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 62

February 2012

Despite the regimes restrictions on the NLDs campaign activities, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi draws huge crowds on the campaign trail. The regime subjects the presentation of political parties platform statements on state radio and TV to strict censorship rules. Reports also emerge of serious violations of election laws committed by the regime and its proxies. Parliament discusses the national budget for the fiscal year 2012-2013. The budget proposes a 57% hike in military expenditures from the current fiscal year. After a six-day visit to the country, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Toms Ojea Quintana says that that serious challenges remain. Regime Human Rights Commission Chairman Win Mra says the body will not investigate allegations of human rights abuses committed in Burmas ethnic areas. Regime authorities continue to harass Buddhist monks and social activists. Peace agreements in Karen and Shan States are in jeopardy following renewed Tatmadaw aggression and troop deployment. Despite public relations hype over peace talks, at least 20 clashes are recorded in Northern and Eastern Burma. Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army continues in Kachin State and Northern Shan State. The number of IDPs along the Sino-Burma border reaches 55,000. China tells the regime that it wants to see peace on the Sino-Burma border. Beijing also denies the presence of refugees on its side of the border. UN Special Advisor to the Sec-Gen for Burma Vijay Nambiar visits Burma and urges the regime to provide equitable development for all its citizens. Independent report says that Burma has the world's worst legal system for doing business. KEY STORY Regime obstructs NLDs campaign activities

IN THIS ISSUE KEY STORY

1 2 3 3 NLD campaign obstructed Campaign messages restricted Campaign marred by threats Daw Suu draws huge crowds

INSIDE BURMA
4 KIA-Tatmadaw conflict rages on 5 Peace agreements in jeopardy 6 Military spending hike proposed

HUMAN RIGHTS
6 7 7 8 8 Human rights probe rejected UN: Serious challenges remain Monks still harassed Harassment of activists Censorship alive and well

DISPLACEMENT
9 Number of IDPs grows 9 Rohingya flee

INTERNATIONAL
10 China calls for stability 10 Nambiar urges development 10 ASEAN Sec-Gen visits Burma 11 EU delivers aid package 11 EU lifts travel ban

ECONOMY
11 Investors flock to Burma 12 Rangoon strike 12 World Bank to return to Burma 13 OTHER BURMA NEWS 14 REPORTS
_____________________________________ Receive the Burma Bulletin monthly! email publications@altsean.org Online copies are available for download at www.altsean.org

Despite repeated pledges that the 1 April by-elections would be free and fair, the regime obstructed the NLDs campaign activities on numerous occasions.
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 2 February: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi postponed her campaign trip to Mandalay after the regime Election Commission denied an NLD request to use a local stadium for a rally.1 7 February: Regime authorities in Bassein, Irrawaddy Division, held a last-minute university entrance exam in order to prevent local students from attending Daw Aung San Suu Kyis campaign rally.2 14 February: Regime Sports Minister Tint Hsan denied an NLD request for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to use a stadium for a campaign rally in Hlegu Township, Rangoon Division. The Election Commission eventually overturned Tint Hsans decision and allowed Daw Suu to use the stadium.3 15 February: Regime Election Commission issued a statement that banned political parties from using stadiums for campaign purposes.4 15 February: Regime Sports Minister Tint Hsan prevented the NLD from campaigning in a public playground in Hlegu Township, Rangoon Division. The Election Commission Chairman eventually overruled Tint Hsans decision and allowed the NLD to use the playground.5 17 February: Regime Sports Minister Tint Hsan again denied an NLD request for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to use a local stadium for a rally in Pyapon Township, Irrawaddy Division. The NLD subsequently held the event at an open ground about two kilometers away.6 17 February: Regime authorities in Mandalay failed to respond to an NLD request for its members to use a local stadium for a campaign event.7 20 February: The NLD said that regime authorities denied a request to hold campaign events on 2324 February in Kachin State due to security concerns.8 On 20 February, the NLD held a press conference to address the regimes restrictions on its campaigning activities.9 In response to the NLDs objections, the regime Election Commission announced that it would lift all restrictions on the partys campaign activities.10 Restrictions on campaign messages return On 16 February, the Regime Election Commission announced that each of the 17 political parties contesting the by-elections would be granted a 15-minute slot on state radio and TV to present their political platforms.11 However, parties must submit the transcript of their campaign message to the Commission seven days before the broadcast date for approval.12 The Commission can reject the transcript and take action against political parties that submit campaign messages detrimental to security, prevalence of law and order and peace and tranquility or messages undermining the constitution; tarnishing or harming the image of the State; and tarnishing the image of the Tatmadaw.13 These provisions mirror the restrictions on campaign messages imposed by the SPDC Election Commission ahead of the November 2010 elections [See September 2010 Burma Bulletin]

AP (02 Feb 12) Myanmar's Suu Kyi postpones planned political trip; AFP (03 Feb 12) Suu Kyi 'postpones major election rally' Irrawaddy (07 Feb 12) Thousands Cheer Suu Kyi on Bassein Campaign Trip; Age (08 Feb 12) Officials seek to thwart Suu Kyi; Myanmar Times (13 Feb 12) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed in delta home 3 Reuters (20 Feb 12) Myanmar lifts rally ban after Suu Kyi's party complains; Irrawaddy (16 Feb 12) People, Army Should Work Together: Suu Kyi; BBC (21 Feb 12) Suu Kyi party says Burma campaign restrictions lifted 4 Reuters (20 Feb 12) Myanmar lifts rally ban after Suu Kyi's party complains; Irrawaddy (20 Feb 12) NLD Complains of Campaign Restrictions 5 DPA (20 Feb 12) Myanmar opposition complains of unfair campaigning; NLD (20 Feb 12) National League for Democracy's Press Conference; Mizzima News (20 Feb 12) Sports ministry denying Suu Kyi access to stadiums 6 Irrawaddy (20 Feb 12) NLD Complains of Campaign Restrictions; DVB (20 Feb 12) Suu Kyi campaign speech blocked by government; NLD (20 Feb 12) National League for Democracy's Press Conference; Mizzima News (20 Feb 12) Sports ministry denying Suu Kyi access to stadiums 7 Mizzima News (20 Feb 12) Sports ministry denying Suu Kyi access to stadiums 8 AP (20 Feb 12) Myanmar lifts campaign restrictions in unusually swift response to opposition complaints; Reuters (20 Feb 12) Myanmar lifts rally ban after Suu Kyi's party complains; Irrawaddy (20 Feb 12) NLD Complains of Campaign Restrictions 9 AP (20 Feb 12) Myanmar opposition party complains of restrictions; Reuters (20 Feb 12) Myanmar lifts rally ban after Suu Kyi's party complains; DPA (20 Feb 12) Myanmar opposition complains of unfair campaigning; NLD (20 Feb 12) National League for Democracy's Press Conference; Mizzima News (20 Feb 12) Sports ministry denying Suu Kyi access to stadiums 10 AFP (20 Feb 12) Myanmar opposition says campaign restrictions lifted; BBC (21 Feb 12) Suu Kyi party says Burma campaign restrictions lifted; VOA (20 Feb 12) Burma Eases By-Election Restrictions; Mizzima News (21 Feb 12) Ban on Suu Kyi rallies is lifted 11 Xinhua (17 Feb 12) Myanmar's political parties allowed to campaign for by-elections by state media 12 NLM (17 Feb 12) Presentation of Political parties through Radio and TV 13 NLM (17 Feb 12) Presentation of Political parties through Radio and TV
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Campaign marred by threats Reports also emerged of serious violation of election laws committed by the regime and its proxies. 13 February: The leader of the regime-backed Manpang Peoples Militia Force in Lashio and Tangyan Townships, Northern Shan State, warned local villagers that they would be forcibly relocated if they did not cast their vote for the USDP candidate.14 20 February: It was reported that a regime official in Myaungmya Township, Irrawaddy Division, summoned 130 local administrators to a meeting and warned them that if the USDP candidate did not win in that constituency they would have to resign.15 Daw Suu draws huge crowds on the campaign trail In February, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi campaigned in Irrawaddy and Rangoon Divisions and in Kachin State. Despite the regimes restrictions, Daw Suu continued to draw huge crowds on the campaign trail. In her rallies, Daw Suu stressed the key points of the NLDs platform, which included: promoting legislative and constitutional reforms in the Parliament, bringing peace and national reconciliation, and creating job opportunities. 7 February: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi campaigned in Bassein, Myaungmya, and Pantanaw Townships, Irrawaddy Division.16 At a stadium in Bassein, Daw Suu told a crowd of at least 40,000 people that the NLD intended to amend the 2008 the constitution, promote the rule of law, and work for internal peace.17 At a rally in Myaungmya, she drew at least 15,000 people, including local civil servants, and said the NLD would work to improve employment, education, and healthcare.18 11 February: At a one-day campaign stop in Warthinkha Village, Kawmoo Township, Rangoon Division, Daw Suu told a crowd of about 20,000 that the NLDs first priority was to create more job opportunities.19 15 February: Daw Suu campaigned in Mayangone, Mingaladon, and Hlegu Townships, Rangoon Division.20 Daw Suu said that the NLD would work to tackle poverty and unemployment in the country21 and also said that the military and the people of Burma should join hands to bring about democracy in the country.22 17 February: At a campaign stop in Pyapon Township, Irrawaddy Division,23 Daw Suu told a crowd of about 40,000 that she would work to allow farmers to sell their produce without the authorities interference.24 21 February: At another campaign stop in Kawmoo Township, Rangoon Division, Daw Suu spoke to tens of thousands of people about freedom, justice, development, and education.25

SHAN (13 Feb 12) By-elections: Lions up to mischief again Mizzima News (20 Feb 12) Township chief threatens village leaders over election AP (07 Feb 12) Suu Kyi hits the campaign trail in Myanmar; AFP (07 Feb 12) Crowds cheer Suu Kyi on Myanmar campaign trail; Christian Science Monitor (07 Feb 12) Aung San Suu Kyi hits the campaign trail in Myanmar; Irrawaddy (07 Feb 12) Thousands Cheer Suu Kyi on Bassein Campaign Trip 17 Irrawaddy (07 Feb 12) Thousands Cheer Suu Kyi on Bassein Campaign Trip; Christian Science Monitor (07 Feb 12) Aung San Suu Kyi hits the campaign trail in Myanmar; Myanmar Times (13 Feb 12) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed in delta home 18 Irrawaddy (07 Feb 12) Thousands Cheer Suu Kyi on Bassein Campaign Trip; Christian Science Monitor (07 Feb 12) Aung San Suu Kyi hits the campaign trail in Myanmar; Mizzima News (08 Feb 12) Largest crowds yet welcome Suu Kyi; Myanmar Times (13 Feb 12) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed in delta home 19 AP (11 Feb 12) Myanmars Suu Kyi campaigns for parliament, visits constituency she hopes to represent; AFP (10 Feb 12) Myanmar's Suu Kyi hits campaign trail; DPA (11 Feb 12) Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi kicks off by-election campaign; Reuters (11 Feb 12) Rock star welcome for Suu Kyi on Myanmar campaign trail; BBC (11 Feb 12) Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi cheered by crowds in Kawhmu; NLD (14 Feb 12) NLD Chairwoman Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Campaign Trip to Kaw Hmu; Xinhua (11 Feb 12) Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi campaigns for parliamentary by-elections; Mizzima News (14 Feb 12) First priority is to create jobs: Suu Kyi; VOA (11 Feb 12) Thousands Rally Behind Suu Kyi on Burma Campaign Trail; CNN (11 Feb 12) Thousands cheer Suu Kyi on campaign trail 20 Irrawaddy (16 Feb 12) People, Army Should Work Together: Suu Kyi; Mizzima News (15 Feb 12) Suu Kyi, Thein Sein campaigning on jobs; NLD (16 Feb 12) NLD Chairperson's Trip to Hlegu 21 Mizzima News (15 Feb 12) Suu Kyi, Thein Sein campaigning on jobs 22 Irrawaddy (16 Feb 12) People, Army Should Work Together: Suu Kyi; Mizzima News (15 Feb 12) Suu Kyi, Thein Sein campaigning on jobs 23 AFP (18 Feb 12) Aung San Suu Kyi hits campaign trail to support party candidates 24 Mizzima News (17 Feb 12) Suu Kyi calls for free market in agriculture 25 NLD (21 Feb 12) NLD Chairperson Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Campaign Trip to Kaw Hmu
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 23 February: Daw Suu began a two-day campaign tour in Kachin State.26 At a rally in Mogaung Township, Daw Suu told a crowd of 50,000 that the lack of peace in Kachin State was a sad condition not only for Kachin but also for the whole country.27 She also pledged to work in Parliament to create a genuine federal union with rights for all ethnic nationalities.28 24 February: Daw Suu campaigned in Bhamo and Myitkyina, Kachin State.29 At a rally in Myitkyina, she told supporters that peace in ethnic areas could be reached only through dialogue and mutual understanding between the authorities and ethnic groups.30 26 February: Daw Suu made a one-day campaign stop in Thonegwa Township, Rangoon Division.31 INSIDE BURMA KIA-Tatmadaw conflict rages on In February, fighting continued between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin State and Northern Shan State. Tatmadaw forces clashed with KIA soldiers on numerous occasions. 1 February: o Tatmadaw forces from IB 47 shot and killed a KIA Battalion 8 officer during an attack in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State.32 o KIA forces killed three Tatmadaw soldiers from IB 141 during a clash in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State.33 2 February: KIA forces killed one Tatmadaw soldier from IB 141 during a clash in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State.34 3 February: KIA Battalion 12 forces clashed with Tatmadaw soldiers from LID 99 in Nam Lin Pa Village, Mansi Township, Kachin State.35 8 February: o KIA Battalion 8 forces clashed with Tatmadaw soldiers in Namtu Township, Northern Shan State.36 o Tatmadaw soldiers from LID 99 attacked KIA Battalion 12 forces in Mansi Township, Kachin State.37 9 February: KIA forces clashed with Tatmadaw soldiers in two locations along the route for the Kyaukpyu-Kunming pipeline in Northern Shan State.38 16 February: KIA Battalion 34 forces killed one Tatmadaw soldier during a clash in Mongmit Township, Northern Shan State.39 17 February: KIA Battalion 8 forces clashed with Tatmadaw soldiers in Namtu Township, Northern Shan State.40 21 February: KIA Battalion 38 forces clashed with Tatmadaw soldiers from IB 239 in Kutkai Township, Northern Shan State.41 Tatmadaw forces also continued to target and commit human rights abuses against civilians in Kachin State.

DVB (24 Feb 12) Suu Kyi vies for crucial ethnic support; Mizzima News (23 Feb 12) Suu Kyi to campaign in Kachin State Reuters (24 Feb 12) In Myanmar's Kachin hills, Suu Kyi stirs hopes of peace Mizzima News (24 Feb 12) Suu Kyi draws large crowds in Kachin State 29 Irrawaddy (24 Feb 12) Suu Kyi Delivers Message of Trust, Respect in Myitkyina 30 AP (24 Feb 12) Suu Kyi campaigns with reconciliation message; Reuters (24 Feb 12) In Myanmar's Kachin hills, Suu Kyi stirs hopes of peace; VOA (24 Feb 12) Aung San Suu Kyi Presses Campaign in Upper Burma; Irrawaddy (24 Feb 12) Suu Kyi Delivers Message of Trust, Respect in Myitkyina; Kachin News Group (25 Feb 12) Suu Kyi talks peace and Panglong on Kachin State trip 31 NLD (26 Feb 12) NLD Chairperson's Campaign Trip to Thonegwa 32 Kachin News Group (01 Feb 12) Burma army kills KIA officer, more talks soon 33 Kachin News Group (02 Feb 12) 3 Burma army soldiers fall in battle in Kachin State 34 Kachin News Group (03 Feb 12) KIA attacks Burma army convoy in Kachin State 35 Kachin News Group (03 Feb 12) KIA attacks Burma army convoy in Kachin State 36 Kachin News Group (09 Feb 12) More armed clashes ahead of Burma govt-KIO talks 37 Kachin News Group (09 Feb 12) More armed clashes ahead of Burma govt-KIO talks 38 Kachin News Group (09 Feb 12) More armed clashes ahead of Burma govt-KIO talks 39 Kachin News Group (18 Feb 12) Burma soldier dies in Shan state battle with KIA 40 Kachin News Group (18 Feb 12) Burma soldier dies in Shan state battle with KIA 41 Kachin News Group (22 Feb 12) Burmese narco-battalion fights KIA in Shan State
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 2 February: Tatmadaw troops from LIB 113 in Han Htet Village, Mansi Township, Kachin State, shot and killed a 50-year-old local villager while he was on the way to tend to his rice fields.42 Mid-February: Tatmadaw soldiers from LID 8 destroyed more than 1,500 kg of rice in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State. 43 During the month, new rounds of peace talks between the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the regime failed to materialize as a result of disagreement over where such talks should be held.44 Peace agreements in jeopardy In February, peace agreements between the regime and the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) were in jeopardy as a result of renewed Tatmadaw aggression and troop deployment. SSA-S: Tatmadaw forces clashed with SSA-S soldiers on at least 10 occasions.45 On 17 February, Tatmadaw soldiers from IB 23 shot and killed an SSA-S official and his wife in Hsipaw Township, Northern Shan State.46 DKBA: On 19 February, a joint Tatmadaw-BGF force raided a DKBA weapons cache and subsequently refused to return the stolen arms.47 As a result, the DKBA declared an end to its peace agreement with the regime. Subsequently, fighting broke out in Hlaingbwe and Hpa-an Townships, Karen State.48 KNU: On 22 February, in response to increased deployment of Tatmadaw soldiers, the Karen National Union (KNU) released a statement that called on the Tatmadaw to remove its soldiers from KNU-controlled areas.49 Despite the breakdown of those agreements, the regime continued to spin a positive outlook on its policy vis--vis the ethnic groups. On 15 February, Minister of Rail Transportation Aung Min said that the regime expected to sign ceasefire agreements with all ethnic armed groups within three months.50 The regime also continued to hold talks and pursue initial peace agreements with ethnic armed groups. 5 February: Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) representatives held talks with regime Minister of Rail Transportation Aung Min in Chiang Mai, Thailand.51 6 February: Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) representatives held talks with Regime Minister of Rail Transportation Aung Min in Chiang Mai, Thailand.52 7 February: Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army (KNU/KNLA) Peace Council representatives signed a seven-point initial peace agreement with regime Peace-making Group leader Aung Thaung during talks in Naypyidaw.53 However, KNU leaders warned that the regimes decision to offer business opportunities to the KNU/KNLA Peace Council in KNU-controlled areas as a result of the agreement could fuel instability.54 25 February: New Mon State Party (NMSP) representatives signed an initial peace agreement with regime representatives led by regime Minister of Rail Transportation Aung Min during talks in Moulmein, Mon State.55

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Kachin News Group (21 Feb 12) Burma army burns Kachin rice harvest Kachin News Group (21 Feb 12) Burma army burns Kachin rice harvest 44 Mizzima News (07 Feb 12) KIO, govt cant agree on meeting location; Kachin News Group (18 Feb 12) Burma soldier dies in Shan state battle with KIA 45 DVB (24 Feb 12) Troops die in renewed Shan fighting 46 SHAN (21 Feb 12) BA-SSA stand-off in Tachilek 47 Irrawaddy (23 Feb 12) DKBA Ceasefire Breaks Down 48 Irrawaddy (23 Feb 12) DKBA Ceasefire Breaks Down 49 Mizzima News (23 Feb 12) Withdraw all government troops: KNU; KNU (22 Feb 12) Press Release: Ceasefires Are Not Peace: KNU Lays Out Crucial Steps to Achieve Lasting Peace in Burma 50 Reuters (15 Feb 12) EXCLUSIVE - Myanmar peace can be reached within 3 months, minister says 51 SHAN (06 Feb 12) PaO joining the ceasefire bandwagon because of the Lady 52 Irrawaddy (06 Feb 12) Govt Peace Delegation Meets Ethnic Rebels in Thailand 53 NLM (08 Feb 12) Kayin State peace-making group, KNU/KNLA Peace Council sign initial peace agreement 54 Karen News (20 Feb 12) Governments factional business deals adds tensions to ethnic peace plans 55 NLM (27 Feb 12) Union-level peace-making group and NMSP ink initial peace deal

Regime proposes hike in military spending In February, during the Parliaments third session in Naypyidaw, MPs continued to ignore urgent legislative reforms such as the abolition of Burmas oppressive laws. On 22 February, Peoples Assembly Speaker Shwe Mann said that given the slow pace of parliamentary proceedings, the review and amendment of existing laws may not be completed by the end of the current Parliaments term.56 MPs also began a review of the national budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. According to figures released by regime Finance Minister Hla Tun, the proposed budget has a deficit of about 2.5 trillion kyat (US$3.2 billion).57 The regime budgeted expected expenditures of 13 trillion kyat (US$16.6 billion) against anticipated revenues of 10.5 trillion kyat (US$13.5 billion).58 The proposed budget contains a substantial hike in military spending. Proposed military expenditures amount to 1.878 trillion kyat (US$2.4 billion), an increase of 685 billion kyat - or 57% - from 1.19 trillion kyat allocated in the fiscal year 2011-2012. If approved by MPs, military expenditures would make up 14.4% of the total budget.59 By contrast, education and medical care expenses would account for 4.7% and 2.8% of the total respectively, each up by about 1%.60 Regime Defense Minister Maj Gen Hla Min justified the hike in military expenditures by saying that Burma needed a strong military to defend its borders.61 The sharp increase in military spending does not include funds that the Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief can channel to the military without any parliamentary oversight in accordance with the Special Fund Law adopted by the SPDC in January 2011.62 HUMAN RIGHTS Regime HRC refuses to investigate human rights abuses in ethnic areas Despite being touted by Naypyidaw as a model for significant reform, the regime Human Rights Commission showed, once again, why it is inadequate to promote and protect human rights in the country. On 14 February, the regime Human Rights Commission Chairman Win Mra said that the body would not investigate allegations of human rights abuses committed in Burmas ethnic areas.63 Win Mra outrageously stated that any investigation was not appropriate and said that with the establishment of peace, human rights violations would recede into the background.64 Win Mra also rejected the idea of establishing a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to probe allegations of human rights abuses in the country, claiming that unlike other countries where a CoI was set up, Burma had a smooth transition to democracy.65 Win Mras statements blatantly ignored the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Toms Ojea Quintanas recommendations in relation to truth, justice, and accountability. In his 5 February statement [See below UN: Serious challenges remain], Ojea Quintana said that justice and accountability measures, as well as measures to ensure access to the truth were fundamental to move forward towards national reconciliation.66 Ojea Quintana also slammed the regime Human Rights Commission. He said there were no indications that the Commission was fully independent and

Reuters (22 Feb 12) Myanmar's parliament chief rebukes "sluggish" govt Asahi Shimbun (07 Feb 12) Myanmar slashes military spending 58 Asahi Shimbun (07 Feb 12) Myanmar slashes military spending 59 Myanmar Times (13 Feb 12) Min of Defence asks for 57pc budget rise; Asahi Shimbun (07 Feb 12) Myanmar slashes military spending 60 Asahi Shimbun (07 Feb 12) Myanmar slashes military spending 61 Myanmar Times (13 Feb 12) Min of Defence asks for 57pc budget rise 62 DVB (01 Feb 12) Budget revamp targets health, military 63 AFP (14 Feb 12) Myanmar rights body rules out conflict abuse probe 64 AFP (14 Feb 12) Myanmar rights body rules out conflict abuse probe 65 Irrawaddy (15 Feb 12) Head of HR Commission Rules Out Conflict-zone Inquiry 66 OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar
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concluded that that the body could not fully guarantee human rights protection for the people of Burma.67 UN: Serious challenges remain On 5 February, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Toms Ojea Quintana concluded a six-day visit to the country.68 During his visit, Ojea Quintana met with numerous regime ministers and officials in Naypyidaw.69 In Rangoon, he held separate meetings with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of various political parties and ethnic groups.70 He also met with three political prisoners in Insein prison as well as recently released dissidents.71 Ojea Quintana also traveled to Karen and Mon States where he met with the respective Chief Ministers as well as representatives of local administrations and ethnic political parties.72 On 5 February, Ojea Quintana made a statement at a press conference at Rangoon International Airport. Ojea Quintana said that serious challenges remained and must be addressed.73 The statement highlighted numerous areas of concern, including:74 Ongoing allegations of serious human rights violations in conflict areas, including attacks against civilians, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, internal displacement, land confiscation, the use of human shields, the recruitment of child soldiers, and forced labor. Monitoring of recently-released political prisoners by regime authorities. Ongoing ill-treatment of prisoners by regime authorities, including their transfer to remote jails. Lack of clarity and progress in the amendment of laws that fail to comply with international standards. Ojea Quintana urged the regime to immediately and unconditionally release all remaining political prisoners. He also called on the regime to consider the assistance of the international community in determining the exact number and identity of those jailed dissidents.75 Monks still harassed 2 February: The regime-backed Sangha cancelled a 4 February ceremony to re-ordain 38 monks released from prison in January claiming that the ceremony had a political agenda.76 4 February: Regime authorities closed Maggin monastery in Rangoons Thingangyun Township.77

OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar NLM (05 Feb 12) UN human rights envoy concludes visit; NLM (01 Feb 12) UN human rights envoy arrives; OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar 69 NLM (02 Feb 12) Mr Quintana calls on Dy Foreign Minister; NLM (03 Feb 12) Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann receives Mr Tomas Ojea Quintana and party; NLM (03 Feb 12) Dy Education Minister receives Mr Quintana; NLM (03 Feb 12) Presidents Advisory Group leader receives Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar; NLM (03 Feb 12) Union Rail Minister receives Mr Quintana; NLM (03 Feb 12) Union Attorney-General receives Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar; OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar 70 NLM (04 Feb 12) Special Rapporteur visits Insein Jail, meets NLD chairman; OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar; Irrawaddy (03 Feb 12) UN Envoy Visits Insein Prison, Meets Suu Kyi; Narinjara News (08 Feb 12) Rights Violations Continue in Arakan State, Arakanese Leader tells Quintana; Myanmar Times (06 Feb 12) By-elections will be free, fair, speaker tells Quintana; 71 NLM (04 Feb 12) Special Rapporteur visits Insein Jail, meets NLD chairman; OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar; OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar; NLM (06 Feb 12) Special Rapporteur listens to voices of Kayin locals; Irrawaddy (03 Feb 12) UN Envoy Visits Insein Prison, Meets Suu Kyi; Myanmar Times (06 Feb 12) By-elections will be free, fair, speaker tells Quintana 72 OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar 73 AP (05 Feb 12) UN envoy says Myanmar may allow election observers; AFP (05 Feb 12) Myanmar poll a "key test" of reform: UN envoy; UN News Center (06 Feb 12) Myanmar: UN rights expert urges authorities to remain committed to reforms; Reuters (05 Feb 12) UN envoy says Myanmar should admit to rights violations; DPA (05 Feb 12) Myanmar mulls allowing international observers for by-election; RFA (05 Feb 12) Burma Mulls Election Observers; Xinhua (06 Feb 12) Myanmar's human rights situation turning possitive,challenges remain,UN official says; 74 OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar 75 OHCHR (05 Feb 12) Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar 76 DVB (02 Feb 12) Rangoon ceremony for freed monks blocked; Irrawaddy (02 Feb 12) Monastic Council Restores Status of Released Monks; Mizzima News (06 Feb 12) Abbot ready to speak out 77 Irrawaddy (06 Feb 12) Monks Evicted as Monastery Resealed
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 10 February: Regime authorities reopened Maggin monastery. However, other monasteries that also played a key role during the Saffron Revolution, such as the Sasana Theikpan and Sasana Gonyi monasteries in Rangoons Bahan Township, remained shuttered.78 14 February: It was reported that the regime-backed Sangha banned U Pyinnya Thiha, the abbot of Sadu Pariyatti monastery in Rangoons Kyimyindine Township, from preaching anywhere in Burma until 2013.79 The regime had already imposed a one-year preaching ban on him in February 2011.80 17 February: Regime authorities detained for questioning Buddhist monk U Gambira following a midnight raid on a monastery in Rangoon.81 U Gambira was released later in the evening.82 18 February: State-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar said that regime authorities would charge U Gambira with squatting in Maggin monastery and breaking into the Sasana Theikpan and Sasana Gonyi monasteries - incidents which occurred after his release in January.83 Harassment of activists continues In February, regime authorities continued to harass activists who campaigned for better economic conditions: 2 February: Police in Akyab, Arakan State, warned 24-hour electricity campaign activists not to wear campaign t-shirts during an upcoming local festival.84 4 February: Police in Akyab, Arakan State, stripped the campaign t-shirts off a group of 24-hour electricity campaign activists who participated in a local festival despite police warning.85 28 February: Regime authorities in Rangoons South Dagon Township briefly detained 11 activists who demanded the liberalization of the SIM card market.86 Censorship alive and well In early February, the regime announced that it would not introduce the much-publicized new media law until the next session of Parliament.87 Regime Censorship Board Director Tint Swe said that under the new media law a Committee for Press Freedom and Raising Ethical Standards would replace the current Censorship Board.88 Tint Swe also indicated that the draft law would only cover print media.89 Meanwhile, regime authorities cracked down on freedom of expression:90 Early February: Regime authorities prevented cartoonist Aw P Kyel from giving literary talks in Thayet, Chauk, Seikphyu, Pakokku, and Yesagyo Townships in Magwe Division.91 10 February: Regime authorities banned writer Than Myint Aungs literary talk planned for the next day in Mankaleik Village, Kungyangon Township, Rangoon Division.92
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Irrawaddy (10 Feb 12) Gambira Apprehended in Midnight Raid; DVB (13 Feb 12) Maggin Monastery and others reopened Mizzima News (14 Feb 12) Abbot banned from preaching one more year Mizzima News (06 Feb 12) Abbot ready to speak out 81 AFP (10 Feb 12) Dissident Myanmar monk held for questioning: official; BBC (10 Feb 12) Burmese protest leader monk Gambira 'taken away'; AP (10 Feb 12) Myanmar Detains Militant Monk; AP (10 Feb 12) Prominent Myanmar monk taken in for questioning; DPA (10 Feb 12) Recently released dissident monk rearrested in Myanmar; Reuters (10 Feb 12) Dissident monk detained for questioning in Myanmar-aide; CNN (10 Feb 12) Myanmar authorities take activist monk from monastery; Irrawaddy (10 Feb 12) Gambira Apprehended in Midnight Raid 82 Reuters (11 Feb 12) Dissident monk freed after questioning in Myanmar; AFP (11 Feb 12) Myanmar frees monk held for questioning; NYT (10 Feb 12) Myanmar Detains Monk Recently Freed From Prison; DPA (11 Feb 12) Myanmar dissident monk released after questioning 83 AP (19 Feb 12) Myanmar state media: dissident monk to be charged; AFP (19 Feb 12) Dissident Myanmar monk to face trial; NLM (19 Feb 12) U Gambhira not only committs offences but also insults national-level Sangha organization after his release from prison - Legal actions to be taken in consideration of religion, Sasana and purity of Sasana as Dhamma action no more works; RFA (19 Feb 12) Fresh Charges for Activist Monk; Reuters (19 Feb 12) Prominent activist monk faces legal action in Myanmar; BBC (19 Feb 12) Burma monk Shin Gambira 'faces legal action'; VOA (19 Feb 12) Leading Burmese Monk Detained, Facing Charges; 84 Narinjara News (07 Feb 12) Traditional Tug-of-War to Launch Arakans Shwe Gas Campaign Stopped by Police 85 Narinjara News (07 Feb 12) Traditional Tug-of-War to Launch Arakans Shwe Gas Campaign Stopped by Police 86 Irrawaddy (28 Feb 12) 11 'SIM Card' Campaigners Detained for Questioning in Rangoon 87 Myanmar Times (06 Feb 12) Press law to wait until next hluttaw session: govt 88 Irrawaddy (01 Feb 12) Burmas New Media Law to Bring Press Freedom? 89 Myanmar Times (06 Feb 12) Press law to wait until next hluttaw session: govt 90 Mizzima News (10 Feb 12) Writers talks banned in Magway region 91 Mizzima News (10 Feb 12) Writers talks banned in Magway region

 15 February: Regime authorities in Rambree Township, Arakan State, summoned organizers of literary talks delivered by several local Rakhine writers and demanded that they submit audio and video recordings of the lectures made on 7-9 February.93 DISPLACEMENT Number of IDPs grows in Northern Burma Despite the regimes promise of a cessation of hostilities in Kachin State, the number of IDPs continued to increase. According to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the number of IDPs in Kachin State rose to 55,000 in January, while new areas of displacement were reported in both Kachin State and Northern Shan State in early January.94 Several aid organizations highlighted the dire situation of IDPs: OCHA warned of dwindling aid supplies in the nearly 90 makeshift IDP camps. OCHA said that more food aid was needed in response to the deterioration of the security situation in and around conflict areas. OCHA also said that there had been outbreaks of diarrhea in a number of IDP camps.95 Relief workers with the Relief Action Network for IDP and Refugees (RANIR) reported cholera outbreaks because of unsafe drinking water. More than 30 children at the Pajau Camp in Waingmaw Township had contracted cholera and one had died from the disease.96 Kachin Wunpawng Ning Htoi [Peoples Light] said that refugees in Chinas Ruili District had also experienced cholera outbreaks.97 Despite these reports, the regime appeared intent on glossing over the severity of the situation. On 13 February, in Myitkyina, Kachin State, regime Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Phone Swe and Deputy Minister of Border Affairs Maj Zaw Win told UN agencies and INGOs that the regime hoped to close IDP camps in Kachin State before May.98 Rohingya flee by land and sea Rohingya continued in their attempts to flee from Burma and take to the sea from Bangladesh in hopes of finding a better life. 1 February: Fishermen in Indonesia rescued 54 Rohingya boat people adrift off North Aceh.99 7 February: Bangladeshi authorities in Teknaf arrested and detained 13 Rohingya who were attempting to enter Bangladesh illegally.100 In separate incidents, Border Guards of Bangladesh personnel at Teknaf arrested and pushed back 19 Rohingya who were attempting to enter Bangladesh illegally.101 13-15 February: Border Guards of Bangladesh personnel arrested 62 Rohingya at various check points along the Burma-Bangladesh border.102 16 February: Fifty Rohingya sailed for Malaysia from Teknaf, Bangladesh.103 26 February: Thai police in Phuket detained 90 Rohingya boat people after their boat ran out of fuel and reached landfall at Nai Harn beach. Twelve other Rohingya escaped arrest. The group was adrift in heavy seas, without food or water, for three days. The group had departed from Burma 12 days earlier in an attempt to sail to Malaysia.104
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Mizzima News (10 Feb 12) Writers talks banned in Magway region Narinjara News (15 Feb 12) Burmese authorities scrutinizes Arakanese writers public lectures 94 OCHA (Date unknown) Myanmar Monthly Humanitarian Update Issue: December 2011/January 2012 95 OCHA (Date unknown) Myanmar Monthly Humanitarian Update Issue: December 2011/January 2012 96 Mizzima News (02 Feb 12) Cholera outbreak in Kachin refugee camps 97 Mizzima News (02 Feb 12) Cholera outbreak in Kachin refugee camps 98 Myanmar Times (20 Feb 12) Government aims to close Kachin State relief camps 99 AAP (02 Feb 12) 50 bound for Australia rescued off Aceh 100 Kaladan News (08 Feb 12) Bangladesh authority arrest, jail and push back Rohingya 101 Kaladan News (08 Feb 12) Bangladesh authority arrest, jail and push back Rohingya 102 Kaladan News (16 Feb 12) BGB alerts on Rohingya along Burma - Bangladesh border 103 Kaladan News (19 Feb 12) 50 voyagers went to Malaysia from Bangladesh 104 Phuket Gazette (26 Feb 12) Phuket Police round up Rohingya refugees in Nai Harn

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS China calls for Sino-Burma border stability On 23 February, Peoples Assembly Speaker Shwe Mann arrived in China on a five-day visit.105 On 23 February, Shwe Mann met with Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jia Qinglin. Jia pledged to boost strategic cooperation with the regime. Jia also stressed the importance of safeguarding peace along the Sino-Burma border. Shwe Mann also met with Chief of the General Staff of the Peoples Liberation Army Chen Bingde.106 Despite Chinas overt border concerns, on 10 February Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Liu Weimin denied the existence of Kachin refugees inside China. Liu acknowledged that an undisclosed number of Burmese citizens had sought refuge in China. However Liu said that they were in China temporarily and would return to Burma when the situation normalized.107 Nambiar urges regime to provide equitable socio-economic development On 11 February, Special Advisor to the UN Sec-Gen for Burma Vijay Nambiar arrived in Burma on a five-day visit.108 During his visit, Nambiar met with President Thein Sein, Peoples Assembly Speaker Shwe Mann, and various regime ministers and officials.109 During his meetings, Nambiar said that he raised three priorities:110 To ensure that the 1 April by-elections were credible. To make progress towards achieving peace and national reconciliation. In this regard, progress was needed in Kachin State, including progress on meeting the needs of IDPs. To deliver on the socio-economic needs of the people with particular regard to health, education and job creation. On 13 February, Nambiar told participants at a conference on development in Naypyidaw that development would not be sustainable unless it was equitable and accessible for all of Burmas people.111 ASEAN Sec-Gen Surin evaluates regimes progress On 19 February, ASEAN Sec-Gen Surin Pitsuwan arrived in Burma on a first five-day visit to assess the regimes performance since it assumed office in March 2011.112 20 February: Surin met with President Thein Sein and various regime ministers in Naypyidaw.113 Surin said that the regime promised full cooperation in providing ASEAN with economic data.114 21 February: Surin and regime officials held a roundtable discussion in Naypyidaw to discuss preparations for the regimes ASEAN chairmanship in 2014.115 President Thein Sein told Surin that the regime would seriously consider having observers from ASEAN during the 1 April byelections.116
Xinhua (23 Feb 12) China to cement cooperative partnership with Myanmar Xinhua (23 Feb 12) China to cement cooperative partnership with Myanmar Irrawaddy (13 Feb 12) China Refutes Reports of Kachin Refugee Flood; Reuters (10 Feb 12) Myanmar refugees tell of violence despite peace calls 108 NLM (12 Feb 12) Special Adviser to UNSG arrives 109 UNIC Yangon (17 Feb 12) Press release at the conclusion of the visit to Myanmar of the Special Adviser to the SecretaryGeneral for Myanmar, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, from 12 to 17 February 2012 110 UNIC Yangon (17 Feb 12) Press release at the conclusion of the visit to Myanmar of the Special Adviser to the SecretaryGeneral for Myanmar, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, from 12 to 17 February 2012 111 UN News Center (13 Feb 12) Arriving in Myanmar, UN envoy focuses on sustainable development 112 Myanmar Times (20 Feb 12) Surin to visit delta this week 113 Xinhua (20 Feb 12) Myanmar president meets ASEAN secretary-general 114 ASEAN (21 Feb 12) Myanmar Poised to Host ASEAN in 2014, Plans and Capacity Building Underway 115 Xinhua (22 Feb 12) Myanmar holds roundtable discussion on ASEAN community realization 116 Jakarta Post (21 Feb 12) Myanmar to allow observers during by-elections
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 22 February: Surin met with Aung San Suu Kyi at her home in Rangoon and toured the Irrawaddy delta to assess the progress of cyclone Nargis recovery efforts.117 23 February: Surin said that the regime must invest in roads, telecommunications, hotels, and internet infrastructure in order to be able to host ASEAN-related meetings in 2014. Surin also emphasized the need for the regime to reform its monetary system and improve the banking and financial systems.118 EU Commissioner Piebalgs delivers aid package On 12 February, EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs arrived in Rangoon on a three-day visit to Burma to assess the countrys latest developments.119 During his stay, Piebalgs met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President Thein Sein, Peoples Assembly Speaker Shwe Mann, and various regime ministers.120 On 13 February, Piebalgs confirmed that the EU would deliver a 150 million euro aid package to Burma for health, education, and job creation.121 Piebalgs described the upcoming 1 April by-elections as a watershed and said that if the polls were free and fair it was expected that the easing of sanctions would continue.122 EU lifts travel ban on regime officials On 17 February, the EU lifted its travel ban on 87 regime officials, including President Thein Sein, the two Vice-Presidents, cabinet ministers, the speakers of the two Houses of Parliament, and their families. However, the EU maintained the freeze on their assets. The lifting of visa restrictions was announced by the EU in January.123 [See January 2012 Burma Bulletin] ECONOMY Investors flock to Burma at their own risk On 8 February, UK risk analysis firm Maplecroft released its Rule of Law Index 2012, which ranked Burma dead last of 197 countries in terms of legal protection for foreign companies and investors.124 Burma has held this position in the Maplecroft Rule of Law Index since 2007. The report stated that tangible improvements in the rule of law, including increased judicial independence and greater transparency in the regulatory system, would be required before the long-term potential of the economy could be realized.125 On 21 February, Maplecroft released its Political Risk Map: 2012, which ranked Burma 196th of 197 countries in terms of political risk for businesses and investors.126 Despite the risks of doing business in the country, a flurry of regional business leaders traveled to Burma throughout February in search of new economic opportunities. Regime officials and Burmese business leaders met with business and political representatives from Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and China. 6 February: A 30-meber business delegation from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand held a two-day visit to Burma, during which they met with regime officials and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.127 8 February: A 41-member delegation of representatives from 21 Thai companies visited Burma.128
Mizzima News (22 Feb 12) Surin optimistic on Burmas Asean chairmanship; Xinhua (23 Feb 12) ASEAN secretary-general on Myanmar's reform 118 DPA (24 Feb 12) Myanmar has far to go in summit preparations, ASEAN says 119 Xinhua (12 Feb 12) EU's foreign aid chief visits Myanmar; DPA (17 Feb 12) Envoy: Restrictions on UN work in Myanmar should be lifted 120 EU (14 Feb 12) Speaking points Press conference EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs; EU (14 Feb 12) Speaking points Press conference EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs 121 DPA (13 Feb 12) EU development commissioner mulls lifting sanctions on Myanmar 122 Reuters (13 Feb 12) Myanmar by-elections vital for EU sanctions move - official 123 AFP (17 Feb 12) EU lifts travel ban on 87 top Myanmar officials 124 AFP (08 Feb 12) Myanmar 'world's worst legal system' for business 125 AFP (08 Feb 12) Myanmar 'world's worst legal system' for business 126 Maplecroft (21 Feb 12) Press release: Maplecrofts Political Risk Atlas 2012 identifies next political risk hotspots and potential investment opportunities in growth economies; 127 Myanmar Times (13 Feb 12) High level ASEAN business delegation pays a visit 128 Myanmar Times (13 Feb 12) Trade delegation looks to boost Thai presence
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 12 February: A 115-member business delegation from Singapore began a week-long visit to Burma in search of investment opportunities, during which they met with President Thein Sein and various regime officials.129 During the visit, members of the group signed an agreement to develop trade, joint-venture businesses and investment with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) in Rangoon.130 19 February: Business groups from Bangladesh, China, India, and Burma established the Bangladesh China India Myanmar (BCIM) Business Council to facilitate cooperation on trade and investment among the four nations.131 21 February: A 40-member Thai business delegation and Burmese business leaders discussed opportunities for boosting bilateral trade and investment during a meeting at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) in Rangoon.132 23 February: A 40-member Malaysian trade delegation led by Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapha Mohamad began a two-day visit to Burma. The visit marked the establishment of the Malaysian Myanmar Business Council.133 Rangoon strike goes to arbitration court On 6 February, about 1,800 workers at the Chinese-owned Tai Yi footwear factory in Rangoons Hlaing Tharyar Township went on strike following their discovery that they would not be paid for a forced five-day break marking the Chinese New Year.134 The striking workers demanded a wage increase from 75 kyat to 150 kyat (US $0.09-$0.18) and an increase in the monthly bonus from 6,000 kyat ($7.37) to 8,000 kyat ($9.82).135 On 13 February, representatives for the striking workers and their employer failed to reach any agreement during a meeting that was also attended by a regime labor official.136 In late February, the workers agreed to file a suit with the Mayangone Township trade dispute committees arbitration court.137 On 28 February, about half of the striking workers announced plans to form a union in accordance with the recently-adopted Labor Organizations Law.138 The workers said the union was necessary to help resolve the strike.139 World Bank returns to Burma to provide assistance but no loans On 6 February, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton signed a partial waiver of restrictions imposed on Burma.140 With the waiver, the US would now be able to support assessment missions and limited technical assistance to Burma by international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).141 On 16 February, the World Bank announced that it would re-engage with Burmas regime in order to support reforms, and would send World Bank officials to analyze the countrys economic infrastructure, banking, and finance sectors.142 However, the Bank announced that it would not provide lending services to Burma until the regime repaid outstanding debts to international financial institutions, including US$489 million to the ADB and several hundred million dollars to the World Bank.143 Burma owes about US$11 billion in foreign debt to several nations and institutions.144

DVB (15 Feb 12) Spore keen on stake in Burmas economy; CAN (15 Feb 12) IE Singapore, SBF lead business mission to Myanmar 130 Myanmar Times (20 Feb 12) Singapore hints at increased role 131 Xinhua (20 Feb 12) Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar set up business group to promote co-op 132 Xinhua (21 Feb 12) Myanmar-Thailand business meeting held in Yangon 133 Irrawaddy (25 Feb 12) Burma Business Roundup 134 Irrawaddy (07 Feb 12) Workers Strike over Chinese New Year Wage Dispute; DVB (09 Feb 12) Police lurk as Rangoon strike continues 135 Irrawaddy (13 Feb 12) No Breakthrough in Strike Talks 136 Irrawaddy (13 Feb 12) No Breakthrough in Strike Talks; Mizzima News (14 Feb 12) Tai Yi labour strike deadlocked; DVB (14 Feb 12) Talks fail as Rangoon strikers push on 137 Mizzima News (21 Feb 12) Tai Yi strike to go to arbitration court 138 Irrawaddy (28 Feb 12) Striking Factory Workers Form Union 139 Irrawaddy (28 Feb 12) Striking Factory Workers Form Union 140 US State Department (06 Feb 12) Supporting Assessment Missions in Burma by International Financial Institutions 141 WSJ (09 Feb 12) Too Bad, Burma: Big Bank Loans Unlikely Anytime Soon 142 AP (17 Feb 12) World Bank says it will support reforms in Myanmar 143 Reuters (17 Feb 12) World Bank says reengaging with Myanmar after 25 years 144 AP (01 Feb 12) Finance minister says Myanmars external debt is $11 billion, most from decades ago

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OTHER BURMA NEWS IN FEBRUARY

1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 7 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 12 12 13 13 14 14 Regime Election Commission approves the registration of the Kayin Democratic Party. Regime begins allowing Burmese nationals to exchange foreign currency up to US$10,000 into kyat without documentation. Burma is among the 14 countries that take part in the first of the five-day Milan joint naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal. Bhutan and Burmas regime agree to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. Singaporean FM K. Shanmugam urges the US to lift economic sanctions against Burmas regime to encourage democratic reform. Burmese comedian Zarganar says it is still too early to lift economic sanctions on Burma. Thai company Siam City Cement announces plans to build a cement plant in Burma. US Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Michael Posner calls on the regime to allow local and international observers for the upcoming by-elections. Regime Election Commission dissolves the Democratic Alliance Party and the 88-Forces of Peoples Party because they failed to field candidates in at least three constituencies in the 1 April by-elections. Peoples Assembly Speaker Shwe Mann says that salaries of civil servants should be raised effective 1 April in order to fight corruption. Myanmar Newsweek reports that regime Peace-making Group leader Aung Thaung announced that a conference similar to the 1947 Panglong Conference will be held in Naypyidaw. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario at her home in Rangoon. All Burma Students Democratic Front representatives meet with regime officials for talks at an undisclosed location on the Thai-Burma border. Yangon City Development Committee announces that the cost of water for non-commercial use in Rangoon will increase from .25 kyat to .40 kyat per gallon on 1 April. Workers at the New Way Footwear Factory and the Thonehtutgyi Garment Factory in Rangoon go on strike over pay and leave issues. A commentary in state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar says that Burma has become a democracy without suffering grief like countries affected by the Arab Spring. President Thein Sein meets with Philippines FM Albert del Rosario in Naypyidaw and the two discuss strengthening bilateral relations. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with a 14-member KNU/KNLA Peace Council delegation led by Gen Htay Maung in Rangoon. Over 300 people, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, attend a ceremony organized by an alliance of five ethnic political parties to mark the 65th anniversary of Union Day in Rangoon. In his Union Day message, President Thein Sein says that Burma must build powerful armed forces or the nation will face the jungle law of superpowers. Regime authorities seize approximately 8.7 million ecstasy tablets in three separate drug raids in Tachilek Township, Shan State. Peoples Assembly Speaker Shwe Mann says that Burmas remaining political prisoners are those who have committed criminal activities. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with German Economic Cooperation and Development Minister Dirk Niebel in Rangoon. Representatives from the SNDP and the NNDP ask regime Election Commission Chairman Tin Aye if Naypyidaw plans to allow international observers to monitor the 1 April by-elections but receive no answer. Regime Election Commission rejects a challenge against the candidacy of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi filed by Party for Unity and Peace member Tin Yi. Irrawaddy River Crossing Project, a key component of the Kyaukpyu-Kunming Pipeline project, is completed. Indias Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai says that the regimes new path of political reform will strengthen Indo-Burma relations. Burmese media groups report that in February Chinas Power Investment Corporation began a public relations campaign in Kachin State with the aim of restarting the Myitsone dam project. State-run newspaper Kyemon reports that regime Minister of Rail Transportation Aung Min offered to hold peace talks with the National United Party of Arakan. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets with Thai Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva in Rangoon. Philippines FM Albert del Rosario says that Manila is convinced that Burma firmly on a path for democratic reform. Mdecins Sans Frontires warns that tens of thousands of lives are at risk in Burma due to an anticipated

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funding shortfall for programs that treat people with HIV and tuberculosis. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura announces that Japan will resume loan assistance for infrastructure development to Burma in late April. A fire at Umpiem Mai refugee camp in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand, destroys 1,000 homes and leaves approximately 6,500 refugees homeless. A group of 88 Generation Students arrives in Myitkyina, Kachin State, to attend a prayer meeting to mark the suspension of the Myitsone dam project. AIPMC calls on ASEAN and its member states to take urgent and concrete measures to ensure the protection and rights of migrant workers. US State Department calls on the regime to protect the fundamental freedom of all its citizens, including those political prisoners who have been recently released. A regime official in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State orders villagers who were displaced by the Myitsone dam project not to return to their village. Regime Election Commission approves the registration of the Mro National Party. Regime Election Commission rejects the appeal filed by Party for Unity and Peace member Tin Yi against Daw Aung San Suu Kyis candidacy for the by-elections. Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army announces that it is ready to attend peace talks with the regime. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets an 11-member delegation of European Parliament members and tells them that the EU should wait until after the 1 April by-elections to lift sanctions on Burma. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi says that sanctions are pushing Burmas regime to reform.

REPORTS ON BURMA RELEASED IN FEBRUARY

Concluding observations: Union of Myanmar UN Convention on the Rights of the Child http://bit.ly/zs4XKi Burma: Visit to Burma and Kachin ethnic group on the China-Burma border, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) http://bit.ly/zz4KEu 2011 Report, International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) http://bit.ly/zqJMxe Financing Dispossession - Chinas Opium Substitution Programme in Northern Burma, Transnational Institute (TNI) http://bit.ly/xiUtX9 Separated by Borders: United By Need, An Assessment of Reproductive Health on the Thai-Burma Border, Ibis Reproductive Health http://bit.ly/xO3bMb Lives in the balance: The urgent need for HIV and TB treatment in Myanmar, Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) http://bit.ly/zaGhYw Forgotten workforce, Burmese Womens Union (BWU) http://bit.ly/zYazva Ending Burmas Conflict Cycle? - Prospects for Ethnic Peace, Transnational Institute (TNI)/Burma Centrum Nederland (BCN) http://bit.ly/A2r08S Advancing Myanmars Transition: A Way Forward for U.S. Policy, Asia Society http://bit.ly/zcZcT4

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