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THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AND DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NLD AND THE USDP GOVERNMENT
Under the principle of work together on common ground and work separately on different ground,
National League for Democracy (NLD) party and Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
government are trying hard to build confidence between them but it is found that they are openly
saying and working under their different policies on uncommon grounds.
An interview with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was appeared in domestic journal The Messenger and
learned that it was sold out immediately like the hot cakes. But on the next day, the Press Scrutinyand Registration Division (censor board) took action this media for violating their recently enacted
Rules of Printers and Publishers Registration Law by banning its right to submit breaking news and
supplementary news to censor board for one week. The censor board allowed publishing of Bogyoke
Aung San biography book under the title Aung San, Bogyoke, Tay Za with the cover of historical
University Students Union building on September 8.
Similarly USDP government allowed publishing of NLD CEC member U Win Tins books which
were banned previously. And also they allowed publishing and selling freely of portraits of Bogyoke
Aung Sans and his wife Daw Khin Kyi so that the people, monks and even the families from military
community bought them a lot, it is learnt. Moreover the people bought Kyat 10 denomination oldcurrency note bearing portrait of Bogyoke Aung San at the premium price of Kayt 10,000 elsewhere
in the country.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi responded to the criticism of being exploited systematically by USDP
government by saying that she had no concern for being exploited by the government if it was for the
benefit of the country through interview with RFA (Radio Free Asia) on September 8. In her video
message sent to Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual conference held in New York, USA on
September 21, she said that there were signs of initial steps leading to freedom in Burma and urged
the international community to monitor closely these developments.
She also said at the International Democracy Day function held at party head office on September 15
that the signs leading to the actual change in Burma had been seen. USDP government also held this
function at Naypyitaw and NLD party spokesman Nyan Win said that it was a good sign for the
country.
She said on September 18 that there were constructive signs in Burma so that popular uprisings like
Arab world could not find solution for the Burmese political issues. The party would resolve the
political issues by means of negotiation based on dialogue principle with moderate line and she
would inform the people the political lines of her party, she said on September 27.
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PDC NEWS COMMENTARYOctober 2011
Compiled and commented by the Political Defiance C ommittee (PDC)National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)
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It was found that among the government circle, they had different opinions on her. Pyidaungsu
Hluttaw (joint sitting of both houses) speaker Khin Aung Myint said at 32 nd ASEAN parliamentary
union conference held in Phnom Penh on September 21 that they would welcome Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi if she joined parliamentary politics. Presidential political advisor group chief Ko Ko Haling also
said on September 22 that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was so brilliant and bright and respected by people
at home and abroad so that they respected her too very much. But USDP party MP former Colonel
Hla Swe objected motion moved by Chin Progressive Party (CPP) MP Paw Lian Lwin to includeDaw Aung San Suu Kyi in parliament Burma Peace and Stability Committee. And then USDP party
dominated parliament rejected this motion at last.
NLD party expressed that they welcomed the formation of Myanmar National Human Right
Commission by parliament but it was needed to be cautiously monitor how much this commission
could work freely, party spokesman Nyan Win said on September 8. Party Vice-Chairman Tin Oo
said on September 13 that party legal aid group was thouroughly reviewing their analysis on 2008
constitution which was the main difference between NLD and USDP government.
After No. 1 Electrical Power Ministry Minister U Zaw Min said that Myitsone dam would becontinues as planned, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi responded on September 11 that the government
should pay respect to the will of the people and they should accept the peoples will and negotiate on
this matter. Then she released a Petition for Irrawaddy calling for suspending all works of
controversial dam projects to be built on Irrawaddy River. She also visited Save the Irrawaddy
exhibition organized by artists on September 22 and she wished building national unity based on
Irrawaddy.
On the saffron revolution anniversary day fell on September 26, some NLD party members led by
Naw Ohn Hla joined the Release political prisoners campaign network in prayer meetings for
releasing all political prisoners. About 400-strong force of riot police and police force blocked about200 persons at the place near Nawady cinema hall on Kabaaye Pagoda Road, Mayangon Township,
while they were going to Sule Pagoda for this prayer meeting. Some politicians worried about
disrupting ongoing process of confidence building measures and dialogue efforts by this incident but
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her opinion to The Voice Weekly on September 27 that she saw
this movement as a good work.
The USDP government did not respond practically on the NLD partys consistent demand of
releasing all political prisoners but NLD social aid group members Ko Sein Hlaing, Ko Shwe Joe and
Ma Cho were released on September 2 after serving their prison sentences. About 20 policemen from
Dala police station arrested and handcuffed NLD youth member Nay Lin Oo from Dala Township onhis way back from International Democracy Day held at party head office on September 15 and they
forcibly took off his T-shirt bearing portraits of Bogyoke Aung San and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Then he was prosecuted with drunk charges, it is learnt. NLD party launched its anti-Irrawaddy dam
and 3-day signature campaign calling for releasing all political prisoners starting from September 24
in Twante, Kawhmu, Kungyankon, Dala and Seikkyi Kanaungto townships. The local police forces
questioned some campaigners but they did not make any arrests to them. Under the rule of the new
USDP government, political prisoners were not yet released but they arrested even more four political
prisoners, Assistance Association of Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP-B) statement issued in August
says.
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Representative of USDP government minister U Aung Kyi met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on
September 30 for the third time at government guest house and they issued a joint press statement
after that meeting. The joint statement says both sides discussed on various issues of amnesty,
cooperation on Irrawaddy River dam affairs, building permanent peace with armed groups,
cooperation on internal stability and rule of law in the country.
The confidence building measures between President U Thein Sein and Daw Aung San Suu Kyiseems progressing smoothly and gradually but the disturbances and disruptions from both outside and
inside can appear at any time especially from the side of USDP government. Thus the international
community should closely monitor and make necessary compromises not to make U-turn by the
USDP government as the previous SLORC and SPDC military regimes did in the past. We assume
that serious attention should be paid to the personal security of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the time of
current delicate situation.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHNIC GROUPS AND THE USDPGOVERNMENT
The USDP government launched massive offensive in September in northern Shan State Kachin
Independence Organization (KIO) 4th Brigade controlled area where the oil and gas pipelines would
be crossed. Before launching this offensive, the USDP government organized and drove wedge the
alliance groups of KIA; United Wa State Army (UWSA) and National Democratic Alliance Army-
Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS).
On September 6, the government delegation led by USDP general secretary U Aung Thaung and
Internal Peace Implementing Committee Chairman Thein Zaw met UWSA delegation led by Finance
and Economic Department In-charge Pauk Yo Lian, Foreign Relations In-charge Kyauk gu Ram and
Information Officer Kyaw Myint in Kentung and this government delegation also met NDAA-ESS
delegation led by Vice-Chairman Sao San Pay, Secretary Sao Sai Lar, Sao Sai Kham Naw and Sao
Kham Maw in Kentung the next day.
At these meetings, U Thein Zaw did not discuss on surrender and transforming these armies into
government controlled Border Guard Force (BGF), they discussed only on observing ceasefire
between their armies, reopening liaison offices as before, status quo of controlling their territories,
seeking prior permission from each other if their forces have to pass through each others territories
with arms and for establishing liaison committees speedily. Wa and Mengla delegations had to accept
these offers and sign the agreements. Then Mengla and Wa groups briefed about these meetings to
their headquarters concerned on September 7 and September 15 respectively.
While the USDP government was driving wedge Wa and Mengla groups with KIO and organizing
them, they accused KIO of recruiting new soldiers and put blame on failure of peace negotiation with
KIA for KIAs unilateral demands made at the negotiations. At the same time, they launched
disinformation campaign against KIO by disseminating news about infighting in KIO leadership
resulted in killing of a senior leader at a meeting held at Liaza headquarter. In the mean time, they
built up massive forces near KIO headquarter Laiza and 4th Brigade controlled areas in northern Shan
State and then they finally launched offensives in these areas and fierce battles were erupted there.
The fighting between two armies has started on September 18 in Mongko, Muse and Kutkai in
northern Shan State. The government used 10 infantry battalions with over 1,000 soldiers in thisStorm Offensive which started on September 24 to occupy northern Shan State Kutkai Township
Lwekan based KIO 4th Brigade HQ and KIO 8th and 9th Battalion HQs in Mangton Township. It is
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learned that Lieutenant General Aung Than Htut closely commanded this operation on behalf of
Defence Services (Army) by stationing at Lashio. Lt. Gen. Aung Than Htut is the chief commander of
four regional commands.
Among the fighting in Kachin State which erupted on June 9, this operation is the biggest and both
sides suffered heavy casualties. KIO forces retreated from their 4th Brigade HQ on September 27
evening. Starting from this day, fierce battles have been fought in Mangton near KIA 8th
battalionarea in which at least 150 soldiers from USDP government forces were reportedly killed or wounded
during six days of fighting. LID 99 and 88 forces of USDP army overrun the Datnai based KIO 9th
Battalion HQ on September 26 after fighting for two days. In these battles, it is learned that Shan
State Army (North) SSA-N forces joined hands with KIO forces in fighting against government
forces.
While the fierce battles were being fought in KIO 4th Brigade controlled area, USDP forces also
showed signs of imminent launching of offensive against KIO HQ Laiza so that the fighting broke
out on the all communication routes leading to Laiza. KIA forces blocked and banned importing
construction materials from China to be used in Myitsone dam project and then USDP governmentissued ultimatum to lift this ban immediately. KIO sent a petition letter to UN for intervening to stop
civil war in Burma.
The offensives on SSA-N HQ Wan Hai were weakened as the government troops focused their
operations on KIA 4th Brigade but SSA troops ambushed the government troops which were
conducting combing operation in their area. So it is found that many battles were frequently fought in
Kyethi and Mong Hsu Townships.
Similarly the battles were fought in Karen State between combined troops of KNU, DKBA and
USDP forces in Myawady, Kyain Seikgyi, Kawkereik and Hlaingbwe Townships. The troops whichdo not accept to transform their armies into BGF reorganized their troops as Democratic Karen
Buddhist Army (DKBA) on September 5. DKBA spokesman Major Saw San Aung rejected the news
appeared in state-run papers issued on September 3 which claimed there were no more DKBA troops
in the country. The spokesman said that their DKBA troops are standing with the people. On
September 6, 30 troops from Karen BGF force in Myaing Gyi Ngu area defected to DKBA force led
by Major Saw Bi in the same area with their arms and ammunitions.
KNU extended olive branch to USDP government calling for observing ceasefire for one day on
International Peace Day which fell on September 21 but Southeast Command Deputy Commander
Brigadier General Zaw Min invited some leaders of Karen BGF forces to Kawkeraik and discussedwith them. And then he ordered these forces to launch offensive against KNU and DKBA troops. On
September 21, governments Infantry Battalion No. 357 and BGF Battalion No. 1017 jointly fought
against DKBA Battalion No. 907 and KNLA Battalion No. 101 which were stationed between
Myawaddy town and Shwekokko villages by using both heavy weapons and small arms fire. On
September 22 too, combined troops of KNU, DKBA, Zomi and Rakhine forces had engagements
with governments LIB 204 at the position near Thaybawbo village, south of Myawady Town while
the government troops were clearing the operation area.
The regional USDP government in Mon State formed peace delegation with former New Mon State
Party (NMSP) members to engage peace negotiations with NMSP but the party general secretary Nai
Han Thar said on September 14 that they would not engage dialogue with government separately and
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they would talk with government as the alliance group of United Nationalities Federal Council
(UNFC) only. It is learned that USDP MP from Rangoon Region Shwe Yaung discussed in upper
house parliament session on September 2 that the government should enter dialogue with ethnic
armed groups for peace within the framework of three main national causes.
USDP government treated ceasefire groups unevenly and unequally in peace negotiations. They sent
central government delegations to Wa and Mongla groups but they ordered other groups to contactwith the State and Region level government delegations instead for this purpose. The reason for
appeasing and compromising to Wa and Mongla groups is their military might and as they do not
want to fight many fronts simultaneously and we assume that it is because of pressure given by
China.
THE ACTIVITIES OF NLD AN D DOMESTIC OPPOSITION FORCES
It was found that many people from all walks of life joined in many movements made in September;
anti-Irrawaddy dam campaigns, human rights and farmers rights movements.
At the CRPP (Committee Representing Peoples Parliament) meeting held on September 2, Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi said that the ethnic affairs could not be omitted in national politics of Burma,
welcomed the USDP parliaments resolution to form Burma Peace Council, CRPP secretary U Aye
Thar Aung retold. He also said on the same day that the ability of this peace council was yet to be
watched.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi separately met historian Thant Myit Oo, grandson of former US secretary
general U Thant and Future magazine editor and a freelance French journalist on September 8. She
also met EU Humanitarian Commissioner Ms. Karistalina Georgia and her team on September 9 for
forty minutes. She received US special envoy for Burma and policy coordinator Mr. Derek Mitchell
and his team at her residence on September 12. This meeting was also attended by NLD party leaders,
CRPP members and the meeting agenda focused on education and health assistance, party
information department in-charge Ohn Kyaing said. Mr. Derek Mitchell and his team visited HIV/
AIDS shelter being run by NLD in South Dagon Township and Free Funeral Service Society
(Rangoon) at North Dagon Township on September 11.
Upon the requests made by journalists at home and abroad, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met reporters and
editorial staffs from AFP, VOA Burmese service, Rangoon Media Group, Snapshot, Monitor,
Myanmar Newsweek, Seven Days etc at her home separately on September 13. At the International
Peace Day celebration held at party head office on September 21, NLD vice-chairman U Tin Oourged government to release all political prisoners unconditionally to pave way for the hope of peace.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo attended the opening ceremony of Aung San-Panglong reading
room held in Thingangyun, Rangoon on September 23 and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered her
address at this function. Party founding day anniversary ceremony was held at NLD party head office
on September 27 and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered her address. She said that politics should be
done for the contribution to the people and it should not be for revenge.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi donated a wheelchair to Sagaing Region NLD youth member Myat Ko
Naing who was paralysed from his waist after being severely beaten in Depayin massacre which took
place on May 30, 2003.
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As the social action movements of the party, NLD party members provided free medical treatment to
about 170 flood victims from four villages in Thanatpin Township in Bago Region. The party
members also joined hands with Network for providing assistance to families of political prisoners,
Every Tuesday prayer meeting group, 88-generation students group among others in movements for
4th anniversary of saffron revolution, prayer meetings held for releasing political prisoners, signature
campaigns for release of political prisoners and anti-Irrawaddy dam projects.
At the press conference held at Naypyitaw on September 10, USDP government No. 1 Electrical
Power Minister Zaw Min ridiculed the protest movements against Myitsone hydropower plant project
as Irrawaddy fever and reiterated that they would continue this project however despite of these
protests. After this challenge made by the minister, the people from literary, music, motion picture
communities among other artistes joined hands with environmentalists, meteorologists, monks and
people from all walks of life in this movement more actively.
88-Generation students conducted the signature campaign against Myitsone dam project and sent
these signatures to President Thein Sein on September 1. Similarly Save the Irrawaddy Network held
talk show in many cities and towns. At the same time, independent MPs and democratic MPs joinedthis movement actively by urging USDP government to explain and true facts about this Myitsone
project to the people through parliament. All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU or
Bakatha) conducted poster campaign by sticking Save the Irrawaddy posters at busy and crowded
junctions and bus stops in downtown Rangoon and its suburb areas such as Sule, Myenigon,
Shwegondaing etc.
After the ministerial meeting on Myitsone hydropower project held at Naypyitaw on September 17,
domestic journalists bombarded USDP government with strong and serious questions. After the news
about staging protest demonstration against Myitsone dam project in front of the Chinese embassy
appeared, reporters and a lot of people reached to this embassy and waited for the demonstration. Buton that day, there was no demonstration as the riot police and security forces in plainclothes were
readily deployed in advance after getting the tip off of this demonstration news by them too. On the
next day in the afternoon, Ko Aung Thein a.k.a. Ko Kyaw Win staged a solo demonstration in front of
the Chinese embassy and he was later arrested by the police.
10 parties from Friends of Democracy group issued a protest statement on September 20 which says
if only the parliament decides on the fate of controversial Myitsone dam project, it will not be fair.
National Democratic Force (NDF) party expressed and demanded on September 27 that the fate of
Myitsone dam project should be decided by referendum which could be participated by the entire
people.Defenders of Irrawaddy held th
e book release ceremony at Taw Win Rose Garden Thiri Hall in Shwegondaing, Bahan Township,
Rangoon, in the afternoon of September 21 under the title Do not want to miss River Irrawaddy and
it was attended by nearly 600 people. Rangoon Free Funeral Service Society and those who wish
Irrawaddy ever live jointly held an Irrawaddy ceremony at Rangoon Free Funeral Service Society
office in North Dagon Township on September 23 and it was attended by NLD leaders including Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi, monks and people.
As a campaign demanding for releasing political prisoners including ethnic Shan leader U Khun Tun
Oo who is serving 93-year prison term in Puta-O prison, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy
(SNLD) party demanded to release all political prisoners on the 68th birthday of U Khun Tun Oo
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which fell on September 11. 88-Generation Student group also issued a statement on September 12 to
release all political prisoners before International Democracy Day which fell on September 15. 88-
Generation student group sent over 100,000 signatures that they collected in their signature campaign
calling for releasing political prisoners to President U Thein Sein on September 25.
All Burma Monks Alliance (ABMA) issued a statement on 4th anniversary day of Saffron Revolution
which called for releasing all political prisoners including 222 imprisoned monks first to USDPgovernment if they wanted to win peoples support and trust. And also Network for families of
political prisoners demanded on September 9 for the emergence of tripartite dialogue. The family of
prisoner Ko Zaw Lin Tun who is suffering from cancer and can live only six months more demanded
the USDP government to grant amnesty to this frail prisoner.
At the same time, the farmers movement demanding for farmers rights appeared too. Lawyer Ko
Pho Phyu and over 500 farmers sent their suggestion letter to parliament affairs committees
concerned on September 5 to curb growing forcible land grabbing from the farmers. Workers and
Farmers rights lawyer Ko Pho Phyu was filed defamation suit by Myanmar Golden Co. in December
2010 and he was arrested in Ngwe Saung seaside resort after he failed to appear before the court ondate of hearing of this case. He was later released by Dagon Seikkan Township police station on
September 12.
Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry forcibly grabbed farmlands in Nyaung Gon village, May Myo,
Mandalay Region in 2008 and grew only a few coffee plants on these lands. When the news of selling
these lands to Chinese nationals soon appeared, the local farmers got angry and destroyed the coffee
plantations grown on their lands on September 4. 150 rubber plantation owners from Kyaikmaraw
Township, Mon State, whose lands were forcibly seized for the construction of cement factory,
reportedly objected and refused to accept the compensation given by government as it was at about
one third of the actual market price.
The farmers from Dagon satellite Township in Rangoon Region sent complaint letter to Township
Land Records and Resettlement Department on September 7 to prevent from danger of seizing their
lands. The farmers from Aunglan Township, Magwe Region sought assistance from ILO to get back
their lands seized by the government but they have not yet got these lands so far so that they lodged
complaint to ILO again, farmer U Than Soe said on September 7.
Over 150 farmers from Ngwe Saung Twonship, Irrawaddy Region, whose lands were forcibly seized,
staged protest demonstration by marching in procession to Irrawaddy Region local government office
in the morning of September 15. Rangoon Region government Chief Minister U Myint Swe invitedand received over 500 farmers from Ywathagyi, Thongwa, Laydaungkan, villages and four wards of
Dagon satellite township whose lands were seized by government at his office on September 21 and
he told these farmers that their lands could not be returned back to them as these lands were
nationalized. The farmers from Dago Seikkan Township submitted Writ of Certiorari to Supreme
Court on September 22 protesting against preparation for grabbing their lands by planting flags on
their lands and causing damage to their crops but this writ was summarily and immediately dismissed
by the court, lawyer U Pho Phyu said.
Two weeks after the Minister Zaw Min said that there was surplus electrical power in Burma, about
300 people from No. 2 Yuzana Ward, North Okkalapa Township in Rangoon marched to Township
Electrical Power Office on September 28 to protest against two-week long blackout in their locality.
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Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP) conducted human right education workshops in
states and regions. A workshop was conducted in Meiktila district on September 17, another 3-day
workshop was conducted in Pyigyitagun Township in Mandalay and it was attended by 30 human
rights activists from 10 townships in Mandalay Region. A leader of this group U Maung Maung Lay
said on September 13 that he concerned over the National Human Right Commission constituted by
parliament becoming like the human right committee at the time of previous SPDC government
which only defended the human rights violations committed by this government.
The people achieved its victory in their anti-Myitsone dam project to some extent so we ponder that
the people will achieve victories in other areas such as release political prisoners campaign, internal
peace movement, ceasing civil war movement, ethnic rights, human rights and democratic rights one
by one if they continue their struggle bravely and in unity and discipline.
THE USDP GOVERNMENT AND DOMESTIC S ITUATION
THE S ITUATION OF THE USDP GOVERNMENT
The second regular parliament session which has been conducted since August 22 is continuing
throughout entire September and this USDP party dominated parliament could pass many laws whichwere drafted in their favour. The parliament also faced the consequences of Myitsone dam project
which was agreed by the previous SPDC government.
At the press conference organized by five union ministers held in Naypyitaw on September 10, No. 1
Electrical Power Ministry Minister and former Colonel U Zaw Min arrogantly said, During this
month, there is outbreak of Irrawaddy fever in the country. There are many questions raised by those
who were infected this fever and many cartoons on this issue. A question is raised whether we will
continue this Myitsone dam projects or not and at present to which stage the project has reached. We
shall continue the implementation of this Myitsone dam project and we shall never backtrack from
this project. After this challenge made by a minister, Burmese people at home and abroad roared inprotest unanimously and angrily which, caused implications in their parliament too.
At the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (joint sitting of both houses) session convened on September 12, former
deputy minister of electrical power ministry U Myo Myint moved motion for urging union
government (central government) to seek advice from International Commission on Large Dams
(ICOLD) for dam projects which were to be implemented including Myitsone dam project. USDP
party general secretary U Htay Oo said at MP press conference held on September 15 that it would be
better and more appropriate if the experts and academics meet together for discussion on this
Myitsone dam project. Upper House speaker U Khin Aung Myint also said that since the Myitsone
dam project is the important issue, it had to be discussed broadly later at the parliament session
convened on September 16.
Regarding this matter, minister U Zaw Min had to hold a technical workshop at Ye Ywa hall in No. 1
Electrical Power Ministry on September 17. Minister U Zaw Min selectively invited only 7 lower
house MPs and 10 upper house MPs to this workshop, it is learnt. It is learned that this workshop was
also attended by Chairman Dr. Htin Hla of Biodiversity and Nature Conservation
Association (BANCA) which conducted Environmental Impacts Assessment Report to Myitsone
dam project, China state-owned China Power Investment (CPI) Corporation President Mr. U.
Guanghua among other experts and academics, Hydropower Department Director General U Gyi
Soe, Kaung Kyaw Se Engineering Co. President U Tun Naing Aung, Environment and Forest
Ministry Director U Hla Maung Thein, Transport Ministry Director U Ko Ko Oo, Union Minister of
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Environment and Forest Ministry, Union Minister of Ministry of Transport, Union Minister of Mining
Ministry, Union Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry, Union Deputy Minister of
Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry, Union Minister of No. 2 Electrical Power Ministry, Union
Minister of No. 1 Electrical Power Ministry, invited MPs among others.
At this workshop, Dr. Htin Hla read a paper on environment and social impacts of the dam project
and suggested Electrical Power Ministry and CPI to make the entire Environmental Impacts Report(EIA) to public. Minister U Zaw Min reportedly argued and defended the Myitsone dam project as
saying it would use mere 7% of total flow of Irrawaddy River and even this water would be fed back
into the river after using in the turbines so that it would not make any impact on environment.
Presidential economic advisor Dr. U Myint also said on the same day that whether the
implementation of this dam project should be continued or not should be decided only after free and
impartial study has been conducted. Then minister U Zaw Min changed his position and said that the
Myitsone dam project matter would be decided by parliament and (central) government and his
ministry would abide this decision.
On September 23, Dr. Htin Hla invited some people to Rangoon Taw Win Rose Garden hall andbriefed on the workshop held in Naypyitaw. Dr. Htin Hla said that he would like to disclose their
study and observations on this Myitsone project to the people but they were bound by agreements and
bonds made with Electric Power Ministry and CPI so that he could not disclose these facts to the
people. He urged people to seek permission from government and CPI in this regard to enable them
to disclose these facts to the people. The clear signs of rift in the USDP party appeared and then
President U Thein Sein sent his message to parliament on September 30 which says he would
suspend this Myitsone project during his tenure.
According to Dr. Htin Hla, they explicitly warned the dangers and impacts of this dam project in
detail in his EIA report but a faction of SPDC military dictators ignored his professional suggestionsso that it was assumed that the agreement with China was signed later however. Since the time of
SPDC government, there would have been some disagreements in the government and we assume
that these rifts were appeared openly under the newly installed government in plainclothes.
The parliament convened in September completed many parliamentary businesses including passing
five revenue laws, amendment to Election law, Law for opening Private Schools for middle and high
school levels, changing the name of ministry to Environment and Forest ministry from previous
Forest Ministry, introducing 2011 Farmland Bill, introducing Labour Organizations Bill, introducing
peaceful assembly and peaceful marching in procession Bill and then all of these bills were passed by
the parliaments. And also the parliament formed 19 parliament affairs committees including standingcommittee for permanent peace and Myanmar National Human Right Commission (MNHRC).
Lower House speaker Thura Shwe Mahn announced on September 5 that the voting system on
motions would not be made by machine secret voting system anymore and they would be voted by
open voting system only. It is found that USDP party used their majority votes in both houses of
parliaments to reject the motions and bills that are not in their favour and supporting those that are in
their favour. At the parliament session convened on September 6, NDF party MP U Soe Win objected
Amendment to Election Law introduced by Election Commission. Then it was voted in the
parliament and his objection was defeated by big margin with 382 No votes, 30 For votes and 8
abstentions.
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The USDP government is trying hard to win international support. The ministers concerned, lower
house speaker, MHRC and presidential advisors met and received the visiting EU Humanitarian
Assistance Commissioner Ms. Karistalina Georgia and her team and US special envoy to Burma and
policy coordinator Mr. Derek Mitchell and his team. 14 MPs from lower house and upper house led
by upper house speaker U Khin Aung Myint attended and discussed at ASEAN Inter Parliamentarians
Assembly (APIA) held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on September 22. And also the team of
Presidential advisors visited Indonesia on September 26 and studied the transitional process ofIndonesia.
The USDP government Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin said at UN Commission for Human
Rights held in Geneva on September 12 that Burma had started reform process and genuine
progresses had been seen so that the international community should encourage this process and
progresses and should give assistance to them. Moreover he demanded at UN General Assembly on
September 26 to lift economic sanctions imposed by western countries on Burma.
Senior generals led by General Min Aung Hlaing received visiting Thai Chief of Staff (Army)
General Prayut Chan O Chan and his team at Naypyitaw on September 14. Burma Armed Forcesregular meeting held every four months was held two months earlier at Naypyitaw starting from
September 26. Except North East Command Commander Major General Aung Kyaw Zaw, all
regional command commanders, military operation command commanders, Regional Operation
Command Commanders attended this meeting. It is learned that regional command commanders on
probation have been reportedly promoted to Major General Rank from Brigadier General Rank since
August 29. According to the hierarchy mentioned in state-run daily papers, the authorities and
positions of these regional command commanders were much lowered under the rule of this USDP
government. Shan Herald News Agency (SHAN) reported by citing a Shan State government
Minister that the chief ministers of local governments rank 17th position in this new hierarchy and
regional command commanders rank only 34th position.
We ponder that the USDP government led by President U Thein Seins activities of doing reforms to
make more friendly relationship with western countries and suspending Myitsone dam project which
was agreed by Senior General Than Shwe himself suddenly are related to the growing influence by
Chinese government on Burmese government after 2008 Kokang incident, behind the scene control
by China on ceasefire groups matters.
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE PEOPLE
After fierce battles erupted in northern Shan and Kachin States, over 20,000 war refugees had to fleefrom their homes. China did not allow these war refugees entering their country and also USDP
government restricted and obstructed international community in giving relief assistance to these
refugees so that they are facing shortages of food and medicines in their camps. Some of the villages
in Kachin State were set on fire and the villagers in northern Shan State in KIA 4 th controlled area
where the Chinese gas and oil pipelines will be crossed were forcibly relocated to their strategic
hamlets. Landmines planted in Kachin and Karen States caused heavy casualties to local people and
cattle.
Due to heavy rainfall received in entire country during August-September period, the rivers and
creeks were flooded with rainwater and damaged a lot of agricultural lands and crops including paddycultivations. Then the price of rice rose and the country is facing the danger of shortage of rice in next
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year. Due to overflow of Sittang River and opening floodgates of Pathe dam, Khapaung dam and Swa
Creek dam, Taungoo city and surrounding areas were flooded and about 5,000 flood victims were
given shelters at 20 relief camps. In Naypyitaw district too, torrential rain starting from September 28
and which flooded the townships in this area. The relief works were conducted to the flood victims in
this district.
To reduce poverty in Burma from current 26% to 10% within five years, nearly 9,000 liquor shops inRangoon and over 42,000 liquor shops in other provinces would not be given license anymore
starting from 2011, Deputy Minister of Home Ministry said on September 23. Upper House passed its
resolution on September 26 to suppress soccer bets and other illegal lotteries by various means.
INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE
Despite of positive steps taken by USDP government, US government is still exercising its carrot and
stick policy in dealing with Burma to make more transparent and substantial reforms seen.
Under the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act enacted in 2003, US Congress voted for extension
of its sanctions imposed on Burma for another one year but US Senate East Asia and Pacific affairs
sub-committee chairman Senator Jim Webb issued his statement on September 12 which says the
government prepared to act in conformity with the changing situation in Burma. In the report issued
by US State Department, Burma is still in the list of eight worst countries in freedom of religion,
moreover the report also stated that Burma is still in the list of 22 drug trafficking and producing
countries and in the list of 3 countries which failed to implement effectively the international drug
eradication agreement.
The report issued by United Nations Organization of Drug Control (UNODC) stated that Burma is
the major producing country of Methamphetamine stimulant tablets which were produced in at least
12 regions including Shan State and about 50 drug cartels and criminal groups were involved in this
illicit drug trafficking trade by citing Thailand ATS criminal studies and observations.
US Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton said at joint press conference held on September 15 after
the ministerial meeting of US-Australia that there were still concerns over human right situation in
Burma and questionable to them. US State Department Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and
Pacific Affairs Mr. Kurt Campbell said on September 22 that despite of seeing some changes in
Burma, they can reverse and can be back on track so that it needs to be watched cautiously.
Mr. Derek Mitchell, Mr. Kurt Campbell and US assistant secretary of state for democracy and human
rights Mr. Michael Posner met visiting Burmese Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin at US State
Department on September 29. U Wunna Maung Lwin was in US to attend UN general assembly. US
State Department spokeswoman Ms. Victoria Nuland said at Washington press briefing held on
September 30 that US welcomed President U Thein Seins decision to suspend Myitsone dam project
as a significant positive step.
UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon said on September 7 that despite of the good opportunities for
national reconciliation under the civilian government it was immature to comment on whether these
changes can be really materialized or not. He urged Burmese Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung
Lwin to continue their changes and reform works which can pave way for all inclusive transitional
process. Chinese Foreign Minister Yan Qichi met U Wunna Maung Lwin in Washington on
September 20 and urged him to maintain strategic Sino-Burma partnership, completing bilateral
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projects and cooperation on international and regional affairs, Chinese government owned Xinhua
news reported.
International community welcome the initial steps taken by President Thein Seins government
cautiously but we assume that they will closely monitor all developments in the country and will
make their assessments based on actual implementation of fundamental and irreversible changes and
reforms in the country.
// End of Report // Tuesday, October 11, 2011// End of Translation // Saturday, October 15, 2011
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