (05 Sep 10) ZNC Boycotts 2010 Election
15
Mizzima (07 Sep 06) 1990 winners’ committee announce vote boycott
16
Mizzima News (07 Sep 06) 1990 winners’ committee announce vote boycott
17
DVB (14 Sep 10) Activist monks call for election boycott
18
The alliance comprises: The 2007-Generation All Burma Federation of Student Unions; the New Generation; the Saffron
Generation; the Midland Students; and the Pro-democracy Student and Youth Activists
19
Mizzima News (26 Sep 10) Five youth organisations form poll-boycott alliance
20
Narinjara News (22 Sep 10) Anti-Election Posters Distributed on International Peace Day in Arakan
21
AP (20 Sep 10) Suu Kyi officially barred from election
22
BBC (24 Sep 10) Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi 'on voters' list'; Irrawaddy (24 Sep 10) Suu Kyi Allowed To Vote; Myanmar Times
(27 Sep 10) Daw Suu Kyi can vote in election

3
civic duty if she didn’t vote.23 On 30 September, SPDC officials said that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
would be released from house arrest on 13 November.24

INSIDE BURMA

Ethnic groups clash with SPDC

Tensions between the SPDC and Burma’s ethnic nationality groups escalated as a result of the SPDC
Election Commission decision to cancel elections in villages across Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, and
Shan States. [See above Ethnic voters and candidates excluded] In addition, the junta increased
pressure on ethnic ceasefire groups to join the Border Guard Force (BGF). In early September, ethnic
ceasefire groups once again rejected the SPDC’s “final” ultimatum that they either join the BGF or
disarm. The junta responded by recalling all civil servants and junta-sponsored NGO staff stationed in
areas of Shan State controlled by the United Wa State Army (USWA) and the National Democratic
Alliance Army (NDAA) and began mobilizing SPDC Army troops near ceasefire areas.25

On 4 September, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi voiced concern over the situation in ethnic areas and said the
SPDC should seek dialogue with the ceasefire groups instead of threatening them with military action.26
The increased presence of the SPDC Army in Eastern Burma has led to flashes of violence:

• On 14 and 20 September, SPDC Army soldiers clashed with SSA-N 1st Brigade troops in Hsipaw and
Mongyai Townships in Northern Shan State, resulting in the deaths of four SPDC Army soldiers.27
• In Karen State, Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) forces killed at least 14 SPDC Army
soldiers and wounded 27 during seven skirmishes in Hlaingbwe, Myawaddy, and Papun Townships.28

NLD activities continue

On 14 September, the SPDC Election Commission confirmed the dissolution of the National League for
Democracy because it failed to re-register as a political party.29 Despite the dissolution, threats issued
by state-run media, and ongoing surveillance by SPDC authorities,30 NLD leaders continued their tour
across Burma to raise awareness about the election boycott among party members. NLD leaders met
NLD members and activists in numerous Townships in Irrawaddy, Magwe, Mandalay, and Sagaing
Divisions and in Shan and Chin States.31 On 27 September, about 300 NLD members gathered at the
home of Vice-Chairman Tin Oo to mark the 22nd anniversary of the party’s founding. Dozens of
plainclothes police officers monitored the event.32

SPDC Army woes

In September, it was reported that SPDC Army soldiers in numerous areas across Burma refused to
perform sentry duty and other routine tasks to protest a shortage of rations. One soldier from the
Rangoon Division-based LID 701 said that rations had been cut by one-third. Soldiers also complained
that commanders did not allow them to withdraw their savings from the Army’s central fund.33 In early
23
Irrawaddy (25 Sep 10) Suu Kyi's Right to Vote a 'Trick': Aide
24
AFP (30 Sep 10) Myanmar to free Suu Kyi days after election: officials
25
Irrawaddy (03 Sep 10) Staff Ordered to Leave Ethnic Border Areas; SHAN (06 Sep 10) Tensions continue on eastern front;
Irrawaddy (07 Sep 10) Burmese Army Mobilizes near Chinese Border; Irrawaddy (14 Sep 10) Junta Deploys More Troops after
China Visit
26
Canadian Press (27 Sep 10) Suu Kyi’s disbanded Myanmar opposition party marks anniversary under police surveillance;
Irrawaddy (27 Sep 10) NLD Marks 22 Years
27
SHAN (16 Sep 10) Tension flares up between Burma’s junta, ceasefire groups after confrontations; SHAN (21 Sep 10) Another
“mistaken” clash between junta, Shan; Irrawaddy (22 Sep 10) Government Soldier Dies in Shan State Skirmish; DVB (22 Sep 10)
Fighting erupts on Int’l Peace Day
28
Irrawaddy (10 Sep 10) KNLA Ambush Kills 2 Injures 6; KIC (14 Sep 10) Three Burmese Army soldiers killed in KNLA ambush;
KIC (21 Sep 10) Four Burmese Army soldiers killed in clash with KNLA
29
NLM (15 Sep 10) Union Election Commission issues Notification No. 97/2010
30
Canadian Press (15 Sep 10) Party of Myanmar’s democracy icon says its members are under constant watch by junta
31
Mizzima News (02 Sep 10) Irrawaddy people agree with poll boycott: NLD; Mizzima News (08 Sep 10); Mizzima News (14 Sep
10) Mandalay and Shan NLD support election boycott; Irrawaddy (20 Sep 10) NLD Continues Boycott Activities Despite Threats
32
Canadian Press (27 Sep 10) Suu Kyi’s disbanded Myanmar opposition party marks anniversary under police surveillance;
Irrawaddy (27 Sep 10) NLD Marks 22 Years; AFP (28 Sep 10) Myanmar democracy party urges poll participation
33
BBC (23 Sep 10) Burma soldiers ‘refusing tasks in pay, rations protest’

4
September, insufficient rations forced SPDC Army soldiers from LIB 304 based in Matupi Township,
Chin State, to cross into India’s Mizoram State to forage for food.34

SPDC buys helicopters from Russia

On 8 September, it was reported that the SPDC Air Force bought 50 Mi-24 attack helicopters and 12
Mi-2 armored transport helicopters from Russia. The helicopters are expected to be used to support
ground troops in military offensives in ethnic areas.35

Nuclear program goes on

On 23 September, the SPDC told the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference
that allegations that it was trying to develop a nuclear weapon program were “unfounded.”36 Despite the
SPDC’s reassurances, uranium mining in Burma continued. It was reported that about 150 households
from three Villages located near a uranium mine in Mogok, Mandalay Division, would be relocated
from the area next year “for security reasons.” The uranium mined near Mogok is supposedly
transported to a refinery in Thabeikkyin, Mandalay Division, where the SPDC nuclear facility is
located.37

Burma behind on Millennium Development Goals

On 21 September, SPDC FM Nyan Win said that Burma had made progress towards achieving its eight
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).38 Despite these claims of progress, Burma still lagged behind
in meeting its MDGs. According to the latest statistics from the UN, Burma was still “off track” on
improving maternal health. In addition, there was “insufficient data” for measuring two others: the
eradication of extreme poverty and hunger and developing a global partnership for development.
Lowering child mortality, reducing malaria and HIV/AIDS, and achieving environmental sustainability
were considered “possible” only if the SPDC introduced reforms.39

SPDC giving local militias control over drug production

On 29 September, the Shan Herald Agency for News released its Shan Drug Watch report, which
indicated that 46 of Shan State’s 55 Townships were still growing opium. As with previous reports on
opium poppy cultivation in Shan State, the report said that the amount of land being cultivated for
opium poppy had increased during the 2009-2010 growing season.40 [See June 2010 Burma Bulletin]

The report attributed this increase on the SPDC Army’s reliance on its policy of allowing local proxy
militias in Shan State to produce and traffic drugs, including methamphetamines, in exchange for
policing against resistance activity. This situation has enabled the pro-junta militia groups to replace
other ethnic ceasefire groups as the main drug producers in Shan State.41

HUMAN RIGHTS

Pegu killing

On 4 September, SPDC Army soldiers from IB 59 shot and killed two Pegu residents, Aung Thu Hein,
23, and Soe Paing Zoe, 19, following an argument over a traffic accident between the two young men
and two SPDC Army officers.42

34
Khonumthung News (20 Sep 10) Burmese Army soldiers trespass into Mizoram for rations
35
Irrawaddy (08 Sep 10) Burma buys 50 combat helicopters; Strategy Page (23 Sep 10) Burma Delight
36
Reuters (23 Sep 10) Myanmar tells U.N. body it will never seek atom bombs
37
SHAN (03 Sep 10) Over 100 households near uranium project in Mogok to be relocated
38
Irrawaddy (22 Sep 10) Burma FM Claims Progress Towards Development Goals
39
DVB (23 Sep 10) UN millennium development goals in jeopardy
40
Shan Drug Watch (23 Sep 10) Newsletter Issue 3; Nation (29 Sep 10) Pro-Burma militia emerging as new drug lords
41
Nation (29 Sep 10) Pro-Burma militia emerging as new drug lords
42
Irrawaddy (06 Sep 10) Two shot after dispute with soldiers; Mizzima News (07 Sep 10) Pegu enraged after youths shot dead by
army officers

5
Amid calls for justice from local residents and politicians,43 the SPDC attempted to defuse the situation
by offering one million kyat (US$1,000) to the families of the two victims, provided they remained
silent over the killings.44 Despite claims that SPDC authorities filed charges against the soldiers
responsible for the killing, it is not apparent that any action has been taken against them.45

On 7 September, funerals for the two young men were held under very tight security.46 No one was
allowed to see the corpses before they were hastily cremated.47 A lawyer and activists from Rangoon
who attempted to attend the funeral were stopped and detained at a police checkpoint until the
ceremony was finished.48

On the same day, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana said he
would include the killings in his upcoming report to the UN General Assembly.49

Monks still monitored

In an attempt to prevent a repeat of the Saffron Revolution, the SPDC stepped up restrictions on
Buddhist monks as the third anniversary of the 2007 monk-led protests neared:

• SPDC authorities in Rangoon barred Buddhist monks from using loudspeakers and displaying flags
and signboards during the 11-19 September annual religious examinations.50
• SPDC authorities in Rangoon barred lay associations from donating food to monks without
authorization during the same period.51
• SPDC authorities in Rangoon deployed additional security forces on the streets near monasteries and
pagodas, particularly the Shwedagon pagoda.52
• 20 September: Police in Akyab, Arakan State, threatened to arrest a group of 10 local monks who
had met to discuss the situation of detained monk U Pyinya Sara.53
• 27 September: An SPDC court in Rangoon’s Insein prison sentenced monk Uk Kong Sah to 15 years
in prison with hard labor for campaigning against the upcoming elections.54 [See January 2010
Burma Bulletin]
• 29 September: The Akyab District Court in Arakan State sentenced monk U Pyinya Sara to eight
years and three months in prison for defamation of religion, possession of foreign currency, and
possession and distribution of obscene material.55

Arrest and prison sentences

• 15 September: Police in Magwe detained Weekly Eleven journal intern Aung Thu Nyein for two
days for taking photos of flood damage in Magwe Division.56

43
AP (10 Sep 10) Myanmar soldiers kill 2 civilians in 'drunken brawl,' prompting warning from junta; Mizzima News (07 Sep 10)
Pegu enraged after youths shot dead by army officers; Irrawaddy (07 Sep 10) Families denied access to Pegu shooting victims
44
Irrawaddy (06 Sep 10) Two shot after dispute with soldiers; Mizzima News (07 Sep 10) Pegu enraged after youths shot dead by
army officers; Mizzima News (07 Sep 10) Security tight for Pegu youths’ funeral; Irrawaddy (08 Sep 10) No Justice After Army
Shootings; DVB (07 Sep 10) Bodies of Bago shooting victims kept by army; Mizzima News (11 Sep 10) Pegu shooting victims’ kin
muzzled
45
AP (10 Sep 10) Myanmar soldiers kill 2 civilians in 'drunken brawl,' prompting warning from junta; AFP (10 Sep 10) Myanmar
riot fears after two men shot by troops; DPA (10 Sep 10) Myanmar to prosecute soldiers over death of two civilians; NLM (10 Sep
10) Drunken brawl grows into gunfire in Bago; Irrawaddy (07 Sep 10) Families denied access to Pegu shooting victims;
Irrawaddy (16 Sep 10) No Legal Progress in Pegu Shooting
46
AFP (10 Sep 10) Myanmar riot fears after two men shot by troops; NLM (10 Sep 10) Drunken brawl grows into gunfire in Bago
47
Irrawaddy (07 Sep 10) Families denied access to Pegu shooting victims; Mizzima News (07 Sep 10) Security tight for Pegu
youths’ funeral; DVB (07 Sep 10) Bodies of Bago shooting victims kept by army
48
Mizzima News (11 Sep 10) Pegu shooting victims’ kin muzzled
49
Irrawaddy (08 Sep 10) No Justice After Army Shootings; Mizzima News (07 Sep 10) Funeral of two youths in Pegu
50
Irrawaddy (14 Sep 10) Military Restricts Rangoon Monks
51
Irrawaddy (14 Sep 10) Military Restricts Rangoon Monks
52
Irrawaddy (14 Sep 10) Military Restricts Rangoon Monks
53
Narinjara News (24 Sep 10) Meeting for Arrested Monk Foiled by Police
54
AFP (28 Sep 10) Jailed for anti-election activity; Irrawaddy (28 Sep 10) Monk Jailed for Anti-Electioneering; DVB (28 Sep 10)
Anti-election monk sentenced to 15 years; IMNA (30 Sep 10) Mon monk sentenced to 15 years in Insein Prison
55
Irrawaddy (29 Sep 10) Arakan Monk Gets 8 Years; DVB (30 Sep 10) Anti-trafficking monk given 8 years; Narinjara News (30
Sep 10) Ashion Pyinya Sara Sentenced to 8 Years and 3 Months in Prison; Mizzima News (30 Sep 10) Arakanese abbot handed
eight years in jail on sex charges

6
•
15 September: An SPDC court sentenced activists Zin Oo, Zaw Lwin, Kyawza Lin, Htet Ko Lwin,
Khin Yi, Aye Min Naing, and San San Maw to an additional 20 years in prison under the Explosives
Act. The seven activists had already been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 20 to 38 years
under the Unlawful Associations Act and the Arms Act.57

DISPLACEMENT

Rohingya still pushed back to Burma

Muslim Rohingya continued risk their lives in attempts to flee persecution in Burma, and Bangladesh
authorities continued to push them back. On 24 September, 15 Rohingya went missing after their boat
capsized in heavy winds on the Naff River when they tried to reach Bangladesh.58

On 26 and 27 September, Bangladesh authorities arrested more than 32 Rohingya at various points
along the Bangladesh-Burma border and pushed at least 27 of them back to Burma.59 Since January,
Bangladesh has pushed over 2,000 Rohingya back to Burma.60

Burmese migrants in Thailand protest

On 6 September, more than 1,000 migrant workers went on strike at the Dechapanich Fishing Net
Factory in Khon Kaen, Thailand, after factory management fired six workers and illegally tampered
with their work visas for taking more than three days leave per month.61 After striking for eight days,
local Thai immigration authorities agreed to honor the work visas of the fired workers. Factory owners
also agreed to return personal documents to all the workers and to pay the workers the minimum wage
as provided in Thai labor law.62

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Support for a Commission on Inquiry grows

In September, six more countries gave their support for a UN-established Commission of Inquiry (CoI)
on crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma. To date, 12 countries have expressed their
support for a CoI: Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Slovakia, the UK and the US.

• 3 September: It was reported that Canada supported the idea of a UN CoI into human rights abuses
by the SPDC63
• 6 September: Hungary issued a statement in support for a UN Commission of Inquiry into crimes
against humanity and war crimes in Burma. Hungarian FM Janor Martonyi said that a CoI could
contribute to the promotion of human rights in Burma.64
• 17 September: French Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Jean-Baptiste Mattei said that
France supported the effort to establish a CoI.65
• 20 September: It was reported that the Netherlands and New Zealand added their support to the
establishment of a CoI on Burma. A Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said that the

56
Mizzima News (17 Sep 10) Journal condemns Magway flood reporter’s detention; Mizzima News (17 Sep 10) Editors secure
release of cadet held over Magway flood photos
57
DVB (16 Sep 10) ‘Activists’ jail term extended by 20 years
58
Kaladan News (25 Sep 10) Naff River boat capsizes, 15 people missing
59
Kaladan News (27 Sep 10) Bangladeshi police jails five-Burmese national; Daily Star (28 Sep 10) Rohingyas pushed back
60
Narinjara News (11 Jun 10) Bangladesh Conducts Census of Illegal Burmese Citizens in Bangladesh
61
Irrawaddy (10 Aug 10) Burmese Workers Continue 3rd Day of Strike; Mizzima News (10 Sep 10) 1,000 Burmese enter sixth
day of strike at Thai plant; Irrawaddy (13 Sep 10) Striking Burmese Workers Still Seeking Change
62
Mizzima News (13 Sep 10) Protesting migrant workers gain partial victory; Mizzima News (15 Sep 10) Migrant workers end
strike, achieve goals; IPS (14 Sep 10) Newly Emboldened Burmese Workers Press for Change
63
Mizzima (03 Sep 10) Canada to support UN inquiry on Burma abuses
64
European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma (06 Sep 10) European MPs welcome Hungary support for Burma crimes
65
Mizzima News (23 Sep 10) France joins calls for UN inquiry into Burma abuses

7
 Netherlands would work closely with all other partners, within the EU and outside to advance the
cause of an international inquiry.66
• 25 September: It was reported that Ireland confirmed its support for a CoI on Burma.67
• 29 September: It was reported that Lithuania supported the establishment of a CoI .68

NLD’s dissolution condemned

International condemnation followed the official announcement of the NLD’s dissolution on 14

September:69

• 15 September:
o UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki Moon expressed concern about the dissolution of the NLD.70
o France Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valéro said that the NLD’s dissolution was
“profoundly shocking” and the result of unjust election laws.71
• 16 September:
o UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the NLD’s dissolution exposed the elections in
Burma as a sham process designed to keep the regime in power and deny the Burmese people their
right to freely choose their leaders.72
o Canada’s FM Affairs Lawrence Cannon said that Canada was disappointed that the SPDC had
reached a new low in its failure to live up to its democratic promises. He noted that the dissolution
of the NLD and nine other political parties further illustrated the regime’s systematic disregard for
the basic principles of democracy.73
• 20 September: US State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said that that the NLD’s dissolution
was another discouraging sign that the elections will not be democratic. 74

Burma-related meetings in New York

On 24 September, UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon and US President Barack Obama attended meetings with
ASEAN leaders in which Burma’s elections were discussed. On 27 September, Ban convened a high-
level meeting of his “Group of Friends on Burma”.

• 24 September:
o After meeting with ASEAN leaders, UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon said that there was agreement that
there was a critical need for ensuring that Burma’s upcoming elections were free, fair and inclusive.
Ban added that if such conditions were not met, ASEAN’s collective values and principles could be
negatively affected.75
o US President Barack Obama told ASEAN leaders during the second ASEAN-US Summit that the
US was disappointed with efforts to use dialogue to promote democratic change in Burma.76 In a
joint statement at the conclusion of the Summit, the participants reiterated their call that the
upcoming general elections in Burma must be conducted in a free, fair, inclusive and transparent
manner in order to be credible for the international community.77
o President Obama renewed his call on the SPDC to embark on a process of national reconciliation
and to release all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.78
• 27 September: After meeting, Ban said that the “Group of Friends on Burma” reiterated the need for
Burma’s election process to be more inclusive, participatory, and transparent. Ban also said that the
group called for the release of political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and that such a
66
Mizzima News (21 Sep 10) Dutch, New Zealanders back UN inquiry on junta abuses
67
Mizzima News (25 Sep 10) Ireland weighs in on UN inquiry into Burma abuses
68
Mizzima News (29 Sep 10) Lithuania joins chorus seeking UN inquiry on Burma abuses
69
NLM (15 Sep 10) Union Election Commission issues Notification No. 97/2010
70
Straits Times (16 Sep 10) Ban worried by Myanmar
71
AFP (15 Sep 10) France ’shocked’ by Myanmar’s dissolution of Suu Kyi party
72
UK Mission to the UN (16 Sep 10) Foreign Secretary on Burma
73
Canada Ministry of Foreign Affairs (16 Sep 10) Canada Concerned by Dissolution of Political Parties in Burma
74
UPI (21 Sep 10) Washington irked by Myanmar elections
75
AFP (26 Sep 10) UN chief urges Asia nations to pressure Myanmar
76
AFP (26 Sep 10) UN chief urges Asia nations to pressure Myanmar
77
White House (24 Sep 10) Joint Statement of the 2ND U.S. - ASEAN Leaders Meeting
78
AFP (26 Sep 10) UN chief urges Asia nations to pressure Myanmar

8
 release was essential for the election to be seen as credible and to contribute to Burma's stability and
development.79

SPDC and China cozy-up

Following a whirl-wind tour to India in late July [See July 2010 Burma Bulletin], on 7 September
SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe and a 34-person entourage that included PM Thein Sein and SPDC
third-in-command Shwe Mann arrived in China on a five-day state visit.80 Talks between the two
countries centered on the upcoming elections, continued cooperation, border stability, and economic
development [See below New deals]:

• 7 September: Upon Than Shwe’s arrival, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement in support
of Burma’s elections. The statement said that China hoped the international community would
provide constructive help for the elections and avoid any negative actions that would affect Burma’s
political course and regional peace and stability.81
• 8 September: Chinese President Hu Jintao assured Than Shwe of China’s unswerving support and
said that China was willing to increase its economic and trade cooperation with the SPDC.82
• 9 September: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that a smooth election in Burma
was in the fundamental interest of the Burmese people and conducive to regional peace and
stability.83 Than Shwe reassured China that the upcoming election would not affect relations.84
• 11 September: After the conclusion of his visit, Than Shwe said that China gave its assurance that it
would not support any group that carries out anti-SPDC activities along their shared border.85

ECONOMY

SPDC arbitrary taxation condemned

On 1 September, the Network for Human Rights Documentation - Burma (ND-Burma) released a new
report on the consequences of the SPDC’s arbitrary taxation. The report detailed arbitrary taxation
practices including the confiscation of land and livestock, arbitrary tolls at SPDC Army checkpoints,
soldiers helping themselves to free supplies from stores, and the use of forced labor and child soldiers.86

Recent evidence of these practices were documented in Arakan State when SPDC Army and Navy
forces, Na Sa Ka personnel, police, and forestry officials increased tolls along waterways and land
routes throughout Arakan State in September. In addition, tolls were now imposed on all travelers and
not just traders as the situation had existed before.87

More privatizations

The regime continued to sell state assets to its cronies as the election approached. In early September, it
was reported that the SPDC Ministry of Communications, Posts, and Telegraph would hand over all
telecommunication services to Htoo Trading, the conglomerate owned by chief crony Tay Za.88 Around
300 state assets including real estate, petrol stations, toll roads, ports, shipping companies, and an
airline have been recently privatized in opaque sales.89

79
VOA (27 Sep 10) UN Chief Calls for 'Fair, Transparent and Inclusive' Burma Election
80
DVB (07 Sep 10) China welcomes Than Shwe, India concerned
81
UPI (07 Sep 10) Beijing calls for support in Myanmar
82
Reuters (08 Sep 10) China assures isolated Myanmar of its support
83
AFP (09 Sep 10) Myanmar leader thanks China for support
84
Reuters (09 Sep 10) Myanmar says China top ally, vote won’t affect ties
85
AP (12 Sep 10) Myanmar wins key support
86
ND-Burma (01 Sep 10) “We have to give them so much that our stomachs are empty of food’ The hidden impact of Burma's
arbitrary & corrupt taxation”
87
Kaladan News (03 Sep 10) Fishermen face more taxes in Maungdaw; Kaladan News (06 Sep 10) Nasaka collects tolls from
bazaar goers, in Maungdaw; Narinjara News (18 Sep 10) Burmese Navy Collects Tolls for High-Ranking Officer; Narinjara News
(21 Sep 10) New Tollgate Adds to Illegal Tax Collection; Narinjara News (27 Sep 10) Government Forces Step-Up Illegal Tax
Collection in Arakan with Approaching Election; Kaladan News (27 Sep 10) Local traders facing pressure for tax in Maungdaw
88
Irrawaddy (07 Sep 10) Telecommunication Services Taken Over by Tay Za
89
Reuters (07 Sep 10) As polls near, Burma sells assets to cronies

9
New deals

In September, China loaned the SPDC over US$4 billion, while the SPDC and Bangladesh strengthened
their economic ties.

• 11 September: During SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe’s five-day visit to China [See above
SPDC and China cozy-up before elections], Beijing extended to the regime a 30 billion yuan (US$4.2
billion) interest-free loan to fund hydropower projects, road and railway construction, and IT
development.90
• 23 September: The Bangladesh-Burma Joint Trade Commission concluded a two-day meeting in
Dhaka by agreeing to remove barriers to border trade and to expand banking arrangements between
the two countries.91 However, the SPDC backed out of previous proposals to lease farmland to
Bangladeshi farmers and to set up a joint venture on power development.92

OTHER BURMA NEWS IN SEPTEMBER

1 Indian government reduces the distance for which Burmese living along the Indo-Burma border can travel
once entering India from 40 km to 16 km.
2 Two Chinese Army warships leave Rangoon’s Thilawa Port after concluding a five-day friendly port call.
3 Thai authorities arrest around 100 migrant workers in Mae Sot, Tak Province.
4 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with her legal team at her lakeside home in Rangoon and asks them to
proceed with the complaint against the NLD’s dissolution.
6 Weekly journal Eleven News reports that South Korea's investment in Burma has risen 10 times in the
first four months of the 2010-11 fiscal year.
6 All Burma Monks’ Alliance, 88 Generation Students, and All Burma Federation of Student Unions issue a
statement to express support for the creation of a UN-mandated Commission of Inquiry to investigate
crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.
6 Na Sa Ka personnel from Area 5 in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, shoot and kill two local
Rohingya fishermen who are fishing in the Naff River.
7 Na Sa Ka personnel in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, shoot and kill a robber when he enters Rok
Nhyo Taung Village.
7 Fifteen abbots from Akyab, Ponnagyun, and Minbya Townships, Arakan State, appeal to SPDC Army
Western Command Commander Brig Gen Soe Thein to ensure a fair trial for detained Buddhist monk U
Pyinya Sara.
8 UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says the world must exercise “utmost vigilance” to
ensure upcoming elections in Burma are free and fair.
8 An SPDC Army soldier loses his leg after a mine explodes near a power grid pylon in Thaton Township,
Mon State.
8 A report says that the BBC World Service could face drastic budget cuts that may force it to withdraw
from Burma.
9 Police defuse a bomb at Rangoon’s Bogyoke Aung San market.
10 Construction begins on the China section of the Sino-Burmese oil and gas pipeline in An'ning City,
Yunnan Province.
10 No political prisoners are among the nearly 1,000 prisoners released from Rangoon’s Insein prison.
11 Ethnic politicians in Rangoon celebrate the 67th birthday of imprisoned SNLD Chairman Hkun Htun Oo.
11 A local villager loses his left foot after stepping on a landmine in Kyaukkyi, Pegu Division.
12 NLD leader Win Tin is hospitalized for asthma in Rangoon.
12 A local villager loses his left foot after stepping on a landmine in Htantabin Township, Pegu Division.
13 Thailand’s representative on the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Sriprapha
Phetmeesri says that the SPDC should open its doors for a UN Commission of Inquiry to investigate
alleged crimes in order to prove its willingness to cooperate and show transparency.
13 Thailand’s AICHR representative Sriprapha Phetmeesri says that it would be good if independent
observers could monitor the election process in Burma.

90
Irrawaddy (21 Sep 10) China to Loan Burma 30 Billion Yuan; Asia News (22 Sep 10) Beijing gives US$ 4 billion loan to
strengthen its presence in Myanmar
91
New Nation (23 Sep 10) Bangladesh-Myanmar trade meet Banking facilities, visa issue, electricity; Kaladan News (24 Sep 10)
JTC agrees to go for hassle-free border trade
92
Narinjara News (23 Sep 10) Burma Rejects Land Leasing and Power Partnership with Bangladesh

10
 15 UK Prime Minister David Cameron says that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s continued detention is an outrage.
16 Popular News journal reports that the SPDC reauthorized the granting of visas on arrival for package tours
from regions where there is no SPDC embassy.
16 US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell says that the Obama
administration remains deeply disappointed in its effort to engage with SPDC.
16 US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell says that everything the
US has seen to date suggests that the November elections will be without international legitimacy.
23 Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva says that Burma's political system must become “more inclusive” after the
election and that Daw Aung Suu Kyi should be allowed to participate.
24 US Department of State spokesperson Mark Toner says that the US doesn’t believe Burma’s elections can
be free or fair, and urges the SPDC to begin a genuine political dialogue with the democratic forces and
ethnic nationalities as a first step towards national reconciliation.
24 During a meeting, UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon and Philippines President Benigno Aquino underscore the
need to ensure a credible election process in Burma.
26 State-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar reports that former Coastal Region Command Commander
Maj Gen Khin Zaw Oo is the new Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited Chairman.
27 A clash between a Thai 3rd Army border defense unit and the UWSA near the Thai-Burmese border in
Doi Lang area in Chiang Mai's Mae Ai District results in the death of a Thai soldier and two UWSA
soldiers.
27 “Distributed Denial of Service” cyber-attacks make the websites of Burmese exiled media groups DVB,
Mizzima News, and Irrawaddy inaccessible.
27 US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley says that the US is disappointed with the SPDC’s election
process and doesn’t believe what the SPDC has planned will result in a credible election.
28 NLD Vice-Chairman Tin Oo arrives in Singapore to undergo eye surgery.
28 SPDC FM tells the UN General Assembly that Burma’s elections will be inclusive and in the best
interests of Burma and the Burmese people.
29 A bomb explodes at the office of a local Ward peace and development Council Chairman in Pegu. No
injuries are reported.
29 Mauritius FM Arvin Boolell says that his country considers the SPDC’s denial of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi’s right to stand as a candidate in the upcoming elections as a deprivation of the basic rights of the
people of Burma.
30 US Congressman Christopher Smith introduces a resolution calling on the SPDC to recognize the
Rohingya as “full and equal citizens of Burma.”
30 US Congressman Joseph Crowley accuses the SPDC of saying that it plans to release Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi from house arrest on 13 November as a ploy to legitimize the upcoming elections.

REPORTS ON BURMA RELEASED IN SEPTEMBER

“We have to give them so much that our stomachs are empty of food’ The hidden impact of
Burma's arbitrary & corrupt taxation”, Network for Human Rights Documentation - Burma (ND-Burma)
http://www.nd-burma.org/images/pdf/report_eng.pdf

“China’s Myanmar Strategy: Elections, Ethnic politics and Economics”, International Crisis Group (ICG)
http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/north-east-
asia/B112%20Chinas%20Myanmar%20Strategy%20%20Elections%20Ethnic%20Groups%20and%20Economics
.ashx

“Shan Drug Watch - Issue 3”, Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
http://www.shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3216:shan-drug-watch-issue-
3&catid=100:drug-watch

“Report on the Human Rights Situation in Burma: January - July 2010”, Network for Human Rights
Documentation - Burma (ND-Burma)
http://www.burmapartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ND-Burma-Report-English-Version.pdf

11