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 50 February 2011

• The newly elected Parliament installs former SPDC IN THIS ISSUE

high-ranking officials at the top of the country’s
political system: KEY STORY

SPDC PM Thein Sein is elected President. 1 SPDC clique still in power

Twenty-six of the 30 cabinet Ministers (all men) are 2 No debate, no media coverage
either retired military officials or former Ministers INSIDE BURMA
in the SPDC cabinet. 3 NLD on sanctions

All State and Division Chief Ministers belong to the 4 SPDC-ethnic groups tensions
USDP/military bloc and many are former SPDC 4 New ethnic alliance formed
Army Commanders. 5 Union Day events
HUMAN RIGHTS
• SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe ensures he will
5 Freedom of information
continue to “guide” Burma’s politics by naming
5 More activists imprisoned
himself leader of the State Supreme Council. 6 Detention conditions abysmal
• Lack of political debate, severe restrictions on media DISPLACEMENT
coverage, and a tightly controlled environment 6 UN: Burma is regional burden
characterize the first Parliamentary session. 6 More Rohingya boatpeople
• NLD position paper on economic sanctions on INTERNATIONAL
Burma concludes that the SPDC’s economic 7 US: Sanctions stay
mismanagement - not sanctions - is the main cause ECONOMY
of the country’s economic crisis. In response, state 7 Prices rise on uncertainty
media threaten Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD 8 China is Burma’s top investor
with a “tragic end.” 8 Natural resources up for grabs
• Tensions between the SPDC Army and ethnic 8 Workers strike in Tavoy
groups continue, with increased instability in Shan, 9 OTHER BURMA NEWS
Karen, Kachin, Chin, and Mon States. _____________________________________

• As Rohingya boat people continue to sail, UN Receive the Burma Bulletin monthly!
Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma email publications@altsean.org
Online copies are available for
Tomás Ojea Quintana says that Burma is burdening download at www.altsean.org
other countries in the region.

KEY STORY

SPDC clique still in power

In February, Burma’s new regime began to take shape. Amid severe restrictions, lack of transparency,
and the absence of any political debate, the newly elected Parliament installed former SPDC high-
ranking officials at the top of the country’s political system:

• 3 February: The People’s Assembly, the National Assembly, and the military-appointed
representatives elected USDP MPs Thein Sein, Mauk Kham aka Maung Ohn, and Tin Aung Myint
Oo respectively as Vice Presidents.1

1
NLM (04 Feb 11) Meeting of Group of Pyithu Hluttaw representativeselect of Presidential Electoral College resumes; NLM (04
Feb 11) Meeting of Amyotha Hluttaw representatives-elect group of Presidential Electoral College resumes; NLM (04 Feb 11)
Group of Defence Services Personnel Representatives elects Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo as Vice-President; AP (03 Feb
11) Junta's PM chosen Myanmar's new vice president; AFP (03 Feb 11) Myanmar junta party 'sweeps presidential race'; Xinhua
(03 Feb 11) Myanmar union parliament representative groups set last 3 candidates; DVB (03 Feb 11) USDP dominates

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• 4 February: The National Parliament elected Thein Sein as Burma’s new President.2
• 11 February: The National Parliament approved Thein Sein’s 30 nominees for cabinet Ministers.3
Only four nominees are civilians, while 26 are either retired military officials or Ministers in the
former SPDC cabinet.4 No women were included in the list of nominees.5
• 11 February: The State and Division Parliaments approved their respective Chief Ministers. Thirteen
are USDP MPs and one is a military-appointed MP.6 Many of the Chief Ministers were previously
SPDC Army Regional Commanders.
• 18 February: The National Parliament approved the appointment of Tin Aye as Chairman of the new
Election Commission.7 A former Lieutenant General, Tin Aye is a protégé of SPDC Chairman Sr Gen
Than Shwe.8

In a surprise move, Sr Gen Than Shwe ensured he would continue to steer Burma’s politics by creating
and naming himself leader of the State Supreme Council. The Council, which is not mentioned in the
2008 constitution, is expected to provide “guidance” to the new regime. The Council is comprised of
eight current and former top SPDC generals: Sr Gen Than Shwe, Vice Sr Gen Maung Aye, People’s
Assembly Speaker Shwe Mann, President-elect Thein Sein, Vice President-elect Tin Aung Myint Oo,
Election Commission Chairman Tin Aye, and two other senior military officials.9

Despite Than Shwe’s efforts to place his loyalists in the new regime’s top posts, not everyone among
the military was happy with his moves. On 10 February, the SPDC reportedly placed Lt Gen Myint
Aung under house arrest because he refused the post of Defense Minister.10

No parliamentary debate, no media coverage allowed

“The Parliament representatives […] are to discuss any matters in unison. It is important not to have
a sense of contradiction. The precious time will be lost if they argue with each other. The Parliament
should not be in a debate-like situation.” - National Assembly Speaker Khin Aung Myint11

Lack of political debate, severe restrictions on media coverage, and a tightly controlled environment
characterized the first Parliamentary session:

• Meetings were exclusively devoted to the nomination and election of the new regime’s cadres.
However, the constitution does not allow for debate over the appointments. The MPs’ only task is to
certify that nominees meet qualifications for the appointment.
• The average length of a meeting was less than 20 minutes. MPs complained that they could not assess
the qualifications of the nominees because of the short time allocated to the process and because
personal biographies were usually incomplete.12

presidential race; Irrawaddy (03 Feb 11) Two USDP Vice-Presidents Elected; Military Set to Chose Third; Mizzima News (03 Feb
11) Thein Sein and Sai Mauk Kham elected as vice presidents
2
AP (05 Feb 11) Burma appoints junta figure as president; NYT (04 Feb 11) Military insider selected as Myanmar’s president; FT
(04 Feb 11) Burmese parliament chooses junta insider Thein Sein for president; Mizzima News (04 Feb 11) Thein Sein chosen as
regime’s new President; Myanmar Times (07 Feb 11) U Thein Sein named president; Irrawaddy (04 Feb 11) Junta PM Elected as
Burma's First 'Civilian' President
3
NLM (12 Feb 11) Fourth-day regular session of First Pyidaungsu Hluttaw held - Approval sought for Union Ministers Nine
members, Chairperson for Constitutional Tribunal of the Union submitted to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw
4
AP (11 Feb 11) Myanmar's Parliament approves all Cabinet nominees; AP (09 Feb 11) Myanmar president nominates 30 for
new Cabinet; DPA (09 Feb 11) Only four civilians on Myanmar's next cabinet lineup; AFP (12 Feb 11) Ex-military dominate
Myanmar's new cabinet; DVB (10 Feb 11) Women absent from new Burma cabinet
5
Irrawaddy (10 Feb 11) Burma's Next Cabinet to Include Only Four Civilians; Mizzima News (09 Feb 11) List of new ministers to
be appointed on Friday
6
NLM (12 Feb 11) Second-day regular sessions of first Region and State Hluttaws take place - Approval sought to designate
chief ministers, numbers of ministries, ministers and high court judges in Regions and States
7
NLM (19 Feb 11) Ninth-day regular session of First Pyidaungsu Hluttaw held - Approval sought for appointment of Union
Election Commission Chairman - Person suitable to be appointed as Attorney-General of the Union nominated
8
Irrawaddy (17 Feb 11) Tin Aye to Become Chairman of Election Commission
9
Irrawaddy (10 Feb 11) Than Shwe to Head Extra-Constitutional 'State Supreme Council'
10
Mizzima News (10 Feb 11) Myint Aung rejects defense minister job; reportedly under arrest; Irrawaddy (10 Feb 11) Myint Aung
Dismissed, Placed Under House Arrest; Irrawaddy (10 Feb 11) Myint Aung Dismissed, Placed Under House Arrest
11
Mizzima News (02 Feb 11) A Parliament without debate?; Irrawaddy (22 Feb 11) Burma’s '15-Minute' Parliament
12
Mizzima News (22 Feb 11) Lack of information, short sessions upset lawmakers; Irrawaddy (22 Feb 11) Burma’s '15-Minute'
Parliament

2
• The SPDC barred domestic journalists and foreign correspondents from covering the parliamentary
proceedings. The junta allowed only state-run media to cover the sessions.13 SPDC authorities
questioned reporters who took photographs near Parliament buildings and journalists who tried to
approach MPs outside the Parliament premises.14

On 25 February, at the end of the first parliamentary session, the SPDC gave each MP an allowance of
600,000 kyat (US$681.81).15 In addition, it was estimated that the SPDC spent 3.7 million kyat
(US$41,000) each day for the MPs’ meals alone.16

INSIDE BURMA

NLD: SPDC, not sanctions, hurt Burmese people

On 8 February, the NLD issued a four-page position paper that outlined the party’s assessment of
economic sanctions on Burma.17 The NLD’s document concluded that:18

• Sanctions have not affected economic conditions in Burma “to any notable degree.”
• The regime’s poor economic policies and mismanagement are the main causes of Burma’s economic
crisis.
• Land confiscation and lack of freedom in production and marketing - not sanctions - have negatively
affected Burma’s agricultural sector, which employs the majority of Burma’s population.
• An unfavorable business environment comprised of multiple exchange rates, lack of accountability,
and corruption has impeded productive investments.
• Burma’s increased foreign trade and strengthened financial resources from the sale of the country’s
natural resources has not resulted in improved standards of living or increased budget allocations for
health and education.
• Businesses that have already invested, or are thinking of investing in Burma should observe
guidelines aimed at conserving the ecological environment, protecting the rights of workers, and
promoting civil society.
• National reconciliation based on “an all inclusive political process” should be “central” to any
consideration of changes in sanctions policies and the release of all political prisoners is a “critical
requirement” for the removal of sanctions.

The paper also called for talks with the US, the EU, Canada, and Australia in order to reach agreement
on “when, how and under what circumstances sanctions might be modified in the interests of
democracy, human rights, and a healthy economic environment.”19

The regime responded to the NLD document with a series of intimidating commentaries published in
state-run media. Two in particular contained direct threats to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi:

• 13 February: A commentary published in the state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar warned
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that she and the “big-headed” NLD were “going the wrong way” and would
“meet their tragic end” if they continued to endorse economic sanctions.20

13
Mizzima News (02 Feb 11) Media group criticises Parliament for lack of media access
14
Mizzima News (03 Feb 11) Most reporters leave Naypyidaw, return home
15
Irrawaddy (25 Feb 11) Burma's MPs Paid a Bonus
16
Irrawaddy (22 Feb 11) Burma’s '15-Minute' Parliament
17
AP (08 Feb 11) Myanmar opposition: Sanctions work, should continue; AFP (08 Feb 11) Suu Kyi party urges talks with West on
sanctions; BBC (08 Feb 11) Aung San Suu Kyi party seeks Burma sanctions talks; Reuters (09 Feb 11) Suu Kyi party seeks talks
on sanctions with the West; WSJ (09 Feb 11) Suu Kyi Seeks to Discuss Sanctions With West; DPA (08 Feb 11) Myanmar
opposition calls for review of sanctions (Roundup)
18
NLD (08 Feb 11) Sanctions on Burma
19
NLD (08 Feb 11) Sanctions on Burma
20
Reuters (13 Feb 11) "Tragic end" for Suu Kyi unless change – commentary; BBC (13 Feb 11) Burma media warns of 'tragic
end' for Aung San Suu Kyi; DPA (13 Feb 11) Myanmar state media says opposition heads for "tragic end"; AFP (14 Feb 11)
Myanmar's Suu Kyi risks 'tragic end': State media; FT (14 Feb 11) Suu Kyi warned over sanctions support; VOA (14 Feb 11)
Burma Warns Aung San Suu Kyi to Avoid 'Tragic End'; Irrawaddy (`14 Feb 11) Suu Kyi Will Meet a “Tragic End” Warns Junta

3
• 19 February: A commentary published in all three state-run dailies said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and
the NLD “have to mend their ways, begging public pardon” for supporting economic sanctions “at the
expense of […] the nation and the people.”21

Tensions between the SPDC and ethnic groups escalate

Tensions between the SPDC Army and ethnic groups continued this month with increased instability in
Shan, Karen, Kachin, Chin, and Mon States.

• 1 February: Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) Brigade 5 attacked the SPDC Army’s
strategic “Three Mountain” military outpost located five kilometers from Kawkareik Township,
Karen State, in an effort to cut off support for SPDC Army troops in stationed in Myawaddy.22
• 4 February: An article in the state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar, described the New Mon
State Party (NMSP) as “insurgents” for the first time since its ceasefire agreement in 1995.23
• 7 February: In the first armed clash in 13 years, SPDC Army troops from Infantry Battalion (IB) 15
clashed with Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) forces near Mansi Township, Kachin State,
after junta troops intruded into a KIO-controlled area on 6 February.24 IB 15 Commander Lt Col Yin
Htwe was killed and seven SPDC Army soldiers were injured in the fighting.25
• Mid-February: One SPDC Army soldier was killed and another wounded in a skirmish in Paletwa
Township, Chin State, between SPDC Army soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 55 and Chin
National Army forces.26
• 20 February: SPDC Army forces closed roads leading to Wanhai in Kyethi Township, where Shan
State Army-North (SSA-N) forces are based.27 The SPDC also ordered the closure of the UWSA’s
Hongpang bus line, which runs between Tachilek and Kengtung in Southern Shan State.28
• 22 February: The SPDC Army deployed about 12 tanks and 200 soldiers near the KIO headquarters
in Laiza, Kachin State.29
• 22 February: Three SPDC Army soldiers from LIB 328 were killed and one wounded in a skirmish
with troops from the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) near Mongton Township, Southern Shan
State.30
• 25 February: SSA-S forces ambushed SPDC Army soldiers near Ho Nam Taw Village in Mongton
Township, Southern Shan State.31

New ethnic alliance formed

During a 12-16 February conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, delegates from 12 ethnic armed
opposition groups and political organizations from Burma32 agreed to form a new coalition - the Union
Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC).33 The alliance includes Rakhine, Chin, Karen, Karenni, Kachin,
Lahu, Mon, Pa-O, Palaung, Shan, and Wa groups.34 The UNFC decided to establish four military

21
Reuters (19 Feb 11) Myanmar says Suu Kyi party must apologise for sanctions; NYT (20 Feb 11) Myanmar Hardens Stance on
Opposition; AFP (20 Feb 11) Suu Kyi must say sorry for sanctions: Myanmar; VOA (19 Feb 11) Burma Demands Opposition
Apologize for Supporting Sanctions
22
Irrawaddy (01 Feb 11) DKBA Attacks Junta's Strategic 'Three Mountain' Outpost
23
IMNA (7 Feb 11) Junta Calls NMSP ‘Insurgents’ After the Collapse of a 15-Year Ceasefire Agreement
24
Mizzima News (07 Feb 11) KIO, junta fighting breaks out; first since 1997; DVB (07 Feb 11) Gunfire exchanged in Kachin state;
Kachin News Group (07 Feb 11) Fighting begins between Kachin and Burmese Armies in Northern Burma
25
Irrawaddy (07 Feb 11) Burmese Officer Killed in Clash with KIA; Kachin News Group (07 Feb 11) Fighting begins between
Kachin and Burmese Armies in Northern Burma
26
Irrawaddy (23 Feb 11) Junta Weighing Options to Reign in BGF Defectors
27
SHAN (24 Feb 11) All roads to Shan rebel base closed
28
SHAN (23 Feb 11) More Wa wings clipped
29
Kachin News Group (24 Feb 11) Junta deploys tanks and troops near Kachin headquarters; Mizzima News (25 Feb 11) Junta
sends more tanks to Kachin State
30
Irrawaddy (24 Feb 11) Three Burmese Soldiers Killed in Southern Shan State; SHAN (23 Feb 11) Junta army beefing up after
fight
31
Mizzima News (28 Feb 11) Fighting intensifies between the regime and Shan
32
The 12 groups are: Chin National Front (CNF); Kachin Independence Organization (KIO); Kachin National Organization (KNO);
Karen National Union (KNU); Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP); Lahu Democratic Union (LDU); National Unity Party of
Arakan (UNPA); New Mon State Party (NMSP); Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF); PaO National Liberation Organization
(PNLO); Shan State Progress Party / Shan State Army (SSPP / SSA); and Wa National Organization (WNO).
33
DVB (18 Feb 11) Ethnic armies agree ‘ring of resistance’; SHAN (17 Feb 11) Politics taking side seat to military in new alliance
34
Chinland Guardian (19 Feb 11) Ethnic Groups Determined to Strengthen Unity towards Federal Union of Burma

4
regions in Burma with the objective of sharing military resources if any of the coalition members are
attacked by the SPDC Army. UNFC members also agreed that individual groups would not hold
separate cease-fire talks with the regime.35 UNFC General Secretary Hongsa stated that the coalition
was open to any group that supports the alliance’s aim “to establish a genuine union.”36

Union Day events

On 12 February, more than 400 people, including NLD members, veteran politicians, ethnic activists,
and foreign diplomats, participated in a ceremony to mark the 64th anniversary of Union Day at the
NLD Headquarters in Rangoon.37 Speaking at the ceremony, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that the rule
of law and an inclusive political system were needed in order to foster national unity and
reconciliation.38

On the same day, a coalition of 11 political parties that participated in the November elections issued a
statement that urged the new regime to initiate dialogue with all ethnic armed opposition groups in
order to end Burma’s ongoing civil conflict. The statement called on the regime to ensure that all of
Burma’s peoples are granted full enjoyment of their rights and urged it to create a truly impartial and
independent judicial system.39

HUMAN RIGHTS

Freedom of information: the crackdown continues

• 2 February: The Rangoon Eastern District Court sentenced blogger Kaung Myat Hlaing, 22, to an
additional ten years in prison for carrying out poster campaigns for the release of political prisoners.40
He had already been sentenced to two years in connection with the 15 April 2010 deadly bomb blasts
in Rangoon.41
• 4 February: A Rangoon District Court sentenced DVB reporter Maung Maung Zeya to 13 years in
prison under the Electronics Act and the Unlawful Association Act.42
• 10 February: SPDC authorities arrested Ross Dunkley, the Australian editor-in-chief and co-owner
of the Myanmar Times.43 Reports differed on the reasons for Dunkley’s arrest.44 However, observers
suggested that the real reason for Dunkley’s detention could be his business conflict with the
Burmese co-owner of the Myanmar Times, USDP member Tin Tun Oo.45

35
SHAN (17 Feb 11) Politics taking side seat to military in new alliance; IMNA (21 Feb 11) Ethnic Alliance Vows to Strive for
Federal Union
36
SHAN (17 Feb 11) Politics taking side seat to military in new alliance
37
Mizzima News (13 Feb 11) Rule of law necessary for unity: Suu Kyi
38
DPA (12 Feb 11) Myanmar democracy still in "infancy," junta chief says; Mizzima News (13 Feb 11) Rule of law necessary for
unity: Suu Kyi
39
Chinland Guardian (12 Feb 11) Parties Demand Inclusive Dialogue on Union Day
40
DVB (03 Feb 11) Young blogger gets 12-year jail term; DVB (07 Feb 11) DVB video journalist gets 13 years
Mizzima News (24 Feb 11) Five given prison terms in Water Festival bombings
41
DVB (07 Feb 11) DVB video journalist gets 13 years; Mizzima News (24 Feb 11) Five given prison terms in Water Festival
bombings
42
Irrawaddy (08 Feb 11) Crackdown on critics continues as Burma claims political change; RSF (09 Feb 11) Another journalist
gets a long jail sentence; AFP (12 Feb 11) Watchdog slams Myanmar after reporter jailed; DVB (07 Feb 11) DVB video journalist
gets 13 years
43
AFP (12 Feb 11) Australian newspaper boss arrested in Myanmar; AP (12 Feb 11) Australian editor of Myanmar newspaper
jailed; BBC (12 Feb 11) Burma: Australian publisher Ross Dunkley arrested; Bangkok Post (12 Feb 11) Myanmar Times editor
arrested; DPA (12 Feb 11) Myanmar arrests Australian newspaper publisher (Roundup)
44
DPA (12 Feb 11) Myanmar arrests Australian newspaper publisher; DPA (12 Feb 11) Myanmar arrests Australian newspaper
publisher (Roundup); ABC (14 Feb 11) Charges against Burma newspaper editor untrue: associate; BBC (12 Feb 11) Burma:
Australian publisher Ross Dunkley arrested; Irrawaddy (15 Feb 11) Dunkley Accused of Assault; Irrawaddy (17 Feb 11) Leaked
'Statement' Adds to Dunkley Intrigue; Bangkok Post (20 Feb 11) Dancing with the devil
45
AFP (12 Feb 11) Australian newspaper boss arrested in Myanmar; Bangkok Post (12 Feb 11) Myanmar Times editor arrested;
DPA (12 Feb 11) Myanmar arrests Australian newspaper publisher; DPA (12 Feb 11) Myanmar arrests Australian newspaper
publisher (Roundup); AP (12 Feb 11) Australian editor of Myanmar newspaper jailed; Mizzima News (12 Feb 11) Publisher
Dunkley held in Insein Prison; NYT (12 Feb 11) Myanmar Arrests a Newspaper Editor; VOA (12 Feb 11) Burma Arrests Australian
Publisher; BBC (12 Feb 11) Burma: Australian publisher Ross Dunkley arrested; Irrawaddy (17 Feb 11) Leaked 'Statement' Adds
to Dunkley Intrigue; Bangkok Post (20 Feb 11) Dancing with the devil

5
More activists imprisoned

• 11 February: A Rangoon Divisional Court sentenced seven activists to additional prison terms
ranging from seven to ten years under the Explosives Act.46
• 22 February: Courts in Rangoon’s Ahlone and Kamayut Townships sentenced activists Myo Min
Thu, Thaw Zin, Bo Bo Thein, Thaung Htike Oo, and Yan Aung Soe to prison terms ranging from six
to 11 years for violation of the Immigration Act, the Unlawful Associations Act, and for committing
offenses against the state.47

Detention conditions remain abysmal

• 4 February: Authorities in Rangoon’s Insein prison placed political prisoner Phyo Wei Aung in
solitary confinement for a month because he complained about senior inmates bullying other
prisoners.48
• 8 February: It was reported that authorities in Putao prison in Kachin State had denied family visits
to political prisoner Htet Htet Oo Wai for three months. Htet Htet Oo Wai is in solitary confinement
and in poor health.49
• 9 February: It was reported that authorities in Putao prison, Kachin State, denied medical treatment
to Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) Chairman Hkun Htun Oo, 66, for his
deteriorating health.50

DISPLACEMENT

UN says Burma is a regional burden

On 25 February, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana said that
Burma was burdening other countries in the region. Following a visit to Burmese refugee communities
in Malaysia, Ojea Quintana said that the “grave” human rights situation in Burma was causing more
and more people to flee human rights abuses, persecution, and poverty.51

More Rohingya take to the sea

Another wave of Rohingya boatpeople set sail from Burma and Bangladesh during February.

• 1 February: A boat with 68 Rohingya reached landfall in Phuket, Thailand, after running out of
provisions while attempting to reach Malaysia. Thai authorities detained them for questioning.52
• 10 February: It was reported that Indian police found over 90 Rohingya in the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.53
• 15 February: One hundred and twenty-nine Rohingya boat people reached landfall in Aceh Province,
Indonesia.54

46
DVB (14 Feb 11) ‘Activists’ to serve up to 55 years
47
AFP (25 Feb 11) Myanmar jails five dissidents: lawyer; Mizzima News (24 Feb 11) Five given prison terms in Water Festival
bombings
48
DVB (22 Feb 11) Bomb suspect lawyer ‘denied case report’
49
AAPP (08 Feb 11) AAPP concerned about denial of family visits for sick political prisoners; Irrawaddy (08 Feb 11) Sick Political
Prisoner Denied Family Visits; DVB (09 Feb 11) Ill political prisoner denied visits
50
Irrawaddy (09 Feb 11) Jailed SNLD Chairman in Ailing Health
51
UN News Center (24 Feb 11) Myanmar’s human rights abuses burden region with exodus of refugees – UN expert;; DVB (25
Feb 11) UN says Burma ‘a regional burden’; Chinland Guardian (26 Feb 11) Chin Refugees Get Surprise Visit from UN Rights
Expert
52
Irrawaddy (3 Feb 11) Thailand Ignores Calls for UN Access to Rohingyas
53
BBC (10 Feb 2011) Burmese Rohingya refugees rescued in India's Andamans; DPA (10 Feb 11) Rohingya refugees left at sea
by Thailand rescued near India;p DVB (11 Feb 11) Rohingya refugees claim Thai ‘pushback’
54
AFP (16 Feb 11) 129 Myanmar migrants found off Indonesia: Police; BBC (16 Feb 11) Burma Rohingyas found drifting off
Indonesia

6
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

US: Sanctions to stay - Stop threats on Daw Suu

Based on the clear indications that Burma’s elections have had no tangible impact on democratic reform
or the regime’s proclivity to harass its opponents, the US said that its sanctions would remain in place.
Washington also admonished the junta’s over its threats to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD.

• 2 February: US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell said
that it was premature to ease sanctions on Burma. Campbell noted that the US was “looking for much
more concrete steps from the new government […] on a host of issues.” Campbell also said that the
US had been disappointed “across the spectrum” in regard to attempts to engage the regime.55
• 14 February: US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said that the threats against Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi in state-run media [See above NLD: SPDC, not sanctions, hurts Burmese people]
showed the regime has not changed despite elections in November.56
• 16 February: Crowley reiterated the US’ concern for the safety of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and said
that is was the fundamental responsibility of the regime authorities to ensure her safety. Crowley
added the regime “should immediately release all political prisoners” and begin “a genuine and
inclusive dialogue” with its opponents.57

ECONOMY

Prices rise on political uncertainty

As Parliament convened in Naypyidaw, Burma’s economy reacted to the current political uncertainty,
and amid rumors of the issuance of new 10,000 kyat bank note and hefty wage increases for civil
servants.58 As a result, commodity prices rose and wide fluctuations occurred in currency and gold
values. In addition, an increase in diesel and gas prices caused further inflationary pressure.

• Currency and gold: The gold price in Rangoon rose from 630,000 kyat (US $720) to 640,500 kyat
($732) while the exchange rate of the US dollar rose from 863 kyat to 875 kyat per dollar after state-
run media announced the regime’s new list of cabinet ministers.59
• Rice and cooking oil: Standard-size sacks of high-grade rice rose from 29,500 kyat (US $34) to
33,000 kyat (US$38) while another high-grade variety rose to 35,000 kyat (US$40), up from 30,000
kyat (US$34). The price of cooking oil rose as well. One viss of peanut oil (1.6 kilos) increased from
4,200 kyat (US$4.80) to 4,500 kyat (US$5.17) and sesame oil rose from 3,000 kyat (US$3.45) to
3,200 kyat (US$3.70).60
• Fuel: The price of diesel increased from 3,000 kyat (US$3.14) to 3,400 kyat (US$ 3.56) per gallon,
while gasoline remains at 2,500 kyat (US$ 2.62) per gallon.61

Rumors of a shake-up in the SPDC leadership also hit the banking sector. Following rumors that SPDC
Vice Sr Gen Maung Aye was about to be forcefully retired, bank account holders rushed to withdraw
their savings from Kanbawza Bank, which is owned by junta crony and Maung Aye’s associate Aung
Ko Win.62

55
AFP (03 Feb 11) US says no to easing pressure on Myanmar; Irrawaddy (03 Feb 11) Lifting Burma Sanctions 'Premature':
Campbell
56
Reuters (14 Feb 11) U.S. criticizes Myanmar government threat on Suu Kyi
57
AFP (16 Feb 11) US concerned about Suu Kyi's safet
58
Irrawaddy (16 Feb 11) Gold, Dollar Jump Amid Rumors, Fears of Instability
59
Irrawaddy (14 Feb 11) Prices for Gold, US Dollar Rise Following Announcement of New Cabinet
60
Irrawaddy (25 Feb 11) Rice Prices Rising on Rumor of New Banknote
61
Irrawaddy (16 Feb 11) Gold, Dollar Jump Amid Rumors, Fears of Instability
62
Irrawaddy (24 Feb 11) Maung Aye Rumors Lead to Run on Bank

7
China becomes Burma’s top investor

Foreign investment in Burma is steadily increasing. In just three months, between November 2010 and
January 2011, there was US$3.56 billion worth of foreign investment in Burma. More than US$3
billion of this was injected by China. China’s latest investments put the country in first place as
Burma’s largest investor based on investments since 1988. Thailand slipped to second place.63

Natural resources up for grabs

14 February: Burma’s state-run media reported that Chinese company Sinopec International
Petroleum, in a joint-venture with the SPDC-owned Myanmar Oil & Gas Enterprise, discovered natural
gas deposits in Pale Township, Sagaing Division.64
19 February: South Korea’s Daewoo International Corporation began its project to explore for oil and
gas at the A-1 and A-3 Blocks off the Arakan coast.65

Workers strike in Tavoy

In early February, about 70 Burmese laborers employed by the Italian Thai Development (ITD)
company who have been working on the construction of the Tavoy deep-sea port project went on strike
to protest low wages, long working hours, and unequal treatment with their Thai coworkers. The
workers demanded an increase to their daily payment from 3,500 kyat to 5,000 kyat (US$5.88); reduced
working hours; overtime pay for public holidays; and the timely payment of wages. In addition,
workers complained of poor housing and working conditions.66

OTHER BURMA NEWS IN FEBRUARY

2 Burmese Army personnel forces four villagers from Ton-Ka-Tar Village, near Three Pagodas Pass, Karen
State, to porter military supplies to Chaung Zone river.
3 Authorities in Buthidaung prison, Arakan State, release National Democratic Party for Development
organizer Khin Kyaw upon completion of his three-month jail sentence.
4 UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon says that he hopes the election of a President and Vice Presidents in Burma’s
newly-elected Parliament will lead to the formation of a more inclusive civilian government.
4 Japan Foreign Ministry says that under the leadership of President Thein Sein, the new regime will take
positive measures to ensure a more inclusive and democratic Burma.
6 State-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar claims that during the Human Rights Council’s Universal
Periodic Review of Burma, the majority of the countries recognized Burma’s positive development.
6 Na Sa Ka personnel from Area 6 in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, severely torture four local
Rohingya villagers for sleeping during sentry duty.
7 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Tin Oo meet with NLD legal advisors to explore the possibility of submitting
a complaint to the UN Human Rights Council over the party’s dissolution.
7 Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says there are 2,189 political prisoners in Burma.
7 Authorities in Buthidaung prison, Arakan State, release five activists upon completion of their two and a
half years prison sentences.
8 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi begins a two-day meeting with over 200 youths from Burma at the NLD
Headquarters in Rangoon.
8 SPDC authorities pressure the owner of the office space for the BAYDA Institute in Rangoon’s Tamwe
Township to evict the group because of its ties to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s newly formed network of
activists.
8 Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department predicts that cross-border trade with Burma will increase by 7.8%
in 2011 to 148.6 billion baht.
9 Over two hundred people in Tang Hpre Village, Kachin State, conduct a group prayer for an end to the
Myitsone dam construction.

63
Xinhua (23 Feb 11) Myanmar absorbs 3.56 bln USD of foreign investment in 3 months; AP (21 Feb 11) China tops Thailand as
biggest investor in Myanmar; Xinhua (22 Feb 11) China becomes biggest investor in Myanmar
64
Mizzima News (15 Feb 11) Natural gas discovered in Sagaing Division; Reuters (14 Feb 11) Sinopec JV finds large gas
deposits in Myanmar; IMNA (14 Feb 11) Natural gas found at Thingadon Test-well No. 1 in Pale Township
65
NLM (20 Feb 11) Mya (North) field oil well (B), Phase 1 development of Shwe project, starts drilling
66
Irrawaddy (16 Feb 11) Tavoy Deep-sea Port Workers Strike

8
9 Two bomb blasts in Myawaddy, Karen State, kill two people and injure six.
10 88 Generation Students call for the newly elected Parliament to grant a general amnesty to all political
prisoners.
10 A landmine explosion kills a bus driver and injures two passengers between Padataw and Winmaung
Villages in Bilin Township, Mon State.
12 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi says she sees no reason for Western countries to lift sanctions against Burma’s
regime but adds that the issue should be discussed.
12 In his Union Day speech, SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe says Burma’s “democracy system” is “still
in its infancy” and urges people “to tackle any form of disruption to the new system.”
13 Consolidated Media appoints Tin Tun Oo as Myanmar Times new editor-in-chief.
14 UK pledges to increase its aid to Burma from £32 million to £185 million over the next four years.
15 US Senator Mitch McConnell says he is “deeply concerned” about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s safety.
16 China’s CITIC Group signs a supplementary contract with the SPDC Ministry of National Planning and
Economic Development for projects in the Kyaukpyu economic development zone in Arakan State.
16 India’s Nagaland State bans the import of poultry and poultry products from Burma following the report
of bird flu in some areas of the country.
17 Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal donates US$50,000 to Burma for cyclone Giri survivors.
17 SPDC Army’s Northern Command launches recruitment drive of local youths.
17 National Parliament approves the appointment of Tun Tun Oo as Supreme Court Chief Justice.
20 SPDC authorities in Tiddim, Chin State, briefly detain five local activists for distributing stickers that
welcome a second Panglong conference during the Chin National Day celebrations.
21 Junta crony Tay Za is stranded in the mountains of Northern Kachin State after being unable to land his
helicopter.
21 National Parliament approves the appointment of Tun Shin as Attorney General.
22 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with US Chargé d’Affaires Larry Dinger in Rangoon to discuss
Washington’s assistance programs in Burma.
22 Carleton University in Canada awards an honorary doctorate to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
22 National Parliament approves the appointment of Lun Maung as Auditor General.
23 A group of six Burmese political activists in the UK delivers a letter to the UK PM’s Office to voice their
concerns over the safety of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
23 Myanmar International Airways commences twice-weekly direct flights to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
23 SPDC Labor Minister Aung Kyi meets with an ILO mission led by Executive Director Guy Ryder and
discusses ongoing and future joint tasks.
24 Former UN Sec-Gen special envoy to Burma Razali Ismail calls for the lifting of sanctions on Burma.
24 ILO and SPDC renew a Memorandum of Understanding for the processing of complaints on forced labor
and child conscription for another year.
25 India’s Mizoram State bans the import of poultry and poultry products from Burma after a bird flu
outbreak in Akyab Township, Arakan State, on 18 January.
25 An ILO team led by Executive Director Guy Ryder briefs Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the organizations
activities in Burma.
25 A ship from Rangoon docks at Buthidaung port, Arakan State, to deliver arms for Na Sa Ka personnel.
26 Japanese Justice Ministry reports that in 2010 the number of Burmese asylum seekers in the country
decreased by 40% from the previous year.
28 A petition signed by 84,000 Karen that calls for an end to SPDC’s gross human rights abuses against
civilians is submitted to UN Sec Gen Ban Ki-moon and other world leaders in eight countries.
28 Czech Republic FM Karel Schwarzenberg tells Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in a phone call that his country
opposes lifting EU sanctions against Burma.