pdc monthly news commentary - october 2011 (eng)

8/3/2019 PDC Monthly News Commentary - October 2011 (Eng)

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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.

PDC News Commentary ~ October 2011 Page 1 of12

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


pdc monthly news commentary - october 2011 (eng)

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