Burmese PM pats USDA on the back
by Mizzima News
Thursday, 26 November 2009 19:03

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Burma’s Prime Minister Lt-Gen Thein Sein on Sunday had a word of appreciation for leaders of the pro-junta civilian organization – the Union Solidarity and Development (USDA) – and encouraged them to continue with their social services for the community.

Thein Sein was speaking at the inauguration of the USDA annual meeting, which was attended by about 700 USDA representatives across the country. It is being held at Lewe Town in central Burma.

Sources in Lewe township USDA office told Mizzima that the organization , during the meeting, re-affirmed its pledge to carry out ‘Orders’ given from ‘Above’, without explaining what the ‘Orders’ were and who the ‘Above’ meant.

The USDA led by the junta’s Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, will conclude the annual meeting on Friday following a dinner.

“Snr Gen Than Shwe is expected to attend the dinner party on Friday. He has not shown up yet,” the source said.

Though there has been speculation of the USDA being transformed into a political party, the source said, the meeting, attended by township and divisional level secretaries, did not have it on the agenda. “There was no discussion on transforming into a political party in the meeting. And so far we have not received any ‘Orders’ to do so,” said the source. However, he added that it is not impossible to transform, if there is an order from above.

While he refused to explain further about the ‘Orders’ and ‘Above’, the USDA has been known as a puppet organization of the military government that implements orders by the regime.

Burmese activists in exile have predicted that the USDA, whose Secretary General is Maj-Gen Htay Oo, is unlikely to transform into a political party to contest in the junta’s planned 2010 elections.

But many believe that the USDA while remaining a social organization and carrying out social services, would back a pro-junta party in the elections.

The USDA, formed by the junta supremo Snr. Gen Than Shwe in 1993, has a membership of over 20 million people of the 50 million population in Burma. And its patron members include Snr Gen Than Shwe, Vice-Snr Gen Maung Aye, General Thura Shwe Mann, Prime Minister General Thein Sein, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.

The USDA was used as a vital tool by the junta in suppressing the September 2007 protests, which was triggered by a sudden and sharp rise in the price of fuel. During the protest, members of the USDA blocked roads, harassed and arrested civilians, who were marching on the streets.

Members of the USDA were also reportedly deployed by the junta to attack the motorcade of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was on a political tour, near Debayin town of Upper Burma in May 2003.

Reporting by Salai Han Thar San, writing by Mungpi

THIS IS USDA

News items about Obama calling Burmese junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi will be seperately available on this link - http://saveburma.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/obama-urges-myanmar-to-free-democracy-leader-suu-kyi/

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Obama urges Myanmar to free democracy leader Suu Kyi

November 15, 2009 — Updated 1309 GMT (2109 HKT)

Aung San Suu Kyi, the iconic face of democracy in Myanmar, was placed under house arrest in 1989.

Singapore (CNN) — President Obama on Sunday called for the release of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

“There are clear steps that must be taken: the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi; an end to conflicts with minority groups; and a genuine dialogue between the government, the democratic opposition and minority groups,” according to Obama, who said the regime should work to ensure its people’s needs are met.

He spoke during a meeting with ASEAN-10 leaders that included the prime minister of Myanmar. Obama is the first U.S. president to take part in a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic alliance. The formal meeting was held Sunday.

That 10-nation alliance includes Myanmar, which the United States and other nations have accused of human rights abuses.

U.S. officials were careful to avoid any perception that Obama’s presence at the ASEAN meeting would amount to a bilateral discussion with the prime minister of Myanmar.

After years of refusing direct talks with Myanmar, also known as Burma, the United States has indicated a possible re-engagement with the military regime it considers repressive for cracking down on political opposition, including the National League for Democracy.

The league is led by Suu Kyi, a detained Nobel Peace Prize winner.

“The statement we’re trying to make here is that we’re not going to let the Burmese tail wag the ASEAN dog,” said Jeffrey Bader, the National Security Council’s senior director for East Asian affairs. “We’re going to meet with all 10, and we’re not going to punish the other nine simply because Burma is in the room, but this is not a bilateral.”

Obama reiterated his stance in a speech Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.

“Despite years of good intentions, neither sanctions by the United States nor engagement by others succeeded in improving the lives of the Burmese people,” he said.

“So we are now communicating directly with the leadership to make it clear that existing sanctions will remain until there are concrete steps toward democratic reform.”

Suu Kyi, the iconic face of democracy in Myanmar, was placed under house arrest in 1989.

The next year, the National League for Democracy won more than 80 percent of the legislative seats in the first free elections in the country in nearly 30 years.

But Myanmar’s military junta disqualified Suu Kyi from serving because of her house arrest and annulled the election results.

Her supporters say Suu Kyi’s latest arrest — ostensibly over an American visiting her home without government permission — is meant to keep her confined so she cannot participate in the general elections that the junta has scheduled for next year.

She has been under house arrest for 13 of the past 19 years, and is rarely allowed visitors, except for her doctor.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/15/obama.suu.kyi/

More news

AFP

Obama’s Asia Tour: Focus on Japan and China Kashmir Watch - Abdul Ruff

Obama appeals for Aung San Suu Kyi’s freedom Radio Australia News -

Obama pledges better ties with Myanmar PRESS TV -

Free Aung San Suu Kyi, Obama tells Burma PM guardian.co.uk -

Obama calls for Suu Kyi’s release United Press International -

Obama appeals for Aung San Suu Kyi’s freedom Radio Australia News -

Obama pledges better ties with Myanmar PRESS TV - ‎

Barack Obama tells Burma to free Aung San Suu Kyi Telegraph.co.uk -

Obama tells Myanmar to free Suu Kyi Aljazeera.net -

Obama Urges Burma To Free Opposition Leader Sky News

US eases push for Suu Kyi’s release The Age - Vijay Joshi -

Obama urges release of Burma democracy champion Suu Kyi ChattahBox -

Release Suu Kyi, Obama tells Burmese PM InTheNews.co.uk - Matthew Champion -

Obama Tells Thein Sein Release Suu Kyi The Irrawaddy News Magazine - Simon Roughneen -

Obama meets Myanmar PM, calls for Suu Kyi’s release Reuters Canada - Patricia Zengerle, Bill Tarrant -

Obama asks Myanmar to release Suu Kyi Republica -

US calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi Radio Netherlands - ‎

Obama tells Burma to free Suu Kyi Independent - ‎

Obama meets Myanmar PM, calls for Suu Kyi’s release Reuters - Patricia Zengerle, Bill Tarrant -

Obama tells Myanmar junta to free Suu Kyi eTaiwan News -

Obama asks Myanmar to free Aung San Suu Kyi Inquirer.net - Christian V. Esguerra -

Obama tells Myanmar junta to free Suu Kyi The Associated Press - Vijay Joshi

Release Suu Kyi, Obama tells Burma junta ABC Online -

Obama calls for Suu Kyi’s release at ASEAN summit Moneycontrol.com -

Obama calls for Suu Kyi’s release RTE.ie -

In Meeting with Southeast Asian Nations, President Obama Calls for Myanmar to Free Aung San Suu Kyi ABC News -

Obama calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi at meeting with Burma premier guardian.co.uk -

Obama meets with Myanmar’s Thein Sein in Singapore Kyrgyzstan News -

Obama tells Myanmar junta to free Suu Kyi Columbus Ledger-Enquirer - Vijay Joshi -

Release Suu Kyi, Obama tells Myanmar PM AFP -

Obama urges Burma to free Suu Kyi BBC News -

Obama tells Myanmar PM: Release Suu Kyi Sydney Morning Herald -

Obama Calls For Suu Kyi’s Release At ASEAN Summit New York Times - Nopporn Wong-Anan, Dean Yates -

Politico 44

Obama condemns Burmese junta

By POLITICO STAFF | 11/15/09 8:38 AM

President Obama meets with South East Asian leaders in Singapore. AP

Obama condemned the Burma junta and called for the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, at a meeting with other South East Asian leaders in Singapore.

POTUS made no public contact with Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein at the meeting in Singapore’s Shangri-la hotel with the 10 leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations. It was the first ASEAN meeting to include an American president.

The leaders filed into the ballroom in order at just before 4 pm and took to the stage for the traditional cross hands ASEAN handshake.

POTUS stood in the middle of the line, pool reports. To his left was Thai PM. Abhisit Vejjajiva and to his right was Singapore PM Lee Hsieng Loong.

To Lee’s right was Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in a lime green suit. Next to Arroyo was Myanmar PM Thein Sein in a business suit was three places away from POTUS, who did not shake hands with him or speak to him.

The 11 leaders then moved to a circular table. POTUS was flanked by Arroyo to his right and Singapore to his left. Myanmar four places away.

Secretary Clinton was sitting behind POTUS next to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

Lee welcomed leaders to “the first ASEAN-US leaders meeting.”

Senior officials offered more detail in a briefing following the meeting. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that POTUS “reiterated exactly what he said yesterday in Tokyo about the release of Aung San Suu Kyi by Burma. So he brought that up directly with that government.”

Ben Rhodes, the NSA adviser for strategic communications, added that “in his intervention,” Obama “used exactly the same language that he used in the speech. So privately he said the exact same thing that he said publicly in enumerating the steps that the government of Burma must take: freeing all political prisoners, freeing Aung San Suu Kyi, ending the violence against minority groups, and moving into a dialogue with democratic movements there.”

Obama made a point of mentioning Suu Kyi — who been imprisoned for 14 of the last 20 years by the military regime — by name is his speech in Tokyo.

A joint statement issued by ASEAN after the meeting included a paragraph on Myanmar urging that the elections it intends to hold in 2010 are “conducted in a free, fair, inclusive and transparent manner.” It did not call for the release of political prisoners.

Rhodes pointed out that since Myanmar is a member of the group,that was as far as the statement could reasonably be expected to go, but said that Obama speaking out so directly at the meeting carried much more weight that a staement could have.

http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/1109/on_burma_24426f78-d646-4c8f-a6b9-855f53d09b84.html

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has urged Burma to release detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi before next year’s election, saying Tokyo is willing to provide more aid if democratic reforms in Burma are advanced.

In talks with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein in Tokyo Saturday, Mr. Hatoyama said it is extremely important that Burma release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners before the general election to be held in 2010.

The Japanese leader said that given recent progress being made, including dialogue between the military government and the Nobel Peace laureate, Japan would expand, in phases, humanitarian and human resources assistance to Burma.

Last week, a senior U.S. official was in Burma for talks with the country’s ruling generals, putting in motion U.S. President Barack Obama’s new policy of “pragmatic engagement” with the isolated Southeast Asian nation.

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POSCO, Hanwha eyeing bids for Daewoo Int’l -sources

The government has been urging netizens to exercise self-control and self-censorship. As I am a responsible, albeit lesser mortal blogger, I need to do my part to “balance” the flames from “irresponsible” netizens online who make noises about Singapore naming an orchid after Burma’s(Myanmar) Prime Minister Thein Sein.

Thein Sein’s itinerary has not been made public, but Singapore’s Botanic Gardens said it would host an “Orchid Naming Ceremony” for Thein Sein on Wednesday, as part of his official visit to Singapore and Indonesia, a spokeswoman told Reuters.

Come on people, please use your brains. Singapore needs to have good relations with Burma. After all, we’ve been through thick and thin, through flames and fire, through abusing of human rights the upholding of human rights, through suppression of its own citizens responsible protection of society. You see, Burma is a really good friend of Singapore. Can you imagine? If those Burmese generals threaten to pull all their funds from Singapore, what is going to happen to our banks? If those Burmese generals refuse to buy our weapons, ammunition and communication systems, who else is ST Engineering/Technology going to sell their stuff to? Malaysia? Lesser mortals do not appreciate our leaders’ hard work in trying to be best friends for Burma, so that Burma can buy more of our stuff and put in more money into Singapore’s banks. We can also exchange more information on how to maintain a more stable society by learning how they throw their monks into prisons for 70 years.I urge all netizens to never overlook these benefits. Naming an orchid after such a important friend is really peanuts.

Look at such irresponsible reporting from Reuters. A complete lack of balance. They need to learn from the Straits Times(144th) about balanced, objective and truthful reporting.

“The naming of an orchid after PM Thein Sein could be worse than watering a poison ivy,” said Soe Aung, a spokesman for Bangkok-based Forum for Democracy in Myanmar.

The western media is really out to do Singapore in, as MM Lee once said. sighs.

“There is a conspiracy to do us in. Why?… They see us as a threat” – on why Human Rights Groups criticise Singapore’s governance (Agence France-Presse, July 12 2008,

Anyway netizens. Here’s my call for more constructive actions from everyone! Let’s help our government by thinking about new innovative names for the orchid for Prime Minister Thein Sein.You can also help water the orchid when you visit the Botanic Gardens. I will start the ball-rolling. If the list is substantial enough, I will send it to REACH and ask them to consider our suggestions. Let’s do our part for Singapore, and make Lui Tuck Yew proud. Responsible netizens are what we are!

My suggestion: Burmese-Defender-of-Human-Rights Orchid

I've a new orchid named after me!

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MICHELE MONTAS is the Spokesperson for U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

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One and a half cheers for CNN
OpEdNews, PA -
Monks in Burma have been in the news, due to a crackdown last year and a cyclone this year. Another coalition member, the Montagnard Foundation,

RISING from the ruins

Maui News, HI -

Designated a World Heritage site in 1991, Ayutthaya is described as “evidence of the highest prosperity of Southeast Asian civilization in the 14th to 19th …

Pictures from the story :

reports that earlier today, a breakthrough was achieved following UN Sect. General, Ban-Ki-Moon’s visit to Burma. In the first public comments offered by a member of the military junta, Burmese Prime Minister, Lt. Gen. Thein Sein, finally announced that:

“Relief supplies can be transported by land, air or sea,” Lt. Gen Thein Sein told the conference, the Associated Press reported. “But if relief supplies have to be transported by water, civilian vessels can come in through Yangon port.”

Other highlights from the article:

• Gen. Than Shwe, who did not attend Sunday’s donor meeting, has still to make any public comments on the cyclone, which left at least 133,000 people dead or missing, according to Myanmar government estimates.
• Donors who attended the conference said they were ready to stump up more money. Many donors warned that formal pledges would be contingent on Yangon following through on its promises about access. Yangon, says it has received pledges from governments for only about one-quarter of a $200 million “flash appeal” to provide food, water, shelter and medicines for those most in need.
• Myanmar has accepted 3,200 tons of foreign government and private aid so far. But the U.N. says that aid has only reached about a quarter of those most severely affected by the cyclone.
• The reasons for the military’s change of position remain obscure. Here are some possible reasons offered in the Journal’s article:- Rising concern about the scale of the crisis appears to be a major factor.
• The visit of the U.N. leader to the hierarchy-obsessed nation had been enough to break the
  impasse. In contrast, Gen. Than Shwe declined to meet U.N. special envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim
  Gambari, during a pre-cyclone visit earlier this year.
• Gen. Than Shwe, who is reportedly in poor health and rarely leaves the new capital, may not have
  been fully apprised of the international aid community’s demands for better access.

“This is basically a Potemkin society in which the leadership has been insulated from
unpleasantness,” said David Steinberg, director of the Asian studies program at Georgetown
University in Washington.

• Waited to conduct its referendum on a new draft constitution, which is designed to perpetuate
  military rule. On Saturday, voting on the new constitution took place in cyclone-ravaged areas after an earlier vote was delayed. The rest of the country voted May 10 and-amid widespread reports of vote-rigging and intimidation-official results showed the constitution was approved by 92.4% of voters. With the referendum completed, Gen. Than Shwe might be more willing to allow in foreigners, Mr. Steinberg said.
• Others said that the regime probably bowed to pressure from its own people and its neighbors,
  especially China.

Read the full article here.

–Divya

I Piero Fassino
Seit dem 09.11 hat die EU einen Birma Beauftragten: Piero Fassino. Die Zeitung Neues Deutschland portraitiert den ehemaligen Italiens. Seine erste Aufgabe: die Abstimmung einer gemeinsamen Strategie mit den USA “im Fall Myanmar”. Die BAZ am19.11.:

Fassino erläuterte die von den EU-Aussenministern beschlossenen Sanktionen gegen das Regime, die eine Handelssperre für Tropenhölzer, Edelmetalle und Edelsteine aus Burma sowie ein Verbot europäischer Investitionen in diese Wirtschaftssektoren vorsehen. Er wolle auf dem ASEAN-Gipfel diese Woche in Singapur auf die asiatischen Staaten einwirken, um Burma zu isolieren, sagte der EU-Gesandte weiter.,

Link: Homepage der EU Delegation für Birma

II Handel mit Birma- trotz Embargo?

EU- Sanktionen und Embargo- Vereinbarungen gab es ja schon. Das WDR-Magazin “Monitor” berichtet am 25.10. über die Firma “Deutz” aus Köln, die u.a. Traktoren für die Landwirtschaft konstruiert, und nun Waffengeschäfte mit Birma(Motoren für Panzer, Aufbau von Fabriken) pflegte– trotz Embargo… (Video), das Forum zum Beitrag befindet sich hier.

III Vogelgrippe

Nach ihrem Besuch in China Anfang November warnte die Generaldirektorin der WHO die chinesische Regierung vor Nachlässigkeiten im Kampf gegen die Vogelgrippe gewarnt. China´s Hauptproblem:

“China stehe vor grossen Herausforderungen in der Entwicklung seines Gesundheitswesens. Angesichts der Masse von 1,3 Milliarden Menschen seien Lösung nicht so schnell zu erreichen, sagte Chan. Da in China aber ein Fünftel der Weltbevölkerung lebe, könnten Probleme auch leicht «gesundheitliche Herausforderungen von globalem Ausmass» werden.” so die BAZ am 05.11.

Laut AFP und BAZ sei bereits am vergangenen Sonntag ein erneuter Fund des auch für den Menschen gefährlichen Virus H5N1 – im Nachbarland Birma aufgetreten. Nachdem bereits mehrere Tiere verendet waren, wurden in der Nähe von Kengtung eine “große Anzahl” Vögel geschlachtet, nachdem bereits “viele” Tiere verendet waren. Die letzte Seuche trat im Juli auf, damals mussten 4000 Vögel geschlachtet werden.

Indonesien verzeichnete bereits einen menschlichen Todesfall im November.

Zum Thema Vogelgrippe hat die WHO eine eigene Informationsseite, weiter

IV Exil- Burmesen in Frankfurt

Das Leben von Exil-Burmesen in Frankfurt, die sich in dem budhistischen Verein Buddha Sasana Ramsi organisiert haben berichtet der FAZ-Artikel “Ein Tempel soll Burma näher bringen”vom 19.11.2007

V Staatsbesuch

Der Journalist Thomas Wanhoff, derzeit in Kambodscha lebend, berichtet über Staatsgäste in Phnom Penh: Ibrahim Gambari meets Thein Sein

VI Amnesty International

Amnesty International hat eine neue Kampagne ins Leben gerufen: “Unsubscribe- united against human rights abuse”.

Blogging Tom stellt das Video zur Kampagne vor, dass mehr als harter Tobbac ist.

VI Spocht:Fußball

Birma gehört zu den fünf internationalen Mannschaften, die an einer WM-Qualifikation teilnehmen. Die FIFA stellt diese Mannschaften vor, und spricht vom ” Reiz des ersten Males”.

Aufgrund der angespannten politischen Situation konnte Birma das Qualifikationsspiel für die WM 2010 gegen China am 18.10. nicht als “Heim”-Spiel ausrichten. Stattdessen wurde auf neutralem Boden in Kuala Lumpur gespielt. Die FIFA dokumentiert Zeitgeschichte so:

“Diese Entscheidung wurde getroffen, nachdem sowohl Myanmars als auch Chinas Fussballverband um die Verlegung der Partie an einen neutralen Ort gebeten hatten.”

Auf einer Seite ihrer Homepage stellt die FIFA das Land in Punkto Fußball vor- die offizielle Seite des Fußball Bundes Myanmar ist derzeit “under construction”.

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15. ASEAN to sign charter despite Myanmar row
    Reuters -
    In September, just a year after the Thai military overthrew a democratically elected government, the Myanmar military junta ordered soldiers to shoot at …
16. ASEAN summit opens amid contention over Myanmar, snubbed UN address
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    … Southeast Asian nation also known as Burma. European Union foreign ministers approved several additional sanctions against the Myanmar regime on Monday, …
17. Burma slaps on Asean face
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
    “Most leaders expressed the view that Myanmar (Burma) could not go back or stay put. The process of national reconciliation had to move forward, …
18. ‘Asean Charter May Not Have Teeth But It Will Surely Have A Tongue’
    Bru Direct, Brunei Darussalam -
    Myanmar Prime Minister Thien Sein, speaking to the media, confirmed everyone’s hope that “Yes, Myanmar will be signing the Charter”. …
19. ASEAN leaders open formal summit in Singapore
    Channel News Asia, Singapore -
    He added that ASEAN leaders will strive to prevent the Myanmar issue from obstructing efforts to deepen integration and build an ASEAN community. …
20. Myanmar spoils the party
    Jakarta Post, Indonesia - Editorial
    By contrast, Myanmar will celebrate what has, for the past decade, enabled it to hide behind asean’s shield vis- -vis the hostile international community. …
21. Myanmar a reason for ASEAN to move on
    Jakarta Post, Indonesia -
    If the alphabetical rule is also applied to the photo op, then he might not be standing next to Myanmar’s PM. President Yudhoyono will stand in between the …
22. Asian Leaders, Seeking Myanmar’s Gas, May Go Soft on Sanctions
    Bloomberg -
    … Southeast Asian country formerly known as Burma. China said last week it will reject sanctions on Myanmar at the East Asia summit in Singapore and won’t …
23. Asean grapples with Burma question
    BBC News, UK -
    I am arguing for suspension not because I think it would improve conditions on the ground in Myanmar [Burma], but because of the effect is having on Asean. …
24. Asean Leaders Agree to Form EU-Style Bloc by 2015 (Update2)
    Bloomberg -
    Asean’s members are Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
25. ANALYSIS: Myanmar emerges unexpected victor of ASEAN leaders summit
    Monsters and Critics.com, UK -
    ‘ASEAN has given the ruling junta carte blanche to do as they like,’ said Debbie Stothard, with the Bangkok-based Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma. …
26. Philippines salvages Gambari visit after his address to Asian …
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    AP SINGAPORE: UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari’s planned address on Myanmar to Asian leaders was canceled abruptly, but his trip to Singapore was partly salvaged by …
27. Arroyo calls for human rights protection at Asean meet
    GMA news.tv, Philippines -
    The President, outgoing Asean chair, said it is expected that Myanmar would work for the release of Suu Kyi once it signs the regional body’s Charter. …
28. SHABERY: Asean Charter pioneers human rights mechanism in grouping
    New Straits Times, Malaysia -
    Replying to Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Santubong) on why there was no strong message from Asean leaders to press the Myanmar military ruler to …
29. Asian Nations Deal Blow To UN Efforts on Burma
    New York Sun, NY -
    The Singapore gathering yesterday marked the first ASEAN meeting since the latest crisis began in Burma — named Myanmar by the junta — in October. …
30. Highlights of new Association of Southeast Asian Nations Charter
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    _ ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
31. Music of Nat Pwe
    PopMatters, IL -
    Burma was in the headlines. “More deaths in Myanmar, and defiance”, said the New York Times. “Burma seals off key monasteries”, said the BBC. …
32. ASEAN adopts roadmap for EU-style economic community by 2015
    Earthtimes, UK -
    … transport links within ASEAN – which consists of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. …
33. UN envoy ‘disappointed’ over cancelled Myanmar briefing
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    By Ian Timberlake SINGAPORE — The United Nations special envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, said Tuesday he was “disappointed” by the decision to cancel …
34. Downer hoping for last-minute climate deal
    Ninemsn, Australia -
    Downer said he would also push for separate talks with Myanmar’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the summit. The East Asia Summit brings together …
35. Asean Leaders Agree to Form EU-Style Bloc by 2015 (Update3)
    Bloomberg -
    Asean’s members are Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
36. Activists attack ASEAN on lack of Myanmar pressure
    
    Demonstrators staging a skit / Reuters - “Burma has been a major shame for ASEAN,” Khin Omar said. “The social, economic and security aspects that it’s looking to resolve and promote in the region, …
37. Lesson from Myanmar: Sharing matters
    Corpus Christi Caller Times, TX -
    Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), in the heart of Southeast Asia, a country ruled by terror — murder of pacifists and those desiring democracy — is the …
38. Protesters barred from giving Suu Kyi card to ASEAN leaders
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    Wearing T-shirts with the message “We pursue peace, justice and democracy for Burma,” they proceeded down the famed Orchard Road shopping strip under the …
39. Restore democracy in Myanmar
    NDTV.com, India -
    PTI ASEAN countries mounted pressure on Myanmar to free political detainees and start talks with Aung San Suu Kyi for a peaceful transition to democracy …
40. Manmohan arrives in Singapore to attend ASEAN summit (Lead: PM visit)
    Thaindian.com, Thailand -
    Another issue, which is likely to dominate at the summit, is the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar, where the military junta launched a crackdown on pro-democracy …
41. ASEAN Chairman’s statement on Myanmar
    Thaindian.com, Thailand -
    Prime Minister Thein Sein made clear that the situation in Myanmar was a internal Myanmar affair and that Myanmar is competent in handling the situation of …
42. Refugees find First Coast to be a welcoming place
    Florida Times-Union, FL -
    … plenty of jobs and compassionate people, such as the several Southern Baptist congregations who have adopted Christians from Myanmar, formerly Burma. …
43. Southeast Asian Nations Balk at Upsetting Burma
    CNSNews.com, VA -
    She said she had told the ministers that ASEAN had a special responsibility when it came to Burma, which is also known as Myanmar. …
44. Asean grapples with Burma question
    BBC News, UK -
    I am arguing for suspension not because I think it would improve conditions on the ground in Myanmar [Burma], but because of the effect is having on Asean. …
45. Southeast Asian Leaders Adopt Charter
    The Associated Press -
    The Philippines has warned that its Congress would be hard-pressed do so unless Myanmar upholds the charter’s principles of democracy and human rights and …
46. Asian Leaders Sign Pact to Form EU-Style `East Asia Community’
    Bloomberg -
    Asean is made up of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. “The formation of an East Asia …
47. ASEAN leaders sign charter amid Myanmar row
    ABC News -
    He was followed by the leaders of the young democracies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines; the leaders of one-party states Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and …
48. Southeast Asian summit soured by Myanmar row
    AFP -
    Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made a plea for the crisis in Myanmar, which has exposed divisions within the Association of Southeast Asian …
49. UN special envoy arrives to disappointment at Singapore summit
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
    “We tried to give Myanmar (Burma) a chance to reform, but it has come to a point where we now have to push them,” the official said.
50. ASEAN faces tough road to become EU-style economic bloc
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    Myanmar’s poor human rights records and political problems are also barriers to asean’s plans to boost linkages with its key trading partners, …
51. ASEAN members sign economic treaty
    ABC Online, Australia -
    “Prime Minister Thein Sein of Myanmar [Burma] made clear that the situation in Myanmar was a domestic Myanmar affair and that Myanmar was fully capable of …
52. UN Study Spotlights Development Gaps Among ASEAN Member Countries
    AHN -
    According to ESCAP, the disparities in health are stark, with child and maternal mortality rates of Cambodia, Laos and Burma officially known as Myanmar …
53. Singapore: ASEAN historic charter is toothless, say critics
    آكي, Italy -
    The military junta in Burma (also known as Myanmar), sparked international outrage when it violently suppressed anti-government protests in September …
54. Asean leaders sign historic charter
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    … that the brutal September crackdown against protest marches by the military rulers of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, had poisoned the proceedings. …
55. ASEAN leaders sign milestone charter
    The Age, Australia -
    “And he has told Japan to support Myanmar (Burma) should it move in the good direction towards democratisation.” A Japanese Foreign Ministry official proved …
56. Burma deals blow to asean’s credibility
    Sydney Morning Herald, Australia -
    “ASEAN leaders will strive to prevent the Myanmar [Burma] issue from obstructing our efforts to deepen integration and build an ASEAN community,” the host …
57. Burmese Opposition Groups Disappointed by asean’s Cancellation of …
    Voice of America -
    By Claudia Blume A Burmese political activist says opposition groups are disappointed by asean’s giving in to Burma’s military government. …
58. EU – US turn up pressure on junta and ASEAN
    Mizzima.com, India -
    European Union ministers saw the move as inevitable, given that: “The EU remains concerned by the situation in Burma/Myanmar and reiterated its call on the …
59. Myanmar citizens mount protest at ASEAN summit
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    Many held small printed leaflets that read “ASEAN — Act with Honour, Action on Burma Now”. Three people in front of the group held a large banner that read …
60. Historic ASEAN Charter signed
    Philippine Information Agency, Philippines -
    President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Monday night that the Philippines expects that if Myanmar signed the Charter the latter would return to the path of …
61. PGMA calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi, return to democracy in …
    Philippine Information Agency, Philippines -
    “They have tasked me to express their fundamental concerns” over the prolonged detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners in Myanmar. …
62. Burma Gets Away With It Again at ASEAN
    Asia Sentinel, China -
    “Myanmar feels that they deal with the UN and it is their own domestic matter. This evening, Myanmar objected and we base our decisions on consensus. …
63. ASEAN says no to Gambari to please Myanmar
    AsiaNews.it, Italy -
    Leaders from Malaysia and Indonesia however backed Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein’s view that Gambari’s visit amounted to interfering with Burma’s …
64. US Schwab Optimistic On Doha; Scolds Asean On Myanmar
    Truth about Trade & Technology, IA -
    Separately, Schwab criticized the Association of the South East Asian Nations, or Asean, for failing to take strong action against member Myanmar over the …
65. Southeast Asian Pact Exposes Rifts
    New York Times, United States -
    Thailand’s military leaders have close professional ties with their counterparts in Myanmar, and Thailand depends on Burmese natural gas for much of its …
66. Asean bows to Myanmar, won’t hear UN envoy’s report
    Philippine Star, Philippines -
    By Pia Lee-Brago SINGAPORE (via PLDT) – Bending to the wishes of Myanmar, ASEAN leaders called off on Monday night a briefing by United Nations special …
67. Clark confident China is behind UN role in Myanmar
    TV3 News, New Zealand -
    Prime Minister Helen Clark is confident China will use its diplomatic muscle to pressure Myanmar to engage with the United Nations. …
68. Southeast Asian Leaders Adopt Charter
    The Associated Press -
    asean’s Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong insisted the body was not kowtowing to Myanmar, also known as Burma, by shelving Gambari’s scheduled address on …
69. ASEAN leaders adopt historic charter – 2
    RIA Novosti, Russia -
    The first member of the association to come under consideration for human rights violations is Myanmar, whose leaders used force to suppress mass protest …
70. Burma PM opposes Asean on UN envoy
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
    “Most leaders expressed the view that Myanmar [Burma] cannot go back or stay put. The process of national reconciliation has to move forward, and the UN has …
71. Chinese make move
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
    In china’s quest for energy security, Chinese companies have penetrated into the power-generating business in Burma and Laos, a move which could threaten …
72. Asean mired in Burma quagmire
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand - Editorial
    Lee chose his words carefully when he talked about Burma and what it plans to do. Indeed, when Lee held a press conference right after an informal dinner, …
73. NZ PM to meet UN envoy re Myanmar
    Radio New Zealand, New Zealand -
    New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark will have a one-on-one meeting with the United Nations envoy to Myanmar, after his briefing to the East Asia Summit …
74. Southeast Asian nations meet: A future for …
    San Francisco Chronicle, USA -
    Take, for example, Thein Sein, the prime minister of Myanmar (formerly Burma), who “stood stiff and stern” throughout the charter-signing ceremony. …
75. SE Asian leaders back nuclear energy
    AFP -
    SINGAPORE (AFP) — Southeast Asian leaders offered their backing Tuesday for the use of nuclear energy despite concerns over safety in a region prone to …
76. Issue of Burma Dogs Southeast Asian Summit
    Voice of America -
    … which calls for the establishment of a human rights body, Burma agrees to do more to protect human rights. “If we sign the charter…so, …
77. ASEAN leaders disallow UN envoy to brief them on Burma
    Mizzima.com, India -
    Myanmar [ Burma] has every confidence in managing Professor Gambari’s mission and the good offices of the UN,” the grouping said. “In view of …
78. NLD welcomes Suu Kyi, Aung Kyi meetings
    Mizzima.com, India -
    November 20, 2007- Burma’s main opposition political party, the National League for Democracy today welcomed the meetings between the ruling Burmese junta’s …
79. CWS appeal: Burma (Myanmar) humanitarian assistance
    Reuters AlertNet, UK -
    The humanitarian crisis in Burma (Myanmar) is growing. Poverty in some regions has already reached critical levels. In mountainous regions, there is severe …
80. New Proposed US Sanctions Target Burmese Gems
    Voice of America -
    By Bill Rodgers A major gem auction is underway in Burma despite tightening Western sanctions that include calls for a boycott of Burmese gems. …
81. Watch Those Mobiles
    Outlook (subscription), India -
    It is learnt that taking advantage of the inability of the Myanmar military junta to provide satisfactory and affordable mobile phone services in the Shan …
82. Myanmar citizens mount protest at ASEAN summit
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    SINGAPORE — About 40 Myanmar residents of Singapore held a brief vigil Tuesday night to protest what they said was an inadequate response to the crisis in …
83. Manmohan pushes Myanmar to work for national reconciliation
    DailyIndia.com, FL -
    “In view of Myanmar’s position, Gambari will not brief ASEAN or East Asia Summit leaders. Singapore will facilitate meetings with interested parties,” Lee …

1. China backs dialogue between Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi
   Channel News Asia, Singapore -
   SINGAPORE : Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday backed a fledgling dialogue between Myanmar’s ruling military and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to …
2. EU, US officials eye cooperation on Myanmar crisis
   Reuters UK, UK -
   By Paul Eckert, Asia Correspondent WASHINGTON, Nov 19 (Reuters) – European Union and US officials discussed ways to increase pressure on Myanmar on Monday, …
3. South-east Asia’s toothless charter
   Financial Times, UK - Editorial comment
   Recent demonstrations in Burma, led by Buddhist monks and crushed by the military junta, have provided an uncomfortable but useful dose of reality for …
4. ASEAN Charter OK hinges on Suu Kyi release
   Inquirer.net, Philippines -
   … difficulty” ratifying the group’s landmark charter unless Burma (Myanmar) moved onto the path of democracy and freed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. …
5. EU envoy urges Asia to step up pressure on Myanmar
   EUbusiness (press release), UK -
   But the bloc has so far been reluctant to take any punitive action against Myanmar, formerly known as Burma and a member of the group. …
6. Two charged with killing and burning 5 Burmese farmhands
   Bangkok Post, Thailand -
   Mae Sot is among districts in the North, well-known for border trade with Burma. The governor yesterday told all employers not to resort to using cruel …
7. New Asean charter lacks vision
   Bangkok Post, Thailand -
   The Burma question has become a yearly embarrassment and pressure point for Asean, and everyone is curious whether the collective global indignation after …
8. US criticises ASEAN as Myanmar overshadows new charter
   Guardian Unlimited, UK -
   By Neil Chatterjee SINGAPORE, Nov 19 (Reuters) – Southeast Asian nations called on Myanmar on Monday to move towards democracy after facing criticism and …
9. ‘Cut off’ Myanmar: rights group
   AFP -
   The group urged the international community to put pressure on countries doing business with Myanmar. “Burma’s generals have used the promise of oil and gas …
10. ASEAN backs down from Burma action
    Radio Australia, Australia -
    Thein Sein told ASEAN that Burma was capable of handling its political matters on its own. [Reuters file photo] The Association of South East Asian Nations …
11. ASEAN to stay clear of Myanmar crisis
    Hindu, India -
    SINGAPORE: The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday agreed to “make way” for Myanmar, a member-state, to “deal directly with the United …
12. EU envoy discusses Myanmar sanctions with Bush administration
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    Piero Fassino’s meetings in Washington came as EU foreign ministers approved implementation of new European sanctions against Myanmar, also called Burma. …
13. Asean kowtows to Rangoon
    Bangkok Post, Thailand -
    Singapore – Nine Southeast Asian leaders have cancelled their briefing on Burma by UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari because the Burmese military junta objected. …
14. ‘Myanmar problems an internal affair’
    The Post, Pakistan -
    SINGAPORE: The situation in Myanmar is an internal matter which the government is able to handle itself, the country’s prime minister Thein Sein told …
15. ASEAN to sign charter despite Myanmar row
    Reuters -
    In September, just a year after the Thai military overthrew a democratically elected government, the Myanmar military junta ordered soldiers to shoot at …
16. ASEAN summit opens amid contention over Myanmar, snubbed UN address
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    … Southeast Asian nation also known as Burma. European Union foreign ministers approved several additional sanctions against the Myanmar regime on Monday, …
17. Burma slaps on Asean face
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
    “Most leaders expressed the view that Myanmar (Burma) could not go back or stay put. The process of national reconciliation had to move forward, …
18. ‘Asean Charter May Not Have Teeth But It Will Surely Have A Tongue’
    Bru Direct, Brunei Darussalam -
    Myanmar Prime Minister Thien Sein, speaking to the media, confirmed everyone’s hope that “Yes, Myanmar will be signing the Charter”. …
19. ASEAN leaders open formal summit in Singapore
    Channel News Asia, Singapore -
    He added that ASEAN leaders will strive to prevent the Myanmar issue from obstructing efforts to deepen integration and build an ASEAN community. …
20. Myanmar spoils the party
    Jakarta Post, Indonesia - Editorial
    By contrast, Myanmar will celebrate what has, for the past decade, enabled it to hide behind asean’s shield vis- -vis the hostile international community. …
21. Myanmar a reason for ASEAN to move on
    Jakarta Post, Indonesia -
    If the alphabetical rule is also applied to the photo op, then he might not be standing next to Myanmar’s PM. President Yudhoyono will stand in between the …
22. Asian Leaders, Seeking Myanmar’s Gas, May Go Soft on Sanctions
    Bloomberg -
    … Southeast Asian country formerly known as Burma. China said last week it will reject sanctions on Myanmar at the East Asia summit in Singapore and won’t …
23. Asean grapples with Burma question
    BBC News, UK -
    I am arguing for suspension not because I think it would improve conditions on the ground in Myanmar [Burma], but because of the effect is having on Asean. …
24. Asean Leaders Agree to Form EU-Style Bloc by 2015 (Update2)
    Bloomberg -
    Asean’s members are Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
25. ANALYSIS: Myanmar emerges unexpected victor of ASEAN leaders summit
    Monsters and Critics.com, UK -
    ‘ASEAN has given the ruling junta carte blanche to do as they like,’ said Debbie Stothard, with the Bangkok-based Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma. …
26. Philippines salvages Gambari visit after his address to Asian …
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    AP SINGAPORE: UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari’s planned address on Myanmar to Asian leaders was canceled abruptly, but his trip to Singapore was partly salvaged by …
27. Arroyo calls for human rights protection at Asean meet
    GMA news.tv, Philippines -
    The President, outgoing Asean chair, said it is expected that Myanmar would work for the release of Suu Kyi once it signs the regional body’s Charter. …
28. SHABERY: Asean Charter pioneers human rights mechanism in grouping
    New Straits Times, Malaysia -
    Replying to Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Santubong) on why there was no strong message from Asean leaders to press the Myanmar military ruler to …
29. Asian Nations Deal Blow To UN Efforts on Burma
    New York Sun, NY -
    The Singapore gathering yesterday marked the first ASEAN meeting since the latest crisis began in Burma — named Myanmar by the junta — in October. …
30. Highlights of new Association of Southeast Asian Nations Charter
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    _ ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
31. Music of Nat Pwe
    PopMatters, IL -
    Burma was in the headlines. “More deaths in Myanmar, and defiance”, said the New York Times. “Burma seals off key monasteries”, said the BBC. …
32. ASEAN adopts roadmap for EU-style economic community by 2015
    Earthtimes, UK -
    … transport links within ASEAN – which consists of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. …
33. UN envoy ‘disappointed’ over cancelled Myanmar briefing
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    By Ian Timberlake SINGAPORE — The United Nations special envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, said Tuesday he was “disappointed” by the decision to cancel …
34. Downer hoping for last-minute climate deal
    Ninemsn, Australia -
    Downer said he would also push for separate talks with Myanmar’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the summit. The East Asia Summit brings together …
35. Asean Leaders Agree to Form EU-Style Bloc by 2015 (Update3)
    Bloomberg -
    Asean’s members are Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
36. Activists attack ASEAN on lack of Myanmar pressure
    
    Demonstrators staging a skit / Reuters - “Burma has been a major shame for ASEAN,” Khin Omar said. “The social, economic and security aspects that it’s looking to resolve and promote in the region, …
37. Lesson from Myanmar: Sharing matters
    Corpus Christi Caller Times, TX -
    Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), in the heart of Southeast Asia, a country ruled by terror — murder of pacifists and those desiring democracy — is the …
38. Protesters barred from giving Suu Kyi card to ASEAN leaders
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    Wearing T-shirts with the message “We pursue peace, justice and democracy for Burma,” they proceeded down the famed Orchard Road shopping strip under the …
39. Restore democracy in Myanmar
    NDTV.com, India -
    PTI ASEAN countries mounted pressure on Myanmar to free political detainees and start talks with Aung San Suu Kyi for a peaceful transition to democracy …
40. Manmohan arrives in Singapore to attend ASEAN summit (Lead: PM visit)
    Thaindian.com, Thailand -
    Another issue, which is likely to dominate at the summit, is the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar, where the military junta launched a crackdown on pro-democracy …
41. ASEAN Chairman’s statement on Myanmar
    Thaindian.com, Thailand -
    Prime Minister Thein Sein made clear that the situation in Myanmar was a internal Myanmar affair and that Myanmar is competent in handling the situation of …
42. Refugees find First Coast to be a welcoming place
    Florida Times-Union, FL -
    … plenty of jobs and compassionate people, such as the several Southern Baptist congregations who have adopted Christians from Myanmar, formerly Burma. …
43. Southeast Asian Nations Balk at Upsetting Burma
    CNSNews.com, VA -
    She said she had told the ministers that ASEAN had a special responsibility when it came to Burma, which is also known as Myanmar. …
44. Asean grapples with Burma question
    BBC News, UK -
    I am arguing for suspension not because I think it would improve conditions on the ground in Myanmar [Burma], but because of the effect is having on Asean. …
45. Southeast Asian Leaders Adopt Charter
    The Associated Press -
    The Philippines has warned that its Congress would be hard-pressed do so unless Myanmar upholds the charter’s principles of democracy and human rights and …
46. Asian Leaders Sign Pact to Form EU-Style `East Asia Community’
    Bloomberg -
    Asean is made up of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. “The formation of an East Asia …
47. ASEAN leaders sign charter amid Myanmar row
    ABC News -
    He was followed by the leaders of the young democracies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines; the leaders of one-party states Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and …
48. Southeast Asian summit soured by Myanmar row
    AFP -
    Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made a plea for the crisis in Myanmar, which has exposed divisions within the Association of Southeast Asian …
49. UN special envoy arrives to disappointment at Singapore summit
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
    “We tried to give Myanmar (Burma) a chance to reform, but it has come to a point where we now have to push them,” the official said.
50. ASEAN faces tough road to become EU-style economic bloc
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    Myanmar’s poor human rights records and political problems are also barriers to asean’s plans to boost linkages with its key trading partners, …
51. ASEAN members sign economic treaty
    ABC Online, Australia -
    “Prime Minister Thein Sein of Myanmar [Burma] made clear that the situation in Myanmar was a domestic Myanmar affair and that Myanmar was fully capable of …
52. UN Study Spotlights Development Gaps Among ASEAN Member Countries
    AHN -
    According to ESCAP, the disparities in health are stark, with child and maternal mortality rates of Cambodia, Laos and Burma officially known as Myanmar …
53. Singapore: ASEAN historic charter is toothless, say critics
    آكي, Italy -
    The military junta in Burma (also known as Myanmar), sparked international outrage when it violently suppressed anti-government protests in September …
54. Asean leaders sign historic charter
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    … that the brutal September crackdown against protest marches by the military rulers of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, had poisoned the proceedings. …
55. ASEAN leaders sign milestone charter
    The Age, Australia -
    “And he has told Japan to support Myanmar (Burma) should it move in the good direction towards democratisation.” A Japanese Foreign Ministry official proved …
56. Burma deals blow to asean’s credibility
    Sydney Morning Herald, Australia -
    “ASEAN leaders will strive to prevent the Myanmar [Burma] issue from obstructing our efforts to deepen integration and build an ASEAN community,” the host …
57. Burmese Opposition Groups Disappointed by asean’s Cancellation of …
    Voice of America -
    By Claudia Blume A Burmese political activist says opposition groups are disappointed by asean’s giving in to Burma’s military government. …
58. EU – US turn up pressure on junta and ASEAN
    Mizzima.com, India -
    European Union ministers saw the move as inevitable, given that: “The EU remains concerned by the situation in Burma/Myanmar and reiterated its call on the …
59. Myanmar citizens mount protest at ASEAN summit
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    Many held small printed leaflets that read “ASEAN — Act with Honour, Action on Burma Now”. Three people in front of the group held a large banner that read …
60. Historic ASEAN Charter signed
    Philippine Information Agency, Philippines -
    President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Monday night that the Philippines expects that if Myanmar signed the Charter the latter would return to the path of …
61. PGMA calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi, return to democracy in …
    Philippine Information Agency, Philippines -
    “They have tasked me to express their fundamental concerns” over the prolonged detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners in Myanmar. …
62. Burma Gets Away With It Again at ASEAN
    Asia Sentinel, China -
    “Myanmar feels that they deal with the UN and it is their own domestic matter. This evening, Myanmar objected and we base our decisions on consensus. …
63. ASEAN says no to Gambari to please Myanmar
    AsiaNews.it, Italy -
    Leaders from Malaysia and Indonesia however backed Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein’s view that Gambari’s visit amounted to interfering with Burma’s …
64. US Schwab Optimistic On Doha; Scolds Asean On Myanmar
    Truth about Trade & Technology, IA -
    Separately, Schwab criticized the Association of the South East Asian Nations, or Asean, for failing to take strong action against member Myanmar over the …
65. Southeast Asian Pact Exposes Rifts
    New York Times, United States -
    Thailand’s military leaders have close professional ties with their counterparts in Myanmar, and Thailand depends on Burmese natural gas for much of its …
66. Asean bows to Myanmar, won’t hear UN envoy’s report
    Philippine Star, Philippines -
    By Pia Lee-Brago SINGAPORE (via PLDT) – Bending to the wishes of Myanmar, ASEAN leaders called off on Monday night a briefing by United Nations special …
67. Clark confident China is behind UN role in Myanmar
    TV3 News, New Zealand -
    Prime Minister Helen Clark is confident China will use its diplomatic muscle to pressure Myanmar to engage with the United Nations. …
68. Southeast Asian Leaders Adopt Charter
    The Associated Press -
    asean’s Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong insisted the body was not kowtowing to Myanmar, also known as Burma, by shelving Gambari’s scheduled address on …
69. ASEAN leaders adopt historic charter – 2
    RIA Novosti, Russia -
    The first member of the association to come under consideration for human rights violations is Myanmar, whose leaders used force to suppress mass protest …
70. Burma PM opposes Asean on UN envoy
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
    “Most leaders expressed the view that Myanmar [Burma] cannot go back or stay put. The process of national reconciliation has to move forward, and the UN has …
71. Chinese make move
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand -
    In china’s quest for energy security, Chinese companies have penetrated into the power-generating business in Burma and Laos, a move which could threaten …
72. Asean mired in Burma quagmire
    Nation Multimedia, Thailand - Editorial
    Lee chose his words carefully when he talked about Burma and what it plans to do. Indeed, when Lee held a press conference right after an informal dinner, …
73. NZ PM to meet UN envoy re Myanmar
    Radio New Zealand, New Zealand -
    New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark will have a one-on-one meeting with the United Nations envoy to Myanmar, after his briefing to the East Asia Summit …
74. Southeast Asian nations meet: A future for …
    San Francisco Chronicle, USA -
    Take, for example, Thein Sein, the prime minister of Myanmar (formerly Burma), who “stood stiff and stern” throughout the charter-signing ceremony. …
75. SE Asian leaders back nuclear energy
    AFP -
    SINGAPORE (AFP) — Southeast Asian leaders offered their backing Tuesday for the use of nuclear energy despite concerns over safety in a region prone to …
76. Issue of Burma Dogs Southeast Asian Summit
    Voice of America -
    … which calls for the establishment of a human rights body, Burma agrees to do more to protect human rights. “If we sign the charter…so, …
77. ASEAN leaders disallow UN envoy to brief them on Burma
    Mizzima.com, India -
    Myanmar [ Burma] has every confidence in managing Professor Gambari’s mission and the good offices of the UN,” the grouping said. “In view of …
78. NLD welcomes Suu Kyi, Aung Kyi meetings
    Mizzima.com, India -
    November 20, 2007- Burma’s main opposition political party, the National League for Democracy today welcomed the meetings between the ruling Burmese junta’s …
79. CWS appeal: Burma (Myanmar) humanitarian assistance
    Reuters AlertNet, UK -
    The humanitarian crisis in Burma (Myanmar) is growing. Poverty in some regions has already reached critical levels. In mountainous regions, there is severe …
80. New Proposed US Sanctions Target Burmese Gems
    Voice of America -
    By Bill Rodgers A major gem auction is underway in Burma despite tightening Western sanctions that include calls for a boycott of Burmese gems. …
81. Watch Those Mobiles
    Outlook (subscription), India -
    It is learnt that taking advantage of the inability of the Myanmar military junta to provide satisfactory and affordable mobile phone services in the Shan …
82. Myanmar citizens mount protest at ASEAN summit
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    SINGAPORE — About 40 Myanmar residents of Singapore held a brief vigil Tuesday night to protest what they said was an inadequate response to the crisis in …
83. Manmohan pushes Myanmar to work for national reconciliation
    DailyIndia.com, FL -
    “In view of Myanmar’s position, Gambari will not brief ASEAN or East Asia Summit leaders. Singapore will facilitate meetings with interested parties,” Lee …

1. Junta wins by playing Suu Kyi card effectively
   Bangkok Post, Thailand -
   By KYAW ZWA MOE Believe it or not, pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has prolonged the lifespan of Burma’s repressive junta. …
2. Toothless charter will hurt Asean credibility
   Bangkok Post, Thailand -
   This principle has already severely limited what Asean has been willing to do in relation to Burma. Another limitation of the charter is the fact that …
3. WE DON’T WANT VIOLENCE
   Electric New Paper, Singapore -
   … when Burma finally achieves democracy, foreigners who come to Burma will also show respect for our country,’ he said. Another Myanmar national, mrkyaw …
4. Activists urge Asean to tighten screws on Yangon as summit kicks …
   TODAYonline, Singapore -
   In her speech, Ms Ng reiterated: “My own view is that it (Asean) should not be slow to take Myanmar to task, including suspending it, if its military rulers …
5. Students defy Myanmar protest ban at ASEAN summit
   Reuters -
   “We want to say that the world is still watching and has not forgotten about Burma,” Muzaffar said. Continued…
6. THE ASEAN DREAM: WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
   Electric New Paper, Singapore -
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7. China backs ASEAN on Myanmar
   Hindu, India -
   SINGAPORE: China on Sunday threw its weight behind the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by taking the line that the Myanmar crisis be …
8. ASEAN Refuses To Accept US Senate’s Resolution To Debar Myanmar
   AHN -
   … Asian countries (ASEAN) on Sunday has refused to accept the US Senate’s resolution for suspending Myanmar (also called Burma) from the regional group. …
9. Arroyo, Burma PM meet before summit
   Inquirer.net, Philippines -
   … Minister Thein Sein of Burma (Myanmar) — two leaders whose governments have come under international scrutiny over allegations of human rights abuses. …
10. Myanmar’s neighbours should play greater role
    South China Morning Post (subscription), Hong Kong -
    Western nations are pressuring the leaders to impose sanctions on the nation’s military rulers or throw Myanmar out of the 10-member Association of …
11. Southeast Asians finalize landmark constitution that will set up …
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    … Asian nation once known as Burma. A glimmer of hope for democracy in Myanmar has been raised by the recent efforts of UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari, ..
12. ASEAN leaders to tackle Myanmar their way
    ABS CBN News, Philippines -
    … time as the government of Burma has demonstrated improved respect for and commitment to human rights.” Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962. …
13. Asean summit embarrassed by Burma’s rulers
    Financial Times (subscription), UK -
    But many suspect the real rationale is to shield Burma’s military rulers, including Thein Sein, the prime minister, from the public gaze. …
14. Official media: More peace groups, militia object some points of …
    Xinhua, China -
    The series of statements of the peace groups and militia, carried in the state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar in the last two days, include those of …
15. China to Reject Imposing Sanctions on Myanmar (Update1)
    Bloomberg -
    … effort to bring about change in the Southeast Asian country formerly known as Burma. China will say it “is in favor of democratic change in Myanmar, …
16. Myanmar says it will sign ASEAN Charter
    Channel News Asia, Singapore -
    SINGAPORE – Myanmar will this week sign a new charter for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which commits members to promote human rights …
17. Southeast Asian ministers adopt landmark charter
    AFP -
    However, democracy activists have rejected it as inadequate because it does not include a mechanism to suspend or eject Myanmar from the grouping despite …
18. SBY has chance to make history with Myanmar
    Jakarta Post, Indonesia -
    President Yudhoyono also needs to personally tell Myanmar’s new prime minister, Lt. Gen. Thein Sein, who will also attend a regional summit, to convey the …
19. UN envoy sees “opportunity” in Myanmar
    Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates -
    SINGAPORE – UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari sees “a window of opportunity” in Myanmar and hopes to return to the country before year’s end, …
20. Junta not welcome in Singapore’s Little Burma
    Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates -
    SINGAPORE – Myanmar’s Prime Minister Thein Sein, in Singapore for the ASEAN summit, would not be too welcome at Peninsula Plaza, the hub for the …
21. Stubborn Myanmar question looms over ASEAN signing – Feature
    Earthtimes, UK -
    Despite the international uproar over the crackdown, ASEAN has rejected calls to suspend Myanmar until the crisis is resolved. The Free Burma Coalition, …
22. Adieu to the ‘Asean Way’
    Wall Street Journal -
    If these recommendations are adopted, Asean’s commitment to reform will immediately be tested by how it will deal with Myanmar’s generals. ..
23. CWS Hotline 19 Nov 2007: Dominican Republic, Myanmar
    ReliefWeb (press release), Switzerland -
    The humanitarian crisis in Burma (Myanmar) is worsening. Poverty in some regions has reached critical levels, with severe food insecurity and many landless …
24. Students defy police, march along Singapore’s premier boulevard
    Monsters and Critics.com, UK -
    ‘We also hope that more people will come out and show solidarity with Burma.’ Myanmar has become the focus of protests worldwide after a violent crackdown …
25. China backs UN efforts in Myanmar, hopes for national …
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    … first led the peaceful demonstrations against the fuel hikes and inflation that were pummeling the impoverished people of Myanmar, also known as Burma. …
26. Protest Singapore Style; 3 Marchers, 19 Media, 1000 Police
    Bloomberg -
    19 (Bloomberg) — A planned protest in Singapore against Asian leaders’ “tacit” approval of Myanmar’s fatal crackdown on demonstrations fizzled today when …
27. Asian path to assistance
    Washington Times, DC -
    Following an Asian path is likely to be a more effective way of promoting positive change in Burma. The military regime that came to power in Burma/Myanmar …
28. US says ASEAN reputation at stake over handling of Myanmar
    PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria -
    … ASEAN has been called into question because of the situation in Burma … It just can’t be business as usual,» she said. Myanmar is also known as Burma.
29. Nations in need of stability
    Indianapolis Star, United States -
    Earlier this month, two leading United Nations officials seeking to bring peace and stability to Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Sudan incurred the wrath of …
30. India’s Myanmar policy could provoke the Northeast
    Merinews, India -
    Things went well for New Delhi until the sudden uprising in adjoining Burma (also known as Myanmar). While New Delhi invited critical comments from …
31. Shades of Tiananmen Square return
    Elmira Star-Gazette, NY -
    In Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), a small country in South Asia, civilians calling for democracy have suffered similar consequences. …
32. ASEAN leaders to confront Myanmar
    AFP -
    … to push Myanmar’s generals towards democracy, but so far it has been reluctant to take any punitive action against the nation formerly known as Burma. …
33. Asean under pressure over Myanmar
    Aljazeera.net, Qatar -
    Leaders from the Association of South-East Asian Nations are facing renewed pressure to take action against Myanmar as they gather for an annual summit in …
34. US Says Possible to Finish Trade Talks in 14 Months (Update2)
    Bloomberg -
    Myanmar is a member of Asean, which has rebuffed calls for sanctions against the military-ruled country, formerly known as Burma. …
35. Myanmar supports ASEAN Charter after human rights body neutered
    Jakarta Post, Indonesia -
    SINGAPORE (AP): Myanmar gave its full backing Monday to a landmark Southeast Asian charter that will create an agency to review the region’s human rights …
36. Asean finalises historic charter
    BBC News, UK -
    “If you make all these fierce statements and supposing we say we expel Myanmar [Burma] from Asean, what difference does it make?” Mr Lee told the BBC. …
37. EU, ASEAN scratch each other’s backs
    Viet Nam News, Vietnam -
    The latter is all the more imperative following the sad events in Myanmar. The EU has a strong interest that Burma/Myanmar develops into a democratic and …
38. Burma ‘must comply’ with pact
    Bangkok Post, Thailand -
    Singapore – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations expects Burma to comply with a landmark charter after the military-ruled country made no objections …
39. Myanmar’s Suu Kyi Meets Liaison Minister
    The Associated Press -
    The military has ruled Myanmar, also known as Burma, since 1962, crushing periodic rounds of dissent. It held elections in 1990 but refused to hand over …
40. Myanmar’s detained Suu Kyi taken to state guesthouse
    Reuters UK, UK -
    Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein was due later on Monday to brief his counterparts on events in the former Burma for the first time since the crackdown. …
41. Detained Suu Kyi taken to govt guesthouse
    ABC Online, Australia -
    There are reports that Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been taken from the Rangoon villa where she has been held for the past four years to a …
42. ASEAN urged to put rights component of new charter in separate treaty
    JURIST -
    ASEAN is facing criticism for allowing military-ruled Myanmar to sign the Charter, but a split such as described might save face by allowing Myanmar to …
43. EU confirms tougher Myanmar sanctions
    Monsters and Critics.com, UK -
    ‘The EU looks forward to Mr Gambari’s return and reiterates its call on the government of Burma/Myanmar to afford him all possible assistance, …
44. EU Tightens Sanctions as Myanmar Is Set to Sign Asian Charter
    Bloomberg -
    “Asean has special responsibility when it comes to the situation in Burma,” US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said today in Singapore. …
45. Japan, Myanmar pms may discuss reforms, killing: aides
    Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates -
    … and opponents led by pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. ‘I cannot specifically predict what they will discuss but in recent meetings with Myanmar, …
46. ASEAN countries oppose Singapore’s plan for UN envoy to brief …
    PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria -
    Myanmar objected to the briefing and other ASEAN countries, except Singapore, supported Myanmar, a senior Malaysian official told Malaysian journalists. …
47. Myanmar crackdown tests a core value of Asean
    International Herald Tribune, France -
    “The reputation and credibility of Asean as an organization has been called into question because of the situation in Burma.” Many analysts predict that …
48. US optimistic about Doha trade talks
    BusinessWeek -
    … deal done,” said US Trade Representative Susan Schwab on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Singapore. …
49. US Trade Representative Says Situation in Burma Undermining …
    Voice of America -
    Ambassador Schwab told VOA that ASEAN has, in her words, a special responsibility when it comes to Burma. “I think the key is business as usual just doesn’t …
50. Philippines Could Block New Asia Charter
    The Associated Press -
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51. Philippines want Myanmar to restore democracy
    Pravda, Russia -
    Unless Myanmar restores democracy and frees Aung San Suu Kyi, opposition leader, it is unlikely to ratify a landmark Southeast Asian charter, …
52. UN envoy Gambari briefing on Myanmar to Asian leaders cancelled …
    ABCmoney.co.uk, UK -
    By : Agencies SINGAPORE (Thomson Financial) – Southeast Asian leaders have called off a briefing by UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari on the situation in Myanmar …
53. Pressuring ASEAN on Burma
    Inquirer.net, Philippines -
    The extrajudicial killings here and the slaying of pro-democracy protesters in Burma (Myanmar) have roused virulent reactions. …
54. US envoy won’t address Asian summit as planned after Myanmar objects
    PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria -
    It is a difficult problem for Myanmar,» Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the chairman of ASEAN, told reporters, after reading out the statement. …
55. Burma: Targeted Sanctions Needed on Petroleum Industry
    Reuters AlertNet, UK -
    These entities include the Burmese government’s Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), a state company under the Ministry of Energy whose earnings benefit …
56. UPADTE 1-ASEAN calls for democracy in Myanmar, bars UN envoy
    Reuters -
    SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Southeast Asian nations said on Monday that Myanmar should work with the United Nations on democracy and release political detainees, …
57. ASEAN calls off UN envoy briefing on Myanmar at summit (Extra)
    Monsters and Critics.com, UK -
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58. UN study spotlights serious development gaps among ASEAN members
    UN News Centre -
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59. Junta seizes Chinese mobile phones in northern Burma
    Mizzima.com, India -
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60. US criticises ASEAN as Myanmar overshadows new charter
    Guardian Unlimited, UK -
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61. ASEAN stands ready to help Myanmar: PM Lee
    Channel News Asia, Singapore -
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Statement by Mr. Gambari on behalf of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi –

8 November 2007

Singapore, 8 November 2007 – As you know, I have just completed a mission to Myanmar from 3 to 8 November, where I met today with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In my capacity as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, I was authorized by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to make the following statement on her behalf:

• I wish to thank all those who have stood by my side all this time, both inside and outside my country. I am also grateful to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his unwavering support for the cause of national reconciliation, democracy and human rights in my country.

Statement by Mr. Gambari on behalf of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – 8 November 2007

As you know, I have just completed a mission to Myanmar from 3 to 8 November, where I met today with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In my capacity as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Myanmar, I was authorized by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to make the following statement on her behalf:

• I wish to thank all those who have stood by my side all this time, both inside and outside my country. I am also grateful to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his unwavering support for the cause of national reconciliation, democracy and human rights in my country.

• I welcome the appointment on 8 October of Minister Aung Kyi as Minister for Relations. Our first meeting on 25 October was constructive and I look forward to further regular discussions. I expect that this phase of preliminary consultations will conclude soon so that a meaningful and timebound dialogue with the SPDC leadership can start as early as possible.

• In the interest of the nation, I stand ready to cooperate with the Government in order to make this process of dialogue a success and welcome the necessary good offices role of the United Nations to help facilitate our efforts in this regard.

• In full awareness of the essential role of political parties in democratic societies, in deep appreciation of the sacrifices of the members of my party and in my position as General Secretary, I will be guided by the policies and wishes of the National League for Democracy. However, in this time of vital need for democratic solidarity and national unity, it is my duty to give constant and serious considerations to the interests and opinions of as broad a range of political organizations and forces as possible, in particular those of our ethnic nationality races.

• To that end, I am committed to pursue the path of dialogue constructively and invite the Government and all relevant parties to join me in this spirit.

• I believe that stability, prosperity and democracy for my country, living at peace with itself and with full respect for human rights, offers the best prospect for my country to fully contribute to the development and stability of the region in close partnership with its neighbours and fellow ASEAN members, and to play a positive role as a respected member of the international community.

I am now scheduled to return to New York to brief the Secretary-General on all the aspects of my mission. I will therefore not be able to take any questions at this time.

    ————————————————————————

Statement at the conclusion of Mr. Gambari’s mission to Myanmar 3 – 8 November 2007

As a result of the good offices role of the UN Secretary-General and engagement with the Government, the opposition and other relevant parties, we are not where we were a few weeks ago. 

We now have a process going which would lead to substantive dialogue between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a key instrument in promoting national reconciliation in an all-inclusive manner. The sooner such a dialogue can start, the better for
Myanmar . 

Statement at the conclusion of Mr. Gambari’s mission to Myanmar

Yangon, 8 November 2007 – As a result of the good offices role of the UN Secretary-General and engagement with the Government, the opposition and other relevant parties, we are not where we were a few weeks ago.  We now have a process going which would lead to substantive dialogue between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a key instrument in promoting national reconciliation in an all-inclusive manner. The sooner such a dialogue can start, the better for
Myanmar .  With the full support and confidence of the Government of Myanmar and the international community, the United Nations will continue its engagement with all relevant interlocutors inside and outside Myanmar to achieve the goals which we all share: peace, prosperity, democracy and full respect for human rights in Myanmar.

In this regard, Mr Gambari has been invited by the Government to return to Myanmar and expects to do so in the next few weeks.

In addition, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has authorized Mr Gambari to make a statement on her behalf upon the close of his mission.  ENDS.

                    —————————————————-

Press Release

Wednesday, 07 November 2007

The Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Myanmar, Mr Ibrahim Gambari, met today with Myanmar’s new Prime Minister General Thein Sein, to whom he delivered a letter from the Secretary-General addressed to Senior General Than Shwe. He and the Prime Minister had open and detailed discussions on ways to further improve Myanmar’s cooperation with the United Nations to address the country’s political, human rights, humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges in the wake of the recent crisis.

Press Release

Yangon, 7 November 2007 -The Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Myanmar, Mr Ibrahim Gambari, met today with Myanmar’s new Prime Minister General Thein Sein, to whom he delivered a letter from the Secretary-General addressed to Senior General Than Shwe. He and the Prime Minister had open and detailed discussions on ways to further improve Myanmar’s cooperation with the United Nations to address the country’s political, human rights, humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges in the wake of the recent crisis. While taking note of the views of the Myanmar Government, Mr Gambari stressed that a return to the status quo before the crisis would not be sustainable, and suggested specific steps for Myanmar to meet international expectations in this regard. These include the need for dialogue with the opposition without delay as part of an inclusive national reconciliation process, as well as necessary confidence-building measures in the humanitarian and socioeconomic areas, including the establishment of a broad-based poverty alleviation commission. The Prime Minister reiterated his Government’s full support for and confidence in Mr Gambari’s efforts on behalf of the Secretary-General, and invited him to return to Myanmar in continuation of the good offices process. Mr Gambari also met with the new Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council, Lt-General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.

Later in the day, Mr Gambari met the diplomatic corps in Myanmar to provide an update on his visit so far. Mr Gambari stressed the ongoing nature of the good offices process, aimed at producing qualitative results in cooperation with the Government and people of Myanmar. He welcomed the expressions of continued support from the international community for the Secretary-General’s good offices efforts and the work of the United Nations Country Team in Myanmar.

Tomorrow, Mr Gambari is scheduled to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the fifth time since his first visit to Myanmar, members of the Central Executive Committee of her National League for Democracy party, officials of the National Unity Party, and other relevant interlocutors, as well as the United Nations Country Team in Yangon.

Mr Gambari is scheduled to return to United Nations headquarters by Monday 12 November. ENDS

                      —————————————————————-

http://yangon.unic.org/index.php?option